Scamfluencers: Bob Menendez – Bad Romance Part 2

Released: November 18, 2024 | Host: Wondery | Co-hosts: Saatchi Cole and Sarah Hagee

Introduction: The Indictment of Senator Bob Menendez and Nadine Menendez

In the second installment of the "Bad Romance" series, hosts Saatchi Cole and Sarah Hagee delve deeper into the tumultuous and scandal-ridden journey of Democratic New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez. This episode meticulously unpacks the layers of bribery, corruption, and personal turmoil that have plagued the Menendezes, culminating in their indictment and the subsequent fallout.

Press Conference Amidst Indictment

On September 25, 2023, amidst relentless media scrutiny, Senator Bob Menendez faces his first press conference since being indicted for bribery. Unlike his previous encounters with federal charges in 2015—where he exited to applause—this time, the atmosphere is tense and subdued.

[00:55] Saatchi Cole: "Do not apologize. I have no plans to resign."

Menendez defends his interactions with the Egyptian government, asserting accountability for their human rights record. However, his attempts to justify the FBI's discovery of $100,000 in gold bars at his residence falter under public skepticism.

Reopening of Nadine Menendez's Past Incident

As the Menendezes grapple with their legal battles, a new layer of controversy surfaces. The New Jersey Attorney General seizes records related to a fatal car accident from December 2018, where Nadine Menendez struck and killed Richard Coop. The dash cam footage reveals Nadine denying responsibility and refusing to hand over her phone, citing "texting and driving."

[06:57] Sarah Hagee: "She is the wife of a senator and she killed someone with her car. Regardless of whether or not she was found to be at fault or that she's like guilty of something, that is a huge deal."

This incident ignites further investigations, placing Nadine under intense scrutiny and reopening old wounds in the Menendezes' public image.

Escalation of Charges and Political Fallout

The legal troubles escalate when federal prosecutors add charges of conspiring to act as a foreign agent on Egypt's behalf. Nadine Menendez, who could technically act as a foreign agent if registered, has never done so, adding complexity to their case.

[07:14] Saatchi Cole: "Conspiring to act as a foreign agent on Egypt's behalf."

The political landscape shifts as Democratic colleagues, initially supportive, begin to distance themselves. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman becomes vocal, urging Menendez to resign, highlighting the party's concern over the optics amidst the upcoming presidential election.

[08:48] Sarah Hagee: "He's got to go."

The situation deteriorates further when Bob's former protege, Senator Cory Booker, breaks ranks to call for his resignation, emphasizing the gravity of Menendez's actions.

The Trial: Unraveling the Menendezes' Alleged Crimes

As the trial commences in January 2024, the courtroom becomes a battleground of testimonies and legal maneuvers. Key among the testimonies is that of Jose Uribe, a former associate who pled guilty and agrees to testify against Bob Menendez. Uribe's revelations about illicit deals and the Menendezes' role in appeasing foreign interests significantly weaken Menendez's defense.

[16:00] Sarah Hagee: "How is this happening?"

The defense attempts to shift blame onto Nadine, portraying her as the mastermind behind their alleged crimes. However, testimonies from former staffers like Sarah Arkin expose inconsistencies and highlight Bob's unusual conduct post-2019, strengthening the prosecution's case.

Verdict and Immediate Aftermath

On July 16, 2024, after a tumultuous trial marked by high-profile distractions—including a presidential debate catastrophe and an assassination attempt on Donald Trump—the jury delivers a unanimous guilty verdict on all 16 counts against Bob Menendez, including bribery, extortion, and conspiracy.

[28:49] Sarah Hagee: "Obviously, I'm deeply disappointed by the jury's decision."

Despite the conviction, Bob Menendez remains in the Senate until the end of his term. Under immense pressure and facing a historic Senate Ethics Committee review, Menendez resigns the day after the verdict. His resignation, however, is overshadowed by broader political turmoil, including President Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race and subsequent national crises.

Host Reflections: The Legacy of Bob Menendez

In the closing segments, Saatchi Cole and Sarah Hagee reflect on the magnitude of Menendez's fall from grace.

[33:13] Sarah Hagee: "He just went way too far."

While acknowledging that Menendez's actions may have operated within a broader political framework, the hosts emphasize the blatant nature of his corruption. They speculate on Menendez's potential resurgence in politics or media, despite his tarnished reputation.

[35:19] Saatchi Cole: "This is another episode that is a testament for why you should not get married."

The episode concludes with a contemplation of the lasting impact of the Menendez case on political integrity and public trust.

Notable Quotes:

• Bob Menendez's Press Conference Defense:
  "[00:55] Saatchi Cole: 'Do not apologize. I have no plans to resign.'"

• Sarah Hagee on Nadine's Car Accident:
  "[06:57] Sarah Hagee: 'She is the wife of a senator and she killed someone with her car. (...) that is a huge deal.'"

• Senator John Fetterman's Call for Resignation:
  "[08:48] Sarah Hagee: 'He's got to go.'"

• Senator Cory Booker's Change of Stance:
  "[09:53] Saatchi Cole: 'So I called on him to resign, which is one of the more gun wrenching things I've done.'"

• Reflection on Menendez's Scandal:
  "[33:13] Sarah Hagee: 'He just went way too far.'"

Conclusion

"Bad Romance Part 2" offers a comprehensive exploration of Senator Bob Menendez and Nadine Menendez's descent into legal chaos and personal disgrace. Through detailed narratives, witness testimonies, and insightful host commentary, the episode underscores the intricate web of political corruption and its far-reaching consequences. For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of one of modern politics' most scandalous cases, this episode serves as a compelling and informative resource.

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