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.

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, “The Warning.”

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- Tonight's episode delves into the current turmoil surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

- We explore the internal divisions within his war cabinet, the public's growing dissent, and the Israeli army's retreat amid threats of an offensive.

- The sudden withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Gaza has raised questions about the shift in the conflict's dynamics.

- Families return to their devastated homes in Gaza, facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding.

- The killing of 7 aid workers by the IDF has sparked significant controversy and backlash against Netanyahu.

- The IDF's public apology marked a turning point, leading to a humanitarian aid influx and hostage negotiations.

- Netanyahu's long tenure as Prime Minister and his complex relationship with global powers, including Russia and China, are scrutinized.

- His interactions with the Chabad movement and the prophecy of being the last Prime Minister before the Messiah are discussed.

- Rick Petrie, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an energy sector expert, joins the conversation to provide insight into the broader implications of the conflict.

- The episode examines Netanyahu's actions and the delayed military response to the Hamas attack, the government's dysfunction, and the potential shift in global power dynamics if Netanyahu maintains control.

- The stakes are high not only for Israelis and Gazans but for the global order of human rights, emphasizing the need for an end to the conflict.

- Listeners are invited to support the programming by subscribing on Substack or Patreon.

In today's episode, we dive deep into the unfolding political scenario of 2024 and dissect its potential consequences for the democracy of the United States. We examine how unfavorable election outcomes could endanger the democracy and transform the United States into a different reality. Despite having exposed the enemies of democracy for years, the outcome of the upcoming elections seems distressingly predictable.

Emerging poll results show Donald Trump leading in four swing states, presenting a potential electoral college lead over Joe Biden. Altogether, there is a growing sense of foreboding that is difficult to avoid. Still, the game isn't over, and the tides may yet turn as public attention increasingly focuses on the election in the coming summer.

We also explore the impending media circus centered around Trump and the trials he faces. Instead of focusing on pressing issues like the potential rise of religious zealots in the public sector, impending bans on abortions and birth control, or the increasing surveillance on LGBTQ communities, the public might become hypnotized by seemingly insignificant events. This hybrid of an election campaign and made-for-TV spectacle is a worrying development for democracy.

Furthermore, we delve into Trump's financial connections to China, claiming that his new social media platform, Truth Social, represents a multi-billion dollar deal with China. We caution listeners to stay alert to the efforts by media and influential figures to distract from the real issues at stake and urge them to discuss the importance of democracy actively.

Despite the distractions, we fervently encourage you to spread the word about democracy and its impending peril. Please share this podcast with your friends and family, particularly those residing in swing states, to alert them to the reality of the war against democracy. Ultimately, we must seize the narrative and keep the focus on the true issues at hand.

In this in-depth episode of the Narativ, we take a deep dive into how Vladimir Putin, Russia's dominating president, influences not just his own country but democracies across the globe. Starting with an analysis of Putin's recent, and questionable, win in the Russian presidential election, we light up the variations from democratic norms.

Using the resurgence of Paul Manafort in the United States Republic Party as an example, we discuss the frightening reality of potential foreign influence, thus revealing the unsettling truth about Russia's interference in global politics. We don't spare any details, from sinister (and planned) infiltrations to the unabashed spread of disinformation.

We also assess how Putin is trying, and succeeding, to destabilise democratic institutions worldwide and the harmful repercussions of his unchecked influence. As we traverse this uncertain path, we urge our listeners to stay vigilant and protect democracy.

Join us for this compelling discussion with special guest, Olga Lautmann, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis. Discover the entwined relationship between the American political environment and Russian intelligence networks. Understand how key figures have approached Russian intelligence for personal gains, and explore the alarming rise in divisive political discourse and disinformation campaigns.

Woven into this gripping narrative is a delightful partnership with Cookunity, bringing your favourite local restaurant flavours right to your home. Stay informed, stay equipped, and avail this unique opportunity to comprehend the complexities and realities of global politics.

In the concluding part of the episode, we mull over geopolitical issues and discuss possible global conflicts and wars. The discussion leads towards the urgent need for citizens to comprehend the gravity of the current scenario and use their voting rights to prevent a slide into authoritarian rule.

Gain a fresh, well-rounded perspective on the global political landscape through this educative and enlightening episode.

Exploring the GOP's deep-rooted ties to Russia, shedding light on the looming peril to America's democratic system. This episode unpacks the disturbing realities looming post the Super Tuesday. As the 2024 elections loom, a stark reality is painted: a battle between a Russian party and an American party, with Donald Trump as the potential GOP nominee, a figure marred in allegations of criminality and fraud.

Throughout this episode, we unravel how the GOP crisis may morph into a disaster by election time, further jeopardizing American democracy, with an alleged alliance forged with Russia and China aimed to dismantle the American system.

We spotlight the heart of this present crisis, revolving around House Speaker Mike Johnson's continual blocking of crucial military aid to war-torn Ukraine. We disclose astonishing findings from an investigation into Mike Johnson's ties to Putin, revealing a decades-long pattern of supporting Russia's key policies.

