This week on Look Forward, Jay and Brad return for a huge episode that covers just an absolutely bizarre week in American politics:

Democrats' Success in Elections Linked to Abortion Issue (New York Magazine): Unfortunately, I couldn't access this specific article. However, based on general trends in recent U.S. elections, it's likely that the article discusses how the abortion issue has become a significant factor in recent elections, potentially influencing voter turnout and preferences, particularly after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.

Trump's Georgia Election Racketeering Case: A Georgia judge scheduled an emergency hearing following the release of confidential video evidence in the election-racketeering case against former President Donald Trump. Prosecutors filed an emergency request for a protective order after several videos leaked, detailing evidence provided by former co-defendants who have since pleaded guilty. Trump faces 13 state felony counts in this case, part of 91 total state and federal felony counts he faces in four jurisdictions.

Supreme Court Adopts New Ethics Code: The Supreme Court adopted its first code of ethics amidst criticism over undisclosed trips and gifts to some justices. However, the code lacks enforcement mechanisms and doesn't impose significant new requirements, leaving compliance to each justice's discretion.

Senator Joe Manchin's Decision Not to Seek Reelection: Senator Joe Manchin III announced he would not seek reelection, complicating Democrats' chances of retaining the Senate. His departure is especially impactful given his role as a conservative Democrat known for bipartisan deal-making.

House Vote on Speaker Mike Johnson's Plan to Avert Government Shutdown: The House voted on a plan proposed by Speaker Mike Johnson to prevent a government shutdown. The plan involved a short-term spending bill requiring significant Democratic support due to conservative opposition.

Senator Markwayne Mullin's Confrontation with Union Boss: Senator Markwayne Mullin, a former MMA fighter, nearly engaged in a physical altercation with Teamsters President Sean O’Brien during a Senate HELP Committee hearing. The confrontation was defused before it escalated into a physical fight.

Representative Tim Burchett Accuses Kevin McCarthy of Physical Altercation: Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett accused former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy of elbowing him in the kidneys during an interaction at the Capitol. The incident reportedly occurred in the context of political tensions within the GOP.

Senator Tim Scott Drops Out of 2024 Presidential Race: Senator Tim Scott announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Republican presidential race, making the announcement just months before the Iowa caucuses. His departure was unexpected, given his previous campaign activities.

Stories

• Dems win big on election night and the reason shouldn’t surprise anyone
• Georgia Judge Schedules Emergency Hearing in Trump RICO Case Following Video Leaks
• Trump goes the full Adolf
• The Supreme Court’s new ethics code is a joke
• Joe Manchin will not seek re-election
• House passes a short-term funding bill...without the Free-dumb Caucus again
• GOP senator pretends to be a tough guy to a Union Boss
  • Kevin McCarthy throwing sharp elbows not just politically anymore
• Tim Scott fails to impress his girlfriend; drops out of Republican race