GOP Cross-Exam of Witnesses Utterly Backfires at Hearing - The MeidasTouch Podcast

Loading summary

Transcript78 lines

[00:01]
Mantis X Representative
Want to sharpen your aim, save money on ammo, and train like the pros, all from the comfort of your home. Meet Mantis X, the cutting edge dry fire training system used by the Marine Corps, army and Special forces to build precision and confidence. 94% of shooters report improved accuracy in just 20 minutes and you could be next. With Mantis X, you train with your own firearm anytime, anywhere without wasting a single round in less than two weeks. The system pays for itself in ammo savings alone. As a proud gun owner, I believe in the second Amendment. But rights come with responsibility. That means refining your accuracy, mastering your skills, and staying prepared every time you train. Whether you're a new shooter or an experienced marksman, Mantis X helps you train smarter, shoot better, and defend what matters most. Get yours today@mantisx.com that's mantisx.com the MAGA.
[01:01]
Political Commentator
Republican cross examination during these congressional hearings. No bueno. Very, very bad. If you want to know how you don't do cross examinations. I want to show you what went down with these MAGA Republican Congress members and senators who tried to cross examine these witnesses. And, and the witnesses got the upper hand on them and humiliated the MAGA Republican Congress members and senators. And I want you to watch. This one is great. You have the MAGA Republican Congress member Ralph Norman trying to cross examine Democratic Congresswoman Velasquez and just watch how she turns the tables on him and makes him look like a fool. Play this. Click.
[01:48]
Professor Kate Shaw
It's obviously extending the burden on, on, on our middle class, on our working families and our, on our small businesses.
[01:54]
Senator Josh Hawley
A lot of the illegals that we've encountered, they've got a document. They, the Biden administration issued driver's license, issued fake Social Security numbers. So if they'll lie on that, they'll lie with that. What else would they lie on? Mr. Lindquist, you want to answer any of that?
[02:14]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Where is the evidence? Sir? Where is the evidence? Show me the proof. You just can't come here and make things up without presenting evidence. The administrator for six months that has been in office has not come before the committee to answer questions and to share with us what is her opinion on the different proposals.
[02:40]
Senator Josh Hawley
It doesn't work that way. It does not work that way.
[02:43]
Congresswoman Velasquez
I can see that it does not work that way. And when you talk about the billions of dollars that have gone to ineligible small businesses. Yes, you're right. It happened under the first Trump administration when we implemented the PPP and he loosened up the guardrails on the ppp.
[03:05]
Senator Josh Hawley
They'Re not being enforced under the Biden administration.
[03:08]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Just.
[03:08]
Senator Josh Hawley
Just like the border. Just like the border.
[03:11]
Congresswoman Velasquez
You're totally wrong.
[03:12]
Political Commentator
All right, now, in this next clip, you have lawyer v. Lawyer. Although Josh Hawley, the MAGA Republican senator from Missouri sure don't act like a lawyer, a lot of times that's putting it lightly. So here you have Senator Josh Hawley, MAGA Republican, is speaking to Professor Kate Shaw also. She's a great podcast host as well. Um, and he's saying, look at all of these leftist radical judges who are issuing all of these injunctions. Look at my chart. And then Professor Kate Shaw is like, you know, the other explanation is that Donald Trump's engaged in so many crimes that it ain't just Democratic judge issuing injunctions against Donald Trump, it's Republican judges who are issuing injunctions. Trump judges, George W. Bush judges, Reagan judges are the ones issuing the injunctions, in addition to Democrat appointed judges. Here, watch this.
[04:12]
Senator Dick Durbin
Really only once Trump came into office for the first time. You don't think this is a little bit anomalous? You don't think that's a little bit.
[04:18]
Professor Kate Shaw
A very plausible explanation, Senator. You have to consider is that he is engaged in much more lawless activity than other presidents. Right?
[04:25]
Senator Dick Durbin
I don't think.
[04:26]
Professor Kate Shaw
You must see what is a.
[04:27]
Senator Dick Durbin
This was never used before the 1960s. And suddenly Democrat judges decide, we love the nationwide injunction. And then when Biden comes to office.
[04:35]
Professor Kate Shaw
No, no, it's Republican appointees as well, senator. And the 196 is where some scholars begin. Sort of locate the beginning before then. Mila Sahoney, who's another scholar of Universal injunction, suggests 1913 is actually the first others in the 20s.
[04:50]
Senator Dick Durbin
The Republic endured for 150 years before the nationwide injunction.
[04:53]
Professor Kate Shaw
Well, the federal government was doing a lot less until 100 years ago. So, you know, there's many things that have changed in the last hundred or the last 50 years.
[05:01]
Senator Dick Durbin
So long as it is a Democrat president office, then we should have no nationwide injunctions. If it's a Republican president, then this is absolutely fine, warranted and called for. How can a our system of law survive on those principles? Professor?
[05:16]
Professor Kate Shaw
I think a system in which there are political constraints on the president is a very dangerous system.
[05:21]
Senator Dick Durbin
That's not what you thought when Joe Biden. That is not what you thought when Joe Biden was president. You said that is not what you must say.
[05:27]
Professor Kate Shaw
Absolutely.
[05:28]
Senator Dick Durbin
You said it was a travesty for the principles of democracy, notions of judicial impartiality and the rule of law. You also said the Supreme Court said.
[05:36]
Professor Kate Shaw
Wait a minute with me on that.
[05:38]
Senator Dick Durbin
