American Scandal: ENCORE: Edward Snowden | Meet the Press | 1

Release Date: April 22, 2025 | Host: Lindsey Graham

Introduction

American Scandal by Wondery delves into the intricate and high-stakes journey of Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower whose revelations about government surveillance reshaped the discourse on privacy and civil liberties in America. Hosted by Lindsey Graham, this episode titled "ENCORE: Edward Snowden | Meet the Press | 1" provides a dramatized yet meticulously researched account of Snowden's transformation from a respected intelligence analyst to the most wanted whistleblower in history.

Setting the Stage: Post-9/11 Surveillance

The episode begins by contextualizing the atmosphere in the United States following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The enactment of the Patriot Act granted intelligence agencies unprecedented powers, enabling mass surveillance of American citizens without warrants. This backdrop sets the stage for Edward Snowden's internal conflict and eventual decision to expose these covert operations.

Edward Snowden's Dilemma [00:19]

At the heart of the story is a reenactment of Edward Snowden in late 2012, maneuvering through the fortified corridors of a government installation in Hawaii. Carrying a desktop computer essential to his plan, Snowden grapples with the gravity of his decision to leak classified NSA documents:

Edward Snowden [00:19]: "He's about to carry out a dangerous plan. Snowden is going to blow the whistle on the United States government."

This moment captures Snowden's blend of fear and conviction, illustrating his belief that public awareness of the NSA's surveillance is crucial for safeguarding democracy.

Laura Poitras and Barton Gellman's Collaboration

The narrative shifts to Laura Poitras, a documentary filmmaker plagued by government harassment due to her critical views on America's war on terror. Seeking a credible source to substantiate her suspicions about NSA's surveillance, Poitras approaches Barton Gellman, a journalist from The Washington Post. Their initial meeting in a Manhattan diner sets the foundation for a crucial collaboration:

Barton Gellman [04:38]: "Any proof? No, not yet, but he says he has documents."

Their cautious partnership embodies the tension between journalistic integrity and the perilous nature of whistleblowing.

The Turning Point: Reviewing the Leaked Documents [21:04]

Four months after their first meeting, Gellman reviews a staggering 8-gigabyte trove of documents allegedly provided by Snowden. The revelation of "Stellar Wind," a data mining operation that siphoned personal information from millions of Americans, marks a pivotal moment:

Barton Gellman [33:51]: "These documents are incredible."

The sheer volume and sensitivity of the information underscore the potential impact and the risks involved in bringing such disclosures to light.

Engaging Glenn Greenwald: Expanding the Team [21:12 - 34:18]

Recognizing the magnitude of the story, Poitras reaches out to Glenn Greenwald, a journalist known for his fearless reporting on civil liberties. Their discussions over encrypted messages accelerate the decision to involve Greenwald, despite the increasing risks:

Glenn Greenwald [34:18]: "He's ready to join the story."

Greenwald's involvement brings additional credibility and expertise, essential for navigating the treacherous waters of national security journalism.

Preparation for Hong Kong: Navigating Obstacles [35:11 - 46:12]

As Poitras and Greenwald prepare to meet Snowden in Hong Kong, they face multiple challenges, including hesitant support from The Guardian and internal conflicts about who should accompany them. The tension peaks when The Guardian insists on adding another reporter, jeopardizing their agreement with Snowden:

Glenn Greenwald [46:28]: "She agreed to not send anyone else until we gave the green light."

The duo must strategize to maintain the trust of their source while securing institutional backing, culminating in a precarious setup in Hong Kong.

The Climactic Meeting with Snowden [35:11 - 46:12]

In a high-stakes reunion, Poitras and Greenwald finally meet Edward Snowden in a meticulously set-up hotel room in Hong Kong. The encounter is fraught with anxiety and the constant threat of surveillance:

Glenn Greenwald [35:11]: "This could be the scoop of a lifetime."

Snowden's revelation during this meeting confirms the existence of widespread surveillance programs, cementing his role as a pivotal whistleblower.

Conclusion: The Aftermath and Implications

The episode concludes by foreshadowing the profound repercussions of Snowden's actions on national security, privacy rights, and the global perception of American intelligence practices. It sets the stage for subsequent episodes, which will delve deeper into Snowden's motivations and the ensuing fallout.

Notable Quotes

• Edward Snowden [00:19]: "He's about to carry out a dangerous plan. Snowden is going to blow the whistle on the United States government."
  [00:19]

• Barton Gellman [04:38]: "Any proof? No, not yet, but he says he has documents."
  [04:38]

• Barton Gellman [33:51]: "These documents are incredible."
  [33:51]

• Glenn Greenwald [34:18]: "He's ready to join the story."
  [34:18]

• Glenn Greenwald [35:11]: "This could be the scoop of a lifetime."
  [35:11]

Further Recommendations

For those seeking to deepen their understanding of Edward Snowden's story, the episode recommends the following resources:

• Books:

  • Dark Mirror by Barton Gellman
  • No Place to Hide by Glenn Greenwald

• Documentary:

  • Citizenfour by Laura Poitras

Conclusion

This episode of American Scandal masterfully intertwines dramatization with factual recounting to provide an immersive exploration of Edward Snowden's whistleblowing journey. Through the perspectives of key players like Laura Poitras, Barton Gellman, and Glenn Greenwald, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the personal and political complexities involved in one of the most significant leaks in American history.