Biden Pardons Hunter, Trump’s Tariff Proposals, Kash Patel’s Appointment to Lead the FBI - Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Podcast Summary: Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov

Episode Title: Biden Pardons Hunter, Trump’s Tariff Proposals, Kash Patel’s Appointment to Lead the FBI
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Hosts: Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov
Network: Vox Media Podcast Network

Introduction

In this episode of Raging Moderates, hosts Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov delve into some of the most pressing political developments of the week. From presidential pardons and tariff debates to controversial appointments and corporate policy shifts, Galloway and Tarlov provide insightful analysis through a centrist lens.

1. President Biden's Pardon of Hunter Biden

Timestamp: [03:03]

Scott Galloway opens the discussion by addressing President Joe Biden's recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. The pardon eliminates convictions related to gun and tax crimes, as well as potential federal offenses from 2014 to 2020, including Hunter's dealings with Burisma.

Mixed Reactions Among Democrats:
- Colorado Governor Jared Polis ([04:13]): “As a father, I certainly understand President Joe Biden’s natural desire to help his son by pardoning him. I am disappointed that he put his family ahead of the country.”
Republican Critique:
- Donald Trump ([05:53]): Criticized the pardon as an “abuse and miscarriage of justice,” referencing the January 6th insurrection.

Jessica Tarlov's Insights:

Tarlov suggests Biden’s decision was influenced by seeing Trump's lenient treatment of associates like Charles Kushner.
She comments on the political motivations behind the pardon, stating, “there is a lie in this” ([05:53]).

Scott Galloway's Perspective:

Galloway empathizes with Biden’s personal motivations, stating he would have made the same decision under similar circumstances.
He highlights the broader issue of political abuse of power, remarking, “This is the problem with an administration that has descended into essentially a kleptocracy that has absolutely no moral standards” ([08:35]).

2. Trump’s Tariff Proposals

Timestamp: [15:11]

The conversation shifts to former President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada. This move has sparked concerns among business leaders and international partners.

Economic Implications:
- Mexico's Response: Warns that tariffs could jeopardize nearly half a million U.S. jobs.
- Business Concerns: Companies fear increased consumer prices due to higher import costs.

Jessica Tarlov's Analysis:

Tarlov anticipates Trump may not implement the full 25% but expects partial tariffs.
She contrasts Trump’s approach with Biden’s more strategic tariff policies, noting Biden’s focus on areas like electric vehicles to minimize consumer impact ([15:46]).

Scott Galloway's Insights:

Galloway predicts that economic backlash, such as rising inflation, will deter Trump from fully executing his tariff plans.
He emphasizes the interconnectedness of U.S. and global economies, stating, “Trade is still largely a function of proximity” and highlights the significant trade volumes with Mexico and Canada ([22:47]).

3. Kash Patel’s Appointment to Lead the FBI

Timestamp: [26:40]

Former Defense Secretary Kash Patel's appointment as the head of the FBI has stirred significant controversy. Patel, known for his alignment with MAGA ideologies and involvement in various conspiracy theories, replaces Christopher Wray amidst discussions of Trump potentially dismissing him.

Concerns About Leadership:
- Jessica Tarlov’s Critique: Describes Patel as a “blank slate” created in Trump’s likeness, highlighting his unwavering loyalty and lack of independent ideology ([27:07]).
Patel’s Background:
- Former prosecutor with ties to Devin Nunes and roles in intelligence, including acting Deputy Director of the DNI ([28:57]).

Scott Galloway’s Perspective:

Galloway expresses deep concern over Patel’s potential to undermine the FBI’s integrity and morale.
He warns of the broader implications for national security and international cooperation, stating, “If our allies are remiss to share information with us because they don’t trust us,” it could weaken the global intelligence network ([36:35]).

Jessica Tarlov's Further Analysis:

Tarlov underscores the risk Patel poses to the FBI’s operational effectiveness and public trust.
She criticizes the politicization of the FBI, emphasizing the necessity of maintaining its apolitical stance for national security ([33:09]).

4. Rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives in Major Companies

Timestamp: [42:18]

Scott Galloway discusses a significant trend among major corporations, including Walmart, Lowe’s, Ford, Harley Davidson, and John Deere, in scaling back their DEI efforts. This shift includes ending racial equity training, reevaluating support for minority-owned suppliers, and reducing participation in LGBTQ events.

Jessica Tarlov’s Insights:

Tarlov attributes the rollback to fears of a Trump presidency and the influence of activists like Christopher Rufo.
She notes a substantial decline in DEI roles, stating, “there was a 29% uptick after George Floyd was murdered... now it's down as much as 43% as of this summer” ([43:02]).
Tarlov critiques the effectiveness of DEI roles, arguing many were created for self-soothing rather than impactful change.

Scott Galloway’s Critique:

Galloway argues that while DEI initiatives often start with good intentions, they can become superficial and expensive without addressing core issues.
He highlights the overemphasis on identity politics, stating, “We have decided the script around DEI is... oppressors over here, oppressed over there” ([45:07]).
Galloway calls for a shift towards socioeconomic-based initiatives, advocating for economic affirmative action to assist those from low-income backgrounds regardless of race or identity ([53:16]).

Jessica Tarlov’s Additional Commentary:

Tarlov agrees with the need for a more socioeconomic-focused approach, emphasizing that diversity should also encompass economic backgrounds.
She reflects on the broader societal changes, noting a shift towards a more integrated and less racially segmented society from early childhood experiences ([49:43], [53:48]).

Conclusion

In this episode of Raging Moderates, Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov provide a thorough analysis of significant political and social developments. They critically examine President Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden, Trump’s tariff proposals, the controversial appointment of Kash Patel to the FBI, and the rollback of DEI initiatives in major corporations. Through their centrist perspective, Galloway and Tarlov highlight the complexities and implications of these issues, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the current political landscape.

Notable Quotes:

Jessica Tarlov ([05:53]): “There is a lie in this… effort, like, I got a few more months with power and I’m going to protect my kid.”
Scott Galloway ([08:35]): “This is the problem with an administration that has descended into essentially a kleptocracy that has absolutely no moral standards.”
Jessica Tarlov ([15:46]): “Tariffs aren’t unilaterally a stupid idea. It’s stupid to say, I’m going to put 100% tariff on this…”
Scott Galloway ([36:35]): “...no one nation is big enough or strong enough to effectively monitor the world or secure itself from all threats.”
Jessica Tarlov ([43:02]): “These roles were invented for self soothing, to make people feel better about it.”
Scott Galloway ([53:16]): “Affirmative action is a wonderful thing. We should lift people up… we need something that helps kids brought up in low income neighborhoods regardless of the color of their skin…”

Listen to the full episode of Raging Moderates every Tuesday on the Vox Media Podcast Network to stay informed and engaged with balanced political discussions.