It's Complicated

By: Renato Mariotti & Asha Rangappa
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  • Summary

  • Join former federal prosecutor and CNN Legal Analyst Renato Mariotti and former Special Agent at the FBI and Legal Analyst Asha Rangappa as they dive deeper into complicated issues in the news with a blatant pro-democracy bias.
    © 2023 Renato Mariotti
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Episodes
  • 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
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    35 mins
  • 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
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    46 mins
  • 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
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    45 mins
Political Science
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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Dig the takes and the chemistry

Thanks for taking your time and not dumbing it down. Very well done pod.

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Profile Image for Bailey Degregorio

terrible

just like cnn news both siding tucker carlson he is a white over privileged asshole call it the was it is quit both siding subject's

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