You may have watched Donald Trump speak directly into a camera and ask Russia for some specific help to win the 2016 election and wondered, “What the hell is going on here?”  So did Australian diplomat Alexander Downer. That’s because Downer knew that at least one member of the Trump campaign had advance knowledge Russia might have a lot of emails incriminating Hillary Clinton. The Australians reached out to the FBI. The investigation into Trump's campaign ties to Russia began. And what the FBI found was a bunch of guys trying to rip off Donald Trump. But Donald Trump’s narcissism turned those guys trying to rip him off into something else. As Marcy Wheeler shows in this Ball of Thread, Trump’s narcissism turned the FBI’s investigation into people trying to monetize their access to Trump into an attack on him personally. Thus was born the conspiracy theory that has become a defining theme of Trump’s 2024 campaign and life–war on the “deep state.” ************** Want to know more? Join the Ball of Thread Patreon for bonus episodes on breaking news and to ask your questions, which could be answered in a bonus episode. For as little as $1 a month, you can support us and help spread the word.

Marcy Wheeler, a seasoned political analyst and investigative journalist, delves into the intricate web of the Trump dossier that shook America. She unveils how Paul Manafort sought to discredit the Trump/Russia investigation while connected to Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. The conversation explores the chaotic origins of the dossier and the role of disinformation in shaping U.S. political narratives. Wheeler also highlights the dangerous blending of truth and falsehood, revealing how foreign influence drastically impacted the 2016 election and beyond.

Discover the fascinating tactics Russia employed to manipulate the 2016 election, from social media disinformation to hacker connections. Explore the complex ties between Trump and Russian officials, and the implications for national security. Delve into the political and military dynamics in Ukraine that shaped alliances. Uncover the role of key figures like Michael Cohen and Roger Stone in the web of collusion, revealing how business and politics intertwined during this pivotal moment in American history.

A riveting discussion unfolds around the implications of presidential immunity, particularly for Donald Trump amid legal turmoil. The podcast delves into how close elections can destabilize democracy, especially with politically charged prosecutions. The narratives surrounding January 6 and the Russia collusion investigation are scrutinized for their impact on electoral integrity. Throughout, the tension between political power and legal accountability is a central theme, reflecting on future challenges for democratic processes.