You also said when Joe Biden was president, you said the idea that anyone would foreign shop to get a judge who would issue a nationwide injunction was just politician, just judges looking like politicians in robes. Again, it threatened the underlying legal system. People just trying to get the result they wanted. It was a travesty for the rule of law. But you're fine with all of that if it's getting the result that you want?
[06:00]
Professor Kate Shaw
Sir, the Supreme Court agreed unanimously with me in that case. Right. There was no standing. The case should never have been allowed to proceed. And the combination of parties without standing and the single judge division.
[06:10]
Senator Dick Durbin
No, no, we're talking. No, they did not. They did not issue a ruling on the nationwide injunction. You criticize the injunction nationwide issued in a case where. No, here's the thing.
[06:21]
Political Commentator
And then you just have the MAGA Republican senators just straight up running away from the cameras. Like here you have MAGA Republican Senator Joni Ernst, the senator from Iowa who said, we're all going to die, so who cares if the GOP disastrous budget bill kills you? You're going to die anyway. Then she made that follow up video at a cemetery. But now she's not answering the questions here. Play this clip.
[06:56]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Very compassionate.
[06:57]
Political Commentator
And you need to listen to the entire conversation. Do you have any regrets about that?
[07:01]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Explain how to protect the most vulnerable.
[07:07]
Political Commentator
Okay. Okay. Now going back to Professor Kate Shaw right here. I want you to take a listen as she and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff expose the lawlessness in this Trump regime. Play this clip. But this comes in the context of the administration also going after law firms. It seems very much a part of a concerted effort to attack the rule of law and using the law to defend people's rights. Tell us a little bit about the broader context.
[07:38]
Professor Kate Shaw
I do think that attacks on judges and attacks on law firms are of a piece. They seem designed to seek to neutralize sources of countervailing authority and opposition to this administration. And if law firms can't take on unpopular causes because they are scared to run afoul of the president, and if judges are scared to rule against the president, then we really have lost any meaningful check on a president. And as I said, my opening remarks, I think if the Constitution is committed to a single principle, it is limits on power, right? No, absolute power. And I worry that we are on a path toward few, if any, meaningful limits on the president.
[08:16]
Political Commentator
And here Professor Shaw also talks about the threats from the Trump, from the Trumpers that they take from the Trump regime. And how they're going about attacking judges with this pizza threat that they do where they order pizza to the judge's home to show that they know where the judges live. Here. Play this clip.
[08:39]
Senator Josh Hawley
Tell us a little bit about this.
[08:40]
Political Commentator
Phenomenon now of people sending pizzas to.
[08:42]
Senator Josh Hawley
Judges and the implicit threat in that.
[08:46]
Professor Kate Shaw
Well, I mean, I think it's. This is also something that I don't think we've seen before. Right. There is clearly some kind of coordinated effort to seek to intimidate federal judges and their families by sending pizzas, communicating the message that their residents, their addresses are known, and some of the pizzas bear the name of the murdered son of district judge Esther Salas from New Jersey. And the message there, I think is a very clear one of very serious threat. And I think judges are taking that threat and the marshals are as well, from the reporting that we've seen, very seriously.
[09:17]
Political Commentator
You know, I've been the recipient of that threat a ton of times where people send pizzas to my home. They don't even pay for the pizza. I'd still eat the pizza. They paid for it. But it's like it's a serious matter and they do it to threaten and intimidate you. And it's happened, unfortunately, a lot of times to me.
[09:34]
Jolie Representative
I can't even begin to imagine all of the money that I've spent on skincare and beauty products over the years to battle issues like acne and damaged hair and eczema, change in hair color, rashes, etc. But I recently realized that I was completely overlooking the most fundamental step. The water I shower in. Jolie is a beauty wellness company that purifies the water we shower in for better skin, hair and overall well being. Jolie's filtered showerhead is best in class for removing chlorine and heavy metals. It's the only lab tested and clinically trialed filtering showerhead on the market. Jolie is clinically proven to reduce hair shedding in 81% of people. Lab tested to reduce hair frizziness by 40%. Lab tested to maintain color retention and lab tested to protect the hair surface layer. Jolie shower heads have a beautiful, sleek design. The perfect combination of form and function. Jolie still gives strong water pressure and fits all showers as the plumbing pipe size is universal. Jolie will give you your best skin and hair guaranteed. Head to jolieskinco.com Midas to try it out for yourself with free shipping. That's Jolie skinco.com Midas for free shipping. And if you don't like it, you can return your Jolie for a full refund within 60 days, no questions asked. Jolie is also available on Amazon and select Ulta stores. Get yours Now.
[11:07]
Political Commentator
Here we got MAGA Republican Senator Mark Wayne Mullen. And here he's talking to Linda McMahon and he's trying to lead Linda McMahon to the answer, but she doesn't understand what he's trying to do and she, like, screws up his little silly game. Here, play this clip. What was we ranked in reading and math in 1979?
[11:31]
Congresswoman Velasquez
I'm sorry, what?
[11:31]
Political Commentator
What was we ranked nationally in math.
[11:34]
Senator Dick Durbin
And reading in 1979?
[11:36]
Congresswoman Velasquez
We were very, very low on the totem pole.
[11:38]
Political Commentator
We're number one in 1979 today.
[11:42]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Oh, 1979. Okay.
[11:44]
Political Commentator
