Podcasts > Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News > Lawrence: Stormy Daniels has humiliated Donald Trump again

Lawrence: Stormy Daniels has humiliated Donald Trump again

By Rachel Maddow

On this episode of Rachel Maddow Presents: Déjà News, the fallout from the Stormy Daniels case is examined, as Trump's alleged gag order violation leads to clashes in court. The threat posed to abortion rights following the overturning of Roe v. Wade is also explored, with Biden vowing to codify Roe if Democrats take control. Senator Warren warns the courts can no longer safeguard rights, expressing fears of a nationwide abortion ban.

The episode then shifts to Biden's plans to quickly sign a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and allies. The escalating conflict and U.S. support efforts are discussed, highlighting the urgency of delivering weapons and military equipment to assist Ukraine's defense.

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Lawrence: Stormy Daniels has humiliated Donald Trump again

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Lawrence: Stormy Daniels has humiliated Donald Trump again

1-Page Summary

Trump Judge Clash Over Gag Order Violation

Judge Marchan sternly accused Trump's lawyer Blanche of "losing all credibility with the court" after Trump allegedly violated a gag order. Prosecutor Conroy argued Trump's Truth Social post quoting Jesse Waters with added text was a "troubling" violation related to jury selection. Investigating further, the judge found Trump had manipulated Waters' words. Blanche failed to address the manipulation, harming his credibility.

Biden Vowed to Codify Roe if Dems Take Control

Biden vocally blamed Trump, saying "there's one person responsible" for Roe's overturn, accusing Republicans of a "deal" to confirm anti-Roe justices in exchange for ignoring Trump's flaws. Biden pledged that with Democrats in charge, he and Harris would "make Roe the law of the land again."

Warren: Courts Now Can't Be Trusted to Protect Rights

Senator Warren warned that with Roe's reversal, courts can no longer safeguard rights, voicing fears of a nationwide abortion ban under another Trump term. She highlighted Florida's state-level ban as one rights "stripping" example, stressing abortion will be on "all 50 state ballots." Warren stated the only way to re-enshrine Roe is giving control to Biden and Democrats.

Biden to Sign $95B Ukraine Aid Package Quickly

Biden announced plans to promptly sign the $95.3 billion package for Ukraine and allies like Israel and Taiwan. The White House aims for military aid delivery within the same week, expediting weapons and equipment shipments to assist Ukraine's defense efforts.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Senator Warren expressed distrust in the courts' ability to protect rights due to the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade, a landmark Supreme Court decision on abortion rights. She believes that with this reversal, the courts have shown a shift away from safeguarding fundamental rights, particularly concerning reproductive rights. Warren highlighted concerns about the potential for a nationwide abortion ban under certain political circumstances, emphasizing the need for a different political leadership to ensure the protection of rights like access to abortion.
  • Florida's state-level abortion ban is significant because it represents a restrictive law that limits access to abortion services within the state. This type of ban can have implications for reproductive rights and healthcare choices for individuals in Florida. Such bans often spark debates and legal challenges regarding the constitutionality of restricting abortion rights at the state level. The mention of Florida's ban in the context of discussions about Roe v. Wade and national abortion rights underscores the broader implications of state-level legislation on reproductive rights.
  • Codifying Roe means enshrining the principles of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion into federal law. This would make abortion rights a statutory guarantee rather than relying solely on court precedent. By codifying Roe, Congress would establish a clear legal framework protecting a woman's right to choose across all states. This move aims to safeguard abortion rights regardless of potential changes in the composition of the Supreme Court.
  • The $95.3 billion aid package announced by President Biden is intended to provide military assistance to Ukraine and support allies like Israel and Taiwan. The aid includes expedited delivery of weapons and equipment to bolster Ukraine's defense efforts. This aid package is part of broader efforts to strengthen alliances and support countries facing security challenges in the region. The swift signing and delivery of this aid underscore the urgency and importance of the support being provided to Ukraine and its allies.

