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expert on information warfare
Molly McKew is an expert on information warfare. She also advises governments and political parties on foreign policy and strategic communications.
PROFILE
Molly McKew
Guest
FROM Molly McKew
Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Russian Twitter bots influenced how Nunes memo was released The hashtag #releasethememo appeared on Twitter on January 18, referring to a classified document written by Rep. Devin Nunes that alleged FBI bias against the Trump administration. News of the so-called Nunes memo quickly spread on social media, and soon enough, the memo was released. One researcher says automated Russian Twitter bots created and spread the hashtag in an effort to influence American public opinion and discredit the Russia investigation.
To the Point
White House politics and national security President Trump's on a 17-day "working vacation" at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Back at the White House, Chief of Staff John Kelly, the former General, reportedly is seizing the moment to impose order on factional infighting. He's reportedly said he can't control the President, but what about Steve Bannon, the Kushners and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster? All have tribal loyalists. Is "order" possible under shadows including declining support from Congress, North Korea's nuclear challenge — and the Russia investigation?
To the Point
The summit within the summit After warm greetings in public, Presidents Trump and Putin were behind closed doors for more than two hours today in Hamburg, Germany. For the moment, their meeting has overshadowed the larger G-20 summit, as protesters stormed local police in the streets of the city. Mr. Trump’s aides said he had “no agenda,” but Secretary of State Tillerson says he began with Russia’s meddling in America’s election. Putin denied it. With US-Russian relations at their lowest point in decades, is there any chance of a rapprochement? Is that in America’s interests?
To the Point
Is Washington missing the forest for the trees? As Attorney General Jeff Sessions and others testify about what they knew and who they talked to, is the basic issue being lost in the political drama? It's reported that Russian hackers gained access to the voting systems of 39 American states during last year's elections. There's no evidence they affected the outcome. But, as the fired FBI Director James Comey warned last week, "They'll be back." What's in store for America's democracy in the future? How does this compare to the long history of US involvement in other countries' elections?
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Timber Troubles California has 4 billion trees, and it’s time they took some responsibility for their actions.
KCRW Features
As sidewalk gardens grow on Skid Row, homeless residents lose a sidewalk In a city with tens of thousands of people living on its streets, sidewalk space can be a hot commodity. Businesses want to keep the sidewalk clear for customers, but the city’s housing crisis means that for some people, the sidewalk is home. Some property owners have reportedly used sprinklers or private security guards to make sure no one sets up camp outside their doors. And in recent months, people living on the streets have noticed a new tactic – business owners effectively occupying a portion of the sidewalk themselves.
KCRW Features
LA Renters Fight Back The housing crisis is so bad that some landlords are boosting rents without making fixes to big problems, like mold and infestation. Now, some Angelenos are taking a labor union approach and organizing renter strikes. We go to Westlake and Highland Park with LA Taco editor Daniel Hernandez. The housing crisis is so bad that some landlords are boosting rents without making fixes to big problems, like mold and infestation. Now, some Angelenos are taking a labor union approach and organizing renter strikes. We go to Westlake and Highland Park with LA Taco editor Daniel Hernandez.
KCRW Features
The Asian American voter in OC In Orange County the population is changing. While the numbers of most ethnic groups have grown slowly over the past 10 years, the number of Asian Americans is up 41 percent since 2010. And don't think the politicos haven't noticed. What kind of impact will Asian American voters have on Orange County's representation in Congress? Will they help keep the county Republican, or could they turn Orange County blue?