cover of episode Bill Kristol and Elaina Plott Calabro: A Sordid Lot

Bill Kristol and Elaina Plott Calabro: A Sordid Lot

2024/12/2
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Bill Kristol
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Elaina Plott Calabro
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Kash Patel
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Tim Miller
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Tim Miller认为卡什·帕特尔被提名为FBI局长令人担忧,并介绍了Elaina Plott Calabro对帕特尔的报道。Elaina Plott Calabro详细介绍了帕特尔的背景、职业生涯以及他经常撒谎和夸大其词的行为。她还讲述了帕特尔在尼日尔人质营救行动中撒谎差点导致行动失败的故事,以及他在政府内部和媒体上表现出的不诚实和虚伪。Bill Kristol认为帕特尔的提名是令人震惊的,这表明特朗普政府有意削弱机构的独立性和法治。他认为,即使帕特尔没有得到确认,特朗普政府也可以通过其他方式任命对他们忠诚的人担任FBI局长。他还讨论了特朗普解雇克里斯托弗·雷以及对司法部和联邦调查局的腐败行为。 Elaina Plott Calabro详细描述了Kash Patel的背景和职业生涯,指出他经常撒谎,夸大自己的成就,并试图通过与特朗普建立关系来获得权力。她还讲述了Patel在尼日尔人质营救行动中撒谎的故事,以及他如何利用权力来推动“意大利门”阴谋论。她认为Patel对特朗普的忠诚是盲目的,而不是基于意识形态,并且他提名FBI局长是为了报复他的敌人。 Bill Kristol认为提名Kash Patel是令人震惊的,这表明特朗普政府有意削弱机构的独立性和法治。他认为,即使帕特尔没有得到确认,特朗普政府也可以通过其他方式任命对他们忠诚的人担任FBI局长。他还讨论了特朗普解雇克里斯托弗·雷以及对司法部和联邦调查局的腐败行为。他认为,特朗普政府可能会利用空缺法案和项目2025等手段来控制政府,并对军事进行政治化。 Kash Patel在访谈中表达了他对媒体和政府官员的强烈不满,并暗示如果他成为CIA局长,他会采取行动来追究他们的责任。他展现出对特朗普的盲目忠诚,并对批评者采取强硬态度。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why are people in the know so concerned about Kash Patel's potential nomination as FBI director?

Kash Patel's public profile was low during his time in the administration, but he was close to Trump and involved in dangerous activities like pushing the Italy gate conspiracy theory. His lack of qualifications and history of lying make him a concerning choice for such a sensitive position.

What are some specific examples of Kash Patel's dishonesty?

Kash Patel lied about being from Queens when he is actually from Garden City, Long Island. He also falsely claimed to have led the prosecuting team for the Benghazi trial and exaggerated his role in the operation to kill al-Baghdadi.

How did Kash Patel's behavior during the hostage rescue operation in Niger highlight his unreliability?

During the hostage rescue operation in Niger, Patel falsely claimed that airspace clearance had been obtained, putting American soldiers at risk. When the truth was discovered, the operation had to be stalled, and Patel showed indifference by saying, 'if nobody dies, who the F cares.'

What are the implications of Biden pardoning Hunter Biden for the public interest?

Biden's pardon of Hunter Biden undermines his previous statements about not pardoning family members and sets a precedent that could be exploited by future administrations. It also muddies the waters for those defending the rule of law against potential Trump administration abuses.

Why is Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense considered preposterous?

Pete Hegseth has a history of inappropriate behavior, including sexual misconduct and leading his staff to a strip club while drunk. His lack of qualifications and repeated misbehavior make him unfit for such a critical role in the Defense Department.

How does the rejection of John Tower for Secretary of Defense compare to the concerns about Pete Hegseth?

While John Tower was rejected for his drinking and womanizing, Pete Hegseth's behavior is considered more egregious due to multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and his lack of any relevant qualifications for the role of Secretary of Defense.

What are the foreign policy implications of a Trump administration for countries like Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria?

A Trump administration could strengthen authoritarian regimes and undermine the efforts of those resisting such governments in countries like Georgia, Ukraine, and Syria. This would be a significant setback for those seeking freedom and democracy.

Shownotes Transcript

Kash Patel, who could potentially run the FBI, is a compulsive liar who can't keep his facts straight about his work experience or even where he was born. Aside from being a player in the attempted coup, even Trump loyalists are alarmed by his devotion to the president-elect. Meanwhile, by pardoning Hunter, Biden is not only putting his family ahead of the public interest, he's also giving a giant gift to Trump. Plus, more details on Pete Hegseth's disqualifying behavior, and Trump's avenue for getting around the Senate confirmation process. Elaina Plott Calabro and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.

*show notes: * Elaina's profile of Kash Patel) Patel's target list) Jack Goldsmith on Trump getting around the Senate confirmation process) Tim and Sam on Biden's pardon of Hunter) Tim and Sam on Pete Hegseth's mom