Pod Save America: Matt Gaetz: Venmo Money, Venmo Problems
Release Date: November 20, 2024
Hosts: Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, Tommy Vietor
Guest: Liz Smith, Democratic Strategist; Senator Jon Tester

Introduction

In this episode of Pod Save America, hosted by Crooked Media's former Obama aides, the discussion pivots around the tumultuous political landscape shaped by former President Donald Trump's recent Cabinet nominations, the escalating scandal involving Representative Matt Gaetz, and the controversial positions and influence of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The episode also delves into strategic communications for the Democratic Party and features an insightful conversation with Senator Jon Tester about his recent election loss in Montana.

Trump Administration's Cabinet Picks: Concerns Over Qualifications

The hosts kick off the episode by scrutinizing President Trump's latest Cabinet selections, highlighting a pattern of appointing individuals perceived as unqualified but fiercely loyal. Tommy Vietor emphasizes the worrisome trend:

“Donald Trump is trying to show that he can roll the U.S. Senate, that he can get these completely unqualified people through the Senate. And if he can get them to do that, they will do literally anything for him.”
[02:31] – Liz Smith

Notable appointments include Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education and Dr. Oz as head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The team expresses deep concerns about Dr. Oz's lack of relevant experience:

“Dr. Oz is a heart surgeon who also plays a lifestyle guru on daytime TV… his government experience is limited to losing a Senate race… he can’t even figure out how to buy crudite.”
[08:17] – Tommy Vietor

The discussion underscores the potential chaos and inefficiency that such appointments could introduce into critical government agencies.

The Matt Gaetz Scandal: Allegations and Implications

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the allegations against Representative Matt Gaetz, particularly involving improper payments via Venmo to women who later testified to the House Ethics Committee. The hosts, alongside Liz Smith, dissect the severity and implications of these allegations:

“Matt Gaetz as Attorney General of the US is a complete vote for chaos. He’s a chaos agent.”
[12:47] – Liz Smith

The conversation highlights how Gaetz’s actions, including arranging dubious encounters and questionable financial transactions, severely undermine his suitability for a top law enforcement position. They emphasize the importance of focusing on the tangible impacts of Gaetz’s potential role in the Department of Justice, rather than getting sidetracked by sensationalist aspects of the scandal.

“Focus on why this would make their life worse, their life harder. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General of the US is a complete vote for chaos.”
[12:47] – Liz Smith

RFK Jr.'s Controversial Statements on COVID and Implications

The episode shifts to discussing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s alarming statements insinuating government involvement in the COVID-19 pandemic. A clip from RFK Jr.'s 2020 speech is analyzed, revealing his conspiracy-laden rhetoric:

“If you create these mechanisms for control, they become weapons of obedience for authoritarian regimes.”
[15:39] – RFK Jr.

Liz Smith passionately critiques RFK Jr.’s influence and the real-world consequences of his misinformation campaigns, particularly regarding vaccine hesitancy and public health:

“Children will get sick, children will die if this guy brings his anti-vax mentality to Washington D.C.”
[19:58] – Liz Smith

The discussion stresses the urgency for Democrats to counteract RFK Jr.'s dangerous narratives with strategic and coordinated messaging that highlights the tangible threats posed by his positions.

Democratic Media Strategy: Beyond Cable News

A significant theme in the episode is the necessity for the Democratic Party to evolve its media strategy to effectively reach and resonate with voters beyond traditional cable news outlets. Liz Smith advocates for leveraging platforms like podcasts and social media to connect with audiences:

“We need candidates who can go on shows like Joe Rogan, have those conversations, and reach people where they are.”
[35:25] – Liz Smith

Tommy Vietor concurs, emphasizing the importance of meeting voters on their preferred platforms to build a robust and influential presence outside the diminishing reach of cable news:

“Social media is tilting towards the right… we have to find people probably on YouTube going forward.”
[35:25] – Tommy Vietor

The hosts discuss the impact of the decline in cable news viewership and the rising influence of podcasts and social media as pivotal arenas for political communication and engagement.

The DNC Chair Race: Candidates and Stakes

The conversation transitions to the race for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair, featuring insights from Liz Smith on the significance of selecting a leader who embodies the party’s future direction:

“We need more next generation leaders, younger people for sure… someone who can lead the party in a different direction would be good.”
[42:00] – Liz Smith

She highlights potential candidates like Mallory McMorrow and emphasizes the need for a leader who can manage both the grassroots and strategic communication aspects of the DNC. The discussion underscores the importance of the DNC chair role in shaping the party’s strategy and unity moving forward.

Interview with Senator Jon Tester: Election Loss and Reflections

In an exclusive segment, Senator Jon Tester joins the podcast to reflect on his narrow loss in Montana. Tester provides an introspective analysis of his campaign, attributing the loss to ineffective messaging and overwhelming campaign expenditures by the opposition:

“They were able to make me into something that I'm not. And that's one of the reasons I believe strongly, and I think this is a bipartisan issue that we need to do something with the amount of money that's in these damn campaigns.”
[54:12] – Senator Jon Tester

Key takeaways from his conversation include:

• Campaign Finance Issues: Tester criticizes the immense financial disparities in campaigns, which allow opponents to flood the media with negative ads that distort a candidate's image.

• Messaging Disconnect: He reflects on how national issues overshadowed local campaign efforts, leading to a misrepresentation of his stances and achievements.

• Deterioration of Local Press: Tester laments the decline of local journalism, which traditionally played a crucial role in informing voters and holding candidates accountable.

“There's no money in papers anymore… most are young reporters who are still learning the ropes.”
[63:15] – Senator Jon Tester

Tester's insights highlight the broader systemic challenges facing Democratic candidates, particularly in less liberal states, and the urgent need for more effective, localized communication strategies.

Conclusions and Key Takeaways

The episode of Pod Save America provides a comprehensive analysis of the current political climate shaped by unorthodox Cabinet appointments, scandals, and misinformation from influential figures like Matt Gaetz and RFK Jr. The discussion emphasizes the critical need for the Democratic Party to:

1. Select Competent Leadership: Ensure that high-level appointments are based on qualifications and competence to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of government institutions.

2. Combat Misinformation: Develop strategic, coordinated communication efforts to counteract harmful narratives and misinformation that can sway public opinion and policy.

3. Revamp Media Strategies: Move beyond traditional media channels to engage with voters on platforms where they are most active and receptive, such as podcasts and social media.

4. Address Campaign Finance Inequities: Tackle the systemic issues of excessive campaign spending that distort electoral fairness and democratic representation.

5. Strengthen Local Journalism: Revitalize local press to ensure voters are well-informed and candidates are held accountable on a personal and local level.

The conversation with Senator Tester underscores the personal and systemic challenges faced by Democratic candidates in swing states, calling for a reinvigorated approach to campaigning and voter engagement. Overall, the episode serves as a call to action for the Democratic Party to adapt and strategize effectively in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• “Matt Gaetz as Attorney General of the US is a complete vote for chaos. He’s a chaos agent.”
  – Liz Smith [12:47]

• “Children will get sick, children will die if this guy brings his anti-vax mentality to Washington D.C.”
  – Liz Smith [19:58]

• “We need candidates who can go on shows like Joe Rogan, have those conversations, and reach people where they are.”
  – Liz Smith [35:25]

• “They were able to make me into something that I'm not… Invalid campaign expenditures.”
  – Senator Jon Tester [54:12]

This detailed summary encapsulates the core discussions, insights, and concerns raised during the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners unfamiliar with the full conversation.