Russia's new offensive in Ukraine failed to materialize on the first anniversary of the war's start. 
Some people are crediting Joe Biden's visit to Ukraine earlier in the week for Russia's decision not to ramp up their attacks on Ukrainian forces and civilians.  In this episode, I spoke with Ruslan Deynychenko, executive director of StopFake.org, about Biden's recent visit to Kyiv.  He shared his experience living in Kyiv during a war and how the conflict has had a negative impact on children and families. We also discussed the potential for increased Chinese support for Russian forces and the devastating effects that would have on the region. Deynychenko talked about the work of Stop Fake and how it has successfully tackled misinformation and disinformation in Ukraine. 
Lastly, we discussed the ongoing disinformation offensive around the world and how it has been used to divide people.

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The Biden Effect

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The latest court developments in the Trump hush money case have been nothing short of explosive. Cohen’s testimony placed Trump at the center of a scheme to win the 2016 election corruptly.
According to Cohen, Trump was fully briefed on the $130,000 payment to Daniels and was in the room when the plan was hatched to conceal the transactions through false invoices to the Trump Organization. Cohen also revealed that Trump's main concern was delaying the story until after the election, allegedly saying, "Just get past the election, because if I win, it will have no relevance, and if I lose, I don't even care."
If true, this testimony provides the clearest evidence yet that Trump was an active participant in the hush money scheme and the subsequent cover-up. Cohen's account suggests it was all about protecting Trump's electoral chances.
In this week's episode, I shine a light on another troubling aspect of the Trump-David Pecker pact at the center of the trial. I note that the pact existed a year and a half before the August 2016 meeting that led to the Hush Money trial, when a catch-and-kill agreement was made between Trump and National Enquirer publisher David Pecker. 
Indeed it seems likely a pact already existed in January 2015 and may have resulted in a disinformation campaign targeting Bill Clinton with untrue stories published in The Enquirer about Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein.
Before Trump launched his 2016 White House bid there’s evidence to suggest Pecker and Trump were coordinating efforts to smear Bill Clinton, Given Pecker's practice of sharing stories with Trump in advance, and his subsequent efforts to "catch and kill" Trump's sex scandals, this raises alarming questions about the level of coordination between Trump and the tabloid.
This week's developments paint a picture of a candidate and a campaign willing to do anything to win—even if it meant breaking the law and deceiving the American people. The hush money scheme, the hints at Clinton dirt, the catch-and-kill operation—it all points to a sophisticated operation designed to manipulate and deceive Americans 
A felony conviction for Donald Trump would be unprecedented in American history, and the jury has had unenviable tasks before them. However, regardless of the outcome, the trial exposed a political network whose entire operational basis is lying, concealing, and cheating. And that is a reality the entire nation must now confront. 
In this sense, the Trump Hush Money trial is not just about campaign finance violations or salacious scandals. It’s about completely rejecting an ideology of moral decline in which the only solution to any national problem is even more corruption. This is an untenable outcome for a nation built on so much hope and promise.

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Bombshell Testimony Highlights Trump's Role in Stormy Daniels Hush Money Scheme

In the latest episode of the Narativ podcast, host Zev Shalev takes a deep dive into former President Donald Trump's ongoing hush money trial. As the trial enters its third week, explosive testimony from critical witnesses Stormy Daniels and Hope Hicks could prove pivotal in determining not only the outcome of the case, but the future of American democracy itself.  Scroll down for more: 
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You can get 20% off a Narativ Substack subscription until Monday, May 13. (This is a great Mother’s Day gift.)
Here’s why it’s vital that you support my independent journalism: Since 2016, I have been at the forefront of uncovering the truth, no matter how controversial or challenging the story may be.
Here are some of the exclusive stories on this season of Narativ:


I revealed the Hunter Biden Scandal and the attempt to impeach Joe Biden was a Russian intelligence operation; months before Alex Smirnov was arrested for making false statements to the FBI.

I exposed the role Jared Kushner and Mohamed Bin Salman’s negotiation of the Abraham Accords played a role in the October 7 attacks on Israel.

I revealed Speaker Mike Johnson’s ties to Kremlin insiders with intelligence ties and questioned their influence over the Speaker’s decision to delay aid to Ukraine.

Eight years of investigating Trump has informed my coverage of the Trump Trials.


I’ve been joined by phenomenal guests, including Denver Riggleman, 					Steve Schmidt, Rachel Bitecofer, Tristan Snell, Olga Lautman, and Rick Petree. Each one is an expert in their field.



