Yesterday afternoon the Senate voted to acquit President Trump of two articles of impeachment. Senator Mitt Romney had his “Mitt savior” moment when he voted to convict, drawing the ire of Trump and GOP loyalists. A nationwide partial vape ban goes into effect today, as a result of an earlier decision by the Trump administration to go after e-flavored cigarettes. And in headlines: end of NYC broker fees, , No More Deaths gets permission to do good at the border, and Iowa results are still coming...
Feb 06, 2020•15 min
We are on to day three of the never-ending PTA meeting also known as the Iowa caucus and as of yet there is still no declared winner and the state’s Democratic party has not released 100 percent of the vote totals. We do a post-mortem on the event and look ahead to New Hampshire. Today is the final day in the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump. We discuss the mental gymnastics Republican senators have gone through to admit Trump did wrong, but not wrong enough to convict. And in headlines:...
Feb 05, 2020•18 min
The Iowa caucuses were a joyous affair, filled with high hopes, hard work, and spirited neighborly debate. Attempts to report the results of the caucuses were an unmitigated disaster. We talk you through the multiple “victory” speeches, the arguments against letting Iowa kick off the primary season, and more. And in headlines: YouTube doesn’t want your deepfakes, at-risk fireflies, and Boris Johnson’s media kerfuffle. Plus, Hysteria's Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah!
Feb 04, 2020•15 min
Tonight is the night of the Iowa Caucuses, so if you haven’t been paying attention, here’s your opportunity to catch up. From a tasteful three-star hotel room in the heart of Des Moines, we discuss how caucusing works and where things stand among the 2020 candidates. Plus, we’re joined by Pod Save America’s lead Iowa enthusiast, Tommy Vietor, who lends a caucus veteran's perspective. And in headlines: sexism inside Victoria’s Secret, new nut drug, and the EU lights up the Lightning Cable....
Feb 03, 2020•25 min
The Trump administration unveiled a new Medicaid plan, which gives states the opportunity to convert part of the public insurance system into block grants. This so called “Healthy Adult Opportunity” could end up reducing health care benefits. Unless the 51 GOP senators get swapped for other, better senators, today is the day that the impeachment will either draw to a close, or get pretty close to it. It was kinda fun while it lasted. We discuss some of the lowlights from the past few days of the...
Jan 31, 2020•23 min
As of Wednesday night, there are more than 7,700 coronavirus cases in at least 20 countries, including 5 cases in the U.S. Still, it’s not time for you to freak out. We discuss how the media has historically reacted to would-be epidemics and why the CDC says the risk of a stateside coronavirus outbreak is low. The Guardian announced that it would no longer accept advertising from fossil fuel extractive companies, making them the first major news organization to do so. And in headlines: Dersh’s b...
Jan 30, 2020•21 min
President Trump’s impeachment defense has rested its case before the Senate. This after they only used 12 of 24 allotted hours to argue against the president’s removal, and after many experts pointed out that their defense of the president is extraordinarily weak-sauce. We discuss what's next and why we should continue to care. There was a special election in Texas on Tuesday, where Republican Gary Gates easily defeated Democrat Eliz Markowitz by a double-digit margin for a seat in the Texas Hou...
Jan 29, 2020•21 min
President Trump’s legal team presented their defense in the Senate impeachment trial, charging on despite reports that Security Advisor John Bolton may have dropped bombshells in his upcoming book. We discuss which Republican Senators might break with their party to call Bolton to the stand. The Supreme Court lifted an injunction blocking a Trump administration rule that restricts visas and green cards for immigrants who qualify as a so-called “public charge.” We discuss what that means and how ...
Jan 28, 2020•19 min
There’s just one week until the Iowa caucuses, where voters will get their first chance to pick the candidate they’d like to see go up against Trump. We discuss the state of affairs and ask Pat Rynard, founding and managing editor of Iowa Starting Line, about his thoughts on the race. NBA All-Star and MVP Kobe Byrant passed away yesterday, in a helicopter crash that also killed his daughter Gianna along with 7 others. We discuss his legacy and reactions to the tragic news. And in headlines: Bill...
Jan 27, 2020•17 min
President Trump mentioned taking a look at cuts to Social Security. We discuss the implications and how the issue of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are showing up in the presidential race. Trump’s White House is also rolling out a new rule to limit so-called “birth tourism.” We discuss what this could mean for literally any woman applying for a visitor visa. And in headlines: pharma exec goes to jail for Insys, special clocks, and NYC goes cashless-less....
