What A Day

Today is the day of the New Hampshire primary, which will hopefully be the first totally worry-free candidate selecting event of the 2020 season. We’re on the ground in NH finding out what’s motivating voters.  The Trump administration announced their 2021 budget proposal yesterday, and it included big cuts to social programs like Medicare and Medicaid and more money for defense and the all-important Space Force.  And in headlines: Amazon’s case against Trump, SeaWorld eliminates dolphin-riding, and Israel’s even worse voting app.

The New Hampshire primary is on Tuesday and we’re on-the-ground describing what the 2020 candidates are doing there. We’ll also talk you through a new law passed by the state’s Republican controlled legislature that is causing confusion amongst young voters.  The death toll of Wuhan’s coronavirus continues to rise in China. We talk you through the actions that the Chinese government is taking to control the spread and how it’s affecting the people of China and beyond.  And in headlines: Weinstein’s defense team, Carson defends Trump, and The Oscars get taken over by a Parasite.

The Iowa caucuses took place on Monday night and more full results have finally started to come in. 100 percent of precincts have been reported, but most news outlets has yet to declare a winner. Bernie Sanders leads in vote totals and he and Pete Buttigieg differ by just .1 percent in Standard Delegate Equivalents.  Following the recent string of deaths in Mississippi prisons, the Justice Department is now opening a civil rights probe into the state’s prison system. As the lawsuit goes on, inmates are living in an environment that’s proven be unsafe.  And in headlines: Christina Koch makes space history, Trump’s very gracious acquittal speech, and the perils “free” tax filing.

Yesterday afternoon the Senate voted to acquit President Trump of two articles of impeachment. Senator Mitt Romney had his “Mitt savior” moment when he voted to convict, drawing the ire of Trump and GOP loyalists.  A nationwide partial vape ban goes into effect today, as a result of an earlier decision by the Trump administration to go after e-flavored cigarettes.  And in headlines: end of NYC broker fees, , No More Deaths gets permission to do good at the border, and Iowa results are still coming in.

We are on to day three of the never-ending PTA meeting also known as the Iowa caucus and as of yet there is still no declared winner and the state’s Democratic party has not released 100 percent of the vote totals. We do a post-mortem on the event and look ahead to New Hampshire.  Today is the final day in the Senate impeachment trial of Donald Trump. We discuss the mental gymnastics Republican senators have gone through to admit Trump did wrong, but not wrong enough to convict.  And in headlines: Amazon drones, outsourcing the American dream to Finland, and blowing up the Tesla bubble.

The Iowa caucuses were a joyous affair, filled with high hopes, hard work, and spirited neighborly debate. Attempts to report the results of the caucuses were an unmitigated disaster. We talk you through the multiple “victory” speeches, the arguments against letting Iowa kick off the primary season, and more. And in headlines: YouTube doesn’t want your deepfakes, at-risk fireflies, and Boris Johnson’s media kerfuffle. Plus, Hysteria's Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah!

Tonight is the night of the Iowa Caucuses, so if you haven’t been paying attention, here’s your opportunity to catch up. From a tasteful three-star hotel room in the heart of Des Moines, we discuss how caucusing works and where things stand among the 2020 candidates. Plus, we’re joined by Pod Save America’s lead Iowa enthusiast, Tommy Vietor, who lends a caucus veteran's perspective.  And in headlines: sexism inside Victoria’s Secret, new nut drug, and the EU lights up the Lightning Cable.

The Trump administration unveiled a new Medicaid plan, which gives states the opportunity to convert part of the public insurance system into block grants. This so called “Healthy Adult Opportunity” could end up reducing health care benefits. Unless the 51 GOP senators get swapped for other, better senators, today is the day that the impeachment will either draw to a close, or get pretty close to it. It was kinda fun while it lasted. We discuss some of the lowlights from the past few days of the trial.  And in headlines: life expectancy goes up, Virginia gun laws, Trump’s dead bird and explosion legacy. Plus, Hysteria’s Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah!

As of Wednesday night, there are more than 7,700 coronavirus cases in at least 20 countries, including 5 cases in the U.S. Still, it’s not time for you to freak out. We discuss how the media has historically reacted to would-be epidemics and why the CDC says the risk of a stateside coronavirus outbreak is low. The Guardian announced that it would no longer accept advertising from fossil fuel extractive companies, making them the first major news organization to do so.  And in headlines: Dersh’s bad defense, Success Kid sues, and a spirit cruise in Santa Cruz.

