ABC News settled with Trump for $15 million, likely due to the risk and cost of a lengthy legal battle, despite the defamatory statement being a mistake that could have been defensible. The settlement reflects a broader trend of corporations and media outlets preemptively capitulating to Trump to avoid conflict.
Jon Lovett is disappointed with the settlement, believing it signals a chilling effect on media organizations. He argues that news outlets should defend their journalists and stand up to Trump's legal threats, even if it means facing a lawsuit.
Biden's reduced public presence as his presidency ends may be due to his belief that few are eager to hear from him and his lingering personal feeling that he doesn't owe much more to a party that pushed him aside. This approach contrasts with Trump's active engagement and raises concerns about Biden's behind-the-scenes efforts to protect progressive policies.
Some Democrats are critical of Biden's clemency decisions, particularly the commutations for individuals involved in severe corruption cases, such as the 'Kids for Cash' scandal. They argue that these decisions undermine the fight against corruption and show a lack of due diligence in the clemency process.
The mysterious drones in New Jersey have caused public concern, with the government initially failing to provide a clear explanation. The Pentagon and the White House suggest they are mostly lawful commercial or hobbyist drones, but some politicians and citizens speculate about more sinister origins, raising questions about national security and government transparency.
The debate about permanent Daylight Saving Time is significant because it affects different regions differently. States like California and Florida would benefit, but northern states like Michigan might prefer permanent Standard Time. The compromise is to allow states to choose between permanent Daylight Saving Time, Standard Time, or continue switching, addressing the varied needs of different locations.
Ro Khanna is willing to work with Elon Musk and Republicans on the DOGE agenda because he believes in engaging all stakeholders, including business leaders and technologists, to achieve economic revitalization. However, he remains critical of Musk's controversial statements and actions, and emphasizes the importance of constructive and peaceful advocacy.
Ro Khanna is concerned that a second Trump term could lead to the intimidation of dissent, degradation of American democracy, and harmful investigations of political opponents. He worries about the potential for attacks on vulnerable groups, such as undocumented immigrants, and the chilling effect on free speech and journalism.
Ro Khanna supports a 50-state strategy for the DNC to increase voter registration, build trust in communities, and discourage corporate money in Democratic primaries. He believes this approach is essential for economic and social progress, especially in states where Democrats have struggled to gain support.
Joe Biden cedes the spotlight to Donald Trump, who's rolling like he's already taken office: meeting with world leaders, attending the annual Army-Navy game, and calmly announcing the next targets in his legal offensive against the media. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss what Biden could and should be doing in the final weeks of his presidency, what ABC's settlement with Trump says about the state of political media, the mysterious drone-like things over New Jersey, and Trump's pledge to end Daylight Saving Time. Then, Rep. Ro Khanna stops by to talk with Jon about how Democrats in the next Congress can strike the balance between resisting Trump and getting things done, and why he's willing to collaborate with Elon Musk on DOGE.