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READ MORE OF OLGA LAUTMAN’S WORK AT HER SUBSTACK.
This revealing episode deconstructs the sophisticated Russian influence operation that delivered Trump's 2024 victory. While conventional wisdom suggests Harris lost due to poor messaging and economic concerns, our investigation exposes a military-grade information warfare campaign orchestrated by the Kremlin and executed through Elon Musk's media empire.
Expert guest Olga Lautman explains how Russia spent over $45 billion building an "information laundering machine" that weaponized X/Twitter and right-wing media to divide American voters systematically. The operation included a sophisticated $45 million psychological warfare campaign targeting specific demographics with contradictory messages, coordinated bomb threats in Georgia, and strategic algorithm manipulation.
Most chillingly, Putin's likely successor, Nikolai Patrushev, issued what amounts to a mafia-style threat, declaring Trump has "obligations to fulfill" after receiving Russian help. We explore what these obligations likely entail: a $2 trillion "shock therapy" economic plan designed to destabilize America, withdraw from global leadership, and enable Russian expansion.
As Germany prepares for potential war and Russia eyes further territorial gains, we examine how America faces its greatest crisis since the Civil War. This wasn't just election interference—it was a carefully orchestrated operation to capture American democracy itself. With expert insight from Lautman, we discuss what to expect in the coming months and how Americans can resist as their country faces unprecedented challenges.
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"To achieve success in the election, Donald Trump relied on certain forces to which he has corresponding obligations. And as a responsible person, he will be obliged to fulfill them."
These chilling words, delivered by Nikolai Patrushev—Putin's likely successor and former head of the FSB—confirm what our three-year investigation has uncovered: a sophisticated Russian influence operation with Elon Musk at its center, designed to deliver both the presidency and America's future to Vladimir Putin.The Web of Influence
Our investigation reveals three interconnected operations:
The Platform Play: Musk's $44 billion acquisition of Twitter (now X) wasn't just a business deal—it was a strategic takeover of America's digital town square. By 2024, algorithm changes amplified extremist content while Russian propaganda flowed freely.
The Money Trail: Russian oligarch families facilitated the X purchase, creating a direct line between the Kremlin and America's most influential social platform.
The Policy Puppet: Musk's daily presence at Mar-a-Lago isn't coincidental. He's orchestrating a $2 trillion "shock therapy" economic plan that economists warn could devastate the American economy—exactly as similar measures did in Argentina.
Eight years ago, I wrote "The Russia House," detailing Russian influence in Trump's first administration. Many called it impossible. Now, Putin's top security official openly declares that the President-elect has "obligations that must be fulfilled."
This isn't just another story about Russian interference. It's about the systematic dismantling of American democracy through economic warfare, information manipulation, and direct control of government operations.
When I wrote The Russia House eight years ago, it was a warning. Tonight's story is different. This isn't about what might happen—it's about what is happening right now, in plain sight, and what will happen if these plans are allowed to proceed.
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The Trump Campaign attracted some Black, Hispanic, and Jewish voters, says Carl Allen, author of "The Polls Weren't Wrong."
Trump's path to victory in 2024 wasn't through his base alone—it was through precision targeting of key demographic groups that traditionally lean Democratic. The margins were razor-thin, but the strategy was effective.
The Math
Trump started with his rock-solid 47-48% base. They needed new voters outside of their base. They targeted demographics in traditional democratic demos.
- Young Black men: Support doubled from 15% to 30%
- Hispanic men: Achieved majority support
- Jewish voters: Showed increased support amid Gaza conflict
"Trump didn't overwhelmingly win these groups," Allen explains. "He squeezed an extra 2-3% here and there. But 2% of a small group, plus 2% of another small group—it adds up."
The Perception Game
Perhaps most striking was how Trump won the economic narrative. Despite often vague policy proposals ("concepts of a plan," as Allen puts it), Trump successfully conveyed a simple message: he's better for jobs and wallets.
"We're reaching this point where perception outweighs policy," Allen notes. "The perception of a candidate's position is far more important than their actual policies."
The Democratic Dilemma
The interview reveals a sobering reality: Democratic policies on abortion, minimum wage, and economics poll well individually. Yet the party struggled to translate this into electoral victory.
In Wisconsin and Michigan, the final margins tell the story:
- Trump: ~49.5%
- Harris: Just under 49%
Pennsylvania saw Trump just over 50%, Harris at 48.5%.
