Topic: Military Dictatorship

Keith Olbermann has transitioned into a media critic, attacking outlets like CBS and CNN for their coverage of Donald Trump. In his podcast, Olbermann uses extreme rhetoric, suggesting that Trump might attempt to use the military to seize ballot boxes and establish a dictatorship. The discussion notes Olbermann's role as a mentor to Rachel Maddow and his influence on the current style of progressive media commentary.

Comedian Bill Maher expressed concerns on his program "Real Time" that Donald Trump may refuse to leave the White House if he loses the 2020 election. During an interview with Senator Amy Klobuchar and a panel featuring Van Jones and Katie Couric, Maher questioned whether the military or police would intervene. Panelists pushed back, citing the military's oath to the Constitution rather than the Commander-in-Chief.

Glenn Greenwald discusses the rise of Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, highlighting his history of homophobic, anti-woman, and pro-dictatorship comments. Bolsonaro's policies are compared to those of Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines. The hosts debate whether Brazil's economic issues stem from corruption or a culture of "partying too much."

The legacy of General Smedley Butler is discussed, specifically his book "War is a Racket" and his role in exposing the 1930s "Business Plot." Butler allegedly thwarted a conspiracy by wealthy industrialists to overthrow President Franklin D. Roosevelt and install a military dictatorship. The hosts note the lack of historical emphasis on this event in modern education.

The United States maintains a complex relationship with Pakistan, historically providing more financial aid during periods of military dictatorship than under elected leadership. Current political unrest in the region is viewed by some as a potential setup for future military action against Iran's nuclear facilities. There are concerns that the administration may be using regional instability as a diversion to justify broader strategic goals in the Middle East.