December 20, 2019 broadcast
Part 1
We interview Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report, and discuss changes that have taken place in Texas. We begin by discussion of the impeachment of Trump. The impeachment vote itself in the House seems almost anticlimactic. For Republicans, their concern is their reelection and loyalty to Trump, rather than doing the right thing. Trump continually stresses in his public speeches that the Republican party is united in their support of him. Mark Meadows, of the Tea Party has announced his retirement. The Democrats have done what they promised their voters: brought Trump to account. It’s unknown what the effect will be on the 2020 election.
Obamacare has been under attack, and the court in Louisiana has ruled that the universal insurance requirement cannot be required. In the past, Medicaid expansion was tied to Obama, and therefore not popular in red states. But, there is a recognition that Medicaid expansion is necessary, since most Medicaid pays for older, white people in nursing homes. Older, whiter people are dying younger and sicker. “Granny Tax” campaigns were used in Texas to attempt defeat of candidates who supported Medicaid expansion. These campaigns were funded by dark money, organizations like Empowered Texans, but were not successful.
Earlier this year, the Texas legislature was pretty quiet and successful, until it was revealed that Speaker Bonnen had conspired with Empowered Texans to defeat fellow Republicans’ campaigns, and to revoke press passes for Scott Braddock, while granting press credentials to Empowered Texans. The recorded plot was revealed and was not complete. Bonnen will not be running for reelection. This was a demonstration of how dark money corrupts the system, and how politicians become thralls of such organizations. In effect, these organizations become political terrorists.
Two politicians in Texas were designated as “bum steers.” These are Dennis Bonnen and Beto O’Rourke. Bonnen for obvious reasons and his scandals. O’Rourke is perceived as having squandered his chances. O’Rourke might have successfully run for Senator from Texas, even though he was unsuccessful in the run for the White House.
Part 2
We have a conversation with Paul Steinhauser, who is covering the presidential campaign for various news outlets. The presidential campaigns started about a year ago, with about 25 Democrats declaring their intentions. The top seven will be on the debate stage on Dec. 20.
There has been a resurgence by Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren has slowed in the polls. Part of her drop has been attributed to the fact that she acknowledged that she might take four years to accomplish all her plans, and might need to compromise on some issues, particularly health care. A top concern that has also gained in importance is climate change. Steyer and Bloomberg are not going to be on the stage, though Bloomberg has bought TV time, and will have his message out during the debate. Both these men have been fighting climate change. Cory Booker, also not on the stage, but has bought TV time.
The main discussion point for the Democrats who are running will likely be the questions “What happens after Trump?”
The top story at present is the impeachment vote in the House of Representatives. It is understood that it is unlikely that the Senate will vote to convict.
