This installment of The David Pakman Show newsletter is free for everyone. I send these emails daily. If you would also like to receive it, join the newsletter today.
Note: This is totally separate from website Membership and does not affect your website Membership in any way.
Caitlyn Jenner Fox News Interview Goes Horribly Wrong
Caitlyn Jenner went on Sean Hannity’s Fox News program last night to talk about her run for Governor of California. Jenner’s run is made possible by a right-wing movement that came up with enough signatures to trigger a recall election. If the majority of voters decide to oust Democratic incumbent Gavin Newsom, he will be replaced by whomever receives the most votes among the remaining candidates. Months into the process, no prominent conservative had announced a run until Caitlyn Jenner declared her candidacy. There is a real question as to whether this is a serious run or if it’s just a publicity stunt by a reality TV show star. Jenner’s chances certainly can’t be dismissed though, as actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and reality host Donald Trump have shown us. The interview with Hannity was meant to provide insight as to if Jenner really wants the job and if she has real policy ideas.
It immediately became clear during the interview that Caitlyn Jenner isn’t all that well-versed on the issues facing California. Hannity asked what she would do about forest fires and Jenner gave an answer that boiled down to “forest management is important.” Another issue of Jenner’s was that she she sounded completely unrelatable to voters because of her wealth and status. At one point, she referenced the private plane owners she encounters and how they’re all talking about moving because they don’t want to look at homeless people. When wrapping up the interview, Jenner referenced her plane once more saying “now, we’re going to go find my plane around the corner. I’m going to take you for a flight.” All in all, it was a truly bizarre interview that managed to lack any serious policy discussion. We’ll continue to follow the recall election and check the polls to see if Jenner really does have a chance at leading the nation’s most populous state.
BREAKING: Biden Supports Lifting COVID Vaccine Patent Protection
Joe Biden continues to impress progressives in his nascent presidency, now coming out in support of lifting the patents on the coronavirus vaccines. The White House’s announcement was applauded by the World Health Organization and is considered by many to be a crucial step forward in getting the world vaccinated against COVID-19. Intellectual property protections prevent these vaccines from being manufactured by other labs and pharmaceutical companies. The patents also ensure that Pfizer, Moderna and the other pharma companies are able to continue profiting off vaccine doses. The waiver, now backed by Joe Biden, was proposed by nations like India which are currently struggling to get the virus under control. A major question remains over whether removing the patents really will get the global population vaccinated faster, or if the focus should primarily be on distribution in whichever manner is fastest.
United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai wrote up a statement for the administration’s decision, saying “this is a global health crisis, and the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic call for extraordinary measures. The Administration believes strongly in intellectual property protections, but in service of ending this pandemic, supports the waiver of those protections for COVID-19 vaccines.” It’s certainly fair to say these IPs do not have to be respected because it’s a far greater priority to save lives during a global pandemic. Whether this statement will translate to action and a more effective global vaccine rollout remains in question.
From yesterday’s show:
BREAKING: Donald Trump Facebook Ban EXTENDED
The Facebook Oversight Board ruled yesterday morning that Donald Trump’s suspension on the popular social media site should continue indefinitely. The board left the door open for the former president to make a return, presumably once there has been more distance from the January 6th Capitol riots. Predictably, Trump and right-wing media acted as though this was a travesty and a suppression of free speech in America. The ex-POTUS wants to get back onto Facebook as quickly as possible so he can keep raising money and interacting with his supporters. He likely estimates as well that a return to Facebook would set up for a speedy return to other social media platforms. Until then, Trump will have to rely on his new blog to get his messages out and hope that his loyal followers will share his blurbs on their own Twitter and Facebook feeds.
--More on the show:
--Cal Newport, Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University and author of several books, including most recently "A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload," joins David to discuss email and culture. Get the book: https://amzn.to/3xKcPDE
--COVID cases and deaths now down more than 80% in the United States with new evidence that current vaccines work well enough on all major coronavirus variants
--Notable discussions from the David Pakman Show subreddit, including about antivaxxers, free speech, Tucker Carlson, and much more
--Fox Host Brian Kilmeade humiliates himself by arguing about Donald Trump and Joe Biden with an 11-year-old on live television
--Donald Trump, Don Jr, Fox News, Mark Meadows, Newsmax, and others completely melt down over Facebook's decision to keep Donald Trump banned for the time being
--The Eggman leaves a voicemail about the forthcoming plan for vaccinated and unvaccinated sections at large sporting events
--On the Bonus Show: Capitol rioters still being arrested, CA bar owner busted for making fake vaccination cards, judge overturns national eviction ban, much more...
--Become a Supporter: http://www.davidpakman.com/membership