YIKES! Senate Hearing GOES OFF THE RAILS over Trump Picks

Summary

The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary
Episode: YIKES! Senate Hearing GOES OFF THE RAILS over Trump Picks
Release Date: January 30, 2025

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas delve into the tumultuous Senate confirmation hearings surrounding former President Donald Trump's controversial nominations. The episode, titled "YIKES! Senate Hearing GOES OFF THE RAILS over Trump Picks," provides an in-depth analysis of the hearings, spotlighting the contentious testimonies of Cash Patel and RFK Jr. The brothers blend sharp political insight with their signature humor, making complex political maneuvers accessible and engaging for their millions of listeners.

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Overview of the Senate Hearings

The episode begins with a breakdown of the day's agenda in the Senate, where Republicans are pushing forward three significant confirmation hearings:

1. Cash Patel for Director of the FBI
2. Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence
3. RFK Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS)

The hosts emphasize the high stakes of these hearings, characterizing the nominees as "unqualified" and "dangerous," and criticize the Republican strategy to expedite confirmations despite mounting concerns (00:00 - 01:00).

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Cash Patel's Testimony: A Controversial Stance

Refusal to Acknowledge 2020 Election Results

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Cash Patel's refusal to acknowledge that Joe Biden won the 2020 election. During his testimony, Patel was pressed by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin to affirm Biden's victory:

• Durbin (01:22): "Won the 2020 election."
• Patel (01:23): "Joe Biden is the was the president United States."
• Durbin (01:28): "There’s a difference."
• Durbin (01:29): "I can say the words Donald Trump won. I don't like to say it, but..."
• Patel (01:36): "I must say it."

The hosts highlight Patel's evasive responses, suggesting a deliberate attempt to sow doubt about the election's legitimacy.

Allegations of Misrepresentation and Associations

The podcast further scrutinizes Patel's credibility by exposing his repeated appearances on Stu Peters' show, known for disseminating conspiracy theories. The hosts present a montage of Patel's interactions with Peters, demonstrating contradictions between his public testimonies and past associations (02:38 - 04:00).

• Patel on Podcast (03:18 - 03:39): Repeated affirmations of appreciation without addressing the content.
• Durbin (03:54): "Stu Peters. Does that name ring a bell?"
• Patel (04:05): "Not off the top of my head."

The MeidasTouch brothers argue that Patel's refusal to acknowledge his ties with figures promoting extremist views undermines his suitability for a leadership role in the FBI.

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RFK Jr.'s Testimony: Vaccine Controversies

Questioning Vaccine Efficacy and Safety

RFK Jr.'s hearing for HHS Secretary is another focal point of the episode. The senators, particularly Bernie Sanders, challenge his stance on COVID-19 vaccines:

• RFK Jr. (05:28): "I filed that lawsuit after CDC recommended the vaccine for six-year-old children without any evidence that it would benefit them and without testing on six-year-old children."
• Sanders (05:49): "The scientific community has established that the COVID vaccine saved millions of lives and you're casting doubt. That is really problematic."

The hosts criticize RFK Jr.'s approach, emphasizing the overwhelming scientific consensus supporting vaccine efficacy and safety.

Debating Vaccine and Autism Claims

Senator Sanders presses RFK Jr. on the oft-debunked claim linking vaccines to autism:

• Sanders (06:21): "Studies all over the world say vaccines do not cause autism. Do you agree with that?"
• RFK Jr. (06:56): "What do you think, Senator? If you show me those studies, I will."
• Sanders (07:13): "The studies are there. Your job was to have looked at those studies as an applicant for this job."

The MeidasTouch brothers underscore the frustration with RFK Jr.'s refusal to engage with established research, portraying it as a disregard for scientific integrity.

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Key Moments and Controversies

Character Assessments and Past Allegations

The episode also touches upon RFK Jr.'s character, addressing past accusations of sexual misconduct:

• Senator Whitehouse (09:07): "Did you make sexual advances towards Ms. Cooney without her consent?"
• RFK Jr. (09:44): "No, I did not. And that story has been debunked."

The hosts question the sincerity of RFK Jr.'s defenses, suggesting that his inconsistent statements raise red flags about his honesty and character.

Deep State Allegations and Investigations

Cash Patel faces intense scrutiny over his claims of combating the "deep state":

• Durbin (11:00): "Do you plan to investigate James Comey?"
• Patel (12:32): "I have no intentions of going backwards."

The brothers critique Patel's vague responses, highlighting the lack of concrete plans to address alleged deep state activities, thereby questioning his commitment to transparency and accountability.

