Donald Trump is bungling the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in real time. The Trump-Epstein connection is the politics news of the month, with no end in sight to further developments about the extent of the so-called “Epstein files” that may or may not be in the administration’s possession. Trump’s MAGA base is openly angry at him for seemingly the first time over the course of two administrations. Some Republicans have demanded answers, even as GOP leaders have shut down the House to stop Democrats from pursuing the release of further information. Both parties are using the scandal to their advantage, to the detriment of Epstein’s real-life victims and survivors. 

This week, Katelyn and Christine interview independent journalist Ken Klippenstein about the Epstein discourse that split MAGA and might finally, finally stick to Teflon Don.

Watch the full episode on Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel.

Links:

• Follow Ken Klippenstein on Bluesky @kenklippenstein.bsky.social
• Subscribe to Ken’s newsletter: www.kenklippenstein.com
• NPR’s “Morning Edition”: A timeline of the controversy over the administration's handling of the Epstein files
• Marianna Sotomayor and Kadia Goba for The Washington Post: House largely grinds to a halt over Epstein files
• Katelyn Burns for Vox (2020): “At a news conference in 2019, [Trump] lied so often — about everything from Labor Secretary Alex Acosta’s involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein case to whether Article II of the US Constitution gives him unlimited power — that Vox’s Aaron Rupar called it a “master class in gaslighting.”

Landon Thomas Jr. for New York (2002): “I’ve known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy,” Trump booms from a speakerphone. “He’s a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. No doubt about it — Jeffrey enjoys his social life.”

In this episode, we cover:

• The documented Trump-Epstein connection timeline

• Political psychology of scandal immunity

• How conservative media frames controversial stories

• Progressive analysis of MAGA loyalty dynamics

This isn't just another Trump scandal breakdown - it's a deep dive into American political tribalism and the media narratives that shape public opinion.

💬 What do YOU think? Will this scandal move the needle, or is Trump's base truly scandal-proof?

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Cancel Me, Daddy explores the confluence of politics, social media culture, and traditional media by finding perspectives ignored by the news cycle. Thoughtful analysis & verbal shitposting from progressive hosts who aren't afraid to ask the hard questions.

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In this exclusive interview, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander reveals how he became the kingmaker behind Zohran Mamdani's shocking primary victory over Andrew Cuomo. While mainstream media missed the story, we dive deep into the political strategy that helped Mamdani defeat establishment candidates in the race for NYC mayor.

Zohran Mamdani's upset victory on his way to possibly becoming the next New York City mayor may have come as a surprise to everyone except Brad Lander. Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman, and Lander, the city’s comptroller, cross-endorsed each other in NYC’s ranked-choice primary voting system for the Democratic mayoral nominee. Mamdani and Lander found common ground in their progressive values and their mutual commitment to defeating the status quo in disgraced former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, a billionaire-backed “Democrat” with multiple workplace s*xual harassment allegations in his rearview mirror. With Mamdani on his way to defeating scandal-plagued NYC Mayor Eric Adams and becoming the city’s first Muslim and South Asian and Ugandan mayor, Lander is contemplating his next move.

This week, Katelyn and Christine spoke at length with Lander about how he helped Mamdani overcome the Cuomo machine, his controversial ICE arrest and how it changed the primary race, and the political and media discourse over antisemitism after Mamdani’s win. What is Lander’s next move? Katelyn asks!

Brad Lander breaks down the progressive cross-endorsement strategy that centrist politicians like Andrew Cuomo and Eric Adams never saw coming. From behind-the-scenes political maneuvering to the future of NYC, this conversation exposes what traditional media won't tell you about New York City politics.

