The MeidasTouch Podcast - Episode: "Trump CAVES QUICK on Thanksgiving" (Released: November 29, 2024)

Hosted by Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas, this Thanksgiving episode delves into pivotal political events, media dynamics, and the rising influence of the MeidasTouch Network. Combining insightful analysis with the brothers' signature banter, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of recent developments impacting American democracy.

1. Holiday Greetings and Podcast Milestone (00:00 – 02:20)

The episode kicks off with the Meiselas brothers extending warm Thanksgiving wishes to their listeners. Amidst these greetings, significant news is shared: the MeidasTouch Network has surpassed Joe Rogan's podcast in video viewership leading up to the election—a testament to their growing influence and the support of their dedicated community, the "MeidasMighty."

Ben Meiselas (02:03):

"Happy Thanksgiving, y'all. We just got stats that Midas Touch surpassed Joe Rogan in viewership on video podcasts leading up to the election. That's pretty big news."

2. Trump's Confrontation with Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum (02:20 – 11:57)

The brothers shift focus to international politics, specifically addressing former President Donald Trump's recent interactions with Mexico's President, Claudia Sheinbaum. Trump's aggressive stance—threatening tariffs and border closures—was met with Sheinbaum's firm and factual rebuttal.

Jordy Meiselas (07:13):

"Donald Trump, in my view, has the little stick policy whereby he acts obnoxious and beats his chest and makes all of these threats, but ultimately backs down."

The episode highlights Sheinbaum's comprehensive letter to Trump, emphasizing Mexico's proactive measures in managing migration and combating drug trafficking. Sheinbaum asserts that migrating caravans are no longer a concern due to Mexico's strategic policies, effectively undermining Trump's threats.

Sheinbaum's Letter Excerpts (Highlighted at 10:00):

"Migration and drug consumption in the United States cannot be addressed through threats or tariffs. What is needed is cooperation and mutual understanding to tackle these significant issues."

Trump's subsequent social media posts attempted to portray the situation favorably, claiming accomplishments and misrepresenting the outcomes of his discussions with Sheinbaum. The Meiselas brothers critique Trump's approach, emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy over performative posturing.

Ben Meiselas (13:59):

"Elon Musk wanted to spread that misinformation intentionally to confuse the American people."

3. Media Bias and Midas Touch's Rising Viewership (11:57 – 28:29)

A significant portion of the episode examines media coverage, particularly how mainstream outlets handle information compared to the MeidasTouch Network. The brothers argue that traditional media often perpetuates right-wing narratives while marginalizing independent voices like theirs.

Brett Meiselas (06:50):

"We just got stats that Midas Touch surpassed Joe Rogan in viewership on video podcasts leading up to the election. That's pretty big news."

They discuss a recent Ad Week article that lauded Joe Rogan's podcast while inadvertently acknowledging MeidasTouch's comparable performance. The brothers express frustration over the lack of recognition for their achievements, attributing it to the absence of corporate marketing and publicists.

Brett Meiselas (38:48):

"The framing is utterly ridiculous. And I think we should stop talking about it, quite frankly, in my honest opinion."

The brothers emphasize their commitment to delivering truth-based content without corporate interference, positioning themselves as a counterbalance to mainstream media biases.

4. Republican Strategies and Implications for the House Majority (28:29 – 49:31)

The discussion transitions to domestic politics, focusing on the narrow Republican majority in the House of Representatives (217 to 215 seats). The brothers express concerns about the stability of this majority, highlighting the potential for Democrats to regain control with just a few defections.

Brett Meiselas (49:13):

"It's going to be very tight, you know, for all these things."

They analyze the appointment of MAGA Republicans to key cabinet positions and the subsequent impact on legislative processes. The brothers critique Republican strategies, including the promotion of policies that may lead to internal conflicts and legislative paralysis.

Jordy Meiselas (43:46):

"Governance should be about helping people and lifting people up and not knocking people down."

5. Media Coverage and Comparison to Joe Rogan (49:31 – 59:18)

Reiterating their earlier point, the brothers delve deeper into the comparison between their podcast and Joe Rogan's, underscoring the discrepancies in media recognition despite similar or superior performance metrics. They argue that their independent, fact-driven approach resonates more effectively with audiences seeking genuine analysis over sensationalism.

Brett Meiselas (35:44):

"I have no cash. It's all tied up. So right now, if I wanted to call a taxicab, I can't do it."

The brothers maintain that their lack of corporate backing allows for unbiased reporting, which they believe is essential for upholding democratic values and providing listeners with reliable information.

6. Closing Remarks and Call to Action (59:18 – End)

In their concluding segments, the Meiselas brothers express deep gratitude to their listeners for supporting the MeidasTouch Network. They encourage continued engagement through subscriptions, highlighting the importance of growing their independent media presence to further their mission of supporting democracy and disseminating truthful information.

Brett Meiselas (57:42):

"I'm dead set now on catching up on, on the audio because we've conquered in the video. We got to get there in the audio."

They reiterate their commitment to being a reliable source of news and analysis, thanking the MeidasMighty community for their unwavering support.

Jordy Meiselas (35:49):

"Thank you everybody for joining us on this Thanksgiving edition of the Midas Touch podcast."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ben Meiselas (02:03):

  "Happy Thanksgiving, y'all. We just got stats that Midas Touch surpassed Joe Rogan in viewership on video podcasts leading up to the election. That's pretty big news."

• Jordy Meiselas (07:13):

  "Donald Trump, in my view, has the little stick policy whereby he acts obnoxious and beats his chest and makes all of these threats, but ultimately backs down."

• Brett Meiselas (35:44):

  "I have no cash. It's all tied up. So right now, if I wanted to call a taxicab, I can't do it."

• Jordy Meiselas (43:46):

  "Governance should be about helping people and lifting people up and not knocking people down."

Conclusion

In this Thanksgiving episode, the MeidasTouch Network effectively combines timely political analysis with a critique of mainstream media practices, all while celebrating their significant milestone of surpassing Joe Rogan in video podcast viewership. The Meiselas brothers advocate for a truth-driven approach to media, emphasizing the importance of independent platforms in fostering informed and engaged communities. As they continue to navigate the evolving political landscape, their commitment to supporting democracy and providing unbiased news remains steadfast, reinforcing their position as a leading voice in independent media.