Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

David Cicilline, U.S. Representative and chairman of the House Antitrust Subcommittee, delves into the urgency surrounding the eviction moratorium's expiration and the political failures leading to housing insecurity. He also critiques media misinformation, especially related to COVID-19 vaccines. The conversation expands to antitrust legislation targeting Big Tech monopolies and the troubling fundraising tactics of the Lincoln Project, prompting discussions on political accountability and the role of media in shaping public perception.

Bernie Sanders, the Independent Senator from Vermont and champion of progressive politics, dives into pivotal issues shaping today's landscape. He discusses the complexities of Biden's infrastructure bill and the pushback from labor unions on vaccine mandates. Sanders critiques Jared Kushner's new business ventures post-White House, linking them to ethical concerns. The discussion also highlights the striking coal miners' fight for justice, the challenges faced by the CDC in maintaining public trust, and societal reactions to Simone Biles' brave decisions.

The discussion kicks off with a dive into the January 6th commission and the striking conditions of Frito-Lay workers fighting for better pay. It raises alarm over tech companies' privacy practices and the impact of defining extremism. The conversation shifts to Stephen Donziger's legal clash with Chevron, revealing corporate accountability issues. Looking ahead, the potential socio-economic factors that could usher Trump back to power in 2024 are explored, alongside controversies around Dr. Fauci's funding and the complexities of current infrastructure proposals.

Biden's approval ratings are plummeting, raising concerns about the administration's handling of the pandemic and economic recovery as midterm elections loom. Congress pushes for a military budget hike, prioritizing profits over national security. The art world’s questionable ties to money laundering raise eyebrows amidst discussions of Hunter Biden. Media's blind spots on labor movements and vaccine hesitancy highlight urgent communication needs. Meanwhile, the hosts celebrate advancements in tech and engage with their audience on improving the show.

Rachel Bovard, Policy Director at the Conservative Partnership Institute, discusses the White House's role in shaping social media narratives. They dive into the FBI's controversial involvement in the Whitmer kidnapping plot, raising ethical questions about law enforcement practices. The conversation shifts to labor disputes at Frito-Lay and Ben & Jerry's politically charged decisions. They also critique Jeff Bezos's space endeavors, questioning corporate solutions to climate change while exploring Big Tech's influence on free speech and public perception.

Michael Brendan Dougherty, a writer at National Review, shares his insights on vaccine hesitancy and public health. He discusses the impact of the Delta variant on the stock market and public sentiment, along with the government's relationship with social media in combating misinformation. The conversation also dives into the political fallout from the January 6th Capitol riot and how Democrats are struggling with voter disconnect ahead of crucial elections. Dougherty emphasizes the need for relatable communication to address vaccine skepticism effectively.

Louis Rossmann, a passionate right-to-repair activist and YouTuber, joins the conversation to tackle pressing topics. He highlights the urgent need for consumer rights in the tech industry, emphasizing how corporate practices undermine ownership. The guests also delve into inflation drivers, unpacking supply chain issues and the semiconductor shortage. Climate catastrophes and their socio-economic implications come into focus, alongside a discussion of the controversial lab leak theory and its impact on public trust in science. Rossmann's advocacy sparks a powerful call to action!

Zed Jelani, an independent journalist and author, joins the discussion to shed light on significant political and economic issues. He critiques the complexities of Biden's infrastructure package alongside the rising inflation concerns. Jelani discusses the implications of U.S. foreign policy in Afghanistan and Cuba, highlighting humanitarian crises. He also addresses systemic failures in accountability related to high-profile cases, emphasizing the need for reform. The conversation underscores the lasting impacts of corporate negligence and government manipulation on communities.

David Sirota, founder of The Daily Poster and investigative journalist, joins the discussion on pressing global issues. They dive into the political chaos in Haiti, including the president's assassination and U.S. involvement. The conversation also critiques billionaire philanthropy compared to governmental initiatives and raises concerns over pandemic-related monitoring. Additionally, Sirota examines the evolving labor market dynamics and the role of educated liberals in exacerbating political partisanship. The episode highlights the selective media narratives surrounding humanitarian crises.

Jane Coaston, the insightful host of 'The Argument' podcast for the New York Times, dives into a rich discussion on the evolving national security landscape. They tackle Biden's new executive order on antitrust laws and how it may influence corporate concentration. The conversation also scrutinizes media narratives around Afghanistan's withdrawal and the impact of rising rent prices. Coaston explores the complexities of U.S.-Haiti relations, shedding light on the assassination of Jovenel Moise and broader implications for foreign policy.