Key Topics Covered:

-How Brad Lander's endorsement strategy changed the NYC mayor race

-Zohran Mamdani's path from outsider to primary winner

-The political calculations that shocked Andrew Cuomo supporters

-The Media's reaction to Zohran Mamdani's win in the NYC mayor race and the weaponization of antisemitism

-Brad Lander's vision for New York City's political future post-Eric Adams

Links:

• Follow Brad Lander on Bluesky: ‪@bradlander.bsky.social‬ and Instagram: @brad.lander
• No, it is not misspelled. It’s “Comptroller.”—New York’s neighbor at NJ.gov
• Gwynne Hogan, Ben Fractenberg, and Rachel Kahn for The City: Brad Lander Detained by Masked Federal Agents and Accused of Assault — But Released With No Charges
• New York State Attorney General Letitia James: Transcripts and Exhibits from Independent Investigation into Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Former Governor Andrew Cuomo
• Zohran Mamdani’s Queens assemblyman biography
• Mamdani, in his own words, on being called an antisemite
• Justin Baragona for The Independent: Anti-woke activist applauds his ‘friends’ at the New York Times for Zohran Mamdani college application ‘scoop’

Cancellation List Patreon Supporters:

-Megg

-I Beauregard

-Diego M Sanchez

-Leslie Zavisca

-Maggi Joseph

-Siobhan Green

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The New York Times’ "The Protocol" podcast was designed to cast doubt on the efficacy of gender-affirming care for youth. The podcast recycled previous NYT’s reporting that platformed dubious sources in the absence of a “smoking gun,” let alone any credible evidence. Yet, the Supreme Court would take the claims seriously, citing the Times in last week’s United States v. Skrmetti 6–3 decision upholding Tennessee’s ban on minors’ access to gender-affirming care—violating their civil and human rights.. “Letting the states decide,” as we’ve seen with post-Roe abortion access, endangers people’s quality of life and their very lives.

This week, Katelyn and Christine have a robust discussion with mental health reporter Sandy Allen, a trans journalist who once worked with the host of “The Protocol.” Together, Katelyn, Christine, and Sandy debunk the Times’ reporting and expose numerous issues with the new anti-trans podcast in the context of the Supreme Court’s wreckage.

Watch the full episode on Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel!

Links:

• Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel
• Follow Sandy Allen (he/him) on Bluesky at @sandyernestallen.bsky.social
• Subscribe to Sandy’s newsletter, What’s Helping Today, and order his excellent book, A Kind of Mirraculas Paradise: A True Story about Schizophrenia
• Katelyn Burns for MSNBC: Trans lives are on the line at the Supreme Court — and it’s hard to be optimistic
• Evan Urquhart for Assigned Media: “You Betrayed Us, Azeen”
• Evan Urquhart for The Objective: Mom of trans child accuses New York Times’ ‘The Protocol’ podcast of exploitation

Cancellation List Patreon Supporters:

-Megg

-I Beauregard

-Diego M Sanchez

-Leslie Zavisca

-Maggi Joseph

-Siobhan Green

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian Josh Gondelman was surprised to learn that he’s married to famous singer-songwriter Fiona Apple. After all, he’d just celebrated his eighth wedding anniversary with his wife, author Maris Kreizman. But Google’s AI summary of Josh’s personal life essentially scraped his professional Internet presence and misinterpreted the “data” from an old standup bit and a 2020 tweet. With big tech companies pushing AI into seemingly everything these days, what lessons can we learn from this massive, yet very funny error? 

This week, Katelyn and Christine reunite! in! person! for a sit-down with Josh at Multitude Productions’ NYC recording studio. How can we protect our livelihoods and our lives from AI-ification? Katelyn, Christine, and Josh discuss how people like us can beat the machines.

Watch the full episode on Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel!

