Timcast IRL · July 8, 2021 · 2h 0m

Timcast IRL #325 - Tucker Carlson WAS SPIED ON, Source Leaks Tucker Communications w/Jack Murphy

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Episode Recap

Timcast IRL episode #325, recorded on July 8, 2021, featured Tim Pool and co-hosts discussing the breaking story of Tucker Carlson claiming the NSA was spying on his communications. The show opened with Tim Pool explaining how Tucker Carlson came forward with evidence that his text messages and emails had been intercepted by the NSA with the intent to leak information and get his show removed from the air. The NSA issued what Tim described as a 'non-denial denial,' stating Tucker was never a target while technically not denying intercepting his communications. Co-host Jack Murphy returned to discuss the revelation that Axios reported Tucker was seeking an interview with Vladimir Putin, which Tim argued was the actual leak designed to undermine Tucker's credibility after he preemptively revealed the spying. The conversation delved into FISA courts and unmasking procedures, with references to Michael Cernovich's earlier reporting on Susan Rice's involvement in unmasking. Tim criticized mainstream media outlets for initially dismissing Tucker's claims before pivoting to coverage of the Putin interview story. The show addressed concerns about government surveillance, bulk data collection on Americans, and violations of press freedom through unmasking journalists in intelligence databases.

TL;DR

  • →Tucker Carlson revealed the NSA was spying on his communications with plans to leak information to get his show removed from air
  • →NSA issued a non-denial denial, refusing to confirm or deny intercepting Tucker's texts and emails
  • →Axios leaked information that Tucker was seeking a Putin interview, which Tim argues was the actual leak designed to counter Tucker's spying allegations
  • →FISA courts and unmasking procedures were discussed as mechanisms allowing government agencies to identify American citizens in intelligence databases
  • →Michael Cernovich's reporting on FISA unmasking was referenced, connecting to earlier controversies involving Susan Rice
  • →Tim criticized mainstream media for initially dismissing Tucker's claims before having to pivot their coverage

Key Moments

  • 0:00
    Opening and Tucker Spying Allegation
    Tim Pool opens the show by explaining Tucker's claims that the NSA was spying on him and planning to leak his communications
  • 6:00
    NSA Non-Denial Denial
    Analysis of the NSA's statement that technically didn't deny intercepting Tucker's communications
  • 15:00
    Axios Leaked Tucker/Putin Story
    Discussion of how the Axios scoop about Tucker seeking Putin interview was the actual leak designed to undermine his credibility
  • 25:00
    FISA Courts and Unmasking
    Jack Murphy joins to discuss FISA courts, unmasking procedures, and Five Eyes intelligence sharing
  • 45:00
    Media Coverage Criticism
    Critique of mainstream media's initial dismissal of Tucker followed by their pivot to covering the Putin story
  • 60:00
    Government Surveillance Concerns
    Deep dive into bulk data collection and violations of American citizens' privacy rights

Notable Quotes

“Tucker was right. Tucker came out on his show and said that he got information that the NSA had been spying on him, that they wanted to leak information to get him taken off the air.”

— Tim Pool · opening segment introducing the main story

“The NSA issued a non-denial denial. What does that mean? It means they put out a statement that sort of seems like they're saying they didn't do it, but they didn't actually deny anything.”

— Tim Pool · explaining the NSA's response to Tucker's allegations

“I'm disturbed about these secret FISA courts. I've been disturbed about this for like 15 years, I mean, when it was the first time that it was elucidated to the public that the first time I really heard about it was Michael Cernovich breaking the FISA unmasking with Susan Rice in the Mike Flynn case.”

— Jack Murphy · guest segment on FISA court concerns

“If Tucker didn't preempt this story, the narrative right now would be Tucker colluding with Russians. I would absolutely be willing to bet that's the case.”

— Tim Pool · analysis of the timing and motivation behind the Axios leak

“Somebody leaked that information. How did they get it? Even if they weren't spying on Tucker, who gave them the right to unmask him?”

— Tim Pool · questioning the legality of revealing Tucker's communications

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