Topic: Lon Snowden

The "Sam Adams Award for Integrity in Intelligence" given to Edward Snowden is revealed to be an initiative of the Government Accountability Project (GAP). Analysis of GAP's tax filings shows it is a million-dollar lobbying group involved in various political causes, including the "pink slime" food scandal. The hosts argue the award ceremony in Moscow was a staged CIA operation to keep Snowden in the news cycle.

Edward Snowden issued a statement to the Huffington Post clarifying that his father, Lon Snowden, and lawyer Bruce Fein do not represent him. Snowden warned journalists that his father is being exploited for tabloid news. Bruce Fein's background as a lobbyist for various international groups and his role in the Ron Paul campaign are scrutinized.

Lon Snowden, father of Edward Snowden, explains his decision not to travel to Moscow after the U.S. government failed to facilitate direct communication with his son. He expresses a total loss of confidence in the Department of Justice and the FBI, arguing that his son cannot receive a fair trial in the Eastern District of Virginia. The hosts question the authenticity of the father's public persona and his use of the name "Edward" instead of "Ed."

The hosts discuss the professional background of the Snowden family, noting their extensive ties to federal law enforcement and the military. Lon Snowden describes his son as "brilliant" and "gentle," countering media portrayals of him as a high school dropout or "loser." The discussion explores the stiff demeanor typical of intelligence-connected families and the technical capabilities Edward Snowden likely possessed.