Hillary Clinton repeatedly denies knowing Epstein in House Oversight deposition, Zohran Mamdani meets with Trump, pitches affordable housing project, Netflix pulls out of Warner Bros. merger amid Paramount Offer, and more | 2.27.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-02-27

Duration: 50 min

Summary

This episode dives into Hillary Clinton's testimony regarding Jeffrey Epstein, a surprising meeting between Zohran Mamdani and Trump about affordable housing, and the significant development where Paramount surpasses Netflix in a merger battle.

What Happened

The episode opens with host Lindsay and special guest Erin McGuire discussing Hillary Clinton's recent testimony before the House Oversight Committee concerning Jeffrey Epstein. Clinton repeatedly denied knowing Epstein, which raises questions about her connections given Epstein's notorious background. This testimony is part of a broader investigation surrounding Epstein's activities and networks, prompting discussions about accountability and transparency in political circles.

Next, the conversation shifts to an unexpected meeting between New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former President Donald Trump, during which they discussed a new affordable housing project. This encounter highlights Mamdani's efforts to address housing issues in New York City and suggests a potential collaboration with Trump, despite their differing political affiliations. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of bipartisan approaches to pressing urban challenges.

In the latter part of the episode, the hosts analyze a significant development in the entertainment industry: Paramount's success in outbidding Netflix for a merger deal with Warner Bros. This outcome indicates a shift in the competitive landscape of media companies, showcasing how strategic decisions can reshape industry dynamics. The hosts speculate on the implications of this merger and what it means for consumers and content creators alike.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What did Hillary Clinton say during her testimony about Epstein?

During her testimony, Hillary Clinton repeatedly denied knowing Jeffrey Epstein, a statement that has sparked discussions about her connections to him. Given Epstein's notorious past, these denials are significant and have led to debates about the accountability of political figures in relation to their associations.

What was discussed in the meeting between Zohran Mamdani and Trump?

Zohran Mamdani and Donald Trump discussed an affordable housing project during their surprise meeting. This unexpected collaboration underscores the potential for bipartisan efforts to tackle housing issues that affect many residents in New York City.

What are the implications of Paramount winning the merger with Warner Bros. over Netflix?

Paramount's successful acquisition of Warner Bros. over Netflix marks a critical shift in the media landscape. This victory suggests that Paramount is positioning itself strategically to compete more effectively within the entertainment industry, potentially altering content distribution and production dynamics.

How does the Constitution address election rule changes?

The Elections Clause explicitly gives states the authority to manage their elections. According to Article 1, Section 4 of the Constitution, the president does not have the legal authority to unilaterally change election rules, which is a crucial point in the ongoing discussions about election integrity.

What issues surround the SAVE Act and election integrity?

The SAVE Act aims to enhance voter identification measures, which polls indicate most Americans support. However, the broader conversation includes concerns about allegations of widespread election fraud and the implications of federal oversight on state-run elections, raising questions about election integrity versus federal overreach.