THIS IS A BONUS EPISODE THAT ORIGINALLY AIRED IN 2022.

As Steve Bannon prepares for prison, a look at how he and Guo Wengui orchestrated a massive influence operation on American democracy. Learn more about China's covert war on democracy and Steve Bannon's role in pushing Beijing-originated disinformation at www.narativ.org.

Artificial Intelligence: The Hidden Wealth Transfer and Housing Crisis | Interview with James M. Nelson In this episode, we delve into how artificial intelligence and notable property developers are orchestrating a massive wealth transfer disguised by political chaos and market manipulations. Host Zev Shalev converses with James M. Nelson, author of 'The New Landlord: Powered by Big Data and Artificial Intelligence,' about the DOJ's investigation into alleged price-fixing by corporate landlords using AI platforms like RealPage. They explore the impacts of these practices on housing costs, homelessness, and the American Dream, spotlighting influential figures like Harlan Crow and Jared Kushner. Nelson's research unveils a systematic effort to manipulate housing markets, creating a stark contrast between wealthy elites and the struggling middle class.

James Nelson can be reached at jamesmartinnelson.

0:00 7.20.24 Zev Talks to James Nelson

02:24 Meet James M. Nelson: Author and Investigator

03:32 The Role of AI in Price Setting

06:41 The Impact of Data-Driven Economies

07:57 Homelessness and Rising Rental Rates

12:37 The Power of Property Management Systems

27:10 The Algorithmic Divide: Modern Segregation

27:56 The Death of the American Dream

29:01 Harlan Crow and the Real Estate Monopoly

30:19 The Legal and Ethical Quagmire

31:50 The Crow Empire's Rise and Fall

35:28 The Role of RealPage in Market Manipulation

37:15 Political Connections and Real Estate

39:14 The Impact on the Middle Class and Housing Market

43:16 The Future of American Governance

46:11 Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

Watch the video from the dramatic rescue of 3 hostages held captive in Gaza: get briefed on the high-stakes diplomacy at the G7 in Southern Italy, and find out the latest from Moscow to Beijing and Washington DC, the war on democracy is global and kinetic and only on Narativ.

_________________________________

Want Money? Meet my friend Daniel, the Money Maniac. His top-notch newsletter is packed with easy-to-follow hacks to help you make and save money, paving the way to your financial freedom. Check it out at themoneymaniac.com and subscribe today.

_________________________________

At the heart of this struggle are Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Joe Biden, and a cast of global power players, including former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. As I discussed in my post yesterday, the relationship between Netanyahu and Biden is a critical factor, with the upcoming U.S. elections adding another layer of complexity.

The global war on democracy is being waged on multiple fronts, from the newly announced long-term U.S.-Ukraine security agreement to the presence of Trump loyalists in Congress and Netanyahu's possible manipulative strategies. One big question remains: Is Netanyahu leveraging the hostages for political gain, perhaps to influence the U.S. elections in favor of anti-democratic forces?

__________________________________

"I Will Not Bow Down" is Joe Biden's secret slogan for the 2024 campaign. Only Libertote has the tote. Get yours now before it's too late. All proceeds support independent journalism.

___________________________________

China's stance on the Russia-Ukraine war is another key battleground in this struggle, with the implications of executive agreements versus binding treaties coming into sharp focus.

In this exclusive analysis, I unpack these intricately intertwined threads, offering insights into how this pivotal hostage situation may shape the global war on democracy and the impending U.S. elections. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage as this multi-front battle continues to unfold.

Donald Trump's former advisor, Steve Bannon has been ordered to report to prison by July 1 to serve a four-month sentence for contempt of Congress.

In other news, The Department of Justice is investigating potential illegal price fixing by corporate landlords. This particularly involves the use of RealPage software to coordinate higher rental prices, a practice that is reportedly prevalent in key 2024 swing states like Arizona, Florida, and Georgia. Rising rents, a major driver of inflation and cost-of-living concerns, directly affect many voters.

The episode featured a powerful speech by President Biden, commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy. Biden's speech was a poignant reminder of the immense bravery and sacrifice of the Allied troops who turned the tide of World War 2. He underscored the importance of alliances and issued a warning that democracy is under threat today from autocrats and dictators. Biden also made a significant pledge of continued U.S. and NATO support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia's invasion.

This show underscores the high stakes and critical threats to democracy as the 2024 election approaches. From exposing the January 6 insurrection to combating authoritarian aggression abroad, defending freedom requires constant vigilance. As Biden eloquently stated in Normandy, it is now our generation's duty to meet this moment and preserve democracy for the future.

Donald Trump has been found guilty on 34 counts of falsifying business records. This verdict underscores the gravity of his actions, despite his defense team's efforts to challenge the credibility of key witnesses like Michael Cohen. The jury's unanimous decision is a resounding affirmation of the strength and integrity of the prosecution's case.

“It means that the prosecution did an incredible job, which we all thought while looking from the outside in.”

