Skip Timestamp, Timestamps, and Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

On this week’s show, you’re getting two scoops.

It’s a Useful Idiots double header, with former CIA Agent Barry Eisler, who left the CIA to become a spy-thriller novelist (get his latest book The System at barryeisler.com), and Ben & Jerry’s Cofounder Ben Cohen, who was arrested recently for interrupting RFK Jr.’s congressional testimony to protest US funding of Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

First, Barry Eisler explains his role as a covert operative in the CIA, and the truth it taught him about American tribalist politics.

I spent three years in a covert position in the CIA. It taught me a lot about the culture and machinations of the U.S. government and what some call the deep state. And it became great fodder for a guy who then went on to become a full-time thriller writer.

What I found there is in some ways a microcosm of tribalism politics in America. And it's this.

A lot of people think, ‘oh, is it a bunch of liberals there? Or is it a bunch of conservatives?’ But the fundamental, underlying, and much more meaningful political culture in the CIA is the belief that ‘Hey, America is a force for good in the world. And everything we do, whether it's traditional espionage or shading off into coups or even invasions and occupations, that's all just to make the world a better place.’

It's that more fundamental thing where they really believe that America is a force for good in the world and that our mistakes are just innocent mistakes, rather than something much more nefarious.

Subscribe for the full interview with Barry Eisler, where we discuss Russiagate from a CIA perspective, watch Palantir’s Alex Karp let slip that his AI kills people, and the connection Barry’s spy thrillers have to Aaron’s nonfiction writing.

Next we talk to Ben Cohen, cofounder of Ben & Jerry’s.

After disrupting a Senate testimony from RFK Jr. to protest US funding of weapons for Israel’s mass assault on Gaza, he was hauled out by police and arrested. He explains why he did it:

Everybody has their breaking point. I was reading about the slaughter of all these innocent children in Gaza. And then I read another article in the paper about another outbreak of lead poisoning in Milwaukee. Lead poisoning creates irreversible brain damage and there's nothing you can do about it.

And we know how to prevent it! It's chipping lead paint and lead in plumbing pipes and we could fix it, for a minuscule five percent of the Pentagon budget!

And so those two things: we’re making a conscious decision to provide the bombs as a gift to Israel that they use to kill kids in Gaza. And we're kicking kids off Medicaid and not preventing lead poisoning, an easily preventable permanent disease.

So I said, I’ve got to make my voice heard. I’ve got to take the most serious action that a citizen can take, which is an act of civil disobedience. And so that's what I did.

Skip Timestamp:

1. 11:57.821 - 12:57.986 Sponsor

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 01:06 Matthew Miller FLIPS
3. 04:30 Musk and Trump break up over Epstein
4. 08:20 Indian Lt Gov's CRAZY evolution take
5. 12:57 Israel runs NYC mayor debate
6. 17:50 Barry Eisler interview
7. 33:57 Ben Cohen interview

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: This episode of the "Useful Idiots" podcast features discussions on current political events, including Matt Miller's changing stance on Israeli war crimes, Elon Musk's feud with Donald Trump, controversial statements by Indiana's Lieutenant Governor, and criticism of New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mandani's views on Israel. It also includes interviews with Barry Eisler, a former CIA operative turned novelist, about his new book "The System," and Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, about his activism.

Key Points:

• Matt Miller's Shift on Israeli War Crimes: The hosts discuss how former State Department spokesperson Matt Miller admitted that Israel committed war crimes after leaving his government position, contradicting his previous statements.
• Elon Musk vs. Donald Trump: Elon Musk accused Donald Trump of being in the Epstein files, sparking a feud. The hosts and Newsmax discuss the implications and potential motivations behind Musk's claim.
• Indiana Lieutenant Governor's Controversial Statement: The hosts criticize Indiana's Lieutenant Governor for suggesting that belief in evolution implies indifference to suicide.
• Zoran Mandani's Views on Israel: The hosts discuss the controversy surrounding New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mandani's refusal to prioritize a visit to Israel and his support for equal rights for all states, including Israel.
• Barry Eisler Interview: Eisler discusses his background, his new political thriller "The System," and the compromising positions the system puts people in. He also touches on the culture within the CIA and the incentives for conformity.
• Ben Cohen Interview: Cohen discusses his recent arrest for protesting US policy on Israel, his past activism, and his views on government spending priorities, particularly the military budget.

Highlights:

• Matt Miller's admission of lying about Israeli war crimes while in office.
• Elon Musk's accusation against Donald Trump regarding the Epstein files.
• The Indiana Lieutenant Governor's misunderstanding of evolutionary theory.
• Zoran Mandani's stance on equal rights and his refusal to prioritize visiting Israel.
• Barry Eisler's insights into the CIA's culture and the pressures of political power.
• Ben Cohen's passionate advocacy and civil disobedience against perceived injustices.

About Channel:

Useful Idiots is an informative and irreverent politics podcast with journalists @aaronjmate and @kthalps

Archive Link: https://archive.is/q1LuS

Joining forces with Palestinians and allies in the struggle against Zionism

Vienna, June 13-15th, 2025

Support the Call: https://www.juedisch-antizionistisch.at/en/congress

Get your Ticket: https://www.juedisch-antizionistisch.at/en/tickets

The world watches in horror the unfolding genocide against the Palestinian people committed by Zionism in partnership with the West. It is our duty to take action, as this is done in our name. We must join our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their darkest hour, and work for freeing and decolonising Palestine! To achieve this just aim, we must have progressive organisations and individuals across the world with us, working against Zionist Apartheid, ethnic cleansing and genocide as the last devastating evidence of colonialism which must be terminated.

Jews and people of Jewish descent everywhere - those whom the Zionist state claims to speak for – are uniting to declare their unwavering opposition to Zionism.

