The Jim Acosta Show – March 14, 2025

Title: Mitch Landrieu Calls Speaker Mike Johnson's Plea for No GOP Town Halls a "Sissy Move" and "The Good Liars" Discuss Trump Rallies and Flat-Earth Conferences

Host: Jim Acosta
Guest: Mitch Landrieu, former Mayor of New Orleans and Biden Administration Official
Additional Guests: The Good Liars (Jason Selvig and Davram Steffler)

1. Introduction and Guest Appearance

The episode kicks off with Jim Acosta welcoming Mitch Landrieu to discuss pressing political issues facing the United States. Landrieu brings his extensive experience from local government and the Biden administration to the conversation, setting the stage for a deep dive into the current political climate.

2. In-Depth Conversation with Mitch Landrieu

a. The Continuing Resolution and Budget Battle

Acosta initiates the discussion by addressing the ongoing battle over the continuing resolution (CR) in Congress. The CR aims to prevent a government shutdown but faces criticism for potentially granting President Donald Trump and Elon Musk a "blank check" to allocate funds without specific guidelines. Landrieu expresses deep concern over this approach, highlighting the risk of unaccountable individuals gaining excessive control over federal budgets.

Jim Acosta [02:12]: "...the CR would essentially hand Donald Trump and Elon Musk something of a blank check to spend the money that goes into these various agencies..."

Mitch Landrieu [02:12]: "This idea that Donald Trump had some kind of mandate is a self-proclamation by him... Essentially said, I am a king and I'm gonna do whatever I want."

b. Critique of the Trump Administration's Approach

Landrieu criticizes Trump's unilateral approach to governance, comparing his actions to those of a monarch rather than a democratically elected leader. He underscores Trump's disregard for constitutional checks and balances, expressing fear that Trump's administration seeks to centralize power and diminish congressional authority.

Landrieu [02:12]: "This president, unlike any president that we have ever had, essentially said, I am a king and I'm gonna do whatever I want."

c. Speaker Mike Johnson's Stance on Town Halls

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Speaker Mike Johnson's opposition to GOP town halls, which Landrieu labels as a "sissy move." Landrieu argues that avoiding town halls undermines democratic accountability and disconnects elected officials from their constituents' needs.

Landrieu [12:38]: "Don't cut stupid. You don't have to be cruel to rule."

d. Importance of the First Amendment and Political Accountability

Landrieu emphasizes the critical role of the First Amendment in allowing citizens to express grievances and hold their government accountable. He advocates for open dialogue between representatives and constituents, arguing that avoiding such interactions breeds frustration and disenfranchisement among the populace.

Landrieu [08:03]: "It turns out that democracy needs to survive is for people to bear witness."

e. Challenges Facing the Democratic Party

Reflecting on the 2024 election, Landrieu identifies key issues that led to Democratic shortcomings, including inflation and immigration. He contends that Democrats failed to effectively address the everyday concerns of working and middle-class Americans, which eroded voter support.

Landrieu [19:37]: "I think that honestly, if you really narrow it down, the election, I believe, contrary to what people say it was about, was about the cost of living and how much pressure working and middle class folks felt."

f. Future Outlook and Call to Action

Looking ahead, Landrieu stresses the importance of unity and proactive participation in the democratic process to counter the divisive tactics employed by Trump and his allies. He urges citizens to engage in elections and support candidates who prioritize the nation's well-being over partisan gains.

Landrieu [16:22]: "We have to choose as American citizens going forward what candidates we put up, what issues they talk about, what we demand of our elected officials."

3. Introduction of The Good Liars

Shifting the tone to a more lighthearted segment, Acosta introduces "The Good Liars," a comedic duo consisting of Jason Selvig and Davram Steffler. Known for their satirical take on political events, they bring humor to the often intense discussions surrounding Trump rallies and conspiracy theories.

4. Engaging Interview with The Good Liars

a. Experiences at Trump Rallies and Capitol Hill

Selvig and Steffler share their firsthand experiences attending Trump rallies and events on Capitol Hill. They recount humorous and sometimes surreal interactions, including their encounter with Elon Musk during a joint session of Congress.

Jason Selvig [31:35]: "I took the opportunity to just go up and talk to him and just tell him to do good and do good, like try and do good things with his money."

b. Satirical Perspectives on Political Figures

The Good Liars use their platform to poke fun at political figures, notably Elon Musk, whose actions and statements provide ample material for their comedy. They playfully critique Musk's rule-bending behavior, highlighting the absurdity of his influence.

Davram Steffler [34:38]: "It's like, you know, donate $300 million to get your candidate elected... It's kind of just been this weird cycle of like ultra wealth... it's begging for comedy."

c. Insights on the Flat Earth Community

A particularly entertaining segment covers their attendance at a Flat Earth convention, dubbed "Flatoberfest." They describe the fervent beliefs of attendees and the surreal atmosphere, emphasizing the overlap between conspiracy theories and political fanaticism.

Davram Steffler [39:42]: "A lot of people will say the Earth is flat. And if you go far enough out, there is a 200-foot wall of ice... the government is protecting..."

d. Reflections on Political Division and Hope

Despite their comedic approach, Selvig and Steffler express concern over the deepening political divide and the challenges it poses to national unity. They highlight the importance of maintaining hope and striving for constructive dialogue amidst chaos.

Davram Steffler [43:12]: "We go back and forth a little bit... a lot of the people are certainly not bad people, if not misinformed... But you lose a little bit of hope."

5. Concluding Remarks

Acosta wraps up the episode by reflecting on the day's discussions, reaffirming the need for both serious political discourse and moments of levity to navigate tumultuous times. He expresses gratitude to both Landrieu and The Good Liars for their candid contributions and encourages listeners to engage thoughtfully in the political process.

Jim Acosta [47:10]: "Great to talk to you. Really appreciate it, guys. Everybody check out the Good Liars."

Key Takeaways

• Budget Concerns: The proposed continuing resolution may grant excessive discretionary power to the Trump administration, risking unaccountable spending.

• Democratic Accountability: Avoiding town halls and open dialogue with constituents undermines democratic principles and fosters frustration among voters.

• Political Unity vs. Division: Landrieu advocates for unity and proactive participation in democracy to counter divisive tactics and ensure effective governance.

• Role of Humor: The Good Liars demonstrate how comedy can shed light on political absurdities, offering both critique and relief in polarized environments.

• Hope and Action: Maintaining hope and actively engaging in the democratic process are crucial for overcoming current political challenges and fostering a more unified nation.

Notable Quotes

• Mitch Landrieu [02:12]: "This president, unlike any president that we have ever had, essentially said, I am a king and I'm gonna do whatever I want."

• Mitch Landrieu [08:03]: "It turns out that democracy needs to survive is for people to bear witness."

• Davram Steffler [34:38]: "...it's begging for comedy."

• Jason Selvig [31:35]: "I took the opportunity to just go up and talk to him and just tell him to do good and do good..."

This episode of The Jim Acosta Show offers a comprehensive exploration of the current political tensions, the erosion of democratic norms, and the role of public engagement in shaping the future of American governance. Through insightful analysis and humorous commentary, Acosta and his guests provide listeners with both critical perspectives and moments of levity.