Jan 24, 2020•18 min
Impeachment continued on Wednesday with House managers beginning to lay out their case for why President Trump should be convicted and removed from office. We discuss highlights and re-introduce you to the key Republican Senators who might be feeling the heat. Trump confirmed his intention to widen his infamous travel ban, potentially doubling its scope by adding a bunch of new countries like Belarus, Myanmar, and more. And in headlines: coronavirus updates, standing up to Geoffrey the Giraffe, ...
Jan 23, 2020•15 min
The Senate impeachment trial for President Trump began on Tuesday, featuring debates over the rules, furrowed brows, at least one Senator who fell asleep, and no liquids besides water or milk. We discuss other highlights from a long day in court. Cases of a new strain of coronavirus have been detected in China, plus nearby nations like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, along with one case in the US. We tell you what coronavirus is and what you can do about it besides worrying yourself crazy. And...
Jan 22, 2020•16 min
The impeachment trial for President Trump officially kicks off today in the Senate. We’ll see if it goes exactly the way Mitch McConnell wants it to or if justice can find a way. At yesterday’s Brown and Black Forum in Iowa, an impressively direct group of moderators asked the Democratic candidates some questions of concern to the black community. We discuss the event’s history and some of the day's biggest moments. And in headlines: computer buildings, less plastic in China, and Superyacht: Boa...
Jan 21, 2020•17 min
Florida’s Supreme Court passed a ruling that will restrict voting rights for people who have been convicted of a crime, which effectively instates a poll tax. Crooked Media’s editor-in-chief Brian Beutler joins us for an impeachment update: the Senators got sworn in on Thursday, Chief Justice John Roberts got sworn in to preside, and we want to talk about it. And in headlines: USCMA passes, bad men arrested, and high cream crimes and misdemeanors....
Jan 17, 2020•16 min
The House of Representatives turned in the articles of impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday, kicking off the next phase of the trial of President DJT. That, plus a bombshell MSNBC interview with Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, will give you twice your daily dose of Ukrainegate. Virginia has voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, helping it cross the threshold of three-quarters of states needed to ratify it nationwide. And in headlines: WBNA players score a salary slam dunk, sword divo...
Jan 16, 2020•17 min
Last night was the seventh democratic debate featuring the smallest candidate pool yet. Just six candidates took the stage: Biden, Sanders, Warren, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, and Steyer. We discuss this somewhat uneventful night, along with the new Tom Steyer sports team that we as Americans are all apparently members of. And in headlines: Lev’s paper trail, Bond’s new type of Bad Guy, and Boris Johnson's big bell idea.
Jan 15, 2020•20 min
Attorney General Bill Barr wants Apple’s help unlocking the iPhone of a Saudi Arabian shooter who opened fire on a naval base last month. We discuss what Apple’s response means for data privacy. In this week's 2020 update, Senator Cory Booker dropped out, supporters of Warren and Sanders are beefing, and there’s a debate tonight where the top six candidates will go head-to-head. And in headlines: Russian hackers are at it again, Diego the horny tortoise, and Thinx underwear and the dangers of fr...
Jan 14, 2020•18 min
In the days since the Trump administration killed Qasem Soleimani, there’s been little consensus on why the drone strike was necessary. We discuss Congress’ continuing response to this likely case of Presidential impulsivity. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is now barring refugees from settling in Texas, empowered by a Trump executive order. We discuss whether the law will stand. And in headlines: Serena Williams is a mom with a title, vultures are antifa, and what will come of the Sandringham Showdo...
Jan 13, 2020•16 min
US and Canadian officials think the plane that crashed in Iran was struck by a surface-to-air missile. Further investigation will require lots of countries and agencies working together, and the current circumstances aren’t perfect for a group project. Reports say Nancy Pelosi could send the articles of impeachment to Mitch McConnell by the end of the week. We discuss what comes after that. The magical disappearing act of former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn in a segment we call "The Cold Read.” ...
Jan 10, 2020•20 min
President Trump announced economic sanctions on Iran following Tuesday’s missile strikes, but he didn’t call for escalation. Congress is taking steps to block military action in the off chance he changes his mind. A new report from the American Cancer Society says the cancer death rate in the US dropped by 2.2 percent from 2016 to 2017. That’s the largest decline ever reported in the span of a year. Heck ya! And in headlines: announcing Grimes Junior, Teen Vogue loves Facebook, and big plans fro...
