Topic: Freedom Of The Press

Bill Maher, Tulsi Gabbard, and Chris Matthews discussed the legacy of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange following his plea deal and release. While Gabbard defended Assange as a champion of free speech, Maher expressed skepticism, suggesting that government spies are the true patriots protecting the country. The conversation highlighted the deep divide in public opinion regarding whistleblowers and national security.

Hundreds of American newspapers launch a coordinated editorial campaign to counter President Trump's "enemy of the people" rhetoric. The hosts analyze the legal definition of the First Amendment and criticize the media for claiming special status as a protected industry.

The hosts debate the definition of "freedom of the press," arguing it does not grant special access beyond the right to publish. They critique media claims that the Trump administration is creating "state-sponsored news," noting that outlets like PBS are funded by private foundations and government grants.

The discussion explores the legal distinction between the "freedom of the press" and the right to "exclusive access" to government officials. The hosts argue that while the Constitution protects the right to publish, it does not mandate that every credentialed reporter be allowed into every room. Audio from a heated exchange between Sean Spicer and reporters highlights the logistical challenges of accommodating 3,000 credentialed journalists.

Wolf Blitzer expresses concern for the safety of young journalists at Trump rallies, asking Kellyanne Conway to intervene. Conway counters by pointing out the "collusion" between journalists and the Clinton campaign revealed in leaked emails, specifically mentioning reporters allowing John Podesta to edit their quotes. She also notes that the Twitter feeds of many "embed" journalists are overwhelmingly negative toward Donald Trump, suggesting the responsibility for fairness goes both ways.

Edward Snowden's arrival on Twitter coincided with the resurrection of the CISA (Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act) bill in Congress. There is skepticism regarding Snowden's role in shaping legislation, suggesting his public appearances may be used to facilitate data-sharing agreements between corporations and the government.

Attorney General Eric Holder discusses the "Free Flow of Information Act," a media shield law that would require journalists to be licensed by the government. Holder mentions a "people board" being assembled to oversee the process, which the hosts mock as a violation of the First Amendment. The show concludes with a reminder of the "value for value" model and a sign-off for the next episode.

The Freedom of the Press Foundation recently named Edward Snowden to its board of directors. The organization, co-founded by Glenn Greenwald and Laura Poitras, is fiscally sponsored by the Foundation for National Progress, which operates Mother Jones. This financial connection has raised questions about the foundation's neutrality and its role in the ongoing Snowden revelations.

The Freedom of the Press Foundation has released "SecureDrop," a whistleblower submission platform originally developed by Aaron Swartz as "Deadrop." The system underwent a security audit by Jacob Appelbaum and is being marketed as a secure way for sources to leak documents to journalists. This technology is central to the new investigative model being pursued by Greenwald and his associates.

The hosts review the Department of Justice's new policies regarding subpoenas and search warrants targeting the press. They argue that the administration is pushing for a "Media Shield Law" that would actually codify government interference and define who qualifies as a legitimate journalist, potentially undermining the First Amendment.

The hosts call out Trevor Timm of the Freedom of the Press Foundation for advocating for a media shield law. They argue that Timm, despite his background with the EFF and ACLU, is supporting legislation that would allow the government to decide who is a journalist, which they view as a betrayal of constitutional principles.

An investigation into the Freedom of the Press Foundation reveals its board includes Glenn Greenwald, Laura Poitras, and John Perry Barlow. The organization is identified as a project of the Foundation for National Progress, which publishes Mother Jones. Financial ties are traced to the George Soros Open Society Institute, leading to claims that the foundation serves as a "front group" for specific political interests.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg defended the exclusion of the press during the police sweep of Zuccotti Park, claiming it was for the protection of journalists' rights. This stance is contrasted with media access during international conflicts like the Egyptian revolution. The hosts argue that the "expiration date" on freedom of speech has been reached for the Occupy movement.