Michael Tracey talks to principals in Jeffery Epstein litigation, world still miserably at war, the Final Four of the America's Worst Podcaster tourney
Breaking news, Trump seeks $1.5 trillion for military budget. Granted not as important as Michael Tracey’s musings on how people pronounce his name, but maybe it merits a small mention?
Let's get the ball rolling by discussing that issue amongst ourselves. My take? There's a lot more at stake than a measly $1.5 trillion for new toys. Some far-reaching and very consequential policy changes are being discussed in Congress, and this is Trump's opening move.
We’re already a second -rate country when it comes to health results, infant mortality and communicable disease and homelessness. Trump is doing his best to turn us into a shit hole country for everyone but his billionaire pals and lackeys.
It reminds me of when I wandered into my company break room one morning, where there was a tv that was tuned into news all day. It was usually on what used to be called, Headline News, which covered the 'headlines' every 30 minutes. The top of that particular 30 minutes began with an overview of the developing 'Bennifer' story. I was there, holding my coffee, stunned. What fresh hell was this?, I wondered?
I already had to deal with friends and one recent ex-boyfriend, who were obsessed with the vapid lives of celebrities, who they didn't even know, personally. I couldn't understand it, or just plain, stand it and worked to cocoon myself, as much as possible, in a 'celebrity personal life free zone'. I refused to let them live rent free in my head. Little did I know that celebrities would eventually dominate the news cycle, instead of just intruding on it from time to time.
This intrusion into what I had heretofore considered 'real' news was unacceptable. I suppose it was a blessing, because it was the final straw for me and 'mainstream' news. F that noise, I thought, This isn't news, not anymore, at least.
Neither, it would appear, is The Top News or Today's News or whatever this performative nonsense is, with which Matt has replaced the serious, but humorous, commentary of ATW. It's like he has morphed into one of those NYT snobs, the ones he derided for so long. You know, the ones who look down on their readers and ignore the topics in which they are interested, thinking they are so much more evolved and thus imagine that 'we' need 'them' to tell 'us' what is important to 'us'?
And, one of those things is the Tucker Carlson podcast, the deranged faux conservative, who Jon Stewart called out, oh, so long ago, on Crossfire? What was it Stewart said to him? "How old are you? 30? And you're wearing a bowtie? How many people your age wear bowties? This isn't serious news. It's theater."
I am paraphrasing, but that was the gist. I highly recommend watching it, as it's still hilarious, with all its sharp and pointy bits. Matt, a comedian with a joke/fake news show, as Stewart defined himself at the time, beat you to this punch, what, just over ~twenty~ years ago? Stewart himself may have devolved into cosplaying serious journalism. His current take is that Tucker is now 'being real', and that that is refreshing, but I don't buy it. If anything, Tucker has amped up his own Journo Con character to the moon. But, Stewart's words ring as true today, as they did then.
Thanks for exposing theater as theater, Matt, but many of us came here for the news, which used to interest you. Why are you theater-kidding us?
News has to come from a variety of sources. The tech companies consolidated them and eventually settled on one source that is divided into two camps, the left and the right. What was once called news, is now tailored for two audiences with no middle ground and they feed off each other.
People go looking for news, and they find feel good commentary that is addictive. News is now about painting the other side as the force of evil, while showing how you are above the fray. People get the adrenaline dump, then the soft landing. That is addictive and after a while, you will need that daily fix.
Nothing is ever resolved, it is a forever war. Blue state news tells you how bad Republicans are, and Red state news tells you how bad democrats are, and they both have some truth in that. Neither side ever mentions that virtually all of our politicians address every issue with one hand in their pocket, while the other is shaking that one money tree.
When you have a single source for news, they have to fill the empty space. They go from reporting the news to reporting on the news, in a way that draws an audience. The goal is no longer reporting news, it is gaining subscribers. Actual journalists spend a lot of time and resources gathering, investigating, assembling and refining their product, and nobody wants to pay $20 per month for one good story every 6 weeks minimum. So we get daily doses of podcasters giving us their take on whatever seems relevant on a daily basis.
What we call news has never been good, it has always been a mostly propaganda mixed with local weather and sports, but what we have now is mind numbing.
What happened to the new tag line? About the truth? I thought that was a big reason ATW was stopped bc sometimes there would be opinion or speculation (many times by Walter). Now we have this new guy adding in his own memes and discussing the president’s mental fitness because of his age? This is NOT what I expected when the new tag line was rolled out. Rein it in Matt. This guy isn’t worth it. Walter was.
Couldn't get through today. ATW was unique. This isn't. Michael's views are covered in nyt, alphabet networks, fox...I come here for different perspectives not the echo chamber.
Sorry, have listened to a few shows now to give it a chance, and it just does not measure up to ATW. No James Bond movies were the same without Sean Connery. Even the small talk at the begining of the show is lacking compared to Walter.