Looking Forward
The data suggests this wasn't just an Electoral College victory—Trump appears positioned to win the popular vote for the first time since 2004. It's a watershed moment that demands Democratic soul-searching about messaging and voter outreach.
As Allen observes: "Traditional media is fading in importance... authentically reaching people, that's where podcasts have an advantage over things like commercials and mainstream cable news appearances."
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What began as a day marked by Russian interference - from FBI warnings about Russian-originated bomb threats at polling stations to debunked deep-fake videos - ended with an electoral outcome that seemed to follow a Russian-crafted narrative.
Our show began confidently at 9:30 PM ET, with Dean Blundell and Spencer “Spenny” Rice joining me to witness what we expected to be a historic victory for Kamala Harris. The mood was light, even celebratory. "Dancing in the streets by 11:30," we predicted.
But as the night progressed, the numbers shifted dramatically. One by one, the critical swing states fell: Michigan (+90,820 for Trump), Wisconsin (a razor-thin +29,797), Pennsylvania (+153,204), and Georgia (+117,384).
By the time foreign policy expert Rick Petrie joined our panel, what had started as a celebration had transformed into growing concern about the integrity of what we were witnessing.
By morning, what seemed impossible at 9:30 PM had become reality - Donald Trump had secured victory in nearly every battleground state, with margins that defied both polling and campaign internal numbers.
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This week, Elon Musk confirmed his support for implementing $2 trillion in federal budget cuts, which he describes as necessary "shock therapy" for the U.S. economy. Musk laid out his vision at Donald Trump's Madison Square Garden rally, stating, "Your money is being wasted. We'll get the government off your back and out of your pocketbook".
When asked directly about the economic impact of these cuts, Musk responded, "Sounds about right," to the prediction of severe market disruption and economic contraction. The proposed $2 trillion reduction represents nearly one-third of the current $6.13 trillion federal budget.
Trump has indicated that he would appoint Musk to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to implement these cuts. The Wall Street Journal reported that throughout this period, Musk maintained regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his first deputy, Sergei Kerienko, since late 2022.
The economic model for these cuts appears to mirror the "shock therapy" policies implemented in Argentina under Javier Milei, which has led to:
- Inflation at 230%
- Unemployment rising from 12% to 18%
- Poverty increasing from 42% to 53%
Musk has become Trump's most prominent financial backer through his America PAC, contributing $118 million of his own money. This level of financial support, combined with his proposed role overseeing budget cuts, would give him unprecedented influence over both fiscal policy and public discourse through his ownership of X/Twitter.
The proposed cuts would require significant reductions to core government services, including Medicare and Social Security, and eliminating multiple federal agencies. While critics argue this would cause severe economic disruption, Musk maintains these measures are necessary for long-term prosperity.
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Dean Blundell joins Zev Shalev for the third installment of Narativ Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has a list of members of Parliament who are either actively engaged with or at high risk of foreign interference, putting Parliament Hill in crisis. The bombshell disclosure came at Canada's Foreign Interference Inquiry, during which Trudeau expressed frustration at Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre's continued refusal to receive top-secret security briefings about the threat.
I have the names of a number of parliamentarians, former parliamentarians, and/or candidates in the Conservative Party of Canada, who are engaged or at high risk of, or for whom there is clear intelligence around foreign interference,"
PM Justin Trudeau under oath.
The Prime Minister emphasized that his government has directed CSIS to inform the Conservative Party leader about these security risks, but Poilievre's refusal to receive classified briefings means "nobody in his party, nobody in a position of power knows the names of these individuals and can take appropriate action."
Indian Government's Deep Infiltration Exposed
The revelations come amid mounting evidence of Indian government interference in Canadian politics. The RCMP has uncovered evidence linking Indian government agents to a campaign of violence, including homicides, coercion, and extortion on Canadian soil.
In a dramatic development, Trudeau confirmed he confronted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about these allegations during what he described as a "very uncomfortable" conversation at the G20 summit. The Prime Minister disclosed that Indian diplomats and consular officials in Canada had allegedly leveraged their positions to engage in clandestine intelligence-gathering activities.
Conservative Party Operative Under Investigation
Adding to the growing scandal, recent reports indicate that Arpan Khanna, who served as Pierre Poilievre's Ontario co-chair during his successful leadership campaign, is under investigation by CSIS for potentially receiving support from the Indian government.
