Biden admin stance on Gaza cost Kamala Harris votes, Ro Khanna urges DOJ action after Peter Mandelson arrested over Epstein revelations, Judge blocks official report from Jack Smith's Trump classified docs probe, and more | 2.24.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-02-24

Duration: 50 min

Summary

This episode discusses the political fallout from the Biden administration's stance on Gaza, the recent arrest of Peter Mandelson related to Epstein revelations, and the blocking of a DOJ report on Trump's classified documents. The hosts also critique Gavin Newsom's approach to speaking with voters.

What Happened

In this episode of Rising, the hosts dive deep into the political ramifications of the Biden administration's handling of the Gaza conflict, specifically how it has impacted Vice President Kamala Harris's support among voters. They suggest that Harris's alignment with the administration's decisions has cost her politically, indicating a wider discontent among constituents regarding foreign policy stances.

The conversation then shifts to the arrest of Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the US, which has raised eyebrows due to its connection to Jeffrey Epstein. This arrest has led to calls from Congressman Ro Khanna for the Department of Justice to take action, highlighting ongoing concerns about Epstein's network and its implications for political figures. The hosts also touch upon a federal judge's decision to block the release of special counsel Jack Smith's report on Trump's classified documents, emphasizing the ongoing legal battles surrounding the former president.

Lastly, Robbie takes aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent comments during a book tour, where he attempted to relate to his audience by downplaying his intelligence. The hosts express concern over the patronizing nature of this tactic, suggesting that it reflects an awkward attempt at relatability that could backfire with voters. They underline the importance of treating constituents with respect and avoiding the trope of dumbing down language to appeal to specific demographics.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

How has Biden's stance on Gaza affected Kamala Harris?

The hosts discuss how the Biden administration's approach to the Gaza conflict has negatively influenced Kamala Harris's support among voters. They highlight that her alignment with the administration's policies may have alienated constituents who are dissatisfied with the current foreign policy direction.

What are the implications of Peter Mandelson's arrest?

Mandelson's arrest, connected to new revelations about Jeffrey Epstein, has raised significant concerns about the potential ramifications for political figures involved in Epstein's network. Ro Khanna's call for DOJ action underscores the ongoing scrutiny related to Epstein's case and the need for accountability.

What did the judge rule regarding Jack Smith's report on Trump?

A federal judge has permanently blocked the release of special counsel Jack Smith's report concerning Trump's classified documents investigation. This decision highlights the complexities and ongoing legal challenges surrounding the former president and the implications for transparency in governmental proceedings.

What criticism did Gavin Newsom face for his comments?

Gavin Newsom faced backlash for his comments during a book tour where he attempted to connect with his audience by downplaying his intelligence. The hosts describe this tactic as patronizing and suggest it may not resonate well with voters, emphasizing the importance of treating constituents with respect.

What was discussed about the State of the Union address?

The episode mentions that some Democrats are considering boycotting Trump's State of the Union address and holding counter-programming instead. The hosts express anticipation for the event and plan to cover it live, indicating its significance in the political landscape.