# Bad Optics

> A presidential endorsement for Donald Trump leads a cycle dominated by DHS security failures, remote vehicle hacking, and the fallout from the Planned Parenthood undercover tapes.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 741
- **Published:** 2015-07-23
- **Length:** 3h
- **Topics:** [Jade Helm 15](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jade-helm-15.md), Jeep Hack, [Jeh Johnson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeh-johnson.md), [Ashley Madison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ashley-madison.md), ISIS Oil, [Dylann Roof](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dylann-roof.md), [James Hansen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-hansen.md)
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics

## About this episode

Donald Trump secured a formal endorsement from Adam Curry this week as the candidate proposed a military strategy to seize ISIS oil fields and install Exxon Mobil for reconstruction. The endorsement follows a media firestorm involving Marco Rubio and the Huffington Post, while Trump continues to dominate headlines by claiming he would negotiate the return of Edward Snowden from Vladimir Putin.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson faces intense scrutiny for using a personal Gmail account to conduct government business while simultaneously requesting an $8 billion cybersecurity budget. This security lapse coincides with a Wired report detailing a remote Jeep Cherokee hack and the massive Ashley Madison data breach, which threatens to expose high-profile politicians to blackmail. Meanwhile, Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced a 33-count federal indictment against Dylann Roof, utilizing federal hate crime statutes to override South Carolina state authority.

Planned Parenthood officials were captured on a second undercover video negotiating fetal tissue prices and joking about purchasing a Lamborghini with the proceeds. The segment highlights the "bad optics" of the organization's cavalier language during medical negotiations. In a lighter moment, Sir Ramsey Kane announced the distribution of 400 Tech Horny CDs at the Defcon security conference in Las Vegas.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/transcript.md.

### 1. Jade Helm 15 Military Exercise, Seattle Earthquake Concerns (0:00–3:22)

The hosts discuss the start of the Jade Helm 15 military exercise on July 15, noting public concern regarding the operation. A conversation with a former New York banker transitions into a discussion about the "Ring of Fire" and the potential for a devastating earthquake in Seattle and Portland. They reflect on how mainstream figures are now adopting topics previously labeled as conspiracy theories.

Keywords: [jade helm 15](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jade-helm-15.md), [military exercise](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-exercise.md), [seattle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seattle.md), [ring of fire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ring-of-fire.md), [earthquakes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/earthquakes.md), [conspiracy theories](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theories.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/1.md)

### 2. James Hansen, NASA Climate Change Projections, Global Warming Activism (3:40–13:07)

Former NASA climate scientist James Hansen released a report warning that sea levels could rise by 10 to 15 feet within the next century, potentially making major coastal cities uninhabitable. The discussion covers record-breaking heat in June 2015 and heat-related deaths in Pakistan and India. It also critiques climate activism from figures like Hans-Joachim Schellenhuber, Pope Francis, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who called for a "crusade" for clean energy.

Keywords: [james hansen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-hansen.md), [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [sea level rise](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sea-level-rise.md), [greenhouse gas emissions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greenhouse-gas-emissions.md), [pope francis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pope-francis.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Drone Sighting on I-35, Personal Anecdotes (13:10–17:48)

A host describes spotting a large drone, possibly a Reaper or Predator model, while driving on I-35 toward San Antonio. The sighting leads to a discussion about the size and speed of unmanned aerial vehicles. The segment transitions into a personal anecdote about developing a physical "tick" or sniffing habit during broadcasts, which is jokingly compared to Tourette's syndrome.

Keywords: [drone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drone.md), [i-35](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/i-35.md), [san antonio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-antonio.md), [predator drone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/predator-drone.md), [reaper drone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reaper-drone.md), [tourette's](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tourette-s.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/3.md)

### 4. David Cameron, UK Extremism Legislation, Conspiracy Theory Criminalization (17:51–26:49)

UK Prime Minister David Cameron delivered a speech outlining new measures to combat extremism by targeting individuals who operate "just inside the law." The hosts analyze his rhetoric, which links conspiracy theories about 9/11 and 7/7 to terrorism. Cameron also called on internet companies to track users more aggressively to identify potential radicals, a move the hosts interpret as a political attack on Nigel Farage and the UKIP party.

Keywords: [david cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-cameron.md), [extremism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/extremism.md), [conspiracy theories](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theories.md), [nigel farage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nigel-farage.md), [ukip](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukip.md), internet radicalization

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Dianne Feinstein, Chattanooga Shooting, Encryption Dangers (26:49–32:52)

Senator Dianne Feinstein discussed the Chattanooga shooting involving Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, using the event to argue against the dangers of encrypted communication apps. She claimed that "extraordinarily dangerous" documents on the internet teach individuals how to build bombs and that tech companies should be mandated by law to remove such content. The hosts question the effectiveness of these measures against "lone wolf" actors.

