Not Even Mad: Michael A. Cohen & Charles Fain Lehman - The Gist Recap
Podcast: The Gist
Published: 2026-01-08
Duration: 49 minutes
Guests: Michael A. Cohen, Charles Fain Lehman
Summary
Michael A. Cohen and Charles Fain Lehman debate the implications of Nicolas Maduro's capture and analyze political dynamics surrounding U.S. involvement in Venezuela. They also discuss Tim Walz's exit from Minnesota's gubernatorial race and the appointment of Cea Weaver in New York's housing office.
What Happened
Michael A. Cohen and Charles Fain Lehman engage in a heated debate over the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, discussing the potential impact on U.S. foreign policy. Lehman argues that Venezuela acts as a proxy for adversaries like China and Russia, emphasizing the need for a strategic American response. Cohen questions the Trump administration's lack of a long-term plan, comparing it to previous U.S. interventions in Latin America.
The conversation shifts to Marco Rubio's influence on U.S. actions in Venezuela, with Cohen suggesting that Rubio envisions himself as the 'Governor General of Latin America.' Lehman asserts that while Rubio has been vocal, the effectiveness of his strategies remains debatable.
Tim Walz's decision to not seek re-election as Minnesota's governor is linked to a $9 billion pandemic-related fraud scandal. Cohen believes Walz posed a liability to Democrats, while Lehman highlights that Minnesota isn't alone in facing fraud issues during the pandemic.
Cea Weaver's controversial appointment to New York's housing office is scrutinized, especially her past advocacy for abolishing private property and her role in the housing crisis discourse. The panel discusses the implications of her tweets about home ownership being a tool of white supremacy.
The episode also addresses the dubious nature of the 'Heritage American' myth, which claims a small percentage of the U.S. population meets pre-1860 ancestry criteria. The hosts critique the statistical methods used by sources like the New York Times in reporting on such topics.
Lastly, the panel humorously touches on Larry David's personal rule of only wishing a 'Happy New Year' until January 7th, highlighting cultural quirks and societal norms.
Key Insights
- Venezuela serves as a geopolitical proxy for China and Russia, influencing U.S. foreign policy strategies in the region. The debate centers on the need for a strategic American response to counteract this influence.
- Marco Rubio's influence on U.S. policy in Venezuela is significant, yet the effectiveness of his strategies remains uncertain. His vision of himself as a 'Governor General of Latin America' is a point of contention.
- Minnesota's $9 billion pandemic-related fraud scandal is linked to Governor Tim Walz's decision not to seek re-election, highlighting broader issues of fraud during the pandemic across multiple states.
- Cea Weaver's appointment to New York's housing office raises concerns due to her past advocacy for abolishing private property and comments on home ownership as a tool of white supremacy.