Overtime – Episode #724: Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Stephen A. Smith, Laura Coates

Welcome to an HBO podcast from the HBO late night series real-time with Bill Maugh. All right. She is the Democratic Senator from Michigan, Senator Alyssa Slotkin. He hosts Stephen A Smith. Sure I'm serious XM, Stephen A Smith. And she sees it as chief legal analyst. An ankle of Laura Koch's live. I'm seeing him on the couch. All right. You're going to get to the questions and the people. But you said when you sat down, you get asked about this every week about the aliens. We could do this. Yeah, as a former CIA officer, a week it calls every week. It's classified. It's clat. Okay. Aliens, you heard me. I'm with you. Okay. This is for you. Were you surprised by the Justice Department opening an investigation into you after you encouraged military members to disobey illegal orders? You and five others. Yeah. Yes. Yes, I was surprised that after filming a 90-second video that repeated basic law, the Uniform Code of Military Justice, that the president would ask, you know, over a dozen times for us to be investigated, arrested, and hanged. Yes. And I thought, even for him, that was too far. And they did his bidding. And I just thank the grand jury of just random citizens who I will never meet. Who said that's ridiculous. And -- [ Cheers and applause ] Thank you, Jim. Okay. What do you make of more Democrats, distancing themselves, distancing themselves from A-PAC? That is the Israeli lobby. I think everyone who's running for president, although none of them say they are, but they're all the ones who are including the two Jewish ones. Have distance. That's where Jews are with the Democratic Party these days. Has it become toxic to support Israel? I think it has -- for the Democrats? I think it has. The question is, is it right? It's not. I don't think it is. No, it is not. I don't think it is. And I think that what you're having right now is a lot of people. When we see -- when we saw what we saw on college campuses, what have you, and a lot of people, you know, engaging in anti-Semitism. Let's just call it what it is. That definitely becomes incredibly alarming. But I also think that there's a lot of people out there that have got an issue with Benjamin Netanyahu specifically. And, unfortunately, they keep castigating the entire Jewish community when they're not realizing they are an abundance of people within the Jewish community that have a problem with his leadership. And they're not differentiating between the two, and that's problematic. Well, yeah, that's part of it. I think it's a much bigger issue than that. I think when you're a Democrat and you don't take money from APAC, which they have forever, what you're saying is Israel is a monster country, and this is dirty. It's a dirty country, and this is dirty money. And that gives permission to a lot of people who are actually anti-Semitic to say, "Well, you know what, if a Democratic senator won't take their money, this must be a dirty country." Let's also remember as well that you've got a lot of people that felt like, you know, they had taken this position that Trump was wrong or go after Iran or whatever. But practically every president before him was complained about Iran, and how did Iran need it to be dealt with? But then all of a sudden, he doesn't, and it's a big problem. Now, I'm not saying that he's handled it entirely correctly, please don't get me wrong. Because he hasn't. But the flip side to it is that you got a lot of damn nerves to be in the face of American people saying for numerous administrations, Iran is a problem. We have to be dealt with. Iran is a problem. They have to be dealt with. And then this man deals with them. And then all of a sudden, you can blame them about him now. Right. It doesn't really make sense. There's a lack of resistance. (Applause.) Did you take that back, you know what I mean? So, actually, it's interesting. I mean, long before October 7th, I stopped taking APEC money, not because of Israel or any other issue like that, but because they were giving money to people who had been participating in January 6th. And for me -- Who was giving money to -- APEC, they give money to both Democrats and Republicans, and people who had been involved in inciting January 6th, they were giving money to, and as someone who barricaded herself in her office, on January 6th, I just -- I didn't agree with that. And so back in 2022, that's when I had that kind of conversation. So, long before the last couple of years. (Applause.) Convenient for you. Convenient. When you barricade yourself in your office, I mean, it's pretty real. I think -- (Applause.) But I can respect that. I certainly respect that. I don't disagree. What I'm saying, the part that I disagree with is that, if somebody has been supporting you, not you specifically, but if somebody has been supporting you religiously, and you disagree with one thing that they do, all of a sudden, you disassociate yourself from them? That's okay. I think if it's a fundamental issue of values, yeah. I think if it's the -- people have disagreements all the time in walking things. (Applause.) But I think -- look, I think every single day, at least as an elected official, I have to walk into work and decide, okay, one of the issues that I have to compromise on, right? I'm a Democrat representing a state that voted for Trump. Every day, I'm trying to figure out where are the issues I can work