President Trump’s impeachment defense has rested its case before the Senate. This after they only used 12 of 24 allotted hours to argue against the president’s removal, and after many experts pointed out that their defense of the president is extraordinarily weak-sauce. We discuss what's next and why we should continue to care. There was a special election in Texas on Tuesday, where Republican Gary Gates easily defeated Democrat Eliz Markowitz by a double-digit margin for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives. We interview former congressman Beto O'Rourke to find out what Texas dems are fighting for. And in headlines: Trump’s “peace plan,” Delta discriminates, Chipotle’s teen problem. Plus, Hysteria's Erin Ryan fills in for Akilah!

President Trump’s legal team presented their defense in the Senate impeachment trial, charging on despite reports that Security Advisor John Bolton may have dropped bombshells in his upcoming book. We discuss which Republican Senators might break with their party to call Bolton to the stand.  The Supreme Court lifted an injunction blocking a Trump administration rule that restricts visas and green cards for immigrants who qualify as a so-called “public charge.” We discuss what that means and how it will impact people living in this country. And in headlines: Prince Andrew’s wet phone, Uber’s Project Waluigi, a football coach’s very bad interview.

There’s just one week until the Iowa caucuses, where voters will get their first chance to pick the candidate they’d like to see go up against Trump. We discuss the state of affairs and ask Pat Rynard, founding and managing editor of Iowa Starting Line, about his thoughts on the race.  NBA All-Star and MVP Kobe Byrant passed away yesterday, in a helicopter crash that also killed his daughter Gianna along with 7 others. We discuss his legacy and reactions to the tragic news. And in headlines: Billie’s big night at the Grammy’s, Mike Pompeo goes off, and Trump’s defense takes the stage.

President Trump mentioned taking a look at cuts to Social Security. We discuss the implications and how the issue of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are showing up in the presidential race. Trump’s White House is also rolling out a new rule to limit so-called “birth tourism.” We discuss what this could mean for literally any woman applying for a visitor visa.  And in headlines: pharma exec goes to jail for Insys, special clocks, and NYC goes cashless-less.

Impeachment continued on Wednesday with House managers beginning to lay out their case for why President Trump should be convicted and removed from office. We discuss highlights and re-introduce you to the key Republican Senators who might be feeling the heat. Trump confirmed his intention to widen his infamous travel ban, potentially doubling its scope by adding a bunch of new countries like Belarus, Myanmar, and more. And in headlines: coronavirus updates, standing up to Geoffrey the Giraffe, and the latest from pyramid scheme baroness Betsy DeVos. Check out the Drop App: https://b.ewd.io/whataday

The Senate impeachment trial for President Trump began on Tuesday, featuring debates over the rules, furrowed brows, at least one Senator who fell asleep, and no liquids besides water or milk. We discuss other highlights from a long day in court. Cases of a new strain of coronavirus have been detected in China, plus nearby nations like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea, along with one case in the US. We tell you what coronavirus is and what you can do about it besides worrying yourself crazy.  And in headlines: Bezos hacked, Greenwald “hacks,” and Bloomberg’s big ad buys.

The impeachment trial for President Trump officially kicks off today in the Senate. We’ll see if it goes exactly the way Mitch McConnell wants it to or if justice can find a way. At yesterday’s Brown and Black Forum in Iowa, an impressively direct group of moderators asked the Democratic candidates some questions of concern to the black community. We discuss the event’s history and some of the day's biggest moments.  And in headlines: computer buildings, less plastic in China, and Superyacht: Boat of Steel.

Florida’s Supreme Court passed a ruling that will restrict voting rights for people who have been convicted of a crime, which effectively instates a poll tax. Crooked Media’s editor-in-chief Brian Beutler joins us for an impeachment update: the Senators got sworn in on Thursday, Chief Justice John Roberts got sworn in to preside, and we want to talk about it. And in headlines: USCMA passes, bad men arrested, and high cream crimes and misdemeanors.

The House of Representatives turned in the articles of impeachment to the Senate on Wednesday, kicking off the next phase of the trial of President DJT. That, plus a bombshell MSNBC interview with Rudy Giuliani associate Lev Parnas, will give you twice your daily dose of Ukrainegate.  Virginia has voted to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment, helping it cross the threshold of three-quarters of states needed to ratify it nationwide.  And in headlines: WBNA players score a salary slam dunk, sword divorce, and an injunction on a bad executive order.

Last night was the seventh democratic debate featuring the smallest candidate pool yet. Just six candidates took the stage: Biden, Sanders, Warren, Buttigieg, Klobuchar, and Steyer. We discuss this somewhat uneventful night, along with the new Tom Steyer sports team that we as Americans are all apparently members of.  And in headlines: Lev’s paper trail, Bond’s new type of Bad Guy, and Boris Johnson's big bell idea.

