Hot Air TV: Cornering William “Cold Cash” Jefferson
posted at 6:02 am on August 5, 2008 by Michelle
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Intrepid Jason Mattera is back with another Hot Air/Young America’s Foundation joint production from Capitol Hill!
He asked Democrat Rep. William “Cold Cash” Jefferson, the accused freezer cash-stashing subject of a 16-count criminal indictment whose public corruption trial is scheduled for Dec. 2, for some handy storage advice and an autograph last week.
Rep. Jefferson refused to provide either.
Jason’s first question: “”I was wondering if you could give me some advice? In your opinion what is the best way to stuff $90,000 in a freezer: a Hefty or a Ziploc bag?”
Click for the answer, er, non-answer:
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Says video is no longer available, but I’m sure it’s entertaining nonetheless!
whtabtbill on August 5, 2008 at 6:16 AM
The video is no longer available.Some say we’ve been frozen out.Nice to see you again Michelle.Keep up the GREAT work!
Neal4007 on August 5, 2008 at 6:19 AM
This time it looks like it really isn’t available. Not a refresh issue. YouTube pull it?
- The Cat
MirCat on August 5, 2008 at 6:20 AM
Here’s a copy on YAF’s youtube channel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYPkjtaHbh0
- The Cat
MirCat on August 5, 2008 at 6:26 AM
Geez. This guy is STILL in Congress?
SoulGlo on August 5, 2008 at 6:33 AM
Haha! Go Jason!!!
How can this clown show his face in Congress?
becki51758 on August 5, 2008 at 6:47 AM
Jason Mattera - Journalist.
tgillian on August 5, 2008 at 6:55 AM
He set this guy up so nicely. Bring up all the great work he’s doing for New Orleans Is Sinking and I don’t want to swim then….Hammer time.
Money!
How can this guy still be in congress? Oh that’s right, he’s a DEMOCRAT.
jdsmith0021 on August 5, 2008 at 7:00 AM
This guy should sit in Brit Hume’s chair when he steps down.
jdsmith0021 on August 5, 2008 at 7:01 AM
Dollar Bill did not look too happy at the end of the clip!
Good stuff Michelle.
Zorro on August 5, 2008 at 7:04 AM
Anyone notice William Jefferson said, “front burner”?
- The Cat
MirCat on August 5, 2008 at 7:06 AM
Nasty. :-)
Michelle, can you get Jason to come to Israel and ask eventually resigning Prime Minister Ehud K. Olmert what kind of envelopes are the sturdiest to hold dollars?
Carl in Jerusalem on August 5, 2008 at 7:22 AM
You know, those federal agents are really on the ball. I NEVER would have thought to look in the guy’s freezer to see if he stuffed 90 grand in there. Somehow this guy looks to me more like somebody who would cram the cash up his ass, and I DEFINITELY would not look there!
radjah shelduck on August 5, 2008 at 7:35 AM
LMAO
My brother-in-law and his wife were in DC last week and saw this joker talking to a crowd, trying to explain how he was innocent. Boo-freakin-hoo.
Janus of Borg on August 5, 2008 at 7:41 AM
If they are going to do after Ted Stevens, it is more than fair to go after this clown as well.
pilamaye on August 5, 2008 at 7:54 AM
I like how “dolla bill” taps Jason on the chest in a “I’d jack you up if I could” kinda way toward the end, and Jason pats him right back on the shoulder.
…and then there’s the raised fist in the air as Jefferson walks away.
Freaking hilarious. Doing the job the MSM won’t do.
watchmen on August 5, 2008 at 8:09 AM
We all know the White man is the reason he did this!
/
SouthernGent on August 5, 2008 at 8:15 AM
I’ll never forget when Marion Barry was busted, and that evening, local DC reporters were showing that infamous hotel video to people getting off the Metro, and the majority of folks would only say “he was set up by the man!”
And they voted him back as mayor later on.
JetBoy on August 5, 2008 at 8:20 AM
This guy is already more of a journalist than any of the DNC circus clowns employed by ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, the Washington Post, CNN or the New York Times.
Actually, he is a journalist. Unlike them.
NoDonkey on August 5, 2008 at 8:21 AM
Sigh!
You know the day is crappy when you see your Congresscritter in this kind of situation. Local talk radio has a bit called “Name that Jefferson” where they read from the all indictments and have callers guess which Jefferson is involved.
highhopes on August 5, 2008 at 8:38 AM
And they voted him back as mayor later on.
JetBoy on August 5, 2008 at 8:20 AM
Same reason as to why we are stuck with Pelosi; the people of SF are so in love with their “sanctuary city” status, open and free love with all God’s creatures, et al…. Look at Louisiana and California for some hard cold facts about Liberalism and the decline of human moral values.