Because these MAGA Republicans ain't used to actually debating and using logic. What they're used to doing is just praising their dear leader, Donald Trump. Like you have the State Department press secretary, former Fox host correspondent Tammy Bruce, and she just, this is like just straight out of Kim Jong Un land. And she's like, we just. All that matters is what Donald Trump says. Donald Trump says that's all that Americans care about. What? Here, play this clip.
[12:13]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Well, you did see the President Trump tweet, didn't you? Yes, but that does that. I didn't think that that would completely negate the reporting. I appreciate that. I think that's the biggest guffaw I've had here. The thing that matters when it comes to American policy and what's happening is what President Trump thinks and says.
[12:37]
Professor Kate Shaw
This is the Trump administration.
[12:39]
Political Commentator
Now, can I show you what a cross exam is supposed to look like and how you intelligibly engage with these witnesses? Democratic Senator Dick Durbin cross examining Linda McMahon, education secretary. Play this clip.
[12:56]
Senator Josh Hawley
Why would you hollow out the resources there and the people that are enforcing the borrower defense rule? We have these terrible numbers of exploitation of students.
[13:05]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Well, and my point is that we shouldn't just focus on those schools. I do know that. I totally agree with you. There are some scam universities out there.
[13:13]
Senator Josh Hawley
Why would you hollow out the people who were supposed to enforce it?
[13:16]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Because I think we're putting other measures in place. But the scam.
[13:19]
Senator Josh Hawley
Give me an idea what you're putting in place that's better than the borrower defense rule.
[13:23]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Well, we just talked a little bit about fafsa and it's the education up front.
[13:27]
Senator Josh Hawley
So that I'm talking about the victims, the one who are already victims. They're in debt by tens of thousands of doll. They're living in their parents basement. They have no place to turn. And you're telling me the FAFSA form application is going to help them? How can it help them?
[13:42]
Congresswoman Velasquez
And that's not in place yet, but I think that's going to be very, very helpful. Here's the other thing. Where are our, where are our guidance counselors in high schools? Who would they talk to? And I think that they need counselors informed and I think they need to look at the cost of education.
[13:57]
Senator Josh Hawley
You're cutting the number of counselors in these schools at the same time?
[14:01]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Well, the counselors that are doing their jobs can provide information to these.
[14:06]
Senator Josh Hawley
There aren't enough of them. That's the point I'm making. And the situation is terrible for these students. First generation students are being exploited by these schools. They need your protection. They need our protection. They deserve it. They're doing the right thing. And unfortunately, you're reducing the number of people to enforce the law.
[14:23]
Political Commentator
Just in general. Yesterday in particular, these MAGA Republican Congress members and senators were in total disarray. You had MAGA Mike Johnson feeling. Do a whole other video on this. Betrayed by Elon Musk. Musk says the budget bill's a disaster. And then MAGA Mike Johnson like, but you're my friend. He's my friend. My friends aren't supposed to do this to each other. Here, watch this clip.
[14:48]
Senator Dick Durbin
Let me, let me say this. It's, it's very disappointing. Okay. I've come to consider Elon a good friend. He's obviously a very intelligent person and he's done a lot of great work. With all due respect, my friend Elon is terribly wrong about the one big beautiful bill.
[15:03]
Political Commentator
And then you have Russell Vogt, the author of Project 2025, who's now the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and he's asked a pretty simple fricking question of can you explain why you aren't codifying or turning all these Doge cuts into law? And he's like, because we want to make sure they pass. And we don't think that they will pass if we send them all to Congress. Well, if you don't think they can pass con. Hey, Russell, are you admitting that they're illegal Here? Play this clip.
[15:37]
Professor Kate Shaw
Explain why to people who may say and not understand why you're not sending all of the Doge cuts up to Capitol Hill.
[15:43]
H
Yeah, I've been pretty clear about it. I want to make sure that they pass.
[15:47]
Professor Kate Shaw
Why can't you send all of them.
[15:48]
Political Commentator
And get all of them to pass.
[15:49]
H
Because I want to make sure that they you take the first tranche and see if it passes. The wider you do in terms of a package, the the harder it is to pass. And if it doesn't pass, this is the real world and we will lose flexibility that we have to use executive tools to find other ways to make the Doge cuts permanent.
[16:10]
Political Commentator
How many directed Elon Musk I mean have you made this case to Eli directly?
[16:15]
H
I'm explaining it to everyone.
[16:17]
Senator Dick Durbin
How many packages do you expect?
[16:19]
H
We will send up more. The President is on board with that. As we see evidence of Congress passing them. This is the first step in it. I think it will be on the floor next week according to what the speaker told me yesterday. And then we'll from there we'll see where we are in the Senate. But again we want to see it pass. I think it will pass and then we'll go from there.
[16:41]
Political Commentator
Well, there you have it folks. I want I love to highlight good cross exam when I see the art of cross exam. But what the MAGA Republicans was doing was atrocious. And shout out to Democratic Congresswoman Velasquez who just pointed the truth out, ready for it, ready to fight back. And she totally schooled MAGA Republican Congress member Ralph Norman right there. Anyway, tell me what you think Hit Subscribe let's get to 5 million subscribers.
[17:10]
Jolie Representative
Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas plus substack for ad Free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski and more. Sign up for free now@midasplus.com Sam.

