Podcast Summary: Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar Episode: June 17, 2025 Guests: Glenn Greenwald, Rob Bonta (California Attorney General) Hosts: Krystal Ball and Sagar Enjeti Duration: Approximately 50 minutes

1. Introduction and Guest Overview

The episode kicks off with an introduction of Glenn Greenwald, a prominent journalist known for his critical stance on mainstream media and his role in exposing government misconduct. Krystal Ball and Sagar Enjeti set the stage for a deep dive into media manipulation, political violence, and legal battles surrounding federal intervention in state affairs.

2. Media's Iraq 2.0 Coverage and Disinformation

Timestamp: [02:02] – [06:16]

Glenn Greenwald draws parallels between the media landscape during the Iraq War and the current situation with Iran. He emphasizes how disinformation serves as a modern weapon of war, enabling governments and intelligence agencies to manipulate public perception.

Key Points:

• Disinformation as a War Tool: Greenwald asserts, “Disinformation is always a weapon of war... our corporate media is not just incapable of guarding against it, but eager to participate in its dissemination” ([03:10]).
• Historical Deception: He references past instances where media played a role in justifying conflicts, highlighting the need for historical awareness to navigate current media biases.

3. Media Bias and Repetition of War-Time Propaganda

Timestamp: [06:16] – [14:04]

The discussion shifts to specific examples of media figures like Tucker Carlson and Glenn Beck, who Greenwald argues are repeating propaganda similar to that seen during the Iraq War. The hosts critique the media’s failure to question governmental narratives.

Key Points:

• Repetition of Lies: Greenwald mentions, “They just continue to thrive to this very day. They're still the ones making the decisions” ([06:16]).
• Erosion of Credibility: The hosts discuss how repeated falsehoods erode public trust, making it easier to justify military actions without substantial evidence.

4. Parallels Between Iraq War Justifications and Current Iran Policies

Timestamp: [14:04] – [16:59]

Greenwald and the hosts delve into the similarities between the justifications used for the Iraq War and the current stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. They critique the use of unverified intelligence to push for military intervention.

Key Points:

• False Justifications: Greenwald compares the claims about Iran’s nuclear program to the unfounded assertions about Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction ([14:04]).
• Media Complicity: “The only question is, do you want to go to war to stop them or do you want to let them have it?” Greenwald questions the binary choice presented by the media and government ([16:59]).

5. Political Motivations and the Influence of Aging Leaders

Timestamp: [16:59] – [19:27]

The conversation turns to the personal ideologies of leaders like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, focusing on how their beliefs influence foreign policy decisions. The hosts express concern over the potential for reckless decisions driven by personal convictions.

Key Points:

• Divine Justification: Greenwald discusses Trump’s adoption of evangelical beliefs, highlighting messages that suggest divine intervention and destiny ([07:22] – [07:52]).
• End-of-Life Decision Making: The hosts warn that leaders in their mid to late 70s may prioritize legacy over practical governance, increasing the risk of dangerous decisions ([08:00] – [19:27]).

6. Minnesota Lawmaker Assassination Attempt

Timestamp: [19:27] – [30:42]

A significant portion of the episode covers the assassination attempt on a Minnesota state Democratic lawmaker by Belter. The hosts provide a detailed account of the events, investigations, and potential motivations behind the attack.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: Belter’s attack involved targeting multiple Democratic lawmakers, indicating a possible anti-abortion or extreme right-wing motive ([21:32] – [28:42]).
• Law Enforcement Response: Critique of the police handling of the situation, where Belter was in close proximity yet managed to escape and carry out the assassination ([23:38] – [30:42]).
• Psychological Profile: Discussion on Belter’s behavior, including his conflicts, extremist views, and possible mental health issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Greenwald: “This is like genocide of babies, some people are gonna take it that way” ([30:13]).
• Crystal Ball: “It's horrific and it's terrifying” ([29:17]).

7. California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Federalization of the National Guard

Timestamp: [31:03] – [48:24]

The hosts interview Rob Bonta, the Attorney General of California, regarding the ongoing lawsuit against the Trump administration’s decision to federalize the National Guard in Los Angeles. The discussion centers on the legal grounds of the lawsuit and its implications for state-federal relations.

Key Points:

• Legal Basis: Bonta explains that the deployment violated federal law and the U.S. Constitution by lacking the necessary conditions such as rebellion or invasion ([33:39] – [37:18]).
• Posse Comitatus Act: The hosts and Bonta discuss the act’s prohibition of military involvement in civilian law enforcement, citing recent incidents where Marines allegedly engaged in arrests ([37:18] – [41:38]).
• Future Legal Steps: Bonta expresses confidence in the legal battle, anticipating possible escalation to the Supreme Court if the Trump administration invokes the Insurrection Act ([47:05] – [48:24]).

Notable Quotes:

• Bonta: “The requirements to invoke it are not present...no basis for invoking the Insurrection Act” ([47:05]).
• Krystal Ball: “It’s so dangerous... he wants to targeted and attack transparently” ([42:37]).

8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [48:24] – [50:58]

The episode wraps up with final remarks on the potential for increased political violence and the importance of holding leaders accountable. The hosts emphasize the need for vigilance and support for independent media outlets like Breaking Points to continue exposing truths.

Key Points:

• Rising Political Violence: Concerns about the normalization of political violence in America’s political climate.
• Support for Independent Media: Encouragement for listeners to support independent journalism to counteract mainstream media biases.

Closing Remarks: Krystal Ball and Sagar Enjeti thank their guest and listeners, highlighting upcoming topics and urging continued engagement with critical political issues.

Notable Quotes Throughout the Episode

• Glenn Greenwald: “Disinformation is always a weapon of war...” ([03:10]).
• Krystal Ball: “This is like genocide of babies…” ([30:13]).
• Rob Bonta: “There is no basis for invoking the Insurrection Act…” ([47:05]).

Key Takeaways

• Media Manipulation: The episode underscores the persistent issue of media complicity in governmental propaganda, drawing historical parallels to past conflicts.
• Political Accountability: Emphasis on the necessity to hold political leaders accountable for actions that undermine democratic principles and legal frameworks.
• Legal Battles: The California lawsuit against federal overreach serves as a critical example of state resistance against perceived unconstitutional actions by the federal government.
• Preventing Violence: The tragic assassination attempt on Minnesota lawmakers highlights the urgent need to address rising political extremism and violence.

For More Information:

• Visit BreakingPoints.com to access full episodes, become a member, and support independent journalism.