Election Bribes, Media Manipulation, and Predictions for 2024

In the third episode of this series, Doug Casey, Michael Yon, and host Matt Smith explore current events and global dynamics with "3 observations and 1 prediction" from the past week. This session offers Doug's reflections from Buenos Aires, Michael's international insights, and discussions on critical topics like the U.S. election, media manipulation, and political influence.

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[00:00:00] Introduction and Episode Setup   Matt kicks off with Doug Casey and Michael Yon, noting the format: three observations and one prediction. Doug shares his first observation from Buenos Aires, reflecting on his travels and the upcoming U.S. election.

[00:01:00] Doug's Thoughts on Elon Musk's Election Influence   Doug discusses Elon Musk’s offer of monetary incentives tied to voting intentions, hinting at potential legal issues and raising questions about the importance of elections in a coercive system. Doug argues that the government’s reach should be limited.

[00:04:00] Michael’s Personal Anecdotes on Election Bribery   Michael recalls personal memories involving bribery in voting, comparing it to similar tactics in Thailand, where candidates offer incentives like whiskey and shoes to voters. He also speculates on Elon Musk’s potential political aspirations.

[00:07:00] Doug on a Constitutional Convention Possibility   The discussion shifts to the idea of rewriting the U.S. Constitution. Doug reflects on potential public support for a leader with a military background, given the volatile times ahead.

[00:11:00] Michael’s Barber Encounter in Okinawa   Michael shares a unique story about a barber in Okinawa who is preparing for a food shortage. This reveals a cultural inclination towards preparedness and tracking global issues.

[00:17:00] Doug’s Observation on Media Bias and Subscriptions   Doug shares his analysis of media bias at The Washington Post and its impact on subscription numbers. He discusses Bezos’s political silence, hinting that media influences elections more than endorsement choices.

[00:21:00] Discussion on U.S. Presidential Candidates   Michael and Doug discuss the Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, expressing skepticism about her qualifications. They analyze the media’s role in shaping public perception.

[00:25:00] Michael's Skepticism of Media Manipulation in Combat Photography   Michael, with extensive experience in combat zones, discusses inconsistencies in a recent photograph of Trump, revealing insight into potential manipulation in media.

[00:34:00] Michael’s Analysis on a North Korean Defector’s Fraudulence   Michael recalls a 60 Minutes interview with a North Korean defector, which he quickly deemed fraudulent. His expertise in identifying inconsistencies led to public validation of his suspicions years later.

[00:37:00] Doug on Election Polls and the "Installation" of Candidates   Doug critiques election polls, suggesting they are unreliable and politically motivated. He predicts Kamala Harris could be “installed” due to media manipulation, despite Trump's popularity in certain regions.

[00:42:00] Puerto Rico's Statehood Movement   Doug discusses the Democrats' strategic interest in making Puerto Rico a state, which would shift political representation in favor of the Democrats.

[00:46:00] Michael on Philippines Statehood Aspirations   Michael shares insights into the Philippines' history and the notion of becoming a U.S. state. He compares the unique culture and perspectives found there with the ongoing challenges in regions like Mindanao.

[00:52:00] Closing Thoughts on Election and Predictions   As the episode winds down, the team reflects on the uncertain future of the U.S. elections. They share varied perspectives on how quickly (or slowly) the election results may be resolved, ending with Michael’s perspective on immigration at th