Summary4 min read

The MeidasTouch Podcast: GOP Cross-Exam of Witnesses Utterly Backfires at Hearing

Release Date: June 4, 2025

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the dramatic fallout of recent GOP-led congressional hearings. The episode, titled "GOP Cross-Exam of Witnesses Utterly Backfires at Hearing," offers a detailed analysis of how Republican attempts to cross-examine witnesses have not only failed but have also inadvertently highlighted the Democrats' strengths during these high-stakes political confrontations.

Episode Overview

The Meiselas brothers dissect a series of congressional hearings where MAGA Republican Congress members and senators attempted to cross-examine Democratic witnesses. These attempts, aimed at discrediting or undermining Democratic positions, instead resulted in the Republicans being outmaneuvered, exposing their weaknesses and bolstering Democratic arguments.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. Failed Republican Cross-Examinations

The episode opens with a critical look at Republican strategies during congressional hearings. The hosts highlight instances where Republican senators, such as Ralph Norman and Josh Hawley, attempted to challenge Democratic Congresswoman Velasquez but ended up entangling themselves in poorly constructed arguments.

Quote Highlight:
Political Commentator [01:48]: “Republican cross examination during these congressional hearings. No bueno. Very, very bad.”
Notable Exchange:
During a heated exchange, Senator Hawley questions the legitimacy of documents used by illegal immigrants, to which Congresswoman Velasquez demands concrete evidence, effectively putting Hawley on the defensive.

Congresswoman Velasquez [02:13]: “Where is the evidence? Sir? Where is the evidence? Show me the proof.”

Senator Josh Hawley [02:39]: “It doesn't work that way. It does not work that way.”

This interaction underscores the Republicans' inability to provide substantive proof, thereby weakening their position.

2. Nationwide Injunctions and Judicial Impartiality

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the discussion between Professor Kate Shaw and Democratic Senator Dick Durbin regarding the use of nationwide injunctions by judges appointed under both Democratic and Republican administrations.

Quote Highlight:
Professor Kate Shaw [04:25]: “You must see what is a.”

Senator Dick Durbin [04:35]: “No, no, it's Republican appointees as well, senator.”

Shaw argues that the precedent of nationwide injunctions threatens judicial impartiality and the rule of law, regardless of the appointing party. This conversation emphasizes concerns about the judiciary becoming a politicized entity, undermining its role as a check on presidential power.

3. Intimidation Tactics Against Judges

The hosts shed light on alarming reports of MAGA supporters using intimidation tactics against judges, such as sending pizzas to judges' homes as a form of threat.

Quote Highlight:
Professor Kate Shaw [08:38]: “...very serious threat. And I think judges are taking that threat and the marshals are as well, from the reporting that we've seen, very seriously.”

Political Commentator [09:17]: “I've been the recipient of that threat a ton of times... They do it to threaten and intimidate you.”

