In 2002, Putin shut down a puppet program. We're joined by fmr. U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul to talk about why; the Russian societal capacity for economic suffering; and free speech.
It's fascinating that Substack and other media outlets have become alternative news channels for many of us. I wonder what the long term impact will be as the mainstream channels continue to consolidate under the oligarchs.
It's a point I made in the chat with Amb. McFaul. Who could trust ABC News now to report without fear or favor? It's going to drive people away from traditional broadcast news towards independent institutions they can trust.
A further point on media consolidation: CBS seems to be close to hiring a right-wing editor (Bari Weiss, sp?) for a massive sum to handle its newsroom. This is after the multi-billionaire son of Larry Ellison (another right-winger) bought this media property. Much of the legacy media, both print and broadcast, is now controlled by right-wing owners.
I hope Substack's owners never succumb to a lucrative offer to sell to somebody who controls its content.
I didn’t know Bari Weiss was considered right-wing. She’s obviously not MAGA. I’m asking because I don’t know her background. I’ve only seen her moderate a panel discussion between Sam Harris and Ben Shapiro and a podcast she did with Niall Ferguson. To me she appeared: 1. well-respected and 2. right-of-centre at best.
Bari Weiss doesn't fit into neat boxes. She's a pro-Israel lesbian who is a free-speech absolutist against so-called 'wokeism.' She fits into some culture conservative categories but she says she leans left in general terms.
I agree with Tim, Ms. Weiss is difficult to categorize. To me, she seemed to be too far right for my tastes. I don't remember specifically what caused this impression. Perhaps it was her "all in" support for what Israel was doing in Gaza.
I did subscribe to her Substack, and suggest you make up your own mind:
I am glad the EU leaders are reducing their purchases of Russian gas and oil. Do they really think our golden leader will keep his word about joining in increased sanctions? Just read that US is reducing arms transfers to Eastern Europe - particularly anti-missile systems. I guess the increased sanctions are against Ukraine.
Wow, great issue! Thanks, Tim and team
Really grateful for your support and readership!
Excellent. So appreciate your voices and faces. Thank you both and the team that put this together and for making this audio version.
Should we do more audio?
A resounding yes from the audience!
It's fascinating that Substack and other media outlets have become alternative news channels for many of us. I wonder what the long term impact will be as the mainstream channels continue to consolidate under the oligarchs.
It's a point I made in the chat with Amb. McFaul. Who could trust ABC News now to report without fear or favor? It's going to drive people away from traditional broadcast news towards independent institutions they can trust.
Two great podcast for the price of one. This was great interviews with two well qualified guests. Keep the audios coming !
Fascinating conversation.
A further point on media consolidation: CBS seems to be close to hiring a right-wing editor (Bari Weiss, sp?) for a massive sum to handle its newsroom. This is after the multi-billionaire son of Larry Ellison (another right-winger) bought this media property. Much of the legacy media, both print and broadcast, is now controlled by right-wing owners.
I hope Substack's owners never succumb to a lucrative offer to sell to somebody who controls its content.
I didn’t know Bari Weiss was considered right-wing. She’s obviously not MAGA. I’m asking because I don’t know her background. I’ve only seen her moderate a panel discussion between Sam Harris and Ben Shapiro and a podcast she did with Niall Ferguson. To me she appeared: 1. well-respected and 2. right-of-centre at best.
Bari Weiss doesn't fit into neat boxes. She's a pro-Israel lesbian who is a free-speech absolutist against so-called 'wokeism.' She fits into some culture conservative categories but she says she leans left in general terms.
Thanks Tim. My first impression when I just read Marcus’s statement about CBS hiring Bari Weiss was kudos to CBS. Sounds like a good hire to me.
I agree with Tim, Ms. Weiss is difficult to categorize. To me, she seemed to be too far right for my tastes. I don't remember specifically what caused this impression. Perhaps it was her "all in" support for what Israel was doing in Gaza.
I did subscribe to her Substack, and suggest you make up your own mind:
https://substack.com/@bariweiss.
Here's a link to her Wikipedia article. Likely, you'll find yourself nodding in agreement with some of her stands and be outraged with others:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bari_Weiss
Thanks for the link Marcus.
I certainly agree with you when you say that you hope the controlling interests of Substack never succumb to political pressure.
I loved Zelensky's "Servant of the People" on Netflix. It was very eye-opening as to the challenges he faced in Ukraine when he became President.
An example of comedian/humor that filters into politics!
I am glad the EU leaders are reducing their purchases of Russian gas and oil. Do they really think our golden leader will keep his word about joining in increased sanctions? Just read that US is reducing arms transfers to Eastern Europe - particularly anti-missile systems. I guess the increased sanctions are against Ukraine.
Excellent combination. Thank goodness you are both on Substack!
Well done you two ! Thanks for sharing this conversation. Fabulous questions and answers.
Excellent discussion. Really enjoyed frim hearing from both of you. Perhaps we should being "Kukli" back?