Podcasts > Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News > Lawrence on why Biden was the big winner in New Hampshire

Lawrence on why Biden was the big winner in New Hampshire

By Rachel Maddow

Join a riveting discussion with Alex Wagner, Lawrence O'Donnell, and an array of political voices on "Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News," where the complexities of legal battles, election strategies, and international philanthropy intertwine. This episode dissects the latest legal setbacks for former President Donald Trump, whose attempts to shield himself with claims of immunity and challenge gag orders are fervently contested in the courts. Additionally, the podcast takes an intriguing look at the potential implications of Trump's personal testimony in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, as Judge Kaplan puts firm boundaries in place to prevent courtroom misconduct.

Beyond the courtroom, delve into the Democrats' evolving campaign strategies, as figures like Tom Kean demonstrate the power of focusing on key issues to secure wins in traditionally Republican territories. The episode also airs Nikki Haley's potent criticisms of "MAGA Republicans" following the New Hampshire primary, revealing deep divisions within the GOP. Moreover, Lawrence O'Donnell sheds light on the transformative KIND Fund initiative, which aids Malawian students like Lawrence Namacha by providing essential educational resources, spotlighting the broader scope of change ignited through targeted philanthropy.

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Lawrence on why Biden was the big winner in New Hampshire

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Lawrence on why Biden was the big winner in New Hampshire

1-Page Summary

The legal challenges facing Donald Trump continue as his appeal against a gag order installed by Judge Tanya Chutkan is unanimously rejected by an 11-judge circuit court panel, including Trump-appointed judges. This unanimous decision leaves the Supreme Court as his next legal option. In addition, a decision is pending from a three-judge appeals court panel on whether Trump should be granted criminal immunity for his actions while in office. The prosecuting team is contesting this on its merits, as an admission that the case was eligible for immediate appeal would strip the district court of its jurisdiction.

Trump's Potential Reasons and Strategy for Deciding to Testify in E. Jean Carroll Defamation Case

Donald Trump may be strategizing to influence the outcome of the E. Jean Carroll defamation case by testifying, possibly with the aim of derailing or delaying the trial. There is speculation that he could cause a mistrial by making irrelevant comments during his testimony. However, Judge Kaplan is set to strictly enforce the court's restrictions on Trump's testimony, indicating that contempt charges could follow any infractions on Trump's part.

Democrats' Potential to Win Swing State Votes and Seats by Focusing Campaigns on Key Issues

The Democrats have recently gained traction in swing states such as Florida by concentrating on pivotal issues. Tom Kean nabbed a state House seat in a traditionally Republican district by focusing his campaign on abortion rights and property insurance. This approach garnered substantial support from non-partisan voters and demonstrated the Democrats' ability to win closely contested races by addressing the issues most relevant to those voters.

Haley's Criticisms of Trump and "MAGA Republicans" After New Hampshire Primary

Nikki Haley has voiced her disapproval of Donald Trump's leadership style, particularly his emphasis on personal attacks and a vengeful political approach. She pointed to losses the Republicans have faced in competitive contests under Trump's lead. Haley also remarked on the division within the Republican Party, where a faction prefers Biden over Trump, pointing to the internal challenges the party is grappling with as it seeks to define its future direction.

Providing Desks to Classrooms in Malawi Through the KIND Fund

Lawrence O'Donnell advocates for the necessity of basic educational resources like desks for students in Malawi. The KIND Fund, in collaboration with MSNBC and UNICEF, is helping to supply desks for students like Lawrence Namacha, who have faced the challenge of learning while sitting on floors. The initiative not only provides furniture but also offers scholarships to assist girls with continuing their education, thereby improving the educational landscape in Malawi.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The legal challenges facing Donald Trump include an appeal against a gag order and a pending decision on whether he should be granted criminal immunity for actions during his time in office. The appeal against the gag order was rejected by an 11-judge circuit court panel, leaving the Supreme Court as the next legal option for Trump. The decision on criminal immunity is being contested by the prosecuting team, potentially impacting the jurisdiction of the district court.
  • Tom Kean winning a state House seat in a traditionally Republican district is significant because it demonstrates the Democrats' ability to secure victories in areas where they typically face challenges. By focusing his campaign on key issues like abortion rights and property insurance, Kean attracted support from a broad range of voters, showcasing the effectiveness of addressing relevant concerns in closely contested races. This victory highlights the potential for Democrats to sway swing state votes and seats by emphasizing critical issues that resonate with the electorate.
  • Nikki Haley, a prominent Republican figure, has expressed disapproval of Donald Trump's leadership style, criticizing his focus on personal attacks and a vengeful political approach. She highlighted losses the Republican Party has faced in competitive elections under Trump's leadership. Haley also mentioned the internal division within the Republican Party, noting a faction that prefers President Biden over Trump. Her comments reflect the ongoing debate within the party about its future direction and leadership style.
  • The KIND Fund is a charitable initiative led by Lawrence O'Donnell that focuses on providing basic educational resources like desks to students in need. It collaborates with MSNBC, a news network, and UNICEF, a United Nations agency dedicated to children's rights and well-being, to support this cause. MSNBC helps raise awareness and funds for the KIND Fund's projects through its platform, while UNICEF assists in implementing and distributing the resources to schools in countries like Malawi. This collaboration aims to improve educational opportunities for children in underprivileged communities by addressing fundamental needs like access to proper learning environments.

