Democrats FINALLY Go ON OFFENSE after Election

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary
Episode: Democrats FINALLY Go ON OFFENSE after Election
Release Date: November 18, 2024

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Introduction to the Democrats' Offensive Strategy

In this episode, the Meiselas brothers—Ben, Brett, and Jordy—discuss the Democrats' newfound proactive approach following the recent election. Ben Meiselas sets the tone by expressing frustration with the Democrats' previous stance of finger-pointing and post-mortems, advocating instead for a more assertive pushback against former President Donald Trump and his administration.

Ben Meiselas [00:00]:
"Finally, Democrats showing some leadership and going on the offense. You've been hearing me talk about this on the Midas Touch Network. I'm like, enough at the finger pointing, enough with the post mortems. Push back on Donald Trump, his absolutely psychotic and insane and dangerous and dangerous cabinet picks. Tell the American people what's going on, damn it."

Hakeem Jeffries Critiques Trump's Nominations

The discussion delves into clips featuring Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticizing the incoming president's cabinet nominations. Jeffries questions the qualifications of nominees, emphasizing that America deserves better leadership, especially during challenging times.

Hakeem Jeffries [00:34]:
"The incoming president throughout the campaign promised the American people that we would have the best economy, the best border security and the best administration possible. The question that has to be asked, is this the best that we can do in the context of some of these nominations? Is this the very best that America has to offer for a moment like this with so many challenges that we confront? Of course not. America deserves better."
(Timestamp: 00:34)

Jeffries also underscores the Senate's responsibility to scrutinize and confirm only those nominees who meet the necessary qualifications.

Hakeem Jeffries [02:24]:
"The Senate has a clear responsibility to serve as a separate and co-equal branch of government and a check and balance. That's as America as baseball, motherhood and apple pie."
(Timestamp: 02:24)

Jim Himes Addresses Conflicts of Interest and Leadership Qualifications

Democratic Congress member Jim Himes discusses concerns regarding conflicts of interest, particularly referencing Elon Musk's significant influence over American foreign and domestic policy.

Jim Himes [02:52]:
"Think that in this new Congress there will be scrutiny of potential financial conflicts of interest around Mr. Trump."
(Timestamp: 02:52)

Himes expresses skepticism about leaders influenced by billionaires like Musk, highlighting the potential dangers of having individuals with significant conflicts of interest shaping policy.

Jim Himes [04:32]:
"How far we have come that on a major news show, the question we're examining is, is experience necessary for one of the most powerful positions in the land? Of course it's necessary."
(Timestamp: 04:32)

Adam Schiff Condemns Nomination of Matt Gaetz

Adam Schiff voices strong opposition to former Congressman Matt Gaetz's nomination for Attorney General, citing numerous disqualifying factors and emphasizing the importance of integrity in such a critical role.

Adam Schiff [05:23]:
"I think he's not only unqualified, he is really disqualified. Are we really going to have an Attorney General who there's credible allegations he was involved in child sex trafficking, potential illicit drug use, obstruction of investigation, who has no experience serving in the Justice Department, only being investigated by it?"
(Timestamp: 05:23)

Schiff warns that accepting such nominations would set a dangerous precedent, undermining Congress's ability to stand up against executive overreach.

Adam Schiff [05:25]:
"That's Trump's point. Because what he wants to do with these nominees is establish that the Congress of the United States will not stand up to him with anything."
(Timestamp: 05:25)

Lissa Slotkin Raises Concerns Over Tulsi Gabbard's Qualifications

Senator-elect Lissa Slotkin questions the qualifications of Tulsi Gabbard for the position of Director of National Intelligence (DNI), citing concerns about her past statements and potential political motivations.

Lissa Slotkin [08:18]:
"Is she qualified for that job. From what you know right now, again, your own experience at the CIA, she's going to be Director of DNI."
(Timestamp: 08:18)

A military expert emphasizes the necessity for DNI candidates to possess integrity and the ability to prioritize truth over political pressures.

Unnamed Military Expert [08:45]:
"If you have someone in there who feels more beholden to telling the President what he wants to hear, I got a real problem with that."
(Timestamp: 08:45)

President Biden's Policy Announcements and Critique of Trump's Actions

The podcast highlights President Biden's recent announcement allowing Ukraine to use American-made missiles against Russian targets, a move aimed at countering Russia's escalation in Ukraine. Ben Meiselas praises Biden's commitment to both environmental and economic progress, contrasting it with Trump's unfulfilled promises.