Since the First Zionist Congress over a century ago, Zionism claimed to speak on behalf of all Jews, while permanently attempting to silence our opposition to its constant crimes. Jewish tradition, history and culture is totally opposed to genocide.

The impressive history of Jewish resistance to Zionism is as long as Zionism – it included religious communities as well as secular movements of Jewish descent, and the vehement Jewish opposition to the creation of the Zionist state in Palestine itself.

Zionism is a crime against Judaism and the indigenous people of Palestine, and we are committed to putting an end to it. Over the years, it became clear that Zionism, instead of protecting Jews, placed them in great danger by committing atrocious acts in their name. Zionism is based on racial supremacy, adopting the very racist assumptions which are inherent to antisemitism – describing Jews as belonging to some chosen race – a notion which is fundamentally racist and which has no relation to Judaism.

The Zionist settler-colonial entity denies Palestinians their most basic rights. Zionism operates through colonialism, apartheid, ethnic-cleansing and genocide in Palestine Even before 1948. Fourteen million Palestinians worldwide are its direct victims. To Israel we firmly declare “Not in Our Name!” We are devoted to terminating Zionism and we are devoted to the decolonisation of Palestine under Palestinian leadership!

Above all, Zionism is a crime against humanity. Dedicated to the oath of the survivors of Mauthausen concentration camp, handed down to us as testimony of resistance against Nazi fascism, we follow their universal legacy and reiterate their message: “The permanence in the camp, lasting years, has reinforced in our minds the knowledge of the value of brotherhood among the people of all nations. True to these ideals, we make a solemn oath to continue to fight, firm and united, against imperialism and against the instigation of hatred between peoples.”

Together we will join forces at the first Jewish Anti-Zionist Congress and united we will join the Palestinians in liberating Palestine, and building a democratic, just and equal society for all!

People of all backgrounds are invited.^[[1] https://www.juedisch-antizionistisch.at/en]

Timestamps and Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

Two Israeli Embassy staffers were shot and killed on Wednesday evening by a man who yelled “Free Palestine.” The man allegedly wrote a manifesto, and it isn’t clear yet what his motives are, his mental state, if he was a lone actor, or as our guest today puts it: “crazy.”

Useful Idiots: Let's start with the top news in the US: the shooting of two Israeli embassy officials outside an event in Washington, DC. What we know so far is that the alleged shooter chanted Free Palestine. There's also a manifesto that's been purported to be written by him, although we haven't confirmed that. With so much going on in Gaza, atrocities day by day, it feels a little inhuman to talk about two deaths in Washington when there's thousands of deaths going on in Gaza. But what is your reaction?

Norman Finkelstein: Well, my first reaction is that you have to have the facts and make a careful evaluation on the basis of the facts. When I first read about it this morning, I thought it had occurred at the Israeli consulate. And I assumed it was a Palestinian who had committed the action. And my first reaction was to remember the [Polish Jewish] fellow Herschel Grynszpan, who assassinated the second-level diplomat in the German legation in Paris in 1938.

He reacted in sheer horror at what was being done to the Jews. And he did an act. Of course, the Germans called it an act of terrorism, and that's what triggered Kristallnacht. I'm not aware of any [historians] who condemned him for the act, even though you could say it was not a very smart thing to do because it triggered Kristallnacht.

So that was my initial reaction. But then that turned out to be wrong because of two things. It didn't occur in the Israeli consulate. It occurred in front of a Jewish museum in Washington. And secondly, it's unclear at this point whether the alleged perpetrator was even aware that these two people worked in the Israeli consulate. So that throws a large number of variables into the equation. There seems to be this big disconnect between a sophisticated manifesto and a fellow just going randomly in front of a Jewish museum in Washington and attempting to assassinate two people who presumably he thought were Jewish.

So everything remains foggy now. I would say for me, the bottom line is it could have been a nutty guy. That's always possible. It could be a smart guy with a crazy project. It could be a crazy guy with a crazy project.

Subscribe to hear the full interview with Norman Finkelstein – 50 MINUTES longer. Norman reveals the “main enabler” of the genocide, calls out the New York Times for its coverage of the Israeli embassy shooting, discusses his debate with “that thing called Destiny,” and gives his prediction for how quickly Israeli crimes will be forgotten.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 01:14 Dems want power until death
3. 03:20 Trump's Big Beautiful Bill
4. 08:10 MSM coverage of Israeli embassy shooting
5. 10:26 ADL's Jonathan Greenblatt on the shooting
6. 14:31 Norman Finkelstein interview preview
7. 15:50 Israeli Embassy Shooting: Norm's Initial Reaction
8. 21:58 GOP Congressman wants to NUKE Arab countries
9. 25:05 Norm's Take on Israel
10. 38:56 The "Main Enabler" of the Genocide

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: The video features Norman Finkelstein discussing the shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington D.C., the media coverage surrounding it, and the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the situation in Gaza.

Key Points:

• Initial Reaction to Shooting: Finkelstein initially thought the shooting occurred at the Israeli consulate and was perpetrated by a Palestinian, drawing a parallel to Herschel Grynszpan. However, he later learned it occurred at a Jewish museum and the shooter's motives were unclear.
• Shooter's Motives and Manifesto: The shooter allegedly chanted "Free Palestine" and may have written a sophisticated manifesto, creating a disconnect with the seemingly random nature of the attack.
• Media Coverage Disparity: The hosts and Finkelstein criticize the disproportionate media coverage of the embassy shooting compared to the ongoing deaths and atrocities in Gaza, including malnutrition deaths and Israeli attacks.
• ADL and Jonathan Greenblatt: The discussion touches on Jonathan Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and his attempt to link the shooting to Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, accusing him of using "genocidal rhetoric."
• Israeli Government's Response: The video highlights the Israeli government's blaming of Israeli Democratic Party leader Yair Golan for the shooting, due to his criticism of Israel's actions.
• Broader Context of Israeli Society: Finkelstein discusses the current state of Israeli society, suggesting that the events of October 7th have unleashed previously repressed "demons" and allowed for the public espousal of hateful views. He contrasts this with Nazi Germany, noting that while Germans may have had some ignorance, Israelis are fully aware of the situation in Gaza.
• Legitimacy of Israel: The discussion raises the question of whether Israel loses its legitimacy as a state due to its actions over the past 19 months.

