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This week, we dive into the fandom that’s developed around the assassin who killed United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Then, we’ll look at how Donald Trump’s team pulled the Pete Hegseth nomination back from the brink in the Senate.

Later, we talk about the younger Democrats pushing for generational change in House committee leadership positions.

Finally, we head to Politicology+ where we discuss how Citizens United moved the balance of power toward rich donors and pulled the Democratic party to the left.

Joining guest host Zack Czajkowski on this week’s panel:

David Weigel (politics reporter at Semafor)

James Lynch (Communications Strategist)

Segments this week:

(02:19) Assassin fandom

(31:54) Hegseth Nomination saved in the Senate

(45:48) Generational change in the Democratic Party

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Follow this week’s panel on X (formerly Twitter):

https://x.com/ZackCz

https://x.com/JamesGLynch

https://x.com/daveweigel

Related reading:

Segment 1:

CNN- 1-star McDonald’s reviews and sympathetic merch: Companies try to stop online support for CEO killer suspect | CNN Business

Wired - The Internet’s Obsession With Luigi Mangione Signals a Major Shift | WIRED

Yahoo News - Black Lives Matter activist calls on ‘black vigilantes’ after Daniel Penny’s acquittal: ‘F—k America’

Segment 2:

Politico - Ron who? How Trump brought Hegseth back from the brink - POLITICO

NYT - Ernst Suggests She Will Not Oppose Hegseth for Defense Secretary - The New York Times

Segment 3:

NBC News - 'The end of seniority': Younger Democrats are challenging elders for powerful positions

AP - Rep. Ocasio-Cortez announces bid for top Oversight job as Democrats push for generational change

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Ep 2060: General Election - Leaders’ Debate sure to be decisive