What A Day Podcast Summary

Title: What A Day
Host: Jane Coston
Episode: Will Senate Stymie Trump feat. Sen. Jacky Rosen
Release Date: December 6, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of What A Day, host Jane Coston delves into the critical political climate as the 118th Congress approaches its final weeks before a potential Republican takeover. With the looming transition to a new Republican Congress on January 3rd and the possibility of Donald Trump returning to the White House, the episode explores whether the Senate can effectively counteract Trump's policies. Jane engages in an insightful conversation with Senator Jackie Rosen of Nevada to uncover the Democratic strategies at play during this pivotal period.

Conversation with Senator Jackie Rosen

Re-election Insights and Voter Priorities

The episode begins with Jane congratulating Senator Rosen on her recent re-election victory. Despite Senator Rosen's state favoring Trump, she secured her seat by a narrow margin of 1.65 percentage points and notably outperformed Vice President Harris by nearly 5%.

• Jane Coston [02:03]: "You outran Vice President Harris by nearly 5%. What does that tell you about voters and what their priorities were at the ballot box?"

• Senator Jackie Rosen [02:21]: "I think ... because of that, I'm one of the most bipartisan, effective and independent senators helping deliver results for Nevada ... that showed through at the end."

Democratic Strategies in the Lame Duck Session

As the current Congress wraps up its term, Senator Rosen outlines the Democrats' agenda to maximize their remaining time in office:

• Judicial Confirmations: Democrats aim to confirm as many of President Biden's judicial nominees as possible before losing power, having already confirmed 221 federal judges over the past four years.

• Executive Orders and Progressive Measures: Plans include proposing executive orders to counteract Trump's policy initiatives, expediting citizenship applications to protect migrants, and fully utilizing funding from the Inflation Reduction Act.

Preparing for a Republican Trifecta

With the anticipation of a Republican majority across the House, Senate, and Supreme Court, Senator Rosen emphasizes the importance of relationship-building and bipartisan cooperation:

• Senator Rosen [04:33]: "Life is all about relationships. ... I have a lot of relationships on both sides of the aisle ... we can work on that."

• Policy Focus: Initiatives such as the new VA hospital in Reno highlight her efforts to collaborate across party lines to deliver tangible benefits to constituents.

Addressing Trump’s Potential Policies

Senator Rosen expresses concern over Trump's proposed policies, including mass deportations and the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

• Senator Rosen [03:03]: "President Biden ... can protect folks, our DACA recipients ... we have to figure out how we can block what he might try to do, because that's going to hurt real people."

• ACA Repeal: Highlighting the personal impact, she states, "No person I have ever met wants to go back to that nightmare."

Preparing for Senate Confirmations

Looking ahead to Trump's administration appointments, Senator Rosen outlines the Democrats' commitment to thorough Senate confirmations:

• Senator Rosen [05:57]: "They need to be loyal and take an oath to the Constitution ... show who they are, what they're going to do, and their qualifications."

• Expectations: She anticipates that many nominees may lack qualifications beyond loyalty to Trump, underscoring the importance of maintaining high standards for cabinet positions.

Closing Thoughts

Senator Rosen reiterates the Democrats' proactive approach in these final weeks, focusing on protecting constituents and preparing for future legislative battles:

• Senator Rosen [07:32]: "They owe it to the American people to show who they are ... to be sure that they are up to this task."

• Jane Coston [07:42]: "It was my conversation with Nevada Senator Jackie Rosen. ... We'll get to more of the news in a moment."

News Highlights

Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy on Capitol Hill

The episode transitions to a discussion about Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's visit to Capitol Hill, where they presented their plan to significantly reduce the federal budget:

• Marjorie Taylor Greene: Enthusiastically supported the duo, emphasizing the need for a "more responsive government."

• Republican Budget Cuts: Musk proposed eliminating all credits, including the $7,500 tax break for electric vehicle purchases, despite owning Tesla. Vivek Ramaswamy and Musk aimed to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget, targeting empty offices and tightening telework policies.

Republican House Majority Diminishes

The latest House race results indicate a shrinking Republican majority, now holding just a five-seat lead over Democrats. With upcoming vacancies and special elections, House Speaker Mike Johnson faces challenges in maintaining legislative control:

• Mike Johnson [12:57]: "So yes, do the math. We have nothing to spare."

• Impact: Republicans will need unanimous votes to pass legislation, making it increasingly difficult to solidify their agenda.

International and Domestic Issues

Beyond the primary conversation, the episode touches on significant global and domestic events:

• Syria: Rebel forces capture Hama, marking a strategic victory against President Bashar al-Assad's regime.

• Memphis Police Department: A Justice Department report highlights systemic discrimination and excessive force by Memphis police, prompting potential federal oversight.

• Georgia Protests: In the nation of Georgia, protests erupt against the ruling party's decision to halt EU membership efforts, amidst allegations of Russian influence and anti-LGBTQ legislation.

Conclusion

Jane Coston wraps up the episode by reflecting on the Democrats' strategic positioning in the face of a forthcoming Republican majority. Emphasizing the importance of proactive measures and bipartisan relationships, the discussion underscores the critical role the Senate can play in shaping the nation's future amid political shifts.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Jackie Rosen [02:21]: "I'm one of the most bipartisan, effective and independent senators helping deliver results for Nevada ... that showed through at the end."

• Senator Jackie Rosen [04:33]: "Life is all about relationships."

• Senator Jackie Rosen [05:57]: "They need to be loyal and take an oath to the Constitution ... show who they are, what they're going to do, and their qualifications."

• Mike Johnson [12:57]: "So yes, do the math. We have nothing to spare."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared during the episode, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the political strategies and challenges looming on the horizon.