Links:

• Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel
• Follow Josh Gondelman on Bluesky and Instagram
• Watch Josh’s upcoming YouTube comedy special, Positive Reinforcement, dropping 6/27! 
• Subscribe to Josh’s newsletter, That’s Marvelous!, and read the issue about his “marriage” to Fiona Apple
• Gianmarco Soresi's Spongebob bit: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/8V2nYBy5300

Cancellation List Patreon Supporters:

-Megg

-I Beauregard

-Diego M Sanchez

-Leslie Zavisca

-Maggi Joseph

-Siobhan Green

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Progressives on the left and the more mainstream #resistance may disagree over policy. But there’s one practice upon which they agree: Democrats need to stop complying in advance and start fighting back against Trump 2.0. “Fighting back,” however, automatically assumes a reactionary approach, according to congressional hopeful Kat Abughazaleh. The former journalist and influencer is taking a proactive approach to her Illinois 9th congressional district primary campaign, filling her potential constituents’ basic material needs while working to earn their votes. “The only way to fight fascism is loudly, proudly, and every single day,” Abughazaleh says. No wonder she’s drawing comparisons to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).

This week, Katelyn and Christine interview Abughazaleh about why she decided to run for Congress and how she’s building out a unique mutual aid-style campaign to help her connect with the voters in her district. Abughazaleh hopes to bring this style and substance to Washington, transforming how Democrats do politics. “You don't have to just do lip service. You don't just have to, promise a bunch of shit and then not deliver,” she says. “You could be helping people right now.” Watch the full discussion on Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel!

Links:

• Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel
• Kat's campaign launch video
• Link to Kat video on right wingers being weird towards her
• Jack Lucey for Chicago Contrarian: Chicago Social Media Influencer and Congressional Candidate Kat Abughazaleh Is a Social Contagion

Cancellation List Patreon Supporters:

-Megg

-I Beauregard

-Diego M Sanchez

-Leslie Zavisca

-Maggi Joseph

-Siobhan Green

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Internal conflict could oust two of the Democratic National Committee’s newest, youngest leaders with bold yet different visions for the future of the party. A procedural complaint will result in a revote for two vice chair positions currently filled by Pennsylvania State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly LGBTQ elected official of color to serve in the commonwealth, and David Hogg, the prominent Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting survivor and activist. Hogg alleges the revote is retaliation for the separate $20 million initiative he’s leading to challenge incumbent Democrats in their “safe blue” primaries, according to Politico. Rep. Kenyatta alleges it isn’t true.

This week, Katelyn and Christine demystify the Democrats’ internal machinations with Rep. Kenyatta. If reelected, Rep. Kenyatta says he wants to win back Democratic voters without sacrificing abortion rights, trans folks, and disabled people, as other elected Democrats have been willing to do in the aftermath of the 2024 presidential election. Rep. Kenyatta outlines his vision for the party: “Make Life Better.” 

Links:

• Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel
• Follow Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta on Bluesky at ‪@malcolmkenyatta.bsky.social‬ and Instagram at @malcolmkenyatta
• Andrew Howard with Elena Schneider for Politico: DNC panel opens the door to removing David Hogg from his national post
• Christoper Wiggins for Advocate.com: Malcolm Kenyatta says David Hogg is distorting the truth as DNC moves toward new leadership
• Rep. Kenyatta’s appearance on Fox News (we can’t believe we’re linking to Fox, either)  

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Conclave Me, Daddy! Katelyn and Christine’s long-anticipated “cradle Catholic” episode arrives as the church’s cardinals gather at the Vatican to elect a new pope following the death of Pope Francis in April. Come for the “cardinal stacking,” stay for the cosplaying on Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel, where you can stream the full episode.

This week, Katelyn and Christine put the “Spotlight” on the “Conclave” with an expansive conversation about the past, present, and future of the Catholic Church in their lives and as an influence on policy and politics around the world. Was Pope Francis really the “woke pope” that the media made him out to be? Reinforcing and reaffirming anti-trans bigotry and abortion stigma are as much a part of his legacy as his climate change, migrant, and Gaza ceasefire advocacy, according to Katelyn and Christine. Pope Francis didn’t take substantive action to address the Church’s rampant child sexual abuse, either. How much influence can the head of an institution have on the institution? But it is never all serious on the pod. Katelyn and Christine pick their favorite pope memes and least favorite adult converts, both of which include J.D. Vance. And Katelyn and Christine compare their New England Irish Catholic and New Jersey Italian Catholic childhoods (guess whose?). By the end of the episode, one will be elected the “woke people” (guess who?).