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Host Insights and Analysis

Throughout the episode, Ben, Brett, and Jordy provide sharp commentary on the Senate hearings:

• Ben: Emphasizes the dangers of appointing individuals with questionable stances and associations to key government positions.
• Brett: Highlights the irony and contradictions in Patel and RFK Jr.'s testimonies, particularly their reluctance to confront factual evidence.
• Jordy: Uses humor to underscore the absurdity of certain claims made during the hearings, making the content relatable and engaging.

The brothers also analyze the broader implications of these hearings on U.S. democracy, stressing the importance of accountability and integrity in public office.

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Notable Quotes

• Durbin to Patel (01:22): "Won the 2020 election."
• Patel (01:23): "Joe Biden is the was the president United States."
• Sanders to RFK Jr. (05:49): "The scientific community has established that the COVID vaccine saved millions of lives and you're casting doubt. That is really problematic."
• Durbin to RFK Jr. (06:21): "Studies all over the world say vaccines do not cause autism. Do you agree with that?"
• Patel (12:32): "I have no intentions of going backwards."

These quotes encapsulate the tension and contentious exchanges that defined the hearings, providing listeners with clear examples of the nominees' evasive and defensive tactics.

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Conclusion

In "YIKES! Senate Hearing GOES OFF THE RAILS over Trump Picks," The MeidasTouch Podcast offers a thorough and engaging analysis of some of the most controversial Senate hearings of the year. By dissecting the testimonies of Cash Patel and RFK Jr., the Meiselas brothers shed light on the challenges facing American democracy, including the appointment of potentially unfit individuals to critical government roles and the spread of misinformation. Their blend of insightful commentary and humor makes this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the current political landscape and the preservation of democratic values.

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Stay Connected:
Join the Meiselas brothers and the MeidasMighty community for more insightful discussions. Subscribe to The MeidasTouch Podcast and catch new episodes every Tuesday and Friday morning, along with live video sessions on YouTube every Monday and Thursday night.

Transcript

[Ryan Reynolds]

Hey there, Ryan Reynolds here. It's a new year and you know what that means. No, not the diet resolutions. A way for us all to try and do a little bit better than we did last year. And my resolution, unlike big wireless, is to not be a raging and raise the price of wireless on you every chance I get. Give it a [e-mail] Switch $45 upfront payment required equivalent to $15 per month. New customers on first 3 month plan only. Taxes and fees, extra speed slower above 40 gigabytes on unlimited. See mintmobile.com for details. So Republicans scheduled three confirmation hearings today to try to jam them all through. Of the most unqualified, dangerous people, you had Cash Patel, who Donald Trump put to lead the FBI. You had Tulsi Gabber, who Donald Trump put to be the director of national intelligence. And you have anti vaxxer RFK Jr who Donald Trump put to run Health and Human Services. The hearings went off the rails awfully quickly today. We try to keep track of them all here on the Midas Touch Network. Here, Cash Patel, who Donald Trump once appointed to lead the FBI, is asked, can you simply say that Joe Biden won the 2020 election? Cash Patel refuses to do so. Play this clip. Can you say the words Joe Biden.

[Dick Durbin]

Won the 2020 election.

[Cash Patel]

Joe Biden is the was the president United States.

[Dick Durbin]

I'm going to stay on this.

[Cash Patel]

There's a difference.

[Dick Durbin]

I can say the words Donald Trump won. I don't like to say it, but.

[Cash Patel]

I must say it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Next up, you have Democratic Senator Dick Durbin asked Cash Patel about creating a musical with the 1-6- insurrectionist and a song called the J6 choir, which was used to replace the national anthem at Donald Trump campaign events. Play the clip.

[Dick Durbin]

Tell me about your J6 choir. What is that?

[Cash Patel]

Well, it's not my choir. It's simply a recording that was utilized to raise funds for families in need of non violent offenders.

[Dick Durbin]

Who sings on this recording?

[Cash Patel]

I don't know, Senator.

[Dick Durbin]

What did you have to do with it?

[Cash Patel]

Simply to raise funds to assist families of nonviolent offenders whose kids needed college education payments and whose rent needed being paid.

[Dick Durbin]

My understanding is that the performers on this J6 choir were the rioters who are in prison.

[Cash Patel]

I'm not aware of that, sir. I didn't have anything to do with the recording.

[Dick Durbin]

You weren't aware of who made the recording?

[Cash Patel]

No, Senator.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Now I want to show you this clip first to show you Cash Patel is a liar. Some may call that committing perjury. Others may say lying But I'll leave that distinction or determination up to you and your opinion. But here, Cash Patel, repeat, re. Appears repeatedly on a show called Stu Peters, which spread some heinous conspiracies and lies and a bunch of toxic, dangerous, dangerous stuff. I want you to watch him first appear, because then I'm gonna show you a clip where Cash Patel says, stu, I don't know this guy. So first, let me give you receipts. Play the clip. Thank you so much for being here. I appreciate it.