Khanna's nomination in the Oxford riding has come under particular scrutiny. Two senior riding officials resigned in protest, claiming the party leadership "hijacked" the process to favor Khanna.
About Dean Blundell
Dean Blundell, a legendary figure in Canadian broadcasting who hosted the boundary-pushing morning show on Toronto's 102.1 The Edge (2001-2014) and later Fan 590, has transformed from self-described "shock jock" to one of Canada's most important investigative voices through his Dean Blundell Show podcast and Crier Media empire. Under the Crier Media banner, which operates dozens of podcasts and works with a collective of reporters, journalists, and lawyers while maintaining complete independence by refusing government funding, Blundell has emerged as a leading investigator of foreign interference in Canadian politics, breaking significant stories about threats to democracy that mainstream media outlets often hesitate to cover, including early reporting on Pierre Poilievre's refusal to obtain national security clearance and exposing connections between Canadian conservative movements and international actors.
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Our latest analysis projects Kamala Harris as the probable winner of the 2024 election, with a likely path to 292 electoral votes. Election expert Carl Allen's independent forecast supports this projection, rating Harris as the more likely winner. His models even show a possible more decisive outcome, in which Democrats could sweep all swing states.
Probable Path to Victory:
The most likely scenario shows Harris securing traditional blue-wall states (Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania) while adding North Carolina, creating multiple viable paths to victory even if she loses one blue-wall state. This probable path puts Harris at 292 electoral votes compared to Trums’s forecast, showing potential for an even stronger Democratic performance.
Michigan Michigan appears the most volatile of the blue wall states, with both campaigns wrestling over significant voter shifts. Despite Republicans registering more new voters than expected and potential losses of 50,000-150,000 traditionally Democratic voters over Gaza, Allen's polling average still shows Harris maintaining a likely lead at 48.5% to Trump's 48%. The GOP's strategic pivot to early voting could prove decisive. While they celebrate narrower Democratic early voting margins, Allen warns they may be "cannibalizing" their crucial Election Day turnout.
Wisconsin In Allen's analysis, Wisconsin emerges as the most vulnerable blue-wall state, with a lower concentration of urban Democratic voters than Pennsylvania and Michigan. While Harris currently leads in Wisconsin, Allen rates it as the most likely blue-wall state to flip red—a scenario that would cost Democrats 10 electoral votes but likely wouldn't be fatal to Harris's chances if she secures other swing states.
North CarolinaNorth Carolina has become the Democrats' probable safety net, consistently showing Harris at 49% to Trump's 47% across multiple polls. The state's shifting media landscape and the toxic effect of Republican gubernatorial candidate Robinson's scandals have created likely Democratic strength. Trump's hasty addition of an unplanned North Carolina rally signals Republican anxiety about a state that could provide Harris with probable electoral insurance if any blue wall state falters.
Likely GOP Vulnerability Republicans' strategic shift to early voting will probably backfire by reducing their traditional Election Day advantage. With 19 million votes already cast and Democrats building strong early voting margins, the GOP faces a changed electoral landscape that likely complicates their path to victory. Despite prediction markets favoring Trump, Allen sees no data supporting him as even a probable favorite, suggesting market manipulation may be at play.
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The secretive Catholic organization Opus Dei has emerged as a powerful force in American conservative politics, wielding outsized influence on key issues like abortion, the Supreme Court, and threats to democracy. In a revealing interview, investigative journalist Gareth Gore, author of the new book "Opus: The Cult of Dark Money, Human Trafficking, and Right-Wing Conspiracy inside the Catholic Church," exposes Opus Dei's hidden networks and agenda.
Key revelations:
Opus Dei operates as a shadowy intelligence network within the Catholic Church, gathering information on members and strategically placing allies in positions of power.
The group has deep ties to conservative politics in the U.S., with close connections to figures like Leonard Leo, Bill Barr, JD Vance and others shaping the Supreme Court and Republican policy.
Opus Dei recruits aggressively, often targeting minors as young as 12-13 years old using cult-like tactics.
A Spanish bank hijacked by Opus Dei funneled billions of dollars into the organization's global expansion, including major initiatives in Washington D.C.
The group is currently facing human trafficking charges in Argentina for exploiting young women as unpaid domestic servants.
Gore argues Opus Dei represents a serious threat to democracy, pushing an authoritarian agenda cloaked in religious language. As America approaches a pivotal election, understanding Opus Dei's influence and tactics is crucial for voters concerned about the future of democratic institutions.
