Newsom Tries to Salvage Political Career, and Woke Policies Backfire, with Stu Burguiere and Ilya Shapiro | Ep. 981
The Megyn Kelly Show
Deep Dive
Why is Governor Gavin Newsom facing criticism for his response to the LA wildfires?
Governor Gavin Newsom is facing criticism for deflecting responsibility and prioritizing his image over addressing the crisis. During the wildfires, he appeared on the Pod Save America podcast to discuss his experience, focusing on a dramatic story about embers in his hair rather than taking accountability for the state's inadequate preparation and response. Critics argue that his actions reflect a lack of leadership and competence, especially compared to leaders like Ron DeSantis, who prioritize disaster preparedness and accountability.
What did Mayor Karen Bass promise regarding international trips, and how did she break that promise?
Mayor Karen Bass promised Los Angeles citizens during her campaign that she would not take any international trips if elected mayor. However, she broke this promise by traveling to Ghana during the wildfires, leaving the city during a critical emergency. Her absence and lack of preparation for the wildfires, despite warnings about the Santa Ana winds, have drawn significant criticism and calls for her resignation.
What role did DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies play in the LA Fire Department's response to the wildfires?
DEI policies have been criticized for prioritizing diversity over competence in the LA Fire Department. The fire chief and other officials emphasized hiring based on diversity metrics, such as gender and sexual orientation, rather than focusing on preparedness and resource allocation. This led to a lack of sufficient firefighters and equipment, contributing to the department's inability to effectively combat the wildfires. Critics argue that DEI initiatives distracted from the core mission of public safety.
Why did Elon Musk criticize the LA Fire Department's response to the wildfires?
Elon Musk criticized the LA Fire Department's response after speaking with firefighters who revealed that the water system was overwhelmed and unable to handle the volume needed to fight the fires. Musk highlighted the lack of preparedness and infrastructure, pointing out that the system was not equipped to manage the crisis. His comments underscored the broader failures in planning and resource allocation that exacerbated the disaster.
What was the impact of budget cuts on the LA Fire Department's ability to respond to the wildfires?
Budget cuts severely impacted the LA Fire Department's ability to respond to the wildfires. Mayor Karen Bass demanded an additional $49 million in cuts from the fire department's budget, on top of previous reductions, just one week before the wildfires. These cuts led to a shortage of firefighters, equipment, and resources, leaving the department ill-prepared to handle the crisis. The fire chief had previously warned about the need for more personnel and resources, but her requests were ignored.
What did Ilya Shapiro experience at Georgetown Law School, and how did it inspire his book 'Lawless'?
Ilya Shapiro faced backlash and a four-month investigation at Georgetown Law School after tweeting that President Biden's pledge to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court could result in a 'lesser' nominee. Despite being cleared on a technicality, Shapiro resigned due to the hostile environment. His book, 'Lawless,' critiques the illiberal takeover of American law schools, highlighting the erosion of free speech, civil discourse, and merit-based hiring in favor of DEI initiatives and ideological conformity.
What is the broader critique of DEI policies in law schools according to Ilya Shapiro?
Ilya Shapiro argues that DEI policies in law schools prioritize activism and ideological conformity over rigorous legal education. He criticizes the proliferation of non-teaching DEI staff, the suppression of conservative viewpoints, and the failure to teach foundational legal theories like originalism. Shapiro warns that these trends undermine the legitimacy of legal institutions and produce graduates ill-equipped for real-world legal practice, as they are more focused on social justice activism than on mastering the law.
What is the significance of the Stanford Law School incident involving Judge Kyle Duncan?
The Stanford Law School incident, where students and DEI officials disrupted a speech by Fifth Circuit Judge Kyle Duncan, exemplifies the illiberal culture in elite law schools. The associate dean for DEI criticized Duncan's judicial opinions, claiming they disenfranchised certain groups, and questioned whether his presence was worth the disruption. This incident highlights the growing intolerance for conservative viewpoints and the prioritization of DEI ideology over free speech and open discourse in legal education.
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