This dedication to the truth has made me a constant target of suppression efforts and unfounded whisper campaigns to discredit my work. 
I need more resources to continue my vital work. With fewer than 400 paid subscribers, it's become near impossible to continue. 
I have refused to compromise my integrity or the quality of my reporting. You deserve nothing less than the unvarnished truth, especially as we approach the critical November elections. That's why I've kept going and want to keep going.
I won't let you down, but I need your help.
As a special offer to my loyal subscribers, I’m offering:
A 20% discount on paid Substack subscriptions until May 4th
(click on the link or enter the code 20OFF when checking out.)
Your support, in any form, can make a world of difference. Thank you for standing with me and believing in the power of truth. I am grateful to have you by my side in this fight.
With gratitude,
Z
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Shalev begins by highlighting the importance of this trial, noting that a guilty verdict might be the only thing standing between Trump and a return to the White House in 2024. He argues that despite the salacious details, the core issue is the integrity of the American electoral process.
The episode features revealing excerpts from Daniels' testimony, recreated with AI-generated voices, painting a vivid picture of her alleged affair with Trump. Shalev notes the wealth of specific details in her account, making it difficult to dismiss as fabrication.
Turning to Hope Hicks' testimony, Shalev suggests that her statements may not be as favorable to the prosecution as initially perceived. He points out how Hicks seems to cast doubt on Michael Cohen's reliability while also advancing the questionable "Melania defense" - the idea that Trump was motivated by concern for his wife rather than political self-interest.
Shalev also examines the mounting documentary evidence, including handwritten notes, bank records, and signed checks, corroborating a scheme to conceal the hush money payments. He plays fascinating audio clips of Cohen himself fretting over the unraveling plot.
Shalev previews the defense team's anticipated cross-examination of Daniels and Cohen, who will likely paint them as opportunistic and untrustworthy. The host also ponders the potential political fallout, gaming out the ramifications of a guilty verdict or a deadlocked jury.
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Stormy Daniels and Hope Hicks Testimony Could Decide Trump's Fate and America's Future

In a chilling exposé, political strategist Rachel Bitecofer and journalist Zev Shalev discuss the harrowing future that may await America if Donald Trump is re-elected in 2024. Drawing from Trump's own words in a recent Time Magazine article, they paint a dystopian picture of a nation on the brink of autocracy.
According to Trump's plans, upon taking office, he intends to:

Purge the government of liberals and replace them with conservative loyalists

Round up and jail journalists critical of his administration

Deploy the National Guard or even the military to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants

Weaponize the Department of Justice to prosecute political opponents

Drastically expand presidential powers under a "unitary executive theory"

Undermine Congressional authority over budgets and legislation

Bitecofer warns that despite Trump's seemingly mild demeanor in his current legal battles, Americans should not be lulled into complacency. She argues that civic illiteracy and a lack of awareness among voters pose the greatest threats to democracy.
To combat this, Bitecofer suggests Democrats adopt a laser-focused messaging strategy, emphasizing the existential threat Republicans pose to personal freedoms. She urges citizens to spread the word about Trump's autocratic intentions, as most Americans remain unaware of the full scope of his plans.
The consequences of a Trump victory, Bitecofer cautions, would be catastrophic not just for America but for the entire world. With less than 190 days until the election, she issues an urgent call to action: It's time to get real about the danger we face and fight to preserve our democracy before it's too late.
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Donald Trump Reveals What He'll Do If He Wins

This episode of Narativ delves into the unfolding criminal case against Donald Trump, highlighting detailed allegations of his long-standing relationship with David Pecker and the National Enquirer's involvement in silencing stories that could damage Trump’s image and career. It covers the mechanics behind 'catch and kill' tactics used to suppress potentially harmful stories, spanning a 40-year history of scandal manipulation. The episode also touches on the personal toll on individuals targeted by such media manipulations, with insights from Steve Schmidt about overcoming orchestrated public smears. Additionally, the episode critiques the media's role and journalism's ethics in the context of political manipulation. It ends with a commentary on the broader implications of Trump's legal and ethical entanglements for democracy.
00:00 Sponsor Shoutout and Introduction to the Live Show
00:28 Unpacking Today's Court Revelations
01:19 The Deep Dive into Donald Trump's Alleged Media Manipulations
04:53 Exploring the Impact and Implications of Media Influence
06:24 AI Voices and Courtroom Observations
09:53 Revealing Courtroom Testimonies and the Catch and Kill Strategy
17:29 Reflecting on the Ethical Quandaries of Journalism and Politics
27:14 The Broader Consequences of Trump's Actions and the Importance of Accountability
29:26 Closing Remarks and Sponsor Message

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Pecker's Jaw-Dropping Testimony Exposes Year-Long Campaign Targeting Trump's Enemies

I had a profound conversation with Steve Schmidt, the founder of “The Warning” and a seasoned veteran of numerous high-profile campaigns. We delve into the intricacies of Donald Trump's hush money trial and its potential impact on the 2024 presidential race.
Our wide-ranging conversation covers Steve's invaluable assessment of Trump's electoral chances, the pivotal role of the MAGA propaganda ecosystem, and the pressing challenges facing Joe Biden. Steve's analysis of who will win in November and the hush money trial is a must-listen. He also shares advice for Joe Biden on making a compelling case for his leadership.
I got to know Steve during the 2008 election, and I deeply respect his political acumen and unwavering, steadfast commitment to democratic principles. He also discusses standing up for our freedoms, drawing inspiration from Pope John Paul II's courageous calls to "be not afraid."
No matter your political persuasion, Steve's trenchant analysis is essential listening for anyone who cares about our country's future. I hope you'll check out the full interview. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to Steve’s substack, 

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The Biden Effect

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