The Breakdown with Richard Eskow - June 9, 2012

First, Richard breaks down the week's news - and a lot of them were not that good. Republican incumbent Scott Walker won the gubernatorial recall election in Wisconsin, and delivered a typically misleading victory speech about taking on "special interests," which seems to be his euphemism for unionbusting. Republicans defeated a law mandating equal pay for women in Congress. Mika Brzezinski of Morning Joe had the good sense to ridicule them for it. And former President Bill Clinton undermines Democratic messaging again with an interview on CNBC where it sounds an awful lot like he thinks the Bush tax cuts for the top 2% should be extended. 

Next, Richard talks with David Shuster, Emmy Award-winning journalist and host of Take Action News, about a scoop he made just days before the Wisconsin recall election revealing that Scott Walker is being targeted by the federal "John Doe" investigation for misuse of public funds. Up until Shuster's scoop, only Walker's aides have been indicted. Shuster received word from former federal prosecutors involved in the case that Walker was the subject of the investigation as well -- and may soon be indicted.

Richard also got the chance to chat with legendary Texan country music artist, activist and commentator, Richard "Kinky" Friedman. Kinky speaks colorfully about the problems facing the country and offers is own brand of no-nonsense, Texan-style solutions.

Finally, Richard analyzes the post-presidential career of Bill Clinton. Richard thinks that in recent years Clinton has all-too-often used his perch in recent years to do the bidding of ConservaDems and the rich. His recommendation: Clinton should hang up his cleats and retire from politics.