This sentiment was echoed throughout the proceedings, as Trump's defense seemed unprepared to counter the overwhelming evidence against him.

Many of us suspected the conviction was imminent, and today it is a reality. Trump’s defense team will undoubtedly appeal every aspect of this case, yet the facts remain clear: the former President of the United States is now a convicted felon.

The charges are significant, not just in their number but in what they represent—the culmination of an orchestrated effort to subvert democracy. This isn’t just a federal case; it's about the integrity of our electoral process.

There was a time when right-wing media outlets such as Fox News could downplay Trump's actions. However, this guilty verdict strips away any pretext that these were partisan attacks. This is more than just about falsifying business records—this is about protecting the sanctity of the American democratic process.

“This is really what we've been saying on my show recently, that subverting democracy is what we're seeing here. The 2016 election was manipulated through illegal means, including Trump's payment of $130,000 in hush money to Stormy Daniels—a fact the jury found crucial in their decision.”

Trump's former lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, can finally feel vindicated. Cohen's reputation has been dragged through the mud, yet this verdict provides some measure of redemption. His testimony was instrumental in making the case against his former boss, proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump orchestrated this conspiracy to manipulate the 2016 election.

The repercussions of Trump's illegal activities were felt globally. His presidency resulted in numerous tragedies, including the mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic, frayed international alliances, and a Supreme Court packed with justices whose legitimacy is now in question.

The conviction brings to light the insidious manner in which Trump stole the 2016 election. By paying $130,000 in hush money, Trump ensured that voters did not learn of his affair with Stormy Daniels, thus swaying the election in his favor. These actions weren't just felonies but a subversion of our democracy.

The conviction also deals a blow to the disinformation machine perpetuated by right-wing media. Outlets that have shielded Trump and his illicit activities now face an uphill battle in maintaining the narrative that he is innocent.

The media has a crucial role to play now. They must acknowledge their part in spreading disinformation and start reporting the facts objectively. This case is about more than just business record falsification; it’s about a coordinated effort to hide crucial information from the American people.

As the jury deliberates, prosecutors say Donald Trump was engaged in subverting democracy when he paid Stormy Daniels $130,000 in hush money. Prosecutors claim that Trump and his associates engaged in a scheme to manipulate the flow of information to voters during the 2016 presidential election.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we delve into the complex web of connections between influential figures such as Mohammed bin Salman, David Pecker, Donald Trump, and Jeff Bezos, highlighting the weaponization of personal scandals as a tool to manipulate elections.

Zev also draws attention to the alarming rise of what he terms the "enemies of democracy," a coalition of nations, religious groups, wealthy individuals, special interests, and extremist groups working to undermine democratic institutions.

Zev passionately argues that the ongoing trial of Donald Trump is not merely about hush money payments but rather about protecting the integrity of elections and ensuring accountability for those in power. He emphasizes the critical importance of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, framing it as a battle for the preservation of freedom and the American way of life against the forces of authoritarianism and foreign influence.

Zev also issues a clarion call to his listeners to stand up for truth, remain informed and engaged, and fiercely defend the principles of transparency and democracy in the face of unprecedented threats.

Keep Zev's powerful episodes coming - subscribe at narativ.substack.com or patreon.com/narativ 

00:00 Introduction to the Narrative

00:55 The Bezos-MBS Connection

02:09 The National Enquirer Exposé

03:23 Autocracy and Media Manipulation

03:37 Trump's Scandal Management

05:16 The Subversion of Democracy

07:27 The 2016 Election Interference

10:45 The Epstein Connection

14:03 The Role of Foreign Influence

18:30 The Legal Battle and Its Implications

25:07 The Smoking Gun Tape

26:48 The Consequences of Trump's Presidency

27:30 The Fight for Democracy

27:52 America's Unique Freedom

31:26 Global Threats to Democracy

35:14 The Importance of the 2024 Election

37:38 Supporting Independent Journalism

41:01 Conclusion and Call to Action

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.

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: 

----more----

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 important 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. These attacks are designed to limit the number of people exposed to my reports, and by limiting my revenue, they hope I will stop doing my work.

I need more resources to continue my vital work with fewer than 400 paid subscribers and having exhausted my personal funds.

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.)

Many of you may also be facing financial challenges, and if that includes you, I’ll donate a free membership for every 100 bought. Just email me and explain your need, and I’ll put you on our list.

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

----more----

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.

In conclusion, Shalev steps back to reflect on what's ultimately at stake - the endurance of American democracy in the face of rising authoritarianism worldwide. Describing his firsthand experience of life under apartheid, he warns listeners of the chilling effect of a police state on creativity and the human spirit.

Shalev encourages his audience to support his work at Narativ with characteristic passion and sincerity at this critical juncture. Arguing that an informed citizenry is the lifeblood of any democracy, he appeals for the resources to continue delivering groundbreaking independent journalism.

Please stay tuned for more updates as this historic trial unfolds, and visit narrative.substack.com to help Narrative pursue its vital mission. The future of the America

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.