Attorney General Bill Barr wants Apple’s help unlocking the iPhone of a Saudi Arabian shooter who opened fire on a naval base last month. We discuss what Apple’s response means for data privacy.  In this week's 2020 update, Senator Cory Booker dropped out, supporters of Warren and Sanders are beefing, and there’s a debate tonight where the top six candidates will go head-to-head.  And in headlines: Russian hackers are at it again, Diego the horny tortoise, and Thinx underwear and the dangers of free-bleeding.

In the days since the Trump administration killed Qasem Soleimani, there’s been little consensus on why the drone strike was necessary. We discuss Congress’ continuing response to this likely case of Presidential impulsivity.  Texas Governor Greg Abbott is now barring refugees from settling in Texas, empowered by a Trump executive order. We discuss whether the law will stand.  And in headlines: Serena Williams is a mom with a title, vultures are antifa, and what will come of the Sandringham Showdown.

US and Canadian officials think the plane that crashed in Iran was struck by a surface-to-air missile. Further investigation will require lots of countries and agencies working together, and the current circumstances aren’t perfect for a group project.  Reports say Nancy Pelosi could send the articles of impeachment to Mitch McConnell by the end of the week. We discuss what comes after that.  The magical disappearing act of former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn in a segment we call "The Cold Read.”   And in headlines: bipartisan action in Kansas, wax wars in Great Britain, and the transport workers strike in France.

President Trump announced economic sanctions on Iran following Tuesday’s missile strikes, but he didn’t call for escalation. Congress is taking steps to block military action in the off chance he changes his mind.  A new report from the American Cancer Society says the cancer death rate in the US dropped by 2.2 percent from 2016 to 2017. That’s the largest decline ever reported in the span of a year. Heck ya! And in headlines: announcing Grimes Junior, Teen Vogue loves Facebook, and big plans from Andrew “Cheech” Cuomo!

Iranian forces launched ballistic missiles against two military bases in Iraq that house US troops. Stay tuned today for the White House’s official response.  Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to more forward with impeachment without hearing witnesses. We discuss what might happen as we roll on towards the bottom of impeachment valley.  Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez filed a state of emergency after the island was hit by a series of earthquakes that have left 300,000 homes and businesses without water. And in headlines: FB deepfakes, Bloomberg’s big game, and the tale of Sonos and Goliath.

Former White House National Security Advisor John Bolton said that if he’s subpoenaed by the Senate, he’d be willing to give up the goods. We discuss the GOP reaction and what else is new in Trump’s impeachment.  Film producer and accused rapist Harvey Weinstein went to trial in New York yesterday. At the same time, he was indicted for similar crimes in Los Angeles. Things are not looking good for Harvey. And in headlines: memories of Pier 1 Imports, Judge Judy gavels for Bloomberg, and helping out in Australia with the power of nudes.

The US assassinated Iranian Major General Qassim Suleimani via drone strike last Friday. We discuss the repercussions and talk with California congressman Ro Khanna about the legislation he’s introducing to block funds being used for military actions without congressional authorization.  Wildfires have ravaged Australia for the past few weeks, killing 24 people and destroying thousands of homes. We discuss what’s being done and what you can do to help those in need.  And in headlines: reading Lev Parnas' texts, more bad news for Boeing, and Ricky roasts without remorse at the 2020 Golden Globes.

The last Democratic debate of 2019 was last night, featuring impeachment, wine caves, and some of the biggest out-and-out brawls we’ve seen so far. We discuss what stood out in this newly-narrowed field. And in headlines: Wakanda found, Christians against Trump, and Hogwarts is bad at gender studies. Plus, we’re joined by What A Day head writer Jon Millstein.  It’s our last show until the New Year! Have an amazing break!

The House of Representatives voted to impeach Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. But Pelosi isn’t giving up the articles just yet. We discuss what went down yesterday and where we go from here.  We ask the Crooked team about their personal political highlights and lowlights of the past ten years, in a segment we call “Shoutouts and Strikeouts Of The 2010s.”  And in headlines: record heat in Australia, a spine-tingling crypto-mystery, and how to have the best Yang fit.

Today House Democrats are expected to formally vote to impeach Donald Trump. He now joins Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton on the Mt. Rushmore of impeached presidents.  Two mass graves have been found in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which are believed to hold the remains of African-American victims of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. We discuss this heinous act of racial violence with a WaPo reporter who’s covered it extensively, DeNeen Brown.  And in headlines: DeRulo’s cat lump, 100 billion Mormon dollars, and the debate gets a date.