Counterarguments

  • The unanimous decision by the 11-judge circuit court panel, including Trump-appointed judges, could be seen as a strong legal consensus rather than a partisan issue, suggesting that the legal system is functioning as intended, regardless of the political affiliations of the judges.
  • The Supreme Court, while being the next legal option for Trump, is not guaranteed to take up the case, and if it does, it may not necessarily rule in his favor, indicating the unpredictability and impartiality of the judicial process.
  • The pending decision on Trump's criminal immunity could be argued as a complex constitutional matter that requires careful consideration of the separation of powers and the precedent it sets for future presidencies.
  • Trump's decision to testify in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case could be a calculated legal move rather than an attempt to derail or delay the trial, and it could provide him an opportunity to present his side of the story.
  • Judge Kaplan's enforcement of restrictions on Trump's testimony is a standard judicial practice to maintain order and relevance in court proceedings, and it does not necessarily indicate bias against Trump.
  • The Democrats' success in swing states by focusing on key issues like abortion rights and property insurance could be seen as a reflection of changing voter priorities rather than a guaranteed long-term strategy for winning elections.
  • Nikki Haley's criticisms of Trump and "MAGA Republicans" represent an internal debate within the Republican Party about its future direction and may not necessarily reflect the views of the broader Republican electorate.
  • The KIND Fund's efforts to provide desks and scholarships in Malawi, while commendable, could be complemented by broader systemic changes in education policy and infrastructure development to ensure sustainable improvements in educational outcomes.

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Lawrence on why Biden was the big winner in New Hampshire

Legal Cases and Appeals Challenging Trump's Immunity Claims and Gag Order

Donald Trump is experiencing legal setbacks as appeals courts consistently rule against his claims and orders regarding immunity and restrictions on speech.

Trump Losing Federal Appeals Court Rulings

President Trump has hit a wall with his first appeal of a partial gag order put in place by Judge Tanya Chutkan concerning his pending criminal trial.

Appeals court unanimously rejecting Trump's gag order appeal

Initially, Trump’s appeal was rejected by a three-judge panel of the Circuit Court of Appeals. When Trump's lawyers elevated the appeal to the full court, requesting a rehearing en banc (which includes all 11 judges of the court), the complete 11-judge bench, with Trump-appointed judges among them, unanimously declined Trump's appeal, thereby reaffirming Judge Chutkin’s gag order.

The former President's next legal recourse would be to take this matter to the United States Supreme Court, where he has three appointees. McQuade debates the probability of Trump taking the gag order issue to the Supreme Court after an 11-judge appellate court bench has already denied his case.

The appeals court had to weigh the balance between a presidential candidate’s First Amendment rights against the need to protect witnesses and ensure the fair administration of justice.

Upcoming decision expected soon on Trump's immunity claims appeal

Turning to Trump's claims of presidential immunity, Kirschner anticipates a decision from the three-judge appeals court panel on whether Trump should have criminal ...

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Legal Cases and Appeals Challenging Trump's Immunity Claims and Gag Order

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A gag order is a legal directive issued by a judge that restricts parties involved in a case from discussing certain aspects of the case publicly. In this context, Judge Tanya Chutkan imposed a partial gag order on Donald Trump concerning his pending criminal trial, limiting what he and others involved can say publicly about the case. This order aims to prevent potential interference with the legal process, protect the rights of the parties involved, and ensure a fair trial. Trump's attempts to challenge this gag order through the appeals court have been unsuccessful, leading to further legal proceedings.
  • An en banc rehearing by the full court means that all the judges of a particular court, rather than just a smaller panel, will review a case. This is typically done in important or complex cases to ensure a more comprehensive and diverse consideration of the legal issues involved. It allows for a broader range of perspectives and can lead to a more thorough and authoritative decision.
  • Kirschner, a legal expert, expects that all three judges on the appeals court panel will reach the same decision regarding Trump's claims of presidential immunity. This anticipation suggests that Kirschner believes the judges will unanimously agree on the outcome of the case. The unanimity in their decision could indicate a strong legal consensus on the matter at hand. Kirschner's prediction reflects his analysis of the legal arguments and precedents involved in the case.
  • An immediate appeal in legal terms allows a party to request a higher court to r ...