across the aisle and compromise. But I also am thinking about what are the issues where I should never compromise. Where I'm going to stand up for values that I believe in. And when it comes to things like trying to overturn an election, that, for me, was a line that I just wouldn't cross. I wasn't going to compromise on that. And so that's not to be like one thing where we have a disagreement. If you have a fundamental values disagreement with an organization, then you shouldn't take their money. I just -- it's just hard for me to comprehend how we can sit. We can hear someone on Capitol Hill saying, "I have a fundamental disagreement with this one issue." As far as I'm concerned, this should be in the bundles of issues that you fundamentally disagree with somebody about. Considering the politics that go on Capitol Hill and the inordinate amount of issues that have to be addressed. I'm not saying that that wasn't serious. I get that part. I'm just saying it's hard to imagine that one issue would do that. But, okay, that's you. It's hard to -- I mean, frankly, I think a large issue for people is if you are -- and this is separate from your reason. Sure. But if people are in a fad-based way deciding, "Oh, is this unpopular? Is it going to get me less likes?" And I will then stand for that. That makes me very skeptical about what you'll stand for at all. And that if it's a matter of, if people don't like that I do this, are you simply hiding your hands in the long run and doing what you want? I'm very, very skeptical of any politician who decides what they believe in based on what people give them likes for. And so -- and that's my large issue of it. But at the same time, at the same token, if people have a real reason to deny why they're getting that funding. And if big money can get out of politics more broadly, so that money does not dictate how much -- That's not going to happen after a decision tonight, isn't it? Well, I mean, it -- but it ought to happen. And that's the difference of it. And that's where our government will be supposed to be about, bridging the gap between what ought to be and what is. Yeah. Well, I mean, every time any representative, you're always having to serve two masters at once. One is that you are a representative of the people, but you also want to be a leader. Yes. And you have to always make that call. When -- to me, what the Democrats are not doing with this is leading. The energy in their parties with the young people who learn everything about Israel on TikTok. They don't know shit. And their leaders are not standing up and saying, "Kids, you don't know what's going on here. Every war Israel has fought is a war of defense." Right. Every war -- they were attacked first. Well, and they're not doing that. My question is back to you with that to be with traditional conventional Democrats. Let's have just a speck, a speck of empathy for them in this regard. You've got a younger generation of progressive Democrats that pretty much are making their influence felt. And then you've got the old guard that are at the mercy of them. They want to maintain power. And you know you want to sit up to -- you've got to receive votes. Look at what happened in New York City. No disrespect. But do we really, really think that Zora Mlamdani was the most qualified candidate to be mayor of New York City? Come on now. We know better. I'm wishing you well. I'm wishing I'm not being disrespectful. He's smart. He's sharp. He's quick on his feet. I'm not disrespect him in any way. But he had never done anything. You got a governor, a former governor. It was a three-term governor coasting to his foot before the scandal hit. You boot him out of office. He's qualified to get your support. For three terms, in root to four, to run the state. But you don't want to run into city. And you're going to hand the reins to a 33-year-old who's -- Well, he's also a communist. Okay. And I'm not saying that as a slur. All right. I'm saying that's his political view. It's a view you're allowed to have in this country. And people will have to go for it. So you have people that don't want to come and they want that in this country. Well, unfortunately, if you're a Chuck Schumer of some of the old guards, the mercy of all of that, still trying to stay in office knowing that you got voters out there that would support that ahead of you. I mean, one of the main people who is in his administration, you can read her tweets. And I mean, there are many crazy ones, like just home ownership is racist. You know, something like 40 million black people own homes. Yes. Okay. But also, she'd vote more communist. I'm not paraphrasing it. Vote more -- and he stood by her. Yes. I mean, you don't have to read between the lines here. Then turn it around and ask in the president. That's 21 billion. Well, I mean, as the person who said Democrats are too weak and woke, I think that's your quote. I mean, this has got to be what you're talking about. Well, look, I mean, I think I will just say what happens in New York City does not work in other places of the country, right? That's correct. They're not going to work there either, but they won't work. They like it. (applause) But I do think what you're getting at is -- and I feel this when I travel, particularly in the middle of the country, it is hard to miss as an elected leader that people are so desperate for some kind of change. And the young people, in particular, will either take it from you nicely or