This segment underscores the growing hostile environment towards the judiciary, highlighting the dangers posed by such intimidation efforts.

4. Disarray Among MAGA Republicans

The podcast details instances of internal conflict and disarray within the MAGA Republican ranks, including Senator Mike Johnson's fallout with Elon Musk over the GOP budget bill.

Quote Highlight:
Political Commentator [14:23]: “These MAGA Republican Congress members and senators were in total disarray.”

Senator Dick Durbin [14:47]: “Elon is terribly wrong about the one big beautiful bill.”

This internal strife reflects the broader instability and lack of cohesive strategy within the GOP, further diminishing their effectiveness in legislative processes.

5. Democratic Resilience and Strategy

In contrast to Republican setbacks, Democratic lawmakers and strategists showcase resilience and strategic thinking. Congresswoman Velasquez exemplifies this by effectively countering Republican inquiries and presenting forward-thinking solutions to issues like student debt and educational counseling.

Quote Highlight:
Congresswoman Velasquez [13:26]: “And that's not in place yet, but I think that's going to be very, very helpful.”

Her responses demonstrate a commitment to constructive solutions rather than mere political posturing, strengthening Democratic credibility.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Political Commentator [01:48]: “Republican cross examination during these congressional hearings. No bueno. Very, very bad.”
Congresswoman Velasquez [02:13]: “Where is the evidence? Sir? Where is the evidence? Show me the proof.”
Professor Kate Shaw [04:25]: “You must see what is a.”
Senator Dick Durbin [04:35]: “No, no, it's Republican appointees as well, senator.”
Professor Kate Shaw [08:38]: “…very serious threat. And I think judges are taking that threat and the marshals are as well, from the reporting that we've seen, very seriously.”
Political Commentator [14:23]: “These MAGA Republican Congress members and senators were in total disarray.”
Senator Dick Durbin [14:47]: “Elon is terribly wrong about the one big beautiful bill.”
Congresswoman Velasquez [13:26]: “And that's not in place yet, but I think that's going to be very, very helpful.”

Conclusions and Takeaways

The episode provides a thorough examination of the current political climate, highlighting the ineffectiveness of MAGA Republicans in congressional hearings and their internal discord. In contrast, Democrats are portrayed as strategically resilient, effectively countering Republican narratives and proposing constructive solutions to pressing issues.

The MeidasTouch Podcast emphasizes the importance of strong democratic principles and the rule of law, while critiquing attempts by GOP members to undermine these foundations through flawed cross-examinations and intimidation tactics. The hosts advocate for continued support of democracy, urging listeners to remain informed and engaged in the political process.

Join the Meiselas brothers and their loyal MeidasMighty community every Tuesday and Friday morning for insightful discussions, and catch them live on video every Monday and Thursday night at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel!