Keemo on August 5, 2008 at 8:39 AM
Why would the Democrats get rid of him, he’s just like the rest of the Congressional Democrats, corrupt and incompetent?
He just got caught.
And he probably has the goods on the rest of them as well.
NoDonkey on August 5, 2008 at 8:43 AM
Seriously, that brave reporter had better be watching his back. Who owns William Jefferson? Is it the mob? Is it the black panthers? When Jefferson raised his fist at that reporter, that gesture had meaning & purpose attached.
Keemo on August 5, 2008 at 8:48 AM
That’s very nice work there. Good job Jason!
melanzan on August 5, 2008 at 9:03 AM
Jason has cornered some of these guys numerous times…
You’d think they ’d all know what he looks like by now …
but no …lol!! This is great stuff Jason, keep it up…
jerrytbg on August 5, 2008 at 9:09 AM
This stuff is why I read HA. Literally, all the news that’s fit to print (and, of course, “Dude” sprinkled in here and there.)
Can’t wait ’til MM, et al, start their own cable channel.
davidk on August 5, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Jason Mattera is my hero. Do you realize how much courage that takes? I thought Cold Cash was going to hit him there for a moment. Where are the waiting elevators when you need them?
carbon_footprint on August 5, 2008 at 9:27 AM
Nice job.
Esthier on August 5, 2008 at 9:38 AM
Geaux Jason!!!
abinitioadinfinitum on August 5, 2008 at 9:40 AM
When Jefferson’s hand came up to his shoulder I thought he was going to attack Mattera. Now THAT would have been a hell of a video.
Gutsy, gutsy Jason.
MadisonConservative on August 5, 2008 at 9:46 AM
Freezer Burn.
fogw on August 5, 2008 at 9:49 AM
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
Keep up the great work!
Jason Coleman on August 5, 2008 at 10:00 AM
You’ve got to be kidding. This isn’t journalism. It’s the lady with red paint on her hands coming up to Condi.
Oh, but it’s okay because he’s a Republican. I forget that sometimes.
Spirit of 1776 on August 5, 2008 at 10:03 AM
“I have a $20 bill here, could you sign it with the inscription ‘most ethical Congress ever?’”
Love it.
Knuckledragger on August 5, 2008 at 10:09 AM
STONES!
Captain Scarlet on August 5, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Oh, man, that was just evil. I loved it.
Jaibones on August 5, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Money.
infidel on August 5, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Lure them in with false praise and then sucker punch’em. Okay I get it.
captivated_dem on August 5, 2008 at 11:08 AM
That was fantastic.
simon on August 5, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Political discourse done right. Well done, Mr. Mattera.
Claypigeon on August 5, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I thought it was funny, and would of loved to do it, but I am not sure it gets us anywhere. Might even turn people against us. I know it is the only way to ask him these type of questions. It is a lot like the tire gauge thing with McCain, we love it, but others wont take it well.
WoosterOh on August 5, 2008 at 11:37 AM
make an appointment and come see me. ill sign your cold hard cash. Jason Mattera too funny, but all to sad
vinllo on August 5, 2008 at 11:51 AM
“I’ll tell you what: call my office and schedule an appointment and I’ll sign it. Remember to bring extra cash too. In bags. And Reynolds Wrap.”
Misha I on August 5, 2008 at 12:00 PM
What? You’re way off here! What’s wrong with confronting elected officials with legitimate complaints and grievances? The “blood on your hands” lady was just trying to cause a disturbance. This video was just confronting and shaming a corrupt public official who is, in effect, stealing from the American people. If there’s something wrong with that, I don’t want to be right.
malan89 on August 5, 2008 at 12:01 PM
The reason that the cash was in the freezer was that Mr. Jefferson was concerned that global warming was going to melt his cold cash.
Johan Klaus on August 5, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I forgot, how much illegal cash did Condi have stashed?
Johan Klaus on August 5, 2008 at 12:11 PM
BEST INTERVIEW EVER!
draw ‘em in and BOOM.
hehehehe
.
“Can you sign this cold twenty? Most ethical congress ever”
Bwahahahahaa.
i really cant stop laughing…hehehe.
.
.
he.
.
hehe
snort.
shooter on August 5, 2008 at 12:20 PM
If you are making the distinction between illegal and legal, then I must conclude you approved of this one and didn’t approve of the ambush of Murtha. Correct? or is that really not the issue after all. It’s not? I’m shocked.
This isn’t about confronting officials with complaints and grievances. It IS the same as the Condi thing. The whole idea is to make a scene by making an official uncomfortable so you can show the video to your friends and slap high-5’s.
It is what it is. But it is not journalism. It’s just another version of Michael Moore does.
