North Korean “Storm Corps” Deploys to Russia
2Digest
This podcast delves into a wide array of current events, examining their implications and potential consequences. The hosts begin by discussing the upcoming Election Day and the importance of voter turnout, emphasizing the significance of individual votes in close elections. They then move on to discuss the news of North Korea sending troops to Russia, highlighting the potential implications for the war in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. The podcast also explores concerns about Elon Musk's regular phone calls with Vladimir Putin, raising questions about potential influence operations and the implications for Musk's government contracts. The hosts then examine a memo proposing that Trump bypass traditional FBI background checks for his incoming team, raising concerns about potential security risks and the implementation of Project 2025. They also discuss Israel's decision to pass laws that effectively ban UNRWA, the UN agency providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, highlighting the potential consequences for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The podcast analyzes Rudy Giuliani's inflammatory remarks about Palestinians at a Trump rally, condemning his racist rhetoric and the dehumanizing language used to portray Palestinians. The hosts then discuss the troubling trend of blurring lines between journalism and conflict in Israel and Lebanon, highlighting the case of an Israeli journalist who participated in a bombing and the Israeli government's targeting of journalists. They also examine Israel's retaliatory airstrikes on Iran, analyzing the potential for escalation and the implications for the broader Middle East conflict. The podcast explores the increasing sophistication of foreign election interference efforts, particularly from Russia, China, and Iran, and the role of social media in spreading disinformation. The hosts then discuss the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia, highlighting the victory of the pro-Russia ruling party and concerns about election irregularities, as well as the implications for Georgia's relationship with the West. They also analyze the results of Japan's snap election, focusing on the LDP's loss of its majority in parliament and the potential for a shift in Japanese politics. The podcast concludes with a humorous look at a sewage pipe incident in Moscow, using it as a metaphor for the war's impact on Russia and the potential for further escalation. The podcast also delves into the Trump administration's family separation policy, discussing the lack of accountability for its implementation and its impact on immigration discourse. The hosts explore how the policy has shifted the Overton window on immigration to the right, making more conservative policies seem acceptable. They also discuss the potential consequences of a Trump victory in the upcoming election for immigration policy, arguing that Trump would likely reinstate the family separation policy and other harsh immigration measures. Finally, the podcast focuses on the Biden administration's clean energy agenda, highlighting the progress made through the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act. The hosts discuss the positive impact of these laws on job creation and the deployment of clean energy across the country.
Outlines
Global Issues and Election Day Anxiety
The podcast begins with a lighthearted introduction, acknowledging the upcoming Election Day and the anxieties it brings. The hosts discuss their plans for the day and the importance of voter turnout, emphasizing the significance of individual votes in close elections.
North Korea's Troop Deployment and Escalating Conflicts
The podcast delves into the news of North Korea sending troops to Russia, highlighting the potential implications for the war in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. The hosts discuss the potential impact of North Korean troops on the war effort and the implications for the global security environment.
Elon Musk's Communication with Putin and Security Clearance Concerns
The hosts discuss a report about Elon Musk's regular phone calls with Vladimir Putin, raising concerns about potential influence operations and the implications for Musk's government contracts. They analyze the potential risks associated with Musk's communication with Putin and the implications for US national security.
Trump's Plan to Scrap FBI Background Checks and Project 2025
The podcast examines a memo proposing that Trump bypass traditional FBI background checks for his incoming team, raising concerns about potential security risks and the implementation of Project 2025. The hosts discuss the potential consequences of bypassing background checks and the implications for the integrity of government institutions.
Israel's Move to Ban UNRWA and the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The hosts discuss Israel's decision to pass laws that effectively ban UNRWA, the UN agency providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, highlighting the potential consequences for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They analyze the impact of the ban on the delivery of essential aid and the potential for further instability in the region.
Rudy Giuliani's Racist Remarks and the Dehumanization of Palestinians
The podcast analyzes Rudy Giuliani's inflammatory remarks about Palestinians at a Trump rally, condemning his racist rhetoric and the dehumanizing language used to portray Palestinians. The hosts discuss the impact of Giuliani's remarks on public perception of Palestinians and the potential for increased prejudice and discrimination.
Blurring Lines Between Journalism and Conflict in Israel and Lebanon
The hosts discuss the troubling trend of blurring lines between journalism and conflict in Israel and Lebanon, highlighting the case of an Israeli journalist who participated in a bombing and the Israeli government's targeting of journalists. They analyze the implications of this trend for press freedom and the integrity of journalism in conflict zones.
Israel's Airstrikes on Iran and Potential Escalation
The podcast examines Israel's retaliatory airstrikes on Iran, analyzing the potential for escalation and the implications for the broader Middle East conflict. The hosts discuss the potential consequences of the airstrikes and the risks of a wider regional conflict.
Foreign Election Interference and the Role of Social Media
The podcast explores the increasing sophistication of foreign election interference efforts, particularly from Russia, China, and Iran, and the role of social media in spreading disinformation. The hosts discuss the tactics used by foreign actors to influence elections and the challenges of combating disinformation online.
Georgia's Parliamentary Elections and Russian Influence
The podcast discusses the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia, highlighting the victory of the pro-Russia ruling party and concerns about election irregularities, as well as the implications for Georgia's relationship with the West. The hosts analyze the potential impact of the election results on Georgia's foreign policy and its relationship with Russia.
Japan's Snap Election and the LDP's Loss of Majority
The podcast analyzes the results of Japan's snap election, focusing on the LDP's loss of its majority in parliament and the potential for a shift in Japanese politics. The hosts discuss the implications of the election results for the future of Japanese politics and the potential for a more populist message.
