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This episode is brought to you by LifeLock. Between two factor authentication, strong passwords and a VPN, you try to be in control of how your info is protected. But many other places also have it and they might not be as careful. That's why Lifelock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats. If your identity is stolen, they'll fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year. Visit lifelock.com podcast for 40% off terms. Apply everyone's loving family freedom from T Mobile we'll pay off four phones up to $3200 and give you four free phones all on America's largest 5G network. Visit your local T Mobile location or learn more@t mobile.com FamilyFreedom up to $800 per line via virtual prepaid card typically takes 15 days. Free phones via 24 monthly bill credits with finance agreement eg Apple iPhone 16128 gigabyte 82999 Eligible trade in eg iPhone 11 Pro for well qualified credits end and balance due. If you pay off earlier, cancel contact T Mobile. Well that backfired in their faces. MAGA Republican leaders went on the various weekend shows to try to help Donald Trump with his cover up of the Epstein files. But each MAGA Republican leader looked more pathetic than the next. Bring in MAGA Republican Congressmember Eric Burleson, who claims he never even knew about the Wall Street Journal article about Donald Trump sending Epstein a birthday card for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003 where Donald Trump says our enigmas will never age and our beautiful secrets will always remain at like the height of Epstein sex trafficking. I'm sure you never heard about that Burleson. Here, play this clip in Congress on your committee.
Eric Burleson
The Oversight Committee now is planning to issue a subpoena for these files and also two Democrats on your committee, Robert Garcia and Ro Khanna now want the Epstein estate to turn over the birthday book from his 50th birthday where Trump and dozens of others were listed as contributors. Would you like to see that book, the birthday book in the name of transparency? I haven't heard about the birthday book. I don't know that that if that has any kind of bearing on as evidence on who who was being arranged to have sexual encounters with with girls. I'm more concerned that's what I'm actually concerned with is trying to instead of finding out who he went to a party with or a birthday party with, I care more about you know who who actually went to the island and who was arranged to sleep with with a minor.
Host
Then you have MAGA Republican Senator Mark Wayne Mullen on CNN with Jake Tapper. And Mullen tries to claim that it was Obama's prosecutors that entered into the sweetheart deal with Epstein back in 2009 and gave Epstein the non prosecution agreement. It was Obama's fault. The MAGA Republicans were saying on live tv, no, it was a George W. Bush prosecutor named Alex Acosta who was the federal prosecutor from the Southern District of Florida who entered into the non prosecution agreement with Jeffrey Epstein, the Attorney General. Also during the relevant time period where the COVID up was Pam Bondi in Florida. And it should also be noted that Alex Acosta was Donald Trump's former Labor Secretary during Donald Trump's first term. To Jake Tapper's credit, he called Mark Wayne Mullen out and said you're just lying. Like it was absolutely not an Obama prosecutor, was a Republican prosecutor, Alex Acosta, who, who then worked for Donald Trump. Here play this clip.
Mark Wayne Mullen
And that's why Attorney General Bondi if they was saying sealed, well then tell me why for months she was saying that she's going to release the information tomorrow.
Jake Tapper
We made the assumption that the judges would release the order and allow the evidence that they had that it could be heard if it. But it's all been sealed. And so if it's been a sealed case, we can't release it until the judges allow us to release it. And, and you would think common sense would play. That's why they asked for transparency. We want transparency. We want the judges to have transparency in this too. But remember there was a plea deal that was struck in 2009, way before I was in office, way before Trump was even considering to be in office, way before Pam Bonnie was office, way before Cash Patel was director. 2009 there was a sweetheart plea deal that was made underneath the Obama administration with Epstein. That's not. And that that sweetheart has not been exposed.
Mark Wayne Mullen
It was 2000. Well, when was was 2008, it was the U.S. attorney at the time was a guy named Alex Acosta. He was a Bush appointee. He went on to become President Trump's Secretary of Labor. It all took place in 2008. Who.
Jake Tapper
Was in office at the time?
Mark Wayne Mullen
2008? George W. Bush.