Counterarguments

  • The judge's accusation of credibility loss is a subjective legal opinion and may not reflect the entirety of the lawyer's professional conduct or the complexity of the case.
  • The interpretation of Trump's social media post as a gag order violation could be contested on the grounds of free speech or the actual intent behind the post.
  • The claim of manipulation of Jesse Waters' words could be challenged if there is a context in which Trump's additions are considered commentary rather than manipulation.
  • The blame placed on Trump for the overturn of Roe v. Wade could be countered by pointing out that the decision was made by the Supreme Court, which acts independently of the executive branch.
  • The accusation of a deal between Republicans and Trump could be refuted by emphasizing the constitutional process of justice confirmation and the lack of concrete evidence of such a deal.
  • Biden's pledge to codify Roe if Democrats take control could be criticized for being overly optimistic or politically motivated, without addressing the complexities of passing such legislation.
  • Senator Warren's distrust in the courts could be countered by arguing that the judiciary has a history of protecting various rights and that one decision does not necessarily undermine its overall role.
  • The warning of a potential nationwide abortion ban could be seen as speculative and not based on current legislation or statements from Trump or other Republican leaders.
  • The emphasis on giving control to Biden and Democrats to protect Roe could be challenged by advocating for a more nuanced approach to abortion rights that involves bipartisan dialogue and state-level decision-making.
  • The quick signing of the $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine could be criticized for not allowing sufficient time for public debate or congressional scrutiny of such a large expenditure.
  • The expedited military aid delivery to Ukraine could be questioned on the grounds of its potential impact on escalating the conflict or the need for a more diplomatic approach.

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Lawrence: Stormy Daniels has humiliated Donald Trump again

Trump Violated Gag Order and "Lost All Credibility" with Judge

During a contentious court session, Donald Trump's defense faced severe criticism from the judge, who accused the team of losing all credibility over alleged gag order violations.

Judge accused Trump's lawyer of "losing all credibility" in court

Judge Juan Marchan forcefully questioned Todd Blanche, Trump's criminal defense lawyer, over a social media post Trump made that the prosecution argued violated a gag order. This resulted in a heated exchange where Judge Marchan accused Blanche of losing credibility.

Prosecutor said Trump's gag order violation is "very troubling" and "clearly" a violation

Prosecutor Christopher Conroy described Trump's Truth Social post as "very troubling" and "clearly a violation" of the gag order. He highlighted that the post was a "hybrid" quote, combining Jesse Waters' words with Trump's own, and related to the selection of jurors.

Trump posted a "hybrid" quote about "undercover liberal activists" to imply those seeking seats on his jury

Trump’s post on Truth Social attributed to Jesse Waters stated, "They are catching undercover liberal activists lying to the judge in order to get on the Trump jury." This quote, which was called into question in court, was found to be a combination of Waters' actual words and Trump's additional text.

Judge demanded source of quote and found Trump had manipulated what Jesse Waters said

Judge Marchan confronted Blanche about the origin of the quote. Upon investigation, it was revealed that Trump altered and misattributed Waters' statement. When Blanche failed to convincingly address this manipulation, Judge Marchan made it clear that Blanche's arguments harmed his credibility with the court.

Judge interrupted lawyer to say, "You are losing all credibility with the court"

Adam Klasfeld reported a "devastating line" from the judge to Trump's lawyer, reflecting the frustration evident in the defense's reaction. Trump's lawyer ...

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Trump Violated Gag Order and "Lost All Credibility" with Judge

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A gag order is a legal directive that restricts the disclosure of certain information to the public or unauthorized parties. Violating a gag order involves breaching these restrictions by sharing prohibited details or comments. Such violations can lead to legal consequences and impact the credibility of individuals involved in legal proceedings. Gag orders are commonly used to maintain fairness in trials by preventing prejudicial information from being disseminated before court proceedings.
  • Truth Social is a social media platform owned by Trump Media & Technology Group, primarily associated with former U.S. president Donald Trump. It was launched as an alternative to mainstream platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The platform has faced financial and regulatory challenges since its inception. Truth Social has been described as a "Twitter clone" and competes with other alternative social media platforms like Parler, Gab, and Mastodon.
  • Jesse Watters is an American conservative political commentator and television host known for his work on Fox News, including segments like "Watters' World." He has been a prominent figure on shows like The O'Reilly Factor and The Five. Watters has also authored books such as "How I Saved the World" and "Get It Together: Troubling Tales from the Liberal Fringe."
  • In criminal law, a lawyer cannot simply withdraw from a case at will; they need the judge's approval to do so. This is to ensure th ...

