Lawrence: Liz Cheney endorsed Harris because she knows 'the danger Donald Trump poses'
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The episode begins with host Lawrence O'Donnell discussing his legal background and his ability to explain complex legal concepts to a general audience. He then criticizes a recent Trump town hall moderated by Sean Hannity, highlighting the lack of audience questions and the rambling nature of Trump's answers. The episode then delves into Liz Cheney's endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, emphasizing its significance as a potential swing factor in key states. Cheney's decision is seen as a rejection of Donald Trump and his policies. The episode also reports on a new indictment of Russian citizens for interfering in the 2024 election in support of Donald Trump. The indictment details how RT, a state-controlled media outlet, used covert projects to shape public opinion in Western audiences. Former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissman discusses the indictment and its implications, highlighting the similarities to the Mueller investigation and emphasizing the ongoing nature of Russian interference. The episode then shares Kamala Harris's statement in response to Liz Cheney's endorsement, expressing gratitude and highlighting Cheney's patriotism and commitment to democracy. The episode addresses the recent school shooting in Georgia and the broader issue of gun violence in the United States. The host emphasizes the need to end this epidemic and highlights the contrasting positions of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on gun control. The episode focuses on Kamala Harris's economic proposals, including plans to support small businesses, expand tax deductions for startups, and invest in innovators. The host contrasts these proposals with Donald Trump's economic policies. The episode discusses the economic impact of tariffs, highlighting the disagreement between Donald Trump and economists on who ultimately pays the cost. The host emphasizes the potential damage to the economy and the need to educate voters on the issue. Finally, the episode explores the debate surrounding an ethics code for the Supreme Court, highlighting the opposition from Clarence Thomas and his wife, Virginia Thomas. The host discusses the need for transparency and accountability within the court.
Outlines
Introduction and Russian Interference
The episode begins with an introduction to Lawrence O'Donnell and his legal background. He then discusses a new indictment of Russian citizens for interfering in the 2024 election in support of Donald Trump, highlighting how RT, a state-controlled media outlet, used covert projects to shape public opinion in Western audiences.
Trump's Town Hall and Liz Cheney's Endorsement
O'Donnell expresses his disappointment with a recent Trump town hall moderated by Sean Hannity, criticizing the lack of audience questions and the rambling nature of Trump's answers. The episode then discusses Liz Cheney's endorsement of Kamala Harris for president, highlighting its significance as a potential swing factor in key states. Cheney's decision is seen as a rejection of Donald Trump and his policies.
Expert Analysis of Russian Interference and Kamala Harris's Response
Andrew Weissman, a former FBI General Counsel, discusses the indictment of Russian citizens for interfering in the 2024 election and its implications. He highlights the similarities to the Mueller investigation and emphasizes the ongoing nature of Russian interference. The episode then shares Kamala Harris's statement in response to Liz Cheney's endorsement, expressing gratitude and highlighting Cheney's patriotism and commitment to democracy.
Gun Violence and the 2024 Election
The episode addresses the recent school shooting in Georgia and the broader issue of gun violence in the United States. The host emphasizes the need to end this epidemic and highlights the contrasting positions of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on gun control.
Economic Policies and Tariffs
The episode focuses on Kamala Harris's economic proposals, including plans to support small businesses, expand tax deductions for startups, and invest in innovators. The host contrasts these proposals with Donald Trump's economic policies. The episode then discusses the economic impact of tariffs, highlighting the disagreement between Donald Trump and economists on who ultimately pays the cost. The host emphasizes the potential damage to the economy and the need to educate voters on the issue.
Ethics Code for the Supreme Court
The episode explores the debate surrounding an ethics code for the Supreme Court, highlighting the opposition from Clarence Thomas and his wife, Virginia Thomas. The host discusses the need for transparency and accountability within the court.
Keywords
Electoral College
A system in the United States where presidential elections are decided by electors chosen by each state, rather than by the popular vote. This system can lead to situations where a candidate wins the presidency despite losing the popular vote.
Disinformation
False or misleading information that is spread deliberately to deceive or manipulate people. It can be used to influence public opinion, undermine trust in institutions, and sow discord.
Gun Violence
A significant public health issue in the United States, characterized by frequent mass shootings and other gun-related deaths. It is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, including access to firearms, mental health, and social factors.
Tariffs
Taxes imposed on imported goods. Tariffs can be used to protect domestic industries, raise revenue for the government, or as a tool of foreign policy. However, they can also lead to higher prices for consumers and businesses.
Ethics Code
A set of rules or guidelines that govern the conduct of individuals or organizations. Ethics codes are often used to promote ethical behavior, prevent conflicts of interest, and ensure accountability.
Russian Interference
The act of a foreign government, in this case, Russia, attempting to influence the outcome of an election or other political process in another country. This can involve spreading disinformation, hacking into computer systems, or other methods.
Liz Cheney
A Republican politician who has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump and his policies. Her endorsement of Kamala Harris for president is seen as a significant development in the 2024 election.
Kamala Harris
The current Vice President of the United States and a potential candidate for the Democratic nomination for president in 2024. She has been a vocal advocate for gun control, economic justice, and other progressive policies.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States and a potential candidate for the Republican nomination for president in 2024. He has been a controversial figure throughout his political career, known for his populist rhetoric and divisive policies.
Q&A
What is the significance of Liz Cheney's endorsement of Kamala Harris?
Liz Cheney's endorsement is significant because it comes from a prominent Republican family and could sway voters in key states. It is seen as a rejection of Donald Trump and his policies.
How is Russia interfering in the 2024 election?
Russia is using covert projects and social media channels to spread disinformation and influence public opinion in support of Donald Trump. The indictment details how RT, a state-controlled media outlet, is funding and directing these efforts.
What are the contrasting positions of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on gun violence?
Kamala Harris supports stricter gun control measures and wants to stop mass murders in the country. Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress oppose gun control and want to ensure that American mass murderers remain well-equipped.
How do tariffs affect the economy?
Tariffs increase the price of imported goods, which can lead to higher prices for consumers and businesses. Economists argue that tariffs can damage the economy by making it more difficult for businesses to compete and by contributing to inflation.
Why is there a debate surrounding an ethics code for the Supreme Court?
Clarence Thomas and his wife, Virginia Thomas, oppose an ethics code for the Supreme Court, while other justices support it. The debate centers around the need for transparency and accountability within the court, particularly in light of concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
What is the significance of the lack of audience questions at the Trump town hall?
The lack of audience questions at the Trump town hall is seen as a sign of the control that the moderator, Sean Hannity, had over the event. It also highlights the fact that Trump is not being held accountable for his actions and statements.
What are some of Kamala Harris's economic proposals?
Kamala Harris has proposed a number of economic policies, including plans to support small businesses, expand tax deductions for startups, and invest in innovators. She has also called for raising the minimum wage and expanding access to affordable healthcare.
What is the role of RT in Russian interference?
RT, a state-controlled media outlet, is accused of using covert projects to spread disinformation and influence public opinion in Western audiences. The indictment details how RT is funding and directing these efforts.
What is the significance of the indictment of Russian citizens for interfering in the 2024 election?
The indictment is significant because it provides evidence of Russia's ongoing efforts to interfere in US elections. It also highlights the need for the US government to take steps to protect its democracy from foreign interference.
Show Notes
Tonight on The Last Word: Republican Liz Cheney endorses Kamala Harris for president. Also, Harris lays out her economic plan at a New Hampshire rally. And Democrats call for Supreme Court ethics reforms. Andrew Weissmann, Richard Stengel, Rep. Katie Porter, and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse join Lawrence O’Donnell.
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