Podcast Summary: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show – Normally Podcast Episode: "The Joy is GONE at MSNBC"

Release Date: February 27, 2025
Host: Mary Kathryn Ham & Carol Markowitz
Podcast: Normally
Description: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor...

Introduction

In this episode of Normally, hosts Mary Kathryn Ham and Carol Markowitz delve into the tumultuous changes sweeping through MSNBC, the implications of government deregulation initiatives, and the ever-entertaining distraction of Dogecoin (referred to as "Doge") amidst significant political developments. The conversation is marked by sharp insights, critical analysis, and engaging banter, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of current media and political landscapes.

MSNBC Fires Joy Reid: A Blow to Conservative Media

Timestamp: [03:28] – [09:03]

The episode opens with a discussion on MSNBC's recent decision to fire prominent host Joy Reid, signaling a significant shift in the network's lineup and its impact on conservative media voices.

• Joy Reid's Departure:
  Mary Kathryn Ham expresses disappointment over Joy Reid's firing, highlighting Reid's substantial salary and multi-show commitments. Ham states, "I find it unjustifiable." ([04:50])

• Implications for Conservative Media:
  Carol Markowitz humorously remarks on the loss, saying, "What are we going to do without Joy Reid to mock?" ([03:28]) This underscores the concern that conservative commentators lose a key figure for critique.

• Viewership Decline:
  The hosts note that Joy Reid's show experienced a 53% decline in post-election viewership, reflecting broader struggles within MSNBC as their overall numbers have plummeted by 41% in 2024.

• Replacement Strategy:
  MSNBC is restructuring by introducing new hosts, including Michael Steele, Simone Sanders, and Alicia Menendez. Carol observes, "I feel like you should write it up to let the rest of us know how it's done." ([03:17])

• Joy Reid's Controversial Past:
  The conversation touches on Reid's earlier blog posts (2007-2009) containing homophobic and anti-Semitic remarks, which resurfaced in 2018. Ham criticizes Reid's apology and claims of being hacked, emphasizing a pattern of problematic behavior. ([08:08])

• Network Accountability:
  Carol suggests that Joy Reid's inability to be a "good messenger" led to her downfall, arguing, "crazy and kind of racist, or racist and kind of crazy just isn't selling like it used to." ([07:43])

White House Controls Media Access: Threatening Press Freedom

Timestamp: [09:34] – [13:52]

The hosts shift focus to the White House's recent changes in managing media access, raising concerns about potential violations of the First Amendment.

• Executive Order on Media Pools:
  Mary Kathryn Ham discusses the White House's move to take over the media pool from the White House Correspondents Association. She highlights, "They will make the decision who comes." ([11:09])

• First Amendment Concerns:
  This shift is viewed as a potential threat to press freedom, with Judge Trevor McFadden denying immediate relief to the Associated Press (AP) seeking to contest the administration's ban on specific terminology ("Gulf of America" vs. "Gulf of Mexico"). Ham remarks, "I think if they move forward with this, as they will, they will very likely lose." ([10:30])

• Access Journalism Critique:
  The hosts criticize the "access journalism" trend, where media outlets may feel pressured to align with the White House to gain access, undermining journalistic independence. Carol reflects, "It's nice. We'll be right back on Normally." ([13:49])

• Historical Context:
  Carol references past administrations, noting how former President Biden managed media access, suggesting a continuity of favoritism regardless of political affiliation. ([11:45])

Department of Government Efficiency Deregulatory Initiative ("Doge"): Public Support and Political Ramifications

Timestamp: [17:32] – [33:31]

The discussion then pivots to the Trump administration's Executive Orders aimed at deregulation and improving government efficiency, acronymously termed "Doge." The hosts analyze public opinion, potential economic impacts, and the role of Elon Musk in this initiative.

