Lindsey Graham coached Netanyahu on convincing Trump to bomb Iran: WSJ, Fox News under fire for airing old Trump clip during dignified transfer ceremony, James Talarico knew for days CBS would pull Colbert segment: NYT, and more | 3.9.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-03-09

Duration: 52 min

Summary

The episode discusses Iran's new leadership, media controversies surrounding a dignified transfer ceremony, and a Texas politician's experience with media manipulation. It highlights issues of accountability and coverage in reporting violence.

What Happened

The episode opens with hosts Robbie and Niall discussing the recent selection of the late Ayatollah Khomeini's son as Iran's new supreme leader, a decision that President Trump has called 'unacceptable.' They also touch on the controversy surrounding Texas State Congressman James Talarico, who reportedly knew in advance that his interview with Stephen Colbert would not air, leading to a surge in donations for his campaign after the news broke.

Another major point of discussion is Fox News's apology for airing an old clip of Trump during a dignified transfer ceremony for U.S. soldiers killed in the Middle East. The hosts criticize the media's handling of these events, particularly focusing on an incident involving explosives thrown at a protest outside Gracie Mansion, which was largely reported with a focus on the protest organizer, Jake Lange, rather than the assailants who used the explosives. They express concern over the media's failure to accurately report the motivations behind the violence and the implications of such coverage on public perception.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What are the implications of Iran's new supreme leader?

The selection of the late Ayatollah Khomeini's son as Iran's new supreme leader is seen as a significant move in the geopolitical landscape, especially as President Trump labeled it 'unacceptable.' This change could affect U.S.-Iran relations and regional stability, drawing attention from policymakers and analysts alike.

How did James Talarico use the media to boost his campaign?

Texas State Congressman James Talarico was aware for days that his interview with Stephen Colbert would not air, which he later leveraged to increase donations to his campaign. This incident illustrates how politicians can strategically use media manipulation to their advantage.

What happened during the protest outside Gracie Mansion?

During a protest led by Jake Lange outside Gracie Mansion, explosives were thrown by counter-protesters with extremist ties. The incident led to significant media coverage, but the focus was skewed towards Lange and his actions rather than the violent response from the counter-protesters.

Why did Fox News apologize regarding the Trump clip?

Fox News faced backlash for airing an old clip of President Trump during a dignified transfer ceremony for U.S. soldiers, prompting an apology. The decision to include this clip during a sensitive moment raised questions about the network's editorial choices and sensitivity to the context.

How does media coverage impact public perception of protests?

The episode highlights the media's tendency to misrepresent events, as seen in the Gracie Mansion protest. Misleading coverage can shape public perception, often focusing on certain narratives while neglecting factual details about the violence and its origins.