Biden orders airstrikes, Trump targets Obamacare again
The David Pakman Show - December 27, 2023
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Trump explodes, posts dictator word cloud to Truth Social
Failed former President Donald Trump posted the results of a word cloud poll conducted by the Daily Mail and JL Partners. The word cloud featured terms like "revenge," "power," "dictatorship," and "corruption," which were respondents' descriptions of each candidate's plans for a second term. Trump's motive for sharing the word cloud is unclear, especially since he did so without additional context or comments. This post is in keeping with Trump's intentions for a second term, as Project 2025 includes a top-to-bottom overhaul of the Department of Justice, the discontinuation of FBI efforts against misinformation, and various policy changes, signaling a departure from conventional presidential reliance on Congress. Trump’s goals should be met with concern since he would be largely unrestrained if given the keys to the White House for a second time.
Trump promises (AGAIN) to replace Obamacare, Republicans don't care
Donald Trump posted to Truth Social a Christmas message promising to replace Obamacare with a superior and more affordable alternative. Trump asserted on his social media platform that improving healthcare for Americans is a priority for his potential future administration, emphasizing the perceived shortcomings of the Affordable Care Act. Despite Trump's commitment, Republican lawmakers, such as Senator John Thune and Senator Bill Cassidy, cast doubt on the feasibility of a healthcare replacement and have indicated it is not a top priority. This pitch by Trump will likely not go anywhere, as did his previous attempts at healthcare reform during his four years in office. Trump's statements continue to contrast with establishment Republican positions, meaning he will likely continue promising without being able to deliver.
From yesterday’s show:
CNN normalizes Trump as "moderate" in bonkers segment
Michael Smerconish made the case on his CNN show that Donald Trump is more moderate than many are led to believe. The piece featured an interview with Matthew Schmitz, the founder of the online magazine Compact. Schmitz argued in a New York Times op-ed that Donald Trump is perceived as a pragmatic and moderate leader, contrary to his extreme rhetoric. Of course, the notion that Trump is a moderate should be challenged, as he has appointed conservative justices and advocated for abortion bans, resulting in real-world consequences such as restricted access and negative impacts on maternal healthcare. The segment's portrayal of Trump as a moderate underscores the importance of independent media for accurate coverage, alluding to the need for a better understanding of Trump's policies in 2024.
From yesterday’s show:
Judge confirms Ron DeSantis (obviously) lied about trans healthcare
A federal judge overseeing a challenge to a transgender healthcare ban for minors in Florida, as well as restrictions on care for adults, has accused Governor Ron DeSantis of spreading false information about doctors mutilating the genitals of children. The judge, Robert Hinkle, emphasized that there are no documented cases of such genital mutilation. The law, originally promoted as defending children from mutilation, is now under scrutiny as it primarily prevents transgender children from accessing essential healthcare. Hinkle questioned the motivation behind the law, noting that it seemed more than just hyperbole, indicating a deliberate targeting of transgender individuals. The trial is challenging Florida's ban on medical treatments like hormone therapy or puberty blockers for transgender children, with Hinkle expected to rule within the next year on whether the law deliberately discriminates against the transgender community. The case is part of a broader pattern, with at least 22 states enacting laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for trans minors, leading to various legal challenges and debates over transgender rights across the United States.
More on the show:
-- Brittany Page, host of Page Perspective and co-host of the I Doubt It podcast, fills in for David
-- After US troops are wounded in an attack, Joe Biden directs airstrikes against Iranian-backed groups
-- Ted Cruz goes on Fox News to rant about "biased media" like CNN and promote his podcast
-- Minimum-wage workers in 22 states will be getting raises on January 1st
-- Vivek Ramaswamy stops spending money on TV ads two weeks before the Iowa Caucuses, but denies he wants a Trump administration position
-- Jessica Tarlov takes on the Fox News B-team with facts about the successes of the Biden economy
-- Donald Trump posts a late-night video on Truth Social with funny Iowa Caucus commentary
-- On the Bonus Show: Abortion rights activists planning for 2024, Georgia Medicaid work requirements failing people, and much more…
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