Jake Tapper
Who was in office at the time?
Mark Wayne Mullen
George W. Bush.
Jake Tapper
No, 2009 is when the case came out and it was. Obama was in office at the time.
Mark Wayne Mullen
It's not true. But let me ask you a question.
Host
I mean how utterly pathetic was that from Markway Mullen and give Jake Tapper credit there for calling it out.
Russ Vogt
Out.
Host
Then you had Mark Wayne Mullen, though, just to see how he kind of digs further and further. Mark Wayne Mullen then says, the real issue here is that Pam Bondi can't release any of the files in the DOJ and FBI's possession because they were provided to a grand jury, and thus they are subject to grand jury secrecy. Okay, that's entirely false. I mean, these people just show up and say the most egregious lies. The issue about grand jury secrecy involves grand jury testimony. The grand jury testimony is not the Epstein files. The testimony is not what people want. That's about 1%. We don't want the testimony. We want the files. The DOJ and the FBI can share those files. You redact the names of the victims and you release it. It's very simple. Has nothing to do with the grand jury at all. You just a blatant lie right here. Here, play this clip.
Mark Wayne Mullen
Now, the administration is saying they can't release this information. Now, I understand you're talking about a resolution you offered, calling for the grand jury to release transcripts from the grand jury investigation into Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, and a judge said no. But there's troves of information that the administration could release tomorrow if they wanted to, and they've been promising to and they haven't.
Jake Tapper
Oh, Jake, that's not. That's not true. You know, you know better than that, too, because, you know every piece of file that they have, every video, every. Every document, every flight log has all been heard by a grand jury. They've all been seen by a grand jury. And we want the judges to release it. Pam Bondi has called on the judges release it. Trump has called on the. On them to release it. And, and the Congress has called on them to release it. But we can't because there is a true co. Equal branches of government. So we can't force a judicial branch to do anything. All we can do is ask them to do it. We. I'm not talking about the judges would release it. I'm not talking about the grand jury stuff. There isn't. Jake, There. There isn't one piece of document that Cash Patel at the FBI or Pam Bondi in her office has that a grand jury hasn't seen. So everything.
Mark Wayne Mullen
She was talking about releasing this information by the judges. She was talking about releasing this information. She could release it tomorrow. She does. She was.
Jake Tapper
But she can't. No, she can't release it until the judges release it. Because if it's been heard by a grand jury and Jake, you know this. If it's been heard by a grand jury, regardless of Pam Bondi has it or the FBI has it, the judge that overseen the case, that the grand jury listened to and saw the documentation and the evidence has to be released by the judge. And you know that.
Mark Wayne Mullen
I don't think that that's correct. I think that the FBI and the Southern District of New York and the Southern District of Florida. Just because something has been shown before a grand jury that doesn't mean it is only going to be. It can only be released to the public by a judge. If the FBI hands it, they can release it.
Jake Tapper
Then why did, then why did the judge refuse to release the records in Florida? Because once it's been heard in the case, it is a sealed case. It is sealed by the grand jury. You have been through this. That's why we're even debating this. Because. Because if it is considered evidence in a case, then it is sealed.
Mark Wayne Mullen
The information that has been released bring.
Jake Tapper
Judge on and ask him the same question.
Mark Wayne Mullen
Grand jury hearings and transcripts the judge has control over. Absolutely. That doesn't mean that everything that went into the grand jury is therefore locked from the public. That's it just it does not work that way. And that's why Attorney General Bondi, if they're still. Well, then tell me why for months she was saying that she's going to release the information tomorrow.
Jake Tapper
We made the assumption that the judges would release the order and allow the evidence that they had that it could be heard if it's. But it's all been sealed and again.