Joe Biden [10:41]:
"I signed the most significant climate change law in history. A law that positioned us to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030... We don't have to choose between the environment and the economy. We can do both."
(Timestamp: 10:41)

Ben critiques Trump's inconsistent and unverified claims regarding conversations with Putin, arguing that Trump's actions have emboldened Russian aggression rather than curtailed it.

Ben Meiselas [10:13]:
"Donald Trump leaked to the Washington Post that he had spoken with Putin and that he had told Putin, 'Don't you escalate this thing.' What did Putin do after Putin denied ever having any such conversation with Donald Trump? He's escalated that war in Ukraine..."
(Timestamp: 10:13)

He further references President Zelensky's steadfast position against Ukrainian land concessions and criticizes Elon Musk's mocking remarks towards Zelensky, portraying them as undermining Ukraine's sovereignty.

Conclusion: Call for Leadership and Accountability

Ben underscores the necessity for strong leadership in these turbulent times, urging Democrats to maintain their offensive strategy and hold the Trump administration accountable for reckless and dangerous behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of reflecting on broken promises and taking immediate action to safeguard democracy and national security.

Ben Meiselas [12:07]:
"Now is the time for leadership. Now is not the time for whining. Now is the time to call out reckless, dangerous, despicable, disgusting behavior by this Trump transition... Subscribe let's get to 4 million subscribers."
(Timestamp: 12:07)

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Key Takeaways

• Democratic Shift to Offense: Democrats, led by figures like Hakeem Jeffries and Jim Himes, are taking a more proactive stance against the Trump administration's appointments and policies.

• Scrutiny of Qualifications: There is heightened scrutiny over the qualifications of Trump's nominees, with calls for the Senate to diligently vet and confirm only deserving candidates.

• Concerns Over Conflicts of Interest: Members like Jim Himes highlight the dangers of significant conflicts of interest influencing policy decisions, particularly pointing to Elon Musk's role.

• Accountability for Nominees: Adam Schiff and Lissa Slotkin emphasize the importance of integrity and qualifications for key government positions, condemning unqualified or disqualified nominees.

• Biden's Positive Policies: President Biden's initiatives on climate change and support for Ukraine are presented as stark contrasts to Trump's unfulfilled promises and actions that may have inadvertently strengthened Russian aggression.

• Call for Strong Leadership: The episode concludes with a rallying cry for Democrats to maintain their offensive strategy, uphold democratic values, and ensure accountability within the government.

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the primary discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the Democrats' strategic shift and the critical issues surrounding the Trump administration's nominations and policies.

Transcript

[Ben Meiselas]

Finally, Democrats showing some leadership and going on the offense. You've been hearing me talk about this on the Midas Touch Network. I'm like, enough at the finger pointing, enough with the post mortems. Push back on Donald Trump, his absolutely psychotic and insane and dangerous cabinet picks. Tell the American people what's going on, damn it. And that's what we saw happening this weekend. Finally, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries was on the weekend shows. Here's what he had to say. Let's play it.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

Here's what I have to say about several of the nominations that have been made by the incoming president, including the one that Debbie Wasserman Schultz was referring to. The incoming president throughout the campaign promised the American people that we would have the best economy, the best border security and the best administration possible. The question that has to be asked, is this the best that we can do in the context of some of these nominations? Is this the very best that America has to offer for a moment like this with so many challenges that we confront? Of course not. America deserves better. Hopefully, we'll see the Senate Republicans do their job, scrutinize these picks, certainly confirm those that meet the basic level of qualifications and reject others.

[Margaret Brennan]

Leader Jeffries, you're not willing to.

[Ben Meiselas]

Here he is again. Democratic Congress member Hakeem Jeffries. Let's play it the general.

