reSee.it Podcast Summary
Megyn Kelly opens the show discussing the ongoing wildfires in California and the lack of accountability from officials, contrasting California's response with that of Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis, who would take responsibility in a crisis. She criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom for focusing on his image rather than addressing the fires, highlighting his appearance on the Pod Save America podcast during the emergency. Newsom's dramatic recounting of his experience with the fires is met with skepticism from Kelly and her guests, who question his credibility.
Kelly and guest Stu Burguiere discuss the failures of local officials, particularly LA Mayor Karen Bass, who they accuse of neglecting fire preparedness while traveling abroad. They emphasize that warnings about dangerous Santa Ana winds were ignored, leading to inadequate resource allocation for firefighting. The conversation shifts to the media's portrayal of the situation, with Kelly criticizing CNN's Daniel Dale for downplaying water shortages during the fires.
The discussion also touches on the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in fire departments and law schools, with Kelly and Burguiere arguing that these priorities have detracted from essential services and competencies. They express concern over the impact of DEI on public safety and the quality of education in law schools, citing examples of student protests and administrative failures at institutions like Georgetown and Stanford.
Ilia Shapiro, a guest on the show, shares his experiences with cancel culture at Georgetown Law after a controversial tweet about Supreme Court nominations. He discusses the broader implications of DEI in academia and the need for reform in law schools, emphasizing the importance of teaching objective legal principles rather than ideological agendas. Shapiro's new book, "Lawless: The Miseducation of America's Elites," critiques the illiberal trends in higher education and advocates for a return to rigorous academic standards.
The conversation concludes with a discussion about the political landscape, including the potential for a shift in voter sentiment in California and the need for accountability among elected officials. They express cautious optimism about the future of higher education and the possibility of reforming institutions to prioritize merit and competence over ideological conformity.