[Cash Patel]

Thanks, DU Always love coming on your show.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Kash Patel, thank you so much for making the time to be here with us. We appreciate it.

[Cash Patel]

Thanks, DU Appreciate it.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Thank you so much for being here. We appreciate it.

[Cash Patel]

Thanks, DU Appreciate it. See you soon.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I got to go. Cash, thank you so much for being here. We really appreciate it. Up against a hard break here. Thank you so much for being here. We appreciate it.

[Cash Patel]

Thanks so much. Appreciate it, Stu.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Kash Patel, thank you so much for being here. We appreciate it.

[Cash Patel]

Thanks so much, Stu. Appreciate it. You got a great show.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Thank you. Thank you for that montage. Ron Filipkowski, our editor in chief. Now Democratic senator Dick Durbin asked Kash Patel, do you know who Stu Peters. Are you familiar who that is with? That is. And Cash Patel's like, nope. Watch this.

[Dick Durbin]

Stu Peters. Does that name ring a bell?

[Cash Patel]

I'm sorry, what?

[Dick Durbin]

Are you familiar with Mr. Stu Peters?

[Cash Patel]

Not off the top of my head.

[Dick Durbin]

He made eight separate appearances on his podcast. He promoted outrageous conspiracy theories and worked with a prominent neo Nazi. There are more. Ted Nugent that goes on. List goes on. I'm just asking, when it comes to your association with individuals, why are so many of them in this category?

[Cash Patel]

My association, as you loosely define it, is by appearing in media over a thousand times to take on people who are putting on conspiratorial theories and to devour them of their false impressions and to talk to them about the truth. That is something that I will always continue to fight for, Senator.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Now I want to show you RFK Jr. He goes, I've never said anything wrong about science. Play this clip.

[RFK Jr.]

Show me a single statement I made about science that is erroneous.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Thank you. Okay. You want me to show your receipts? Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders. Bring in the receipts, Blake.

[Bernie Sanders]

So my question to you is, were the scientists who told us that the COVID vaccine was imperative and President Trump who told us that it was this great thing, were they right or were you right when you told people that they should not take Covid shots?

[RFK Jr.]

Senator, I filed that lawsuit After CDC recommended the vaccine for six year old children without any evidence that it would benefit them and without testing on six year old children. And that was my reason for filing that lawsuit.

[Bernie Sanders]

Was the vaccine, COVID vaccine successful in saving millions of lives?

[RFK Jr.]

I. I don't know. We don't have a good surveillance system, unfortunately.

[Bernie Sanders]

We don't know.

[RFK Jr.]

I don't think anybody can say that. If you show me science that shows.

[Bernie Sanders]

That, you know, Bob, you say if I show you, you're applying for the job. I mean, clearly you should know this and that is the scientific community has established that the COVID vaccine saved millions of lives and you're casting doubt. That is really problematic. All right, let me ask.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Next up, Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders. Here he goes right here. Let's play the clip.

[Bernie Sanders]

Thank you, Chairman Cassidy. And I'm going to do what I very rarely do is actually follow up on a question. Senator Cassidy, there have been, as I understand it, dozens of studies done all over the world that make it very clear that vaccines do not cause autism. Now you just said, if I heard correctly. Well, if the evidence is there, the evidence is there. That's it. Vaccines do not cause autism. Do you agree with that?

[RFK Jr.]

As I said, I'm not going to go into HHS with any preordained.

[Bernie Sanders]

I asked you a simple question, Bobby. Studies all over the world say it does not.

[RFK Jr.]

What do you think, Senator? If you show me those studies, I will. Absolutely, as I promised to Chairman Cassidy, I will.

[Bernie Sanders]

That is a very troubling response because the studies are there. Your job was to have looked at those studies as an applicant for this job.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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[Sheldon Whitehouse]

I do want to ask you a question about character. I still believe character matters. And I want to let you respond to this. You were accused of sexual harassment and assault by Eliza Cooney, who was first hired as a part time babysitter by your family. When you were confronted about this accusation, you said you were, quote, not a church boy and that you, quote, have so many skeletons in my closet. You then texted Ms. Cooney an apology and indicated you had no memory of what she described. Mr. Kennedy, I'm asking you to respond to those accusations seriously in front of this committee. Did you make sexual advances towards Ms. Cooney without her consent?

[RFK Jr.]

No, I did not. And that story has been debunked.

