Democratic Party super unpopular, Lindsey Graham slammed by Matt Walsh, LiveNation settles anti-trust lawsuit with DOJ, And More: 3.10.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-03-11

Duration: 49 min

Summary

This episode of Rising highlights the Democratic Party’s ongoing unpopularity, Senator Lindsey Graham’s controversial statements on foreign policy, and the DOJ's settlement with Live Nation over anti-competitive practices. Key themes include political polarization, antitrust enforcement, and questions of ethical leadership.

What Happened

The episode begins with a discussion of the Democratic Party's severe image problem, as highlighted by a new NBC News poll. The poll reveals that the party, along with prominent potential 2028 candidates like Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom, remains deeply unpopular with voters. The hosts emphasize the need for Democrats to present coherent policies rather than relying on anti-Trump messaging to win votes.

The conversation turns to criticism of Senator Lindsey Graham, who sparked outrage for his remarks on Fox News. Graham declared unwavering support for Israel and proposed a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, which drew backlash from figures like Matt Walsh and others who questioned his priorities and authority. The hosts debate the implications of Graham’s foreign policy stance and its impact on public perception of U.S. leadership.

A segment covers the rise in tensions related to the Iran conflict, including the economic fallout such as spiking oil prices. The hosts dissect the Biden administration's messaging on the war and the mixed signals from officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. They question whether America has clear goals in this conflict and highlight public skepticism about foreign interventions.

The episode also reports on two teenagers charged with attempting an ISIS-inspired bombing outside New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani's residence. The hosts critique media coverage that initially misrepresented the suspects’ affiliations and emphasize the need to accurately distinguish between peaceful protesters and violent extremists.

An investigative report on Havana Syndrome is discussed, with 60 Minutes claiming U.S. intelligence acquired a Russian-made microwave weapon linked to the mysterious illness. While some hosts express skepticism about the evidence, others argue that the CIA might be covering up critical information. The segment raises broader questions about government transparency and accountability.

The Department of Justice’s settlement with Live Nation Entertainment is also explored. Live Nation agreed to pay $280 million in penalties as part of an antitrust case accusing the company of monopolistic practices. However, many states plan to continue their lawsuits, arguing that the settlement fails to address the root cause of the monopoly and its impact on consumers.

Finally, ethics concerns within the Trump administration are examined via a ProPublica investigation. The report reveals financial conflicts of interest among senior officials, including ties to industries they regulate. The hosts debate the broader implications for public trust and governance, connecting this issue to ongoing criticisms of leadership across political parties.

Key Insights

• NBC News polling shows Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom are deeply unpopular potential 2028 Democratic candidates. Many voters reject the party's reliance on anti-Trump rhetoric, which fails to outline clear policy alternatives.
• Lindsey Graham’s call for a Saudi Arabia-Israel mutual defense agreement sparked backlash from figures like Matt Walsh, who questioned why U.S. leaders prioritize foreign alliances over domestic concerns. Graham’s stance amplifies public unease about interventionist foreign policy.
• Live Nation Entertainment agreed to a $280 million DOJ antitrust settlement over accusations of monopoly practices, but many states are pursuing further lawsuits. Critics argue the settlement avoids addressing how Live Nation’s dominance inflates ticket prices for consumers.
• A ProPublica investigation uncovered financial conflicts of interest among Trump administration officials tied to industries they regulated. This fuels broader concerns about bipartisan leadership ethics and how governance often serves corporate agendas.

Key Questions Answered

What did Lindsey Graham say about U.S. support for Israel on Rising?

Lindsey Graham declared on Fox News that he would support Israel 'to our dying day,' which sparked criticism from commentators like Matt Walsh for prioritizing foreign alliances over American interests.

What is the DOJ's settlement with Live Nation about?

Live Nation agreed to pay $280 million in penalties to settle an antitrust lawsuit accusing it of monopolistic practices in ticket sales and concert promotion. However, many states plan to continue their lawsuits, arguing the settlement doesn't address the monopoly's root causes.

What new claims did 60 Minutes report about Havana Syndrome?

60 Minutes reported that U.S. intelligence acquired a Russian-made microwave weapon capable of causing symptoms similar to Havana Syndrome. The report raises concerns about a CIA cover-up and the potential misuse of such technology.