This eye-opening conversation sheds light on one of the most secretive and influential organizations operating in American politics today. Gore's meticulously researched book "Opus" is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the hidden forces shaping our political landscape.
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The parallels between 2024 and 2016 are striking and impossible to ignore:
Trump as the Candidate: Donald Trump is the Republican nominee, and that entails unprecedented support from Russia.
Female Democratic Nominee: Like Hillary Clinton in 2016, Kamala Harris faces unique challenges as a woman running for the highest office.
Tight Polls in Battleground States: We're seeing razor-thin margins in key states, reminiscent of the nail-biting finish in 2016.
Disinformation Campaigns: As I noted in yesterday's show, we're facing an "onslaught of disinformation" that eerily mirrors the 2016 landscape.
Green Shoots in the Data
I asked Carl Allen, author of "The Polls Weren't Wrong," how he viewed the two elections on last night’s show. Allen says his 2024 forecast is not as close as other analysts’, putting Kamala Harris in a far more advantageous polling position than Hillary Clinton was in 2016.
Here are some of the "green shoots" that Carl sees in the data.
Closer to 50%: Allen points out that Harris is polling closer to the crucial 50% mark in critical states, which he argues is more important than lead size.
Fewer Undecideds: Unlike 2016, there are fewer undecided voters this time around, potentially reducing last-minute swings.
Fewer Third-Party Candidates: The 2024 race has fewer prominent third-party candidates, simplifying the electoral math.
Allen emphasizes that Harris's chances are better than a toss-up, albeit just barely. He puts her probability of winning at about 66%, adding, "A 34 or one in three chance that Trump wins doesn't let me sleep well at night."
He also calls 2016 an outlier election that shouldn’t be viewed as very predictive. While this offers some cautious optimism, it reminds me that everything about this election, like 2016, is abnormal.
2024’s Wild Cards
Trump's strategy in 2024, like 2016 “is asymmetrical. Instead of running an on-message campaign, he's running an absolute onslaught of disinformation."
His alliance with X’s Elon Musk is an unprecedented national security crisis connecting the GOP nominee to a known Russian disinformation agent who has the most prominent news app in the world at his disposal to spread disinformation.
There are legitimate concerns about foreign actors like Bibi Netanyahu, Xi Jinping, and Vladimir Putin attempting to sway the election by inventing or heightening international crises.
The Specter of Violence: The implicit threat of violence if Trump doesn’t win echoes the 2020 election.
Biden Sounds The Alarm
The gravity of the disinformation threat was underscored today by President Biden himself. In response to false claims about hurricane relief efforts, Biden condemned what he called "a reckless, irresponsible, relentless promotion of disinformation and outright lies."
Biden explicitly named Trump, stating he "has led the onslaught of lies." echoing the "onslaught of disinformation" referred to in yesterday's show.
Carl Allen’s book “The Polls Weren’t Wrong” brings an exciting new perspective to our understanding of polls and helps us be more precise about forecasting results, especially during unprecedented unpredictability.
What do you think about the parallels and differences between 2016 and 2024? Please reply in the comments below.
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In this eye-opening episode, Zev Shalev exposes how Donald Trump's campaign is unleashing a familiar torrent of disinformation, eerily reminiscent of 2016. Shalev meticulously dissects the current state of the 2024 U.S. presidential race, revealing how Trump's strategy of flooding social media with falsehoods is once again tightening the polls in crucial swing states.
At the core of Shalev's analysis is Trump's unconventional campaign approach, which prioritizes a relentless stream of disinformation over traditional political messaging. The recent Butler, Pennsylvania rally serves as a stark example, with Shalev highlighting how Twitter, under Elon Musk's ownership, has become the primary conduit for this information deluge.
Shalev doesn't just outline the problem; he offers a roadmap for countering it.
He scrutinizes the Harris campaign's response to Trump's tactics, drawing parallels to the Clinton campaign's struggles in 2016. His breakdown of Trump's "3% theory" provides crucial insight into why this flood of disinformation could be devastatingly effective, even if the majority recognizes it as false.
As the clock ticks down to election day, Shalev poses a critical question: Are we prepared to stem this tide of disinformation, or are we heading for another shocking upset? His urgent recommendations for combating this onslaught in the final weeks of the campaign are both practical and necessary.