Keywords: [dianne feinstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dianne-feinstein.md), chattanooga shooting, [encryption](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/encryption.md), [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), internet companies, [cybersecurity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cybersecurity.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Michael Morell, Lone Wolf Terrorism, ISIS-Inspired Attacks (32:53–43:34)

Former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell, now a CBS News contributor, analyzed the threat of self-radicalized "lone wolf" terrorists who have no direct contact with foreign organizations. Morell suggested the Chattanooga shooting might be the most significant ISIS-inspired attack on U.S. soil. The hosts argue that if terrorists are truly self-radicalized in their basements, the government's push to break encryption is logically inconsistent.

Keywords: [michael morell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-morell.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [cbs news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs-news.md), [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), [lone wolf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lone-wolf.md), [encryption](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/encryption.md), [radicalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radicalization.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Wired Jeep Hack, Vehicle Cybersecurity, Michael Hastings (43:34–50:50)

A Wired magazine report demonstrated hackers remotely taking control of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee's engine and braking systems. The hosts review technical critiques of the hack, suggesting some elements may have been exaggerated or required physical access to the vehicle's firmware. The discussion links the reality of car hacking to the suspicious death of journalist Michael Hastings, whose vehicle crashed at high speed in 2013.

Keywords: [wired magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wired-magazine.md), jeep cherokee, [car hacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/car-hacking.md), [fiat chrysler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiat-chrysler.md), [michael hastings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-hastings.md), uconnect

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Jeh Johnson, DHS Cybersecurity, Personal Gmail Usage (50:51–56:36)

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson faced criticism for using a personal Gmail account at work despite a push for an $8 billion cybersecurity bill. Johnson admitted to receiving a waiver from his Chief Information Officer to access personal email on his government desktop. The hosts mock his defense that he will now simply use his iPhone to check Gmail, noting the inherent security risks.

Keywords: [jeh johnson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeh-johnson.md), [dhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dhs.md), [cybersecurity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cybersecurity.md), [gmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmail.md), federal information security management reform act

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Ashley Madison Hack, Political Blackmail Theories (56:37–59:04)

The hosts discuss the potential fallout from the Ashley Madison data breach, speculating that the user list contains numerous high-profile politicians. They suggest the hack functions as a massive blackmail operation, comparing it to the seizure of the "D.C. Madam" phone records. The segment questions why more information from the breach has not yet been made public.

Keywords: [ashley madison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ashley-madison.md), [data breach](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-breach.md), [blackmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackmail.md), [washington dc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-dc.md), [politicians](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/politicians.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Luke McCormack, DHS CIO, IT Security Practices (59:04–1:06:58)

The background of DHS Chief Information Officer Luke McCormack is examined, highlighting his career path through the DOJ and private sector. The hosts share anecdotes about former colleague Joe Jingo and his extreme security protocols at PodShow, including complex Wi-Fi passwords and resistance to WordPress plugins. They contrast professional security "lifers" with the perceived incompetence of government officials.

Keywords: luke mccormack, [dhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dhs.md), [department of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-justice.md), mci, [wordpress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wordpress.md), joe jingo

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Executive Producer Donations, TCPIP History, HEMA Underwear (1:06:59–1:17:58)

The hosts acknowledge high-value donations from producers, including a discussion on the history of the TCPIP protocol and its implementation on Windows. They read a lengthy note from a donor that references various show memes, such as "HEMA underwear" and the "nattering nabobs of negativism." The segment also touches on the "heavy metal comedian" Steve Hughes and the show's early coverage of economic cycles.

Keywords: [patrick seymour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patrick-seymour.md), [tasmania](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tasmania.md), tcpip, steve hughes, [atlas shrugged](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atlas-shrugged.md), hema underwear

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Uber for Everything, Portugal Travel Anecdote, Defcon CDs (1:17:58–1:28:23)

The discussion covers the expansion of the "Uber for everything" business model into medicine and home services. A host shares a detailed story from the 1980s about being a television star in Portugal during the Europa TV era, where he was greeted by thousands of fans. Additionally, Sir Ramsey Kane announces plans to distribute 400 "Tech Horny" No Agenda CDs at the Defcon security conference in Las Vegas.

Keywords: [uber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uber.md), [portugal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/portugal.md), europa tv, [lamborghini](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lamborghini.md), [defcon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/defcon.md), [ramsey kane](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ramsey-kane.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Donald Trump, Presidential Endorsement, ISIS Oil Strategy (1:28:24–1:35:00)

Adam Curry officially endorses Donald Trump for President, citing his direct communication style and business background. They play a clip of Trump's strategy to defeat ISIS by "bombing the hell" out of their oil fields and bringing in Exxon Mobil to rebuild the infrastructure. The hosts also compare Trump's comments about John McCain to a similar routine by comedian Chris Rock, noting the media's double standard.

Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [2016 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2016-election.md), [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), [exxon mobil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/exxon-mobil.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [chris rock](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-rock.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Media Coverage of Trump, Marco Rubio Criticism (1:35:01–1:43:37)

The hosts analyze the media's struggle to cover Donald Trump, noting that the Huffington Post moved his coverage to the entertainment section. They criticize Senator Marco Rubio for acting as a "hit man" for the GOP establishment and allowing Hillary Clinton to define the Republican debate. The discussion emphasizes that Trump's lack of consultants and political correctness is what attracts voters.

