Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Ken Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, joins the discussion on the massive protests in Israel against Netanyahu's government's power grabs. The conversation dives into the implications of the U.S. government’s muted response to these injustices. They also critique stock buybacks and their role in economic inequality. Additionally, there's a tense look at global tensions surrounding Ukraine, showcasing political leaders’ contradictory approaches. Roth adds a crucial lens on how external pressures can reshape democratic norms and civil rights.

Join Seymour Hersh, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, as he challenges the New York Times' Nord Stream report, deeming it false. The discussion also covers Elizabeth Warren's fierce criticism of Fed rate hikes, warning of potential recession risks. Biden's plans for Medicare's future come under scrutiny, while tensions rise with China over claims of U.S. containment. The political landscape shifts with a D.C. crime reform bill and debates on military policy and immigration, painting a complex picture of today's governance.

Spencer Snyder, a Breaking Points partner known for creating engaging explainer videos on politics, joins the discussion on urgent aviation safety issues and alarming near-miss incidents involving flights. They dive into the potential Trump indictment and the implications of recent January 6th footage. Other hot topics include the controversial role of Fauci in suppressing lab leak theories and the data privacy concerns stemming from the Alex Murdaugh case. Additionally, the housing crisis in California is scrutinized, exposing the stark divide in affordability.

Ryan Graves, a former U.S. Navy pilot known for his candid discussions on UAPs, shares insights into his military encounters with unidentified aerial phenomena. He emphasizes the need for transparency regarding safety risks from these sightings. The conversation touches on ongoing skepticism about UAPs and the push for government investigations. Additionally, Ryan reflects on the alarming rise in teen depression linked to smartphone usage, connecting broader societal issues with individual mental health, while raising awareness of the challenges faced by today’s youth.

Ken Klippenstein, an investigative journalist from The Intercept, sheds light on the Pentagon's newly developed contingency plan for a potential war with Iran. The conversation touches on the historical shifts in U.S.-Iran relations and the implications of rising military tensions. He also discusses the controversies around COVID-19's origins, directly linking media biases to political narratives. Meanwhile, Angela Davis's surprising ancestry connects past and present in conversations about race and identity.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and 2024 presidential candidate, joins the discussion alongside Branko Marcetic, a staff writer at Jacobin. They dive into the Republican infighting over aid for East Palestine, dissecting how lobbying influences media coverage. Ramaswamy shares insights on his campaign as Trump gains momentum in the polls. The conversation also touches on recent insulin price cuts, the debunking of the Havana Syndrome, and the erosion of democratic freedoms in Ukraine, offering a critical lens on accountability and media narratives.

Tensions rise as the Supreme Court threatens Biden's student debt plan, prompting a discussion on executive power. San Francisco debates a staggering $5 million in reparations amid ongoing racial discourse. The Dilbert creator's cancellation after a racist rant ignites controversy. Biden's border policies favoring cartels and big businesses face scrutiny. The NSA's spying on a congressman raises alarm about privacy. A heated debate on gain-of-function research explores public safety versus scientific innovation.

General Milley emphasizes the need for diplomatic negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict. Hillary Clinton stirs controversy by calling for regime change in Russia. Trump attacks Fox News over their support for DeSantis, complicating the Republican primaries. Legal issues arise for Brett Favre and Pat McAfee, focusing on hefty allegations. The impact of private equity on companies like Shopko is devastating, creating job losses and harming communities. Critiques surface on student debt relief efforts amid ongoing Supreme Court scrutiny.

Kevin Roose, a technology reporter for The New York Times, shares insights on the unsettling implications of AI and its encroaching influence on society. The conversation dives into the recent government acknowledgment of COVID-19's possible lab leak origins, while also tackling rising inflation and the crisis confronting single young men in America. Roose recounts his eye-opening interaction with a chatbot named Sydney, raising important questions about technology's role in our lives. Get ready for a blend of tech, politics, and social issues!

Spencer Snyder, a retail industry contributor, discusses how corporate giants like Walmart and Amazon have devastated small businesses, shedding light on the dire implications for local communities. Louis DeAngelis, a journalist on the ground in East Palestine, reveals troubling details about the water contamination crisis and the increasingly defensive behavior of public officials. They also address child labor issues in slaughterhouses and the fallout from Don Lemon's controversial comments at CNN, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in media and government.