Zero Hour with James Poulos: Ep 73 | How Trump’s Victory Proves That Legacy Media Is FINISHED I Sharyl Attkisson

Release Date: November 18, 2024

In Episode 73 of Zero Hour, host James Poulos engages in a profound discussion with five-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and investigative reporter Cheryl Attkisson. Their conversation delves deep into the intricate web of Big Pharma’s influence over media, healthcare, and society at large. Cheryl Attkisson, renowned for her book "Follow the Science: How Big Pharma Misleads, Obscures and Prevails," brings to light the conspiracies and systemic issues that have contributed to America's current state of chronic illness and media manipulation.

1. Big Pharma’s Dominance in Media and Healthcare

Cheryl Attkisson opens the dialogue by asserting that Big Pharma’s entanglement with major media outlets and government entities has significantly deteriorated public health. She states:

“Big Pharma has prevailed with these uncomfortable partnerships with big media, including the news media, political figures, government in general, and our doctors and our medical establishment...” (01:20)

Attkisson emphasizes that these alliances have led to a societal decline in health, despite increased spending on healthcare and insurance. The pharmaceutical industry's financial grip on media has resulted in biased reporting and the suppression of unfavorable information regarding medications and vaccines.

2. Media Manipulation and Control of Information

The conversation shifts to how the internet and social media have facilitated Big Pharma’s control over the information landscape. Attkisson explains:

“If they can just get control over these few things like Google and Twitter and Facebook that so many people use, then their job is much easier...” (03:38)

This control allows Big Pharma to saturate media channels with their narratives, effectively shaping public perception and minimizing scrutiny of their practices. The manipulation extends to controlling the dissemination of scientific studies and suppressing dissenting voices.

3. Pharmaceutical Advertising as Propaganda

James Polis highlights the pervasive nature of pharmaceutical advertisements, suggesting they act as a form of propaganda:

“These ads can be so effective even if no one gets off the couch, because it's ultimately almost like a form of Propaganda...” (07:18)

Attkisson concurs, noting that these advertisements shift focus from the root causes of illnesses to mere treatments, thereby creating a lucrative, ongoing demand for pharmaceuticals. This strategy ensures a continuous revenue stream for both drug companies and media outlets reliant on pharmaceutical advertising.

4. Root Causes of Chronic Illnesses

Attkisson delves into the underlying factors contributing to America’s chronic health issues, linking them to environmental toxins and flawed medical practices:

“...they are things that have to do with the adulterated food and the policies that allow us, and in some cases force us to drink food with toxins and chemicals and pesticides in it...” (08:34)

She argues that the medical system’s failure to address these root causes results in widespread health decline, reinforcing dependence on pharmaceutical solutions.

5. Transgender Trends and Chemical Influences

The discussion broadens to societal changes, particularly the rise in transgender trends, which Attkisson attributes to chemical influences:

“...there are over 10,000 chemicals that we know very little about...we're effectively not figuring out what's causing it in the first place.” (20:47)

She cites studies linking chemicals like atrazine to gender dysphoria, suggesting that pharmaceutical interventions perpetuate these trends for profit rather than addressing any potential environmental or chemical root causes.

6. Regional Influence: The Midwest and European Perspectives

James Polis brings attention to the Midwest’s susceptibility to Big Pharma’s influence, though Attkisson remains uncertain of specific geographic factors. Shifting focus to Europe, she discusses the continent’s struggle with illegal immigration and cultural clashes:

“...it's getting to be so outraged by the effects of the illegal immigration there. You know, in Poland, they've built a wall...” (35:11)

Attkisson highlights how European countries like Germany have faced severe repercussions from sudden immigration waves, leading to stringent measures and societal strain.

7. Political Landscape: Trump, RFK Jr., and Populism

The conversation navigates the political ramifications of media manipulation, positioning Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as pivotal figures in challenging the establishment:

“Donald Trump became such a target...because he's such a threat to the establishment, both left and right...” (29:37)

Attkisson underscores the importance of populist leaders who are untainted by traditional political systems, suggesting that figures like RFK Jr. could initiate meaningful reforms in public health and media integrity.

8. European Immigration Crisis and Populism

Attkisson details the severe impact of immigration on Europe, emphasizing the cultural and economic strains:

“...the culture clashes that are occurring have bubbled up all across Europe and made people think twice about obviously whether this was a good idea...” (35:22)

She notes that populist movements in Europe have forced governments to take drastic measures, such as building walls and enforcing strict immigration policies, revealing the profound challenges of integrating large immigrant populations abruptly.

9. Media Censorship and Free Speech Concerns

A significant portion of the episode addresses the erosion of free speech and increasing media censorship:

“We are debating the very things that the country was founded on to prevent and avoid...the news media, when they're doing stories, they're arguing and analysts...for more government control and more censorship...” (40:10)

Attkisson laments the media’s transformation from watchdogs to enablers of governmental and corporate agendas, stifling dissent and curtailing free expression under the guise of national security.

10. Technological Influences and Future Outlook

The role of technology, particularly Elon Musk’s involvement with social media, is scrutinized for its potential to exacerbate divisions:

“...he's becoming more polarizing...He said civil war is inevitable. Do you think he's right?” (42:00)

Attkisson expresses concern that tech leaders, while aiming for transparency, might inadvertently fuel societal fractures by promoting divisive rhetoric and implementing suppressive policies.

11. Optimism and Potential Solutions

Despite the grim picture, Attkisson offers a glimmer of hope through state-level autonomy and increasing public awareness:

“...we are dividing ourselves up by states. Let’s say you don’t like your state’s policies...you can go to a state where things are friendlier...” (46:55)

She suggests that as people migrate to states aligned with their values, it could foster pockets of resistance against the overarching control of Big Pharma and the corrupted media, leading to grassroots changes from within.

Notable Quotes

• Cheryl Attkisson on Big Pharma and Media:
  “Big Pharma has prevailed with these uncomfortable partnerships with big media...” (01:20)

• James Polis on Pharmaceutical Ads as Propaganda:
  “These ads can be so effective even if no one gets off the couch...” (07:18)

• Attkisson on Chronic Illness Causes:
  “...adulterated food and the policies that allow us...drink food with toxins...” (08:34)

• Attkisson on Media Censorship:
  “We are debating the very things that the country was founded on...more government control and more censorship...” (40:10)

Conclusion

Episode 73 of Zero Hour offers a critical examination of the intertwined relationships between Big Pharma, legacy media, and government entities. Cheryl Attkisson’s insights reveal a troubling landscape where corporate interests overshadow public health and democratic values. However, the discussion also points toward potential avenues for resistance and change, emphasizing the power of state-level autonomy and the awakening of public consciousness. As America grapples with these challenges, the episode underscores the urgency of reclaiming media integrity and addressing the root causes of societal health crises.

For those interested in exploring these issues further, Cheryl Attkisson's book, "Follow the Science," provides an in-depth analysis of how Big Pharma continues to influence and manipulate various facets of American life.