Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Ben Schreckinger, National Political Correspondent for Politico and author of "The Bidens," dives into the Democratic Party's tumultuous landscape, discussing progressives' internal conflicts and their push for legislative change. He sheds light on China's economic crisis and its potential global fallout. The conversation also critically examines Bill Gates' Epstein ties and the complexities of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Schreckinger highlights discontent among voters, warning of electoral repercussions if the party fails to address pressing issues.

David Sirota, founder of The Daily Poster, dives into the intertwining of politics and economics. He analyzes the implications of the Supreme Court's considerations on Roe v. Wade and how it could reshape the upcoming elections. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by the U.S. debt ceiling, while critiquing political hypocrisy around health mandates. The discussion also touches on the rising childhood obesity crisis and the need for serious dialogue on its long-term effects, revealing the urgent call for genuine legislative change.

Glenn Greenwald, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, joins to unpack the recent fallout from a controversial drone strike in Afghanistan, revealing the ethical dilemmas of military action. He discusses the evolving political landscape in Texas, especially Beto O'Rourke's gubernatorial ambitions. Greenwald also critiques media narratives around the Russiagate indictment, emphasizing the importance of skepticism in today’s information landscape. The conversation touches on the implications of corporate influence on labor and the harsh realities faced by migrants in America.

The hosts dive into the intertwined worlds of war profiteering, law enforcement, and media narratives, sparking critical thoughts on needed reforms. A former presidential candidate gears up to launch a new third party, sharing insights from his upcoming book on democratic reforms. They humorously discuss the local ice cream scene while addressing the controversial return of the reality show 'Cops,' critiquing its negative impact on societal perceptions. The episode rounds out with a nod to gratitude from the hosts and health tips for pregnancy nutrition.

David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect, dives into the Medicare prescription drug pricing debate, highlighting how pharmaceutical industry influence complicates critical reforms. He discusses the aftermath of California's recall election, emphasizing voter demographic trends and messaging strategies. The podcast also critiques the FBI's failures in handling abuse claims, particularly in the Larry Nassar case, while addressing ethical dilemmas in surveillance and misinformation. Dayen sheds light on the urgent need for systemic change amidst political challenges.

Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his keen insights on economics and society, discusses vital topics. He dives into the California recall election's complex dynamics, revealing political strategies and implications. The conversation also tackles the alarming drop in U.S. life expectancy, linking it to systemic issues. Additionally, they explore vaccine mandates, Facebook's elite protections, and the troubling ties between powerful figures like Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting concerns over accountability and media influence.

Matt Stoller, Director of the American Economic Liberties Project, dives into the politics of vaccine mandates and their legal implications. He discusses the alarming new links between Saudi Arabia and the 9/11 attacks, alongside the lasting impact of military interventions on U.S. foreign policy. The conversation also critiques the economic policies from the Bush era that have exacerbated wealth inequality today, while reflecting on political tensions within the Democratic Party and the ethical concerns surrounding corporate behavior in crisis situations.

The discussion kicks off with Trump hilariously poking fun at Nikki Haley's political flip-flopping. It delves into her struggle to gain support in a shifting political landscape while grappling with the need for Trump’s backing. The hosts critique media portrayals of political figures, especially Joe Rogan during his COVID battle. They tackle misinformation surrounding ivermectin, emphasizing its effects on public trust. Lastly, they explore vaccine skepticism in right-wing circles and MSNBC's ongoing challenges in engaging viewers post-Rachel Maddow.

In this talk, Thomas Frank, a noted author on politics and economics, delves into several pressing issues, including the Biden administration's struggles with dwindling approval ratings and voter dissatisfaction. He discusses vaccine controversies, the ethical dilemmas surrounding healthcare access, and the implications of the Elizabeth Holmes trial on corporate greed. Additionally, they critique the evolving liberal views on social media censorship and misinformation, emphasizing the need for honest public discourse on these critical topics.

The hosts dive into the troubling trends of men abandoning college and the implications for the workforce. They dissect a disappointing jobs report influenced by the Delta variant and discuss the unsealed 9/11 documents revealing connections to Saudi Arabia. Speculation about Trump's 2024 presidential run heats up, while the controversial Texas abortion law stirs political energy. The podcast also reflects on America's transformation since 9/11, linking it to current foreign policy challenges and the effects of misinformation in today's media landscape.