Then an emotional day in court as witnesses recount what happened to george floyd after Derek Chauvin pinned him down. George was motionless, limp and chauvin seemed very he was in resting state meaning, like, he just rested his knee on his neck then as covid19 cases surge in wisconsin, republicans shot down the governors mask mandate. While in pennsylvania, infrastructure week finally arrives. It is big, yes. It is bold, yes. And we can get it done when all in starts now. Good evening. If youve been following the news today, you probably heard a lot about the Justice Department investigation into republican congressman matt gaetz over potential Sex Trafficking sigh tied to a sexual relationship with a 17yearold girl which he denies there are lots of crazy developments on this store i y were going to bring you all of them but first, we thought it would be worth reminding you who matt gaetz was before he was under investigation. This guy is really something gaetz is the son of Senate President don gaetz whose connections and deep pockets helped him get elected to the Florida House and eventually to the United States congress in 2008, matt gaetz was arrested on the suspicion of Drunk Driving while driving his dads b bmw. He was known as a entitled theyre thee we will he mocked food stamp recipients and facing accusations of racism for questioning the intelligence two of black lawmakers then he came to washington and quickly became known as one of Donald Trumps staunchest defenders with gaetz gleefully trolling the critics and defending trumps comments including on this very show after he denigrated the entire country of haiti gaetz brought a Holocaust Denier to the state of the union, suggested that george soros was paying kids to storm the border and hired an aide tide to White Nationalist ties a child shot in the park land School Shooting called him a lighter for tying immigration to the School Shootings gaetz responded by demanding the father be removed from the hearing. Going back to his Talking Points gaetz wore a gas mask last year to mock covid19 concerns and partied maskless with members of the new York Young Republican Club in december near the height of the pandemic. I could go on. There is plenty more but lets end with this. In 2017, gaetz was the lone no vote on an antihuman trafficking bill which brings us to the federal Sex Trafficking investigation into matt gaetz. He says the allegations are invented and he suggests that theyre tied to an Extortion Scheme which is now being investigated but its important to note that these are two separate investigations theyre not necessarily even connected. Even if gaetz wants you to think that they are. Last night the congressman went on fox news to give his side of the story. An interview he didnt likely see because you were watching all in at the time gaetz no doubt expected friendly treatment from that network. Thats what fox news gives to almost all republicans he might have gotten it had he not attempted to throw the host of the show he was on and the hosts wife under the bus. Im not the only person on screen right now who has been falsely accused of a terrible sex act. You were accused of something that you did not do and so you know what this feels like. I can say that actually you and i went to dinner about two years ago, your wife was there and i brought a friend of mine youll remember her. And she was actually threatened by the fbi i really saw this as a deeply troubling challenge for My Family On March 16th when people were, you know, talking about a minor and that there were pictures of me with child prostitutes. I may have watched that clip a dozen times. It went so well for him. If if you were a republican and you cant get Tucker Karlsson on your side, you probably have a problem on your hands. You just saw matt gaetz interview. That is the weirdest interview that i ever conducted. I dont think it clarified much. This is a deeply interesting story and well be following it. Dont quite understand it. Well, he may not have would be over tucker, but you know who is defending matt gaetz today . None other than republican congressman jim jordan of ohio who used to be a Wrestling Coach at ohio state and who former wrestlers say turned a blind eye to rampant sexual abuse by team doctor who was molesting athletes which jordan denies. So at least gaetz has that going for him. Last night democratic representative ted lu called for him to be removed from the House Judiciary Committee until The Investigation is complete. Seeing he is facing a Justice Department investigation nbc news asked the House Republican leader Kevin Mccarthy about that today if a member of my conference gets indicted, theyll get removed from a committee he says this is not true and we have a Newspaper Report that says Something Else im pretty sure if it turns out to be the case that matt gaetz is a child sex trafficker, you want to do more than just take him off the judiciary committee. There is a couple other things you need to know in that interview last night, he claimed