Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Perez, a contributor to The Daily Poster with expertise in Medicare drug pricing, joins Krystal, Saagar, and Kyle Kulinski. They unravel the tangled web of pharmaceutical lobbying, revealing how it shapes legislative outcomes and hampers drug pricing reforms. The hosts explore the intense battle between Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg, Tulsi Gabbard’s political evolution, and John Oliver’s coverage of union issues. A thought-provoking look at health policy and political maneuvering awaits!

Chris Arnade, author of "Dignity" and Substack writer, dives into pressing societal issues. He discusses the alarming rise in opioid deaths, connecting it to economic disparities and addiction's impact on the working class. Arnade highlights the debate around vaccinations and personal freedoms amidst misinformation, as well as the concerning situation of Peng Shuai, blending sports with human rights. They also critique Biden's public image and explore the disconnect between elite narratives and everyday struggles, emphasizing the need for genuine community.

Kyle Kulinski, known for his YouTube channel Secular Talk, fills in as guest host. He dives into Kamala Harris's struggles as VP, examining her low approval ratings and political ramifications. The duo discusses Beto O’Rourke’s challenging bid for Texas governor and the disconnect with Latino voters. They critique Democrats' tax policies favoring the wealthy, while highlighting labor updates and the current strikes showing increased public support for workers. Kulinski also warns against authoritarianism echoing China's past, stressing the need for a more empathetic economic dialogue.

Invest investigative reporter Ken Klippenstein brings his insights on Saudi Arabia's influence on U.S. politics. The discussion dives into the Great Resignation and its roots in the pandemic, alongside rising staffing shortages. They unpack the Republican Party's internal strife with a clash between Chris Christie and Donald Trump. Klippenstein also sheds light on the ethics of drone strike operations, exposing the Pentagon's lack of transparency. The conversation critiques the media's focus, emphasizing the pressing issues often overlooked.

Kim Kelly, a labor reporter and author of "Fight Like Hell," joins the discussion on significant labor movements in the U.S. Recently, fast food workers and coal miners have been striking for fair wages and better conditions, with labor shortages changing the power dynamics in the workplace. The dialogue also touches on Kyrsten Sinema's questionable ties to pharma money and Kamala Harris's declining approval ratings. A critique of Ivy Getty's opulent wedding highlights the stark divide between the elite and working-class struggles, emphasizing the need for solidarity.

Krystal and Saagar dive into the rising inflation that is impacting working-class Americans and the complex causes behind it. They tackle the ongoing internal strife within the GOP and the push for unionization at Starbucks. The duo also critiques the media's handling of political narratives, especially concerning Russiagate and prominent figures like Adam Schiff. Additionally, they discuss how billionaires like Jeff Bezos are affecting national space initiatives and emphasize the need for effective messaging to bridge the gap with working-class voters ahead of the 2022 elections.

Glenn Greenwald, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist known for his incisive commentary on political issues, joins the conversation. They dive into Biden's plummeting approval ratings and examine the implications of Elon Musk's tax strategies. The tragic Astroworld events are scrutinized, especially concerning Travis Scott's role. Greenwald also unpacks the controversies surrounding Russiagate, critiquing media narratives and their effects on public trust. The discussion further touches on educational inequalities and the challenges of free speech in academia.

Kyle Kondik, managing editor at Sabato's Crystal Ball and author of "The Long Red Thread," joins the conversation to dive into the implications of the recent infrastructure bill. They discuss the court's halt of Biden's vaccine mandate and worker strikes reshaping the labor landscape. The tragic Astroworld incident is dissected, along with the corporate influence on political narratives. Kondik analyzes the shifting electoral results in Virginia and New Jersey, reflecting Republican gains and emerging voter dynamics as the midterms approach.

Dive into the murky waters of political corruption as the hosts dissect insider trading allegations and the consequences of powerful leaders prioritizing self-interest. Uncover the disconnect between public desires and government actions, especially on tax proposals. The discussion also touches on Trump's remarks regarding Israel and their implications. Finally, they shine a light on the media's failure to cover labor rights, emphasizing the urgent need for advocacy and support for striking workers.

Marshall Kosloff, a political analyst, fills in to discuss the recent election outcomes, focusing on Virginia’s GOP shift and voter dissatisfaction. Oren Cass, from American Compass, sheds light on evolving worker attitudes toward unions amid the Great Resignation. They explore the impact of economic issues on voting behavior and the media's fixation on cultural narratives. The duo analyzes the implications of the SALT tax for wealthier individuals and the Biden administration's need for a strategic reset to address worker concerns more effectively.