Topic: Bob Baer

18 chapters across the catalog

High Falutin
Episode 946 35:11 - 37:33

946: High Falutin

Media Bias and Intelligence Community Commentary

Media outlets like MSNBC are criticized for their framing of the Trump investigation, specifically Lawrence O'Donnell's use of "idiot" graphics. Former CIA official Bob Baer and Senator Tim Kaine are mentioned for their public suggestions that the campaign's actions could constitute treason. The discussion highlights the legal distinction of treason, which requires a state of war, a condition not met in the current relationship with Russia.

Force Majeur
Episode 885 22:23 - 31:07

885: Force Majeur

Michael Hayden, Bob Baer, Intelligence Community Narratives

Former intelligence officials Michael Hayden and Bob Baer provide media commentary on the Russian hacking allegations. Baer suggests the possibility of a new election if foreign interference is proven, while the hosts demand the public release of forensic evidence rather than anonymous briefings. The discussion highlights the use of "fact-based narratives" as a tool for political persuasion.

Kalette
Episode 712 2:29:58 - 2:32:17

712: Kalette

Bob Baer, Boston Bombing, and Sophisticated Explosives

Former CIA operative Bob Baer tells CNN that the Tsarnaev brothers could not have built the Boston Marathon bombs alone. Baer cites the sophisticated rewiring of the pressure cookers and the use of flash powder as evidence of professional training. He suggests that the "knuckleheads" lacked the expertise to deviate from the instructions found in Inspire magazine.

Threat Stream
Episode 688 41:29 - 44:04

688: Threat Stream

Media Fear-Mongering and Bob Baer's CIA Operative Label

CNN and other networks are accused of constant fear-mongering through frequent interviews with "former CIA operative" Bob Baer. The discussion questions the meaning of the term "operative" and suggests that the repeal of the Smith-Mundt Act has allowed for increased domestic propaganda aimed at keeping the American public in a state of perpetual alarm.

Threat Stream
Episode 688 44:05 - 49:01

688: Threat Stream

Al-Qaeda Technology and the Adaptive Enemy Narrative

Bob Baer warns of Al-Qaeda's advancing technology, specifically the use of PETN explosives in toner cartridges and the "hygroscopic" nature of the failed underwear bomber's device. Lieutenant General Mark Hartley describes the threat as an "adaptive enemy" capable of stealing police uniforms to infiltrate secure locations, emphasizing that individual "lone wolf" attacks are relatively easy to execute in the United States.

Cyber Caliphate
Episode 687 1:19:56 - 1:23:58

687: Cyber Caliphate

Bob Baer, Airport Security and Heightened Vigilance

Former CIA officer Bob Baer appeared on CNN to discuss the threat of "rudimentary" bombs in airport security lines, a scenario the hosts claim has been discussed for years without actually occurring. The media narrative is currently focused on a "heightened state of vigilance" following the release of a new Inspire Magazine. The hosts mock the use of vague terms like "heightened concern" by reporters like Pamela Brown.

Cyber Caliphate
Episode 687 1:23:58 - 1:26:31

687: Cyber Caliphate

Self-Recruitment, Islamic Knowledge and "Volcanoes of Jihad"

Bob Baer argued that many recent attackers are "self-recruited" and lack a deep understanding of Islam or the Arabic language. Meanwhile, Secretary of State John Kerry was quoted warning about the "volcanoes of jihad" being ignited by ISIL leaders. The hosts find the dramatic terminology used by Kerry and the media to be "stupid" and indicative of scripted propaganda.

Scottish Do Over
Episode 649 1:26:47 - 1:30:05

649: Scottish Do Over

ISIS Mexican Border Claims, Texas Defense, Bob Baer

The hosts dismiss reports that ISIS is operating on the Mexican border as a fear-mongering tactic. Curry jokes that Texans are "locked and loaded" and prepared for any such threat. They reference intelligence analyst Bob Baer's assessment that ISIS is a self-sustaining entity with control over oil fields and wheat production in Syria and Iraq.

Centrifuge Him!
Episode 648 1:07:25 - 1:12:06

648: Centrifuge Him!

Bob Baer, Ebola Centrifuge Theory, ISIS Oil Wealth

Former CIA officer Bob Baer appears on CNN to pivot the "laptop" narrative from bubonic plague to Ebola. Baer claims that terrorists could put an Ebola victim in a centrifuge to extract liquid for atomization in transportation systems. The hosts mock this "centrifuge" theory as scientifically absurd while Baer also highlights ISIS's control of oil fields, wheat production, and electricity.