Michael Tracey has is own podcast and it seems that Today’s News is also becoming his podcast. While I appreciate Michael’s reporting and different perspectives on the Epstein files, I can listen to his podcast for this. I want to hear news about Matt’s reporting and what Racket News reports on which is much most robust and consequential than the Epstein files. I felt that in ATW, Matt was often side lined by Walter, now he is getting side lined by Michael. I appreciate Matt’s humor and sarcasm and would love a podcast from him that centers around him and a co-host that can allow Matt to take center stage. I will continue to subscribe to Racket because the articles are excellent but I wish that Today’s News would stick with Racket’s mission.
I have a Westinghouse generator that can power my house on gas or propane. It's out of commission right now because of the "idiot proofing" that was necessary to prevent dumbass Americans from doing mindless stupid things where engines and flammables are concerned. The "Safety!" circuitry that takes care of this for morons (gas or propane? Not a tough question!) is messed up and preventing the unit from starting. So yeah, Americans won't take any fucking responsibility, so my generator won't start!
I wonder what a pack of firecrackers - everyone knows what a pack of firecrackers is - I wonder what it would be like if it was manufactured in America? My guess is it would cost $100 and come in a blast-proof box with a book of instructions in every language of the world with every frightening warning imaginable. From China? It comes in a red tissue paper wrapping with instructions, only in English, that say, "Light fuse. Get away!"
I wish I could've been a fly on the wall in China years ago at a electronics manufacturing convention, like at a bar where big-wig Chinese manufacturers were hanging out. I can hear a conversation that would go something like this: "Oh yeah! You must put "do not eat" on silica gel packets! You have to! Hey, I don't know why! They so stupid! They think it's Chicklets! They will eat them unless you put "do not eat!"
Breaking news, Trump seeks $1.5 trillion for military budget. Granted not as important as Michael Tracey’s musings on how people pronounce his name, but maybe it merits a small mention?
Let's get the ball rolling by discussing that issue amongst ourselves. My take? There's a lot more at stake than a measly $1.5 trillion for new toys. Some far-reaching and very consequential policy changes are being discussed in Congress, and this is Trump's opening move.
We’re already a second -rate country when it comes to health results, infant mortality and communicable disease and homelessness. Trump is doing his best to turn us into a shit hole country for everyone but his billionaire pals and lackeys.
All the increases proposed in the 2027 budget matter.
Military/National Defense 500 billion 44% increase what does this mean for our foreign wars?
Homeland security $1.8 billion more ICE funding, what will this look like?
Federal Law Enforcement/DOJ $25 billion. How will that affect our civil liberties?
Where does that money come from? The deficit increase by hundreds of billions of dollars is concerning.
Other Policy debates:
What to do with AI
Financial deregulation
Environmental cuts
Housing and Infrastructure
Life at conception act
Voting rights
Healthcare
Affordability
Wherever you fall on these issues, they matter and are under reported on.
Epstein seems to be a distraction
Not even going to bother tuning in, for the following reasons:
1. I don't give a shit about the Final Four, or any other professional sports.
2. I give even less of a shit about any news related to Jeffery Epstein.
Same.
In this case the sport is making fun of bad and/or crazy podcasts. Decidedly NOT a professional sport, but entertaining as hell, nevertheless.
I forgot to mention what a pointless waste of time it is for a couple of podcasters to rate other podcasters on a "news" show.
It reminds me of when I wandered into my company break room one morning, where there was a tv that was tuned into news all day. It was usually on what used to be called, Headline News, which covered the 'headlines' every 30 minutes. The top of that particular 30 minutes began with an overview of the developing 'Bennifer' story. I was there, holding my coffee, stunned. What fresh hell was this?, I wondered?
I already had to deal with friends and one recent ex-boyfriend, who were obsessed with the vapid lives of celebrities, who they didn't even know, personally. I couldn't understand it, or just plain, stand it and worked to cocoon myself, as much as possible, in a 'celebrity personal life free zone'. I refused to let them live rent free in my head. Little did I know that celebrities would eventually dominate the news cycle, instead of just intruding on it from time to time.
This intrusion into what I had heretofore considered 'real' news was unacceptable. I suppose it was a blessing, because it was the final straw for me and 'mainstream' news. F that noise, I thought, This isn't news, not anymore, at least.
Neither, it would appear, is The Top News or Today's News or whatever this performative nonsense is, with which Matt has replaced the serious, but humorous, commentary of ATW. It's like he has morphed into one of those NYT snobs, the ones he derided for so long. You know, the ones who look down on their readers and ignore the topics in which they are interested, thinking they are so much more evolved and thus imagine that 'we' need 'them' to tell 'us' what is important to 'us'?
And, one of those things is the Tucker Carlson podcast, the deranged faux conservative, who Jon Stewart called out, oh, so long ago, on Crossfire? What was it Stewart said to him? "How old are you? 30? And you're wearing a bowtie? How many people your age wear bowties? This isn't serious news. It's theater."