they will eventually kick down the door. It's just a matter of figuring out which one is going to come first. And I think the old guard has not yet caught up to the fact that the game they learned to play is a totally different game now. It is a totally different operation. And they haven't adapted and they haven't left. And so no matter where you go, I think the -- I think Mamdani is a New York City thing. I don't think that would work in other places. (laughter) My work here. But I would say, in the middle of the country, that's a harder sell, I will say, for places like where I'm from. But I don't think -- I think it's a symptom of a bigger issue, which is the old guard of politics, it's done. It's over. It doesn't work anymore. And it's certainly, on my side of the aisle, not playing effective offense against Donald Trump. Yeah, you know, there are things -- (applause) There are things to be learned from Mamdani. You could take politics aside, policy aside. Very few Democrats, very few Republicans. I can't think of many who have been able to insult, disparage, and go at Trump. And still, sometimes, get results that are favorable for the people who represent with Trump's blessing, for sure. And part of the -- Because he had him to the overall thing. Well, whatever. He had the fake kid, the headline that he gave him, and everything. I mean, it's not that -- The guy is -- it's all about personal with him. Yes, he is. Donald Trump is not home at night reading the briefing books. I promise you. I don't think he is. However, the idea of the status quo having been successful, when you see how quickly the next generation has had a complete different life and the one before. It's hard for people to truly trust that the whole guard knows what they're doing and the long run. I mean, generation ago, they were still saying, "UFO is for Christ's sake." It's now UAP. You know. So the idea of all these things are happening. I mean, you look at it and young people -- maybe they don't have it wrong. No, it's still the -- Maybe it's the others who do. Well, it could be both. You know, I mean, it's the economy stupid. I bet this question so many weeks on this show and I can never get an answer. I just don't understand the American economy. I really don't -- I don't understand how could there be so much wealth. And I pay so much in taxes. And it doesn't seem to get to the people. Like, I don't even mind doing it. Over half. Always. Away over half. And yet, it just -- I never read about the homeless getting better. Right. Anything getting better? At least I didn't -- I said he like this. The problem that I'm having with this conversation right now? Uh-oh. [ Laughter ] Is that we're accusing the politicians of not knowing. They know. $39 plus trillion in debt. Yeah. You can't pay TSA workers a billion dollars over the last month. But you could spend $800 million to $2 billion a day and somehow, somewhere, you find that money to finance a war. You knew you had the damn money. You knew where it was. You knew how you wanted to allocate it. And you knew you didn't want it to go to the American people. That ain't ignorance. That's viciousness. [ Cheers and applause ] That's not escaping about the American problem. You see, when we sit up there, and we talk about aspiring politicians and all of that stuff, we know how you're winning an election right now. All you got to do is look the people in the face and be straight up with them and let them know. You about them. You got a shot. That's all you got to do because you look anywhere else. Where's the leadership? Look at the Republican Party right now. It's Trump. You know what I said the other day or the week on my show? I said, "Y'all do know he's leaving in 2028, right?" Unless he's circumvented to 22nd Amendment and runs for a third term. He's leaving. JD Vance, you ain't him. Don't think you all. Marco Rubio, thank God he doesn't try to be. The rest of these people, falling in over him in such embarrassing fashion, you ain't gonna be him. And the Democrats of my God, please find somebody who can leave. Gavin Newsom is out here in California. Out here in California. Pulling off his own way, what I think he wants to. He's being known more for trolling Trump on his podcast or what other interviews than what he's actually doing in the state of California. They think that's leadership because they don't have it. They know what they're doing. These politicians know. They know where the money is. They know how to get some of it, too. Because Marjorie Taylor Greed came into office. She was worth a couple hundred thousand dollars according to the reports. How the hell you leave, department, and you worth 25 million? Where'd it come from? I work every day. I can't, I make a pretty good salary. I ain't making 25 million working on Capitol Hill with a salary that starts to $400,000 by accident. Somehow, someway lobbyists up on Capitol Hill. You vote in one way or another. Make it sure that you assuage their concerns and appeal to them and all of this other stuff. And in the meantime, you get paid, but the American people late. How do you actually-- They're really good. They just haven't been called on you. Like, stay tuned. Stay tuned. Okay. I announced that. There was something I wanted to argue with five minutes ago in there, but I can't remember what it was. I think about the war. I think, you know, I think whether they're fighting this war or not, I think the same amount of people would money would be