that a former Justice Department attorney named david mcgee who has been in private practice was behind the alleged Extortion Plot mcgees law firm called it false and defamiliar torre he said this is a blatant attempt to distract from the fact that matt gaetz is apparently about to be indicted for Sex Trafficking underage girls. We do not know if that is the case the other name you need to know is Joel Greenberg. The former Seminole County florida Tax Collector who posted this selfie with gaetz and another man back in 2019 as Rachel Maddow laid out last night, greenberg is a character almost beyond belief he was indicted on charges tied to his allege harassment and stalking of a political opponent and used his position as the Seminole County Tax Collector to obtain surrendered drifrlz and used them to create fake ids for himself. He was charged with Sex Trafficking of a child between 14 and 18 and alleged indictment to misuse the state Motor Vehicle data base to obtain information related to individuals with whom he was engaged in sugar daddy relationships. He has not he has pleaded not guilty just today federal prosecutors filed a third superseding indictment against greenberg which involved Stealing Money from the Tax Collectors office to buy cryptocurrency. The investigation into matt gaetz stemmed from the Probe Into Greenberg and now both men are facing investigations into Sex Trafficking involving a child. Back in 2017, he posted this selfie with gaetz and trump ally roger stone. I cant help but wonder, what the reaction will be if, i dont know, aoc or a picture with a guy charged with Sex Trafficking of a child he would go crazy. Fox news would have a field day. Nobody seemed to care when matt gaetz did exactly that at least not until now im joined by two people tonight with great insight in this case, New York Times justice Reporter Katie Benner Who First Broke The Story Yesterday and former prosecutor Cynthia Opsny who specialized in Sex Trafficking cases. The what you have learned since your initial shocking report yesterday . What we learned the last 24 hours is really more detall about the alleged Extortion Plot and lets keep in mind the Extortion Plot is different from the allegations against congressman gaetz about child Sex Trafficking. Thats an investigation going on for more than half a year. What happened a couple weeks ago is two men approached don gaetz. They laid out a plan for him in a conversation, these men said were aware that your son may have legal issues and might be under investigation by the fbi. And also where you have money that we could use in order to do something great. Disappeared and by somebody the government declared deceased about whout people have been searching for a long time. They felt they had a lead on this and that with don gaetzs money they could bring this man back to the United States. The hope would be that the American Government will be so happy that President Biden will be so happy that congressman gaetz would be pardoned for any crimes don gaetz, or sources tell us, felt this was an unusual document it was an unusual ask. He eventually contacted the fbi. He has worn a wire into two meetings with these men. At least two phone conversations. Yeah. And that was the wire was what matt gaetz revealed on twitter and then in the Tucker Karlsson astonishing interview. Cynthia, just to be clear, if somebody is wearing a wire in an on going investigation, its not wise normally to out that person in the wire, especially if theyre your dad, is it . No. Its not wise. But nothing is happening wise. Its not Wise To Go On Tucker Carlson and accuse him of other sexual things. Its no the Wise To Go On Tucker Carlson and instead of denying that you had anything to do with the child Sex Trafficking, just deny you traveled on interstate or, you know, you crossed state lines. Not that anybody was under 18. It doesnt make any sense to do a lot of things that hes dovedone people are saying there are pictures with me and child prostitutes. Its not really wise to bring that up. But thats what hes doing and so wisdom is not driving the day for matt gaetz cynthia, just to be clear, as katie mentioned, the alleged Extortion Plot is not necessarily tied to the Sex Trafficking investigation, right . Theyre two separate things. Yeah. Theyre totally unrelated. The Extortion Plot from what we understand is relatively recent. And The Investigation into the Seminole County tax assessor has been going on for quite some time and i might add that in that investigation they are upping the pressure and upping the pressure he had 12 charges against him. And today they filed 21 more they are putting the pressure on him and what that means hes in more and more trouble and needs to get help. And the way to do that is to roll on somebody this man is in bigger and bigger trouble. He may want to talk about gates in order to save himself in your reporting, what have you discovered in terms of the connections between matt gaetz and Joel Greenberg we just put the photos up with roger stone. I