Highlights:

• Finkelstein's historical perspective, drawing parallels to Herschel Grynszpan and the US war with Japan.
• The critique of media bias and the selective valuing of lives.
• The discussion of the internal dynamics within Israeli society and the extent of public support for the actions in Gaza.
• Randy Fine, a Florida congressman, suggesting nuking the whole Arab world.

About Channel:

Useful Idiots is an informative and irreverent politics podcast with journalists @aaronjmate and @kthalps

Timestamps and Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

In this special livestream Katie and guest co-host Najla Said anchor a seder in the streets organized by IfNotNow, a movement of American groups working to decrease American support for Israeli apartheid, Shoresh, a movement of anti-Zionist Israelis, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, a progressive Jewish group working on issues local to NYC and Rabbis For Ceasefire.

Katie interviews Shezza Abboushi Dallal, staff attorney with the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability and Responsibility project, or CLEAR and one of Mahmoud Khalil's lawyers, Antizionist Rabbi Brant Rosen, Columbia Professor Joshua Howley and Rihem Barghouti, a founder of the Boycott Divest Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00:00 Antizionist Rabbi Brant Rosen
2. 00:12:40 Najla Said, writer, actor, Edward Said's daughter
3. 00:20:54 Mahmoud Khalil update with Shezza Abboushi Dallal, one of his lawyers, and staff attorney with the Creating Law Enforcement Accountability and Responsibility project [CLEAR]
4. 00:30:17 Katie and Najla
5. 00:43:09 Liberation Seder
6. 00:44:29 Najla and Katie
7. 00:57:38 Indya Moore
8. 01:08:47 Katie and Najla
9. 01:14:47 Palestinian Jewish activist and author Esther Farmer
10. 01:47:33 Katie and Najla
11. 01:58:11 Columbia professor Josh Howley on Mahmoud Khalil and recently arrested Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi
12. 02:14:12 Riham Bargouti, co-founder of BDS (Boycott Divest Sanctions Movement)

Generated Summary:

Main Topic:

The video is a livestream of a "Seder in the Streets" event organized by Jewish Voice for Peace and other groups, focusing on solidarity with Palestine, protesting the Israeli occupation and genocide in Gaza, and addressing related issues of state oppression and injustice in the US.

Key Points:

• Passover and Liberation: The speakers draw parallels between the Exodus story and contemporary struggles for liberation, particularly for Palestinians. They emphasize that the Passover story is a universal story of liberation for all oppressed people, not just Jews.
• Anti-Zionism and Judaism: The speakers strongly differentiate between Judaism and Zionism, arguing that Zionism has hijacked the Jewish religion and is being used to justify the oppression of Palestinians. They affirm a Judaism rooted in anti-Zionism and social justice.
• State Oppression in the US: The video highlights the targeting of pro-Palestine activists, particularly students and immigrants, in the US. They discuss the cases of Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Madawi, Palestinian students who were detained and targeted for deportation due to their activism.
• Role of Columbia University: The speakers criticize Columbia University's administration for its lack of support for pro-Palestine students and its potential complicity in the targeting of activists.
• Media Misrepresentation: The speakers discuss the corporate media's biased coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the pro-Palestine movement, accusing them of misrepresenting the situation and promoting anti-Palestinian sentiment.
• Call to Action: The speakers urge viewers to take action in support of Palestine, including supporting the BDS movement, participating in protests, and challenging the narrative that equates criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism.

Highlights:

• Rabbi Brant Rosen's perspective: Rabbi Rosen highlights the parallels between the Passover story and today's political moment, emphasizing that Pharaoh used fear to excuse violence, and today's pharaohs still rule through occupation, deportation, and incarceration.
• Najla Said's personal connection: Najla Said, daughter of Edward Said, shares her personal experiences and feelings about the situation at Columbia University, where her father was a professor and a prominent voice for Palestinian liberation.
• Interview with Shezza Abboushi Dallal: The interview with Mahmoud Khalil's lawyer provides an overview of his case and the legal challenges he faces.
• Liberation Seder in the Streets: The video features clips from the Liberation Seder event, including speeches, chants, and musical performances.
• Interview with Joshua Howley: The interview with Joshua Howley, a professor at Columbia University, discusses the atmosphere at Columbia, the role of Betar and Canary Mission, and the claims of anti-semitism on campus.
• Interview with Riham Bargouti: The interview with Riham Bargouti, a founding member of the BDS movement, discusses the relevance and impact of BDS in the present moment.
• Indya Moore's speech: Indya Moore's speech at Foley Square emphasizes the importance of love, unity, and solidarity in the face of oppression.

About Channel:

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Timestamps and Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

Whitney Webb talks about her latest investigation into Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00:00 Whitney Webb explains how Sean “P. Diddy” Colms relationship with Naomi Campell led her down a rabbithole
2. 00:02:47 Similarities between the Diddy case and the Epstein Case
3. 00:05:20 Clive Davis and Russell Simons involvement
4. 00:10:25 James Packer, Netanyahu’s friend and neighbor, also tied up in this!