Jan 09, 2020•16 min
Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles against two military bases in Iraq that house US troops. Stay tuned today for the White House’s official response. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to more forward with impeachment without hearing witnesses. We discuss what might happen as we roll on towards the bottom of impeachment valley. Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez filed a state of emergency after the island was hit by a series of earthquakes that have left 300,000 homes and busin...
Jan 08, 2020•15 min
Former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton said that if he’s subpoenaed by the Senate, he’d be willing to give up the goods. We discuss the GOP reaction and what else is new in Trump’s impeachment. Film producer and accused rapist Harvey Weinstein went to trial in New York yesterday. At the same time, he was indicted for similar crimes in Los Angeles. Things are not looking good for Harvey. And in headlines: memories of Pier 1 Imports, Judge Judy gavels for Bloomberg, and helping o...
Jan 07, 2020•15 min
The US assassinated Iranian Major General Qassim Suleimani via drone strike last Friday. We discuss the repercussions and talk with California congressman Ro Khanna about the legislation he’s introducing to block funds being used for military actions without congressional authorization. Wildfires have ravaged Australia for the past few weeks, killing 24 people and destroying thousands of homes. We discuss what’s being done and what you can do to help those in need. And in headlines: reading Lev ...
Jan 06, 2020•16 min
The last Democratic debate of 2019 was last night, featuring impeachment, wine caves, and some of the biggest out-and-out brawls we’ve seen so far. We discuss what stood out in this newly-narrowed field. And in headlines: Wakanda found, Christians against Trump, and Hogwarts is bad at gender studies. Plus, we’re joined by What A Day head writer Jon Millstein. It’s our last show until the New Year! Have an amazing break!
Dec 20, 2019•20 min
The House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. But Pelosi isn’t giving up the articles just yet. We discuss what went down yesterday and where we go from here. We ask the Crooked team about their personal political highlights and lowlights of the past ten years, in a segment we call “Shoutouts and Strikeouts Of The 2010s.” And in headlines: record heat in Australia, a spine-tingling crypto-mystery, and how to have the best Yang fit....
Dec 19, 2019•24 min
Today House Democrats are expected to formally vote to impeach Donald Trump. He now joins Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton on the Mt. Rushmore of impeached presidents. Two mass graves have been found in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which are believed to hold the remains of African-American victims of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. We discuss this heinous act of racial violence with a WaPo reporter who’s covered it extensively, DeNeen Brown. And in headlines: DeRulo’s cat lump, 100 billion Mormon dollars, and the d...
Dec 18, 2019•19 min
Boeing announced it will stop making 737 Max Jetliners next month. We talk about what it means for the economy, jobs and the whole shabang. Wisconsin is purging hundreds of thousands of people from its voter rolls. Georgia could be next. Stacey Abrams is fighting against this form of voter suppression. Help her fight at votesaveamerica.com/fairfight . And in headlines: Protests in India, Congress finally funds research on gun violence, and Kumail’s shredded bod....
Dec 17, 2019•17 min
The location of Thursday’s Democratic presidential primary is in question because food service workers at Loyola Marymount are striking. We discuss who will be on the stage (if there is one! We don’t really know!). Trump will probably be impeached this week in the House. You're making history, dude! From there, it’s on to the Big Bad Senate. And in headlines: Hallmark’s wild weekend, Purdue plays both sides, and an UNproductive climate congress....
Dec 16, 2019•18 min
The FTC is reportedly considering a court order to block Facebook from integrating WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger into a giant, terrifying “Facebook Megazord.” We discuss that, along with FB’s plans for a content supreme court. The Judiciary Committee is expected to approve two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, making him the fourth president ever to face impeachment. Good luck, dude! And in headlines: Boris wins Britain, Don Jr.’s version of a fun sport, and more. Plus,...
Dec 13, 2019•16 min
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defends his title today as the nation holds general elections. He’ll be facing threats from all sides, including UK Bernie Jeremy Corbyn. Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers announced that they’ve come to a tentative agreement with his accusers. If we learned anything about rich men in power, we should've guessed that Weinstein’s offer wouldn't be good. And in headlines: cocaine sweaters, Khalil Mack is on the nice list, and WAD’s Person Of The Year....
Dec 12, 2019•18 min
