Narativ with Zev Shalev (Video‪)‬ narativ

I had a profound conversation with Steve Schmidt, the founder of “The Warning” and a seasoned veteran of numerous high-profile campaigns. We delve into the intricacies of Donald Trump's hush money trial and its potential impact on the 2024 presidential race.
Our wide-ranging conversation covers Steve's invaluable assessment of Trump's electoral chances, the pivotal role of the MAGA propaganda ecosystem, and the pressing challenges facing Joe Biden. Steve's analysis of who will win in November and the hush money trial is a must-listen. He also shares advice for Joe Biden on making a compelling case for his leadership.
I got to know Steve during the 2008 election, and I deeply respect his political acumen and unwavering, steadfast commitment to democratic principles. He also discusses standing up for our freedoms, drawing inspiration from Pope John Paul II's courageous calls to "be not afraid."
No matter your political persuasion, Steve's trenchant analysis is essential listening for anyone who cares about our country's future. I hope you'll check out the full interview. If you haven’t already done so, please subscribe to Steve’s substack, “The Warning.”

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Introduction
- Tonight's episode delves into the current turmoil surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- We explore the internal divisions within his war cabinet, the public's growing dissent, and the Israeli army's retreat amid threats of an offensive.
The Gaza Retreat
- The sudden withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Gaza has raised questions about the shift in the conflict's dynamics.
- Families return to their devastated homes in Gaza, facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding.
The World Central Kitchen Incident
- The killing of 7 aid workers by the IDF has sparked significant controversy and backlash against Netanyahu.
- The IDF's public apology marked a turning point, leading to a humanitarian aid influx and hostage negotiations.
Netanyahu's Controversial Leadership
- Netanyahu's long tenure as Prime Minister and his complex relationship with global powers, including Russia and China, are scrutinized.
- His interactions with the Chabad movement and the prophecy of being the last Prime Minister before the Messiah are discussed.
Guest Appearance
- Rick Petrie, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and an energy sector expert, joins the conversation to provide insight into the broader implications of the conflict.
Summary
- The episode examines Netanyahu's actions and the delayed military response to the Hamas attack, the government's dysfunction, and the potential shift in global power dynamics if Netanyahu maintains control.
Conclusion
- The stakes are high not only for Israelis and Gazans but for the global order of human rights, emphasizing the need for an end to the conflict.
Support
- Listeners are invited to support the programming by subscribing on Substack or Patreon.

In today's episode, we dive deep into the unfolding political scenario of 2024 and dissect its potential consequences for the democracy of the United States. We examine how unfavorable election outcomes could endanger the democracy and transform the United States into a different reality. Despite having exposed the enemies of democracy for years, the outcome of the upcoming elections seems distressingly predictable.
Emerging poll results show Donald Trump leading in four swing states, presenting a potential electoral college lead over Joe Biden. Altogether, there is a growing sense of foreboding that is difficult to avoid. Still, the game isn't over, and the tides may yet turn as public attention increasingly focuses on the election in the coming summer.
We also explore the impending media circus centered around Trump and the trials he faces. Instead of focusing on pressing issues like the potential rise of religious zealots in the public sector, impending bans on abortions and birth control, or the increasing surveillance on LGBTQ communities, the public might become hypnotized by seemingly insignificant events. This hybrid of an election campaign and made-for-TV spectacle is a worrying development for democracy.
Furthermore, we delve into Trump's financial connections to China, claiming that his new social media platform, Truth Social, represents a multi-billion dollar deal with China. We caution listeners to stay alert to the efforts by media and influential figures to distract from the real issues at stake and urge them to discuss the importance of democracy actively.
Despite the distractions, we fervently encourage you to spread the word about democracy and its impending peril. Please share this podcast with your friends and family, particularly those residing in swing states, to alert them to the reality of the war against democracy. Ultimately, we must seize the narrative and keep the focus on the true issues at hand.