Counterarguments

  • The judge's accusation of the lawyer losing credibility could be seen as subjective and potentially influenced by the high-profile nature of the case, rather than a reflection of the lawyer's overall professional conduct.
  • The prosecutor's assertion that the gag order violation is "clearly" a violation might be contested on legal grounds, arguing that the interpretation of the gag order's scope could be more nuanced.
  • Trump's post about "undercover liberal activists" could be defended as an exercise of free speech, and his team might argue that the post does not have a material impact on the jury selection process.
  • The judge's demand for the source of the quote and the subsequent finding that Trump had manipulated what Jesse Waters said could be challenged by arguing that the post was meant as political commentary rather than a factual statement, thus falling under the protection of rhetorical hyperbole.
  • The judge's statement to the lawyer about losing credibility could be criticized as potentially prejudicial or unprofessional, impacting the lawyer's ability to represent his client effectively.
  • Andrew Weissmann's suggestion that Trump might use the judge's criticism to terminate his defense team could be countered by arguing that any decision to change legal representation is within Trump's rights and ...

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Lawrence: Stormy Daniels has humiliated Donald Trump again

Biden Campaigned in Florida on Abortion Rights and Restoring Roe v. Wade

President Joe Biden campaigned in Florida with a strong message on abortion rights, emphasizing the urgency of restoring Roe v. Wade and attributing its overturning to Donald Trump and his administration.

Biden said overturning Roe is "one person responsible": Donald Trump

During his campaign, Biden unequivocally pointed to former President Donald Trump as being solely responsible for the overturning of Roe v. Wade. The president said, "Let's be real clear. There's one person responsible for this nightmare, and he's acknowledged and he brags about it, Donald Trump."

Biden said Republicans made a "deal" with Trump to overturn Roe

Biden elaborated that the decision to overturn Roe was not simply a judicial one, but rather an outcome of a political deal. He suggested that Republicans had entered into an agreement where, despite Donald Trump's "moral and character flaws," the evangelical base would look the other way in exchange for Supreme Court Justices committed to dismantling Roe.

Biden pledged to make Roe the law of the land again if Democrats control House, Senate and White House

Biden made a powerful pledge, promising that with ...

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Biden Campaigned in Florida on Abortion Rights and Restoring Roe v. Wade

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Roe v. Wade is a landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in the United States. The ruling established a woman's constitutional right to choose to have an abortion without excessive government restriction. It has been a highly debated and controversial decision in American politics, shaping discussions on reproductive rights and the role of government in personal decisions. The case has been a focal point for both pro-choice and pro-life advocates, influencing laws and policies related to abortion nationwide.
  • The alleged deal between Republicans and Trump to overturn Roe v. Wade suggests that Republicans supported Trump, despite his flaws, in exchange for Supreme Court Justices who would work to dismantle Roe v. Wade. This implies a political agreement where Trump's appointments to the Supreme Court were expected to advance the conservative agenda on abortion rights. The claim is that Trump's selection of justices was part of a broader strategy to shift the balance of the Supreme Court towards a more conservative stance on issues like abortion. Biden's statement implies a transactional relationship between Trump and Republicans regarding judicial appointments and the future of Roe v. Wade.
  • To reinstate Roe v. Wade as the law of the land, the Supreme Court decision would need to be upheld or reestablished through new legislation or legal action. This could involve passing federal laws that protect abortion rights or appointing Supreme Court Justices who support the precedent set by Roe v. Wade. It may also require challenging any laws or rulings that contradict or undermine the principles of Roe v. Wade. Ultimately, the process would involve a combination of legal, legislative, ...

Counterarguments

  • The overturning of Roe v. Wade was a decision made by the Supreme Court, which operates independently of the president, and the justices who voted to overturn it were appointed by different presidents and confirmed by the Senate, not solely by Donald Trump.
  • The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade can be seen as a reflection of the justices' interpretation of the Constitution rather than a direct result of a political deal.
  • The responsibility for the overturning of Roe v. Wade could be argued to be more complex, involving decades of political, social, and legal efforts by various individuals and groups, not just a single person or administration.
  • Codifying Roe v. Wade into law would require not only Democratic control of the Ho ...

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Lawrence: Stormy Daniels has humiliated Donald Trump again

Senator Warren Said Overturning Roe Shows Courts Can No Longer Be Relied Upon

Senator Elizabeth Warren expresses her concern that with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the courts, once protectors of individual rights, have now become places of politicization and extremism. In light of this, Warren outlines various issues related to rights that are threatened and emphasizes the crucial importance of political action.

Rights nowhere are safe if Trump returns to White House

Senator Warren warns that if Donald Trump were to retake the White House, no rights in America would be safe. She suggests that the current state of the judicial system under a conservative majority signals a dire need for vigilance regarding individual rights and freedoms.

