Podcasts > PBD Podcast > Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

By Patrick Bet-David

Join the PBD Podcast hosts Patrick Bet-David, Adam Sosnick, Vincent Oshana, and Thomas Ellsworth as they dive into a melting pot of current events that are shaping the course of political, economic, and social landscapes. In episode 375, the speakers engage in a lively debate covering the Supreme Court's latest ruling on Trump's eligibility to run for office, an unexpected social media blackout on Super Tuesday, and eye-opening inflation figures that may upset conventional understanding.

From examining the continuously polarizing socio-economic stratification in America to dissecting legal drama surrounding a controversial viral incident, this episode of PBD Podcast leaves no stone unturned. The hosts also dissect public reactions to a minimum wage exception linked to political donations, and round off with a discussion on Ryan Garcia's puzzling online behavior, offering a panoramic glimpse into the complexities and intrigues of today's world.

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Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

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Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

1-Page Summary

Supreme Court unanimously rules against efforts to bar Trump from running again

The Supreme Court unanimously rejected attempts to prevent former President Donald Trump from seeking office again. States such as Colorado, Maine, and Illinois had initiated measures to disqualify Trump from the ballot, but the Supreme Court's decision obstructs these state-level initiatives, ensuring Trump remains eligible to run. Despite unanimity, liberal justices criticized the decision's scope as excessive, indicating some internal discord. However, Justice Amy Coney Barrett underscored the significance of the unanimous ruling.

Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms down on Super Tuesday

On Super Tuesday, a pivotal moment in American politics, platforms including Facebook and Instagram unexpectedly went offline. Patrick Bet-David reported the blackout, noting speculations of possible cyber attacks as a cause. Users reported being logged out, and discussion among hosts ventured the possibility of foreign interference, although motives behind the outage remained uncertain. Vincent Oshana highlighted the peculiar timing after the Supreme Court's ruling, suggesting a potential political motive, while others like Adam Sosnick referenced past events to reinforce the threat of cyber incursions.

Inflation possibly reaching 18% in 2022 and still around 8%

Recent studies proposed that inflation rates might be far greater than officially reported, potentially peaking at 18% in late 2022 and presently around 8%. Patrick Bet-David discussed leaked information supporting these claims, and a study by the International Money Fund and Harvard University suggested that consumer skepticism regarding inflation was reasonable. They argued that true inflation figures, including rising borrowing costs, might surpass those reported in the Consumer Price Index, challenging official data and justifying public concern.

Middle class population in the US declining as rich get richer and poor get poorer

The U.S. sees a diminishing middle class, with only 50% of adults now within this category, compared to 61% in 1971. The upper-income tier grew from 14% to 21%, as did the lower-income bracket, from 25% to 29%. Economic policies seem to favor the wealthy, exacerbating wealth disparities. The analogy of a dinner where upper-income individuals are indifferent to cost, highlights how the economic divide affects spending concerns across different income levels.

Girl pushing friend off 60-foot bridge faces charges after video goes viral

A girl faces criminal charges for pushing her friend off a 60-foot bridge, resulting in a viral video. The victim suffered severe injuries, including five broken ribs and lacerated organs. Taylor Smith, the perpetrator, was charged with reckless endangerment, which carries the potential penalty of jail time and a fine. After the court's decision, she was sentenced to serve 364 days in jail.

California's $20 minimum wage exemption for Panera Bread linked to donations

Patrick Bet-David brought attention to California's $20 minimum wage exemption for Panera Bread, possibly linking it to campaign donations by franchise owner Greg Flynn to Governor Gavin Newsom. Although Flynn contributed significant amounts to Newsom's campaigns, he denies requesting the exemption. Newsom's connection to Flynn, the exemption's beneficiary, has sparked controversy and debate over legislative bias towards campaign donors.