Counterarguments

  • The unanimous decision by the 11-judge bench may not necessarily reflect the merits of Trump's arguments but could be a sign of the judiciary's commitment to procedural consistency.
  • The decision to reject the gag order appeal does not preclude the possibility that the Supreme Court might view the case differently, especially given its distinct composition and potential differences in legal interpretation.
  • The balance between First Amendment rights and the fair administration of justice is complex, and reasonable minds can differ on where that balance should be struck.
  • The anticipation of a unanimous decision on Trump's immunity claims may be premature, as judicial decisions can be unpredictable and dependent on the specific legal arguments presented.
  • The prosecuting team's decision not to dispute the ac ...

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Lawrence on why Biden was the big winner in New Hampshire

Trump's Potential Reasons and Strategy for Deciding to Testify in E. Jean Carroll Defamation Case

Donald Trump may have a strategic reason to testify in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case; some speculate that his aim could be to derail and delay the proceedings.

Possibility of Causing Mistrial

It's suggested that Trump might intentionally veer outside the bounds of relevance during his testimony. This tactic could be like not being able to "unring a bell," and if his comments are egregious enough, they could provide a basis for a mistrial.

Judge Kaplan prepared to hold Trump in contempt if he violates restrictions

To counteract such a strategy, Judge Kaplan is expected to be vi ...

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Trump's Potential Reasons and Strategy for Deciding to Testify in E. Jean Carroll Defamation Case

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • E. Jean Carroll defamation case: This legal case involves writer E. Jean Carroll accusing Donald Trump of defamation after he denied her allegations of sexual assault. Carroll claims Trump defamed her by calling her a liar and questioning her motives. The case centers on whether Trump's statements were defamatory and if he acted with actual malice when making them.
  • A mistrial occurs when a legal proceeding is terminated without reaching a verdict due to a significant error or misconduct during the trial. In the context of a mistrial, the case is typically declared invalid, and the proceedings may need to start over with a new trial. Mistrials can happen for various reasons, such as jury tampering, prejudicial statements, or procedural errors, and they can impact the timeline and outcome of a legal case. Mistrials are significant because they can lead to delays, additional costs, and uncertainty in the legal process.
  • Judge Kaplan is a reference to a specific judge named in the context of the text. In legal proceedings, judges are responsible for overseeing cases, ensuring fair conduct, and making rulings based on the law. In this case, Judge Kaplan is mentioned as the individual who would be presiding over the E. Jean Carroll defamation case involving Donald Trump. The judge's role includes maintaining order in the courtroom, upholding legal standards, and potentially taking action, such as holding individuals in contempt, if court rules are violated.
  • Contempt of court is a legal concept that involves showing disrespect or disobedience towards a court's authority. It can result from actions like disobeying a court order, disrupting court proceedings, or showing disrespect to the judge. When someone is found in contempt of court, they may face pen ...

Counterarguments

  • Trump's decision to testify could be based on a genuine desire to clear his name and present his side of the story, rather than an intent to derail or delay the proceedings.
  • The possibility of Trump causing a mistrial by veering off-topic could be overstated, as experienced legal counsel would likely advise him on the importance of staying within the bounds of relevance to avoid legal repercussions.
  • Judge Kaplan's readiness to hold Trump in contempt may not necessarily deter Trump from testifying truthfully and within the restrictions, as contempt charges could carry serious consequ ...

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Lawrence on why Biden was the big winner in New Hampshire

Democrats' Potential to Win Swing State Votes and Seats by Focusing Campaigns on Key Issues

Democrats are finding potential pathways to victory in swing states by emphasizing key issues that resonate with voters, as evidenced in recent election outcomes.

Florida Special Election Win

O'Donnell highlights a significant Democratic win in a Florida special election where a state House seat traditionally held by Republicans was successfully flipped by the Democrats.

Democrat Tom Kean flipping seat by campaigning on abortion rights and property insurance

Navy veteran Tom Kean won the special election in a district where a Republican had won by nearly 11 points in the previous election. By focusing his campaign on abortion rights and property insurance, Kean was able to gather significant support from voters, securing between 65 to 70 percent of the non-partisan voters' votes.