"We're witnessing a repeat of 2016's disinformation playbook, but on steroids," Shalev warns.
"Every tweet, every rally, every online interaction is part of this strategy. We have mere weeks to change the narrative." Tune in to hear Shalev's full analysis and his thoughts on whether we can avoid falling into the same traps that caught us off guard eight years ago.
Don't miss our upcoming episode, in which we'll explore cutting-edge strategies to counter this disinformation campaign and dive deeper into its mechanics. In the age of AI and evolving social media landscapes, Zev Shalev's insights are more crucial than ever.
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In this critical episode, geopolitical expert Rick Petree helps us unpack the escalating Middle East crisis and its potential to spark a wider conflict.
Key points:
Israel's ground offensive into Lebanon marks a significant escalation, with tanks crossing the border and airstrikes hitting Beirut's suburbs.
The humanitarian toll is staggering: nearly a million Lebanese displaced and rising casualties. Syrian refugees are even returning to their war-torn homeland, deeming it safer than Lebanon.
Israel's recent intelligence coup - assassinating Hassan Nasrallah and eliminating Hezbollah's top brass - has reshaped the battlefield but risks severe retaliation.
Netanyahu's domestic support surges, but at what cost to democracy?
Iran issues threats but hesitates to engage directly. Reports of Ayatollah Khamenei's relocation underscore the regime's vulnerability.
Shifting regional alliances: Saudi Arabia and Jordan's evolving stances hint at a new geopolitical landscape.
The Palestinian question is being reimagined, with new visions for Gaza's future emerging.
Petree's key insight: "Events move fast in this part of the world," and "Israel has really scored a coup here."
As the Middle East teeters on the brink, stay tuned for our ongoing coverage of this rapidly evolving crisis. As we continue to track these rapidly unfolding events, the Middle East stands on a knife-edge, and we'll be here to guide you through every critical development.
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Narativ has obtained exclusive details of President Volodymyr Zelensky's "Victory Plan" for Ukraine—a bold strategy to defeat Russia within months. This plan, targeting the war's end before 2025, could reshape Eastern Europe's geopolitical landscape.
To unpack the plan's implications, we spoke with Ambassador Kurt Volker, former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations and current Distinguished Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA). With over 35 years of foreign policy experience, Volker offers unique insights into this critical development.
In our exclusive interview, Volker broke down the plan's four-pronged strategy: military, diplomatic, political, and economic. He explained how this comprehensive approach could force a Russian retreat by making defeat seem inevitable to Putin's regime.
Notably, Volker discussed the plan's more controversial aspects, including potential long-range strikes inside Russia. This move would significantly shift the conflict's nature and could impact international support for Ukraine's war effort.
According to Volker, the timing is crucial. With winter approaching and the U.S. presidential election on the horizon, Ukraine sees a narrow window to decisively change the war's course.
This Narativ exclusive offers more than breaking news—it provides insight into potentially history-making decisions unfolding in real-time.
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In a groundbreaking exposé, Narativ's special Canada edition, hosted by Zev Shalev with guest Dean Blundell, unveiled disturbing parallels between the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. and emerging threats to Canadian democracy
Poilievre: The Face of Maple MAGA
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, has emerged as the standard-bearer for what some are calling "Maple MAGA" - a Canadian iteration of the populist movement seen in the United States. With his party leading in the polls, Poilievre stands on the brink of potentially becoming Canada's next Prime Minister.
This prospect raises alarming questions about the future of Canadian democracy. As Zev Shalev noted, "Poilievre's rise mirrors the playbook we've seen in other democracies that have slid towards authoritarianism. The parallels with figures like Viktor Orbán in Hungary are hard to ignore."
The CBC: Autocrat Target
While the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is in a very precarious position if an authoritarian-leaning government takes power. "History shows us that public broadcasters often become prime targets for leaders seeking to control the narrative," Dean Blundell emphasized. "If Poilievre wins, the CBC could face a fate similar to public media in Hungary or Poland."
Security Clearance Controversy
Adding to concerns, Poilievre has refused to submit to a top-secret security clearance check - an unprecedented move for a potential prime minister. This stance becomes even more critical as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party has lost its crucial partnership with the New Democratic Party (NDP), putting the current government in a precarious position.
Recent polls showing Poilievre's Conservatives with a significant lead amplify worries about a potential leadership change without proper security vetting.