Boxer Ryan Garcia acting erratically, saying accounts were taken from him

Professional boxer Ryan Garcia has been the subject of concern due to his recent erratic behavior on social media, suggesting distress. Even though his ex-wife has hinted at Garcia not being okay, his trainer suggests he is simply "trolling the wrong way." This has left fans confused about his mental and emotional state, with varied interpretations of his recent online actions.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Vincent Oshana pointed out the unusual timing of the Facebook and Instagram outage occurring right after the Supreme Court's ruling. This timing raised suspicions and led to speculation about potential connections or motives behind the coinciding events. The implication was that the blackout might have been politically motivated or related to the ruling in some way. This observation sparked discussions about the possible interplay between the blackout and the Supreme Court decision.
  • Adam Sosnick referenced past events to emphasize the ongoing risk of cyber attacks on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. By mentioning historical incidents of cyber interference, Sosnick aimed to highlight the persistent vulnerability of these platforms to external threats. This context underscores the importance of cybersecurity measures and vigilance in safeguarding digital platforms from potential disruptions.
  • The International Money Fund and Harvard University suggested that consumer skepticism regarding inflation was reasonable because they believed that true inflation figures, including rising borrowing costs, might surpass those reported in the Consumer Price Index. This challenges official data and justifies public concern.
  • The analogy of a dinner where upper-income individuals are indifferent to cost highlights how wealthier individuals may not be as concerned about the prices of items or services compared to those with lower incomes. This analogy underscores the disparity in spending habits and financial priorities between different income levels. It suggests that for those in the upper-income bracket, the cost of things like a dinner may not be a significant factor in decision-making, unlike individuals with lower incomes who may need to consider costs more carefully.
  • Taylor Smith was charged with reckless endangerment for pushing her friend off a 60-foot bridge, leading to severe injuries. Reckless endangerment typically involves actions that show a disregard for the safety of others. In this case, Smith's actions resulted in harm to her friend, leading to the legal charge. The charge indicates that Smith's behavior posed a significant risk to the well-being of her friend.
  • California's $20 minimum wage exemption for Panera Bread raised concerns about potential ties to campaign donations made by the franchise owner to Governor Gavin Newsom. The exemption allowed Panera Bread to pay a lower minimum wage compared to the state's standard. The controversy stemmed from allegations that the exemption could be influenced by the owner's financial support to the governor's political campaigns. This situation highlighted debates around the influence of campaign donations on legislative decisions.
  • Greg Flynn's donations to Governor Gavin Newsom sparked controversy due to the perceived connection between Flynn's campaign contributions and the $20 minimum wage exemption granted to Panera Bread, a franchise owned by Flynn. Critics raised concerns about potential legislative bias and favoritism towards campaign donors, leading to debates over the transparency and fairness of the exemption process. The situation highlighted broader issues around the influence of money in politics and the scrutiny faced by politicians regarding their relationships with donors.

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Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

Supreme Court unanimously rules against efforts to bar Trump from running again

The Supreme Court has taken a firm stance against efforts aiming to bar former President Donald Trump from running for office again, with all justices agreeing in their ruling.

Colorado's attempt to keep Trump off the ballot

The State of Colorado, followed by Maine and Illinois, had introduced measures to disqualify Trump from appearing on their ballots. However, the Supreme Court's unanimous decision undermines these efforts and prevents a state-by-state patchwork from influencing the former President's potential candidacy.

Implications

The ruling is seen as an exhibition of logical decision-making by the Supreme Court justices who showed long-term thinking. Bet-David notes that this unanimous decision particularly exemplifies the liberal justices' ability to rule logically, regardless of their personal feelings toward Trump.

Liberal justices' criticism of the majority for exceeding necessary bounds

Despite the unanimous outcome, liberal justices including Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, have expressed criticism. They argued that the majority of the Court went beyond what ...

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Supreme Court unanimously rules against efforts to bar Trump from running again

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The efforts to prevent Trump from running again were state-level measures introduced by Colorado, Maine, and Illinois to disqualify him from appearing on their ballots. These measures aimed to block Trump's potential candidacy for future elections. The Supreme ...

Counterarguments

  • The Supreme Court's unanimous decision may not necessarily reflect logical decision-making or long-term thinking, but rather a strict interpretation of the Constitution and existing federal laws regarding qualifications for presidential candidates.
  • The ruling could be seen as a limitation on states' rights to determine their own criteria for ballot access, which some may argue is an important aspect of federalism.
  • The criticism from liberal justices about the majority exceeding necessary bounds suggests there may be valid concerns about the scope of the ruling and its implications for future cases.
  • Emphasizing the unanimity of the decision might overshadow the substantive disagre ...

