Lovett or Leave It: Episode Summary
Episode: What a Weekday: If You're In Line To Be President, Stay In Line
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Jon Lovett
Guests: Kendra James, Hallie Kiefer, Sarah Lazarus, and various guest speakers
Produced by: Crooked Media
I. Finale of "What a Weekday" and Future Directions [02:06 - 02:27]
Jon Lovett kicks off the episode by announcing that this is the final installment of the "What a Weekday" segment. He reassures listeners about the continuation of related content through the upcoming prequel, Young What a Weekday, which delves into the personal backgrounds of the show's team members.
II. Donald Trump's Post-Election Maneuvers [02:27 - 05:12]
A. Unconventional Press Conference [02:27 - 03:03]
Jon Lovett highlights a peculiar event where Donald Trump held a post-election press conference, proclaiming himself as the rightful president despite not holding office at the time. During this event, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi San announced a supposed $100 billion investment in the United States, attributing it to Trump's influence.
Notable Quote:
Jon Lovett [02:27]: "America only has one president, president at a time. And get this, that president is already Donald Trump."
B. Critique of Corporate Praise for Trump [03:03 - 05:12]
Lovett critiques the inappropriateness of a private sector leader publicly lauding the president, a deviation from traditional private-public sector interactions. He emphasizes the erosion of norms where corporations now appear to align overtly with political figures, undermining the separation between business and politics.
Notable Quote:
Jon Lovett [03:03]: "A major company isn't being harangued into making an investment, but sees the value in betting on the country itself, which meant betting on the people."
III. Trump’s Legal Assaults on the Media [05:16 - 14:25]
A. Potential Pardons and Legal Threats [05:16 - 07:59]
The discussion shifts to Trump considering pardoning New York City Mayor Eric Adams if convicted on federal corruption charges. The team sarcastically ponders Trump's motivations, questioning the legitimacy and ethical implications of such pardons.
B. Lawsuits Against Major Media Outlets [07:59 - 14:25]
Jon Lovett delves into Trump's strategic lawsuits against prominent media organizations, including CBS News' 60 Minutes, ABC News, The New York Times, and the Des Moines Register. These lawsuits, primarily based on alleged defamation and misleading reporting, are portrayed as tools to intimidate and suppress critical journalism rather than seeking genuine legal remedies.
Notable Quotes:
Jon Lovett [07:59]: "Trump is attempting a novel legal argument, this time under the Iowa Consumer Fraud act claim, claiming the poll constituted consumer fraud."
Sarah Lazarus [14:19]: "I just have to say, like, getting sued for getting some math wrong has unlocked a new high school fear for me."
C. Impact on Journalistic Integrity [12:25 - 14:25]
The hosts express concern over the chilling effect these lawsuits have on the media, potentially deterring investigative journalism and fostering a climate of fear among reporters. They lament the absence of robust defense mechanisms for smaller news outlets facing Trump's legal pressures.
IV. Corporate Support and Capitulation to Trump [08:00 - 12:25]
A. Donations from Tech Giants [08:00 - 11:22]
The episode examines how corporations like Meta, Amazon, and OpenAI have financially supported Trump's initiatives, including donations to his inauguration fund. Lovett criticizes these actions as examples of corporate capitulation, prioritizing financial interests over ethical stances against Trump's confrontational tactics.
Notable Quote:
Jon Lovett [11:09]: "Meta, Amazon, reportedly plans to donate $1 million to the fund and will stream Trump's inauguration on Prime."
B. Analysis of Corporate Motivations [11:22 - 12:25]
The hosts argue that these donations reflect a broader trend of corporations seeking favor with political figures to safeguard their interests, often at the expense of public integrity and democratic norms.
V. Joe Biden's Pardoning Controversies [29:12 - 31:30]
A. High-Profile Pardons [29:12 - 30:07]
Jon Lovett discusses President Joe Biden’s controversial pardons, including those of Michael Conahan, a former Pennsylvania judge convicted for a "Kids for Cash" scheme, and Rita Crundwell, an Illinois controller involved in a major embezzlement case.
Notable Quote:
Jon Lovett [29:12]: "He pardoned Rita Crundwell... someone who exploited the system we despise to destroy lives."