going to the people. I don't think it affects it at all. And I think, you know, the first job of government, the reason why governments became into existence is defense. And if a country is like Iran was about to get a nuclear weapon, I don't mind spending that kind of money. You did a lot. I'm just-- I don't mind. I'm just saying-- I'm just-- No, what I'm saying is, somehow, someway, you found the money for that, but couldn't take it. If you can spend 200 billion a day, you can find a way to spend a billion in a month. So TSA workers are getting-- All right. He could have done it five weeks ago. That's what I'm saying. That's cool. Not fun at all. That's what I would say to you. Everything is a hostage situation. Yes. They could have done it, but no. We're going to hold this hostage. And, you know, you're right. The people of the ones who pay. That's right. I mean, you mentioned our governor. He used the words culturally-- What was it? Culturally normal. He said the party needs to get more culturally normal. He needs to get more culturally normal. [LAUGHTER] What is the truth? I actually like Gavin Newsom a little bit anyway. I like the truth. I like him. I like him. What does that mean to you? Culturally normal. What do you think he means? What does it mean? I do not know what he means, but I-- [LAUGHTER] I don't. But I will tell you, I mean, that it-- Again, I come from Michigan, where-- Right. The average person just is a very pragmatic, like put your head down-- Right. --and wants shit to work. Right. That is it. And so I will be honest. We made hats at the end of my last campaign. It was a team normal. I don't give a shit if you're a Republican or Democrat and independent. Just like live in the zone of practicality. And the far right and the far left live in a different universe. They really do. And it does not represent that middle. And so to me, I don't know what he meant. No. But I think the average person understands that like sometimes you just take the simple way out and everyone can agree. Well, some about 45%-- It's saying 45% of folks in America, whether they vote Democrat or Republican, they're really independent. It's about 45%. Which means that you're going to have a chunk of the American population that's going to influence these upcoming elections. And I'm looking forward to it, because it needs to be fluid. As far as I'm concerned, not you. And I talk about you. But most folks on Capitol Hill, it just needs to be purged. And as long as they're being actual policy makers and not just provocateurs. Yes. Because provocateurs are not people you should trust with any policy decisions. But the whole goal of somebody is just to be visible, just to be viral. Then you are going to be vicious in the long run. But if your goal is actually to do something about the problems in a way that actually involves compromise, involves forward thinking, and also the sustainability of that decision in the long run, then that is somebody you should have an office. We have a lot of people who are on campaigns who are just thinking, "You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to try to emulate Stephen A. Smith." They can't put that off. They can't. Right. But they're going to say, "I'm going to try. I'm going to try." And I'm going to say, "I'm going to do this advice. I'm going to look at a camera and I'm going to tell you that I'm for you." But in reality, they are provocateurs who are for themselves. And we have to be more discerning as voting people to know the difference. Laura, here's the deal. The problem with that is that if you. I'm not saying to be cruel with no purpose. And I'm not trying to say just to be a provocateur. But if you need 435 representatives, the majority of them to see your way of thinking. The majority of 100 senators to see your way of thinking. Guess what? Sometimes you've got to be vicious. Sometimes you've got to go on national topic. You've got to go on a lower coach show. Let me tell you what this politician did. Let me tell you how they voted. Let me tell you what they were thinking. As long as you know what you're talking about as opposed to. I'm assuming they do. I'm not saying the politicians that's actually voting on something. I'm assuming they know what they're voting on. That's a bad assumption sometimes. No. Right? No. That's not true. No. I can't agree. You would know. I don't know that. And I will say, I mean, I think number one, you are right, that there are a whole group of people on both sides of the aisle who all they think about is how do I get the clicks? That's how they decide. But you're saying they don't even know what they're voting on? No. Wow. So they just up on Capitol Hill and they don't know what the hell they do. I'm new to it. Yeah. Again, why are you always so surprised? Why is it shocking here? [APPLAUSE] (audience cheering) I just gotta say, I have a lot of people coming on the show because it is that season now where people are starting to run for president even though they wouldn't admit it. And it just seems like you too, who aren't running, are just getting to me in a much more visceral way, effective way than the ones who are running. Noah, so I don't know what the answer to that is. (audience applauding) But, you know, think about it. All right, thank you very much. (audience cheering) - Hatch all new episodes of Real Time with Bill Marr every Friday night at 10. Or watch him anytime on HBO on demand. For more information, log on to HBO.com.