• Public Support Metrics:
  Mary Kathryn Ham cites a Harvard Harris poll indicating overwhelming public support for reducing government waste:

  • "70% of Americans think government expenditures are filled with waste, fraud, and inefficiency." ([17:50])
  • "69% support the goal of cutting a trillion dollars in government expenditures." ([17:50])
  • "72% believe a U.S. government agency focused on efficiency should exist." ([17:50])
  • "60% think the Department of Government Efficiency ('Doge') led by Elon Musk is making major cuts." ([17:50])

• Economic Implications:
  Mary Kathryn Ham explains that deregulating various agencies, including environmental reviews, could significantly reduce project delays and costs, potentially lowering inflation and stimulating business growth. She states, "These executive orders might actually change the reality on the ground, that might change the economy, that might change inflation to get people to where they need to be." ([30:46])

• Elon Musk's Role and Popularity:
  The hosts discuss Elon Musk's leadership of Doge, noting mixed public perceptions. While the initiative enjoys high approval, Musk himself faces skepticism:

  • "55% said that he has too much power in making decisions." ([21:12])
  • Carol and Mary Kathryn express cautious support, acknowledging Musk's quirky behavior but valuing his contributions. Ham adds, "He's quirky... You're gonna sleep in a cut on the cot. You're gonna be staying up all night." ([24:08])

• Future of Doge:
  Carol speculates on potential internal conflicts within the administration, considering Musk's high visibility and controversial persona. Mary Kathryn Ham remains supportive, emphasizing Musk's essential role despite personal quirks.

Environmental Regulations Streamlining

Timestamp: [29:25] – [33:31]

Further examining the administration's deregulation efforts, the hosts scrutinize another executive order focused on environmental regulations.

• Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) Dissolution:
  Mary Kathryn Ham explains the plan to streamline environmental reviews by dissolving the CEQ, which has been criticized for bureaucratic inefficiency:

  • "Some studies suggest that the CEQ has found that its regulations cause projects to be in court for 4.5 years and require many hundreds of pages of Environmental Impact Statement to just even hit the ground." ([31:00])

• Impact on Business and Economy:
  By removing extensive environmental regulations, the administration aims to facilitate faster project approvals, reduce litigation, and lower costs for businesses, thereby boosting economic activity.

• Government Consistency and Flexibility:
  Carol Markowitz appreciates the practicality of these measures, stating, "They’re not sexy, but they are actually useful." ([32:37])

• Historical Waivers:
  Mary Kathryn Ham points out that such deregulation measures are often situational, citing the Obama administration's fast-tracking of NEPA processes for stimulus projects, suggesting that these regulations are flexible and can be adjusted based on governmental priorities. ([33:30])

The Shiny Distraction: Dogecoin's Role in Media Consumption

Timestamp: [17:09] – [26:00]

Amidst serious discussions on media control and governmental efficiency, the hosts entertain the topic of Dogecoin ("Doge") as a persistent and distracting element in public discourse.

• Doge as a Shiny Object:
  Mary Kathryn Ham muses on Doge's allure, suggesting its constant presence diverts attention from more substantial issues: "Doge is so shiny." ([17:32])

• Public Interest vs. Critical Issues:
  Carol Markowitz concurs, noting that Doge remains a focal point for many online users, overshadowing critical discussions about political and economic policies. ([17:47])

• Poll Insights on Doge's Effectiveness:
  The Harvard Harris poll reveals substantial public belief in Doge's efficacy in cutting government expenditures, despite mixed feelings about Musk's leadership:

  • "60% said that they were making major cuts." ([17:50])

• Potential for Future Segments:
  Both hosts express interest in exploring Doge's impact further, indicating plans for future discussions on its role and significance in the broader media landscape.

Conclusion

In this episode of Normally, Mary Kathryn Ham and Carol Markowitz provide a critical examination of MSNBC's strategic shifts, the White House's tightening grip on media access, and the Trump administration's vigorous push towards deregulation through the Department of Government Efficiency Deregulatory Initiative ("Doge"). Balancing serious policy analysis with lighter commentary on Dogecoin, the hosts offer listeners both depth and entertainment, highlighting the interconnectedness of media, politics, and public perception in today's complex landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• "I find it unjustifiable." – Mary Kathryn Ham on firing Joy Reid ([04:50])
• "They are rolling the dice every time you leave your house." – Mary Kathryn Ham on Uncle Clarence and Amy Coney Barrett ([06:11])
• "Mary Kathryn oh, and by the way, as usual, you won't be surprised to hear this." – Carol Markowitz introducing executive orders ([29:15])

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