[Margaret Brennan]

Speaker Johnson is now saying that the report should not be released. What's your reaction to what Speaker Johnson has said saying.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

Of course it should be released. And that's not just Democrats saying that. You have repeatedly seen Senate Republicans make clear who are on the Senate Judiciary Committee or throughout that chamber say that they want access to all available information so they can make a decision about whether the nominee for attorney general is qualified to serve in that office. The Senate has a clear responsibility to serve as a separate and co equal branch of government and a check and balance. That's as America as baseball, motherhood and apple pie.

[Margaret Brennan]

All right, let me ask you.

[Ben Meiselas]

Next we have Democratic Congress member Jim Himes. And here he is talking about how right now the American people and even Republicans are not feeling good about a co presidency where Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, has the most significant conflict of interest ever and he right now is dictating American foreign policy and domestic policy. Play this clip.

[Margaret Brennan]

Think that in this new Congress there will be scrutiny of potential financial conflicts of interest around Mr. Trump.

[Jim Himes]

Well, of course there will be. Right. I mean, this is, this is sort of not subject to debate. We saw Trump's first term and the fact that, that, you know, group of people weren't particular concerned with financial conflicts of interest. And look, I don't know, Elon Musk, odd character, you know, you sort of have to respect what he's done to disrupt, you know, space launch, to disrupt, you know, the auto industry and whatnot. But, you know, early reviews are not good. I read his, you know, 12 point government waste manifesto, you know, and he said, look at all this money we're paying on interest on the debt. That's, you know, that's part of the wasteful spend. And guess what? You got to pay interest on the debt. And so, you know, I'm, I'm skeptical that he has any clue.

[Ben Meiselas]

Look, I. Yeah, that's right. Congressmember Heims, because you've got Elon Musk talking about extinction level events. El Ease. He said he wants to impose extinction level events on we the people. He also says that he wants to inflict hardship, economic hardship, on we the people. Why? Why are we okay, why are you okay with billionaires inflicting economic hardship on you and your family and we the people? It's the most ridiculous thing I've ever even heard in my life. Snap out of it. Wake up. Geez. Here, here's Congress member Himes again. Play the clip.

[Margaret Brennan]

Ranking member on the Intelligence Committee. She never served on that kind of committee. Do you think experience is necessary? Is she fit for the job?

[Jim Himes]

Margaret, how far we have come that on a major news show, the question we're examining is, is experience necessary for one of the most powerful positions in the land? Of course it's necessary. You know, it's a little bit like our obsession right now with the Ethics Committee report on Matt Gates. You know, I mean, how is it that this is what we're focusing on. Matt Gates is by any standard completely unqualified to be the Attorney General. And yet we're sort of focused on this, you know, cherry on the cupcake of the ethics report.

[Ben Meiselas]

You know, next up you have Democratic Congress member Adam Schiff on cnn, State of of the Union here he talks about Donald Trump appointing or nominating Matt Gaetz to be Attorney General. Play this clip.

[Adam Schiff]

You heard what Speaker Johnson said about Matt Gaetz.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

What do you think?

[Adam Schiff]

I think he's not only unqualified, he is really disqualified. Are we really going to have an Attorney General who there's credible allegations he was involved in child sex trafficking, potential illicit drug use, obstruction of investigation, who has no experience serving in the Justice Department, only being investigated by it? But Jake, I think the whole point with these nominees, several of them, is there unqualification? Is there affirmative disqualification? That's Trump's point. Because what he wants to do with these nominees is establish that the Congress of the United States will not stand up to him with anything. If they will confirm Matt Gaetz, they will do anything he wants. I mean, look how the speaker had to tie himself in knots a couple days ago, saying the speaker effectively should stay out of this. There are important reasons for that. And then getting involved in this, reversing himself.

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[Ben Meiselas]

We have Senator elect from Michigan, Lissa Slotkin. He or she talks about Donald Trump nominating Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Now you know we here at the Midas Touch network have had on numerous Congress members who have talked about how dangerous, dangerous Tulsi Gabbard is. Play this clip right here.

[Lissa Slotkin]

Is she qualified for that job. From what you know right now, again, your own experience at the CIA, she's going to be Director of dni.

[Unnamed Military Expert]

Yeah, I mean, I think that I was literally one of the first employees when we stood up the directorate of National Director of National Intelligence Office. And I have real concerns. Again, people have to be of a certain character and certain qualification because if you have the wrong people in these jobs, again, it's not just a parlor game.

