December 11th, 2024: Who’s Running Syria’s New Government? & Fighter Jets For Kim

Summary

The President's Daily Brief: December 11th, 2024

Host: Mike Baker
Co-Host: [Name Not Provided]
Duration: Approximately 18 minutes
Release Date: December 11, 2024

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1. Introduction

In today’s episode of The President's Daily Brief, hosted by former CIA Operations Officer Mike Baker, critical developments on the international stage are examined. The briefing delves into the evolving political landscape in Syria, alarming revelations about the UN's Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, the strengthening alliance between Russia and North Korea, and the high-profile case involving the assassination of United Healthcare's CEO.

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2. Spotlight: Syria’s New Interim Government

Key Points:

• Formation of New Government: Syria is witnessing the formation of a new interim government led by Mohammed Al Bashir, an obscure figure internationally.
• Role and Responsibilities: Al Bashir is appointed as Syria's caretaker or interim prime minister, tasked with overseeing a transitional government until March 2025. The objective is to establish a permanent administration chosen by the Syrian populace.

Detailed Insights:

• Background of Mohammed Al Bashir:
  “Al Bashir has a long history with the dominant militant rebel group in Syria, Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), which led the 12-day revolt against Assad,” (02:23).

• Previous Positions:
  “He has been serving as the head of a quasi-government setup by HTS in 2017, known as the Syrian Salvation Government (SSG), headquartered in the Idlib province,” (03:02).

• Goals of the Transitional Government:
  “The transitional government will be made up of members of both the previous administration and officials from the SSG to provide some stability,” (03:50).

Quotes:

• Al Bashir on the transitional government's purpose:
  “Facilitate all the necessary works for the next two months until we have a constitutional system to be able to serve the Syrian people,” (03:55).

Current Situation:

• Stability and Concerns:
  While Damascus shows signs of normalcy with reopening banks and shops, concerns persist about potential sectarian violence and extremism resurgences.

• Military Rebuilding Needs:
  The new government faces the challenge of rebuilding the military weakened by Israel’s extensive airstrikes targeting Assad's former war machinery.

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3. UNRWA’s Ties to Hamas

Key Points:

• Allegations Against UNRWA: Newly acquired documents indicate that up to two dozen top administrators at UNRWA schools are affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
• Impact on Education and Radicalism: These ties allegedly allowed terrorist groups to influence educational curricula to foster anti-Israel sentiment and radicalism.

Detailed Insights:

• New York Times Investigation:
  “At least two dozen teachers, counselors, and administrators at UNRWA schools across Gaza are members of Hamas or other terror groups,” (07:58).

• Hamas Influence:
  “Educators reportedly taught students to, 'fight back and resist and to kill the Jews,'” (10:03).

• Tunnel Networks:
  “Extensive tunnel networks used by Hamas were found beneath UNRWA schools and facilities, including the organization's headquarters,” (09:07).

Quotes:

• UN Watch Report on UNRWA:
  “High level UNRWA staff who are complicit with terrorists,” (09:40).

• UNRWA Spokesperson Response:
  “Disinformation meant to create chaos and divert attention from the political aims to dismantle the agency,” (10:17).

Current Situation:

• Israeli Response:
  Israel has issued multiple warnings to UNRWA regarding these extremist ties and has only dismissed nine employees since August, a move deemed insufficient.

• UNRWA’s Stance:
  Representatives claim that the accusations are an orchestrated effort to discredit and ultimately shut down the agency, which they argue is essential for providing education and humanitarian aid to millions of Palestinians.

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4. Russia-North Korea Alliance and Its Implications

Key Points:

• Military Exchange: Russia is supplying North Korea with Soviet-era fighter jets, including MiG-29 and SU-27 models, in exchange for deploying thousands of North Korean troops to bolster Russia’s efforts in Ukraine.
• Deployment Details: Approximately 10,000 North Korean troops have been stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, positioning them as a second echelon behind Russian forces.

Detailed Insights:

• Admiral Samuel Poro’s Statement:
  “The agreement includes MiG 29 and SU 27 fighter jets which are still considered formidable by modern standards,” (11:52).

