Originally Aired: November 6

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This episode focuses on exploring the rising influence of Christian nationalism in America and its potential connection to China. The hosts discuss the relationships of key figures such as Ivanka Trump, Wendy Deng Murdoch, Rupert Murdoch, and Jared Kushner. They also elaborate on the potential roles played by proxies such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, Israel, the UAE, and Egypt. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the influence of individuals like Michael Flynn and Steve Bannon, as well as organizations such as the Federalist Society and Rule of Law Foundation. The episode concludes with a warning about the crucial upcoming elections and the imperative to resist potential outside influences threatening America's democracy.

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Speaker Mike Johnson has concerning connections to Russia that raise national security questions as he pushes for President Biden's impeachment.

Johnson has long received donations from American Ethane, a company run by two Russians with direct Kremlin ties. American Ethane bankrolled Johnson for years to grease the wheels on getting approval for a proposed ethane terminal in Louisiana. Interestingly, while the firm is Russian-owned and named American Ethane, the exports were all destined for China.

Johnson's anti-LGBTQ advocacy also aligns closely with Russia's global anti-gay agenda. He has compared homosexuality to pedophilia and called it dangerous. His wife runs a Christian counseling service equating homosexuality with bestiality. In the 2000s, Johnson provided legal advice to Exodus International, a harmful conversion therapy group, as well as advocacy for an anti-gay "Day of Truth" in schools. At the time, Johnson worked for the Alliance Defending Freedom, which connects him to Russia's representative at the anti-LGBTQ World Congress of Families. The WCF authored Russia's severe anti-gay propaganda law.

Johnson's personal life also raises questions. He adopted a black son when he was 25, two years before meeting his wife. Yet few photos exist of Johnson's adopted son with the rest of the family. Johnson has been evasive in providing details around the adoption. In 2010, Johnson was dean of a failed Baptist law school embroiled in fundraising and child abuse scandals, which he conveniently omits from his resume.

With an impeachment of President Biden looming, Moscow may be applying pressure on Johnson through compromising materials obtained over years of Russian connections. The stakes could not be higher to determine whether the Kremlin is influencing the impeachment process through Speaker Johnson.

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She is one of Israel’s leading political commentators and her interview was as poignant as it was politically prescient.  Thank you, Tal.Shalev (no relation) of Walla! News, Please follow her work @talshalev1

In this episode, chief political correspondent Tal Shalev provides a sobering view from Tel Aviv on the crisis in Israel and Gaza. She explains how the October 7th attacks inflicted severe trauma on Israelis, leaving the country grief-stricken and insecure.

Shalev discusses the deteriorating humanitarian emergency unfolding in Gaza as Israel's ground offensive continues. She notes Israel is unwilling to open humanitarian corridors without the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Shalev argues Netanyahu has failed to take responsibility for security failures leading up to the October 7th attack. She states he is clinging to power but faces pressure from the Biden administration to resign.

Moreover, Shalev expresses deep concern about the disturbing global backlash against Jews, with rising antisemitism bringing back collective traumas. She argues Western societies must unequivocally condemn the evil of Hamas’ actions.

In terms of solutions, Shalev states a prisoner swap to free hostages could happen but would be politically difficult for Netanyahu. She contends extensive military action is needed to degrade Hamas’ capabilities. Shalev says a diplomatic push led by the US and Arab states will be required to restore some stability.

Overall, Shalev offers a sobering inside view of the trauma, pain and complexity of the crisis confronting Israel. She makes a powerful case that firm military resolve combined with international diplomacy is critical to containing the threat from Hamas.

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In this episode, former GOP Congressman Denver Riggleman joins to discuss the concerning election of far-right Republican Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. Riggleman explains how Johnson's extreme views and embrace of election conspiracy theories pose a real "danger to democracy" given his position third in line to the presidency.

Riggleman provides background on Johnson's surprise victory for Speaker, noting his "far, far, far right" stances and record promoting election fraud claims and QAnon conspiracies. He warns there is now a severe risk of Biden's impeachment efforts and undermining support for Ukraine under Johnson's leadership.

