6 chapters across the catalog
Maria Butina, a 29-year-old Russian national, is facing allegations from the Justice Department of acting as an unregistered foreign agent. Butina reportedly entered the U.S. on a student visa in 2016 and attempted to develop relationships with American politicians and the NRA. The media coverage of her case is compared to a "spy movie" trope, including mentions of a past GQ photo shoot.
David Corn appeared on PBS to argue that Donald Trump's relationship with Vladimir Putin will eventually turn into a dangerous rivalry. Corn referenced reports from unnamed counterintelligence officers suggesting that Moscow has spent years attempting to co-opt Trump.
NPR CEO Vivian Schiller Resignation and Russian Espionage Claims
The resignation of NPR CEO Vivian Schiller is analyzed following a hidden camera sting operation by James O'Keefe involving executive Ron Schiller. Claims are made that Vivian Schiller's past employment as a tour guide in Russia during the 1980s suggests she was a deep-cover intelligence asset. The discussion explores NPR's financial structure, including the National Public Media Foundation and offshore accounts in Berlin.
Anna Chapman Celebrity, Salt DVD Promotion, 9/11 Hijackers
Russian spy Anna Chapman has transitioned into a major media celebrity in Russia, which the hosts suggest is a PR stunt to boost sales for the Angelina Jolie movie "Salt." The discussion shifts to unresolved questions regarding the 9/11 hijackers, with reports claiming several individuals identified as hijackers are still alive in the Middle East.
The arrest of 24-year-old Anna Fermanova for allegedly exporting restricted night vision scopes to Moscow is characterized by the hosts as a publicity stunt for the Angelina Jolie movie "Salt." They note the media's focus on Fermanova's appearance and social media photos rather than the details of the contraband case. They suggest the "Russian spy ring" narrative is being used to boost the film's box office performance.
Russian Spy Swap, Rahm Emanuel's Media Strategy
The discussion continues regarding Rahm Emanuel's interview, specifically his evasive answers about the 2010 Russian spy swap. Emanuel tells interviewer Jim Lehrer that "the less said the better" and suggests the President was only "briefed appropriately" rather than being the primary decision-maker. The hosts interpret this as a strategy to shield the President from potential fallout while condescending to the press.