In this in-depth episode of the Narativ, we take a deep dive into how Vladimir Putin, Russia's dominating president, influences not just his own country but democracies across the globe. Starting with an analysis of Putin's recent, and questionable, win in the Russian presidential election, we light up the variations from democratic norms.
Using the resurgence of Paul Manafort in the United States Republic Party as an example, we discuss the frightening reality of potential foreign influence, thus revealing the unsettling truth about Russia's interference in global politics. We don't spare any details, from sinister (and planned) infiltrations to the unabashed spread of disinformation.
We also assess how Putin is trying, and succeeding, to destabilise democratic institutions worldwide and the harmful repercussions of his unchecked influence. As we traverse this uncertain path, we urge our listeners to stay vigilant and protect democracy.
Join us for this compelling discussion with special guest, Olga Lautmann, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis. Discover the entwined relationship between the American political environment and Russian intelligence networks. Understand how key figures have approached Russian intelligence for personal gains, and explore the alarming rise in divisive political discourse and disinformation campaigns.
Woven into this gripping narrative is a delightful partnership with Cookunity, bringing your favourite local restaurant flavours right to your home. Stay informed, stay equipped, and avail this unique opportunity to comprehend the complexities and realities of global politics.
In the concluding part of the episode, we mull over geopolitical issues and discuss possible global conflicts and wars. The discussion leads towards the urgent need for citizens to comprehend the gravity of the current scenario and use their voting rights to prevent a slide into authoritarian rule.
Gain a fresh, well-rounded perspective on the global political landscape through this educative and enlightening episode.

Exploring the GOP's deep-rooted ties to Russia, shedding light on the looming peril to America's democratic system. This episode unpacks the disturbing realities looming post the Super Tuesday. As the 2024 elections loom, a stark reality is painted: a battle between a Russian party and an American party, with Donald Trump as the potential GOP nominee, a figure marred in allegations of criminality and fraud.
Throughout this episode, we unravel how the GOP crisis may morph into a disaster by election time, further jeopardizing American democracy, with an alleged alliance forged with Russia and China aimed to dismantle the American system.
We spotlight the heart of this present crisis, revolving around House Speaker Mike Johnson's continual blocking of crucial military aid to war-torn Ukraine. We disclose astonishing findings from an investigation into Mike Johnson's ties to Putin, revealing a decades-long pattern of supporting Russia's key policies.
Furthermore, we delve into Mike Johnson's legislation, his alleged anti-LGBTQ advocacy, and his inexplicable alignment with Russian social policies. On a broader scale, we expose the evident Russian influence within the GOP. In this precarious scenario, the GOP's Speaker and President appear beholden to Russia, raising serious questions about national security.
With a critical investigation into political ties and troubling legislation, this episode paints a haunting picture of what the future might hold should these unchecked Russian influences play a role in the imminent 2024 elections.

In my latest podcast episode, I had former Congressman Denver Riggleman on to discuss the ongoing threats of Russian interference in the 2024 presidential election. Some key takeaways:

Alexander Smirnov, a Russian intelligence asset, was the main source behind false allegations about Hunter Biden taking bribes. This shows how Russian disinformation can infiltrate partisan investigations.


An FBI whistleblower has claimed confidential informants were used to spread disinformation about the Bidens to the Trump administration. This illustrates problems with the FBI's handling of foreign interference cases.


Speaker Mike Johnson has disturbing connections to Putin's inner circle. His refusal to provide military aid to Ukraine raises questions about whether he is acting in America's interests.


The Hunter Biden laptop story shows patterns of Russian interference across the 2016, 2020, and now 2024 elections that Republicans like Jim Jordan fail to acknowledge.


Polling shows Trump retains an extremely loyal base that is unlikely to fracture before 2024. Issues like abortion rights could potentially swing some Republican women to Biden.


A Trump re-election in 2024 raises concerns about retaliation, political violence, chaos, and damage to democracy. October surprises internationally could also impact the outcome.

I discuss all of these issues and more with Denver Riggleman, who brings expertise from serving on the January 6th Committee. With Russian threats increasing as we approach 2024, it's an important episode to understand the forces that still endanger American democracy. Please have a listen!