Whitney Webb has been a professional writer, researcher and journalist since 2016. She has written for several websites and, from 2017 to 2020, was a staff writer and senior investigative reporter for Mint Press News. She currently writes for Unlimited Hangout. She is the author of the book One Nation Under Blackmail. Recently her work was referenced by Ian Carroll on the Joe Rogan Podcast. Follow Whitney on X https://x.com/_whitneywebb

Generated Summary:

Main Topic:

Whitney Webb discusses her investigation into Sean "Diddy" Combs, focusing on the broader network of individuals and power structures that enabled his alleged behavior, drawing parallels to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

Key Points:

• Diddy's Connections: The investigation explores Diddy's relationships with figures like Naomi Campbell, Clive Davis, Russell Simmons, and the influence of oligarchs like the Bronfman family on the hip-hop industry.
• Similarities to Epstein: Webb draws parallels between the Diddy and Epstein cases, highlighting how both figures are often portrayed as masterminds while their powerful benefactors evade scrutiny.
• Organized Crime Ties: The investigation uncovers potential links between figures in Diddy's orbit and organized crime, including connections to heroin rings, money laundering, and figures like Al Malnik (associated with Meyer Lansky).
• Clive Davis's Role: Clive Davis is credited with enabling Bad Boy Records' success through a distribution deal with Arista Records. He was also allegedly involved in a payola scandal tied to a heroin ring.
• Russell Simmons and Brett Ratner: Russell Simmons, along with Brett Ratner, has been accused of sex crimes. Ratner's connections to Steve Mnuchin, James Packer (involved in the Netanyahu corruption trial), and his current project directing a Melania Trump documentary are highlighted.
• Cultural Shift and Private Prisons: The discussion touches on the alleged engineering of a cultural shift to benefit the private prison industry.
• Industry Consolidation: Legislation passed during the Reagan, Bush, and Clinton eras allowed for industry consolidation, benefiting a small group of oligarchs.

Highlights:

• The investigation aims to expose the broader network that enabled Diddy's alleged behavior, similar to how Webb approached the Epstein case.
• The discussion reveals potential connections between figures in the music industry and organized crime, including money laundering schemes.
• The video highlights the surprising connections between Brett Ratner, James Packer, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Trump family.

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Generated Summary below:

Video Description:

Katie Halper and Aaron Maté go over the worst moments of the Sunday morning news shows that they watch so you don’t have to.

If it's Monday Morning, it's #mondaymourning

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: Analysis of Sunday morning news shows, focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Trump administration's actions, and domestic political issues.

Key Points:

• Ongoing violence in Gaza: The hosts discuss the ongoing violence in Gaza, highlighting the killing of Palestinian journalists by Israeli forces. They criticize the Trump administration for allowing the resumption of the genocide. The discussion includes details about specific journalists killed and the conditions in Gaza.
• Trump's defiance of court orders: The show covers President Trump's clashes with the courts, his calls for a judge's impeachment, and the ongoing constitutional crisis. The hosts debate whether this constitutes a true constitutional crisis, given past accusations of such crises.
• Elon Musk's comments on Social Security: Elon Musk's comments about Social Security being a Ponzi scheme are discussed, along with the reactions from Trump allies and the implications for Social Security reform.
• Political challenges for Democrats: The show touches upon the challenges faced by Democrats in countering Trump's message and the frustrations within the Democratic party.
• Steve Wicker's conflicting statements: The hosts analyze Steve Wicker's (Trump's Middle East envoy) conflicting statements regarding the breakdown of the Gaza ceasefire, highlighting his shifting blame and lack of transparency.
• US actions in Yemen: The show discusses the US military actions in Yemen, specifically targeting the Houthis, and the comparison made by Mike Waltz to Al-Qaeda and ISIS, which the hosts strongly refute.
• Pam Bondi's comments on Pro-Palestine protests and Tesla attacks: Attorney General Pam Bondi's comments on pro-Palestine protests and attacks on Tesla are analyzed, highlighting the lack of evidence for her claims and the disproportionate focus on property damage over human lives.
• Deportation of Venezuelan migrants: The show examines the Trump administration's deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act, focusing on the lack of due process and the questionable evidence used to label them as gang members. The hosts highlight the inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the government's claims.

Highlights:

• Detailed coverage of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing violence.
• Critical analysis of the Trump administration's policies and actions.
• In-depth discussion of the legal and ethical implications of the deportations.
• Use of video clips and quotes from various news sources and interviews to support their arguments.
• Engaging and opinionated discussion style.

About Channel:

Useful Idiots is an informative and irreverent politics podcast with journalists @aaronjmate and @kthalps

Edit: updated video length, removed LIVE info, LIVE+47mins -> 01:03:22, added Generated Summary

Video Description:

Katie Halper and Aaron Maté go over the worst moments of the Sunday morning news shows that they watch so you don’t have to.

If it's Monday Morning, it's #mondaymourning

Generated Summary:

Introduction and Context

• The hosts, Katie Halper and [Aaron] Mate, welcome viewers to the show "Useful Idiots," where they provide a satirical recap of the Sunday morning news shows, specifically focusing on the inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
• They assure the audience that they are safe and not imprisoned, humorously referencing the political climate under the Trump Administration.
• The hosts inform viewers that they are reporting live from Washington D.C., providing on-the-ground coverage of the inauguration events.
• Viewers are encouraged to visit their website for support and bonus content related to the show.

Inauguration Day Coverage

• The inauguration marks the beginning of Donald Trump's second term, making him the only president to serve non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland.
• Trump's decision to move the inauguration indoors was influenced by concerns for public safety due to cold weather conditions.
• The hosts humorously critique the presence of numerous SUVs in D.C. for VIPs, including those of outgoing officials, highlighting the stark contrast between Trump's supporters and protesters.
• Trump's inaugural address is anticipated to focus on themes of unity, strength, and fairness, as he reflects on the previous four years of his presidency.
• Prominent figures from previous administrations, such as Obama, Bush, and Clinton, are mentioned as attendees, although some notable absences are pointed out, indicating political tensions.