Spirit of 1776 on August 5, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Good for him. That kid has balls.
RWLA on August 5, 2008 at 12:22 PM
The only thing that would have made this video better would be if Jason busted into a Bill Cosby impression and asked “dolla bill” if he kept his cash with some “Jello Puddin’ Pops…”
Keep up the good work, Jason!
watchmen on August 5, 2008 at 12:26 PM
Old MSM, meet the new MSM
Kini on August 5, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Damn he got a set dont he!
Viper1 on August 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Think about it…
Room temperature money is subject to all kinds of bacteriological contamination.
I mean, afterall, who needs spoiled money?
franksalterego on August 5, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Was murtha not condemming Marines of illegally killing Iraqis, prior to an investigation. Did you think that the Marines were guilty? Did murtha’s condemnation of the Marines affect your opinion of their guilt?
A least Michael Moore tells the truth, huh, well doesn,t he. Sheesh….
Johan Klaus on August 5, 2008 at 1:01 PM
No I didn’t think they were guilty. I thought Murtha’s behavior despicable, and I hope that he pays for it both politically and legally.
Moore distorts the truth just to film awkward moments. Ie ’support the troops - sign up your kid’; it’s classless. It’s all for a show. Same as this. It’s just for show.
Which is fine, look there obviously is a market for it (as evidenced by all the ‘yea!’ comments that these videos create. But it isn’t journalism. And it’s nothing close to Hume.
Spirit of 1776 on August 5, 2008 at 1:08 PM
Jason is more than “clever”; as Viper and RWLA point out, he has what it takes to ask the real questions. He could make a great straight man too. I hope Jason has children, we need to displace the old media.
They found that money in his freezer how many years ago and the trial is Dec. ‘08? Wow…being a black Demo in Congress sure does have it’s perks.
Christine on August 5, 2008 at 1:09 PM
The problem is that there is only one Brit Hume and he is going to retire.
Johan Klaus on August 5, 2008 at 1:16 PM
Beautifully done video…
“The most ethical congress in history,” huh. What a laugh-er!
byteshredder on August 5, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Great!
BTW, the answer is “Huge balls. Big frickin’ huge balls.”
Dr.Cwac.Cwac on August 5, 2008 at 1:52 PM
I’m 33, but I’m joining YAF.
Brilliant.
Black Adam on August 5, 2008 at 2:13 PM
And you still insist on using that fraudulent moniker. Coward.
Andy in Agoura Hills on August 5, 2008 at 2:26 PM
I’ve yet to see you post anything other than a childish insult.
MadisonConservative on August 5, 2008 at 2:28 PM
I don’t think it was supposed to be ‘journalism’.
The difference between what Jason did and what Michael Moore does is simple: Jason set up Jefferson, and captured his reaction to being set up. We saw the entire exchange.
Moore would set up someone, but then edit the video to create a false impression, to bolster his point of view.
Kudos to Jason.
Doug on August 5, 2008 at 2:40 PM
Thank God I’m not alone.
emailnuevo on August 5, 2008 at 3:05 PM
I see you have refuted my point brilliantly. As such you leave me little else to say, but Congratulations!
Spirit of 1776 on August 5, 2008 at 3:48 PM
Pwned!!!!!!!!!!
Good job! LMAO!
Chakra Hammer on August 5, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Wrong, Jason isn’t interrupting a meeting or a presentation to demonstrate.. he’s asking just asking questions..
The people with the “paint on their hands” interrupt meetings and such to get on tv and also to try and stop others free speech, what Jason does is nothing like that..
Chakra Hammer on August 5, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Also, the “paint on the hands liberals” are very similar to the pie throwers at the college campuses..
Chakra Hammer on August 5, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Well, at least you’re not a sore loser.
Andy in Agoura Hills on August 5, 2008 at 4:00 PM
That’s because you only read my posts for you and Non-Spirit of 1776.
Andy in Agoura Hills on August 5, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Well, I’m also smart enough to know that your hyperemotionalism can’t be reasoned with. Your opinion of me, or mine of you means nothing. So even if it could be, it’s not worth the effort.
Spirit of 1776 on August 5, 2008 at 4:04 PM
I’ll gladly post some responses to your wonderful remarks about nuking Japan again, if you like. Or maybe your informative presentation on Israeli genitalia, or theology lessons on “Christians”.
MadisonConservative on August 5, 2008 at 4:14 PM
He’s asking questions for effect. There is no journalistic basis in asking about zip-loc bags, funny and meaningful though it is.
MadisonConservative on August 5, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Heh. So does the Truther movement. No, I’m not comparing them, that’s just the first thing that pops to mind with that phrase:)
Look, he is not asking questions for answers. He is asking to create, film, and distribute an effect.
