Ep 398: The Vance Paradox

In Episode 398, recorded an hour before Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress, Ken and Dave discuss J. D. Vance convicted of threatening J. D. Vance, Trump’s Communist visitor, “muscle mommies”, time served for a tripping pilot, Josh McKoon’s odd choice for special advisor, a pedo gets life, and Democrats recommend insubordination.

National Politics and Washington D.C.

• The hosts discuss Joe Biden's 83rd birthday and the ongoing debate over his mental state and potential 2024 run.
• Details from Dick Cheney's funeral were shared, noting the attendance of "war mongers" like the Bushes, Clintons, and Obamas. Donald Trump did not attend, reportedly out of respect for their strained relationship.
• Revelations about Jeffrey Epstein included reports of his micro penis, which was described as lemon-shaped.
• Donald Trumphosted socialist New York politician Zohran Mamdani in his office, sparking debate over Trump’s populist appeal over hardline conservative stances (like those held by MTG or Thomas Massie).
• The discussion covered NYC politics, including the challenges of rent control and a high number of vacant apartments due to landlords being unable to afford repairs.
• Trump's sleep habits were noted; he reportedly operates effectively on only two hours of sleep per night.

Assassination Attempt Aftermath and Mental Health

• The man who attempted to assassinate Trump (Crooks) had a significant digital footprint, contrary to initial reports.
• The individual was characterized as mentally ill and an "incel" who was addicted to seeking attention by hopping between volatile beliefs (violently pro-Trump, then anti-Trump, changing pronouns to they/them).
• He was noted to be involved in the furry community and obsessed with "muscle mommies" (steroided-up muscle-building women).
• The off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to pull the fuel kill switches mid-flight (while on a 40-hour shroom bender) was given "time served" and ordered to stay away from aviation for five years.

Congressional Conduct and Military Orders

• A group of Democrat members of Congress, including former astronaut Mark Kelly, were criticized for making a video that told U.S. military and clandestine service members to disobey unlawful orders, advice which the hosts argued could ruin a young soldier’s career if the order is later deemed lawful.
• Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett was criticized for mistakenly reading a list of politicians who had taken donations from a Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, wrongly claiming the funds came from the convicted child abuser.

Georgia Politics and Corruption

• The hosts discuss the upcoming quick legislative session in Georgia, expected to end by mid-March.
• The future of eliminating state income tax and property taxes remains a major topic.
• Georgia GOP party chair Josh McKoon faced heavy criticism for appointing Brad Barnes—a self-identified national populist—as an adviser, given Barnes' history of xenophobic and anti-Semitic social media posts. This was called an "unforced error" that harms fundraising and voter outreach, particularly among older Republicans.
• The hosts suggest state-wide candidates like Bert Jones (Lt. Governor candidate) are vulnerable to runoffs due to the fracturing of the Republican base.
• In a local Georgia crime case, former church volunteer Kelly Ivy was convicted of plotting to abduct underage girls online and received a life sentence with a requirement to serve 50 years in confinement.

Tragedy at Sea

• The high seas murder case of 18-year-old Anna Keaptainner was detailed. She died by asphyxiation on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship and was found naked, wrapped in a sheet, and stuffed under a bed.
• The case involves her 16-year-old stepbrother, who was reportedly infatuated with her and is being held at an undisclosed location but not formally detained.