Decoder with Nilay Patel Recode Decode: CNN's Jim Sciutto
Jun 10, 2019
Jim Sciutto, CNN's chief national security correspondent and co-anchor of CNN Newsroom, dives deep into his new book, tackling covert operations by Russia and China against the U.S. He discusses the delusions Americans hold about these countries post-Cold War and outlines why both are now clear adversaries. With insights from his journalistic journey during pivotal moments like the Tiananmen Square protests, Sciutto warns of the modern-day threats from AI advancements and election interference. He emphasizes the urgent need for a cohesive U.S. strategy to respond to these challenges.
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Episode notes
Tiananmen Square and Sciutto's Career
- Jim Sciutto's interest in foreign correspondence stemmed from his family's presence at Tiananmen Square in 1989.
- This experience prompted him to study China and pursue a career as a foreign correspondent.
Meeting Gary Locke
- Jim Sciutto met the new ambassador to China, Gary Locke, at the 2011 White House Correspondents' Dinner.
- Locke offered Sciutto a job as his chief of staff, which he accepted after getting his wife's approval.
Imperfect Decisions in Government
- Government officials, like people in companies, make imperfect decisions with imperfect information.
- There's no all-knowing entity in these situations, and mistakes happen.