A Moscow Geyser of Sewage and the War's Impact on Russia
The podcast concludes with a humorous look at a sewage pipe incident in Moscow, using it as a metaphor for the war's impact on Russia and the potential for further escalation. The hosts discuss the broader implications of the war for Russia's economy, infrastructure, and public perception.
The Lack of Accountability for Family Separation
This chapter discusses the lack of accountability for the Trump administration's family separation policy. Despite widespread outrage and calls for justice, no hearings or investigations have been conducted, and no one has been held responsible for the policy's implementation.
The Impact of the Family Separation Policy on Immigration Discourse
This chapter explores how the family separation policy has shifted the Overton window on immigration to the right. The conversation has become more conservative, with Democrats now advocating for policies that were once considered extreme.
The Stakes of the Election for Immigration Policy
This chapter discusses the potential consequences of a Trump victory in the upcoming election. The speaker argues that Trump would likely reinstate the family separation policy and other harsh immigration measures, further eroding the rights of immigrants.
The Biden Administration's Clean Energy Agenda
This chapter focuses on the Biden administration's clean energy agenda, highlighting the progress made through the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act. The speaker discusses the positive impact of these laws on job creation and the deployment of clean energy across the country.
Keywords
Family Separation Policy
The Trump administration's policy of separating migrant children from their parents at the US-Mexico border, widely condemned for its cruelty and lasting trauma on families.
Project 2025
A plan by Trump supporters to install a shadow government by replacing civil servants with ideologues, potentially undermining democratic institutions.
UNRWA
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, providing humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees, targeted by Israel's recent legislation.
Disinformation
False or misleading information spread deliberately to deceive or manipulate, often used by foreign actors to influence elections and public opinion.
Snap Election
An election called unexpectedly, often to capitalize on political momentum or to address a crisis, as seen in recent elections in Japan and Georgia.
Populism
A political approach that appeals to the common person, often emphasizing nationalistic sentiments and opposing elites, potentially emerging in Japan's political landscape.
Gazprom
A Russian state-owned energy company, involved in a sewage pipe incident in Moscow, highlighting the war's impact on Russia's infrastructure and public perception.
Overton Window
A political theory that describes the range of acceptable political discourse. The Overton window can shift over time, reflecting changes in public opinion and political priorities.
Clean Energy
Energy sources that do not produce greenhouse gas emissions, such as solar, wind, and geothermal power. The transition to clean energy is a key priority for many governments and organizations seeking to address climate change.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
A US law passed in 2021 that invests in infrastructure projects, including clean energy, transportation, and broadband internet. The law was supported by both Democrats and Republicans, demonstrating a rare instance of bipartisan cooperation.
Q&A
What are the potential implications of North Korea sending troops to Russia for the war in Ukraine?
The deployment could bolster Russia's manpower, potentially freeing up troops for other fronts. However, the North Korean troops' lack of combat experience raises questions about their effectiveness against battle-hardened Ukrainian forces.
How does Elon Musk's communication with Vladimir Putin raise concerns about potential influence operations?
Musk's regular phone calls with Putin, coupled with his government contracts and influence on social media, raise concerns about potential Russian influence on US policy and public opinion.
What are the potential consequences of Israel's decision to ban UNRWA for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?
The ban could severely disrupt the delivery of essential aid, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and potentially leading to further instability in the region.
How does Rudy Giuliani's racist rhetoric about Palestinians contribute to the dehumanization of Palestinians?
Giuliani's inflammatory remarks, portraying Palestinians as inherently violent and dangerous, perpetuate harmful stereotypes and contribute to a climate of intolerance and prejudice against Palestinians.
What are the implications of the LDP's loss of majority in Japan's snap election for the future of Japanese politics?
The LDP's loss of its majority could signal a shift in Japanese politics, potentially opening the door for a more populist message and a challenge to the party's long-standing dominance.
What are the potential consequences of a Trump victory in the upcoming election for immigration policy?
A Trump victory would likely lead to the reinstatement of the family separation policy and other harsh immigration measures, further eroding the rights of immigrants.
How has the family separation policy shifted the Overton window on immigration?
The family separation policy has shifted the Overton window on immigration to the right, making more conservative policies seem acceptable. Democrats are now advocating for policies that were once considered extreme.
What are the key components of the Biden administration's clean energy agenda?
The Biden administration's clean energy agenda is centered around the bipartisan infrastructure law and the Inflation Reduction Act, which invest in clean energy technologies, infrastructure, and tax credits.
What are some of the positive impacts of the Biden administration's clean energy agenda?
The Biden administration's clean energy agenda has led to increased job creation, the deployment of clean energy across the country, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Show Notes
Tommy and Ben discuss why North Korea deployed 10,000 special forces troops to Russia, reports that Elon Musk likes to chat on the phone with Vladimir Putin, and a Trump campaign memo suggesting that if elected, he should do away with FBI background checks normally required before staff can access classified information. They also talk about new Israeli laws that would cripple aid deliveries into Gaza, the muted response from Iran after Israeli airstrikes near Tehran, increasingly sophisticated election interference from Russia, Iran, and China, the consequences of elections in Georgia and Japan, and a giant feces geyser near Moscow. Then, Tommy interviews NBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff about the new documentary based on his book “Separated” that details the inhumane family separation policy enacted during the Trump administration, and the chances of it happening again if he wins.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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United States
interference in foreign elections. hmm. *scratching head *. ahem,Iran, Vietnam, Peru,Cuba, Venezuela, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, all the rest of central America, etc. etc. fkoff America hypocrisy.