Loading summary

Transcript78 lines

[00:01]
Mantis X Representative
Want to sharpen your aim, save money on ammo, and train like the pros, all from the comfort of your home. Meet Mantis X, the cutting edge dry fire training system used by the Marine Corps, army and Special forces to build precision and confidence. 94% of shooters report improved accuracy in just 20 minutes and you could be next. With Mantis X, you train with your own firearm anytime, anywhere without wasting a single round in less than two weeks. The system pays for itself in ammo savings alone. As a proud gun owner, I believe in the second Amendment. But rights come with responsibility. That means refining your accuracy, mastering your skills, and staying prepared every time you train. Whether you're a new shooter or an experienced marksman, Mantis X helps you train smarter, shoot better, and defend what matters most. Get yours today@mantisx.com that's mantisx.com the MAGA.
[01:01]
Political Commentator
Republican cross examination during these congressional hearings. No bueno. Very, very bad. If you want to know how you don't do cross examinations. I want to show you what went down with these MAGA Republican Congress members and senators who tried to cross examine these witnesses. And, and the witnesses got the upper hand on them and humiliated the MAGA Republican Congress members and senators. And I want you to watch. This one is great. You have the MAGA Republican Congress member Ralph Norman trying to cross examine Democratic Congresswoman Velasquez and just watch how she turns the tables on him and makes him look like a fool. Play this. Click.
[01:48]
Professor Kate Shaw
It's obviously extending the burden on, on, on our middle class, on our working families and our, on our small businesses.
[01:54]
Senator Josh Hawley
A lot of the illegals that we've encountered, they've got a document. They, the Biden administration issued driver's license, issued fake Social Security numbers. So if they'll lie on that, they'll lie with that. What else would they lie on? Mr. Lindquist, you want to answer any of that?
[02:14]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Where is the evidence? Sir? Where is the evidence? Show me the proof. You just can't come here and make things up without presenting evidence. The administrator for six months that has been in office has not come before the committee to answer questions and to share with us what is her opinion on the different proposals.
[02:40]
Senator Josh Hawley
It doesn't work that way. It does not work that way.
[02:43]
Congresswoman Velasquez
I can see that it does not work that way. And when you talk about the billions of dollars that have gone to ineligible small businesses. Yes, you're right. It happened under the first Trump administration when we implemented the PPP and he loosened up the guardrails on the ppp.
[03:05]
Senator Josh Hawley
They'Re not being enforced under the Biden administration.
[03:08]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Just.
[03:08]
Senator Josh Hawley
Just like the border. Just like the border.
[03:11]
Congresswoman Velasquez
You're totally wrong.
[03:12]
Political Commentator
All right, now, in this next clip, you have lawyer v. Lawyer. Although Josh Hawley, the MAGA Republican senator from Missouri sure don't act like a lawyer, a lot of times that's putting it lightly. So here you have Senator Josh Hawley, MAGA Republican, is speaking to Professor Kate Shaw also. She's a great podcast host as well. Um, and he's saying, look at all of these leftist radical judges who are issuing all of these injunctions. Look at my chart. And then Professor Kate Shaw is like, you know, the other explanation is that Donald Trump's engaged in so many crimes that it ain't just Democratic judge issuing injunctions against Donald Trump, it's Republican judges who are issuing injunctions. Trump judges, George W. Bush judges, Reagan judges are the ones issuing the injunctions, in addition to Democrat appointed judges. Here, watch this.
[04:12]
Senator Dick Durbin
Really only once Trump came into office for the first time. You don't think this is a little bit anomalous? You don't think that's a little bit.
[04:18]
Professor Kate Shaw
A very plausible explanation, Senator. You have to consider is that he is engaged in much more lawless activity than other presidents. Right?
[04:25]
Senator Dick Durbin
I don't think.
[04:26]
Professor Kate Shaw
You must see what is a.
[04:27]
Senator Dick Durbin
This was never used before the 1960s. And suddenly Democrat judges decide, we love the nationwide injunction. And then when Biden comes to office.
[04:35]
Professor Kate Shaw
No, no, it's Republican appointees as well, senator. And the 196 is where some scholars begin. Sort of locate the beginning before then. Mila Sahoney, who's another scholar of Universal injunction, suggests 1913 is actually the first others in the 20s.
[04:50]
Senator Dick Durbin
The Republic endured for 150 years before the nationwide injunction.
[04:53]
Professor Kate Shaw
Well, the federal government was doing a lot less until 100 years ago. So, you know, there's many things that have changed in the last hundred or the last 50 years.
[05:01]
Senator Dick Durbin
So long as it is a Democrat president office, then we should have no nationwide injunctions. If it's a Republican president, then this is absolutely fine, warranted and called for. How can a our system of law survive on those principles? Professor?
[05:16]
Professor Kate Shaw
I think a system in which there are political constraints on the president is a very dangerous system.
[05:21]
Senator Dick Durbin
That's not what you thought when Joe Biden. That is not what you thought when Joe Biden was president. You said that is not what you must say.
[05:27]
Professor Kate Shaw
Absolutely.
[05:28]
Senator Dick Durbin
You said it was a travesty for the principles of democracy, notions of judicial impartiality and the rule of law. You also said the Supreme Court said.
[05:36]
Professor Kate Shaw
Wait a minute with me on that.
[05:38]
Senator Dick Durbin
You also said when Joe Biden was president, you said the idea that anyone would foreign shop to get a judge who would issue a nationwide injunction was just politician, just judges looking like politicians in robes. Again, it threatened the underlying legal system. People just trying to get the result they wanted. It was a travesty for the rule of law. But you're fine with all of that if it's getting the result that you want?
