Inside foreign efforts to sow chaos in the 2024 election
Sep 5, 2024
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Devlin Barrett, a journalist from The Washington Post, and Liz Cheney, a former Republican Representative, discuss pressing threats to the 2024 election. They delve into Iran's cyberattacks and Russian interference efforts aimed at disrupting democratic processes. Barrett outlines the potential impacts of legal cases against Trump on the electoral landscape. Cheney reveals her surprising support for Kamala Harris, showcasing a shift in political alliances. The conversation highlights the crucial intersection of foreign influence and U.S. politics as the election approaches.
The podcast highlights the tragic impact of a school shooting in Georgia, illustrating the chaos and fear experienced by students and teachers during the incident.
Concerns are raised about foreign cyberattacks, particularly from Iranian hackers, aimed at disrupting the 2024 election and sowing discord among voters.
Deep dives
Tragic School Shooting in Georgia
A high school shooting in Georgia resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including two 14-year-old boys and two teachers. The suspect, a 14-year-old student named Colt Gray, surrendered to police shortly after the incident, which occurred at Apalachee High School. Eyewitness accounts describe the chaotic scene as students and teachers barricaded themselves in classrooms, experiencing moments of terror. The case is further complicated by the fact that the shooter could face trial as an adult, and authorities are investigating how he acquired the firearm used in the attack.
Ongoing Legal Challenges for Donald Trump
Donald Trump is currently embroiled in various legal cases, including one that might determine the future of his potential prosecution for actions surrounding the 2020 election. Due to a recent Supreme Court ruling that grants immunity to presidents for official acts, the special counsel has modified the indictment against Trump to exclude references to official government discussions. A crucial hearing is set to address which elements of this case can proceed, with the possibility that it may ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court. Legal experts suggest that the complexities of the case could delay a trial until summer 2026, while the implications of this ruling affect other cases, including one related to hush money.
Rising Threats of Foreign Interference in Elections
Concerns about foreign interference in U.S. elections are escalating, particularly with Iranian hackers attempting to conduct cyberattacks and disrupt the electoral process. Recent actions by the Justice Department target Russian entities involved in a disinformation campaign, and Iranian hackers have increasingly shown capabilities in this realm. Specific phishing schemes have been directed at former officials from both Trump's and Biden's administrations, indicating a broader strategy to gather sensitive information. U.S. intelligence warns that foreign actors may exploit social media to create division among American voters, stressing the importance of vigilance during the election period.