GOP extremists will seek nationwide abortion ban even without full control of Congress

Warren states that even without full control of Congress, the extremist faction of the Republican Party has plans to effectively outlaw abortion nationwide should Donald Trump reclaim presidency. This highlights an agenda that seeks to impose its will on reproductive rights across the country.

Florida ban shows state-by-state stripping of rights

Pointing to the extreme abortion ban in Florida, Warren illuminates a worrying trend where state rights are being eroded one by one. She emphasizes how such bans represent a state-by-state stripping of rights, signaling a larger, more systematic assault on reproductive freedoms.

Abortion will be on ballot in all 50 states

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Senator Warren Said Overturning Roe Shows Courts Can No Longer Be Relied Upon

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Roe v. Wade is a landmark 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion in the United States. The case centered around a Texas law that criminalized most abortions, challenging the constitutionality of such restrictions. The Court's decision established a woman's right to choose to have an abortion under the right to privacy implied by the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment. This ruling has been a focal point of debate and controversy in American politics and society ever since.
  • Codifying Roe v. Wade into law again would involve passing legislation at the federal level that enshrines the protections for abortion rights established by the Supreme Court decision into statutory law. This would provide a more stable and enduring legal foundation for abortion rights, making them less susceptible to being o ...

Counterarguments

  • The courts are meant to interpret the law, not legislate from the bench; overturning Roe v. Wade could be seen as a correction of judicial overreach and a return to constitutional principles.
  • The rights in question are subject to interpretation, and some argue that the Constitution does not explicitly guarantee the right to an abortion.
  • The assertion that all rights would be endangered by Trump's return is speculative; some might argue that the administration would protect other constitutional rights.
  • The GOP's stance on abortion is diverse, and not all Republicans support a nationwide ban; some advocate for leaving the decision to the states.
  • The Florida ban reflects the state's democratic process and the will of its voters; some argue that states should have the right to set their own polici ...

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Lawrence: Stormy Daniels has humiliated Donald Trump again

Biden Signed $95 Billion Ukraine Aid Package

President Biden is gearing up to sign a substantial aid package valued at $95.3 billion, which aims to extend assistance not only to Ukraine but also to allies such as Israel and Taiwan.

Presidential Promptness and Immediate Support

With a sense of urgency, Biden has announced his intention to sign the legislation into law as promptly as possible—planning to execute this action the very next day after it lands on his desk. This swift approval process demonstrates the administration's commitment to providing speedy aid.

Expedited Delivery of Military Assistance

The timely signing of the bill is critical as it facilitates the immediate dispatch of support, including e ...

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Biden Signed $95 Billion Ukraine Aid Package

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The aid package includes $95.3 billion in assistance for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. It aims to provide military support, including weapons and equipment, to Ukraine promptly. President Biden plans to sign the legislation quickly to ensure swift delivery of aid. The goal is to have the aid en route within the same week of approval.
  • The aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan is aimed at providing financial and military support to these countries to strengthen their defense capabilities and security in the face of various geopolitical challenges and conflicts. The assistance is part of broader U.S. foreign policy efforts to bolster alliances, promote stability in regions of strategic importance, and counter potential threats to international peace and security. The aid package reflects ongoing concerns about the security and sovereignty of Ukraine, as well as the U.S. commitment to supporting democratic nations and deterring aggression from adversaries. The allocation of funds and resources underscores the United States' role as a key player in global security and its efforts to uphold democratic values and protect allies in volatile regions.
  • The ongoing conflict in Ukraine primarily involves the struggle between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists in the eastern regions of Ukraine, particularly Donetsk and Luhansk. This conflict escalated in 2014 following Russia's annexation of Crimea, leading to a protracted war that has resulted in thousands of casualties and significant humanitarian challenges. The conflict is rooted in historical, political, and ethnic tensions, with Ukraine seeking to maintain its territoria ...

Counterarguments

  • The size of the aid package could be seen as excessive, especially considering domestic needs within the United States, such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
  • The speed of the signing could raise concerns about the thoroughness of the legislative process and whether there has been sufficient debate and consideration of the implications of such a large aid package.
  • The focus on military assistance might be criticized for potentially escalating conflicts rather than investing in diplomatic solutions or humanitarian aid.
  • The quick delivery of military support may not allow for adequate oversight and could lead to misuse or diver ...

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