Name: Where Things Stand: Gaetz Tries, Fails To Pick Up Deep State Baton In Trump’s Absence
Brand: talkingpointsmemo.com
SKU: talkingpointsmemo-com-992
Availability: OnlineOnly

critic

Where Things Stand: Gaetz Tries, Fails To Pick Up Deep State Baton In Trump’s Absence

preview

This article was shared by a TPM member.Members-Only ArticleThis is your TPM afternoon briefing.By|March 31, 2021 1:55 p.m.And it’s not going well.If you didn’t watch Rep. Matt Gaetz’ (R-FL) stunning interview on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson’s show last night, you should check out our report on itIt was during this interview — which even Carlson, a veteran of many weird interviews, described as “one of the weirdest” he’s ever conducted — that Gaetz made a lot of following a New York Times that he’s being investigated over a possible relationship with a 17-year old.During the interview, he denied that there were photos of him with “child prostitutes” … which had not been alleged. He raised allegations of past sexual misconduct made against Carlson, seemingly in a bizarre attempt to inspire fellow feeling from the network host. And then he attempted to implicate Carlson further by recounting a dinner that Gaetz had with Carlson, his wife and a “friend” two years ago, alleging that this “friend” was then threatened by the FBI.“I do believe that there are people at the DOJ who are trying to smear me,” he said.And that’s the kicker.Earlier in the interview he outlined some convoluted extortion attempt by a former federal prosector and current Florida lawyer who, he claims, has been trying to bribe his family. He offered no evidence to back up his claims and the lawyer, whom Gaetz named during the interview, .It seemed to all be a messy attempt to tie whatever Gaetz may be involved in to a broader conspiracy theory that is alive and well in the post-Trump era. The former president used the idea of a “deep state” plot as a catch-all defense against each and every one of his political and legal woes. And it appears Gaetz, the Extremely Loyal Trumper, wants to do the same.The defense doesn’t necessarily work, though, when Carlson — a “deep state” fanatic — refuses to follow the script. And thats where Gaetz found himself last night.Here’s more on other stories we’re following today:What The Investigations Team Is FollowingKate Riga just published a on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) effort to block Republicans from taking credit for the COVID-19 stimulus package that they voted against.If you haven’t read Tierney Sneed’s piece this morning on a new poll watching bill making its way through the state legislature in Texas, which has been described as “vigilante voter suppression” against people of color, be sure to check it out .Josh Kovensky also published a , outlining the details of Biden’s&nbsp;$2 trillion infrastructure plan.Matt Shuham has the on&nbsp;Joel Greenberg, the Gaetz buddy and former Seminole County, Florida tax collector who is under indictment for sex trafficking and other charges.What The Breaking News Team Is FollowingSome other key stories we’re on top of today:If You Read Anything On COVID-19 Today, Read ThisOn The Agenda10:15 a.m. ET: Biden and Harris received the daily briefing.1:30 p.m. ET: Harris held a round table discussion with faith leaders to discuss encouraging people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.3:00 p.m. ET: Biden will arrive in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he will deliver remarks at the&nbsp;Carpenters Pittsburgh Training Center at 4:20 p.m. ET. There will be a gaggle with reporters aboard Air Force One while en route.7:30 p.m. ET: Biden will arrive back at the White House.Yesterday’s Most Read Story— Josh MarshallWhat We Are Reading—&nbsp;— Gabriella Paiella— Julia Reinstein&nbsp;Have a tip? !includes:&nbsp;To read more member exclusives, join today and save 30% on an annual Prime membershipFounder &amp; Editor-in-Chief:Executive Editor:Managing Editor:Associate Editor:Investigations Desk:Reporters:Newswriter:Editor at Large:General Counsel:Publisher:Head of Product:Director of Technology:Associate Publisher:Front End Developer:Senior Designer:

This article was shared by a TPM member.Members-Only ArticleThis is your TPM afternoon briefing.By|March 31, 2021 1:55 p.m.And it’s not going well.If you didn’t watch Rep. Matt Gaetz’ (R-FL) stunning interview on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson’s show last night, you should check out our report on itIt was during this interview — which even Carlson, a veteran of many weird interviews, described as “one of the weirdest” he’s ever conducted — that Gaetz made a lot of following a New York Times that he’s being investigated over a possible relationship with a 17-year old.During the interview, he...

public

Nicole Lafond

TPM is a membership-funded news site. Help us report by joining today: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/memberships

Where Things Stand: Gaetz Tries, Fails To Pick Up Deep State Baton In Trump’s Absence

No article scores yet.

CRITIC REVIEWS

PUBLIC REVIEWS