Category: 3-DailySometimeCommentary

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, a Democrat from Hawaii, has always had a maverick streak. But since launching a presidential campaign, her tactics have only become more perplexing. 

Guest: Lisa Lerer, political reporter for the New York Times.

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Podcast production by Mary Wilson, Jayson De Leon, Danielle Hewitt, and Mara Silvers.

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• The voting results are in from Kentucky, Virginia, and Mississippi! We go over the results in our first annual ‘2019 Election A-WADs.’ It’s a Beshear pleasure.
• Today in impeachment news, Sondland flips, Lindsay Graham will see no evil and speak no evil, and more. We interview Brian Beutler, Crooked Media’s Editor-in-Chief and host of The Rubicon.
• And in headlines: a Nigerian film “doesn’t count” as international, California politicians want take on a utilities giant, and Donald Trump Jr. writes a book.

At the last Democratic primary debate, Elizabeth Warren refused to say that her plan for Medicare for All would require raising taxes on the middle class. Critics accused her of dishonesty. But on Friday, Warren released a plan pledging to do exactly what she promised. The problem is, the other sources of funding would require a fundamental shift of priorities in Washington. 

Guest: Jordan Weissmann, Slate’s senior business and economics correspondent.

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• Washington votes today on whether to repeal the state’s ban on affirmative action. We discuss the effects of these bans and what keeps them on the books.
• Trump formally tells the United Nations he’s backing out of the Paris Climate Agreement. Square-jawed Governor Jay Inslee weighs in.
• And in headlines: Facebook hits caps lock, writer E. Jean Carroll sues Trump for defamation, and Microsoft Japan takes it easy and comes out on top.

In California, thousands of people have evacuated their homes in yet another season of dangerous wildfires. Thousands of other residents have had their power shut off in an effort to help prevent incidents along power lines that could trigger yet more wildfires across the state. How has Gov. Gavin Newsom’s tone changed when it comes to talking about PG&E, the utility company responsible for many past fires and current power outages. Plus, how does California’s affordability problem factor into the state’s wildfire problem?

Guest: Taryn Luna, reporter at the Los Angeles Times

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• Democratic presidential candidates continue to fight for Iowa, with one less tall, counter-standing, former member of the band Foss crowding the field. We discuss what’s new in our 2020 primary update.
• Kentucky elects its governor this Tuesday! We examine Matt Bevin, the state’s current governor and Trump jacket devotee, along with Andy Beshear, the dem vying to take his spot.
• And in headlines: New Yorkers protest violent subway policing, McDonald’s CEO screws off, and the great impeachment train rolls on.

This week, Alexander Vindman testified with firsthand knowledge of the Ukraine call and the House voted to formalize the impeachment inquiry. Plus, who’s the person you should be keeping your eye on heading into next week?

Guest: Dahlia Lithwick and Jim Newell.

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