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Rational Security

Janet Lindenmuth (background)

Rational Security is a weekly roundtable podcast featuring Shane Harris of the Wall Street Journal, Susan Hennessey and Benjamin Wittes of Lawfare and the Brookings Institution, and Tamara Cofman Wittes, who directs the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings. It's a lively and irreverent discussion of news, ideas, foreign policy, and law. There's always a laugh. Often, there are guests. Sometimes there's even Scotch. A production of Spaghetti on the Wall Productions. You can subscribe here or on iTunes. 

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Latest in Rational Security

Podcasts

Rational Security: Jeff Sessions Testifies

Benjamin Wittes   Thu, Jun 15, 2017, 5:22 AM

Attorney General Jeff Sessions testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee about his contacts with Russia. New information shows that thirty-nine states were targeted by Russian hackers during the 2016 election. And President Trump gives the military authority to ramp the number of troops in Afghanistan. Plus, my long-time alter ego, Benjamin Sittes, makes an appearance on the show. And the gang says thanks to our super fans.

Podcasts

Rational Security: The "Door By the Grandfather Clock" Edition

Benjamin Wittes   Thu, Jun 8, 2017, 6:09 AM

It’s been a huge two days for news on the Trump/Russia/Comey front. We round it up. There’s a new crisis in the Persian Gulf.  And just when you thought it was safe to go back to the polls, there are new revelations of Russia targeting the elections system. Plus, Trump has nominated a new FBI director. Who knew? And the gang thanks our many loyal listeners for their boozy generosity.

Podcasts

Rational Security: The "Glowing Orb of Peace" Edition

Benjamin Wittes   Thu, May 25, 2017, 7:00 AM

Donald Trump tours the Middle East and insists peace is within reach. Robert Mueller is tapped as the new special counsel overseeing the Trump-Russia probe. And I talk to to the New York Times. Plus, Tamara is playing dress up with the scotch. Quinta sees a sign of things to come. And I buy a cannon and take out an innocent can of soda.

Podcasts

Rational Security: The "Obi-Wan Comey" Edition

Benjamin Wittes   Wed, May 10, 2017, 9:31 PM

Donald Trump fires FBI Director James Comey. The gang shares their reactions. Then we dig into Rod Rosenstein’s role in Comey’s sudden departure. Finally, what does his dismissal mean for the future of the Russia investigation and the FBI? Plus, Shane is stocking up for end times. Susan is looking up and seeing the writing on the walls. And I have another advanced degree.

Podcasts

Rational Security: The "Intelligence Porn" Edition

Benjamin Wittes   Thu, May 4, 2017, 9:19 AM

FBI Director James Comey says the idea he could have swayed the presidential election makes him “mildly nauseous.” President Trump is reaching out to autocrats and adversaries. Is it paying off? And the NSA reins in some of its surveillance operations. Plus, Shane was walking the red (purple) carpet with the glamorous co-hosts of Rational Security. Quinta directs your attention to a new Lawfare resource page on the Russia Connection. And Susan’s throne has been restored to its rightful place.

Rational Security

Rational Security: The "SF-86’ed" Edition

Benjamin Wittes   Thu, Apr 27, 2017, 2:18 PM

Mike Flynn is back in hot water over money he took from foreign sources. The Senate Intelligence Committee is beefing up for a long investigation of Russian meddling in the election. And FBI Director Jim Comey is back in the spotlight again this week amid questions of how he handled the Clinton and Trump investigations. Plus, a most excellent listener sends us a most excellent present. And Quinta contemplates the president’s two Twitter accounts.

Podcasts

Rational Security: The "Vinson Lose Some" Edition

Benjamin Wittes   Thu, Apr 20, 2017, 7:24 AM

North Korea’s missile launch fizzles, but the ripples spread far and wide. CIA Director Mike Pompeo calls WikiLeaks a hostile intelligence service. And does the Globalist/Nationalist war in the White House really matter in the absence of a coherent foreign policy? Plus, Susan has been blocked by Dr. Gorka. Tamara remembers the Oklahoma City bombing. And Shane knows if you’re lying.

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