Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

The podcast discusses Dems revolting over Biden's border shutdown, Bibi government collapse, Gaetz criticizing Garland on Trump cases, Modi's setback in India's elections, and US media's reaction to AMLO ally's sweep in Mexican elections.

Ben Smith, Editor-in-chief of Semaphore and former journalist, joins to discuss significant current events. They unpack the FBI's raid on corporate landlords, exploring allegations of price fixing and its implications on housing affordability. The tension surrounding the IDF's actions in the hostage situation is also discussed, alongside complex negotiations in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Lastly, they examine media ownership trends and the fallout from the Epoch Times' recent fraud controversies, all with an insightful and entertaining twist.

Emily Kopp, a dedicated investigative reporter at U.S. Right to Know, dives deep into critical topics surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and public policy. She discusses the controversial similarities in Biden's and Trump's border strategies. The conversation also unpacks the stakes of Hunter Biden's legal troubles and their political implications. Kopp emphasizes the challenges of accountability in public health discourse, particularly in light of Dr. Fauci's congressional testimony, highlighting the urgent need for integrity in journalism and government.

Omar Badar, a Palestinian-American political analyst, shares his insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, bringing a fresh perspective to the heated discussions. The political implications of Netanyahu's invitation to Congress spark debate, revealing a rift within the Democratic Party as younger members question U.S. support for Israel. The complexities surrounding Biden’s ceasefire proposal raise ethical concerns about misinformation and humanitarian crises in Gaza. Badar highlights the challenges of achieving peace amidst ongoing violence and shifting U.S. foreign policy.

The discussion dives into Trump's potential jail time and the chaotic implications it could have on American society. Bill Maher stirs the pot by suggesting a race war may follow if Trump is incarcerated. As tensions mount, Russia raises nuclear threats while the U.S. approves strikes in Ukraine. The geopolitical landscape shifts with Ukraine's troubling conscription strategy, and Dave Smith delivers a memorable takedown of Chris Cuomo in a heated debate. This lively conversation captures the intersection of politics, media, and societal divides.

John Mearsheimer, a distinguished political science professor at the University of Chicago, joins the discussion to dissect the intricate U.S.-Israel alliance. He provocatively critiques American foreign policy, especially regarding the military actions in Gaza and the implications of potential genocide. Mearsheimer highlights the cyclical violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict and raises alarms about regional escalation involving Iran. He also analyzes Biden's balancing act between supporting allies and managing domestic pressures amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Dive into the hidden world of lobbying, where corporate interests often overshadow public welfare. Explore how the dynamics of lobbying have evolved over the decades, influenced by notable figures and changing political climates. The discussion reveals the interplay between lobbyists and the media, exposing how advertisements and media tactics shape public perception. Additionally, the impact of special interests on elections and governance raises urgent questions about representation and accountability in democracy.

This discussion features Bradley Moss, a legal expert known for his insightful analysis of high-profile trials. They dive deep into the complexities of Trump's hush money trial, dissecting jury deliberations and potential verdict implications. The conversation also touches on Trump's evolving relationship with wealthy donors and the Democratic National Committee's decision to hold an online convention amid increasing voter dissatisfaction. Additionally, the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza is examined, highlighting growing concerns among young Americans about their country's future.

The conversation dives into the controversial use of U.S. weapons in Rafah and the complexities of military actions in Gaza. A critical look at American indifference highlights the financial impact on civilians in conflict zones. Political tensions heat up with the Democratic Party’s anxiety over the 2024 election while public reactions to celebrity involvement in politics spark debate. Meanwhile, Argentina faces economic chaos under new leadership, and Trump stirs the pot with thoughts on a potential Assange pardon.

Featured guest Dave Smith, host of "Part of the Problem" and a leading libertarian voice, dives into the recent Libertarian Convention, discussing the dynamics around Trump and RFK Jr. He highlights the disillusionment voters feel towards the two-party system and critiques Biden's economic messaging as disconnected from reality. The conversation also touches on South Park's satire of the U.S. healthcare system, exposing its inefficiencies and profit-driven nature, while advocating for solutions like ranked choice voting to revitalize political engagement.