Political Reactions and Critiques

• The hosts discuss the absence of figures like Nancy Pelosi and Michelle Obama at the inauguration, interpreting this as a strong political statement against Trump's presidency.
• They draw comparisons between past political theatrics, such as Pelosi ripping up Trump's State of the Union address, and current political dynamics.
• The discussion touches on Trump's cabinet picks and their implications for policy, particularly regarding immigration and executive actions planned for his first day in office.

International Developments and Ceasefire Negotiations

• The hosts transition to discussing international responses to the political shift in the U.S., including a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which is presented as a significant development amid ongoing conflicts.
• They analyze the competing claims of credit for the ceasefire, with Trump and Biden both attempting to assert their influence over the negotiations.
• The hosts express skepticism about the motivations behind the ceasefire, questioning the sincerity of the involved parties and the potential for lasting peace.
• They highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the dire conditions faced by civilians and the inadequacy of international aid efforts.

Critique of U.S. Foreign Policy

• The discussion shifts to the broader implications of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding its support for Israel and the impact on Palestinian civilians.
• The hosts critique Biden's administration for its role in exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and failing to adequately respond to the violence in Gaza.
• They highlight the ongoing suffering of Palestinians, referencing the need for humanitarian aid and the challenges faced by organizations attempting to provide it.
• The hosts also discuss the complexities of negotiating peace in the region, pointing out the historical context and the entrenched positions of both sides.

Public Sentiment and Political Dynamics

• The hosts reflect on public sentiment regarding immigration and border policies, particularly in light of Trump's promises to deport undocumented immigrants and secure the U.S. borders.
• They discuss the political ramifications of these policies, considering how they resonate with voters and the potential consequences for immigrant communities.
• The conversation includes insights into how immigration issues are often used as a political tool to distract from other pressing domestic concerns.
• They emphasize the need for a more humane approach to immigration, one that acknowledges the complexities of global migration and the U.S.'s role in creating refugee crises.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

• As the show concludes, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of the inauguration and the transition to Trump's administration.
• They express concern about the potential for continued violence and suffering in Gaza, as well as the challenges that lie ahead for both domestic and foreign policy under the new administration.
• The hosts encourage viewers to stay informed and engaged with the issues discussed, highlighting the importance of activism and advocacy in addressing systemic injustices.
• They sign off by promoting upcoming content on their platform, inviting viewers to participate in the ongoing conversation about these critical issues.

About Channel:

Useful Idiots is an informative and irreverent politics podcast with journalists @aaronjmate and @kthalps

Edit: added video length, removed LIVE info, 01:10:26: added generated summary

Generated Summary of Video Below:

Introduction to Tony Greenstein

• Tony Greenstein is introduced as the son of an orthodox Rabbi and a writer for various publications including The Guardian and Electronic Intifada.
• He has authored significant works such as "Fighting Fascism in Brighton and the South Coast," and contributed to books on philosophy and ethics.
• His notable book, "Zionism During the Holocaust: The Weaponization of Memory in the Service of State and Nation," is highly recommended by the host.

Recent Arrest and Political Climate

• Tony discusses his recent arrest on December 20th, which was prompted by a tweet he posted that allegedly supported the prescribed organization Hamas.
• He notes that the charges have since been adjusted but emphasize the use of anti-terrorism laws to suppress Palestinian support.
• Tony highlights that this trend of using anti-terrorism laws is affecting many individuals who express solidarity with Palestinians, equating such support to terrorism.
• He references a fellow activist, Haim Bashid Zubir, who faced similar consequences for his comments at a protest against the Israeli ambassador.

Details of Arrest and Charges

• Tony reveals that he was arrested based on a tweet where he expressed support for Palestinians and mentioned Hamas as part of the Palestinian resistance.
• He recalls making a controversial comparison between Israel and Nazi Germany during a protest, which led to accusations of racially aggravated offenses.
• After eight hours in custody, he was released, and the police later informed him that they would not pursue charges related to the racially aggravated offense.
• Tony is currently facing serious anti-terrorism charges, which could lead to a lengthy prison sentence, and he is awaiting further court proceedings.

Legal Context and Freedom of Speech

• The conversation shifts to the legal context of free speech in the UK, where Tony notes the absence of a First Amendment equivalent.
• He argues that even in the US, free speech is not absolute and is being increasingly restricted by court rulings.
• Tony cites Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights as a supposed protection for free speech, but expresses skepticism about its enforcement in practice.
• He critiques the role of police and courts in the UK, suggesting that they often act in alignment with the interests of those in power rather than upholding justice.

Discussion on Palestinian Treatment and Anti-Semitism

• The discussion touches upon the treatment of Palestinians, particularly those without prominent platforms, and the challenges faced by Palestinian and Arab British individuals.
• Tony mentions that in Germany, a significant number of individuals arrested under anti-Semitism laws are Jewish, highlighting the irony in the situation.
• He argues that Jewish identity is often politicized, where those who do not support the state of Israel are rendered invisible and accused of contributing to anti-Semitism.
• Tony concludes by asserting that Jews are often used as a moral cover for imperialist actions in the Middle East, which complicates their identity in political discourse.

Tony Greenstein is the co-founder of Britain's Palestine solidarity campaign and the author of "Zionism During the Holocaust: The Weaponisation of Memory in the Service of State and Nation."

