Glenn Greenwald, a journalist known for his role in the Edward Snowden leaks, joins the discussion on pressing global issues. They dive into the potential Ukraine ceasefire and the implications of Canadian leadership changes amid a trade war with the U.S. Greenwald critiques the Trump administration's impact on free speech and examines censorship trends, particularly in Brazil. The conversation also touches on the legal challenges faced by Rodrigo Duterte and the complexities surrounding U.S. diplomacy with adversaries like Hamas.
A potential 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia signifies a possible shift in the ongoing conflict, although Russia's commitment remains uncertain.
Mark Carney's election as Canada's new Liberal Party leader amid a challenging trade war highlights the need for pragmatic political solutions.
Substantial cuts to USAID programs raise significant concerns about increasing humanitarian crises in conflict-stricken regions throughout the world.
The arrest of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil emphasizes the growing tensions over free speech and government actions in the U.S.
Deep dives
Affordable Luxury Fashion
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Biden's Tesla Showcase
During a recent press conference, President Biden demonstrated a Tesla vehicle, highlighting its computer-driven features, which sparked humor among viewers due to his unfamiliarity with modern cars. The conversation humorously compared Biden's actions to past presidents showcasing commercial products, speculating on the absurdity of such a display. This moment reflects the unusual intertwining of politics and commerce in American governance. The incident raised questions about the implications of political figures endorsing specific brands in public forums.
Ukraine Ceasefire Talks
Recent discussions in Saudi Arabia have led to reports of a potential 30-day ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia, signaling a possible shift in the ongoing conflict. The U.S. has also agreed to resume intelligence sharing with Ukraine, which had been halted due to previous political tensions. While the Ukrainian side has accepted the proposal, Russia's stance remains unclear, raising concerns about the sincerity of the negotiations. The hope for peace amidst ongoing violence underscores the complexities of international diplomacy.
Canada's New Prime Minister
Mark Carney has been elected as the new leader of Canada's Liberal Party, stepping into the role amid a challenging political landscape marked by a trade war with the U.S. and the fallout from Justin Trudeau's tenure. Carney, previously a prominent figure in finance, is expected to focus on reviving the economy and addressing climate change issues, despite his opposition to Trudeau's carbon tax. His leadership could represent a shift towards a more pragmatic approach in Canadian politics, as he faces an impending general election. The upcoming political dynamics will be critical as Carney navigates party unity and public trust.
USAID Funding Cuts
The announcement of substantial cuts to USAID programs has sparked significant concern regarding the potential humanitarian impacts of reduced international assistance. Critics have highlighted the risks of increased diseases and malnutrition due to the proposed eliminations, particularly in regions struggling with conflict and instability. This move reflects broader trends in U.S. foreign aid policy and the increasing politicization of humanitarian assistance. The implications of these cuts raise questions about America's commitment to global health and development amidst evolving political landscapes.
Duterte's Arrest and Accountability
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been arrested and transferred to The Hague to face charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his controversial war on drugs, which resulted in thousands of deaths. This significant legal action reflects a growing international effort to hold leaders accountable for human rights abuses, despite Duterte previously attempting to distance the Philippines from the International Criminal Court. The response to his regime's actions has been a complicated narrative in Philippine politics, with deep connections to historical governance issues. The situation emphasizes the need for sustainable justice mechanisms to address systemic violence.
Censorship and Free Speech Challenges
The recent arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, underlines the ongoing tensions surrounding free speech and governmental overreach in the United States. Critics of the administration have raised alarms over potential violations of free speech protections, particularly concerning dissent against U.S. policies regarding Israel. As discussions continue about the implications for dissenters and activists, the situation calls for a critical examination of how political climates can shape discourse and engage in potential censorship. The broader impacts on civil liberties could establish a worrying precedent for future actions against free speech.
Tommy and Ben discuss late-breaking news that Russia and Ukraine may agree to a 30-day ceasefire, Canada’s new Prime Minister and the rapidly escalating trade war with the United States that he’ll inherit, and the final death knell for USAID. They also talk about the irrational anger at the Trump administration’s direct talks with Hamas, and the Anti-Defamation League’s ludicrous support of the arrest of a Columbia university student for his role in pro-Palestine protests. Then they cover the recent violence in Syria between the new government and pro-Assad loyalists, and the ICC arrest of Rodrigo Duterte, former President of the Philippines. Then Tommy speaks to journalist and System Update host Glenn Greenwald about the Trump administration’s attacks on free speech, a realistic end to the war in Ukraine, Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s new FBI leadership, and censorship in Brazil.
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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