Michael Popok and Karen Friedman Agnifilo are back with the midweek edition of the Legal AF podcast. It has been so exciting for us to be able to share these episodes with our Meidas+ subscribers ad-free exclusively here on Substack! If you are able to, please consider becoming a paid subscriber today. It helps us to continue to provide this content and grow!
On tap this episode: Trump’s blatant disregard for the Rule of Law and the American people with his pick of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General; the potential sentencing for Trump’s 34 felony convictions in New York state court; whether Trump will rush to court to block Attorney General Merrick Garland from releasing Special Counsel Jack Smith’s two final reports on Trump’s crimes; Trump’s threat to use his recess appointment power to push through unqualified cabinet picks like Gaetz; his plan to immediately fire top generals; and much more at the intersection of law and politics.
Its disgusting, but no surprise. Trump will choose the least qualified, most controversial candidate to fill the offices. That's his whole persona-I am the big dog who wants to destroy everything that doesn't feed me and f**k the laws or the Constitution. No one seems to have the guts to challenge him either, so he gets away with everything.
Just like last time
We are all judged by the company we keep. Trump is surrounding himself with his “loyalists.” But seriously, how many are really willing to put their reputations, their jobs, their families, even their lives on the line for Trump? Our two-tiered justice system shows us that the Trump minions can be held accountable but not Trump? SCOTUS said so after all. But I’m more concerned with, HOW did so many VOTERS decide that Trump’s criminality, immorality, and dishonesty would not be an issue for them in choosing leadership? We will ALL suffer for this terrible decision.
Many people lost faith in the Dems who stopped fighting for the working and middle classes.
I disagree about Democrats not fighting for the working and middle class. The American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Chips and Science Act...all these were a boon for the working and middle class. Republicans nixed the extension of the child tax credit. Republicans nixed universal pre-K, assistance with childcare, 4 weeks paid family and sick leave for those who didn't already receive those bebenefits from their employers, affordable care Act subsidies, improving home health coverage for those on Medicaid, and numerous other initiatives. Biden strove to build the economy "from the bottom up and the middle out" which was a reflection of FDR's and Eisenhower's approach vs the trickle down " Voodoo" economics of the last 4 decades which has seen the wealth gap increase back to levels not seen since the Robber baron days.
The media failed to highlight the achievements and the right wing media persisted with messaging that downplayed and outright ignored all the positive achievements for the economy and for the working and middle class.
Inflation was worldwide. The US has fared so much better.We have the strongest economy in the world. Google US economy strongest
Read for yourself.
You must be able to buy food.!
You're correct. My comment was wrong. My only defense is that I still can't understand what happened and I'm looking for a reason for a complex situation.
Bull. MAGA is an irrational cult. Nothing matters to Trump's voters than elevating their leader to the most prestigious job in the world. His victory is their victory, no matter how empty, immoral or destructive it will prove to be. Dems messaging is clear. MAGA chooses not to listen.
I stand corrected. See post by Salted Grits
Imagine if Obama and BLM had stormed the Capitol. They would have been in jail the next day.
More likely many would have been shot.
Matt the pedo Trump wants to keep his kind around so sick
He's disgusting but so are all of his picks
Truth for sure..I just happen to live in pedos district.
TRAGIC
Let me get this straight - new AG has NEVER tried a case
Pete Hegswith has never managed anything. He was a captain with no command. And, he's a misogynist.
Have you folks picked up on Johnson and Trump’s “little secret” that Johnson plans to create a fake rift between the House and Senate so Trump can force them to adjourn and then claim his nominees are recess appointments. Thus no hearings or advice and consent of the Senate?
I did. Disgusting
Sorry but you could not possibly be more incorrect when you wrote, "On tap this episode: Trump’s blatant disregard for the Rule of Law and the American people with his pick of Matt Gaetz as Attorney General." In returning Trump to the Presidency, this is exactly what the American people voted for.
Reckless appointments, blind loyaltyand chaos?
We will fight back. Common Cause, indivisible, ACLU, Southern Poverty Law Center and so many more organizations will fight. I will fight to the death. If we don’t have Democracy we have nothing.
Who in the military likes/respects DJT? I see the possibility of a military coup with the message - "back off mother fucker - you ain't our boss"
I've written to a couple friends this morning asking, seriously, what are the chances of a military coup... tiny, maybe, kind of, 50/50, kind of, perhaps, for sure? I most certainly appreciate it that you've raised the question Mitch!
god, i hope these nominees are not cleared for these positions!!!! what a circus.
Brace yourself. I think the majority will pass.
Designated Survivor.
IF Gaetz becomes Attorney General every department at the Justice Department must select a designated survivor, and then every other person resigns en mass.
Just as we have a Designated survivor in the Presidential Cabinet who stays away from the Presidential State of the union Speech just in case the President, Vice president and Speaker of the House are all murdered, and that Cabinet member now becomes President, we need for each department at the Justice Department a Designated Survivor to stay when everyone else leaves IF Matt Gaetz is in fact confirmed as AG.
Don't worry. Trump said he planned to clean house and replace everyone I'm the federal government with loyalists.
