Rising

CNN admits freed Syrian prisoner story was a sham; huge embarrassment for Clarissa Ward--Robby Soave (00:00) Woah: Donald Trump slams feds for New Jersey drones cover up! (10:12) Trudeau in trouble?! Finance minister resigns after opposing Trump, America first tariffs (19:14) Overreaction to CEO murder? NY governor proposes hotline for nervous executives (27:21) Trump could serve third term, says Steve Bannon (38:39) Trump goes scorched earth on the media; sues Ann Selzer over "terrible" poll (46:40) Joe Rogan, Charlamagne Tha God agree about New Jersey drones, demands answers (54:32) Covid vaccine mandates should never happen: Trump and RFK Jr (01:03:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe Biden’s worst pardon yet!? Kids for cash commutation outrages Josh Shapiro—Robby Soave (00:00) 'ABC, George Stephanopoulos 'bend the knee' to Trump, pay him $15 million after false claim (10:45) New Jersey drone origins revealed?! Federal defense program suspected (18:49) Trump flip-flopping on campaign promises? President-elect's allies weary (28:15) Fractured? Trump victory reveals Americans are not as divided (38:18) MSNBC, CNN hit new ratings low; networks have no idea how to handle Trump win (46:26) On SNL, Chris Rock MOCKS Luigi Mangione's FAN CLUB, Biden's Pardon of Hunter (55:04) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The podcast dives into public outrage surrounding the murder of a UnitedHealthcare CEO, linking it to deeper healthcare frustrations. It also unpacks a DOJ report clearing the FBI of wrongdoing during the January 6 Capitol riot while critiquing its missteps. The tensions between tech giants like Musk and Zuckerberg and their political leanings raise questions about democracy. Additionally, a revisitation of the Duke lacrosse case probes the complexities of false accusations and the Me Too movement, touching on the implications for justice and culture.

Laura Rees, Director of the Border Security and Immigration Center at the Heritage Foundation, dives into the rise of the Tren De Aragua gang in the U.S. and its implications for immigration policy and border security. She discusses the mysterious drones flying over New Jersey, exploring theories around their origin and potential national security risks. The conversation also touches on Caitlin Clark's clash with Megyn Kelly over issues of representation in sports, all while addressing the challenges of immigration courts and their backlog.

Matt Taibbi, an independent journalist known for his sharp political commentary, joins the conversation to discuss Joe Biden's controversial plans for preemptive pardons, potentially extending to Hunter Biden and even Fauci. The dialogue digs into the strange dynamics of political pardons and media responsibilities, particularly around sensitive issues like violence and activism. Taibbi also navigates the complexities of current political tensions, including Elon Musk's warning to the GOP regarding Trump’s overarching influence on party alignment.

Michael Tracey, an independent journalist noted for his expertise on Middle Eastern affairs, joins to discuss the consequences of U.S. sanctions on Bashar Al-Assad's regime. He emphasizes how these sanctions exacerbate civilian suffering and questions their efficacy. Tracey also covers Rand Paul's call for the removal of U.S. troops from Syria, linking it to broader debates about military presence and foreign policy. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of these political maneuvers, revealing a complex landscape of international diplomacy.

Joyce Karam, a senior news editor at Al-Monitor, shares her insights on the fallout from the Assad regime in Syria and the potential rise of extremism. David Sirota, Editor-in-Chief of The Lever, sparks a heated discussion on the healthcare industry’s greed, especially following the controversial murder of a healthcare CEO. The podcast also dives into the complexities surrounding recent political pardons, reactions to high-profile court cases, and the evolving discourse on mental health and public safety, stirring a mix of outrage and reflection.

The discussion kicks off with Elon Musk's hefty $250 million backing for Trump's 2024 campaign, raising eyebrows about billionaire influence in politics. A bold move by the University of Michigan to drop diversity statements ignites a debate on DEI initiatives in higher education. Aaron Rodgers opens up about personal losses due to his views, while Victor Willis champions 'YMCA' as a MAGA rally anthem. Political tension also escalates as scrutiny surrounds police reform efforts in Memphis following a damning DOJ report.

Ro Khanna, a California Congressman, shares insights on the chaotic state of the Democratic Party and the urgent need for policy reform. Aviva Siegel, a former hostage of Hamas, recounts her harrowing 51-day ordeal and advocates for her still-captive husband’s release. The conversation turns to President Biden's controversial preemptive pardons and the ethical implications surrounding them. The episode also touches on the NYPD's investigation into the shooting of a UnitedHealthcare executive, revealing public sentiment on growing violence in society.

Cenk Uygur, host of The Young Turks and a prominent progressive voice, joins to discuss the ongoing political implications of President Biden's pardon of Hunter Biden. He shares insights on Fulton County DA Fani Willis' tumultuous day and critiques Meta's shifting stance on content moderation. The conversation turns to the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on restrictions for transgender surgeries for minors, highlighting the tensions between parental rights and state laws. Cenk also critiques the rise of populism in today's political landscape.