Episodios

  • Episode 90 | Conservative influencers in DoJ’s Russian propaganda indictment: Victims or Accomplices?

    Episode 90 | Conservative influencers in DoJ’s Russian propaganda indictment: Victims or Accomplices?
    Sep 9 2024
    In this all-new episode, national security law professor Asha Rangappa and former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti delve into the murky waters of Russian disinformation campaigns. Discussing last week’s indictment of two Russian nationals for a malign influence operation in the U.S. by the Department of Justice, you'll hear how well-known commentators like Tim Pool, Benny Johnson, Laura Southern, and Dave Rubin were ensnared with windfall payments from Russia’s government. Subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show. patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia The damning DoJ indictment alleges at least two Russian nationals conducted a clandestine operation in the US that sought to sway public opinion in the lead up to the election by funding BlazeTV content creator Lauren Chen’s startup, Tenet Media. While one of the Putin government’s scheme targeted conservative American influencers, another indictment for a scheme called the Doppelgänger case was released, where prosecutors indicted a ring that created fake news websites. Both pushed pro-Russian narratives mixed with minsinformation to disrupt American politics and cause social division. Our hosts break down the details and implications of the shocking foreign disinformation campaign, and analyze responses by different presidential administrations to combat these types of operations. We’ll walk through the complexities of the case, talk about the role of targeted right-wing influencers in the operation, and explain how their willful negligence greatly undermined our democracy. You’ll also get to hear how the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) works, and get an expert analysis of the strategic shift in the federal response to these types of operations since the 2016 election. Asha and Renato also give us an update on Hunter Biden’s recent legal troubles and share some hilarious personal anecdotes about maintaining public appearances. This episode of It's Complicated is a must-listen. Stay tuned and join us next week for more expert analysis and deep dives into the world of legal and political intrigue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    35 m
  • Episode 89 | Here's why the new Jack Smith indictment is TERRIBLE for Trump

    Episode 89 | Here's why the new Jack Smith indictment is TERRIBLE for Trump
    Sep 2 2024
    Special Counsel Jack Smith just filed a superseding indictment against former President Donald Trump in the wake of the Supreme Court's historic presidential immunity ruling earlier this summer. In today's all-new episode our hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa give their expert analysis of Trump’s brand new indictment. Before diving in, make sure to subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive access to deeper insights and behind-the-scenes content: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia. You’ll learn why Special Counsel Jack Smith needed to convene a new grand jury for this week's new indictment. We'll also discuss how the superseding indictment seeks to outmaneuver the Supreme Court’s controversial decision on presidential immunity. Lastly, our hosts will project the potential outcomes of the case, including delays and why it's likely swift appeals will result from any forthcoming decision. Renato elaborates on the gamble of Jack Smith, and explains how the new filing cleans up old charges and makes prosecution more effective. Asha highlights the complex role of the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity decision on the case and provides an in-depth analysis of the distinction between legislative and executive acts. And our hosts also provide a new update on the appeal of Judge Cannon's dismissal of the Mar-a-Lago indictment, discussing how the focus on statutory interpretations and historical context support special counsel appointments. Tune in next week as we continue to unpack all of the ongoing political legal drama. Stay informed, stay engaged, and be part of the conversation about the future of American justice, right here on It’s Complicated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    46 m
  • Episode 88 | How Screwed is George Santos? It’s Complicated.

    Episode 88 | How Screwed is George Santos? It’s Complicated.
    Aug 26 2024
    How Screwed is George Santos? It’s Complicated. Former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti and Yale national security law professor Asha Rangappa examine the numerous criminal schemes perpetrated by expelled former Rep. George Santos’ (R-NY). Our hosts discuss how his likely sentencing will measure up to typical white-collar criminals in the wake of his guilty plea deal last week. Subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show: patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia Get ready for a deep dive into the former Long Island Republican Congressman’s systematic pattern of meticulous fraud, with a few eye-popping details of how he brazenly continued his schemes inside the halls of the Capitol. Santos illegally misappropriated funds from campaign donors, fraudulently charged credit cards in DC. But his criminal turn began in New York when he obtained unemployment benefits under false pretenses, and lied several times on official reports in his home state. Our hosts highlight the many challenges in prosecuting these types of crimes. Interestingly, they revealed a legal movement toward lenient prison sentences for white-collar criminals. The episode also touches on the shocking new charges stemming from the tragic death of Friends actor Matthew Perry. Asha and Renato break down the gravity of alleged crimes, including over-prescribing lethal doses of sedatives, distribution of controlled substances, and falsifying medical records. This episode is packed with expert analysis, legal insights, and the kind of in-depth discussion that you won’t want to miss. And be sure to tune in next week for another very special episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    45 m
  • Episode 87 | Will Trump Be Sentenced Before the Election? It’s Complicated