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Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms down on Super Tuesday

Patrick Bet-David announces breaking news that Facebook is down on Super Tuesday, a significant event in the political calendar, setting off speculation about the cause of the outage.

Possible causes like cyber attacks

During this unexpected service interruption, many users find themselves logged out of their accounts. Bet-David confirms this issue firsthand and encourages others to check their access. As the hosts discuss the situation, there is contemplation that the platforms might be the target of a cyber attack from a foreign adversary like China, Russia, Iran, or another malicious entity. Contributing to the concerns, Adam Sosnick recalls an interview with former Blackwater CEO Erik Prince regarding an AT&T outage, where Prince assessed a 70% likelihood of Chinese involvement, underscoring the reality of cyber threats.

Motives behind the outages

The issue strikes as particularly odd given its coincidence with Super Tuesday. Vincent Oshana raises the possibility that the blackout could be a deliberate attempt to curb dialogue on a day critical to American ...

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Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms down on Super Tuesday

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Super Tuesday is a crucial day in the United States presidential primary elections. It typically occurs in early March and involves multiple states holding their primary elections on the same day. This day is significant because a large number of delegates are up for grabs, making it a key moment for candidates to secure their party's nomination. The outcomes on Super Tuesday can heavily influence the trajectory of the entire presidential race.
  • Erik Prince is a businessman known for founding the private military company Blackwater. In the past, he has made public statements about various issues, including cybersecurity and national security matters. In the context mentioned, Erik Prince's a ...

Counterarguments

  • The outage could be due to technical issues or server malfunctions, which are common in large tech companies, rather than a cyber attack.
  • There may be no correlation between the outage and Super Tuesday; it could be coincidental timing.
  • Without evidence, attributing the outage to a cyber attack from specific countries like China, Russia, or Iran is speculative and could be misleading.
  • The reference to a previous outage and the likelihood of Chinese involvement does not necessarily apply to this situation without concrete evidence linking the two events.
  • The idea that the outage is an intentional effort to suppress political dialogue is a serious accusation that requires substantial proof before being considered credible.
  • The outage's timi ...

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Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

Inflation possibly reaching 18% in 2022 and still around 8%

Bet-David and other sources reveal a concerning picture of inflation based on recent studies, suggesting the rate may be significantly higher than official reports indicate.

Bet-David refers to an official leak indicating that inflation might have spiked as high as 18% in late 2022 and notes that it still hovers around 8%. Echoing this insight, there's a mention of a MarketWatch story that supports the suggestion that true inflation could have reached this peak.

A joint study conducted by researchers from the International Money Fund and Harvard University points out that consumer pessimism is justified, arguing that if inflation were measured accurately, the figures would be higher than the reported Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures. The discrepancy arises due to the CPI's failure to account for rising borrowing costs, such as interest on credit cards, car loans, and mortgages.

Research from Harvard University backs up these claims, suggesting that the actual inflation rate was considerably higher than what was reported, potentially hitting 18%, and indicates that current rates are still ...

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Inflation possibly reaching 18% in 2022 and still around 8%

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Borrowing costs, such as interest on loans, are a component of inflation because they affect the overall cost of living for consumers. When borrowing costs rise, it becomes more expensive for individuals to borrow money, impacting their spending power and potentially leading to higher prices for goods and services. Including borrowing costs in inflation metrics provides a more comprehensive view of the true cost of living for indi ...

Counterarguments

  • The CPI is a widely accepted measure of inflation that is designed to track the cost of a basket of goods and services over time, and while it may not include certain costs like rising interest rates, it is not intended to measure the cost of money but rather the price changes in consumer goods and services.
  • Official inflation rates are calculated using standardized and transparent methodologies, and while they may not capture every aspect of the cost of living, they are designed to provide a consistent and comparable measure of inflation over time.
  • The claim of an 18% inflation rate in late 2022 would need to be substantiated by more than a single leak or study, as it significantly deviates from official statistics; it would require a broad consensus among economists and corroborating data from multiple reputable sources.
  • Interest rates can rise and fall independently of inflation, and while they can influence each other, they are not the same thing; therefore, including the cost of borrowing in inflation measures could potentially conflate different economic indicators.
  • Consumer pessimism may be influenced by a variety of factors, not just inflation, including employment rates, wage growth, and personal financial situations, so attributing it solely to inflation may not provid ...