Proof Democrats can win close races in Florida

The Democratic leader in the state legislature stated that Kean's win proves Democrats can secure victories in close races in Florida. Maxwell Frost, analyzing Kean's win, emphasizes the importance of a strong field program and honing in on issues that currently concern voters. Frost credits the get-out-the-vote effort during early voting and vote by mail as crucial and indicates th ...

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Democrats' Potential to Win Swing State Votes and Seats by Focusing Campaigns on Key Issues

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Florida special election mentioned in the text involved Navy veteran Tom Kean flipping a state House seat traditionally held by Republicans. This district had previously been won by a Republican candidate with a significant margin. Tom Kean's campaign focused on key issues like abortion rights and property insurance to appeal to voters in the district. His victory demonstrated the potential for Democrats to win in competitive states like Florida by strategically addressing issues important to constituents.
  • Abortion rights are a contentious political issue that involves the debate over a woman's right to choose to terminate a pregnancy. Property insurance is a type of insurance that provides financial reimbursement to the owner or renter of a structure and its contents in the event of damage or theft. In the context of the election, these issues were highlighted by the Democratic candidate to appeal to voters and differentiate himself from his opponent. By focusing on these key issues, the candidate aimed to connect with constituents who prioritize these topics and potentially sway their votes in his favor.
  • Non-partisan voters, also known as independent voters, are individuals who do not align with a specific political party. In elections, their support can be crucial as they have the potential to swing the outcome in favor of either party. Candidates often target non-partisan voters by focusing on issues that resonate with this group to secure their votes and win elections. In the case mentioned, Tom Kean's ability to secure a significant portion of non-partisan voters' votes played a key role in his victory in the Florida special election.
  • A strong field program in election campaigns involves organizing volunteers and staff to engage directly with voters through activities like door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and voter outreach. This grassroots approach helps candidates connect with voters on a personal level, gather support, and mobilize their base effectively. It plays a crucial role in voter turnout, persuasion, and overall campaign success by building relationships and trust within the community. The field program is essential for identifying supporters, persuading undecided voters, and ensuring that supporters actually show up to vote on Election Day.
  • During the get-out-the-vote effort for early voting and vote by mail, campaign teams work to encourage registered voters to cast their ballots before Election Day through various outreach methods like phone calls, door-to-door canvassing, and targeted mailings. This effort aims to increase voter turnout and secure support for the candidate by ensuring that supporters follow through with voting. Early voting allows voters to cast their ballots in advance of the official Election Day, providing flexibility and convenience, while vote by mail enables voters to submit their ballots through postal services. These strategies are crucial in modern political campaigns to ...

Counterarguments

  • While Tom Kean's victory in Florida is significant, it may not necessarily be indicative of a broader trend; special elections often have unique circumstances that may not apply to general elections.
  • Focusing on key issues like abortion rights and property insurance may have been effective for Kean, but these issues may not have the same impact in other districts or states with different voter priorities.
  • The success of a strong field program and get-out-the-vote efforts in one election does not guarantee the same outcome in other races, as voter turnout can be influenced by a multitude of factors.
  • The assertion that Democrats can win close races in Florida by focusing on key issues assumes that other factors, such as candidate personality, national political climate, and opposition strategies, are less significant.
  • The idea that Democrats can secure victories in competitive states by adopting the right strategy and resourcing may overlook the role of external and unpredictable events that can sway voter opinions.
  • The emphasis on the impo ...

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Lawrence on why Biden was the big winner in New Hampshire

Haley's Criticisms of Trump and "MAGA Republicans" After New Hampshire Primary

In the wake of the New Hampshire primary, Nikki Haley has been vocal about her criticisms of Donald Trump, attracting attention with her remarks on his leadership impact and style.

Haley Calling Out Trump's Revenge Focus and Temper Tantrums

Nikki Haley criticized the influence of former President Donald Trump on the Republican Party, with sharp comments about his leadership style. Haley highlighted that under Trump's guidance, Republicans have suffered losses in nearly all competitive elections. She further suggested that Democrats prefer to face Trump in future contests, as she believes he's the one candidate President Joe Biden could defeat. Haley underscored the division within the party by implicitly contrasting her focus on issues with Trump's penchant for personal attacks and vengeful politics.

Contrasting Haley's discussion of issues vs. Trump's personal attacks

In her critique, Haley depicted Trump as someone who often resorts to temper tantrums and can be insulting. She associates these behaviors with his feeling insecure or threatened. Specifically, she took issue with the former President's tendency to focus on revenge rather than discussing substantive matters that affect the American people. Haley noted that in one of his recent rants, Trump did not mention the American people once, instead priori ...

