The MeidasTouch Podcast: Exclusive Summary of "WI Dem Chair Says Elon Musk Committed State Felony"
Episode Information:
- Title: Exclusive: WI Dem Chair Says Elon Musk Committed State Felony
- Release Date: March 30, 2025
- Hosts: Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, the Meiselas brothers delve deep into the contentious political landscape of Wisconsin. The focus centers on allegations against Elon Musk for committing a state felony by attempting to buy votes in the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Joining the conversation is Ben Wickler, the Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, providing expert insights into the ramifications of these actions on democracy and the state's key industries.
Elon Musk's Alleged Felony and Vote Buying
Timestamp: [06:18]
The episode opens with a shocking revelation: Elon Musk, renowned entrepreneur and Tesla CEO, is accused of attempting to buy votes in Wisconsin's Supreme Court election. This accusation stems from Musk's deleted tweet promising a million-dollar award to voters supporting the MAGA-aligned candidate, Brad Schimmel.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Reynolds: "Elon Musk deleted that tweet because he knows that that tweet was a crime. And it's still a crime in Wisconsin law." [06:18]
Musk's tweet, which offered substantial monetary incentives for voters to support Schimmel, directly violates Wisconsin's stringent anti-bribery laws. Reynolds emphasizes the severity of the offense, labeling it a blatant attempt to undermine democratic processes.
Impact on Wisconsin's Dairy Industry
Timestamp: [05:25]
The discussion shifts to the economic repercussions of Musk's actions, particularly focusing on Wisconsin's dairy sector. Ben Wickler highlights the state's dependency on key trading partners—Mexico, Canada, and China—for dairy exports.
Notable Quote:
Ben Wickler: "About 40% of our dairy product exports by value went to those three countries in 2024. So this is a pretty important part of the dairy economy in the US and in Wisconsin." [05:25]
Unstable trade relations, exacerbated by political turmoil, pose a significant threat to the livelihoods of Wisconsin's dairy farmers. The uncertainty introduced by such high-stakes political maneuvers could disrupt trade flows and harm the industry’s growth.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: The Candidates
Timestamp: [06:18] - [13:29]
The core of the episode revolves around the Supreme Court race between Brad Schimmel and Susan Crawford. Schimmel, a prominent MAGA supporter, is contrasted with Crawford, a seasoned public servant dedicated to upholding the law and democracy.
Brad Schimmel:
- Alignment: MAGA and Trump supporter.
- Controversy: Engaged in campaign stunts mimicking Donald Trump, such as dressing up as a garbage man.
- Support: Backed by Elon Musk, whose actions are now under scrutiny for potential vote-buying.
Susan Crawford:
- Background: Former prosecutor with a strong track record in environmental law enforcement and defending reproductive and voting rights.
- Campaign: Advocates for upholding the Constitution and ensuring justice is administered equally, without favoritism towards the wealthy.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Reynolds: "Brad Schimmel is a dyed in the wool MAGA warrior. And he wants to use the Supreme Court, as he puts it on the campaign trail, to be Trump's support network." [13:29]
Reynolds underscores Schimmel's deep ties to MAGA ideologies and his potential to manipulate the judicial system to favor political allies like Trump and Musk.
Legal Implications of Vote Buying
Timestamp: [07:59] - [11:20]
The conversation delves into the legalities surrounding Musk's actions. Under Wisconsin law, offering something of value to influence voting behavior is a felony.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Reynolds: "If you offer someone something that's worth at least $1, then that itself is a violation of the vote bribery, the election bribery statute in Wisconsin." [09:13]
Reynolds elaborates on the gravity of Musk's alleged actions, emphasizing that such behavior not only violates state laws but also erodes the foundational principles of democracy.
The Stakes for Democracy and Future Elections
Timestamp: [10:42] - [16:38]
Ben Wickler articulates the broader implications of this incident on American democracy. He posits that allowing billionaires like Musk to influence elections through financial incentives sets a dangerous precedent, threatening the integrity of future elections and the rule of law.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Reynolds: "If the richest person in the world can go around buying votes in order to buy control of courts, then we have lost any semblance of the rule of law in the United States of America." [09:02]
Wickler calls for immediate condemnation and legal action against such practices to safeguard democratic integrity. He highlights the critical nature of the upcoming election, labeling it as a battleground for protecting the Constitution and ensuring that judicial appointments are free from undue influence.
Susan Crawford's Role: Crawford stands as a beacon of justice and equality, representing the antithesis of what Schimmel and his backers aim to achieve. Her commitment to public service and upholding the law positions her as the ideal candidate to fortify democratic institutions against corrupt influences.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Timestamp: [16:42] - [16:50]
The episode concludes with a powerful call to action for listeners to support Susan Crawford's campaign. By mobilizing grassroots efforts and encouraging voter participation, the MeidasTouch team aims to thwart attempts to manipulate judicial outcomes and uphold democratic values.
Notable Quote:
Ryan Reynolds: "This is an all hands on deck moment. If we win, we send a message of hope in a moment where the country desperately needs it." [16:38]
Listeners are urged to engage with Crawford's campaign through donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness to ensure that democracy prevails over corrupt practices.
Final Thoughts
This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a thorough examination of the challenges facing Wisconsin's political landscape. By spotlighting Elon Musk's alleged misconduct and its implications, the podcast underscores the urgent need to protect democratic institutions from external influences. With insightful analysis and passionate advocacy, the Meiselas brothers provide listeners with a clear understanding of the stakes involved and the collective action required to preserve the integrity of elections and governance.
Stay Connected: For more in-depth discussions and updates, tune into the MeidasTouch Podcast every Tuesday and Friday morning, and catch live video sessions on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel every Monday and Thursday night at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.