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Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

Middle class population in the US declining as rich get richer and poor get poorer

The economic landscape of the United States is undergoing a considerable shift as the middle class contracts, and the divide between the upper and lower income brackets grows.

The proportion of American adults in the middle class has notably decreased from 61% in 1971 to just 50%. Alongside this decline, the upper-income tier has expanded from 14% to 21%. In a similar vein, the lower-income bracket has also seen growth, increasing from 25% to 29%.

This shift in economic demographics suggests that policies and economic forces are disproportionately benefiting the wealthy, leading to the enrichment of the already rich while the middle class diminishes. This is likened to a social dinner scenario where the person with upper income selects costly dishes unconcerned with the financial limitations of others at the table, while individua ...

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Middle class population in the US declining as rich get richer and poor get poorer

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The economic landscape shift in the United States refers to the changing distribution of wealth among different income groups over time. This shift is characterized by a decrease in the middle class, an increase in the upper-income tier, and growth in the lower-income bracket. It indicates a trend where economic policies and forces are disproportionately benefiting the wealthy, leading to widening income inequality. This shift is influenced by factors such as inflation, rising living costs, and disparities in economic opportunities.
  • The proportion of American adults in the middle class decreased from 61% in 1971 to 50%. The upper-income tier expanded from 14% to 21% during the same period. The lower-income bracket also saw growth, increasing from 25% to 29%. These changes indicate a significant shift in the economic demographics of the United States.
  • The analogy of a social dinner scenario is used to illustrate how economic disparities play out in a social setting. It compares the behavior of individuals with different income levels at a dinner table to highlight the unequal distribution of resources and the lack of consideration for financial constraints among the wealthy. This analogy emphasizes the disconnect between the financial experiences of those in different income brackets, showcasing how the wealthy may not be mindful of the financial chal ...

Counterarguments

  • The definition of "middle class" can vary, and some argue that the decline is partly due to changes in how this group is defined or measured over time.
  • Economic mobility may account for some of the shifts, with individuals moving out of the middle class into higher income brackets due to success and upward mobility.
  • The expansion of the upper-income tier could be seen as a positive indicator of economic opportunities and growth for some segments of the population.
  • The statistics may not capture the full picture, as they often do not account for non-monetary benefits and social services that improve the quality of life for lower-income individuals.
  • The growth of the lower-income bracket could be influenced by demographic changes, such as immigration patterns, which may bring more people into the lower-income category but also contribute to the economy in various ways.
  • Some argue that economic policies have also provided benefits to the middle class, such as tax cuts or credits, which are not always reflected in income statistics.
  • The narrative of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer may oversimplify complex economic dynamics and ignore periods of economic growth that have benefited a wide range of income levels.
  • Inflation and rising living costs affect all income levels, no ...

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Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

Girl pushing friend off 60-foot bridge faces charges after video goes viral

A girl is facing criminal charges for pushing a friend off a 60-foot bridge, a scene which was recorded and became viral on social media.

Severity of injuries like broken ribs and lacerated organs

In the video, Patrick Bet-David comments on the severity of the incident, citing that the girl fell stomach-down from a height of 60 feet, indicating severe injuries might have been sustained. The victim is mentioned to have suffered from a "belly flop," resulting in bruised and potentially broken ribs. In fact, she had five broken ribs and injuries to her trachea from the fall.

Consequences like jail time for reckless endangerment

Taylor Smith, 18, who pushed 16-year-old Jordan H ...

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Girl pushing friend off 60-foot bridge faces charges after video goes viral

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The victim suffered a "belly flop" from a 60-foot bridge, resulting in five broken ribs and injuries to her trachea. This type of fall can cause severe internal injuries due to the impact on the body. The force of hitting the water from such a height can lead to fractures and damage to internal organs. The injuries mentioned, like broken ribs and tracheal injuries, are common in high-impact incidents like this one.
  • Reckless endangerment involves engaging in actions that disregard the safety of others. In this case, pushing someone off a bridge without regard for their well-being led to charges of reckless endangerment. The potential consequences for reckless endangerment can include jail time and fines, depending on the severity of the ...

Counterarguments

...