[Lissa Slotkin]

What concerns you about her? And certainly there's been reporting about her past statements about Russia, about Ukraine.

[Unnamed Military Expert]

I just need to know that the people who are in these jobs are not going to be guided by politics and what someone tells them they think they should be seeing in the intelligence or in the defense picture. But what is actually the truth on the ground? Speaking truth to power is one of the most important things the intelligence community does. And if you have someone in there who feels more beholden to telling the President what he wants to hear, I got a real problem with that.

[Ben Meiselas]

Here's Senator Elect Slotkin again. Let's play the clip.

[Lissa Slotkin]

Seth has also said that any general that was involved in any of the DEI woke crap has got to go. Do you expect Donald Trump to fire top generals who he considers woke or those close to former Chairman Mark Milley?

[Unnamed Military Expert]

I mean, I don't think you have to hire arrest. Yeah, I don't think you have to interpret anything. I think they've been very clear that they're putting together some sort of panel that's going to look at generals, people who have served their nation their entire lives over multiple administrations, Democrat and Republican in combat. They are now openly talking about dismissing them like some sort of kangaroo court. You can imagine the stress in the Pentagon about that. But also in the future of who we are as a military. Right, military. And the role of the military is in the constitution for a reason. And I think we're really at risk of politicizing the military in a way that we can't put the genie back in the bottle.

[Ben Meiselas]

But there have been also some important moves made over the weekend by President Biden. President Biden announced that he would be allowing Ukraine to use American made missiles in order to attack Russian positions. This is as Russia escalated their unlawful invasion in Ukraine. President Biden was speaking in Brazil. Here is what he had to say.

[Joe Biden]

Let's play it back home. I signed the most significant climate change law in history. A law that positioned us to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030. This generated $450 billion in new clean energy investments. And that's created hundreds of thousands of good paying jobs and a manufacturing boom as well. Folks, we don't have to choose between the environment and the economy. We can do both. We've proven it back home. It's no secret that I'm leaving office in January. I will have my. I will leave my successor and my country in a strong foundation to build on if they choose to do so. It's true some may seek to deny or delay the clean energy revolution that's underway in America. But nobody, nobody can reverse it. Nobody. Not when so many people, regardless of party or politics, are enjoying its benefits. Not when countries around the world are harnessing the clean energy revolution to pull ahead themselves. The question now is which government will stand in the way and which will seize the enormous economic opportunity.

[Ben Meiselas]

It's very powerful words right there by President Biden. I think it's important that we reflect on Donald Trump's broken promises every time they happen. Call them out right away. Donald Trump said that if he were to be elected before he even assumed office, he said within 24 hours of the election being over, if he were to win, he would stop the war in Ukraine. He said he would call up Putin, call up Zelinsky, he would say something to Putin, he would say something to Zelinsky, and voila, it would end. According to Donald Trump. That's what he said. Donald Trump leaked to the Washington Post that he had spoken with Putin and that he had told Putin, don't you escalate this thing. What did Putin do after Putin denied ever having any such conversation with Donald Trump? Putin said through Kremlin spokespeople, pure fiction. No conversation at all ever took place. And what did Putin do? He's escalated that war in Ukraine right now more than really since the time of invasion. So he post that call, whether it happened or not, took it as an invitation to go further on the offense, which President Biden has now checked by allowing Ukraine to use missiles to hit targets in Russia where they previously weren't able to. You know, President Zelensky gave an interview as well where he said, look, I don't care. Donald Trump can't force me to give away my land, our people's land. We're a sovereign nation. We don't take orders to give up our land. We will fight, we will continue to fight and we will win this war, is what President Zelensky said. To which Elon Musk, who's basically serving as a co president or co president elect to Donald Trump, made a meme and said oh, what a sense of humor Zelensky has. Mocking Zelensky and frankly mocking the sovereignty of Ukraine. Now is the time for leadership. Now is not the time for whining. Now is the time to call out reckless, dangerous, despicable, disgusting behavior by this Trump transition. Call it out the week. Very weak. Also weak people. Weak hit. Subscribe let's get to 4 million subscribers. Thanks for watching. Love this video. Make sure you stay up to date on the latest breaking news and all things Midas by signing up to the Midas touch [e-mail] newsletter.