Narativ with Zev Shalev (Video‪)‬ narativ

In the latest episode of the Narativ podcast, host Zev Shalev takes a deep dive into former President Donald Trump's ongoing hush money trial. As the trial enters its third week, explosive testimony from critical witnesses Stormy Daniels and Hope Hicks could prove pivotal in determining not only the outcome of the case, but the future of American democracy itself.  Scroll down for more: 
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I revealed the Hunter Biden Scandal and the attempt to impeach Joe Biden was a Russian intelligence operation; months before Alex Smirnov was arrested for making false statements to the FBI.


I exposed the role Jared Kushner and Mohamed Bin Salman’s negotiation of the Abraham Accords played a role in the October 7 attacks on Israel.


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Shalev begins by highlighting the importance of this trial, noting that a guilty verdict might be the only thing standing between Trump and a return to the White House in 2024. He argues that despite the salacious details, the core issue is the integrity of the American electoral process.
The episode features revealing excerpts from Daniels' testimony, recreated with AI-generated voices, painting a vivid picture of her alleged affair with Trump. Shalev notes the wealth of specific details in her account, making it difficult to dismiss as fabrication.
Turning to Hope Hicks' testimony, Shalev suggests that her statements may not be as favorable to the prosecution as initially perceived. He points out how Hicks seems to cast doubt on Michael Cohen's reliability while also advancing the questionable "Melania defense" - the idea that Trump was motivated by concern for his wife rather than political self-interest.
Shalev also examines the mounting documentary evidence, including handwritten notes, bank records, and signed checks, corroborating a scheme to conceal the hush money payments. He plays fascinating audio clips of Cohen himse

In a chilling exposé, political strategist Rachel Bitecofer and journalist Zev Shalev discuss the harrowing future that may await America if Donald Trump is re-elected in 2024. Drawing from Trump's own words in a recent Time Magazine article, they paint a dystopian picture of a nation on the brink of autocracy.
According to Trump's plans, upon taking office, he intends to:

Purge the government of liberals and replace them with conservative loyalists


Round up and jail journalists critical of his administration


Deploy the National Guard or even the military to deport 11 million undocumented immigrants


Weaponize the Department of Justice to prosecute political opponents


Drastically expand presidential powers under a "unitary executive theory"


Undermine Congressional authority over budgets and legislation

Bitecofer warns that despite Trump's seemingly mild demeanor in his current legal battles, Americans should not be lulled into complacency. She argues that civic illiteracy and a lack of awareness among voters pose the greatest threats to democracy.
To combat this, Bitecofer suggests Democrats adopt a laser-focused messaging strategy, emphasizing the existential threat Republicans pose to personal freedoms. She urges citizens to spread the word about Trump's autocratic intentions, as most Americans remain unaware of the full scope of his plans.
The consequences of a Trump victory, Bitecofer cautions, would be catastrophic not just for America, but for the entire world. With less than 190 days until the election, she issues an urgent call to action: It's time to get real about the danger we face and fight to preserve our democracy before it's too late.

This episode of Narativ delves into the unfolding criminal case against Donald Trump, highlighting detailed allegations of his long-standing relationship with David Pecker and the National Enquirer's involvement in silencing stories that could damage Trump’s image and career. It covers the mechanics behind 'catch and kill' tactics used to suppress potentially harmful stories, spanning a 40-year history of scandal manipulation. The episode also touches on the personal toll on individuals targeted by such media manipulations, with insights from Steve Schmidt about overcoming orchestrated public smears. Additionally, the episode critiques the media's role and journalism's ethics in the context of political manipulation. It ends with a commentary on the broader implications of Trump's legal and ethical entanglements for democracy.
 

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.