The attorney for an Arkansas whistleblower has sent a letter to the state legislature claiming evidence that Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office manipulated a document linked to her purchase of a $19,000 podium, according to the Arkansas Times.
The whistleblower also claimed to have evidence that Sanders’ office ordered a state agency not to respond to a Freedom of Information Act request for documents that were not exempt from the law.
The documents were requested by attorney and blogger Matt Campbell, who blew the lid off what’s come to be known as Podiumgate.
Taxpayer funds used to buy the lectern were reimbursed by the state Republican Party on Sept. 14—the same day Sanders signed a law that weakened the state’s Freedom of Information Act.
But who the hell buys a $19,000 podium? I mean how fancy can it be?
Cup holders, warming oven, cushioned support for long speeches, multiple colors and intensity settings for LED and incandescent lighting, fully digital, AI features, Shopify integration, Corinthian leather palm rests, spring released gavel, fully remote controlled locomotion while in use, spit guard, option to attach chain link front when speechifying in Honky Tonk venues, dog doo bag dispenser, catheter, and Bluetooth. Charges with usb micro 2.0.
Did you just invent a gamer podium?
I bet it rolls coal too
On people demanding documentation via FOIA
Of fucking course it’d use a USB micro
Haha yeah it had to be the LED version that pushed the cost up
Do you cath?
In all seriousness, custom ordered, using expensive rare woods, hand carvings, rush ordered from a master woodworker… I could see the cost getting up there.
But most government hardwood I’ve seen tends to be common (affordable) American species like oak and walnut. Because, well, it’s supposed to be a representation of America.
So yeah, probably embezzlement.
Could be a kickback or favour to a buddy
Yes. Embezzlement.
Alright, I finally looked up that word.
Walnut definitely isn’t what I would call affordable.
Cheaper than something like Teak…
Edit - Also, to be fair, I usually see American oak and Mahogany used in city halls, etc. Don’t see much walnut, probably just because it’s dark coloring isn’t great for public spaces. But IIRC, I’ve seen a few old floors made with it.
It’s about as fancy as a $1000 podium, but it comes with kickbacks
Someone who owns a podium company through a maze of shell corporations or someone who has money that needs laundering?
Probably Cmdt LaSarge.
Lizz Truss’ (UK prime minister for 49 days) podium was £4,000. It wasn’t used for 49 days straight either.
Someone also paying for something other than a podium.
I bet it doesn’t even have a cup holder
It’s probably built with Kevlar or steel, is height adjustable, and includes the electronic displays and equipment. Then maybe they bought two or three of them from a contractor that has security clearance.
Or it’s just a cheap one that had its price jacked up for no reason. Had they not fudged the numbers and included a build list that had redactions on it, it wouldn’t be a big deal.
It’s most likely it was bought as a favor for someone rather than because it was a super duper awesome Podium 9000
Made from a solid walnut slab and black epoxy with a live edge by a… certain youtuber.
The same people who buy soundproof booths and “tactical pants”
https://www.wayfair.com/school-furniture-and-supplies/pdp/executive-wood-products-presidential-evolution-lift-full-podium-ewp1020.html