Pro-Trump election deniers are positioned to disrupt 2024 vote count
3Digest
The episode begins with a discussion of the release of Alexandra Skachelenko, a Russian artist imprisoned for protesting the war in Ukraine, as part of a hostage swap involving Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. The host criticizes Donald Trump for congratulating Vladimir Putin on the hostage deal, highlighting the contrast with the Biden administration's efforts in securing the release of the hostages. The episode then shifts to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, discussing President Biden's response and the potential for retaliation from Iran. The host also discusses Vice President Kamala Harris's upcoming running mate announcement and the anticipation surrounding the choice. The host raises concerns about the potential for election interference, citing Trump's actions at a Georgia rally and the increasing trend of Republican officials refusing to certify election results. The host analyzes Trump's praise for members of the Georgia State Elections Board, highlighting the concerning trend of installing election deniers and Trump supporters in key election positions. The episode explores the importance of understanding historical parallels to current events, referencing the podcast "Ultra" and its exploration of radical anti-democratic movements in the past. The host also discusses the phenomenon of Americans who admire foreign dictatorships, highlighting the historical context and the dangers of such sentiments. The host discusses Trump's strategy to potentially avoid elections, highlighting his belief that he can regain power without winning the popular vote through manipulation of election processes. The host details the Republican efforts to subvert elections, citing examples from 2020 and 2022, and the increasing organization and coordination of these efforts. The host interviews election lawyer Mark Elias, who confirms the accuracy of the host's analysis and discusses the various tactics employed by Republicans to undermine election certification. The host reflects on their experience in the Senate and the importance of mastering detail in covering government and politics. The episode concludes with a discussion of a Washington Post report about an FBI investigation into whether Egypt illegally funneled $10 million to Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. The host interviews Washington Post reporter Carol Lennig, who provides further details about the investigation and the evidence gathered, highlighting the obstruction of justice by Trump's administration. The host announces their new documentary, "From Russia with Lev," and its exclusive debut at the MSNBC Live Democracy 2024 event.
Outlines
Introduction and Host's Note
The episode begins with an introduction to MSNBC Live, Democracy 2024, and a brief note from the host about a resolution to a story they've been covering.
Hostage Swap and Trump's Response
The host discusses the release of Alexandra Skachelenko, a Russian artist imprisoned for protesting the war in Ukraine, as part of a hostage swap involving Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan. The host criticizes Donald Trump for congratulating Vladimir Putin on the hostage deal, highlighting the contrast with the Biden administration's efforts in securing the release of the hostages.
Middle East Tensions and Kamala Harris's Running Mate
The host discusses President Biden's response to the escalating tensions in the Middle East, including the situation room meeting and the potential for retaliation from Iran. The host also discusses Vice President Kamala Harris's upcoming running mate announcement, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the choice and the campaign's efforts to capitalize on it.
Election Interference and Trump's Praise for Georgia Officials
The host raises concerns about the potential for election interference, citing Trump's actions at a Georgia rally and the increasing trend of Republican officials refusing to certify election results. The host analyzes Trump's praise for members of the Georgia State Elections Board, highlighting the concerning trend of installing election deniers and Trump supporters in key election positions.
Historical Parallels and the Fetish for Dictatorships
The host discusses the importance of understanding historical parallels to current events, referencing their podcast "Ultra" and its exploration of radical anti-democratic movements in the past. The host also explores the phenomenon of Americans who admire foreign dictatorships, highlighting the historical context and the dangers of such sentiments.
Trump's Election Strategy and Republican Efforts to Subvert Elections
The host discusses Trump's strategy to potentially avoid elections, highlighting his belief that he can regain power without winning the popular vote through manipulation of election processes. The host details the Republican efforts to subvert elections, citing examples from 2020 and 2022, and the increasing organization and coordination of these efforts.
Expert Analysis of Election Interference
The host interviews election lawyer Mark Elias, who confirms the accuracy of the host's analysis and discusses the various tactics employed by Republicans to undermine election certification.
Importance of Detail in Politics and Podcast Advertisement
The host reflects on their experience in the Senate and the importance of mastering detail in covering government and politics. This segment also includes an advertisement for the podcast "Why is this happening?" and its upcoming episode.
Investigation into Trump's Potential Bribery and Documentary Announcement
The host discusses a Washington Post report about an FBI investigation into whether Egypt illegally funneled $10 million to Donald Trump's 2016 campaign. The host interviews Washington Post reporter Carol Lennig, who provides further details about the investigation and the evidence gathered, highlighting the obstruction of justice by Trump's administration. The host announces their new documentary, "From Russia with Lev," and its exclusive debut at the MSNBC Live Democracy 2024 event.
Keywords
Alexandra Skachelenko
A Russian artist who was imprisoned for protesting the war in Ukraine by placing small notes on supermarket shelves with statistics about the war. She was released as part of a hostage swap.
Evan Gershkovich
A Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained in Russia on espionage charges and released as part of a hostage swap.
Paul Whelan
A former US Marine who was imprisoned in Russia on espionage charges and released as part of a hostage swap.
Georgia State Elections Board
The body responsible for administering elections in Georgia. Trump praised its members at a rally, highlighting the concerning trend of installing election deniers in key election positions.
Ultra
A podcast hosted by Rachel Maddow that explores the history of radical anti-democratic movements in the United States, particularly those tied to Nazi Germany.
Mark Elias
A veteran Democratic election lawyer who specializes in election litigation and is the founder of Democracy Docket. He provides expert analysis on the Republican efforts to subvert elections.
Democracy Docket
A non-profit organization founded by Mark Elias that focuses on election law and litigation.
Carol Lennig
A Washington Post national investigative reporter who co-authored the report about the FBI investigation into Trump's potential bribery by Egypt.
From Russia with Lev
A new documentary directed by Billy Corbin about Trump's first impeachment, produced by Rachel Maddow's production company.
Q&A
What was Alexandra Skachelenko's crime?
Alexandra Skachelenko was convicted and sentenced to years in prison for placing small notes on supermarket shelves with statistics about the war in Ukraine, a tiny act of protest against Russia's invasion.
Why did Trump congratulate Putin on the hostage deal?
Trump congratulated Putin despite the fact that the Biden administration was responsible for securing the release of the hostages, highlighting his apparent admiration for the Russian dictator.
What is the concern about the Georgia State Elections Board?
The concern is that Trump's praise for the board members, who are election deniers, signals a trend of installing individuals who may not uphold fair and legal elections in key positions.
What is the main argument of the podcast "Ultra"?
"Ultra" explores the history of radical anti-democratic movements in the United States, particularly those tied to Nazi Germany, and their impact on American electoral politics.
What is the main concern about the Republican efforts to subvert elections?
The concern is that Republicans are increasingly organized and coordinated in their efforts to undermine election certification, potentially leading to a situation where the results of the 2024 election are disputed and the outcome is uncertain.
What is the significance of the FBI investigation into Trump's potential bribery by Egypt?
The investigation, which was obstructed by Trump's administration, raises serious concerns about potential foreign interference in the 2016 election and the possibility of a major presidential scandal.
What is the main message of the documentary "From Russia with Lev"?
"From Russia with Lev" is a comedic and insightful documentary about Trump's first impeachment, exploring a previously unknown story about the events leading up to it.
Show Notes
Plus, One of the biggest scandals in American presidential history... that wasn't.
Table of contents
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