Summary
Overview
Pod Save America discusses the deteriorating Iran ceasefire, Trump's toll plan for the Strait of Hormuz, Senator Lindsey Graham's death and legacy, Mitch McConnell's mysterious hospitalization, Trump's subpoenas of New York Times journalists, and the challenges facing both parties in Congress. The hosts also interview Brian Tyler Cohen about his new book on wielding power in a post-Trump world.
Iran Ceasefire Collapse and Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The ceasefire with Iran has fallen apart, with Trump officially notifying Congress that military action has resumed. Trump announced plans to reinstate a naval blockade and charge a 20% toll on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz, declaring the US as "guardian of the Hormuz Strait." The hosts discuss the feasibility and risks of this approach, noting it would require extensive naval resources for an indefinite period and likely violate international law.
- Trump officially notified Congress that military action with Iran has resumed
- Trump plans to charge a 20% toll on all cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, which Marco Rubio previously called a violation of international law
- A permanent escort mission would require significant Navy resources and would be extremely risky in the 30-kilometer choke point
- The operation is being called Operation Bitch Slap according to the New York Post
- Wall Street Journal reports poorly worded language in the ceasefire MOU is being interpreted by Iran as giving them control of the strait
" We're going to keep the straight and we'll probably run it. We'll become the guardian of the straight. Maybe you'll call it the guardian angel of the straight. And we should be reimbursed for that. "
" You're right. Someone needs to control that. But we're going to do it for much less. Let me get you into the straight. I'll only take 10%. "
Lindsey Graham's Death and Legacy
Senator Lindsey Graham died suddenly at 71 from an aortic dissection. The hosts reflect on Graham's political transformation from a John McCain ally who worked on climate change and immigration reform to a devoted Trump loyalist who abandoned his previous principles. They discuss how Graham's quest for relevance led him to become what they see as a cautionary tale about Washington corruption and the dangers of staying too long in politics.
- Graham died at 71 from an aortic dissection after refusing medical attention until after his Meet the Press appearance
- Trump's tribute focused on how Graham called too much, was a bad golfer, and briefly betrayed him on January 6th
- Graham transformed from supporting climate legislation with John Kerry to trying to claw back Inflation Reduction Act money
- Graham went from comprehensive immigration reform with Ted Kennedy to supporting ending birthright citizenship
- Graham told Mark Leibovich he wanted 'to be relevant' and found Trump's attention 'weird and flattering'
" I've never been called this much by a president in my life. It's weird and it's flattering and it creates some opportunity. "
" He's a lying motherfucker, but also a lot of fun to hang out with. He could kill 50 people on our side and it wouldn't matter. "
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