Opening Arguments - OA326: When the SCIF Hit the Fan

Today's episode tackles all your latest developments from high atop Yodel Mountain, including the national security-threatening stunt led by America's Dumbest Congressman, Matt Gaetz, as well as the significance of Bill Taylor's testimony to the House Intelligence Committee.

We begin with a brief overview of the "due process" argument throughout history with an eye towards how it applies to the Trump impeachment.

From there, we move to a specific application: the (false) claim by Matt Gaetz and others that the House impeachment inquiry violates Trump's rights of due process. Along the way, we'll learn what a SCIF is and why it was such a big deal -- a criminal big deal -- that Gaetz and others violated it.

Then, it's time to dive deeply into Bill Taylor's testimony and how that fits into the overall impeachment picture and whether Trump is guilty of bribery with respect to Ukraine. (Hint: yes.)

After all that, it's time for another fabulous #T3BE about an inexperienced innkeeper and a cleaning company that doesn't work on Sundays. Play along on social media, and remember to #T3BE in your answer!

Upcoming Appearances

None! If you’d like to have either of us as a guest on your show, drop us an email at openarguments@gmail.com.

Show Notes & Links

  1. Share out the Episode 324 super-transcript with your favorite Uncle Frank today!
  2. This is the WIRED article we referenced on the technical data regarding SCIFs, and these are the 174-page technical guidelines set forth by the DNI.
  3. Laws! Obstruction of justice is 18 U.S.C. § 1505, bribery is 18 U.S.C. § 201, and the relevant portion of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act is 2 U.S.C. § 683.

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-And finally, remember that you can email us at openarguments@gmail.com!

The Gist - What Is Zuckerberg’s Time Worth?

On The Gist, Katie Hill’s throuple.

In the interview, Mike talks to writer Coleman Hughes about how his childhood shaped his views on race in America, his case against reparations, and what he’s working on next in the world of philosophy.

In the Spiel, how much is Mark Zuckerberg’s time worth?

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Pod Save America - “PizzaGaetz.”

New testimony from the U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine all but assures the president will be impeached, while House Republicans stage a pizza sit-in to disrupt the ongoing impeachment inquiry. Jon F. and Dan also examine why some Democratic donors are freaking out about the party's current slate of potential presidential nominees, the importance of digital advertising to the race, and Elizabeth Warren's next moves on Medicare for All.

Bay Curious - Why Can’t You Swim in Most of the Bay Area Lakes?

The Bay Area is defined by water. Not just by the bay itself, but by the Pacific Ocean and myriad rivers, reservoirs, lakes and ponds. Yet most of the bodies of water you drive past are devoid of people. No swimming. No splashing around. Not even on the hottest days. Why is that?

Additional Reading (including a list of where you can swim):

Why Can’t You Swim in Most Bay Area Lakes?

Reported by Kelly O’Mara. Bay Curious is made by Olivia Allen-Price, Jessica Placzek, Katie McMurran and Rob Speight. Additional support from Julie Caine, Paul Lancour, Suzie Racho, Ethan Lindsey and Patricia Yollin.

Cato Daily Podcast - Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool

Economist Emily Oster’s new book, Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool, cuts through the alarmist rhetoric and fearmongering that surrounds modern-day parenting with a cool-headed look at the data. She spoke at the Cato Institute in September.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cato Daily Podcast - Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool

Economist Emily Oster’s new book, Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool, cuts through the alarmist rhetoric and fearmongering that surrounds modern-day parenting with a cool-headed look at the data. She spoke at the Cato Institute in September.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Science In Action - Is quantum supremacy ‘garbage’?

A quantum computer has performed a calculation considered impossible for conventional computers, but how meaningful is the result? As our guest reveals, this quantum state can be hugely significant and garbage – at the same time.

Also we look at a new method of gene editing, which avoids cutting up DNA, get to grips with where the worlds worms live and watch elements being created in distant solar collisions.

(Photo: A quantum circuit from Google's Sycamore computer. Credit: Google)

Presenter: Roland Pease Producer: Julian Siddle

The Intelligence from The Economist - Calls to action: Lebanon’s continued protests

What began as protests against a tax on WhatsApp calls has blossomed into surprisingly united and peaceful demands for wholesale government overhaul. Today’s disinterment and reburial of Francisco Franco, Spain’s dictator for four decades, speaks volumes about how the country views its bloody history. And how radio DJs are helping with Thailand’s teen-pregnancy problem. For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, subscribe here www.economist.com/radiooffer

The Best One Yet - Tesla’s 3 big surprises, Zuck’s crypto day with Congress, and Six Flags… is actually 6 different flags

Tesla popped after an earnings report with 3 big surprises (including a profit). Six Flags makes almost half its money from July through September, but the stock fell 12% because of a flat summer performance. And Zuck testified to Congress about Facebook’s Libra cryptocurrency plans — and he promised to get their blessing first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.