Sam and Emma host Ryan Grim, DC Bureau Chief at The Intercept, to round up the week in news. Then, they’re joined by Matthew Film Guy! First, however, Sam and Emma dive into the Indiana AG’s investigation into the 10 y/o rape victim’s doctor, the Secret Service deleting texts from 1/6, Starbucks Workers United’s new series of complaints to the NLRB, and Joe Biden’s arrival in Saudi Arabia, before diving deeper into the response from GOP Leadership in Ohio and Indiana (and nationally) to immediately question the story of a 10 y/o’s rape, despite its common occurrence in Ohio, before shifting to a “well it’s not really an abortion if it’s a child” talking point in the wake of the story’s confirmation. Then, they’re joined by Ryan Grim as they dive into Eric Swalwell’s questioning of Catherine Glenn Foster, CEO and President of Americans United for Life, comparing the right’s rhetoric to that of the Salem Witch trials (whose legal authors happened to have been cited by Justice Alito) in how they define concepts in a way that determines their outcome (if it’s legal it’s not abortion, if it’s illegal it is), looking back to Todd Akin’s statements on “legitimate rape” and the immediate backlash he faced in comparison to today’s embrace of fundamentalism. Expanding on this, they take on the tactic of fear-mongering with medical professionals, as seen in the attacks on the 10 y/o’s abortion provider, and how they seek to pretend some reproductive care is legitimate while clearly attempting to eradicate any access to such care, then shifting the conversation to the role of the US media and how ill-fitted it is to respond to this moment, from the Washington Post’s Glenn Kessler’s legitimization of the right’s attempts to undermine this story (even though children under 15 receive abortions about once per week in Ohio) to the greater issue of media having no actual access to emerging stories – especially when potential sources are under intense legal pressure to stay silent. Next, they dive into state-level fights to preserve abortion, including Kansas’ attempt to latch on to the “medical freedom” talking point, despite its role in undermining trust in medical care, and look at how this evangelical fundamentalism will continue to target social groups they want to police. Wrapping up the interview they tackle the Democrats’ inability to take responsibility for Manchin and Sinema, both in terms of getting them on board with the party and disciplining them for their departures, and set up what to expect for the upcoming midterm election. The great Matthew Film Guy then joins as he discusses his discovery of the niche early 2000s indie production “Mean Girls,” discusses his ever-burgeoning film projects, and dives into the work of Hou Hsiao-hsien.

And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma discuss the Biden Administration’s response to Roe being overturned, the importance of Janeane Garofalo, and the threats against Pramila Jayapal that seem to fly under the media’s radar. Tim Pool doesn’t believe the pregnant 10-year-old was raped, Sam and Emma tackle the lie of the “last liberal,” Ben Shapiro’s pretend ignorance of his stochastic terrorism having a genuine impact on the well-being of trans people, and Snooki becomes a central endorsement in the PA Gov race. Plus, your IMs!

Check out Ryan’s work at the Intercept here: https://theintercept.com/staff/ryangrim/

Check out Matthew’s Letterboxd here: https://letterboxd.com/langdonboom/

Check out Matthew’s film discussion group here: https://www.commonpointqueens.org/program/cultural-arts-and-jewish-heritage-classes/

Check out Matthew’s eBay auction here! https://www.ebay.com/itm/115464749223