Keywords: [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [huffington post](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/huffington-post.md), [marco rubio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marco-rubio.md), [gop debates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gop-debates.md), [political correctness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-correctness.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/14.md)

### 15. The "I Think" Verbal Tic, Expert Credibility (1:43:38–1:47:26)

The hosts critique the frequent use of the phrase "I think" by politicians like Marco Rubio and hosts of "tech horny" podcasts. They argue that this verbal tic undermines authority and leadership, suggesting that experts should state facts directly rather than qualifying them with personal thoughts. They call for a "No Agenda response" to discourage this style of speaking in media.

Keywords: [verbal tics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/verbal-tics.md), [marco rubio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marco-rubio.md), tech podcasts, [rhetoric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rhetoric.md), [leadership](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leadership.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Trump on Putin, Snowden, Lobbyists (1:47:26–1:56:37)

In an interview with Anderson Cooper, Donald Trump claimed he would get along well with Vladimir Putin and could secure the return of Edward Snowden, whom he labeled a traitor. Trump also discussed his history of giving money to politicians, explaining that as a businessman he "played the game" but as president he would be immune to lobbyist influence because of his wealth. The hosts predict Trump's influence will last through the 2020 cycle.

Keywords: [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md), [lobbyists](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobbyists.md), [jeb bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeb-bush.md), [anderson cooper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anderson-cooper.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Trump's Financials, The Apprentice Earnings, Jay-Z Comparison (1:56:38–2:04:29)

CNN's media show questioned Donald Trump's claim of earning $213 million from *The Apprentice*, which the hosts defend as a realistic figure for a long-running hit show. They compare Trump's public persona to that of Jay-Z, noting that Americans generally admire wealthy, "pompous" winners. The segment concludes with a critique of political analysts who refuse to watch the GOP debates if Trump is included.

Keywords: [the apprentice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-apprentice.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [jerry seinfeld](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerry-seinfeld.md), [jay-z](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-z.md), gop polls

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Associate Executive Producer Credits, Knighting Ceremony (2:04:30–2:14:02)

The hosts read the names of producers who donated $50 or more, including Nicholas Bonatsakis, who created a "Sounds of No Agenda" iOS app. A formal knighting ceremony is conducted for Patrick Seymour, Eric Halbritter, Eric Hoff, and Christine Zackman. The segment includes the traditional "mutton and mead" and "hookers and blow" verbal honors for the new knights and dames.

Keywords: christine zackman, damien taman, nicholas bonatsakis, [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [mutton and mead](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mutton-and-mead.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, The Self-Esteem Movement (2:14:02–2:30:27)

A report from *Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel* examines the "self-esteem movement" that began in the 1980s, focusing on the proliferation of participation trophies in youth sports. Psychology experts Gene Twenge and Ashley Merriman argue that rewarding children regardless of performance leads to a lack of resilience and a "delusion" of competence in college and the workforce. The hosts link this cultural shift to the current behavior of younger workers.

Keywords: bryant gumbel, [self-esteem](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/self-esteem.md), [participation trophies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/participation-trophies.md), [psychology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psychology.md), gene twenge, ashley merriman

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Planned Parenthood, Second Undercover Video, Tissue Negotiation (2:30:28–2:45:51)

The hosts discuss the second undercover video released by the Center for Medical Progress, which shows a Planned Parenthood official negotiating the price of fetal tissue. The official is heard joking about wanting a "Lamborghini" and discussing how to alter abortion procedures to ensure intact specimens. The discussion touches on the organization's history with Margaret Sanger and eugenics, as well as the "bad optics" of the cavalier language used by the doctors.

Keywords: [planned parenthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-parenthood.md), [cecile richards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cecile-richards.md), [fetal tissue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fetal-tissue.md), [eugenics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eugenics.md), [margaret sanger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/margaret-sanger.md), [lamborghini](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lamborghini.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Martin O'Malley, Black Lives Matter, All Lives Matter (2:45:52–2:50:02)

Democratic presidential candidate Martin O'Malley was booed at a liberal convention for saying "all lives matter" in addition to "black lives matter." The hosts discuss the divisiveness of the movement and cite ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who questioned why the phrase "all lives matter" is considered offensive. They argue that the movement's rhetoric is becoming increasingly restrictive and politically correct.

Keywords: [martin o'malley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/martin-o-malley.md), [black lives matter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-lives-matter.md), [all lives matter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/all-lives-matter.md), [stephen a. smith](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stephen-a-smith.md), [netroots nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netroots-nation.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Loretta Lynch, Dylann Roof Indictment, Hate Crime Statutes (2:50:02–3:00:43)

Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced a 33-count federal indictment against Dylann Roof for the shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. The hosts critique Lynch's "novel-like" press conference, which detailed Roof's alleged motivations and use of hollow-point bullets. They suggest the federal hate crime charges are a move to override state authority, as South Carolina lacks its own hate crime statute. The show concludes with a musical mix.

Keywords: [loretta lynch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/loretta-lynch.md), [dylann roof](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dylann-roof.md), charleston shooting, [hate crimes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hate-crimes.md), [south carolina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-carolina.md), 33 count indictment

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/741-bad-optics/chapter/22.md)

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