This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, former Mesa County Clerk and Recorder Tina Peters was finally sentenced for breaking into her own county’s election equipment to try and prove the big lie; was justice served? The Vice Presidential debate was the veep of debates; we ask, “Will it matter”? Maybe one of the answers is “only if the president ends up looking pretty old!” Then, SURPRISE! it’s October! With only 30-ish days left in the most important election of our lives, what effect will a new, damning indictment of Donald Trump have on the election? And, we dig into the most competitive congressional race in Colorado just a few weeks before voters get their ballots in the mail.
Tina Peters Sentenced
Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters received a nine-year prison sentence for breaking into her county’s election equipment in an attempt to prove false claims about voter fraud in the 2020 election. Found guilty of four felonies and three misdemeanors, including influencing a public servant and conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation, Peters' sentence is essentially a life sentence at 69 years old. We delve into the gravity of Peters' crimes, and while we largely agree that Peters deserves her punishment, we also recognize that she may have been manipulated by figures like Steve Bannon and Donald Trump.
Vice Presidential Debate – Did It Matter?
The big takeaway from the VP debate that probably won’t matter at all is that JD Vance was more interested in auditioning for the 2028 presidential race than focusing on the current election. Notably, Vance's claim that debate rules prevented fact-checking was swiftly debunked, and Walz cornered Vance with questions about the 2020 election, which Vance dodged. This exchange was quickly turned into a very solid Kamala Harris campaign ad, highlighting Vance’s refusal to say whether Trump lost in 2020.
October Surprise-ish
A newly unsealed court filing from the Trump January 6th case added fresh layers to the ongoing legal battles. Prosecutors shared damning anecdotes about Trump’s behind-the-scenes interactions, including dismissing concerns about Mike Pence’s safety during the Capitol riot with a cold “So what?” The filing also revealed how Trump pressured officials like Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey to overturn election results, despite no proof of voter fraud. The podcast examines whether this information will impact voter turnout, with Silverii noting it could mobilize more Harris voters.
New Poll in CO-08
A new Emerson/Fox 31 poll shows Incumbent Congresswoman and Friend of the Pod Yadira Caraveo and Gabe-ish Evans locked in a dead heat in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District, both polling at 44%. Despite these numbers, we’re pretty skeptical, especially of Evans’ high name recognition. We also touch on a peculiar campaign mailer purportedly sent by the Arizona Republican Party, raising more questions about the chaotic state of the Colorado GOP.
Quick Hits
Dr. Phil Joins the Venezuelan Craze: Dr. Phil joins in on the false claims that Venezuelan gangs have taken over Aurora, Colorado, a narrative debunked by local police and non-craven-careerist local Republican politicians.
Massive Nude Statue of Trump: We highlight a bizarre incident involving a giant nude statue of Donald Trump appearing outside Las Vegas.
Hung Cao’s Debate Gaffe: Hung Cao, a Republican Senate candidate in Virginia, gave a bizarre and incoherent answer to a debate question about affordable housing and unrealized capital gains.
Episode 210: Election Denial is Not Just a Mangled Joke About a River in Egypt