Russia’s Billion Dollar Digital Racketeering Market
Compounding these internal challenges, a recent U.S. Department of Justice indictment has unveiled a massive $10 million Russian disinformation operation targeting both Canada and the United States. This operation, involving Canadian actors, highlights significant vulnerabilities in Canada's defenses against foreign influence.
The indictment implicates Tenet Media, a conservative outlet founded by Canadian influencer Lauren Chen, as a potential front for pro-Kremlin propaganda. This revelation underscores the sophisticated nature of foreign interference in Canadian politics.
Democracy at a Crossroads
The convergence of these events – Poilievre's rise as the face of Maple MAGA, his refusal of security clearance, political instability, and foreign disinformation campaigns – paints a troubling picture of Canadian democracy at a critical juncture.
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In a bombshell revelation, Narativ has obtained leaked documents from Russian intelligence services that directly implicate Elon Musk and Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene in amplifying Kremlin-created propaganda. The confidential files, originating from Russia's 'Social Design Agency' (SDA), provide unprecedented insight into Moscow's ongoing efforts to manipulate U.S. public opinion and policy.
According to the documents, the SDA operates under the direct supervision of Vladimir Putin's inner circle. Its primary mission is to create and disseminate content designed to influence U.S. policy on Ukraine and sow discord among the American public.
First evidence that Elon Musk uses X to push Kremlin propaganda to his Millions of followers.
Meeting minutes reveal that Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), shared a meme created by Russian operatives featuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The document states:
"The meme with the image of Volodymyr Zelensky, created by 'ASD', was shared by X and its owner - billionaire Elon Musk - on the social network."
This meme, designed to weaken America's support for Ukraine, reached an estimated 95 million users.
Marjorie Taylor Greene pushed a wholly fabricated narrative about Ukrainian child human trafficking.
The leaks also show that Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene amplified a wholly fabricated story about Ukrainian child trafficking. One report notes the operation's success: "The new team made a fake theft of children. Americans seriously published. Success!"
A video presentation obtained by Narativ features Ilya Gambashidze, head of the SDA, explaining the agency's methods. Wearing a hoodie emblazoned with "Russian ideological troops" and "commander of special forces" patches, Gambashidze outlines their three-pronged approach: monitoring, analytics, and creative content production.
These revelations come amid growing concern about Russian influence in U.S. media and politics. Last week, documents surfaced linking Russia Today to Russian intelligence services and identifying 600 U.S.-based paid influencers as Russian agents.
Hillary Clinton calls for civil or criminal actions against Americans involved in Russian propaganda.
Narativ's host, Zev Shalev, emphasized the urgency of addressing this threat to American democracy. Guest expert Olga Lautman, host of the Kremlin Files podcast, called for stricter measures against those spreading Russian propaganda, echoing recent comments by Hillary Clinton suggesting potential civil or criminal charges for Americans engaged in such activities.
As this story develops, it becomes increasingly clear that Russia's web of influence extends far beyond what many Americans realize. The implications for U.S. democracy and national security are profound and demand immediate attention from policymakers and the public alike.
Narativ will continue to investigate this story. Check back for updates.
The leaks from the SDA were first obtained by the German outlets Sueddeutsche Zeitung, NDR, and WDR,
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West Palm Beach, FL - What was initially reported as a potential assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at his Florida golf club has now raised more questions than answers, according to a Narativ investigation.
On September 15, 2024, chaos erupted at Trump International Golf Club when a man allegedly opened fire near the course where the former president was playing. Trump was unharmed in the incident.
The suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, was arrested after a high-speed chase. Routh, a North Carolina native who relocated to Hawaii in 2018, has a complex background that includes a 2002 felony conviction for possessing a weapon of mass destruction.
However, discrepancies in the official narrative have emerged. Court documents place Routh at the golf course at 1:00 AM, hours before Trump's reportedly last-minute decision to play golf. This timing has raised questions about how Routh knew to be there.
The weapon allegedly used, an SKS-style rifle with an obliterated serial number, is not commonly sold in Florida, adding another layer of mystery to the incident.
Months before the event, social media posts warned about Routh's alleged misrepresentation of ties to international military organizations. One user, claiming to be a former International Legion member, stated Routh was "misrepresenting himself and lying to many people" about connections to Ukrainian forces.
