Ep 74. March 8, 2018 - Jesse Eisinger

Jordan Klepper hosts "The Opposition," a satirical news show that seeks to provide a counter-narrative to the mainstream media. In season 1 episode 74, which aired on March 8, 2018, Klepper is joined by Jesse Eisinger, a Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and author of "The Chickenshit Club: Why the Justice Department Fails to Prosecute Executives."

The segment opens with Klepper lamenting the failure of the Justice Department to prosecute corporate fraudsters, despite evidence of wrongdoing. Eisinger notes that the DOJ has shifted its focus from prosecuting corporate crimes to negotiating settlements with corporations, which often result in minimal fines and no admission of guilt.

Eisinger argues that this approach enables corporations to continue engaging in illicit activities, without fear of consequences. He cites the example of Wells Fargo, which engaged in fraudulent practices for years, yet only paid a $185 million fine, which is a small fraction of their annual profits. Klepper, playing the role of a right-wing, pro-business pundit, defends the DOJ's approach, arguing that punishing corporations might hamper economic growth.

Eisinger points out that prosecuting corporate crime is essential for maintaining the integrity of the financial system. He notes that the current approach only reinforces the perception that corporations are above the law. Klepper, playing devil's advocate, asks whether the DOJ should be prosecuting individual executives, rather than corporations. Eisinger responds that this misses the point, since the problem is systemic.

The rest of the segment features Klepper and Eisinger engaging in witty banter, as they discuss the factors that have contributed to the DOJ's failure to prosecute corporate crime. They cover topics such as regulatory capture, the revolving door between government and corporate jobs, and the influence of money in politics.

Throughout the segment, Klepper is sarcastic and snarky, playing off Eisinger's more serious tone. The result is an entertaining and informative discussion of a topic that is often overlooked by the mainstream media.

Overall, season 1 episode 74 of "The Opposition with Jordan Klepper" is a thought-provoking exploration of the failure of the Justice Department to prosecute corporate crime. Eisinger's insightful analysis is tempered by Klepper's irreverent humor, creating a segment that is both educational and entertaining.