Host
I give Tapper credit for calling it out. All right, time for some live talk. Life insurance talk, that is. You probably have it. But do you know how much you're paying for it? And for how much are you being covered? Odds are you pay too much for too little. And did you know if you receive life insurance through your job and you're unexpectedly laid off, you could suddenly be covered for nothing. Scary to think about, but simple to get right. Thanks to Select Quote where I'm headed to sort out my life insurance policy today. For over 40 years, select quote has been one of the most trusted brokers and insurance helping More than 2 million Americans secure over $700 billion in coverage. Their mission is simple. To find you the right insurance policy for your unique needs. They shop, you save. Unlike other one size fits all life insurance company select quotes license agents work for you in as little as 15 minutes. They'll compare policies from top rated carriers to find you the best fit for your health and your budget. And they work for you for free. No medical exam. No problem. They partner with providers offering same day cover up to $2 million without needing to visit your doctor. Have high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease. Select quotas Partner with policies designed for many pre existing health conditions so you get the protection you deserve. Head to selectquote.com and a licensed insurance agent will call you right away with the right policy for your life and your budget. Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Select quote they shop, you save. Get the right life insurance for you for less and Save more than 50% at select'.com/midas Save more than 50% on term life insurance at select'.com/midas today to get started. That's select quote.com/midas me I D A S Then you have the office of management and budget director Russ Vogt who was the author of Project 2025. So he goes on Face the Nation and he says he's asked a very basic question. Are you going to release the cancer research funding you've currently deprived like cast cancer research centers of critical funding to try to stop cancer? What are you doing? And then Russ Boat, I mean, this guy is pure filth. This guy's pure evil. And he's like, we're going to put it through the same rigorous review that we do with everything and we will see about that. We're talking about cancer research here. What are these maniacs doing here? Play this clip.
Russ Vogt
Some of the funds that do expire in September have also been held up on the health front. Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, 13 other Republicans came out with a letter saying that you've been slow in releasing funds for the National Institute of Health for research into cardiovascular disease cancer. Are those funds going to be released again?
Eric Burleson
We're going through the same process with the NIH that we did with the education. But there's $2 million for injecting dogs with cocaine that the NIH spent money on. $75,000 for Harvard to study blowing lizards off of trees with leaf blowers. That's the kind of waste that we've seen at the nih. And that's not even getting to the extent to which the NIH was weaponized against the American people over the last several years with regard to funding gain of function research that caused the pandemic. We have an agency that needs dramatic overhaul. Thankfully, we have a great new head of it. But we're going to have to go line by line to make sure the NIH is funded.
Russ Vogt
Are you going to release the cancer funding research and the.
Eric Burleson
We're going to continue to go to the same process that we have gone through with regard to the Department of Education, that every one of these agencies.
Russ Vogt
Before September, that money will be raised.
Eric Burleson
And we will release that funding when we are done with that review.
Host
Then they bring on maga, Republican CIA CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who basically talks about, yeah, we, I've basically issued a referral to the Department of Justice to prosecute Obama and Clinton for treason. Yeah, I think that the statute of limitations can still exist to this day. You're talking about for what? What are you even talking about? Isn't it just so pathetic the length that they're all going through to protect Donald Trump from his connections with Epstein and now that we know Donald Trump's all over the Epstein files, it's just so pathetic here. But play this clip.
Mark Wayne Mullen
I think I hear you saying is.
Russ Vogt
There is still an opportunity for indictments, potential prosecutions, accountability from those people who may have lied under oath like John Brennan, James Comey and perhaps Hillary Clinton.
Eric Burleson
Well, that's why I've made the referrals that I have. DNI Gabbard has made referrals. And why we're going to continue to share the intelligence that would support the ability of our Department of Justice to make fair and just bring fair and just claims against those who have perpetrated this hoax against the American people and this stain on our country.
Russ Vogt
Director, one other question on this. Tulsi, as well as President Trump use the word treason. Is there a statute of limitations on treason?
Eric Burleson
Well, Maria, what I would say is this is there is no doubt in my mind that the people that we just talked about conspired. They conspired against President Trump. They conspired against the American people. And so I'll leave it to Pam Bondi and our Department of Justice, Kash Patel and our FBI to investigate the conspiracy to do what and what charges that they're capable of bringing. But again, I don't think statute of limitations are going to impact because in the conspiracy, Maria, the statute of limitation doesn't start to run until the last act in furtherance of that conspiracy. And Maria, part of why this is so important is the people behind this are still furthering the conspiracy.