The incident occurs against the backdrop of a tight presidential race. Recent polls show Vice President Kamala Harris with a narrow 0.2 percentage point lead in battleground states, while former President Trump leads in states like Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona. Pennsylvania, with its crucial 19 electoral votes, is currently tied.
Local law enforcement and federal agencies are continuing their investigation into the incident. The Department of Justice has notably avoided using the term "assassination attempt" in its statements, referring instead to "firearms charges related to an incident."
As the investigation unfolds, many questions remain unanswered. How did Routh obtain the weapon? What were his true intentions? And why was he at the golf course hours before Trump arrived?
Narativ will continue to follow this developing story as more information becomes available.
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Narrativ Live discusses the US Department of Justice's recent indictments against a Russian influence network targeting the 2024 US elections. Notable right-wing influencers Tim Pool and Benny Johnson are implicated in a $10 million operation orchestrated by RT (formerly Russia Today) employees. The DOJ also addresses the Doppelganger campaign, which involved creating fake news websites to spread Russian propaganda. Concurrently, there has been significant global news, including the banning of Elon Musk's social network X in Brazil and the arrest of Telegram's CEO in France. Additionally, breaking news reports highlight a horrendous terrorist attack at a concert hall in Russia claimed by ISIS. The episode delves into the ramifications of these developments and how they shape global narratives.
00:00 Introduction and Breaking News
00:31 Russian Influence Network Exposed
01:23 The Doppelganger Campaign
02:31 Indictments and Seizures
02:53 Elon Musk and Social Media Bans
04:24 Moscow Concert Hall Attack
05:54 ISIS Claims Responsibility
06:09 Benny Johnson's Propaganda
16:08 Tim Pool's Transformation
28:36 Operation Doppelganger Details
29:43 Putin's Election Influence
35:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this explosive episode of Narativ, Zev Shalev uncovers the dark underbelly of social media giants and their ties to Russian oligarchs and organized crime. Focusing on Telegram founder Pavel Durov's recent arrest, we explore the intricate web of connections that link some of the world's most popular platforms to Kremlin interests and criminal enterprises.
Key Segments and Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction and episode overview
05:23 - Pavel Durov's arrest and the shattered exile myth
15:47 - Telegram's hidden connections to Russian money
28:12 - Social media platforms as facilitators of organized crime
39:55 - Interview with William Echikson, tech policy expert
59:30 - The Russian nexus: Zuckerberg, Musk, and beyond
1:12:18 - Implications for the 2024 elections and global politics
1:25:45 - Conclusion and call to action
Key Revelations
1. Pavel Durov visited Russia over 50 times between 2015-2021, contradicting his exile narrative.
2. Telegram's payment system is linked to Digital Sky Technologies (DST), a firm with Kremlin ties.
3. Major platforms like Facebook and Twitter (X) have significant connections to Russian oligarch money.
4. These platforms have become tools for organized crime, facilitating everything from drug trafficking to terrorism.
5. Durov's arrest in France marks a potential shift towards holding tech leaders accountable.
Featured Guest
William Echikson - Non-resident Senior Fellow with the Digital Innovation Initiative at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)
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Episode Summary
In this special episode, we analyze Kamala Harris's groundbreaking acceptance speech as the first woman of color to be nominated for President by a major U.S. party. We explore the personal, political, and historical dimensions of this pivotal moment in American history.
Key Points
1. Harris's personal journey from daughter of immigrants to Presidential nominee
2. Her vision for America's future and key policy proposals
3. Addressing current challenges, including the pandemic and economic recovery
4. Historical significance of her nomination
5. Rebuttals to the current administration and contrasts in leadership style
Timeline
- [00:00] Introduction and context of the speech
- [05:00] Harris's opening remarks and personal story
- [15:00] Key policy proposals and vision for America
- [25:00] Addressing current national challenges
- [35:00] Historical significance of her nomination
- [45:00] Contrasts with Trump
- [55:00] Closing remarks and call to action
Notable Quotes
"Simply put, they are out of their minds."
"We are ready for a president who can bring us together, who can lead with courage and conviction, who can meet this moment and deliver on the promise of America."
"I've fought for children and families my whole career. And I'll wake up every day as your president thinking about how to make your lives better."
"We will stand up for our values, for our democracy, and for the rule of law. We will defend the Constitution and protect the rights of every American."
"In America, we don't just dream - we do. We don't just see what has been, we see what can be. We shoot for the moon, and then we plant our flag on it."
"There is no vaccine for racism. We've got to do the work."
