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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 it here.
It 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 strange claims following a New York Times report 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, denied the accusations.
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 Following
Kate Riga just published a piece 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 here.
Josh Kovensky also published a piece this morning, outlining the details of Biden’s $2 trillion infrastructure plan.
Matt Shuham has the backstory on 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 Following
Some other key stories we’re on top of today:
- More than 100 House Democrats are asking Biden to expand the National Firearms Act to include the gun that was used in the massacre in Boulder last week.
- A new lawsuit has been filed, aimed at holding former President Trump accountable for inciting the insurrection. This time, two Capitol Police Officers — James Blassingame and Sidney Hemby — are suing Trump for the physical and emotional harm they suffered from the Capitol attack.
- Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) argued in a memo to colleagues this week that the Republican Party must embrace Trump and the headway he made with working class voters to remain a successful political party.
- We’re hitting the latest news on Gaetz this morning, including the reaction from the lawyer that the congressman accused of extorting him on live television.
- A group of 72 Black business leaders called on companies and corporations to speak out against GOP efforts across the country to curb voting rights. This comes as the CEO of Delta issued a blistering statement on the voting restrictions that were just signed into law in Georgia.
If You Read Anything On COVID-19 Today, Read This
Biden To Envision $2 Trillion Plan To Transform America In Pittsburgh Speech
On The Agenda
10:15 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 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
Trump Is Floundering And Unheard — Josh Marshall
What We Are Reading
Everything you need to know about vaccine passports —
How Did Frasier Afford His Apartment? — Gabriella Paiella