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Haley's Criticisms of Trump and "MAGA Republicans" After New Hampshire Primary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Republican Party has experienced internal divisions between traditional conservatives and supporters of former President Trump, known as "MAGA Republicans." Trump's unorthodox leadership style and focus on loyalty have polarized the party. This has led to debates over the party's future direction, with some members questioning the effectiveness of Trump's ...

Counterarguments

  • Nikki Haley's criticisms of Trump's leadership style are subjective and may not reflect the opinions of all Republicans or voters who still support Trump's policies and approach.
  • The losses faced by Republicans in competitive elections cannot be solely attributed to Trump's leadership; other factors such as local issues, candidate quality, and national trends also play significant roles.
  • The assumption that Democrats prefer to face Trump because he is beatable may not take into account the unpredictability of electoral dynamics and Trump's proven ability to mobilize his base.
  • The division within the Republican Party is not unique to the Trump era; internal disagreements are common in political parties, and vigorous debate can be a sign of a healthy democratic process.
  • Portraying Trump as prone to temper tantrums and revenge-driven behavior is a personal characterization that may not acknowledge the strategic aspects of his political tactics, which have resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.
  • Trump's focus on issues versus personal vendettas is a matter of perspective; his supporters might argue that his confrontational style is part of his appeal and a method to draw attention to the issues he deems important.
  • The data cited by Simon Rosenberg about Republican voters' preferences could be influenced by the current political climate and may n ...

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Lawrence on why Biden was the big winner in New Hampshire

Providing Desks to Classrooms in Malawi Through the KIND Fund

Lawrence O'Donnell, on the International Day of Education, stresses the importance of fundamental resources for education, like desks for students who would otherwise sit on classroom floors. He brings attention to the situation in Malawi where he personally witnessed students receiving desks for the first time.

Students Finally Getting Desks After Years Sitting on Classroom Floors

Lawrence Namacha, a student from Malawi, represents many children in his country who faced the hardship of learning without the basic furniture we often take for granted in classrooms.

Student Lawrence Namacha describing the difficulties of learning without desks

Namacha shared his experiences with O'Donnell during the latter's visit, though his specific quotes were not provided in the transcript. Through O'Donnell’s recount, we learn of the tangible difference the KIND Fund has made.

The KIND Fund, through MSNBC' ...

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Providing Desks to Classrooms in Malawi Through the KIND Fund

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The KIND Fund, in partnership with UNICEF, focuses on providing desks to schools in Malawi to improve learning conditions for students. Additionally, the fund offers scholarships to support girls' education in the region. The goal is to enhance the learning environment by addressing the lack of basic resources like desks in classrooms. The fund's operations involve supplying necessary furniture and educational support to schools in need, aiming to make a tangible impact on education in Malawi.
  • Lawrence O'Donnell is a television host and political commentator known for his work on MSNBC. He has been involved in initiatives like the KIND Fund, which aims to provide resources for education in developing countries. O'Donnell's role includes advocating for educational support, such as supplying desks to schools in Malawi through partnerships with organizations like UNICEF. His efforts highlight the importance of addressing fundamental needs in education to improve learning environments for students in underserved communities.
  • In Malawi, many students historically lacked desks in classrooms, forcing them to sit on the floor while studying. This lack of basic furniture posed challenges for students' comfort, focus, and overall learning experience. The provision of desks through initiatives like the KIND Fund has significantly improved the educational environment for these students, highlighting the importance of addressing such fundamental needs for effective learning.
  • Lawrence Namacha, a student from Malawi, faced challenges learning without desks in his classroom. His experiences highlight the difficulties many children in Malawi encounter due to the lack of basic classroom furniture. Lawrence O'Donnell's visit showcased Namacha's story, emphasizing the impact of initiatives like the KIND Fund in providing essential resources for education in Malawi. The e ...

Counterarguments

  • The focus on desks may overlook other critical needs in Malawian education, such as teacher training, curriculum development, or access to educational materials.
  • The narrative may unintentionally perpetuate a "savior" complex, where external parties are seen as the primary solution to local problems.
  • The impact of the KIND Fund could be questioned without specific data or research to support the long-term benefits of the provided resources.
  • The emphasis on desks and physical resources might overshadow the importance of pedagogical approaches that can adapt to low-resource environments.
  • The story of a single student, while powerful, may not represent the diverse experiences and needs of all students in Malawi.
  • The KIND Fund's focus on scholarships for ...

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