believe he endorsed him with congressional run. Yes, and we know that greenberg has been really public about his friendship with gaetz. Gaetz has been publicly supportive of greenberg and maybe a little more. They spend a lot of time together as much time as you have together and also theyre really close social companions and they were known to have a very active social dating life were going to discuss more in the coming days. You have talked about crimes in this field what is doj investigation into this what potential crimes are we talking about . What laws are broken the penalties are severe. The penalties are from what it sound like a ten year felony a child under the age of 18 to cross state lines to have sex with them for anything of value. Plane tickets oddly in gaetzs statement, he said in prior times with prior girlfriends, i was very generous and i did pay for plane tickets. Its kind of an odd thing to say given that those are the elements of the crime. Again, this is a person who needs to exercise his Fifth Amendment right and remain silent and get a lawyer. Matt gaetz is not known for being silent the lawyer gaetz accuses of extortion said did he speak to gaetzs dad said he called and asked to talk to me would only say of the talk it is a pleasant conversation of a dad concerned about his son and the trouble his son was in a lot of this revolves around the extortion part of this revolves around that conversation he said, yeah, if gaetz wants to release the tapes, release them. Yeah. I think we know that conversation is that they discussed the document that i mentioned earlier, this plan whereby they kocould find a missing american and bring him home with great triumph. I dont get any indication that any complicit asks were made the that anybody explicitly talked about a quid pro quo. And so while the details of that investigation continue to emerge, youre right mr. Mcgee does sound very confident. He himself did work at the Justice Department he would have a firm grasp on his own reliability and well have to see what happens yes, good point good point ka katie bennett, well have to leave it there thank you so much for your insights tonight you helped us understand a very complicated story. Appreciate it. Coming up, its infrastructure week in america no, for real this time its infrastructure week pennsylvanias Lieutenant Governor was with the president for the kickoff in pittsburgh. Hes here to talabk out the looming battle this sets up in congress dont go anywhere. Days a month,. Each lasting 4 hours or more. Botox® prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine. So, if you havent tried botox® for your chronic migraine,. Check with your doctor if botox® is right for you, and if samples are available. Effects of botox® may spread hours to weeks after injection. Causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right away, as difficulty swallowing,. 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How about saving hundreds on the new Samsung Galaxy s21 ultra 5g . You can do that too. All on the most Reliable Network . Sure thing and with fast, nationwide 5g included at no extra cost . Weve got you covered. So join the carrier rated 1 in customer satisfaction. And learn how much you can save at xfinitymobile. Com mysavings. What im proposing is a one time Capital Investment of 2 trillion in americas future spread largely over eight years and generate historic economic growth, pep businesses to compete internationally and create more knew as well failing to make these investments adds to our debt and puts our children at a disadvantage relative to our competitors. Thats what crumbling infrastructure does. And our infrastructure is crumbling. During the president ial Campaign Joe Biden promised a new Infrastructure Program in an attempt to make good on that promise, he unveiled a National Rebuilding program, the return Government Program and a share of the economy to the highest levels since the 1960s the 2 trillion focuses on roads and bridges and combatting Climate Change but is 2 trillion enough when it comes to what is a threat to humanity it isnt nearly enough and voters agree a new ppolitico poll says the would back a 3 trillion infrastructure bill. Someone in pittsburgh with the president is John Feterman who is now a candidate for the u. S. Senate he jounz me now. Thank you for coming on the show 2 thererillion is a great start but that is over eight years and so its not enough money to rebuild american infrastructure. Given the challenges i would like to see it bigger too. There isnt one single republican that is willing to bite so it would seem that Democratic Coalition can hold together and proceed through reconciliation but, of course, to me this is one reason to get rid of the filibuster my point is bigger and better. 