America’s post-election hangover took a major turn for the dramatic this past week, when sources told the Washington Post that the CIA believes Russia intervened in the vote to help Donald Trump.
The jury’s still out on the truth of the matter, but this week in OtherWords I reflect on the irony of the CIA accusing a foreign power of meddling in an election — a tactic that, once upon a time, was the agency’s calling card.
Also this week, we continue our coverage of the next administration’s cabinet picks. Marge Baker looks at the troubling civil rights record of attorney general pick Jeff Sessions, while Jim Hightower counts several billionaires — and precisely zero working class populists — on Trump’s economic team.
Meanwhile, Danielle Brian and Gary D. Bass lay out some steps Trump could take if he’s actually serious about “draining the swamp” in Washington. (Our cartoonist Khalil Bendib isn’t so sure he is, though.)
Finally, my colleague Miriam Pemberton takes a look at another jaw-dropping story this week: the Pentagon’s cover-up of a report laying out $125 billion in waste.
Khalil Bendib / OtherWords.org
- Foreign Meddling in Our Vote? Remember How This Feels. / Peter Certo
During the Cold War, the CIA did everything it’s accusing Russia of doing today — and more. - The Pentagon’s $125 Billion Cover-up / Miriam Pemberton
The brass asked for a report on eliminating waste. When investigators found some, the military buried it. - This Man May Be Trump’s Most Dangerous Cabinet Pick / Marge Baker
Time and time again, Jeff Sessions has put his own right-wing ideology above Americans’ constitutional rights. - Draining the Swamp: A How-To Guide / Danielle Brian and Gary D. Bass
If Trump cares about un-rigging the system like he’s said, here are five things he can do. - Trump Is Taking on Wall Street, Literally / Jim Hightower
The next administration will have plenty of billionaires — and no working class populists. - Conflict of Interest? Of Course Not. / Khalil Bendib