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Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

California's $20 minimum wage exemption for Panera Bread linked to donations

Patrick Bet-David has drawn attention to California Governor Newsom's assistance in exempting Panera Bread from the state's new $20 fast food minimum wage hike, suggesting a connection with campaign contributions from franchise owner Greg Flynn.

Governor Newsom's ties to Greg Flynn, a Panera franchise owner and campaign donor

Governor Gavin Newsom exhibits ties to Greg Flynn, a franchise owner of Panera Bread, who has been identified as a campaign donor to Newsom. Flynn contributed $100,000 to Newsom in 2021 and another $65,000 for his reelection campaign, a fact which has sparked controversy given the exemption in wage legislation that seems to favor his business interests.

Flynn's denial of requesting the exemption

Despite t ...

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California's $20 minimum wage exemption for Panera Bread linked to donations

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Patrick Bet-David is a media personality known for his business and entrepreneurship content on platforms like YouTube. In this context, he drew attention to the connection between California Governor Newsom, Panera Bread's exemption from the $20 minimum wage, and campaign contributions from Greg Flynn. Bet-David's involvement seems to be in highlighting the potential link between political decisions and financial support in this specific case.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom has connections to Greg Flynn, a Panera Bread franchise owner who has supported Newsom's political campaigns with significant donations. Flynn contributed $100,000 to Newsom in 2021 and an additional $65,000 for his reelection campaign. These financial contributions have raised concerns about potential influence on policy decisions, such as the exemption of Panera Bread from California's new $20 minimum wage for fast food workers.
  • The controversy revolves around the perceived connection between campaign donations made by Panera Bread franchise owner Greg Flynn to Governor Newsom and the exemption granted to Panera Bread from California's new $20 minimum wage for fast food workers. Critics argue that the exemption appears to benefit Flynn's business interests and raises questions about the influence of political contribution ...

Counterarguments

  • The correlation between campaign contributions and legislative decisions does not necessarily imply causation. It is possible that the exemption was granted based on other factors unrelated to Greg Flynn's donations.
  • Governor Newsom's administration may have valid policy reasons for the exemption that have not been disclosed or are not immediately apparent from the text.
  • Greg Flynn's denial of requesting the exemption could be truthful, and the exemption might have been a legislative decision made without his input or influence.
  • The exemption could be part of a broader legislative compromise that includes various stakeholders and was not solely for the benefit of Panera Bread or Greg Flynn.
  • The contributions made by Greg Flynn are part of the ...

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Facebook & Instagram Down, Trump's SCOTUS Ruling & Super Tuesday Predictions | PBD Podcast | Ep. 375

Boxer Ryan Garcia acting erratically, saying accounts were taken from him

Ryan Garcia has raised concerns among fans and close associates due to his erratic behavior and social media activity.

Appearing distressed in social media posts

Recent social media posts have shown the boxer appearing distressed. The nature of these posts has caused alarm and speculation regarding his well-being.

Ex-wife saying he seems fine but actually is not okay

His ex-wife has publicly indicated that Garcia may not be as fine as he appears, suggesting there may be underlying issues that are not immediately apparent to the public or fans.

Trainer claiming he's just "trolling the wrong way"

In contrast, his trainer claims that Ryan Garcia is simply "tr ...

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Boxer Ryan Garcia acting erratically, saying accounts were taken from him

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ryan Garcia's ex-wife has publicly expressed concerns about his well-being, indicating that there may be undisclosed issues affecting him. Her statement suggests that despite appearances, Garcia may be struggling with personal challenges that are not immediately visible to the public eye. This perspective adds a layer of complexity to the situation, hinting at underlying issues that may be contributing to his erratic behavior and social media posts.
  • Ryan Garcia's trainer suggesting he is "trolling the wrong way" implies that Garcia's recent behavior on social media may be deliberate but misunderstood by the public. This could mean that Garcia is intentionally posting content that appears erratic or distressing to ...

Counterarguments

  • It's possible that Ryan Garcia's behavior is not erratic but rather a response to personal or professional stressors that are not fully understood by the public.
  • The interpretation of Garcia's social media posts as "distressed" could be subjective, and without context, it's difficult to accurately assess someone's emotional state through social media alone.
  • The ex-wife's comments might not provide a complete picture of Garcia's well-being, as they are from the perspective of someone who may not be privy to all aspects ...

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