2 trillion is still sweet that is a lot of roads and bridges and millions of jobs but without a doubt, it could go bigger yeah we agree that 2 there are tri trillion start Climate Change, for example, its a huge challenge. Hundreds of billions just doesnt cut it ed marky is pushing for 10 trillion Green Infratruck Stur Plan when you look at the 10 trillion and then the 2 trillion, can you go bigger. Without a doubt Climate Change is a threat we need to address it. We wont get a single republican vote with a current rate right now. If this is the maximum, the Democratic Caucus can maintain to maintain their 50 vote and their Vice President harris breaking the tiebreaker and proceeding through reconciliation, you know, im going to be ultimately okay with that this will be a first down payment on infrastructure. Joe biden is living up to his promise. Today was infratrstructure week tell me what this bill means for pittsburgh and pennsylvania and more broadly i mean, it would mean everything i said this earlier today. Its like if infrastructure is elvis, pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania is graceland. And thats why joe is here he understood that he was born in pennsylvania. He gets it he knows pittsburgh and pennsylvanias contribution to our original infratrstructure which made us a great industrial power. Again, we would like to see it bigger as democrats. And could make that case but if the votes arent there and if this is the maximum that our caucus will allow, im going to be okay with 2 the 2 trillioi know the number of bridges, roads, water systems, always kinds of other Infrastructure Improvement thats Red And Blue County pennsylvania use and this is going to be a boom for the union way of life. Millions of new jobs and an investment and down payment on the next wave of american prosperity that our original investments in infrastructure produced which my children that are young will be able to par take and benefit from. Indeed. And so. As bhengse we mentioned a moment ago, its a very popular thing to spend money on. Heres a tweet from Vice President of transportation and inf infrastructure our members are willing to stand behind elected leaders and vote to do the right thing and make those needed investments as you say though, not a single republican is fighting for it though and today Mitch Mcconnell said biden called him yesterday to talk about the new Infrastructure Plan and he signaled his opposition to the proposal pointing to the tax hikes. Have a listen. My advice to the administration is he want to do an infrastructure bill, lets do an infrastructure bill, lets not turn night a massive effort to raise taxes on businesses eastern you have a negativity for the American Rescue plan and now for the Infrastructure Plan, shou that going to play on the ground for a swing state yeah, of course lets be honest here Leader Mcconnell is grossly disingenuous this is not about raising taxes. This is about recalibrating a Corporate Income tax that never should have been lowered the way it was under the Trump Administration much lower than even the corporations themselves asked for. So right off the bat that, is disingenuous theyre not raising taxes on individuals. He knows that. That is just a negative spin you know and if Mitch Mcconnell is for something, chances are im going to be against it this is one more example of the republicans and fill Burster Holding back america from big plans that a majority of americans wont. To me, i think its like 2 trillion is as big as we can get now. I think we need to be, hey, thats pretty good but it also should be a lesson and a road map to eliminate the filibuster. Own that note, easy to attack Mitch Mcconnell. If hes on one side of the issue, better to be on the other. Yet, you have joe manchin in your party who doesnt want to get rid of the filibuster who thinks that 21 Corporation Tax right now that biden wants 28 , he doesnt want to go to 28 he wants somewhere in the middle he could be a block on a lot of the stuff you want to do in your party. What is your message to joe manchin . I would say that is disappointing. Absolutely joe also doesnt think that a single mother that works full time shouldnt bring home at least 31,000 with an 15 an hour minimum wage. That is an issue he and i fundamentally disagree on. He is one of the impediments to including a 15 an hour living wage in the American Rescue plan so this is the point im trying to make. If were going to get tripped up by one or two outlying members like Senator Manchin and if 2 d trillion is big as we can get that, is an area that we disagree on right now. On that note, one last question very little time left. Let me throw this at you youre running for the senate in pennsylvania your senate is reconciliation to get legislation through because of the filibuster. Its messed up in many ways. I would ask you, how dysfunctional is the chamber that youre trying to become a member of . I just would say relax. Its much worse than you think you know and, like, the way it is right now, it just is dysfunctional. And i can promise you if im lucky enough to be elevated by the people of pennsylvania, youre going to have a solid progressive voice for 15 an hour minimum wage, eliminating the filibuster if thats what its going to take