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Drawing on his investigative work for the January 6th committee, Riggleman reveals stunning insights from Mark Meadows' texts, which he argues provided a "roadmap to the insurrection." The messages spotlight connections between the Stop the Steal conspiracy theories and the Hunter Biden laptop disinformation campaign.

Most alarmingly, Riggleman discloses that Ginni Thomas, wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, was embedded in these group texts coordinating with the White House on election challenges. He contends this suggests potential judicial branch involvement in subverting the election.

Overall, Riggleman makes a compelling case that Johnson's rise to Speaker of the House signals the GOP's disturbing slide into extremism and tolerance of dangerous conspiracies. He surfaces the urgent need to counter these anti-democratic forces connected to January 6th that are still working to undermine the Biden presidency.

Guest: Denver Riggleman, former GOP Congressman and author of "The Breach"

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As Israel. amasses 300,000 troops as it readies a ground invasion on Gaza, President Biden addresses the nation from the Oval Office on his return from his shuttle diplomacy to the region. We'll enter the war room as President Biden urges Israeli leaders to de-escalate tensions. We'll examine the complex dynamics shaping relations between the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia through Rick Petree's grounded analysis. We'll consider the risks of a potential ground invasion and its impact on oil prices and the US economy. With clarity, we'll explore the challenging road forward, including whether hostage negotiations could prevent further bloodshed.

Petree will share his perspective on dealings between Trump and foreign powers. We'll discuss whether Biden's diplomatic experience can reestablish America's leadership role in the Middle East and beyond. Petree offers a hopeful vision for reviving a two-state solution. His global outlook promises to enrich our understanding of the forces driving this crisis and the future of US politics. This sober, thoughtful discussion offers timely insights.

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The carnage unfurling in Gaza and Israel is an ugly testament to the strategic shortsightedness of the Abraham Accords. We're peeling back the layers on this conflict, spotlighting the catastrophic events that have led to the boiling fury felt by Israelis towards their government. From the chilling tales of survivors from the Supernova Music Festival attack to the brutal mass murders and beheadings, we explore how they have been instrumental in shaping public sentiment and Prime Minister Netanyahu's call for retaliation. Prepare for an uncomfortable journey into the horrors of a possible long-drawn war.

Switching gears, we're turning the spotlight onto the upcoming elections and the titanic battle brewing between democracy and autocracy. With Trump's on-going court cases hanging over us like a dark cloud, we ponder on the possible political motives behind it. Are they just a shield for his own protection or a strategic move for his political campaign? We're delving into the heart of these questions, dissecting the role of Republicans in shaping the modern economy, and discussing the potential impact of a more refined Republican candidate.

We're thrilled to have Political Strategist Rachel Bitecofer author of the upcoming book "Hit 'Em Where It Hurts: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game" joining us to add depth to the discourse. Rachel brings her razor-sharp insights into the current state of the Republican Party, the looming 2021 elections, and the power of narrative reporting. We're dissecting the tales of autocrats, crooks, and kings who've threatened our freedom as she paints a riveting picture of the political landscape. Come, be a part of this engaging conversation, rich in political insights and thought-provoking discussions.

Gaza, Israel, Abraham Accords, Supernova Music Festival, Mass Murders, Beheadings, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Retaliation, Trump, Republican Party, 2021 Elections, Autocracy, Jared Kushner, Mohammed bin Salman, Palestinians, Yom Kippur War, Camp David Accords, Bread and Butter Issues, MAGA Base, Hunter Biden Investigation, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, Ideological Rigidity, Party Tribalism, Vaccine Hesitancy, Narativ Reporting

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American politics is never short of drama; this episode is a testament to that. We're starting with a political thriller - the ousting of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. His replacement could be Jim Jordan, Steve Scalise, or Kevin Hearn. Or it could be a plot twist like no other - Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries as a Unity Speaker. This upheaval of leadership and the potential for a coalition government could change the face of the Republic.

But wait, there's more! We're also diving into the murky depths of the Hunter Biden laptop controversy. This tale has a mysterious laptop, political machinations, and a cast of characters ranging from a Delaware store owner to Rudy Giuliani. We discuss the explosive contents of the laptop, the possible smear campaign against the Biden family, and the fascinating chain of ownership of the laptop data. So buckle up! This episode promises to be a wild ride through American politics' complex and often scandalous world.

