Ken Klippenstein, journalist and writer, joins Krystal and Saagar to debate the merits of his new piece on the UFO whistleblower David Grusch. They also discuss credit card debt surpassing $1 trillion, concerns about Senator Dianne Feinstein's health, an FBI raid resulting in a man's death, Trump's Twitter account being searched, a working class revolt in Los Angeles, and the controversy surrounding Barstool Sports going independent.
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Quick takeaways
Credit card debt tops 1 trillion, indicating an increasing financial burden on individuals.
LA workers rebelling over impossible housing prices highlights the income inequality and challenges faced by workers.
Dave Portnoy taking Barstool independent showcases the value of being an independent media brand and the intersection between media and online gambling.
The controversy surrounding UFO whistleblower David Gruss emphasizes the challenges in obtaining and verifying information related to sensitive topics like UFOs.
Deep dives
Trump undecided on participating in Republican primary debate
Trump is considering skipping the Republican primary debate and has not yet made a decision. Fox News hosts implore him to participate, stating that the public wants to see him on stage and hear his policy views. They caution against taking voters for granted and highlight his past success in debates.
Trump will not sign RNC debate pledge
Trump has stated that he will not sign the RNC debate pledge, which commits candidates to supporting the eventual nominee. This refusal to sign may impact his participation in the debate. Trump has also criticized Chris Christie and invited him to the debate.
Uncertainty and controversy surrounding Trump's debate participation
While Trump has not made a final decision on participating in the debate, he has indicated that he will announce his decision next week. There are concerns about whether Trump wants to dignify his opponents by sharing the stage with them and whether he wants to take the risk of participating in the debate when he is leading in fundraising and the polls.
Importance of participating in debates for democratic process
Despite concerns and uncertainties, it is important for all candidates, including Trump, to participate in debates as it allows voters to hear their policies and see how they interact. Debates play a crucial role in informing the public and should not be taken for granted.
Working class revolt in Los Angeles due to housing crisis
Los Angeles is experiencing a working class revolt as city workers, including lifeguards, sanitation workers, and groundskeepers, went on strike due to low wages and understaffing. This is part of a larger trend seen across industries with nurses, dock workers, and hotel workers staging strikes or work stoppages. One of the common threads among these actions is the unaffordability of housing in the LA area, which forces workers to endure long commutes and pushes some into literal homelessness. The housing crisis in LA has taken center stage in the Hollywood industry as well, with writers, actors, and other workers going on strike to demand a stake in the future of their industry. This worker rebellion in LA serves as a stark example of income inequality and the challenges faced by workers in an increasingly unaffordable city.
Barstool Sports and the Media Landscape
Penn Gaming has divested its ownership of Barstool Sports, making Dave Portnoy the sole owner of the company. This move highlights the current state of the media business and its future. The story of Barstool Sports exemplifies the value of being an independent media brand, free from the control of larger entities. The controversy surrounding Barstool made it a liability for Penn Gaming, and its association with the brand hindered regulatory hurdles for the company. Meanwhile, Penn Gaming's new partnership with ESPN demonstrates the growing intersection between media and online gambling. Portnoy's ownership of Barstool Sports without any connection to a larger entity allows for more authenticity and freedom of expression, drawing in fans who appreciate the brand's refusal to conform to political correctness.
UFO whistleblower controversy and the role of the intelligence community
The UFO whistleblower, Dave Gruss, who testified before the House Oversight Committee, has faced controversy and accusations related to his mental health and reliability. Journalist Ken Klippenstein published a report, including details from police records obtained through Freedom of Information Act requests, revealing incidents of alcohol-related altercations involving Gruss. The report raises questions about Gruss's credibility and the lack of vetting in media coverage of his claims. There is an ongoing debate about the authenticity and motives of whistleblowers, as well as the potential involvement of the intelligence community in shaping narratives. The conflicting accounts from Gruss, his associates, and the intelligence community underscore the challenges in obtaining and verifying information related to sensitive topics like UFOs.
Krystal and Saagar discuss Credit card debt topping 1 trillion, CNN confronting the White House on Bidenomics, Senator Dianne Feinstein falls and gives up power of attorney to daughter, Utah Man killed in FBI Raid after online threats to Biden, Feds search Trump's Twitter account, Krystal looks into LA workers rebelling over Impossible Housing prices, Saagar looks into Dave Portnoy taking Barstool independent, and we're joined in studio by Ken Klippenstein to debate the merits of his new piece on the UFO whistleblower David Grusch.