• Operational Roles:
  Despite claims by Ukrainian President Zelensky that North Korean troops are active on front lines, Admiral Poro clarified that they are currently stationed at observation posts and checkpoints, allowing Russian forces to reallocate frontline duties.

• Extended Military Cooperation:
  The alliance extends beyond aircraft; Russia has provided North Korea with advanced air defense missiles, while North Korea has supplied Russia with thousands of shipping containers of munitions.

Quotes:

• Russian Troop Deployment Details:
  “Their deployment does allow Russian forces to reposition for frontline duties,” (13:27).

• US and Allies’ Criticism:
  “The partnership could accelerate North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs,” (13:07).

Current Situation:

• Ukrainian Intelligence Reports:
  Indicate that roughly 2,000 North Korean troops are embedded within Russian marine and airborne units, contributing to increased tensions in the region.

• International Response:
  The US and its allies have sharply criticized this partnership, highlighting concerns over the expansion of North Korea’s military capabilities under UN sanctions.

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5. Assassination of United Healthcare’s CEO: The Case of Luigi Mangione

Key Points:

• Incident Overview: Luigi Mangione has been officially charged with the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
• Extradition Battle: Mangione is contesting extradition from Pennsylvania to New York to face murder charges.

Detailed Insights:

• Courtroom Behavior:
  During his extradition hearing, Mangione resisted officers' attempts to take him into custody, stating, “This is clearly an injustice and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience,” (15:33).

• Family’s Reaction:
  The Mangione family expressed shock and devastation, with a cousin issuing a statement: “We only know what we have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest. We offer our prayers to the family of Brian Thompson and ask people to pray for all involved,” (16:40).

• Manifesto Details:
  Mangione authored a brief manifesto labeling health insurance companies as “parasitic” and criticized “corporate greed for driving up profits without improving life expectancy,” justifying his act as a symbolic stand against corruption and greed.

Quotes:

• Mangione on Extradition Proceedings:
  “I do” when sworn in and “yes, sir” when affirming his understanding of his rights (16:09).

• Mangione’s Manifesto:
  “I view the killing of Thompson as a symbolic act, calling myself, 'the first to face corruption and greed with such brutal honesty,'” (17:06).

Current Situation:

• Legal Proceedings:
  Mangione remains in custody in Pennsylvania as extradition proceedings to New York continue. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York is pushing to ensure his trial takes place in New York, deeming the charges there as “more serious.”

• Public and Family Impact:
  The assassination has stirred significant public outcry and concern over the motives and mental state of the accused, highlighting issues within the healthcare industry.

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6. Conclusion

Mike Baker wraps up the briefing by emphasizing the importance of staying informed about these pressing global and domestic issues. The episode provides listeners with in-depth analyses of Syria’s political transition, the controversial role of UNRWA in Hamas activities, the strategic military alliance between Russia and North Korea, and the high-stakes legal battle surrounding the assassination of a major corporate CEO.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Facilitate all the necessary works for the next two months until we have a constitutional system to be able to serve the Syrian people,” (03:55).

• “High level UNRWA staff who are complicit with terrorists,” (09:40).

• “The partnership could accelerate North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs,” (13:07).

• “This is clearly an injustice and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience,” (15:33).

• “I view the killing of Thompson as a symbolic act, calling myself, 'the first to face corruption and greed with such brutal honesty,'” (17:06).

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For more detailed analyses and updates, consider tuning in to upcoming episodes of The President's Daily Brief hosted by Mike Baker.

Transcript

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[Mike Baker]

It's Wednesday, the 11th of December. Welcome to the President's Daily Brief. I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears.

[Co-Host]

On the world stage. Let's get briefed.

[Mike Baker]

We'll begin today's show with the latest.

[Co-Host]

News from Syria, where a new interim government is taking shape under a relatively.

[Mike Baker]

Unknown figure, Mohammed Al Bashir.

