Marcy Wheeler, a seasoned political analyst and investigative journalist, delves into the intricate web of the Trump dossier that shook America. She unveils how Paul Manafort sought to discredit the Trump/Russia investigation while connected to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. The conversation explores the chaotic origins of the dossier and the role of disinformation in shaping U.S. political narratives. Wheeler also highlights the dangerous blending of truth and falsehood, revealing how foreign influence drastically impacted the 2016 election and beyond.
The podcast dissects the origins of the Trump dossier, highlighting its publication amid Paul Manafort's attempts to manage Russian connections.
A critical theme explored is the use of disinformation as a means of political manipulation, intertwining truths to create damaging narratives.
The implications of Paul Manafort's interactions with figures like Oleg Deripaska raise serious questions about foreign influence in U.S. political campaigns.
Deep dives
The Absurdity of Allegations
Claims regarding connections between Trump, his campaign, and Putin are described as completely unfounded and absurd. The speaker emphasizes the forgettable nature of so-called 'fake news,' noting its real-world consequences, particularly in polarizing the country. This polarization is characterized as dangerously close to fascism, highlighting the intense divisions within American society over these narratives. Such distortions of truth not only impact public perception but also sway political discourse, creating an environment ripe for misinformation.
The Dossier's Controversial Origins
The podcast details the origins and releases of the infamous dossier, which suggested a wide-ranging campaign by Russian intelligence to interfere in the U.S. elections, aimed directly at supporting Trump while discrediting Hillary Clinton. It is noted that major news organizations were aware of its contents but could not verify them before publication. Furthermore, it highlights Paul Manafort's connection to Oleg Deripaska and how these relationships may have influenced the unfolding of events leading to the release of the dossier. The timing of Manafort's travels and interactions with various figures within Russian networks signals a complex web of political and financial interests.
The Role of Disinformation
Disinformation is explored as a strategic tool utilized not only by foreign powers but also within domestic political processes. The narrative indicates that manipulation of truth can turn subtle truths into broader, often damaging narratives that mislead and divide. The parallels drawn between Russian tactics and those adopted by some American political actors illuminate a cycle where accusations can serve to distract from actual issues. Essentially, disinformation operates most effectively when interwoven with elements of truth, muddying the waters for public comprehension.
Key Players in the Investigation
The podcast discusses key figures involved in the investigations surrounding Trump, the dossier, and potential connections to Russia, particularly focusing on Paul Manafort and Konstantin Kalimnik. The implications of their interactions raise serious questions about the nature of campaign conduct in relation to foreign entities. Kalimnik, identified as a Russian intelligence officer, is portrayed as a crucial link in facilitating communication and cooperation between American political operatives and Russian interests. This dynamic, characterized by both personal and financial motivations, leads to an intricate dance of influence and power that permeates U.S. politics.
The Ongoing Fallout
The repercussions of the investigation into the dossier continue to resonate, influencing contemporary U.S. political discourse and investigations into various figures within Trump's network. The podcast narrates how the early missteps in handling intelligence reports about the supposed links between Trump and Russia have led to lasting divisions and ongoing inquiries. As Trump and his associates push back against allegations, the interplay of power dynamics and legal challenges persists, complicating the landscape of political accountability. The insistence on perpetuated narratives further escalates the conflict between different factions within American politics, leaving a legacy of suspicion and discord.
Paul Manafort was in Spain in January 2017 when the “Trump dossier” was published. He was there to “re-establish” his relationship with Oleg Deripaska, a Russian oligarch to whom he owed millions. When the former chairman of Trump’s 2016 campaign returned to the United States, he presented Republicans with a plan to discredit the entire Trump/Russia investigation.
In the second episode of Ball of Thread, Marcy Wheeler unwinds how the dossier collected by former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele came together and blew up. She also reveals the untold story of Steele’s relationship with Deripaska and Deripaska’s absolutely brutal double-game.
Find out how Russian disinformation helped shape the stories about the dossier, blurring the Trump campaign’s relationship with the Kremlin and strategically polarizing the United States.
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