What a Weekday: If You're In Line To Be President, Stay In Line
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Deep Dive
Why did SoftBank announce a $100 billion investment in the U.S. during Trump's press conference?
SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son praised Trump and attributed the investment to Trump's election victory, framing it as a direct result of Trump's presidency.
What was unusual about Trump's press conference with SoftBank?
Trump, who was not yet president, used the event to showcase his influence, with Son explicitly stating the investment was due to Trump's win, which is unconventional as private sector figures typically praise the country rather than the president.
How did Trump respond to the TikTok ban discussion?
Trump claimed he had a warm spot for TikTok because it helped him win youth votes by 34 points, despite data showing he only won older voters.
What did Trump say about RFK Jr.'s stance on vaccines?
Trump suggested RFK Jr. would be less radical than people think, reassuring that the polio vaccine would not be lost, but also cited debunked claims about vaccines causing autism.
Why did ABC News settle with Trump in a lawsuit?
ABC News settled by donating $15 million to Trump's presidential library and paying his legal fees, likely to avoid costly public litigation and potential reputational damage.
What was the controversy surrounding Biden's commutation of a former judge's sentence?
Biden commuted the sentence of a former judge involved in the 'kids for cash' scandal, where he accepted kickbacks for wrongfully sentencing children to for-profit detention facilities, sparking criticism as it showed mercy to someone who exploited the justice system.
What was the explanation for the increase in drone sightings in New Jersey?
The FAA changed rules in 2023 to allow drones to fly at night, which may have contributed to the rise in sightings, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
What was the biggest scam of 2024 according to the podcast?
The biggest scam was the Willy Wonka Experience in Glasgow, which was a poorly executed event with AI images, limited treats, and a new character called The Unknown, leaving attendees feeling scammed.
What was the most unhinged promotional tour moment of 2024?
Blake Lively claimed her husband Ryan Reynolds wrote a scene in the movie 'It Ends With Us,' despite him having no role in the film's creation, leading to confusion and questions about her statements.
What was the best animal news of 2024?
The best animal news was Peanut the TikTok squirrel, who became a viral sensation and influenced election discourse before tragically dying.
- SoftBank's $100 billion investment in the US
- Masayoshi Son's praise for Donald Trump
- Questionable nature of the announcement
- Deviation from traditional private-sector practices
Shownotes Transcript