CH, the whole point of this is theater. Lets just call it what it is.
Spirit of 1776 on August 5, 2008 at 4:22 PM
nobody else asks him questions about it, and ANYONE can ask public servants questions, they are there to serve US.
Chakra Hammer on August 5, 2008 at 4:23 PM
well yes, it could be similar to what the “truther people” do when the ask questions and someone else films it(if they aren’t interrupting a meeting, or a function, that’s normal citizen journalism)
Chakra Hammer on August 5, 2008 at 4:26 PM
…so when you meet a politician, the first thing you’ll do is ask a rhetorical question with no actual reason other than to make them uncomfortable? You won’t ask them to explain their decisions, votes, or positions? You’ll ask them the kind of things comedians cook up?
MadisonConservative on August 5, 2008 at 4:32 PM
I can ask whatever i want to, its a free country.
Chakra Hammer on August 5, 2008 at 4:45 PM
And thus we come full circle. You can request political gamesmanship, and there is a market for it, and you are that market.
Spirit of 1776 on August 5, 2008 at 4:48 PM
as long as you aren’t interrupting a meeting or a presentation making a a** out of yourself, no problems with asking questions.
Chakra Hammer on August 5, 2008 at 4:52 PM
You’re absolutely right.
However, because you ask it, does not make it journalism.
MadisonConservative on August 5, 2008 at 4:53 PM
And just because they call it a “debate” doesn’t mean its actually a debate.. remmeber those plants at the debates?
and the softball questions? was that journalism, or were those really debates?
Chakra Hammer on August 5, 2008 at 4:59 PM
No offense, but you’re getting into opinion. Journalism’s first and fundamental premise is to get information in a sensible and serious manner. This was not what Jason did), nor is it what Michael Moore or Morgan Spurlock do. They are presenting real-time political cartoons.
A much better example of journalism would be Evan Coyne Maloney, because he asks serious questions, even if he expects answers that are hilarious. It is not the job of the reporter to deliver the punchline. It is the job of the reporter to be the straight man. “What kind of bags would you use to hide cash in a freezer?” is the punchline. Do you see the difference?
MadisonConservative on August 5, 2008 at 5:07 PM
Awwwwww, I’m sorry. I guess I can’t be as intellectually dishonest as you. And instead of “hyper-emotionalism”, let’s just say that I have very little patience for the magnificently ignorant. I’ll leave it at that.
Andy in Agoura Hills on August 5, 2008 at 6:04 PM
Hey, not my problem you don’t understand history or the Bible. As for Israeli genitalia, please do post that one!!!! I’ve been looking for it!!!! (The post that is…)
Andy in Agoura Hills on August 5, 2008 at 6:07 PM
I guess you also have a problem with the way he questioned John Murtha?
Chakra Hammer on August 5, 2008 at 6:08 PM
Good idea, as it appears personal insults are all you have. “leave it at that” aka “I got nothing”
Spirit of 1776 on August 5, 2008 at 6:21 PM
Jefferson should be in jail, but this Mattera kid comes off as kind of a buffoonish putz really. He’s clearly not acting as a journalist. Sort of an amateurish high school prank kind of deal. Marginally funny, but really adds nothing of substance. I’m sort of surprised that Malkin would sanction something so lightweight. Something I’d expect from Stuttering John of the Howard Stern show. “Intrepid”? Not really.
dakine on August 5, 2008 at 6:55 PM
MM is making a mockery of the so called “man”.
Exposing this excuse for a human being is what it is….
I agree, the man belongs in jail( if he’s guilty) hah…
He’s fair game at any level….
jerrytbg on August 5, 2008 at 7:23 PM
Can you still serve in the House from a federal prison cell?
Kind of puts a new face on the Dems get out the felon vote as they did here in Iowa.
I bet he could mail in more votes than Obammy has taken a side on.
dhunter on August 5, 2008 at 7:39 PM
Nice tangent, but you seem to be under the impression that my claiming that these videos are not journalism means that I have a problem with them. I don’t. I do have a problem with labeling them journalism, because they are not. They are entertaining, and make a good point. They are not journalism.
MadisonConservative on August 5, 2008 at 10:27 PM
I went to Christian preschool, and Catholic K-8. I had the Bible drilled into my head, so I understand perfectly. Your statements about Japan were, as remarked by others, classless and tacky, your Israeli comments were for shock value and nothing more, and your comments about Christianity were pure sanctimonius malarky. Not hard to Google them if you want them. Type site:hotair.com “andy in agoura hills” if you want to dredge up your tripe, which is nothing but insulting, arrogant, ignorant balderdash.
MadisonConservative on August 5, 2008 at 10:31 PM
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