Links:

• Cancel Me, Daddy’s YouTube channel
• Katelyn Burns for MSNBC: I sometimes miss my Catholic faith. The Vatican’s new decree reminds me why I’ll never go back.
• Christine Grimaldi for GEN magazine (RIP): Meet the Conservative Power Couple Behind Trump’s War on Your Civil Rights
• Matt Novak for Gizmodo: The Funniest Memes About JD Vance Killing the Pope
• Jude Ellison S. Doyle for Medium: What We Talk About When We Talk About Elizabeth Bruenig
• Queer “Conclave” reviews (spoiler alert): J.P. Brammer for ¡Hola Papi!: PopeCrave and Samantha Allen and James Factora for them: We Need to Talk About the [Redacted] Twist in Conclave

Anas Baba and Jane Arraf for NPR: Gaza's Catholics mourn Pope Francis. 'He used to call us at 7 p.m. every night'

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Vivian Jenna Wilson first made headlines in 2024 as Elon Musk’s estranged “transgender daughter,” a reductive framework that much of the mainstream media continues to use for clicks. Wilson is newsworthy for all of who she is: an outspoken critic of Musk, an advocate for trans rights, a college student, an aspiring model, a gamer, and a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” superfan. Don’t come for her on Bluesky if you can’t handle a clap back. This is the Vivian Jenna Wilson that Teen Vogue introduced to the world in the magazine’s March 2024 cover story.

This week, Katelyn and Christine chat with Teen Vogue editor Lex McMenamin about the making of the cover story. Teen Vogue often sets the bar for political coverage that doesn’t play both sides when one side is full of—you know. *side-eye emoji* Katelyn, Christine, and Lex demystify and define journalism standards amid a larger discussion of how to improve trans media coverage under Trump 2.0. 

Links:

• Ella Yurman for Teen Vogue: Vivian Jenna Wilson on Being Elon Musk’s Estranged Daughter, Protecting Trans Youth and Taking on the Right Online
• Follow Lex McMenamin (they/them) on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/leximcmenamin.com
• Follow Ella Yurman on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/ellayurman.bsky.social
• Follow Vivian Jenna Wilson on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thevivllainous.bsky.social
• David Ingram for NBC News: Elon Musk's transgender daughter, in first interview, says he berated her for being queer as a child

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former NFL player and Barstool Sports alum Pat McAfee didn’t have to name the Ole Miss freshman at the center of ongoing online and IRL harassment on the February 26 episode of his popular ESPN show. Following the Barstool playbook, he gave just enough information about the false internet rumor for his millions of viewers and subscribers to further slut-shame the teen, turning her life into a living hell. She already wasn’t safe on campus, and her mother’s house was swatted the morning after McAfee’s remarks, which he made on an episode that was supposed to be discussing the NFL’s annual college scouting showcase. 

This week, Katelyn and Christine chat with award-winning independent journalist Frankie de la Cretaz about the disturbing story—a cautionary tale that could put any one of us in danger. We also encourage you to listen to our recent episode about online harassment that can quickly move offline, and learn how we can protect ourselves and each other. 

Links:

- Subscribe to Frankie de la Cretaz’s newsletter, Out of Your League

- Follow Frankie on Bluesky and Instagram

- Listen to our recent episode about online harassment with Tat Bellamy-Walker, PEN America’s digital safety officer 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

California governor Gavin Newsom apparently thinks that he can be the Joe Rogan of the left, and he's out with a puzzling new podcast in an attempt to prove it. Except his idea is to apparently do softball interviews with some of the most grotesque voices on the right. In his first episode he ends up agreeing with professional bigot and right wing activist Charlie Kirk's extreme views on trans issues.

Katelyn and Christine question who this podcast is supposed to be for, and why the Dems are feeling so inept lately (and an extended riff about Chuck Schumer).

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