[06:00]
Professor Kate Shaw
Sir, the Supreme Court agreed unanimously with me in that case. Right. There was no standing. The case should never have been allowed to proceed. And the combination of parties without standing and the single judge division.
[06:10]
Senator Dick Durbin
No, no, we're talking. No, they did not. They did not issue a ruling on the nationwide injunction. You criticize the injunction nationwide issued in a case where. No, here's the thing.
[06:21]
Political Commentator
And then you just have the MAGA Republican senators just straight up running away from the cameras. Like here you have MAGA Republican Senator Joni Ernst, the senator from Iowa who said, we're all going to die, so who cares if the GOP disastrous budget bill kills you? You're going to die anyway. Then she made that follow up video at a cemetery. But now she's not answering the questions here. Play this clip.
[06:56]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Very compassionate.
[06:57]
Political Commentator
And you need to listen to the entire conversation. Do you have any regrets about that?
[07:01]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Explain how to protect the most vulnerable.
[07:07]
Political Commentator
Okay. Okay. Now going back to Professor Kate Shaw right here. I want you to take a listen as she and Democratic Senator Adam Schiff expose the lawlessness in this Trump regime. Play this clip. But this comes in the context of the administration also going after law firms. It seems very much a part of a concerted effort to attack the rule of law and using the law to defend people's rights. Tell us a little bit about the broader context.
[07:38]
Professor Kate Shaw
I do think that attacks on judges and attacks on law firms are of a piece. They seem designed to seek to neutralize sources of countervailing authority and opposition to this administration. And if law firms can't take on unpopular causes because they are scared to run afoul of the president, and if judges are scared to rule against the president, then we really have lost any meaningful check on a president. And as I said, my opening remarks, I think if the Constitution is committed to a single principle, it is limits on power, right? No, absolute power. And I worry that we are on a path toward few, if any, meaningful limits on the president.
[08:16]
Political Commentator
And here Professor Shaw also talks about the threats from the Trump, from the Trumpers that they take from the Trump regime. And how they're going about attacking judges with this pizza threat that they do where they order pizza to the judge's home to show that they know where the judges live. Here. Play this clip.
[08:39]
Senator Josh Hawley
Tell us a little bit about this.
[08:40]
Political Commentator
Phenomenon now of people sending pizzas to.
[08:42]
Senator Josh Hawley
Judges and the implicit threat in that.
[08:46]
Professor Kate Shaw
Well, I mean, I think it's. This is also something that I don't think we've seen before. Right. There is clearly some kind of coordinated effort to seek to intimidate federal judges and their families by sending pizzas, communicating the message that their residents, their addresses are known, and some of the pizzas bear the name of the murdered son of district judge Esther Salas from New Jersey. And the message there, I think is a very clear one of very serious threat. And I think judges are taking that threat and the marshals are as well, from the reporting that we've seen, very seriously.
[09:17]
Political Commentator
You know, I've been the recipient of that threat a ton of times where people send pizzas to my home. They don't even pay for the pizza. I'd still eat the pizza. They paid for it. But it's like it's a serious matter and they do it to threaten and intimidate you. And it's happened, unfortunately, a lot of times to me.
[09:34]
Jolie Representative
I can't even begin to imagine all of the money that I've spent on skincare and beauty products over the years to battle issues like acne and damaged hair and eczema, change in hair color, rashes, etc. But I recently realized that I was completely overlooking the most fundamental step. The water I shower in. Jolie is a beauty wellness company that purifies the water we shower in for better skin, hair and overall well being. Jolie's filtered showerhead is best in class for removing chlorine and heavy metals. It's the only lab tested and clinically trialed filtering showerhead on the market. Jolie is clinically proven to reduce hair shedding in 81% of people. Lab tested to reduce hair frizziness by 40%. Lab tested to maintain color retention and lab tested to protect the hair surface layer. Jolie shower heads have a beautiful, sleek design. The perfect combination of form and function. Jolie still gives strong water pressure and fits all showers as the plumbing pipe size is universal. Jolie will give you your best skin and hair guaranteed. Head to jolieskinco.com Midas to try it out for yourself with free shipping. That's Jolie skinco.com Midas for free shipping. And if you don't like it, you can return your Jolie for a full refund within 60 days, no questions asked. Jolie is also available on Amazon and select Ulta stores. Get yours Now.
[11:07]
Political Commentator
Here we got MAGA Republican Senator Mark Wayne Mullen. And here he's talking to Linda McMahon and he's trying to lead Linda McMahon to the answer, but she doesn't understand what he's trying to do and she, like, screws up his little silly game. Here, play this clip. What was we ranked in reading and math in 1979?
[11:31]
Congresswoman Velasquez
I'm sorry, what?
[11:31]
Political Commentator
What was we ranked nationally in math.
[11:34]
Senator Dick Durbin
And reading in 1979?
[11:36]
Congresswoman Velasquez
We were very, very low on the totem pole.
[11:38]
Political Commentator
We're number one in 1979 today.
[11:42]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Oh, 1979. Okay.
[11:44]
Political Commentator