[Co-Host]

This development comes as Israel intensifies its campaign dismantling what remains of the former President Assad's war machine. Later in the show, the UN's Palestinian relief agency UNRWA is back in the.

[Mike Baker]

News for its links to the Iranian.

[Co-Host]

Backed terrorist group Hamas. Newly uncovered documents reveal that top administrators at UNRWA schools were in fact Hamas fighters. Not that the UN is going to care.

[Mike Baker]

Plus, new developments in the growing alliance.

[Co-Host]

Between Russia and North Korea as reports suggest that Russia is supplying fighter jets to Pyongyang in exchange for thousands of North Korean troops. And in today's Back of the brief.

[Mike Baker]

We'Ll have the latest on the slaying.

[Co-Host]

Of the United Healthcare CEO, as the man suspected of killing him is fighting.

[Mike Baker]

Extradition from Pennsylvania to New York to face the murder charges. But first, today's PDB Spotlight. As the dust settles in Syria following.

[Co-Host]

The overthrow of the Assad regime, the outlines of a new government are beginning to take shape.

[Mike Baker]

Now, Syrian state television reported on Tuesday.

[Co-Host]

That the coalition of Islamist rebels have named Mohammed Al Bashir as Syria's new.

[Mike Baker]

Caretaker or interim prime minister. In that role, he'll oversee a transitional.

[Co-Host]

Syrian government until March of 2025, when the rebels hope to establish a more permanent administration chosen by the Syrian people. And that's according to a report from Bloomberg.

[Mike Baker]

While an unknown on the international stage.

[Co-Host]

Al Bashir has a long history with.

[Mike Baker]

The dominant militant rebel group in Syria.

[Co-Host]

Known as Hayat Tahrir al Sham, or.

[Mike Baker]

HTS, which led the 12 day revolt against Assad. A former electrical engineer, Al Bashir has.

[Co-Host]

Been serving as the head of a.

[Mike Baker]

Quasi government setup by HTS in 2017.

[Co-Host]

Called the Syrian Salvation Government, or SSG, because you have to have an acronym.

[Mike Baker]

Headquartered in the Idlib province, the SSG.

[Co-Host]

Has governed territory in rebel held areas.

[Mike Baker]

In northwestern Syria for the better part.

[Co-Host]

Of seven years, providing assistance to Syrians.

[Mike Baker]

That were cut off from government services during the civil war. Al Bashir served in a number of.

[Co-Host]

Ministerial positions over the years before being named the Prime Minister of SSG last January.

[Mike Baker]

The decision to tap him to lead.

[Co-Host]

The transitional government reportedly came after a meeting earlier this week between Al Bashir, HDS leader Abu Mohammed Al Jolani, and the outgoing Syrian prime minister. Speaking with Al Jazeera following his appointment, Al Bashir said the transitional government will be made up of members of both.

[Mike Baker]

The previous administration and officials from the SSG in order to provide some stability.

[Co-Host]

And quote, facilitate all the necessary works.

[Mike Baker]

For the next two months until we.

[Co-Host]

Have a constitutional system to be able to serve the Syrian people, end quote. Al Bashir's appointment appears to have brought a fragile sense of stability back to Syria. The capital of Damascus showed signs of a return to normalcy on Tuesday, with banks and shops reopening.

[Mike Baker]

But there remain widespread concerns over a.

[Co-Host]

Return to sectarian violence and a resurgence of extremism, particularly among the international community. Critically, it remains unclear who will take.

[Mike Baker]

Over from Al Bashir come March and.

[Co-Host]

How Al Julani, a former Al Qaeda operative, will position himself within the new power structure. But whatever the new government ends up looking like, it's going to need to build its military back from scratch, thanks to a series of preemptive strikes by Israel. Now, Israel has left little to chance regarding their concerns about the large sea change in Syria, launching some 350 airstrikes.

[Mike Baker]

On targets across the country since Sunday. The operations are intended to neutralize military.

[Co-Host]

Assets that Israel wants to keep out.

[Mike Baker]

Of the hands of the Islamist rebels.