B. Public and Ethical Implications [30:07 - 31:30]
The conversation explores the ethical dilemmas posed by these pardons, contrasting them with Biden's advocacy for prison system reforms. The hosts debate whether these acts of mercy undermine the justice system or are justified on humanitarian grounds.
VI. Drone Sightings in New Jersey [31:30 - 33:15]
A. Government Response and Public Speculation [31:30 - 32:35]
The episode covers increased drone sightings in New Jersey following the FAA's relaxation of night-flying rules for drones. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas assures the public of vigilance but offers no definitive explanation, leading to rampant speculation.
Notable Quote:
Jon Lovett [32:17]: "My theory is that these things are like the forest clowns people were seeing in 2016... There's nothing to worry about, just terrifying omens about the clowns."
B. Host and Guest Theories [32:35 - 33:15]
Guests humorously speculate on the origins of these drones, likening them to unconnected local incidents rather than coordinated foreign threats, and critique Trump's potential role in inflaming public fear.
VII. Awards Segment: Highlighting the Year’s Notable Moments [35:13 - 42:48]
A. Biggest Scam
Nominees included Australia’s Ray Gun at the Paris Olympics, Glasgow’s Willy Wonka Experience, and Trump’s line of branded memorabilia. The team ultimately leans towards labeling Trump's financial operations as "a grift" rather than a scam.
B. Oldest Joe Biden Moments
Instances portraying Biden in embarrassing or outdated scenarios, such as awkward public interactions and indecisive statements during key events.
C. Most Unhinged Promotional Tour Moment
Examples featured Justin Timberlake’s DUI arrest and incongruent celebrity endorsements, highlighting chaotic and poorly managed promotional strategies.
D. Best Animal News
Stories ranged from escaped monkeys in South Carolina to the tragic death of a TikTok-famous squirrel named Peanut. While humorous, the segment also touched on the somber side of animal-related news.
VIII. Closing Remarks and Future Plans [42:48 - 47:18]
Jon Lovett wraps up by announcing the return of "Lovett or Leave It" in 2025, promising new live shows in Los Angeles and the continuation of engaging limited series like Empire City and Dissonant at the Doorstep. The team expresses gratitude to listeners and teases upcoming episodes featuring high-profile guests such as Rachel Bloom and Joel McHale.
Notable Quote:
Jon Lovett [42:48]: "As we head into another Trump era, I wanna make sure you know that you can count on us to give you the best understanding of what happened that week in a way that keeps you engaged and interested and hopeful where at all possible."
The episode concludes with light-hearted banter about reclining seats on airplanes, maintaining the show’s signature humor until the very end.
III. Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Jon Lovett [02:27]: "America only has one president, president at a time. And get this, that president is already Donald Trump."
- Jon Lovett [03:03]: "A major company isn't being harangued into making an investment, but sees the value in betting on the country itself, which meant betting on the people."
- Sarah Lazarus [14:19]: "I just have to say, like, getting sued for getting some math wrong has unlocked a new high school fear for me."
- Jon Lovett [11:09]: "Meta, Amazon, reportedly plans to donate $1 million to the fund and will stream Trump's inauguration on Prime."
- Jon Lovett [29:12]: "He pardoned Rita Crundwell... someone who exploited the system we despise to destroy lives."
- Jon Lovett [32:17]: "My theory is that these things are like the forest clowns people were seeing in 2016... There's nothing to worry about, just terrifying omens about the clowns."
- Jon Lovett [42:48]: "As we head into another Trump era, I wanna make sure you know that you can count on us to give you the best understanding of what happened that week in a way that keeps you engaged and interested and hopeful where at all possible."
Conclusion
This final episode of "What a Weekday" provides a sharp critique of Donald Trump's post-election actions, particularly his misuse of legal avenues to challenge the media and maintain political influence. It also scrutinizes Joe Biden's controversial pardons and addresses societal concerns such as increased drone sightings. The episode blends serious political analysis with the show's characteristic humor, culminating in an awards segment that highlights the year's most absurd and noteworthy events. As the hosts bid farewell to the segment, they set the stage for future projects, ensuring listeners remain engaged with Crooked Media's evolving content offerings.