"We're at an inflection point. The constant chaos leaves us adrift. The incompetence makes us feel afraid. The callousness makes us feel alone. It's a lot."
Analysis Points
- Harris's use of personal narrative to connect with voters
- The balance between policy specifics and broader vision
- Rhetorical strategies and their effectiveness
- Body language and delivery analysis
- Comparisons to other historic nomination speeches
Call-to-Action
Share your thoughts on Harris's speech and its potential impact on the 2024 election. Join the conversation in our comments section or on social media using #HarrisAccepts.
Looking Ahead
Narativ returns to regular programming.
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Episode Summary
In this episode, we dive into the star-studded third night of the Democratic National Convention 2024 in Chicago. We explore powerful speeches from political heavyweights and cultural icons, setting the stage for Kamala Harris's historic acceptance speech on the final night.
Key Points
Bill Clinton's masterful explanation of the Democratic vision
Nancy Pelosi's rallying cry for democracy
Oprah Winfrey's powerful endorsement and call for values-based leadership
Tim Walz's acceptance of the Vice Presidential nomination
Diverse voices including Amanda Gorman and Josh Shapiro
Timeline
[00:00] Introduction and recap of the night's significance
[05:30] Analysis of Bill Clinton's speech as the "Explainer-in-Chief"
[15:00] Breakdown of Nancy Pelosi's address on democracy and the future
[25:00] Deep dive into Oprah Winfrey's impactful endorsement
[35:00] Tim Walz's Vice Presidential acceptance speech
[45:00] Highlights from other notable speakers (Amanda Gorman, Josh Shapiro, etc.)
[55:00] Looking ahead to Kamala Harris's acceptance speech on the final night
Notable Quotes
Bill Clinton: "When Kamala Harris is president, every day will begin with you, you, you, you."
Nancy Pelosi: "January 6th was a perilous moment for our democracy. Never before had a President of the United States so brazenly assaulted the bedrock of our democracy."
Oprah Winfrey: "We are ready for a president. Kamala Harris, and Kamala Harris is ready for the job."
Tim Walz: "We're all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason. We love this country."
Amanda Gorman: "Only now approaching this rare error are we aware that perhaps the American dream is no dream at all. But instead, a dare to dream together."
Call-to-Action
Don't miss our exclusive coverage of Kamala Harris's historic acceptance speech on the final night of the DNC. Subscribe to our channel for in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes insights!
Next Episode
Join us for our final DNC episode as we break down Kamala Harris's acceptance speech and reflect on the entire convention's significance for the 2024 election.
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In this episode, we dive into the electrifying second night of the Democratic National Convention 2024 in Chicago. We explore the powerful speeches from Doug Emhoff, Michelle Obama, and Barack Obama, setting the stage for Kamala Harris's historic nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate.
1. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz officially nominated as Democratic candidates
2. Doug Emhoff's heartwarming introduction as potential First Gentleman
3. Michelle Obama's passionate call to action and defense of democracy
4. Barack Obama's rousing endorsement of Harris and critique of Trump
5. The united front of the Democratic party behind Harris and Walz
Timeline
- [00:00] Introduction and setting the scene at the Chicago DNC
- [02:15] Recap of Harris and Walz's official nomination
- [05:30] Analysis of Doug Emhoff's speech and his role as potential First Gentleman
- [15:00] Breakdown of Michelle Obama's powerful address
- [30:00] In-depth look at Barack Obama's keynote speech
- [45:00] Discussion on key themes and messages of the night
- [55:00] Looking ahead to Harris's acceptance speech on Day 3
Notable Quotes
- Doug Emhoff: "Kamala Harris was exactly the right person for me at an important moment in my life. And at this moment in our nation's history, she is exactly the right president."
- Michelle Obama: "America, hope is making a comeback."
- Barack Obama: "We do not need four more years of bluster and bumbling and chaos. We have seen that movie before and we all know that the sequel is usually worse."
- Barack Obama: "Kamala Harris won't be focused on her problems. She'll be focused on yours."
Call-to-Action
Don't miss our exclusive coverage of Kamala Harris's acceptance speech coming up on Day 3 of the DNC. Subscribe to our channel for in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes insights!
Next Episode
Join us tomorrow as we break down Night Three of the DNC, featuring Kamala Harris's historic acceptance speech as the first woman of color to be nominated for President by a major US party.
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