[Co-Host]

Given their ties to radical extremists. On Monday, the IDF targeted chemical weapons caches along with critical missile and air defense systems.

[Mike Baker]

Later that day, the IDF confirmed that they had carried out attacks on Syria's.

[Co-Host]

Naval fleet, with footage showing extensive damage to vessels at two ports on their western coast. They have also taken out an unknown.

[Mike Baker]

Number of weapons warehouses and ammunition depots. Israeli leaders have said their only motivation.

[Co-Host]

Is to destroy strategic capabilities that threaten the State of Israel.

[Mike Baker]

Additionally, Israel sent troops into a demilitarized buffer zone in the Golan Heights after.

[Co-Host]

Armed men breached the area and attacked UN peacekeeping forces over the weekend. The IDF confirmed Tuesday that a limited number of troops were also operating inside.

[Mike Baker]

Syrian territory, but stressed it was in.

[Co-Host]

Areas near the border of the Golan Heights. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said the military maneuvers are temporary until an agreement can be reached with Syria's new rulers. Netanyahu said, if we can establish neighborly.

[Mike Baker]

Relations and peaceful relations with the new.

[Co-Host]

Forces emerging in Syria, that's our desire. But if we do not, we will do whatever it takes to defend the state of Israel and the border of Israel, end quote. All right, coming up after the break.

[Mike Baker]

Newly uncovered documents link UNRWA school administrators.

[Co-Host]

To Hamas fighters and Russia reportedly trades Kim Jong Un fighter jets for thousands of his North Korean troops. I'll have those stories when we come back.

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[Co-Host]

Welcome back to the pdb.

[Mike Baker]

Turning our attention to the war in.

[Co-Host]

Gaza, the scandal plague United Nations Relief.

[Mike Baker]

And Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in.

[Co-Host]

The near east, better known as unrwa, is back in the spotlight over its ties to Hamas.

[Mike Baker]

Records seized from the terror group during.

[Co-Host]

Israel's campaign in Gaza and reviewed exclusively by the New York Times revealed that at least two dozen teachers, counselors and administrators at UNRWA schools across the enclave.

[Mike Baker]

Are members of Hamas or other terror groups.

[Co-Host]

Hamas reportedly used its influence within UNWRA, which administered roughly 288 schools across Gaza.

[Mike Baker]

Before the war began, to foster hatred.

[Co-Host]

Against Israel and encourage radicalism. The New York times report identified 24 employees across 24 different UNRWA schools, mostly principals or deputy principals who were registered members of Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Even more damning, the records show that at least half of those identified participated.

[Mike Baker]

In training exercises with the terror groups and were provided with lethal weaponry, including.

[Co-Host]

Assault rifles and hand grenades. Well, every teacher needs a hand grenade. Nothing to see here, folks, just some good hearted teachers and School administrators trying to help the children. Despite the UN's many denunciations of accusations made against the agency, its deep ties.

[Mike Baker]

To Hamas were apparently an open secret inside Gaza.

[Co-Host]

One school principal who was issued both.

[Mike Baker]

An assault rifle and handgun by Hamas, has a photo of himself posing in.

[Co-Host]

Front of a Hamas banner on his Facebook page. Well, that, that could be considered a clue. Another educator, according to residents in Gaza.

[Mike Baker]

Could regularly be seen after school hours patrolling the streets in Hamas fatigues while.

[Co-Host]

Carrying an AK 47. Well, but to be fair, maybe he.

[Mike Baker]

Was just heading up the after school program for antisemites.

[Co-Host]

The records also confirm past reports detailing.

[Mike Baker]

The presence of extensive tunnel networks used.

[Co-Host]

By Hamas underneath UNRWA schools and facilities, including at the organization's headquarters in the Gaza Strip.

[Mike Baker]

The reporting from the New York Times coincides with the release of a report.

[Co-Host]

From the Geneva based NGO UN Watch.

[Mike Baker]

Which also revealed, quote, high level UNRWA.

[Co-Host]

Staff who are complicit with terrorists, end quote.

[Mike Baker]

That report even implicates the UNWRA Commissioner.

