Rudy & Trump accused of selling pardons, DeSantis weasels out again
The David Pakman Show - May 16, 2023
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Trump & Giuliani accused of SELLING PARDONS for $2 million
Former Trump staffer Noelle Dunphy has filed a lawsuit accusing Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani of plotting to sell presidential pardons for $2 million each, with the profits to be split between them. While the lawsuit does not offer conclusive evidence, it adds to existing allegations of potential misconduct and financial involvement regarding pardons. Selling pardons is not explicitly illegal, but legal experts argue it could violate laws against bribery, fraud, and obstruction of justice. The allegations against Trump and Giuliani highlight the need for clearer regulations and stronger safeguards to prevent abuses of power. Even if nothing illegal was done, this goes to show the pay-to-play transactional nature that Trump acted with during his entire presidency and political career.
DeSantis WEASELS OUT, REFUSES to say whether Trump lost in 2020
During a recent press conference, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis evaded a direct question about whether Donald Trump legitimately lost the 2020 election. Instead of providing a clear answer, DeSantis talked about the Republican Party's history of losing and the need for accountability. It’s clear that DeSantis is in a no-win situation when it comes to this voter fraud topic. He’s clearly worried about alienating Trump's loyal base, who still believe the falsehood that Trump won the election. However, he’s also failing to appeal to independents and Republicans who acknowledge Biden's victory. DeSantis seems to be caught between wanting to appeal to Trump loyalists while presenting himself as a pragmatic leader capable of winning over moderates. By refusing to unequivocally state that Trump lost and Biden won, DeSantis is undermining his credibility and turning people away. He faces a mathematical challenge as well, with current polls showing Trump significantly ahead and over the 50% threshold. To have a shot at winning, DeSantis needs to attract Trump supporters to his side, and his current approach is likely not going to enable him to achieve that.
From yesterday’s show:
Republicans in shambles, border crossings DOWN after Title 42 expires
Contrary to the expectations of many Republicans, there has been no overwhelming surge of migrants crossing the border after pandemic-era Title 42 guidelines expired late last week. In fact, border crossings have fallen by 50% since the restrictions were lifted. Border agents reported a decrease in encounters with migrants, indicating a decline in undocumented immigrants attempting to cross. Border crossings are often used as a political football that can back up any argument. This is because an increase in border agent encounters can be used to argue the problem is out of hand with so many people coming over, or it can be used to argue the situation is under control because people are being apprehended during their border-crossing attempts. Republicans use a combination of this game and shifting their focus to criticizing President Biden. For example, some right-wingers say Biden needs to visit the border personally to properly assess the situation on the ground. When asked about this, Biden explained that such a visit would be disruptive and opted for alternative approaches to address the situation. Ultimately, Republicans will continue to spread misinformation regarding the US-Mexico border for as long as Democrats are in the White House.
From yesterday’s show:
Ron DeSantis tries to fix his personality, fails
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appears to be working on his personality ahead of launching his 2024 presidential run. At a recent event, DeSantis tried to act more upbeat and charismatic while delivering generic right-wing talking points. He said to the audience at the Feenstra Family Picnic, “Iowa’s like the Florida of the Midwest. But I want to let you know, after watching all the good stuff you've done in Iowa, it may be that Florida is the Iowa of the Southeast.” Despite criticisms of DeSantis' personality and the artificiality of his campaign, there is a possibility of him becoming a legitimate contender if he officially declares his candidacy. Many had DeSantis as the favorite to win the 2024 Republican nomination following his strong midterm performance. However, Trump’s recent legal and criminal troubles have benefited him politically, and he’s opened up a wide gap in the polls. This doesn’t mean DeSantis can’t get back on top, but it does mean he’ll have to change his approach, and evidently, fine-tuning his personality is part of that effort.
More on the show:
-- Christopher Key, notorious advocate of urine therapy and other unproven "treatments," joins David to try to defend his claims that drinking or injecting urine is effective for treating or preventing COVID-19
-- Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump's former attorney, is accused in a lawsuit of trying to sell presidential pardons, demanding sex from a staffer, and much more
-- Elon Musk., who claims to be in favor of "free speech," is accused of bowing to pressure from Turkish President Erdogan and silencing dissenting voices during the recent Turkish election
-- At an event held at Donald Trump's Doral resort, Dr. Peter McCullough suggests that vaccines cause autism, and autism causes people to become transgender, which is not based in any currently accepted science
-- Even Fox News host Larry Kudlow tells Republican Senator Ron Johnson that it simply doesn't appear there is evidence of Joe Biden having committed any crimes
-- Radical, repugnant Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says that the now-missing "whistleblower" will end Joe Biden's presidency
-- Voicemail caller The Eggman points out that "catering to delusions," which Republicans use to refer to transgender people, could also be applied to literal Christian Bible beliefs
-- On the Bonus Show: Paul Gosar faces questions over staffer's far right links, IRS tests free e-filing system, Vice Media files for bankruptcy, much more...
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