Love u Popok keep up the best thete is we are ready to fight and save Merica thsnks to all the others who are with you sll
Dems play fair and lose, gop plays dirty and wins. It's like a chess mater complaining about losing to a hot dog eating champion who ate the chess master's pieces to win. After 10 years trump has eaten the chess pieces and won. Rape, fraud, defamation, insurrection, stealing secret docs, and other crimes and he has not paid a single dollar nor spent one day behind bars. Good luck playing fair... What's the definition of insanity? Play fair against a person who doesn't give a damn about the law, norms, or tradition.
He'll just claim that he's a victim like he always does and blame it on the Democrats are trying to set me up in all this and his people will believe it
He's an expert in gaslighting
Idk. Trump's appointments range from dangerous to plain clownish, but they are all unserious people. These appointments have the vibe of the serious people letting the old man think he's making decisions up to when the kids take him to the home. Trump got them them the presidency and now he's a liability. Also the Donald Sr loyalists are being identified. Curious what J.D. and his pal Kevin are up to.
Gaetz is a toad with an ugly facaelift....An ignoramous, another sex offender in our midst....unbelievable....So shameful...not sure what planet they came from, but should go back, along with Musk.
I agree with Karen, appeal should stand!
I am very angry
… “reliable puppets and inflatable dolls” and doormats that will be thrown out if they get too dirty even for Trump.
I just want to ask a question about subscriptions, but I don't know how to reach anyone. Do you have a discounted rate for senior citizens who are struggling just to make ends meet on social security? Could someone please email me about this? I'm sorry to ask in a “Comment.” Please reply. Thank you.
Qualifications in Trump world is a deterrent to being hired. Only the most unscrupulous, vile criminals need apply.
I think the primary reason Trump won (quoted from H. C. Richardson's "Letters From an American" is: "a new study out today from Data for Progress showed that people who paid 'a great deal' of attention to political news voted for Vice President Kamala Harris +6, while those who paid 'none at all' went +19 for Trump."
Ben and Brett Meiselas have shown many posts/videos from Trump voters who are learning too late what policies they actually voted for. Top Google searches post election: "What are tariffs?" and "Can I change my vote?"
I am profoundly grateful for all MTN contributors and unsung heroes like Ron Filipkowski who are risking their lives and weathering vicious hate mail in order to speak truth to power and preserve our precious democracy. We need an army of podcasters who can reach these uninformed and easily manipulated voters wherever they are online, especially now that Trump has vowed to complete the years-long efforts of reactionary billionaires to undermine public education.
I'm more afraid that trump will jail anyone that presided in a case against him. He stated publicly over and over that he will destroy all those who opposed him. He also has immunity of prosecution if he sends the military to kill anyone who spoke out against him especially political opponents. This is all too familiar with the putin regime.
As far as the military, Trump is doing what Putin wants ...weakening our defenses. 🤬
What if Trump has not signed his paperwork still?
Gaetz is a scumbag who enjoys getting under age girls drunk or high and raping them while taking pictures. Then he is so proud of himself that he tells his friends and coworkers about his sexual conquests and shows them pictures. He is a sick disgusting piece of shit! This is the guy you warn your sisters, daughters, and family about. He Is That Guy! The sick sexual deviant who enjoys raping young women. tRump is the same sexual deviant. A Rapist hires a Rapist. The filthy abhorrent people running our government is Shocking! Pure scum!
Kakistocracy=
A society governed by the WORST and LEAST qualified.
A useful word for the next four years ...
https://youtu.be/QvmzTFRqqWk?si=w-jmOqFNheF5YyJQ
Please check this, this is the reason why the russian plane was so close to Trump's.
woah! Keep it real Popok: these idiots being suggested are NOT yet running the government. IF the Senate is able to hold hearings, who knows? Karen: the party "we" belong to... fair enough if you mean you, Popok, others. BUT I am willing to bet a founding membership price that many of the subscribers to MTN are NOT members of the Democrat Party. Most obviously, those who live in or watch from other countries -- are NOT card carrying members of ANY party in the USA. Even if I still lived in my home state of Oregon, I would not be a member. Call it independent or what you will. Be inclusive and perhaps say, "we, as progressives"... not sure how to frame it. Ideas? Comments? POV from others in this discussion?
Media Touch are warriors taking the lead with energy, hopefulness, knowledge, experience and b@lls!
RFK,Jr for Health and Human Services... just in in breaking news. Oh save us!
Keep us engaged.
See Virginia’s comments!
See Virginia’s comments below
Why is Gaetz off the hook? Make it make sense to me, please.
Since Trump won't be charged thanks to some crazy above the LAW rule... the American people should see the evidence collected by the doj investigation. Let America see what they elected. As if there hasn't been enough corruption and disgust around the orange Russian elected FELON.
The fact they are trying to hide the evidence speaks volumes. We just don't know how bad it is, but one can speculate, then go even lower.
Trump replacing pentagon top brass with low grade, unqualified Trump loyalists. Maybe prep work for using military to do his bidding??
This was a much needed video. Helped understand what is going on with trump & current status.
Chrissy Lazar
What is AF?
Well Michale Popock says frequently during his shows, "It means what you think it means."
AF is an abbreviation for... well we all know that.
I thought the same as Patsy, but it stands for Legal Analysis Friends per the about section of the substack.
As f@#$
Unbelievable.
🤮😡😪
Remember he said people don't even have to vote. No legitimate candidate ever says that!