[Co-Host]

General Philippe Lazzarini, showing pictures of him.

[Mike Baker]

Meeting with alleged terror leaders in the.

[Co-Host]

Years before the 7 October attack on Israel. That's according to Fox News. Echoing the New York Times, the UN Watch report also highlights the influence of Hamas on the curriculum at UNRWA schools.

[Mike Baker]

Where educators reportedly taught students to, quote, fight back and resist and to, quote, kill the Jews.

[Co-Host]

Again, those could be clues. Israel has provided written warnings to UNRWA.

[Mike Baker]

Countless times about the extremist ties of.

[Co-Host]

Their employees, only to be ignored.

[Mike Baker]

The organization did fire nine employees in.

[Co-Host]

August over their involvement in the 7 October attacks. It's a move that Israel said was frankly, too little, too late.

[Mike Baker]

Israeli intelligence previously estimated that some 450.

[Co-Host]

Terror operatives in Gaza are employed by UNWRA and that more than 1,000 employees.

[Mike Baker]

Have some type of link to either.

[Co-Host]

Hamas or the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Representatives for unrwa, of course, meanwhile, claim that Israel is engaged in a targeted campaign to discredit the agency and ultimately shut it down. Responding to the report from UN Watch, a spokesman based in Washington D.C. implied the accusations were, quote, disinformation meant to, quote, create chaos and divert attention from the political aims to dismantle the agency, end quote. The spokesman added that reporting of this.

[Mike Baker]

So called disinformation is, quote, putting other people's lives in danger, end quote.

[Co-Host]

Well, maybe he's got a point. You certainly wouldn't want to put Hamas.

[Mike Baker]

Terrorists lives in danger.

[Co-Host]

Officials in the UN have said that.

[Mike Baker]

Given the politics of the region, it.

[Co-Host]

Is next to impossible to guarantee that.

[Mike Baker]

None of the employees are militants.

[Co-Host]

We can't help that, says the un. Still, they say the UNRWA remains the.

[Mike Baker]

Best way to provide education and humanitarian assistance.

[Co-Host]

The millions of Palestinians in Gaza, the officials said, quote, hey, if UNRWA doesn't do it, who else is going to teach the kids to hate the Jews? End quote. Okay, well, fair enough. That last quote was made up. But perhaps you get my point. Okay, Turning to the alliance between North Korea and Russia, we now know that Pyongyang is receiving Soviet era fighter jets.

[Mike Baker]

From Moscow in a trade for the thousands of North Korean troops the regime.

[Co-Host]

Has sent in October to bolster Moscow's war effort in Ukraine. According to the head of the Indo Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Poro, the agreement includes MiG 29 and SU 27 fighter jets. First introduced over 40 years ago but still considered formidable by modern standards, these aircraft would bolster Pyongyang's aging fleet, which currently is made up of Soviet era and Chinese supplied aircraft. This development alliance with Pentagon confirmed reports.

[Mike Baker]

That at least 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia's Kursk region.

[Co-Host]

Where they're positioned as a second echelon behind Russian forces. Although Admiral Poparo stated that the North Korean troops have not yet engaged in.

[Mike Baker]

Combat, his remarks stand in contrast to.

[Co-Host]

Ukrainian President Zelensky's claims that they are.

[Mike Baker]

Already active on the front lines.

[Co-Host]

The military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

[Mike Baker]

Extend well beyond aircraft, of course. South Korea's defense minister accused the Kremlin.

[Co-Host]

Of providing advanced air defense missiles to North Korea, while the latter is alleged.

[Mike Baker]

To have sent thousands of shipping containers of munitions to Russia, replenishing its depleted stockpiles.

[Co-Host]

This cooperation, of course, has drawn sharp.

[Mike Baker]

Criticism from the US and its allies.

[Co-Host]

Who warn that the partnership could accelerate North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, both of which are heavily sanctioned by the United Nations. Meanwhile, we're getting new reports about what.

[Mike Baker]

North Korean troops are doing on the.