    Episode 87 | Will Trump Be Sentenced Before the Election? It’s Complicated
    Aug 19 2024
    In this AWESOME episode, our hosts - former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti and Yale law professor Asha Rangappa - dive into the complex dilemma of sentencing Donald Trump before the November election. Subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show. patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia We’ll examine Trump's lawyer's recent request to delay sentencing, the impact the Supreme Court's immunity decision will have on the hearing’s outcome, and the likelihood of success for any appeals. And you’ll hear our take on what impact the sentencing will have on Trump's electoral prospects and future legal strategy. Renato and Asha share their expert opinions on Trump’s lawyers’ repetitive requests for recusal, and dissect bogus claims of conflict of interest and election interference. They’ll also walk us through the various sentencing options Trump is facing and discuss how even modest penalties could impact his public perception and deal a devastating blow to his presidential campaign. This is a MUST-LISTEN for anyone trying to find out what happens next in Trump’s legal saga. And be sure to tune in next week for more expert analysis and insight you won’t find anywhere else! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    26 m
  • Episode 86 | Jack Smith Makes THIS New Move In Election Interference Case

    Episode 86 | Jack Smith Makes THIS New Move In Election Interference Case
    Aug 13 2024
    Why is Jack Smith asking for more time in the Jan 6th case? Well, it’s complicated. And we have some very exciting news to share. We have recently partnered with Really American Media to take our podcast to the next level. They are going to exponentially speed up our production times and help us deliver more exclusive, hard-hitting content like this. “And what it means is that we're going to have conversations together and you're going to see the results very quickly,” Renato said. “Not only in our regular podcast feed, but you'll actually see the video on the Really American YouTube channel.” In this all new episode, hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa move past the sound bites and talking points to discuss the special counsel’s surprising move and its implications for the upcoming election. You can subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show. patreon.com/reallyamericanmedia Listen in as our leading legal experts give you the latest update on the Jan 6 case and explore the possible strategic considerations that need to be made by Merrick Garland moving forward. They’ll also break down the complexities of the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity and take a hard look at how that will impact Trump’s many pending felony charges in the future. We’ll also talk about the many challenges of overcoming Donald Trump’s prevailing narratives and ongoing attacks on Kamala Harris, and share some hilarious personal anecdotes about dealing with household emergencies. The legal landscape surrounding Donald Trump remains fluid and unpredictable. So be sure to stay tuned for the next episode of It’s Complicated as Asha and Renato help us navigate these complex times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    45 m
  • Episode 85 | Save Democracy with this One Weird Trick; Renato Swings

    Episode 85 | Save Democracy with this One Weird Trick; Renato Swings
    Jul 31 2024
    In a bit of a departure from the usual subjects Asha and Renato weigh in on politics. In particular, how the label of “weird” is sticking to JD Vance. Also, what it must be like for Usha to ride along with her husband’s new-found love of Trump.Plus, Renato is a bit of a swinger…on the dance floor. Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_ Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/ Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariotti Follow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/ Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    44 m
  • Episode 84 | Donald's Docket; Crowdstrike

    Episode 84 | Donald's Docket; Crowdstrike
    Jul 26 2024
    Asha and Renato go over the current state of Trump’s criminal trials. Renato shares his surprise prediction about the Manhattan conviction.Plus, Asha barely made it home from her vacation! Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/ZWzalIusTr0 Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_ Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/ Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariotti Follow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/ Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    48 m
  • Episode 83 | What’s Next; Court Reform; Logistical Nightmares

    Episode 83 | What’s Next; Court Reform; Logistical Nightmares
    Jul 19 2024
    Dahlia Lithwick joins Renato to discuss what’s next for Jack Smith now that the Florida indictment has been thrown out?President Biden has reportedly said that Court reform is going to be a priority in his re-election campaign. What would that look like?Plus, there were some difficulties getting this episode together! Keep up with our Guest:Dahlia Lithwickhttps://twitter.com/dahlialithwick Dahlia Lithwick Amicus with Dahlia Lithwick Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_ Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/ Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariotti Follow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/ Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Más Menos
    43 m