Host
Okay, then you have Lindsey Graham, MAGA Republican senator. You know, he's previously on camera saying over and over again that Russia did interfere with the 2016 election, it's not a controversial topic. Donald Trump shouted, russia, if you're listening, can you please interfere with the election? And can you hack Clinton's emails? Can you hack the. Hack the emails? And you know, whether or not that changed a vote or didn't change a vote, we know Russia interfered, and Lindsey Graham said as much. But here Kristen Welker plays Lindsey Graham a video of the montage of his own comments showing that back in 2017, he said that Russia interfered, and now he's changing his mind and saying, well, actually, we need to prosecute Obama. Prosecute Obama? Why? Because you're trying to hide the Epstein files. It's so pathetic. Here, play this clip.
Russ Vogt
There was already a Trump appointed special counsel at the the time investigating the origins of the Russia probe. It did not find any evidence of political interference. And Senator, at the time, you agreed with the findings of the intelligence community. I want to play back what you said at the time. Take a look.
Lindsey Graham
Yeah, the Russians did it. It was the Russians who tried to interfere in our election. Every member of the committee agrees it was the Russians. They didn't change the outcome, but they did release information embarrassing to the Democratic Party. It did affect Hillary Clinton. There's only one person in Washington that I know of that has any doub about what Russia did in our election and is President Trump.
Russ Vogt
Senator, are you now saying that you don't believe that Russia tried to interfere in the 2016 election?
Lindsey Graham
Well, what I am saying is that you left a lot out here. It's called the Horowitz Report. It's the Mueller investigation was crooked and rotten to the core.
Host
Oh, and then Lindsey Graham is asked about the fact that Palestinians in Gaza are being starved to death. Right now. You have innocent people that are being starved to that. So Lindsey Graham's asked, well, what do you think about that? And then Lindsey Graham's response is, well, I think Israel's come to the conclusion that it's just going to have to do what we did with Tokyo and Berlin. I think it realizes that it needs to just basically take the place by force and then start over again. Take the place by force. They're just saying it out loud now. Here, play this clip.
Lindsey Graham
I think what the topic we're talking about today is a change in strategy. I think President Trump has come to believe, and I certainly come to believe there's no way you're going to negotiate an end of this war with Hamas. Hamas is a terrorist organization who is chartered to destroy the state of Israel. They're Religious Nazis. They hold Israeli hostages. I think Israel has come to conclusion that they can't achieve a goal of ending the war with Hamas that would be satisfactory to the safety of Israel. And if they're going to do in Gaza what we did in Tokyo and Berlin, take the place by force, then start over again, presenting a better future for the Palestinians, hopefully having the Arabs take over the west bank and Gaza. But I think going forward, Christian, you're going to see a change in tactics, a full military effort by Israel to take Gaza down like we did in Tokyo and Berlin.
Host
And here's Lindsey Graham again. How pathetic does this look? Oh, yeah, we need someone to look in. Just look into Obama for treason. Here, play this clip.
Russ Vogt
All right. Well, let me ask you about this twist that happened this week. President Trump seemed to want to try to shut down questions about the Epstein files by accusing former President Obama of treason. This came as his director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, declassified documents which alleged top Obama officials mandated manufactured information related to Russian interference in the 2016 election. Now, Senator, as you are well aware, this actually contradicts a bipartisan Senate intelligence report led by Marco Rubio, which found that Russia did, in fact, interfere in the election. Do you actually believe that former President Obama committed treason?
Lindsey Graham
Well, I think somebody needs to look at what we found. The Intel Committee looked at the matter, and they said in 2017, the, the intelligence analysis of 2017 showing that Russia was trying to interfere in our election was real. They didn't achieve their goal. But what she found, Ms. Gabbard, is that in 2016, the intelligence community told President Obama there's no evidence that Russia was involved in trying to change the outcome of the election. And he supposedly told her group of people, keep looking. And the analysis changed.