Centrifuge Him!
Episode 648 1:12:06 - 1:17:48

648: Centrifuge Him!

CIA Pundit Program, Media Scripts, Native Advertising

The hosts discuss the existence of a "CIA Pundit Program" where former intelligence officers are given scripts and book deals to influence public opinion through news appearances. They characterize Jake Tapper's interviews as a form of native advertising for the intelligence community, where the host and guest follow a pre-written narrative to manufacture fear.

Brand Snowden
Episode 643 1:27:22 - 1:32:19

643: Brand Snowden

John McCain and the "See You in New York" Meme

Senator John McCain and CNN analyst Bob Baer discuss the threat of ISIS fighters with American passports returning to the U.S. McCain cites a quote from ISIS leader Baghdadi—"See you in New York"—as proof of an impending attack. Baer also mentions unconfirmed reports of ISIS members crossing the Mexican border. The hosts dismiss these claims as "horrible propaganda" designed to terrorize the public.

28 Pages
Episode 635 39:58 - 42:33

635: 28 Pages

Media Coverage of MH17 and Carol Costello's Reporting

The hosts critique the early visual reporting of the MH17 crash site on CNN, noting the repetitive use of smoke and debris footage. They mock the "entertainment" style of Carol Costello's broadcast and the immediate appearance of CIA analysts like Bob Baer.

Gun Extremists
Episode 621 53:14 - 59:14

621: Gun Extremists

Bob Baer National Security Analysis, CNN Media Shift

Former CIA operative Bob Baer appeared on CNN to dispute Edward Snowden's claims of being a spy, asserting that the CIA does not turn contractors into operatives. Baer's commentary is viewed as an attempt to discredit Snowden's credibility on behalf of the intelligence community. Concurrently, a shift in CNN's editorial tone is noted, with anchors like Carol Costello receiving more latitude to challenge government policy on issues like the VA scandal.

Ready for Huma
Episode 536 35:28 - 42:59

536: Ready for Huma

US Worldwide Travel Alert, Al-Qaeda Threat in Yemen

The United States issues a worldwide travel alert and shutters 21 embassies in response to a potential Al-Qaeda threat originating in Yemen. CNN analysts, including Bob Baer, discuss the possibility of terrorist "chatter" being used as disinformation to distract from actual targets. The hosts suggest the embassy closures may be a cover for moving military or intelligence assets into the region.

Episode 514 2:31:54 - 2:35:34

514: Patriotic Printer

CIA Spy Scandals and Tit-for-Tat Outings

The recent outing of a CIA agent in Moscow is dismissed as a "tit-for-tat" embarrassment between intelligence agencies. The hosts suggest the agent's "wig and compass" disguise was likely for a personal encounter rather than a high-stakes operation. They compare this to the U.S. arrest of an Uzbek national in Idaho on terrorism charges, viewing both as symbolic moves in a deteriorating relationship with Russia.

Happy Earth Gay
Episode 506 21:57 - 24:18

506: Happy Earth Gay

Bob Baer Analysis, Professionalism of Bombing Suspects

Former CIA officer Bob Baer provides analysis on CNN regarding the technical aspects of the Boston bombs. Baer suggests that the suspects likely cased the area and had practice, as placing backpacks in police-controlled areas requires a level of "cool" typically seen in trained operatives. The hosts use this to question whether the suspects were acting alone or as part of a larger exchange.

Speculation Analysis
Episode 505 24:59 - 30:29

505: Speculation Analysis

Boston Marathon Bombing Speculation and CIA Involvement

The hosts critique media coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing, focusing on former CIA operative Bob Baer's "speculation analysis." They suggest the FBI was caught off guard and propose the event may have been a CIA operation. They highlight Baer's admission that the CIA trained Afghans to use pressure cooker bombs in the 1980s as a potential "tell" regarding the origin of the devices.

Red Washcloth
Episode 467 25:56 - 28:27

467: Red Washcloth

CNN Syria Doomsday Scenario, Sarin Gas Impact Projections

CNN's Erin Burnett and Barbara Starr report on Pentagon sources detailing a "doomsday scenario" involving chemical attacks in Syria. The coverage includes a projection by former CIA operative Bob Bair showing the potential impact of a single sarin gas shell on the city of Homs, estimating 18,000 deaths. The report emphasizes the risk of chemical clouds drifting across borders into Israel, Turkey, and Jordan.