[Co-Host]

Battlefield in Russia, and the answer is, well, reportedly not that much.

[Mike Baker]

Reports from Ukraine's National Resistance center on.

[Co-Host]

Monday suggest that North Korea has now.

[Mike Baker]

Stationed thousands of troops at observation posts and checkpoints in the Kursk region.

[Co-Host]

It's important to note that while these.

[Mike Baker]

Troops are not directly involved in combat.

[Co-Host]

Echoing Admiral Poparos statement, Ukraine's National Resistance center reports that their deployment does allow Russian forces to reposition for frontline duties. Ukrainian officials claim that the North Koreans are operating under Russia's 11th Airborne Assault Brigade and have been tasked with guarding Russian troop concentrations, adding to the tension. A Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman revealed that separately, roughly 2,000 North Korean troops have been embedded within Russian marine and airborne units. All right, coming up in the back of the brief, the latest on the killing of United Healthcare's CEO.

[Mike Baker]

With the suspect now fighting extradition to.

[Co-Host]

New York to face murder charges. I'll be right back.

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[Co-Host]

In today's back of the brief, the latest on Luigi Mangione, the man now.

[Mike Baker]

Officially charged with murder in the killing.

[Co-Host]

Of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

[Mike Baker]

The accused killer has decided to fight.

[Co-Host]

Extradition to New York after being denied bail in Pennsylvania. As he was being taken into the Pennsylvania courthouse on Tuesday, Mangione resisted officers shouting, quote, this is clearly an injustice and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience. Ah, the old lived experience trope. I guess Brian Thompson won't have that opportunity now. Inside the courtroom, the accused killer seemed.

[Mike Baker]

A bit more docile.

[Co-Host]

Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, he sat silently through much of the hearing as.

[Mike Baker]

His attorney advised against speaking.

[Co-Host]

Mangione only spoke twice, saying, I do when sworn in and yes, sir to the judge when asked if he understood his right to contest arrest. According to cnn, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has vowed to ensure Mangione's trial in New York by submitting what's called a governor's warrant. Pennsylvania prosecutors have indicated their intent to cooperate, noting that the charges in New.

[Mike Baker]

York are, quote, more serious.

[Co-Host]

The Mangione family has expressed shock and.

[Mike Baker]

Devastation over his arrest.

[Co-Host]

A cousin of the accused who also happens to be a Maryland state delegate.

[Mike Baker]

Issued a statement on behalf of the.

[Co-Host]

Family saying, quote, we only know what.

[Mike Baker]

We have read in the media. Our family is shocked and devastated by Luigi's arrest. We offer our prayers to the family.

[Co-Host]

Of Brian Thompson and ask people to.

[Mike Baker]

Pray for all involved.

[Co-Host]

We are devastated by this news. End quote. Now, Mangione revealed his motive in a brief manifesto which frankly reads more like a 260 word confession letter. He described health insurance companies as, quote.

[Mike Baker]

Parasitic and decried corporate greed for driving.

[Co-Host]

Up profits without improving life expectancy. And of course, you can do all those things without actually killing someone.

[Mike Baker]

The manifesto went on to say that.

[Co-Host]

He viewed the killing of Thompson as a symbolic act, calling himself, quote, the.

[Mike Baker]

First to face corruption and greed with such brutal honesty.

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[Co-Host]

End quote.

[Mike Baker]

As of now, Mangione remains in custody.

[Co-Host]

In Pennsylvania as extradition proceedings unfolded. Perhaps now, I suppose the remainder of.

[Mike Baker]

His lived experience will be spent behind bars.

[Co-Host]

And that, my friends, is the President's.

[Mike Baker]

Daily brief for Wednesday 11th December.

[Co-Host]

If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to [e-mail] and if you're hankering for an ad free PDB experience, well, we can make that happen.

[Mike Baker]

Just become a premium member of the.

[Co-Host]

President's Daily brief by visiting pdbpremium.com I'm Mike Baker. I'll be back later today with the PDB Afternoon Bulletin.

[Mike Baker]

Until then, stay informed, stay safe, stay co.