Host
And at least here, Kristen Welker says, are you just trying to rewrite history because Donald Trump doesn't want the Epstein files getting released? Like, we're not falling for this Here, play the clip.
Lindsey Graham
Russia was involved. Well, now we all say Russia was involved, but in 2016, they said Russia wasn't involved. What Senator, happened? Let's get a special counsel.
Russ Vogt
Hold on, Senator. As you know, former President Obama has weighed in through a spokesperson. He says that's just patently false. I actually spoke to Susan Miller, who's a former senior CIA officer who helped oversee the 2017 intelligence assessment on Russian interference. She says it's completely false that Obama or anyone else asked them to change or sway their investigation. She says they all she says, and she's A Republican says they all would have quit if that had happened. Senator, are you trying to rewrite history to distract from the Epstein matter?
Lindsey Graham
Senator no, I'm trying to let you know and the media know that we found something we didn't know before. At the end of the day, I'm not calling for a prosecution against President Obama for treason, but I am calling for an investigation.
Host
Back to Russ Vote right here and Russ Vote says we actually should applaud Donald Trump in the way he's dealing with the federal the chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell. Donald Trump hasn't fired him yet. So that shows that Donald Trump is exercising restraint and respects the chairman of the Federal Reserve. So pathetic. Here, play this clip.
Mark Wayne Mullen
I realize it's not unprecedented for a president to speak about what they want in terms of the interest rates, although this is probably taking it to a new level. But do you not have any concerns with all this back and forth about firing Powell, about the concept or the perception of undermining the independence of the Fed, which therefore could then undermine confidence that global investors have in the United States? As you know, the idea of an independent federal bank is an important part of that.
Eric Burleson
No, in fact, I think the patience that the president has demonstrated towards Chairman Powell is in fact a defense of that independence. You had Secretary Besson out there talking about the independence of the Fed, but we also have to articulate the views of the American people and the president with regard to to needing lower interest rates and not having a largesse monstrosity on the National Mall.
Host
So back to Mark Wayne Mullen. He continues to insist, again just a total lie, that Obama was the one who oversaw the Epstein non prosecution agreement in 2009, which did not happen. And again Tapper, fortunately fact checks them here.
Jake Tapper
Play this clip, even weigh in on that. But I'll go back to what you're saying by it wasn't true. The case was sealed in 2009. That's absolutely true. It was heard in 2008. It was sealed in 2009.
Mark Wayne Mullen
The point is that the sweetheart deal which was completed in 2008 was under the Bush administration. U.S. attorney Alex Acosta. That's why Alex Acosta resigned in the first Bush administration, because the Miami Herald had written this story in 2018 about how Epstein got away with so much. And then in 2019, the US Attorney under President Trump, Jeff Berman in the Southern District of New York then brought charges against him. So I mean there is stuff to say that you could point to that say like President Trump did this or President Trump did that.
Jake Tapper
And remember, in 2019, President Trump and his administration called for it to be unsealed at that time, too. It went silent. And not a word was said during the Biden administration. Not a word. Nothing was said during the Biden administration.
Mark Wayne Mullen
People can look it up. The sweetheart deal was 2008 during the George W. Bush administration. But I always appreciate your coming on the show.
Host
And then this even just gets even more strange. You have Nancy Mace, she goes on Fox and she says that she loves watching YouTube videos of ICE torturing migrants. Here, play this clip.
Russ Vogt
New sheriff in town. I have to tell you, one of my favorite things to watch on YouTube these days are the court hearings where illegals are in court and ICE shows up to drag them out of the court and deport them. I can think of nothing more American today than keeping our streets safer by getting those violent criminals out of the United States of America. And we all have Donald J. Trump to thank for it.
Lindsey Graham
Take a look.
Host
And then she says that she may be forced to run for governor of South Carolina because South Carolina has become too woke. Here, play this clip box.
Lindsey Graham
Let's talk about your political future.