1. 00:00:00 Tony's bio
2. 00:00:50 Tony's arrest over comments about Hamas
3. 00:02:12 arrest of Haim Bresheeth
4. 00:02:42 Tony's arrest-worthy words
5. 00:03:20 Tony said "Israel is Hitler's bastard offspring"
6. 00:04:20 Tony's two different charges
7. 00:06:04 Is it fair to arrest people for speech if there's no guaranteed freedom of speech?
8. 00:06:56 Germany violating its own laws in order to punish criticism of Israel
9. 00:07:25 justice under capitalism is justice for those who rule not those who are ruled
10. 00:07:28 more Jews are being disproportionately punished under antisemitism laws
11. 00:08:20 Zionist Jews don't see antizionist Jews as really Jewish
12. 00:08:22 "for them being Jewish means supporting a racist and apartheid state which serves imperialism's purposes 00:08:44 "Jews are the moral alibi for imperialism in the Middle East"

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Katie talks to Chairman Omali Yeshitela, the founder of the African People's Socialist Party (APSP) and Uhuru Movement discusses why he and two other members of Uhuru have been convicted of conspiring to act as unregistered Russian agents, in an outrageous miscarriage of justice and a McCarthyite attack on free speech. Given that Joe Biden has pardoned his own son, something he promised not to do, he might as well pardon people who actually deserve it, like Leonard Peltier, Mumia Abu Jamal, Julian Assange, and the Uhuru Movement members, including Omali Yeshitela.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 01:25 Biden's HYPOCRISY with pardoning his son
3. 06:00 Norms vs Rights
4. 09:47 Who should Biden pardon?
5. 11:53 Cutting access to what should be public information

Omali Yeshitela is the founder of the African People's Socialist Party (APSP) and Uhuru Movement. In 1968 Chairman Yeshitela founded The Burning Spear newspaper which is still published today. He has authored numerous articles, pamphlets and books. Chairman Omali made “reparations a household word” with the International Tribunal on Reparations for African People which was held in Brooklyn, New York in 1982, finding that African people are owed 4.1 trillion dollars for stolen labor in the U.S. alone. The Chairman founded the International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement in 1991 as a revolutionary mass organization to defend the democratic rights of the African working class. Today, Chairman Omali Yeshitela, as the leader of the African Socialist International, speaks to his growing base around the world and leads the worldwide movement for the liberation of Africa and African people everywhere.

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Ukrainian-American journalist Lev Golinkin joins Katie to explain the recent case of Ukrainian men being kidnapped off the streets to fight in the army. He also explains why peace might not be Zelensky's ultimate goal.

Lev Golinkin is the author of A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka, Amazon’s Debut of the Month, a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers program selection, and winner of the Premio Salerno Libro d’Europa. A graduate of Boston College, Golinkin came to the U.S. as a child refugee from the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkov (now called Kharkiv) in 1990. His writing on the Ukraine crisis, Russia, the far right, and immigrant and refugee identity has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, CNN, NBC, The Boston Globe, Politico Europe, and Time.com, among others; he has been interviewed by MSNBC, NPR, ABC Radio, WSJ Live and HuffPost Live.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 00:14 The lack of care for actually Ukrainian lives
3. 02:50 Ukrainian men KIDNAPPED off the streets
4. 04:360 Ukrainians being written out of the narrative
5. 05:05 Why Zelensky doesn't want peace
6. 06:50 The picture painted of Zelensky versus now
7. 8:35 Man beaten and taken to served while his dog is left on the street
8. 10:30 Tulsi Gabbard's Putin puppet accusations

Short Summary

1. A recent Gallup poll indicates that 52% of Ukrainians desire an immediate ceasefire.
2. The video highlights the alarming situation in Western Ukraine, where men are reportedly being kidnapped by press gangs, leading to fear and empty towns.
3. The speaker criticizes Western media for ignoring the troubling realities and the voices of Ukrainians who oppose the ongoing war.
4. It discusses the arrest of a Member of Parliament who called for peace talks, raising questions about the remaining 48% of Ukrainians who might also want a ceasefire but fear expressing it.
5. The discussion emphasizes the dire consequences of the war, including a high likelihood of death for conscripted individuals.
6. President Zelensky has a low approval rating of 22% and is technically no longer an elected president.
7. The speaker suggests Zelensky has strong incentives to prolong the war to maintain power and avoid accountability for corruption.
8. The video addresses the changing portrayal of President Zelensky in the media, depicting him negatively compared to earlier heroic representations.
9. It showcases videos of forced mobilization in Western Ukraine, including incidents of citizens being beaten and taken away.
10. The discussion critiques the disconnect between the experiences of ordinary people and the narratives pushed by Western NGOs.

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Dr. Cornel West joins to discuss what he see's as the end of the 'American Empire.' What caused this collapse and was it doomed from the start?

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 00:10 The implosion of the American empire
3. 02:25 The false myth of America
4. 04:22 Looking at America through a different lens
5. 06:10 The progress made in the imperial hierarchy

Dr. Cornel West is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary and ran for president as an independent in 2024. Dr. West teaches on the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, as well as courses in Philosophy of Religion, African American Critical Thought, and a wide range of subjects -- including but by no means limited to, the classics, philosophy, politics, cultural theory, literature, and music. Dr. West is the former Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University. Cornel West graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard in three years and obtained his M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy at Princeton. He has written 20 books and has edited 13. He is best known for his classics, Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and for his memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud. His most recent book, Black Prophetic Fire, offers an unflinching look at nineteenth and twentieth-century African American leaders and their visionary legacies.