Boeing announced it will stop making 737 Max Jetliners next month. We talk about what it means for the economy, jobs and the whole shabang.  Wisconsin is purging hundreds of thousands of people from its voter rolls. Georgia could be next. Stacey Abrams is fighting against this form of voter suppression. Help her fight at votesaveamerica.com/fairfight.   And in headlines: Protests in India, Congress finally funds research on gun violence, and Kumail’s shredded bod.

The location of Thursday’s Democratic presidential primary is in question because food service workers at Loyola Marymount are striking. We discuss who will be on the stage (if there is one! We don’t really know!).  Trump will probably be impeached this week in the House. You're making history, dude! From there, it’s on to the Big Bad Senate. And in headlines: Hallmark’s wild weekend, Purdue plays both sides, and an UNproductive climate congress.

The FTC is reportedly considering a court order to block Facebook from integrating WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook Messenger into a giant, terrifying “Facebook Megazord.” We discuss that, along with FB’s plans for a content supreme court.  The Judiciary Committee is expected to approve two articles of impeachment against Donald Trump, making him the fourth president ever to face impeachment. Good luck, dude! And in headlines: Boris wins Britain, Don Jr.’s version of a fun sport, and more. Plus, we dig into the Bowl Of Takes!

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson defends his title today as the nation holds general elections. He’ll be facing threats from all sides, including UK Bernie Jeremy Corbyn.  Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers announced that they’ve come to a tentative agreement with his accusers. If we learned anything about rich men in power, we should've guessed that Weinstein’s offer wouldn't be good.  And in headlines: cocaine sweaters, Khalil Mack is on the nice list, and WAD’s Person Of The Year.

House Democrats have reached a deal with Trump on the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, which will replace the artist formerly known as NAFTA. We discuss what that means.  A new report shows that Greenland’s ice sheets are melting fast. To get technical, they’re now melting in dog years.  And in headlines: Spygate 2, SATs, and Trump appoints himself President Of Judaism.

A report from the Inspector General has revealed Trump’s claim that the FBI spied on him in 2016 to be false. We talk about what else we learned from this scorching hot doc. Report two is from the Washington Post, about how American officials repeatedly lied and hid evidence that the conflict there was unwinnable. We discuss.  And in headlines: Golden Globe noms, the case of Cannon v. Shady, and Warren wins the war for transparency.

On Saturday, the House Judiciary Committee released their impeachment report, which is essentially the legal roadmap they’ll be following from here on out. We tell you what’s coming as we begin… the final countdown. In 2020 updates, Warren and Buttigieg have bad blood, Bloomberg sounds off on his employee’s salaries, and more.  And in headlines: a shooting in Pensacola, protests in Hong Kong, and an insane amount of government-sponsored jewelry in San Francisco.

A multi-million-dollar lobbying group is running ads in early primary voting states against Medicare For All and the public option. In our “We Have Issues 2020” segment, we talk to congresswoman Pramila Jayapal about where the candidates stand on healthcare coverage, and how Medicare For All works as a campaign issue. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will instruct congress to draft the articles of impeachment against President Trump. Meanwhile, top Trump bud Rudy Giuliani is gallivanting around Ukraine, making some sort of investigative documentary about the same subject. And in headlines: striking in France, Ice T stands with the Internet, and Joe Biden flaunts his pecs.

The USDA released a new food stamp rule that would kick an estimated 755,000 people off food benefits. We discuss with US Senator from Michigan Debbie Stabenow and senior Urban Institute fellow Elaine Waxman. A flock of law professors descended on the House Judiciary Committee to offer their expert opinions as to whether President Donald Trump’s dealings in Ukraine justify impeachment. 3 out 4 ain’t bad! And in headlines: plantation weddings are actually very bad, Elon mounts the “guy” defense, and a justice for Q.

California Senator Kamala Harris suspended her presidential campaign on Tuesday. We discuss the factors that led her to this point, including ones many in the press seem to have overlooked. Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee released their impeachment report, and the White House response produced our new favorite insult. You didn’t hear it from us, but Adam Schiff is a “basement blogger.” And in headlines: Willie off weed, McKinsey loves ICE, and Rap Genius is a real genius

We talk to presidential candidate and former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro about the way the DNC does primaries, whether the Democratic party needs to refocus on poverty, and how he likes his blueberry pancakes. California Republican Congressman Duncan Hunter has pled guilty to spending campaign funds on very necessary purchases like a rabbit’s plane ticket and five extra-marital affairs. We look ahead at his political future. And in headlines: Trump can’t pick a tariff and stick with it, Sanders sticks up for the Dayton Dragons, and Elon’s tweets come back to haunt him.