Jake Tapper
Here is a headline from the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Eric Burleson
It says in the first New Hampshire appearance, Nancy Mace all but confirms a run for South Carolina governor. Is that in the cards for you, Congresswoman?
Russ Vogt
Well, I will be making a decision over the next couple of days about my future. I believe I may be forced to run for governor because I can't watch my beautiful red state of South Carolina go woke. It's gone woke over the last couple of years. This is a two man race. If I get in between me and Alan Wilson, the South Carolina attorney general who likes to put pedophiles on trial and give them one day in jail served. And so I don't believe that the South Carolina people will go for that. But we'll be making a decision about my future over the next couple of days. And we're excited about it.
Host
Here's an ex post. And then finally, you have the chairman of the fcc, Brendan Carr, talking about how he's on CNBC here, how the Trump regime basically is going to be taking over all these news networks and controlling their content because all the content's too woke. So Trump regime wants to control all the networks. Here, play this clip.
Eric Burleson
Yeah.
Lindsey Graham
And so again, when Anagomez writes you're imposing never before seen controls over newsroom decisions and editorial judgment in direct violation of the First Amendment, you say what?
Eric Burleson
I think it's time for a change in the procedures that we put in place in this deal have lots of precedent. For instance, there's been ombudsman's put in place by the to see before we're putting a bias ombudsman in place here. We're addressing dei. The prior FCC during the Biden years put pro DTI commitments in different transactions. And so we're unwinding that type of approach and we're frankly taking a trust but verify perspective here. I think this could go a long way to restoring America's trust in media. And again, the media itself, I think has undermined itself over these last couple of years. When you look at this stuff that Colbert is doing, the idea that, you know, a Partizan carnival makes economic sense. These are business decisions at the end of the day. And again, I think it goes back to President Trump because this facade of gatekeeper legitimacy that was conferred on these outlets is going away and we're just seeing a lot of dominoes fall as a result of that.
Host
It just fascism in plain view, folks. So Donald Trump in Scotland promoting his golf course, hiding from the Epstein scandal of his own making. Release the damn files. Trump is cheating on golf, disgracing the United States in front of the whole world, harming and damaging the whole world right there. And that's what the MAGA Republicans were doing on TV you saw for yourself. Hit subscribe let's get to 6 million. Thanks for watching. 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.come commerce business owners know a successful business keeps customers happy. That's why smart retailers use Shipstation. Turn shoppers into loyal customers with cheaper, faster and better shipping. Manage all your orders, orders and returns in one place and save up to 90% on rates from all the global carriers. Go to shipstation. Com program to sign up for your free trial. No credit card required and you can Cancel Anytime. That's shipstation.com program.
The MeidasTouch Podcast: GOP Leaders Lose It On Air as Trump’s Plan Backfires
Release Date: July 30, 2025
In the latest episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas dive deep into the recent public unraveling of GOP leaders as they attempt to defend former President Donald Trump amidst the ongoing Epstein file controversies. This episode, titled “GOP Leaders Lose It On Air as Trump’s Plan Backfires,” offers a compelling mix of sharp analysis, brotherly banter, and unwavering support for democratic principles.
The episode kicks off with the hosts highlighting the recent media appearances of various MAGA Republican leaders who sought to mitigate the fallout from Donald Trump’s alleged connections with Jeffrey Epstein. However, these defenses have not only failed to shield Trump but have also exposed the GOP figures to ridicule and skepticism.
Notable Quote:
"Well that backfired in their faces. MAGA Republican leaders went on the various weekend shows to try to help Donald Trump with his cover up of the Epstein files. But each MAGA Republican leader looked more pathetic than the next." – Host [00:01]
Congressman Eric Burleson emerges as a prime example of the GOP's faltering defense strategy. During his congressional committee appearance, Burleson feigned ignorance about the Wall Street Journal article detailing Trump’s relationship with Epstein, stating he was unaware of the infamous 2003 birthday card incident.
Notable Quote:
"I haven't heard about the birthday book. I don't know that that if that has any kind of bearing on as evidence..." – Eric Burleson [01:35]
The hosts criticize Burleson’s lack of preparation and understanding of the matter, emphasizing how his feigned ignorance only damages the GOP’s credibility.