Because these MAGA Republicans ain't used to actually debating and using logic. What they're used to doing is just praising their dear leader, Donald Trump. Like you have the State Department press secretary, former Fox host correspondent Tammy Bruce, and she just, this is like just straight out of Kim Jong Un land. And she's like, we just. All that matters is what Donald Trump says. Donald Trump says that's all that Americans care about. What? Here, play this clip.
[12:13]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Well, you did see the President Trump tweet, didn't you? Yes, but that does that. I didn't think that that would completely negate the reporting. I appreciate that. I think that's the biggest guffaw I've had here. The thing that matters when it comes to American policy and what's happening is what President Trump thinks and says.
[12:37]
Professor Kate Shaw
This is the Trump administration.
[12:39]
Political Commentator
Now, can I show you what a cross exam is supposed to look like and how you intelligibly engage with these witnesses? Democratic Senator Dick Durbin cross examining Linda McMahon, education secretary. Play this clip.
[12:56]
Senator Josh Hawley
Why would you hollow out the resources there and the people that are enforcing the borrower defense rule? We have these terrible numbers of exploitation of students.
[13:05]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Well, and my point is that we shouldn't just focus on those schools. I do know that. I totally agree with you. There are some scam universities out there.
[13:13]
Senator Josh Hawley
Why would you hollow out the people who were supposed to enforce it?
[13:16]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Because I think we're putting other measures in place. But the scam.
[13:19]
Senator Josh Hawley
Give me an idea what you're putting in place that's better than the borrower defense rule.
[13:23]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Well, we just talked a little bit about fafsa and it's the education up front.
[13:27]
Senator Josh Hawley
So that I'm talking about the victims, the one who are already victims. They're in debt by tens of thousands of doll. They're living in their parents basement. They have no place to turn. And you're telling me the FAFSA form application is going to help them? How can it help them?
[13:42]
Congresswoman Velasquez
And that's not in place yet, but I think that's going to be very, very helpful. Here's the other thing. Where are our, where are our guidance counselors in high schools? Who would they talk to? And I think that they need counselors informed and I think they need to look at the cost of education.
[13:57]
Senator Josh Hawley
You're cutting the number of counselors in these schools at the same time?
[14:01]
Congresswoman Velasquez
Well, the counselors that are doing their jobs can provide information to these.
[14:06]
Senator Josh Hawley
There aren't enough of them. That's the point I'm making. And the situation is terrible for these students. First generation students are being exploited by these schools. They need your protection. They need our protection. They deserve it. They're doing the right thing. And unfortunately, you're reducing the number of people to enforce the law.
[14:23]
Political Commentator
Just in general. Yesterday in particular, these MAGA Republican Congress members and senators were in total disarray. You had MAGA Mike Johnson feeling. Do a whole other video on this. Betrayed by Elon Musk. Musk says the budget bill's a disaster. And then MAGA Mike Johnson like, but you're my friend. He's my friend. My friends aren't supposed to do this to each other. Here, watch this clip.
[14:48]
Senator Dick Durbin
Let me, let me say this. It's, it's very disappointing. Okay. I've come to consider Elon a good friend. He's obviously a very intelligent person and he's done a lot of great work. With all due respect, my friend Elon is terribly wrong about the one big beautiful bill.
[15:03]
Political Commentator
And then you have Russell Vogt, the author of Project 2025, who's now the director of the Office of Management and Budget, and he's asked a pretty simple fricking question of can you explain why you aren't codifying or turning all these Doge cuts into law? And he's like, because we want to make sure they pass. And we don't think that they will pass if we send them all to Congress. Well, if you don't think they can pass con. Hey, Russell, are you admitting that they're illegal Here? Play this clip.
[15:37]
Professor Kate Shaw
Explain why to people who may say and not understand why you're not sending all of the Doge cuts up to Capitol Hill.
[15:43]
H
Yeah, I've been pretty clear about it. I want to make sure that they pass.
[15:47]
Professor Kate Shaw
Why can't you send all of them.
[15:48]
Political Commentator
And get all of them to pass.
[15:49]
H
Because I want to make sure that they you take the first tranche and see if it passes. The wider you do in terms of a package, the the harder it is to pass. And if it doesn't pass, this is the real world and we will lose flexibility that we have to use executive tools to find other ways to make the Doge cuts permanent.
[16:10]
Political Commentator
How many directed Elon Musk I mean have you made this case to Eli directly?
[16:15]
H
I'm explaining it to everyone.
[16:17]
Senator Dick Durbin
How many packages do you expect?
[16:19]
H
We will send up more. The President is on board with that. As we see evidence of Congress passing them. This is the first step in it. I think it will be on the floor next week according to what the speaker told me yesterday. And then we'll from there we'll see where we are in the Senate. But again we want to see it pass. I think it will pass and then we'll go from there.
[16:41]
Political Commentator
Well, there you have it folks. I want I love to highlight good cross exam when I see the art of cross exam. But what the MAGA Republicans was doing was atrocious. And shout out to Democratic Congresswoman Velasquez who just pointed the truth out, ready for it, ready to fight back. And she totally schooled MAGA Republican Congress member Ralph Norman right there. Anyway, tell me what you think Hit Subscribe let's get to 5 million subscribers.
[17:10]
Jolie Representative
Can't get enough Midas? Check out the Midas plus substack for ad Free articles, reports, podcasts, daily recaps from Ron Filipkowski and more. Sign up for free now@midasplus.com Sam.