to get rid of these impediments. All these things at a Real Infrastructure bill. I mean, beyond what we already have in front of us. Republican impeding progress, its going all come down to unfortunately the filibuster and making sure we put a democrat in pat toomeys seat in 2022. Well, well have to leave it there. Thank you so much for that Lieutenant Governor John Feterman of pennsylvania appreciate you taking time out for us tonight thanks for having me on still ahead, another gutting day in the Derek Chauvin murder trial. And our first real look at the Police Body Cam video. Former prosecutor paul butler is watching every minute of it and he joins me next something di. Oh, we can help with that. Okay, imagine this. Your mover, rob, hes on the scene and needs a plan with a mobile hotspot. We cut to downtown, your sales rep lisa has to send some files, asap so basically i can pick the right plan for each employee. Yeah i shouldve just led with that. With at t business. You can pick the best plan for each employee and only pay for the features they need. It doesnt happen often. Everyday people taking on the corporate special interests. And winning. But now, the for the people act stands on the brink of becoming law. Ensuring accurate elections. Ironclad ethics rules to crack down on political selfdealing. A ban on dark money. And finally reducing corporate money in our politics. To restore our faith in government. Because its time. For the people to win. Im susan and im 52 and i live in san francisco, california. I have been a sales and Sales Management professional my whole career. Typical day during a work week is im working but first always going for a run or going to the gym. I love reading. I love cooking healthy. Its super important to me. I was noticing that i was just having some memory loss. It was really bothering me. So i tried prevagen and it started to work for me. I wish i had taken prevagen five or ten years ago. Prevagen. Healthier brain. Better life. Discover the replenishing power of new Pronamel Mineral Boost. Teeth need Natural Minerals to keep enamel healthy, strong, and white. But every day, acidic food and drink can wash these minerals away, weakening and dulling enamel over time. Pronamel mineral boost protects teeth by working with your mouth to boost absorption of calcium and phosphate which naturally strengthens enamel. Pronamel mineral boost helps keep teeth strong, white, and protected from sensitivity. New Pronamel Mineral Boost its okay that you dont want to be first you arent. Second covid vaccine. Its okay to have questions everyone deserves answers. Im wary that there isnt enough information. Its okay to be excited, or worried, or both. Its alright for it to take whatever it takes for you to be ready. Hi mom, ready for your shot . Yes, ive been waiting for this day. We just got what . Vaccinated. We just got vaccinated lets get you there. Lets get to immunity. The third day of the trial of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin brought more gutting testimony today we heard from 61yearold charles mcmillan, one of the only witnesses to see the full encounter between chauvin and the fellow officers and george floyd. Prosecutors showed the footage taken from the officers body cameras depict Wrg He Removed Hum from the police car and put him on the ground, chauvin hold his knee on his neck for 9 29. And that video from the officers Point Of View can you clearly hear george Floyd Pleaing with them, telling them he cant breathe and calling for his mother that is happening in the moment were about to play for you, the moment that led to this outpouring of emotion from mr. Mcmillan mr. Mcmillan . Do you need a minute yeah. Oh, my god. I know. This is difficult. Can you just explain sort of what youre feeling in this moment i can i feel helpless. I dont have a moment to understand him prosecutors also showed video of an Interaction Mcmillan had with former officer chauvin after the ambulance left the scene. Mcmillan is arguing with chauvin showing his distress about what happened and chauvin tries to justify his actions. Thats one persons opinion i have an opinion i tried to control this guy, he is a sizable guy. Put him in the car. He was probably on something. Paul butler is a former prosecutor and author of choke hold policing black men. Did the testimony we heard today hurt the defense absolutely. The whole world has seen the video of george floyd dying. Today the jury got to see him alive. Laughing and joking and having a conversation about football versus baseball. He looks relaxed and easy going. Contrast with the defense Opening Statement that presented floyd as this Big Violent Dude who was high on drugs, committing a crime and had a rude strut that not even three officers could subdue. Thats not what the video shows. Today you could see how floyd got his nickname they called him the gentle giant. Lets play the footage that we saw today here is one portion. Take a seat sit down for me. Thank you, man. Sit down. Thank you, man. God sit all the way