Podcast Summary: Lovett or Leave It – Episode: "All My Exes Live in Athens"
Released on December 14, 2024, the final live show of the year for Lovett or Leave It features host Jon Lovett alongside special guests Margaret Cho, Fortune Feimster, and Lunell. The episode delves into the most significant and absurd happenings in politics and culture over the past year, offering sharp commentary, humor, and insightful discussions.
Political Pardons and January 6 Committee
The episode kicks off with Jon Lovett discussing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's stance on President Biden issuing pardons for members of the January 6 committee and Trump associates. Lovett criticizes Schumer and Adam Schiff for their reluctance, highlighting a perceived inconsistency in their approach to justice.
Jon Lovett [00:50]: "If I was on the January 6th committee, I'd be saying, give me the fucking pardon, Joe."
Fortune Feimster adds to the conversation, emphasizing the complexities surrounding political forgiveness and accountability.
Pete Hegseth’s Nomination and LGBTQ+ Policies
The discussion shifts to GOP Senator Joni Ernst’s support for Pete Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense. Lovett points out the contradictions in Hegseth’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues, particularly his criticism of the end of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
Jon Lovett [03:00]: "Hegseth, of all people, shouldn't be casting scorn on people with two mommies."
Margaret Cho and Fortune Feimster join in, dissecting the political maneuvering and its implications on military policies and LGBTQ+ rights.
Trump’s Appointment of Kimberly Guilfoyle
Jon Lovett critiques former President Donald Trump's appointment of Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece, questioning the merit and motivations behind the decision. He touches upon the controversies surrounding Guilfoyle, including a 2018 sexual harassment claim.
RFK Jr.'s Ambitious Plans for the CIA
The episode explores RFK Jr.'s initiative to appoint his daughter-in-law, Amaryllis Fox Kennedy, as Deputy Director of the CIA without requiring Senate approval. Lovett expresses skepticism about the motives and potential conflicts of interest in this push.
Jon Lovett [05:30]: "So something they're getting greedy."
Biden’s Historic Pardons and Commutations
President Biden’s recent commutation of nearly 1,500 sentences and pardon of 39 individuals convicted of nonviolent crimes becomes a focal point. Lovett sarcastically suggests that Hunter Biden might have been included in the pardons, highlighting the political implications.
Jon Lovett [06:00]: "Then he could be like, I pardon too. Oh, would you look at that."
Environmental and Political Missteps
The proposal to classify monarch butterflies as threatened sparks a humorous take from Liz Cheney and Jon Lovett on environmental policies and political priorities. Additionally, the segment covers Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s minor injury during a lunch meeting, blending political news with light-hearted commentary.
Cultural Moments and Celebrity News
The episode navigates through various cultural events, including Dick Van Dyke’s rescue from a Malibu wildfire and the arrest of Luigi Mangione, the suspected murderer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Lovett critiques the internet’s response to Mangione’s assault, condemning the commercialization of his notoriety.
Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders on Violence and Healthcare
Elizabeth Warren’s condemnation of a shooting incident is examined, focusing on her remarks about the healthcare system. Bernie Sanders echoes similar sentiments, advocating for systemic reforms over violent reprisals.
Bernie Sanders [07:40]: "We are not going to reform the healthcare system by killing people. The way we are going to bring about the kind of fundamental changes we need in health care is in fact by a political movement which understands the government has got to represent all of us, not just the 1%."
Mystery Drones Over New Jersey
A perplexing situation involving unidentified drones flying over New Jersey is discussed. Jon Lovett critiques Congressman Jeff Van Drew’s suggestion that Iran might be responsible, advocating for a more measured approach.
Jon Lovett [08:20]: "Fuck it. Shoot them down. It's enough with the drones."
Josh Gottheimer’s Fake Spotify Wrap
Democratic Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s admission of posting a fake Spotify wrap featuring Bruce Springsteen songs becomes a humorous highlight. Lovett and guests mock the blunder, questioning Gottheimer’s musical preferences.
Josh Gottheimer [09:10]: "This is my Spotify wrapped if I didn't share my account with my 12 and 15-year-old kids."
Rankers: The Most American Moments of 2024
Margaret Cho and Fortune Feimster engage in a segment where they blindly rank the top American moments of 2024. Highlights include:
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Tom Cruise Skydiving into the Paris Olympics
Margaret Cho [22:45]: "He's like, I'm so American, I'm taking over this whole event."
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The Rise and Fall of Hayley Welch’s Podcast and Crypto Coin
Margaret Cho [27:50]: "That's pretty American."
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Timothée Chalamet Celebrity Lookalike Contest in Washington Square Park
Margaret Cho [35:04]: "I love it."
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Oreo-Flavored Coke and Coke-Flavored Oreos
Fortune Feimster [36:14]: "It's got to be an eight."
The rankings are a mix of satire and genuine critique, reflecting on America's penchant for eccentric and often contradictory cultural phenomena.
Guest Highlights: Margaret Cho, Fortune Feimster, and Lunell
Margaret Cho and Fortune Feimster discuss their latest projects, including Cho’s Netflix special and Feimster’s upcoming album "Lucky Gift." Lunell shares a comedic monologue about her chaotic night involving drinks, a mammogram, and accidental disarray.
Fortune Feimster [39:56]: "I'm a singer and multi-instrumentalist, so I make this record and I'm very proud of it."
The trio participates in humorous segments like the "White Hot White Man Lightning Round," where they assess public figures’ attractiveness and moral standings, adding a playful layer to the episode.
Holiday Rants and Final Thoughts
As the episode nears its end, the guests engage in rants about holiday-related frustrations, such as the chaos of hosting guests and the commercialization of gift-giving.
Lunell [63:27]: "People leave shit and then they want you to mail it to them and all that shit."
They conclude with heartfelt exchanges about friendship and mutual respect despite differing opinions, wrapping up the episode on a note of camaraderie and reflection.
Closing Remarks
Jon Lovett signs off by thanking the guests and crew, expressing excitement for upcoming shows and reflecting on the tumultuous year. He emphasizes the importance of collective remembrance of 2024’s events and looks forward to continued conversations in the new year.
This episode of Lovett or Leave It masterfully blends political critique, cultural commentary, and humor, offering listeners a comprehensive and entertaining recap of 2024’s most noteworthy moments. Whether dissecting high-profile political maneuvers or engaging in lighthearted guest interactions, Jon Lovett and his team deliver a dynamic and engaging listening experience.