The “Fifth Anniversary Hot Take Takedown” Edition
Summary
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Lawfare team hosts a "Hot Take Takedown" featuring three new members presenting controversial arguments to a panel of veteran judges. Julia Curley argues for abolishing the Presidential Daily Brief in favor of personalized intelligence liaisons, while Mike Feinberg provocatively claims Jason Bourne is the true villain in the film series. Molly Roberts contends that Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland is a serious national security priority, not a joke. The judges debate the validity of these takes, ultimately voting on their "spiciness" level.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: One Times Square entertainment and SkyWalk
Fall 2026 Oreo limited editions and candy corn
Analysis of deep-fried Oreo technology and filling
Joke about deep-frying Oreos and Minnesota State Fair
Introduction to Hot Take Takedown and judges
Welcome back Quinta and Lawfare/Atlantic connections
Explaining the Hot Take Takedown scoring system
Julia Curley's take: Abolish the PDB
Debate on PDB utility and intelligence briefings
Proposals for video briefings and AI summarization
Judges' verdict on the PDB abolition take
Mike Feinberg's take: Jason Bourne is the villain
Debate on Matt Damon, CCP propaganda, and Bourne lore
Sponsor: Quince fall fashion and apparel
Sponsor: One Times Square immersive experiences
Judges' verdict on the Jason Bourne take
Molly Roberts' take: Trump's Greenland priority
Debate on Trump's Greenland obsession and Iran
Final verdicts and competition results
Object lessons: Grandpa Spy, Whitehead, and resin table
Credits and social media promotion
Sponsor: One Times Square closing ad
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