I am paraphrasing, but that was the gist. I highly recommend watching it, as it's still hilarious, with all its sharp and pointy bits. Matt, a comedian with a joke/fake news show, as Stewart defined himself at the time, beat you to this punch, what, just over ~twenty~ years ago? Stewart himself may have devolved into cosplaying serious journalism. His current take is that Tucker is now 'being real', and that that is refreshing, but I don't buy it. If anything, Tucker has amped up his own Journo Con character to the moon. But, Stewart's words ring as true today, as they did then.
Thanks for exposing theater as theater, Matt, but many of us came here for the news, which used to interest you. Why are you theater-kidding us?
News has to come from a variety of sources. The tech companies consolidated them and eventually settled on one source that is divided into two camps, the left and the right. What was once called news, is now tailored for two audiences with no middle ground and they feed off each other.
People go looking for news, and they find feel good commentary that is addictive. News is now about painting the other side as the force of evil, while showing how you are above the fray. People get the adrenaline dump, then the soft landing. That is addictive and after a while, you will need that daily fix.
Nothing is ever resolved, it is a forever war. Blue state news tells you how bad Republicans are, and Red state news tells you how bad democrats are, and they both have some truth in that. Neither side ever mentions that virtually all of our politicians address every issue with one hand in their pocket, while the other is shaking that one money tree.
When you have a single source for news, they have to fill the empty space. They go from reporting the news to reporting on the news, in a way that draws an audience. The goal is no longer reporting news, it is gaining subscribers. Actual journalists spend a lot of time and resources gathering, investigating, assembling and refining their product, and nobody wants to pay $20 per month for one good story every 6 weeks minimum. So we get daily doses of podcasters giving us their take on whatever seems relevant on a daily basis.
What we call news has never been good, it has always been a mostly propaganda mixed with local weather and sports, but what we have now is mind numbing.
You think this podcast is entertaining?
What happened to the new tag line? About the truth? I thought that was a big reason ATW was stopped bc sometimes there would be opinion or speculation (many times by Walter). Now we have this new guy adding in his own memes and discussing the president’s mental fitness because of his age? This is NOT what I expected when the new tag line was rolled out. Rein it in Matt. This guy isn’t worth it. Walter was.
I read my first Kurt Vonnegut novel because of those two…
Couldn't get through today. ATW was unique. This isn't. Michael's views are covered in nyt, alphabet networks, fox...I come here for different perspectives not the echo chamber.
This is more than a loss...it's insult to injury.
Simping for Lindsay Graham and mocking others for questioning authority. "Today's News" is newsless.
Sorry, have listened to a few shows now to give it a chance, and it just does not measure up to ATW. No James Bond movies were the same without Sean Connery. Even the small talk at the begining of the show is lacking compared to Walter.
I hope it is possible Walter comes back.
Rather shoot myself than listen to any more Epstein crap
Michael Tracey has is own podcast and it seems that Today’s News is also becoming his podcast. While I appreciate Michael’s reporting and different perspectives on the Epstein files, I can listen to his podcast for this. I want to hear news about Matt’s reporting and what Racket News reports on which is much most robust and consequential than the Epstein files. I felt that in ATW, Matt was often side lined by Walter, now he is getting side lined by Michael. I appreciate Matt’s humor and sarcasm and would love a podcast from him that centers around him and a co-host that can allow Matt to take center stage. I will continue to subscribe to Racket because the articles are excellent but I wish that Today’s News would stick with Racket’s mission.
Well said. Michael Tracey can contribute articles. Let's have a new co-host for the livestreams
Has Racket addressed the status of Emily yet?
Good question.
Matt, it's not working!
Evidently, Matt’s paying a penance for ignoring his “Uninversity Of Mizzou School of Journalism’s ‘Apostate Council’s Denouncement
I only watch to read all the hilarious comments. The podcast is the worst ever for Matt Taibbi.
Give Matt the space to get his point out before you jump in. Makes the show flow better IMO.
I have a Westinghouse generator that can power my house on gas or propane. It's out of commission right now because of the "idiot proofing" that was necessary to prevent dumbass Americans from doing mindless stupid things where engines and flammables are concerned. The "Safety!" circuitry that takes care of this for morons (gas or propane? Not a tough question!) is messed up and preventing the unit from starting. So yeah, Americans won't take any fucking responsibility, so my generator won't start!
I wonder what a pack of firecrackers - everyone knows what a pack of firecrackers is - I wonder what it would be like if it was manufactured in America? My guess is it would cost $100 and come in a blast-proof box with a book of instructions in every language of the world with every frightening warning imaginable. From China? It comes in a red tissue paper wrapping with instructions, only in English, that say, "Light fuse. Get away!"
I wish I could've been a fly on the wall in China years ago at a electronics manufacturing convention, like at a bar where big-wig Chinese manufacturers were hanging out. I can hear a conversation that would go something like this: "Oh yeah! You must put "do not eat" on silica gel packets! You have to! Hey, I don't know why! They so stupid! They think it's Chicklets! They will eat them unless you put "do not eat!"
I thought it would be funny to play "how many minutes before they mention Epstein" but it wasn't fun, it was just sad.
He’ll be back in good stead if he focuses 75% of his content on Epstein for the next few years.
Eyeroll.