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Teaser
2. 01:04 Introduction
3. 02:00 Albanese discusses ICC arrest warrants
4. 29:00 Dershowitz reacts to Albanese interview
5. 35:15 Kennard accuses Dershowitz of weaponizing antisemitism
6. 38:00 “The ICC has been a tool of imperialism”
7. 40:00 "A perversion of the international judicial system”
8. 47:00 Halper jfurther emphasises on the weaponization of antisemitism
9. 54:15 How significant is Trump’s re-election going to be for this war?
10. 01:00:00 Israel and the 'new world order'

The International Criminal Court, or ICC, has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sacked defense minister Yoav Gallant and the Hamas Commander Mohammed Deif, in a move that is simultaneously being called unprecedented and long overdue.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, has been a powerful force in bringing about these warrants and speaks to Piers Morgan about what they mean. Albanese has nothing but venomous condemnation for how these men have prosecuted their war against Hamas.

Then Piers turns to his panel, comprised of former IDF spokesperson Jonathan Conricus, author of 'The Racket' Matt Kennard, US defense lawyer Alan Dershowitz and host of 'The Katie Halper Show' and 'A Jew for a Ceasefire Now' Katie Halper.

#israel #palestine #icc #piersmorgan #netanyahu #debate

Break Through News Stream: Special Election Coverage

Tune in to watch the election results with Katie, Eugene Puryear Rania Khalek and special guests including Jill Stein and Claudia de la Cruz!

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Jordanian-Palestinian Journalist Sam Husseini talks about israel, Iran, Israel’s nuclear weapons which nobody, including the squad, acknowledges, why he disagrees with John Mearsheimer, the Hannibal Directive, the Sampson Option and the real possibility of mass slaughter.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 00:09 Israel's 'Nuclear' Temple
3. 03:15 J.F.K.'s opposition to nuclear war
4. 04:17 Israel LITERALLY getting away with murder
5. 05:46 The history of J.F.K.'s strides for peace
6. 07:08 What is the Sampson Option?

Sam Husseini is an independent journalist currently writing at husseini.substack.com. Husseini has also written for a variety of publications, including CounterPunch, The Nation, The Washington Post, USA Today and Salon. He has written extensively about Palestine and international law. Last year he repeatedly wrote about the possibility of a country invoking the Genocide Convention against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Husseini regularly attends State Department briefings, asking tough questions. Husseini is founder of VotePact.org, which encourages left-right cooperation to undermine the establishment duopoly. He is also a visual artist.

Useful Idiots is an informative and irreverent politics podcast with journalists @aaronjmate and @kthalps

Edit: added information below

Katie Halper and Aaron Maté go over the worst moments of the Sunday morning news shows that they watch so you don’t have to.

If it's Monday Morning, it's #mondaymourning

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Beirut-based journalist Séamus Malekafzali reports back on Lebanon where he was living until a few days ago. Journalist Prem Thakker suggests the U.S. is "picking a fight with Hezbollah." Séamus Malekafzali Prem is a journalist on the Middle East and Global South who writes for The Nation, The Baffler and at https://www.seamus-malekafzali.com/. Thakker is a reporter at Zeteo News. He was previously a politics reporter at The Intercept, and is a former reporter at The New Republic. His work has also appeared in The American Prospect, Washington Monthly, CNN podcasts, and his newsletter Better World.

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Craig Mokhiber, former UN Official, joins Katie to discuss his recent article which details why Israel does NOT have the right to self defense and why Palestinians DO. Here is some of Craig's argument: "How many times have people who have followed what's happening in the Middle East heard this phrase?

'We believe Israel has a right to defend itself.' And that is usually a phrase which is delivered by Western politicians and spokespersons or government adjacent corporate media companies after Israel commits some massive war crime. So there'll be a massive slaughter, and then these people will be asked about it, and the first thing they'll say is, 'Well, Israel has a right to defend itself.'

I thought it was really important to unpack that, what I called the self defense because Israel does not have a right to defend itself in that way. As a matter of international law, as you said, this is a double lie. First, Israel does not have an article 51 right to self defense in the Gaza Strip, in the West Bank, in East Jerusalem, or in the Golan Heights.

And then secondly, The acts that they are trying to justify by saying that Israel has a right to self defense are not justifiable under international law. So even if self defense applied, those acts would still be crimes. So it's a double lie, in that sense. And this is clearly based upon international law.

I point out in the article is that while Israel does not have that right to self defense to make war on the occupied, territories, Palestinian people under international law do have a right. Palestinians have a right, to use armed force under international law."

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 00:14 Why Israel DOES NOT have the right to self-defense
3. 04:30 Palestinians DO HAVE the right to self-defense
4. 08:30 Are you a combatant if you are a former IDF?
5. 09:38 What Israel SHOULD HAVE done
6. 11:32 How The West undermines international law
7. 15:16 The disproportionate power that the West holds

Craig Mokhiber is an American former United Nations (UN) human rights official and a specialist in international human rights law, policy, and methodology. On October 28, 2023, Mokhiber stepped down as the director of the New York office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). In his final letter to High Commissioner Volker Türk, he harshly criticized the organization's response to the war in Gaza, calling Israel's military intervention a "textbook genocide" and accusing the UN of failing to act.

https://mondoweiss.net/2024/09/no-israel-does-not-have-a-right-to-defend-itself-in-gaza-but-the-palestinians-do/

https://fpif.org/weog-the-uns-settler-colonial-bloc/

Lebanese journalist Rania Khalek breaks down who is behind the pager explosion in Lebanon. Human Rights lawyer Craig Mokhiber explains why Israel does NOT have the right to defend itself.

Rania Khalek is a Middle East-based journalist for Breakthrough News, where she hosts the show Dispatches. She also co-hosts the weekly Freedom Side livestream with Eugene Puryear.

Craig Mokhiber is an international human rights lawyer and former senior United Nations Official. He left the UN in October of 2023, penning a widely read letter that warned of genocide in Gaza, criticized the international response and called for a new approach to Palestine and Israel based on equality, human rights and international law.

