Squawk Pod

In the wake of the Thanksgiving holiday, former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the rise in coronavirus cases and the troublesome trend that’s likely to continue. Political strategist Frank Luntz considers leveraging rhetoric to end the pandemic, and he digs into the politicization of the current health crisis. As bitcoin marches higher, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, founders of the cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, make the case for digital currencies, a $500,000 bitcoin, and a world of moderate crypto regulation. Plus, Doordash is lining up for its IPO, and for the fast food restaurants across the country.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On a Black Friday unlike any other, CNBC’s Bertha Coombs reports on the scene outside a New Jersey mall. Former Saks CEO Steve Sadove and former Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon unpack what 2020’s retail landscape means for shopping seasons to come. Vanity Fair’s Bethany McLean and The NYT’s Kate Kelly discuss what Wall Streeters can expect--or not expect--from their bonuses this year; amid the country’s health, political, and economic environment, some firms may offer a holiday payout, and others may hold out. Bitcoin’s weathered a wild ride this week, topping off an impressive 9 months. Andrew Ross Sorkin, Becky Quick, and Steve Liesman consider where cryptocurrency has been, where it’s headed, and what it’ll do to our global financial system. Plus, CNBC’s Contessa Brewer brings some pent up seasonal cheer from a neighborhood already decorated for the holiday season. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a special pandemic holiday episode, singer-songwriter Jewel opens up about her history with mental health, overcoming trauma, and practicing gratitude. As part of a CNBC virtual event for the “Workforce Executive Council,” Becky Quick interviews the musical artist and activist about her self-taught methodology for overcoming anxiety, and her work to share that method with kids and companies around the world. Hudson’s Bay Company CEO Richard Baker shares his experience applying Jewel’s work to mental health programs for his own employees. Plus, in a special performance just for CNBC, Jewel sings her new song, “Grateful,” over Zoom.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 30,000 for the first time ever, putting the index up 62% from its pandemic lows in March. The MTA, the biggest public transportation network in the country, is asking the federal government for $12 billion in aid as it struggles to recuperate from low ridership amid the pandemic. Chairman and CEO Patrick Foye explains why the $12B isn’t just for NYC, but for the entire U.S. economy. Plus, first time cooking a turkey this holiday? The Butterball Turkey Talk Line has you covered; in CNBC’s holiday tradition, a supervisor of the home cook hotline shares tips for cooking your holiday turkey, however and wherever you’re cooking.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

PayPal customers will soon be able to buy, hold, and sell cryptocurrencies on the platform, and starting in 2021, customers will be able use crypto to pay retailers via PayPal. CEO Dan Schulman is betting that crypto confidence and popularity is only beginning. Tim Armstrong, founder of the dtx company and former Oath CEO, has partnered with Olympic skier Bode Miller to make 2020’s ski season safer and more profitable. Miller is using dtx-powered QR codes to keep ski and snowboard resorts safe amid the pandemic, and to minimize in-person snow sport equipment shopping. Plus President-elect Biden has picked former Fed Chair Janet Yellen to lead the United States Treasury; Becky Quick, Andrew Ross Sorkin, and Mike Santoli discuss what her leadership would mean for the markets and for economic stimulus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AstraZeneca’s Covid vaccine is the third one to prove highly effective in late-stage trials. AstraZeneca Executive Vice President Ruud Dobber explains differentiators of his company’s vaccine, and why between his company, Pfizer, and Moderna, he has high hopes for an accessible vaccine. New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman discusses the next steps in the race for a vaccine and in the Presidential transition. Plus, political pollster and strategist Frank Luntz unpacks what’s at stake on the ballots in Georgia.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pfizer is submitting its application to the FDA for emergency use of its Covid-19 vaccine. If approved, administration of the vaccine could begin before the end of the year. The FDA has approved emergency use of Eli Lilly’s arthritis drug baricitinib in combination with Gilead’s remdesivir to treat Covid-19 patients. Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks and CNBC’s Meg Tirrell discuss distribution, supply, and the path to approval for coronavirus treatments. Plus, IMAX CEO Richard Gelfond is planning ahead for theater reopenings around the world. He shares his own outlook for entertainment, in-person movies, and safety post-pandemic.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

David Boies, the lawyer who counseled former Vice President Al Gore in the 2000 election Florida recount, says President Trump will be unable to overturn the 2020 election results. Covid-19 cases are rising with hopes for an effective vaccine. In light of positive news from Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca, former Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini considers the current plans for managing supply and distribution and offers his own method as an alternative. SEC Chairman Jay Clayton is leaving his post after 3 years. In his exit interview on CNBC, he weighs in on cryptocurrency, the SPAC frenzy, and the next disruptors to the US financial system.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As Covid cases rise and states impose new curfews to stem the spread, Pfizer & BioNtech have unveiled their coronavirus vaccine’s final data analysis. Their vaccine proved 95% effective in preventing the coronavirus, higher than preliminary data originally revealed. Former FDA Commissioner and Pfizer board member Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the bumpy but significantly shorter road to the end of the pandemic. He addresses next steps for lawmakers, Moderna, and Pfizer as they strategize vaccine supply and distribution. Plus, the Federal Aviation Administration has cleared the Boeing 737 Max to fly again, 20 months after it grounded the aircraft in the wake of two deadly crashes. In a CNBC exclusive interview, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson recounts the plane’s extensive safety reviews, discusses the journey ahead to restore confidence in the aircraft, and addresses concerns about his own agency’s relationship with Boeing.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The S&P 500 will finally add Tesla to its index in mid-December. Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company now tops $400B in market cap. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway made some changes to its equity portfolio in the last quarter, trimming its stakes in Apple and JPMorgan and betting on drug stocks and T-Mobile. Amazon is jumping into the pharmacy business with online prescription fulfillment and delivery for Prime members. Plus, conservative Americans may be seeking new media platforms; Newsmax CEO Christopher Ruddy responds to reports that his channel is a target for acquisition and defends his editorial perspective. Ruddy explains why his channel has become a Fox News alternative, and considers the prospect of “Trump TV.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.