down. Yes, sir, i will. Please, man. Please please, man. Do you have id on you i have one at home. Whats your name . George. George harry floyd i dont know whats going on man. Spell it for me george. Last name floyd you see george floyd there, paul, speaking in that video to the police and that body camera video, their perspective do you think that humanizes him to a jury and how important is that its crucial to convict Shoef Y Chauvin of murder. He used unreasonable and Excessive Force and that chauvins knee on floyds neck is what killed floyd and not the Drug Overdose that the defense claims so every witness has to establish one of those points. So christopher martin, young clerk knows that george floyd was under the influence of drugs through the time of his fatal encounter with the cops. The prosecutors want the defense not to be the first people to let the jury know that judges always want to lawyers always want to be the ones who tell the jury their bad facts. So the jury doesnt think theyre trying to hide something from them. But then the video shows mr. Floyd looking quite coherent and in control he doesnt look like a man that is about to o. D. On meth and martin also helps the prosecutors establish their case about Excessive Force, all of this over a 20 bill that floyd probably didnt even know was fake. But the officers approach mr. Floyd like hes Public Enemy Number One within seconds the cop is pointing his gun at mr. Floyd and then on the ground in handcuffs. If what the cops are doing looks over the top, the prosecutors want the jury to know that they can believe theyre own ops. You said they approached him like he was Public Enemy Number One. Weve seen that in many cases involving an armed black man you wrote a book about the policing of black men. What do you think about how race is being talked about or not talked about in this trial so far . To this world this case is about race and whether an Police Officer can be held accountable when he kills an africanamerican man frlt but race doesnt usually come up in the courtroom. So the judge will try to focus the jury on the evidence and treat this like any other murder case at the same time, the defense Opening Statement, again, presents mr. Floyd as this big, huge black man committing a crime, high on drugs with super Human Strength theyre trying to establish chauvins use of force is reasonable but there are concerns that theyre invoking racist stereotypes. That Defense Strategy worked 30 years ago. To put the officers who beat up rodney king. I dont know with this jury in 2021 if that strategy will have the same impact. Its a very good point. Times have changed this is a rare prosecution of a former Police Officer for murder its historic and youre right it will be a very interesting decision to see what happens next paul butler, we appreciate you coming on and giving us your insights thank you so much. Tonight, could the growing backlash to georgias horrific Voter Suppression law prevent other states from following suit is this a sign that pressure works . Well talk aboutha tt after this short break. Truthfully, its frustrating to see how fast dust reappears. But dusting with a cloth is a pain. And dealing with a bulky vacuum. Is such a hassle. Uchhh so now we use our Swiffer Sweeper and dusters. The Fluffy Fibers . They pick up dust easily. Grabbing it in all those hardtoreach places. Gotcha and for our floors, sweepers textured cloths lock all kinds of dirt, dust and pet hair. Unlike my vacuum, it sneaks under and around places. Look at that dust free and hassle free. Stop cleaning and start swiffering. 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Then they get release back into the air, so you smell them later. Ew right . Thats why febreze created small spaces. Press firmly and watch it get to work. Unlike the leading cone, small spaces continuously eliminates odors in the air and on surfaces. So they dont come back for 45 days. Just imagine what it can do with other odors. Who says activism is a waste of time. Who says boycott doesnt have any impact on corporate america. You probably heard of the law that republicans passed in georgia. Makes it harder for black people to vote and that President Joe Biden called it jim crow in the 21st century one of the Largest Companies in georgia put out a mealy Mouth Statement where they glassed o glossed over the restrictive parts of the law and the legislation signed this week improved considerably during the legislation process. Another Georgia Based Company issued a cautious statement. The backlash to the new law is so severe that deltas ceo released a statement saying, i need to make it Crystal Clear that final bill is unacceptable and does not match deltas values after having time to now fully understand all that is in the discussion with leaders and employees in the black community. Provisions will make it harder black voters to elect the representatives. That is wrong. The entire rational and there is widespread voter fraud in georgia. This is to restrict Voting Rights that is