[https://mondoweiss.net/2024/08/western-media-can-be-held-legally-accountable-for-its-role-in-the-gaza-genocide/]

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Katie Halper and Aaron Maté go over the worst moments of the Sunday morning news shows that they watch so you don’t have to.

If it's Monday Morning, it's #mondaymourning

Palestinian-American activist Moataz Salim joins to Katie to discuss the way politicians and the media continue to perpetuate the Hamas rape hoax while ignoring the ACTUAL rape of Palestinian prisoners being committed by the IDF, cheered on by Israelis and even justified by members of the Knesset. The DNC even put Hamas's debunked sexual assault in their platform.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 00:40 Moataz’s own experience with Gaza
3. 04:30 Israel's hypocritical use of sexual assault weaponization
4. 07:34 The DNC’s ‘both sides’ argument

Moataz Salim is a Palestinian-American graduate student in DC from Gaza advocating for an end to the genocide and the liberation of Palestine. He has been joining CODEPINK every day for 3 months to be a voice for his people. He has also been involved in activism at a university and within the local community, dedicating the past 10 months to fighting for Palestinian liberation.

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

Dennis Kucinich served as mayor of Cleveland from 1977 to 1979. and as a U.S. Representative from Ohio's 10th congressional district from 1997 to 2013, during which time he introduced Articles of Impeachment against both President George W. Bush and Vice President Richard Cheney for lying to take the US into war against Iraq. He ran for president in 2004 and 2008 and is now running as an independent for Ohio's 7th congressional district in 2024.

Moataz Salim is a Palestinian-American graduate student in DC from Gaza advocating for an end to the genocide and the liberation of Palestine. He has been joining CODEPINK every day for 3 months to be a voice for his people. He has also been involved in activism at a university and within the local community, dedicating the past 10 months to fighting for Palestinian liberation.

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 03:00 Biden's tone-deaf comments at the DNC
3. 08:00 Why Dennis is running as an Independent?
4. 10:36 What is motivating the Democrats against the interest of the people?
5. 13:25 Dennis' opponent's incendiary comments about Israel and Palestine
6. 18:13 Dennis' standoff with Netanyahu
7. 26:17 The U.S.' and Israel's 'Special Relationship'
8. 28:06 What the U.S. elections need to focus on
9. 31:07 What is FISA and why does it need to end?
10. 35:05 Why Dennis made his comments on the Nordstream Pipeline
11. 40:48 Dennis' goals in congress
12. 46:26 The intersectionality between climate rights and workers rights
13. 51:17 Moataz and Code Pink protest and interrupt Tim Walz
14. 57:29 The reaction to Code Pink's disruption
15. 59:05 Moataz's family's experience in Palestine
16. 1:01:24 Moataz's own journey from Palestine
17. 1:06:43 The DNC's horrible comments about rape in Palestine
18. 1:10:20 The Democrats do NOT care about Palestine
19. 1:16:19 Noura Erakat's stipulation for running with Jill Stein
20. 1:19:43 Moataz's ideal candidate
21. 1:25:40 What keeps Moataz going?
22. 1:29:45 Palestinian protesters ASSAULTED at DNC
23. 1:34:06 Sec. Lloyd Austin protested by Code Pink
24. 1:38:40 Rep. Chuck Fleischmann says "Goodbye To Palestine"
25. 1:43:03 Matthew Miller's response to Palestine Protesters
26. 1:45:43 AOC's shameless selling out
27. 1:49:04 Making an effort to end genocide
28. 1:51:21 The hiatus in Moataz's academic life

Palestinian-American activist Moataz Salim slams AOC for claiming that Kamala Harris "is working tirelessly is working tirelessly to secure a ceasefire in Gaza." Salim explains, " I liked [AOC] at some point. And it's just been the most pathetic, blatant selling out imaginable. It's insane to me how stupid they think we are. And the saddest thing is that people do actually fall for that. It's absolutely horrific. And a spit in the face of everyone, not just Palestinian, but anyone with a conscience, with a heart who understands the Palestinian issue and the issue of Palestinian liberation. I mean, what a, what an insult, honestly."

Timestamps:

1. 00:00 Intro
2. 00:20 The Democrats do NOT care about Palestine
3. 05:20 AOC's shameless selling out
4. 07:30 Making an effort to end genocide

Moataz Salim is a Palestinian-American graduate student in DC from Gaza advocating for an end to the genocide and the liberation of Palestine. He has been joining CODEPINK every day for 3 months to be a voice for his people. He has also been involved in activism at a university and within the local community, dedicating the past 10 months to fighting for Palestinian liberation.

Creating a Weekly Lefty Livestream & Podcast with Katie Halper

See Katie, Rania Khalek, and Abby Martin live IN PERSON on September 19: https://peoplesforum.org/events/live-show-featuring-katie-halper-rania-khalek-and-abby-martin/

Katie Halper and Aaron Maté go over the worst moments of the Sunday morning news shows that they watch so you don’t have to.

If it's Monday Morning, it's #mondaymourning

Josh Paul resigned from the State Department in October, 2023 due to his disagreement with the Biden Administration's decision to rush lethal military assistance to Israel in the context of its war on Gaza. He had previously spent over 11 years working as a Director in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, which is responsible for U.S. defense diplomacy, security assistance, and arms transfers. He previously worked on security sector reform in both Iraq and the West Bank, with additional roles in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Army Staff, and as a Military Legislative Assistant for a Member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee. Josh grew up between London and New York, and holds Masters degrees from the Universities of Georgetown and St Andrews, Scotland. He is currently a Non-Resident Fellow at the organization Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) and a recipient of the 2023 Callaway Award for Civic Courage.