Furthermore, we delve into Mike Johnson's legislation, his alleged anti-LGBTQ advocacy, and his inexplicable alignment with Russian social policies. On a broader scale, we expose the evident Russian influence within the GOP. In this precarious scenario, the GOP's Speaker and President appear beholden to Russia, raising serious questions about national security.

With a critical investigation into political ties and troubling legislation, this episode paints a haunting picture of what the future might hold should these unchecked Russian influences play a role in the imminent 2024 elections.

In my latest podcast episode, I had former Congressman Denver Riggleman on to discuss the ongoing threats of Russian interference in the 2024 presidential election. Some key takeaways:

Alexander Smirnov, a Russian intelligence asset, was the main source behind false allegations about Hunter Biden taking bribes. This shows how Russian disinformation can infiltrate partisan investigations.

An FBI whistleblower has claimed confidential informants were used to spread disinformation about the Bidens to the Trump administration. This illustrates problems with the FBI's handling of foreign interference cases.

Speaker Mike Johnson has disturbing connections to Putin's inner circle. His refusal to provide military aid to Ukraine raises questions about whether he is acting in America's interests.

The Hunter Biden laptop story shows patterns of Russian interference across the 2016, 2020, and now 2024 elections that Republicans like Jim Jordan fail to acknowledge.

Polling shows Trump retains an extremely loyal base that is unlikely to fracture before 2024. Issues like abortion rights could potentially swing some Republican women to Biden.

A Trump re-election in 2024 raises concerns about retaliation, political violence, chaos, and damage to democracy. October surprises internationally could also impact the outcome.

I discuss all of these issues and more with Denver Riggleman, who brings expertise from serving on the January 6th Committee. With Russian threats increasing as we approach 2024, it's an important episode to understand the forces that still endanger American democracy. Please have a listen!

This episode of the Narativ podcast focuses on the breaking news that Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny has been murdered, presumably by Vladimir Putin. Navalny's widow, Yuliya Navalnaya, spoke at the Munich Security Conference shortly after his death, calling for Putin and his regime to face justice.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Yuliya Navalnaya's emotional speech at the Munich Security Conference, saying Putin should be punished for Navalny's murder

Rick Petrie from the Council on Foreign Relations provides expert analysis on geopolitics and Vladimir Putin's motives.

"It's further proof that this is a very hard dictatorial regime...They have taken the opportunity to murder someone who is probably the most effective opposition spokesperson and revealer of Putin's nepotism and corruption in a generation."

"Ukraine has been the bellwether for Trump and his fealty towards Putin...And he's still very desperate to deliver on that. And it's very dangerous for us as a country, for NATO as an alliance, and for Western democracy."

This sobering episode focused on Putin's tyranny domestically and in trying to influence world affairs. The murder of Navalny represents a significant escalation and assault on voices of dissent and democracy advocates in Russia. The discussion highlights why opposing Putin's aggression must be a top priority as America heads into the 2024 election.

Tristan Snell, former Assistant Attorney General for New York State, discusses various legal cases linked to ex-president Donald Trump, primarily concerning Trump's election interference and the possible impacts on the forthcoming election. Eagerly awaited cases may not be decided upon until after Election Day. Hence, the voters could be voting without knowing the truth about Trump. Snell shares his comprehensive analysis of how the justice system's delay strategies and cable news also play roles in this process. He also discusses civil trials optimism and the potential implications of Trump's possible conviction. Furthermore, Snell reflects on the lessons from his book 'Taking Down Trump,' which addresses how to prosecute Trump effectively based on his experiences in the Trump University case.

Over 300 pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation have been introduced in state legislatures across the country so far this year, in what advocates are calling an unprecedented assault on transgender rights.

The majority of bills specifically target transgender individuals, ranging from healthcare restrictions to limits on school sports participation. The volume has skyrocketed compared to previous years, with 2023 on track to exceed 2022's record number of anti-trans bills.

“This is not regular politics — it’s a moral panic,” said journalist Erin Reed, who tracks anti-LGBTQ legislation extensively. “It’s gone beyond politicking and is now basically whatever [conservatives] can use to rally their base.”

Many bills have origins in model legislation pushed by national conservative groups. The Heritage Foundation's “Project 2025” blueprint lays out plans to rescind LGBTQ protections over the next three years, establishing what critics call a path toward authoritarian rule. Efforts span from empowering a right-wing federal workforce to utilizing agencies like the CDC for invasive data collection on sexuality.

The recent bills rely largely on unfounded claims that inclusive policies endanger cisgender students and undermine parental rights. Alabama, Arizona, and other states target healthcare coverage for transition-related care for minors even as major medical associations endorse affirming care.

Experts widely discredit arguments that acknowledging young transgender students’ identities or respecting pronouns can influence peers’ orientations. Similarly, sports participation bans counter research showing trans athletes have no consistent performance advantages in their gender category after beginning hormones, though schemes differ.

Reed warned that families are already being forced to “flee their homes or hide just to get healthcare” while awaiting legal challenges against healthcare restrictions. While some Senate Democrats have spoken against anti-LGBTQ measures, the White House response remains muted to date. With administrations empowered to interpret sex protections, legislative defeats may not spell the end as court battles loom ahead.