the pivot from the legislation. Let me be Crystal Clear about this legislation is unacceptable it is a step backwards it does not promote principles with very stood for in georgia around broad access around voter convenience, about insuring Election Integrity and this is just a step backwards. The ceo pivots happened because activists are successfully putting pressure on the korngss. Today 72 black Kmexecutives Sige the bill nbc news was told its not enough to issue a general statement and say we believe in Fair Elections the issue is what you say in georgia, florida florida, indiana . You have to publicly oppose it and bring your resources to bear to try to effect wait the right outcome. Now some people may say too little too late and that is true the bill is now law in georgia on the other hand, as we reported on this show yesterday, this is now a nationwide Voter Suppression attempt by republicans. And if the backlash in georgia prevents other states from going through with it, thats a good thing. So its important to keep up the pressure remember, democracy is at stake. Free and Fair Elections are on the line many of us have not surprisingly focused on that odious part of the bill that bans paeople from giving water to those standing in line. Its not the worst thing in the bill worst thing in the bill is that now the republican Control Legislature in georgia basically is in charge of elections there. And it will decide which votes count in georgia and which dont. Lets be very clear. If this law had been in existence in november of 2020, donald trump would have won georgia. And rafael wardock could not now be members of the senate its as blatant and undeniable as that. Now, yesterday we also did a deep dive into floridas utter failure at keeping residents safe during the pandemic under the leadership of ron desantos, they spent last year pretending the coronavirus isnt a big deal to night were going to talk about what is happening in wisconsin which has a democratic governor whose vivid precautions have being completely undermind by republicans even as cases are on the rise. Thats next. Cheaper aerosols use artificial propellants. Thats why febreze works differently. 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Especially in the underserved communities hardest hit by covid. Trust me, no one wants to get back to Classroom Learning more than teachers like me. Using common sense Safety Measures like masks, physical distancing, and proper ventilation. Safety is why were Prioritizing Vaccinations for educators. Because working with our local communities. We will all get through this together, safely. Covid cases in the state of wisconsin are pretty worrying right now after sliding earlier this year, the sevenday daily case average is moving back up, now at 470 as of today hue are republicans in that state responding to the resurgence of the deadly coronavirus . By getting rid of the democratic governors mask mandate. By the courts np a tight 43 decision, conservatives on the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the mask mandate, ruling tony evers are not issue a Health Emergency for the pandemic without approval from the republicancontrolled legislature. Even though the nature aft pandemic changed and he should be able to issue multiple Health Emergencies as a result of that. I want to bring in someone trying to fight the Covid Epidemic in wisconsin even as republicans in the courts are tying his hands, wisconsins Lieutenant Governor. Thanks for coming on the show Lieutenant Governor. Are people in your state going to die because of this clearly partisan decision from the state Supreme Court . Ill say that the unfortunate result of digs decisions like these do impact the state of wisconsin. All across the country as has been reported we could have done better across the United States of america after the lessons we learned after the first 100,000 deaths the amount of death we had in this state was unnecessary in the first place. If only people had taken the necessary precautions. That means republicaners taking this seriously they still think its a joke for whatever reason, the the Supreme Court acted as a partisan arm of the republican controlled legislature, so Peoples Health and safety will be impacted. If people decide they dont want to follow proper guidance from the cdc or Proper Health guidance that has already done a miracle up until the vaccine at mitigating this crisis so, you mentioned the state Supreme Court and its link to the republicanled state legislature. Something that caught my eye today the Wisconsin State Journal reports the case in this case was brought by major republican donor Jerry Fabbick in 2016 they gave 20,000 to state Supreme Court Justice Rebecca bradley. How is that okay shouldnt she have recused herself from this case that was decided by one vote . Its not at all okay. Its emblematic of a system we have where money is allowed to flow into elections. I already talked about the bipartisan courts. Thats a joke. This isnt the first time theyve challenged