Morning Wire Afternoon Update | December 2, 2024

Hosts: John Bickley (Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Wire) and Georgia Howe
Co-Hosts: Cabot Phillips, Tim Rice, Amanda Presto, David Cohn

1. Trump Reacts to Biden’s Pardon of Hunter Biden

Timestamp: [00:23 - 01:10]

Overview:
President Donald Trump has publicly criticized President Joe Biden's recent pardon of Hunter Biden, labeling it a "miscarriage of justice." This move comes just one day after Biden issued the pardon, effectively nullifying Hunter Biden's convictions related to gun and tax evasion, among other potential charges from the past decade.

Key Points:

• Trump’s Critique:
  In a post on Truth Social, Trump denounced Biden’s pardon, stating it was a "miscarriage of justice" and accused the Justice Department of being "Democrat controlled."
  Quote: "This is a miscarriage of justice," – Donald Trump ([00:35])

• Trump’s Team Response:
  A statement from Trump’s team vowed to reform the Justice Department, claiming it had been weaponized against political opponents.

• Biden’s Defense:
  President Biden defended his decision by claiming the pardon was necessary to protect against "selective prosecution."

• Republican Backlash:
  Congressional Republicans swiftly condemned the pardon, alleging corruption and broken promises by Biden.

2. Cyber Monday Sales Surge

Timestamp: [01:10 - 01:51]

Overview:
Cyber Monday is set to break records this year, with online spending projected to reach $13.2 billion. Major retailers have extended their sales events into multiple days to capitalize on consumer demand.

Key Points:

• Spending Projections:
  According to Adobe Analytics, shoppers are expected to spend a record-breaking $13.2 billion online, with spending peaking at approximately $16 million per minute during the busiest hours.
  Quote: "Cyber Monday is the biggest online sales day of the year," – Jeremy ([01:18])

• Retail Strategies:
  Giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Target have stretched their Cyber Monday deals into a multi-day event, initiating sales as early as the preceding weekend.

• Consumer Behavior:
  Early data indicates robust holiday spending despite rising prices, with many consumers utilizing "Buy Now, Pay Later" plans to finance their purchases.

3. Strengthening US Dollar Amid Economic Policies

Timestamp: [01:51 - 02:24]

Overview:
The US Dollar is experiencing a strengthening trend, influenced by President Trump’s proposed economic policies and tariff plans. Additionally, efforts by BRICS countries to challenge the dollar's dominance as the global reserve currency may have inadvertently bolstered its value.

Key Points:

• Trump’s Economic Influence:
  Trump's proposed tariffs on imports and his broader economic policies are contributing to the dollar’s appreciation against other currencies.
  Quote: "Many economists believe Trump's policies would raise the value of the US Dollar over other currencies," – Cabot Phillips ([01:51])

• Global Currency Dynamics:
  Attempts by BRICS nations to dethrone the dollar as the global reserve currency are not undermining its current strength, partly due to bullish forecasts on upcoming November jobs data and anticipated slowdown in Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

• Investor Confidence:
  Positive economic indicators and policy forecasts are enhancing investor confidence, further supporting the dollar's rise.

4. Medical Breakthrough in Asthma Treatment

Timestamp: [02:24 - 03:03]

Overview:
A significant advancement in asthma treatment has been announced by doctors at King’s College London. Published in Lancet Respiratory Medicine, the study highlights an injectable treatment that outperforms current standard therapies.

Key Points:

• New Treatment Efficacy:
  The injection has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to steroid tablets, potentially reducing the need for further treatment by 30%. It specifically targets eosinophilic flare-ups, responsible for nearly 50% of asthma attacks and 30% of COPD exacerbations.

• Impact on Health:
  This breakthrough could significantly decrease daily asthma-related deaths in the United States, where approximately 10 individuals succumb to the condition each day.

5. California Governor Proposes $25 Million to "Trump-Proof" the State

Timestamp: [03:03 - 03:55]

Overview:
Governor Gavin Newsom of California has called for a special emergency session of the state legislature to allocate $25 million for a legal defense fund aimed at countering actions by former President Trump.

Key Points:

• Governor’s Statement:
  Newsom declared that California would take action if "rights and freedoms are targeted," emphasizing the need to protect the state from political attacks.
  Quote: "California will take action if rights and freedoms are targeted," – Gavin Newsom ([03:13])

• Republican Opposition:
  GOP State Senator Brian Jones criticized the proposal as a political stunt intended to divert attention from the Democrats' significant losses in the 2024 elections.

• Demographic Shifts:
  The context for this proposal includes California's population decline, losing over 700,000 residents since 2020, contrasted with population growth in states like Texas and Florida.

6. NFL Update: Houston Texans Linebacker Suspended for Late Hit

Timestamp: [03:55 - 04:49]

Overview:
Houston Texans linebacker Aziz Al Shair will face suspension following a late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during Sunday's game, which led to a brawl between the teams.

Key Points:

• Incident Details:
  Trevor Lawrence left the game after Al Shair made a late hit to his head while Lawrence was already sliding to exit the play. This action triggered multiple ejections and penalties during the match.
  Quote: "I didn't realize Lawrence was already sliding," – Aziz Al Shair ([04:04])

• Consequences and Reactions:
  Al Shair has apologized for the hit, acknowledging the mistake. The NFL is expected to announce the suspension length shortly.

• Jaguars’ Perspective:
  There is speculation about whether Jacksonville will bench Lawrence for the remainder of the season, especially since the team holds a 2-10 record and has been eliminated from playoff contention.

Conclusion

This episode of Morning Wire delivered comprehensive updates on the latest political tensions surrounding presidential pardons, substantial economic indicators reflecting a strengthening US Dollar, groundbreaking medical advancements, state-level political maneuvers in California, and notable developments in the NFL. For more in-depth coverage of these stories and other significant news, visit dailywire.com and tune into the full episode of Morning Wire each morning.