The Supreme Court will hear a major gun rights case today, which could lead to the expansion of the Second Amendment. We discuss how we got here, and where we’re headed. Impeachment moves to the House Judiciary Committee this week, marking the triumphant return of Jerry “Scary” Nadler. We review some greatest hits from the hearings so far, and the ways Republicans have tried to spin Trump’s dealings with Ukraine. And in headlines: protests and resignations in Iraq, Sondland sexual misconduct allegations, and NBC blows it with Gabrielle Union.

Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal probe of opioid makers and distributors, a type of investigation that’s usually reserved for drug dealers and cartels. We discuss how this might develop. It’s Thanksgiving week! We remind you of the main points you need to know to emerge victorious from every turkey day scuffle in our “What A Day Thanksgiving Issue Round-up And Political Brawler’s Handbook.” And in headlines: Mayor Pete feels op-dread, the return of Mark Sandy, and Melania gets “Be Bested”-d by children.

A judge rules that White House lawyer Don McGahn must testify to congress despite Trump's efforts to block him. Impeachment: Season 2 is gonna be good. The city of London is taking away Uber’s license to operate in London. Looks like you’re gonna have to take the Tube. And in headlines: SHS on the campaign trail, a good day for animals, and the intense, destructive power of Cameo.

New leaked documents detail how far the Chinese government has gone to detain ethnic minorities and muslims. We discuss what the documents reveal. More on that, here: https://apnews.com/4ab0b341a4ec4e648423f2ec47ea5c47 Michael Bloomberg is gearing up to spend the combined net worth of every person you will ever meet on his presidential campaign. We discuss how he plans to win. And in headlines: Iran gets back online, Nunes is in the hot seat, and Frozen 2 snows money at the box office.

Fiona Hill and David Holmes close out a week in testimonies and Schiff brings the gavel down with a fiery closing statement. Plus, Sondland’s famous “loves your ass” quote is officially confirmed. Out Magazine executive editor Raquel Willis joins us to discuss The Trans Obituaries Project and what can be done to end anti-trans violence. Find out more here: https://www.out.com/print/2019/11/20/trans-obituaries-project And we show how hard it is to distinguish campaign walk-up songs from electronics commercial jingles.

During his impeachment hearing, Gordon Sondland confirms the quid-pro-quo and says his orders came from the top dog: El Presidente. We discuss that and the testimony of Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Laura Cooper. Ten democratic candidates faced off in a rapid-fire two-hour debate at Tyler Perry Studios in Georgia. We discuss highlights including some choice Booker-on-Biden weed slams. And in headlines: Zuck’s Trump dinner, Google’s union-busting, and BTS gets no noms (!!).

In an epic 12 hour impeach-a-thon, four witnesses took the stand, including Lt. Colonel Vindman, Pence aid Jennifer Williams, former special envoy to Ukraine Kurt Volker, and Europe and Russia special expert slash spokesman for drinking milk Tim Morrison. We talk through the biggest takeaways. And in headlines: Epstein guards on trial, Madea’s big debate, and the new Cats trailer is not safe for human or animal consumption

The trial of Roger Stone has led Democrats to dust off their old yellowed copies of The Mueller Report, and broaden the impeachment inquiry to crimes Trump may have committed outside of the Ukraine ones. Joe Biden’s recent comments about weed as a “gateway drug” (thank you, Vice President DARE Mascot) lead us to examine different candidates’ perspectives on marijuana legalization. And in headlines: the US signs off on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, Trump backtracks on mango JUUL pods, and a tragic case of Jay against K.

Pete Buttigieg is surging in Iowa, and Michael Bloomberg is kicking off his late-blooming campaign by apologizing for his racist “Stop & Frisk” policy. We discuss this and more in our 2020 primary update. Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed was granted an indefinite stay by the courts last week. We look at the evidence that Reed was falsely convicted, and discuss how his case gained traction. And in headlines: impeachment updates, the case of Lizzo v. Postmates, and a goodbye to Eddie Rispone.

Two candidates for Louisiana Governor face off in a runoff election on Saturday. We introduce you to Republican Eddie “Stickers” Rispone and Democrat and incumbent Governor John “Across The Aisle” Bel Edwards. A high school in Santa Clarita was attacked by student shooter on Thursday. We discuss the gun violence epidemic, and the measures that House Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has refused to take to resolve it. And in headlines: Swift wants her songs back, Bevin sulks, and Google Caches Me Outside.