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Today, we embark on a journey into the heart of the Proud Boys saga, dissecting the seismic sentencing of their leader, Enrique Tarrio. We're joined by independent reporter Brandi Buchman (@Brandi_Buchman), who provides an in-depth look into the courtroom drama, Tarrio's remorse, and the impact of a mother's plea for mercy. We peel away the layers of Tarrio's character and question the future of the Proud Boys in the wake of this 22-year sentence for seditious conspiracy.

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We rewind to the chaotic days leading up to the notorious January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, dissecting the evidence exhibited in Tarrio's trial. As we analyze his connections with co-defendants and controversial figures like Roger Stone, we ponder on the consequences of Tarrio's heavy sentence for others implicated in the events of that fateful day. Our conversation takes a sobering turn as we assess the influence of the likes of Donald Trump, Roger Stone, Alex Jones, Michael Flynn, and Steve Bannon on the Proud Boys.

In the concluding phase of our discussion, we highlight the broader implications of a potential Trump re-election for Tarrio and his co-defendants. We contemplate the deterrent effect of these sentences on other extremist groups while examining the ongoing power of Trump's rhetoric to incite violence. As we conclude, we challenge you to reflect on the battle for truth, the value of freedom, and the essential role of accountability in our society.

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Rupert Murdoch’s Australian newspapers hit the streets on Friday morning without the news that the media mogul was stepping down and his son Lachlan would become sole chair of News Corp and Fox Corp. The news was broken – after the print deadline in Australia – by one of Murdoch’s US mastheads, the Wall Street Journal. 

This episode of Narativ is from the Narativ archive - Part 1 of Spy Murdoch: The Story Rupert Murdoch Doesn't Want You to Know about the Beginnings of Fox News. My guest is Pulitzer award winner David L. Marcus, Roy Cohn's cousin. 

This episode explores the unlikely alliance between Roy Cohn, Rupert Murdoch, and Ronald Reagan. We delve into how Rupert Murdoch gained traction in the media business in exchange for positive write-ups for Ronald Reagan in the New York Post. We explore Cohn's "Favor Bank" style of bartering, the close relationship between Ronald Reagan and Murdoch, and how this led to Murdoch getting sweetheart deals from Reagan's FCC. We then discuss the transaction-oriented politics of Murdoch and the role Wendy Deng and the Chinese market played in it. Roy Cohn was an unlikely ally of Rupert Murdoch. Cohen was a self-promoting political figure and the right-hand man to Senator Joe McCarthy of Wisconsin. Their Un-American activities committee aimed to fight communism. David L. Marcus, Cohn's cousin, spent the last year of his life shadowing Cohn for a Vanity Fair article.

Episode Keywords: Roy Cohn, Rupert Murdoch, Ronald Reagan, Favor Bank, New York Post, Fox News, Libs, Wokeness, Deregulation, FCC, Alan and Company, Rothschilds, Israeli Intelligence, J. Edgar Hoover, Wendy Deng, Chinese Market, Propaganda, Brainwashing, David L Marcus, Pulitzer Prize, Global Events, Education, Politics, Spy Murdoch, Patreon, Narativ, Tyranny, Perfect Union

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Hunter Biden's indictment isn't just a political chess piece - it's an intricate cog in the machine, gunning for President Biden's second term. We're tearing into the whirlwind of allegations, media responses, and the plot twists emanating from the White House. We're also shedding some light on the role of FBI counterintelligence agent Jonathan Buma and his whistleblower complaint, suggesting a narrative you may not be hearing: allegations against the Bidens might be part of a Russian and Chinese strategy to re-elect Donald Trump.

We are digging into the big questions around Joe Biden's presidency and putting a magnifying glass to special counsel David Weiss' investigation, the Russia hoax, and its potential influence on future elections. We spare no detail in discussing David Letterman's on-air confession and what it means in the grand scheme of things. Moreover, we're throwing into sharp relief Donald Trump's potential return to the White House and Hunter Biden's business operation, Brace yourself for a thought-provoking rollercoaster ride that is sure to send shockwaves through your understanding of our current political climate.

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