governors ab ability to issue an Emergency Order. Situations like this, where the Supreme Court is able to just make decisions at will, mostly with a partisan lens, the fact that he republican donor donated the maximum amount for an individual, it wreaks of corruption but this is the type of stuff people across wisconsin, all over the country, are frustrated about. Because not only is government involved, we see Supreme Court decisions that impact Peoples Health and safety being paid for, and its right out there in the open and i guess given the last four years of donald trump, people just think anything is acceptable, and thats what we find ourselves right now thats a very good point, a very depressing point, but a good point what do you and Governor Tony Evers do now throw your hands up in the air, concede defeat, give up . Thats the highest court in the state. Never we were elected for a reason we were elected to make sure we keep the health and safety in mind of people all across the state regardless of what your political affiliation is regardless of what part of the state you life in. You deserve opportunity. You deserve to li a happy, healthy, and prosperous life its important for us to make sure we continue to do whatever we possibly can. Im proud to say that were number one in getting shots in peoples arms. That is a great sign but until we reach Herd Immunity its important for people to still wear masks the may have been requirement, like i said, was a thing that go us where we are up until vaccines became available, prevented more Mass Casualty across the country so no, we will never give up we werent elected to give up we were elected to fight. The State Security shut down the Emergency Powers of the governor what does that mean for local Mask Mandates . Can counties in wisconsin do it without a statewide mask mandate . Ive talked to a couple of people who are ready to keep their orders in place because they are the last line of defense. Local government is the ultimate im not going to say the last line of defense, because like i said, were not giving up, but until we make our next step its important for local government to fill in the gap as they have been doing for so long in the face of opposition i applaud the local leaders who are going to do the right thing, because they know that businesses cant stay we cant go back to normal if were seeing overwhelming loss of life, overwhelming the Hospital System as was the case just a few months ago. Yes, exactly. What does this mean for food aid for Vulnerable People in wisconsin . The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that, quote, the decision by the court could also cut off 50 million a month in federal Food Assistance to lowincome people. Since last year, congress agreed to dramatically increase funding for Food Programs and states that have Emergency Orders in place. Youve lost your Emergency Order thanks to your court does that mean you lose 50 million for wisconsin . Republicans in the state Supreme Court knew this going in and they still did it. Because they quite frankly dont care i wish this a did. So many people are hungry. Were not back to the Employment Levels they have had before. People are, you know, across the country, some 7 million, 8 Million People now find themselves in poverty, Food Insecurity its a total slap in the face and it shows a blatant disregard for the most Vulnerable People in our society there arent adults that are making these decisions its purely partisan, and its ignorant reality. Last question i got 30 seconds left but im going ask you this you probably wont answer. I interviewed another Lieutenant Governor in pennsylvania if ron johnson steps down, are you going make a Similar Senate run . What i will say is what ron johnson does has no has nothing to do with what my decision will be okay. Thats interesting its not a denial. So you are considering a senate run . Look, ive talked to a lot of people who have brought it to me and i am truly appreciative of the encouragement and this is a moment when we need leaders but i havent made my mind up yet. We have work to do to bring relief to people across the state. We have our badger bounceback. Its going to provide relief to communities, schools, businesses theres more work to do at home. Fair enough i had to try Lieutenant Governor mandela barnes, thanks for making time tonight. Thank you. Thats all in on this wednesday night. Rachel maddow show starts now. Good evening rachel. Good evening. Well done. Thanks to you at home for joining us at this hour. Congresswoman alexandria ocasiocortez is going to be here with us live tonight. Im looking forward to speaking with her in just a moment. One of the highest pro file civil rights lawyers in the country is going to be here tonight to talk about what could be a Big Development in the Voting Rights fight. A development that unfold in the surprising ways over the day today. Were going to start tonight, though, with a little bit of an update on that bananas story that we had to unexpectedly shif