[Sheldon Whitehouse]

But why did you apologize to her then?

[RFK Jr.]

I apologize for something else.

[Sheldon Whitehouse]

That. Well, that's not my understanding. Are there? Let me just ask.

[RFK Jr.]

All you have to read is the text which she published is not for that.

[Sheldon Whitehouse]

That is not how I've read it. Are there any other instances where you have made sexual advances towards an individual without their consent? Just yes or no.

[RFK Jr.]

No.

[Sheldon Whitehouse]

No.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Here is Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Let's play it. And here's what this nominee himself has said about using his office to prosecute journalists.

[Dick Durbin]

We will go out and find the.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Conspirators not just in government, but in the media. We're gonna come after you whether it's criminally or civilly. Is that a correct quotation, Mr. Patel?

[Cash Patel]

Senator, that's a partial quotation, but it's correct in part.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Democratic Senator Murphy, let's play it.

[RFK Jr.]

Let me finish what I'm saying. You made some great vacuums.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Pedophilia to the administer to the administration of vaccines.

[RFK Jr.]

No, it wasn't pedophilia.

[Dick Durbin]

So it was a perfect Metaphor.

[RFK Jr.]

Well, if you have 1 in 36 kids who is neurological injuries and if that is, you know, linked, that's perfect. We should study.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Is it a perfect metaphor?

[RFK Jr.]

It's not a perfect metaphor, but there's no metaphor that's perfect. But I am pro vaccine. I am going to support the vaccine program.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I want Democratic Senator Hirono to Patel. Let's play it. We have heard already your book includes.

[Dick Durbin]

A list of 60 people who you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Think make up part of the executive branch deep state.

[Dick Durbin]

Mr. Patel, they've confirmed. Do you plan to investigate President Trump's.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Former FBI director, Christopher Wray, yes or no?

[Cash Patel]

I have no plans in going backwards.

[Ryan Reynolds]

How about James Comey?

[Sheldon Whitehouse]

Do you plan to investigate him?

[Cash Patel]

Senator, every investigation will be subject to the same.

[Sheldon Whitehouse]

Do you plan to investigate James Comey.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Who'S on your list?

[Cash Patel]

I have no intentions of going backwards.

[Ryan Reynolds]

How about Bill Barr?

[Cash Patel]

Intention of using the Constitution.

[Dick Durbin]

How about Bill Barr? Do you plan to investigate him?

[Ryan Reynolds]

Who's on your executive branch deep state. And you say you're going to ferret.

[Dick Durbin]

Out the deep state?

[Cash Patel]

No one. Did not break the law. Will be investigated.

[Ryan Reynolds]

No answers to any of those. And finally, here's Democratic Senator Adam Schiff from the great state of California. Let's play it.

[Dick Durbin]

Senator Durbin asked you about the January six choir of inmates whose song you promoted, and here's what you said. I did not have anything to do with the recording. I did not have anything to do with the recording. Do you stand by that testimony, Mr. Patel?

[Cash Patel]

Senator, what I said was I didn't do the recording.

[Dick Durbin]

You said you didn't have anything to do with the recording, which is interesting because here's what you told Steve Bannon on his podcast. So what we thought would be cool is if we captured that audio and then, of course, had the greatest president, President Donald J. Trump, recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Then we went to a studio and recorded it, mastered it, digitized it, and put it out as a song. Now releasing exclusively on the War Room. We. We. We. If you had nothing to do with it, Mr. Patel, why did you tell Steve Bannon and all his listeners that you did?

[Cash Patel]

That's why it says we as you highlighted.

[Dick Durbin]

Yeah. And you're part of the we, right? When you say we, that includes you, doesn't it, Mr. Patel?

[Cash Patel]

Not in every instance.

[Dick Durbin]

Well, that's new. So when you said we, you didn't really mean you. Is that your testimony?

[Cash Patel]

Not unless you have a new definition for the word we.

[Dick Durbin]

Oh, okay. I always thought we included the person who pronounced the word, but maybe not. Well, you also said this, Mr. Patel. We were able to capture the recording thanks to their courageous singing, and we were able to take it to a studio. So let me ask you, Mr. Patel, after saying we took it to a studio, did you take it to a studio?

[Cash Patel]

Me personally? No.

[Dick Durbin]

After you said that, we digitized and recorded it and all that, did you take it to a studio and digitize and record it?

[Cash Patel]

Me personally? No.

[Dick Durbin]

Okay, so you were lying to Steve Bannon and his audience. Is that what you're saying?

[Cash Patel]

No, I was using the proverbial we appropriately as you loyal we.

[Dick Durbin]

Oh, I see.

[Ryan Reynolds]

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