Senator Mark Wayne Mullen's appearances on CNN alongside Jake Tapper further exemplify the GOP's crumbling defense. Mullen inaccurately attributed the Epstein non-prosecution agreement to the Obama administration, despite it being established under a Republican-appointed U.S. Attorney, Alex Acosta, during the George W. Bush era.
Notable Quote:
"It's 2000. Well, when was 2008, it was the U.S. attorney at the time was a guy named Alex Acosta." – Mark Wayne Mullen [04:25]
Jake Tapper swiftly corrected Mullen, highlighting the factual inaccuracies in his statements, which only served to undermine the GOP's position.
The hosts also shed light on Russ Vogt, the Office of Management and Budget Director, who publicly criticized the withholding of cancer research funds. Vogt's aggressive stance and misleading information about NIH funding allocations highlight a broader pattern of misinformation emanating from GOP leaders.
Notable Quote:
"Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, 13 other Republicans came out with a letter saying that you've been slow in releasing funds for the National Institute of Health..." – Russ Vogt [11:19]
CIA Director John Ratcliffe's unfounded allegations against Obama and Clinton for treason add another layer of controversy. Ratcliffe's statements lack substantive evidence, further eroding trust in GOP leaders' narratives.
Notable Quote:
"We, I've basically issued a referral to the Department of Justice to prosecute Obama and Clinton for treason." – John Ratcliffe [13:10]
The hosts express deep frustration over these baseless claims, emphasizing the GOP’s desperation to divert attention from the Epstein scandal.
Senator Lindsey Graham's shifting stance on Russian interference in the 2016 election serves as a focal point for the episode. Initially affirming Russia's involvement, Graham later questions these findings, aligning himself with the GOP's broader strategy to obfuscate the truth.
Notable Quote:
"Yeah, the Russians did it... But now we all say Russia was involved, but in 2016, they said Russia wasn't involved." – Lindsey Graham [16:16]
Graham's inconsistency not only confuses the public but also highlights the internal conflicts within the GOP leadership.
Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s provocative remarks about ICE torturing migrants and her potential gubernatorial run due to South Carolina’s “wokeness” underscore the extreme rhetoric being used by some GOP members to rally their base, often at the expense of factual accuracy and compassion.
Notable Quote:
"I'm being forced to run for governor because I can't watch my beautiful red state of South Carolina go woke." – Nancy Mace [23:27]
The episode also touches upon FCC Chairman Brendan Carr's claims about the Trump administration aiming to control news networks to combat perceived "wokeness." Carr's assertions about imposing new controls over newsroom decisions reflect the broader GOP agenda to influence media narratives.
Notable Quote:
"We're unwinding that type of approach and we're frankly taking a trust but verify perspective here." – Brendan Carr [25:22]
Throughout the episode, the hosts meticulously dissect each GOP leader's missteps, highlighting the patterns of misinformation and desperation that plague the party's public appearances. Their critical analysis underscores the detrimental impact these actions have on the GOP's credibility and the broader democratic discourse.
Notable Quote:
"It just fascism in plain view, folks. So Donald Trump in Scotland promoting his golf course, hiding from the Epstein scandal of his own making." – Host [26:14]
The episode concludes with a strong admonition against the GOP's tactics, calling for accountability and transparency to preserve democratic integrity.
Final Thoughts
The MeidasTouch Podcast delivers a thorough and incisive examination of the GOP's faltering attempts to defend Donald Trump amidst the Epstein scandal. By weaving together detailed analysis, notable quotes, and engaging commentary, Ben, Brett, and Jordy provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the political dynamics at play. This episode not only highlights the challenges within the Republican leadership but also reinforces the podcast’s commitment to supporting democracy through informed and entertaining discourse.
For those seeking a blend of comedy, critical analysis, and steadfast support for democratic values, this episode stands out as a testament to The MeidasTouch Network's dedication to impactful political commentary.