Podcast Summary: Pod Save the World Episode: Russian Interference Won’t Stop After Election Day
Release Date: November 6, 2024
Host/Author: Crooked Media

Pod Save the World, hosted by Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes from Crooked Media, delves deep into pressing global issues, focusing today on election interference, geopolitical tensions, and international election outcomes. This episode, released on Election Day, offers an insightful analysis of the multifaceted challenges facing democracies worldwide.

Election Day Anxiety and Interference

Overview of Election Day Dynamics: Tommy Vietor (01:16) and Ben Rhodes (01:15) open the discussion by highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Election Day results, emphasizing the lack of reliable exit polls. Vietor humorously references Josh Earnest's comparison of exit polls to "hooking up with your ex-girlfriend" (02:35), underscoring their unreliability.

Russian and Chinese Interference: A significant portion of the conversation centers on election interference by foreign adversaries, particularly Russia and China. The hosts reference a joint statement from the Director of National Intelligence, FBI, and CISA, warning about Russia's attempts to "undermine public confidence in the integrity of US Elections" (04:10). Vietor mentions a fake video alleging voter fraud in Arizona orchestrated by Russia (04:34), and Rhodes discusses the normalization of such interference since the 2016 elections (06:06).

Ben Rhodes adds depth by explaining how China's recent hacking of major US telecom companies has compromised national security, enabling potential surveillance of millions through AI-driven data analysis (09:12). He emphasizes the blurred lines between personal privacy and national security, stating, "digital privacy doesn't really exist" (09:46).

Threat of Election Day Violence

Rise in Violent Rhetoric: The podcast addresses the alarming increase in violent rhetoric linked to election denialism, particularly on platforms like Telegram and Gab. A report from the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism highlights a 317% rise on Telegram and 105% on Gab (12:05).

Militia Movements: Rhodes draws parallels between organized extremist groups in the US and foreign militant organizations, noting the potential for these groups to be influenced by Russian disinformation campaigns (15:21). The conversation underscores the persistent threat of domestic violence inspired by fringe groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, especially in the absence of strong governmental pushback (17:57).

Israeli Government Shake-Up and Netanyahu’s Scandal

Defense Minister Firing: A significant development discussed is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to fire Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (29:14). Gallant, a relative moderate, was dismissed due to a breach of trust over policy disagreements, notably the exemption of ultra-Orthodox students from the draft (30:19).

Leak of Classified Information: Netanyahu faces a major scandal involving the leak of classified information. Suspects, including Eli Feldstein, a spokesman in Netanyahu's office, are in custody for manipulating and leaking documents to justify prolonged military actions in Gaza (33:31). Rhodes criticizes Netanyahu’s autocratic tendencies, highlighting the lack of accountability and the continuation of aggressive policies despite scandals (36:58).

Updates from Gaza and US Involvement

Bombing of Gaza Hospitals: The hosts lament the repeated bombings of medical facilities in Gaza, citing a specific instance where a hospital in Jabalia was bombed with severe civilian casualties (38:25). Kathy Russell of UNICEF warns of an imminent humanitarian crisis, with populations facing disease, famine, and ongoing bombardments (38:25).

US Military Assistance Concerns: Rhodes brings attention to the Biden administration’s inaction on 500 reports detailing US-made weapons used to kill civilians in Gaza (39:28). He urges immediate political pressure to enforce existing laws against such violations, emphasizing the need for accountability regardless of the election outcome (39:28).

Allegations of Russian Terrorism Plot

Incendiary Devices on Planes: Tommy Vietor shares a concerning report from The Wall Street Journal about Russia allegedly shipping incendiary devices disguised as sex toys on DHL cargo planes, aimed at causing chaos and terrorism in North America (40:07). Polish authorities have arrested suspects linked to the Russian GRU for this audacious plot (40:07).

Potential Military Response: Rhodes speculates on the possible severe US response to such acts, questioning Putin’s motives given the likely overwhelming retaliation. He suggests this may be a probing exercise by Russia to test US defenses and alliances (41:45).

International Election Outcomes

Moldova and Botswana Elections: The episode highlights positive developments in international elections. In Moldova, pro-Western candidate Maya Sandu won the presidential runoff with 55% of the vote, signaling resistance against Russian interference (42:49). Similarly, Botswana experienced a historic political shift as the long-ruling Botswana Democratic Party was defeated by the progressive Umbrella for Democratic Change Party led by Duma Boko (44:14). Rhodes notes Botswana's smooth and peaceful transition as a democratic bright spot in Southern Africa (45:46).

Lighter Global Stories

North Korean Soldiers in Russia: In a lighter segment, Vietor and Rhodes discuss reports of North Korean soldiers sent to Russia to fight in Ukraine. They humorously reference how limited Internet access has led soldiers to consume pornography extensively, speculating on the psychological impacts (51:34).

New Zealand Airport Hug Policy: A quirky story about Dunedin Airport in New Zealand imposing a three-minute time limit on hugs in the drop-off area is discussed. The hosts joke about the practicality and cultural implications of such a policy, blending humor with cultural observations (52:38).

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, Vietor and Rhodes reflect on the pervasive influence of Trumpism and its aftermath on global politics. They express a cautious optimism for a new era post-election while acknowledging the enduring challenges posed by foreign interference and domestic extremism (59:35).

Notable Quotes

• Tommy Vietor (04:10): “Digital privacy doesn't really exist. Probably need to have some degree of skepticism about information you're consuming if it's not from a source that you really know where it comes from.”

• Ben Rhodes (06:06): “Eight years later it's like, oh, yeah, sure, the Russians are interfering all over the place. They left Trump the night before the election.”

• Ben Rhodes (15:21): “If Russia wants to influence, you know, you and like, you know, someone who has a platform in this country, they can find ways to do that based on what you're doing and saying to people in private.”

• Tommy Vietor (38:25): “Kathy Russell, who we know well, the executive director of UNICEF, said that the entire Palestinian population in North Gaza, especially children, is at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine, and the ongoing bombardments.”

• Ben Rhodes (39:28): “We are in violation of our own laws. And there are potentially hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of reports of the US Violating its own laws by continuing to provide this military assistance.”

This episode of Pod Save the World provides a comprehensive analysis of the current geopolitical climate, emphasizing the persistent threats of foreign interference, domestic extremism, and the fragility of democratic institutions. Through informed discussion and critical insights, hosts Tommy Vietor and Ben Rhodes navigate the complexities of global politics, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the challenges ahead.