The Comedy Cellar: Live from the Table

The Dangerous Rise of Conspiracy Thinking-Trump, Iran and JFK

Apr 9, 2026
Gerald Posner, investigative journalist and author of Case Closed and PHARMA, joins to unpack conspiracy thinking. He traces JFK theories, how online misinformation spreads, and the politics around Israel, Iran and Trump. The conversation also touches on Big Pharma, the Sacklers, Epstein’s finances, and why counter-speech matters in a polarized media landscape.
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INSIGHT

Why Posner Concluded Oswald Acted Alone

  • Gerald Posner became convinced Oswald acted alone after new ballistics and evidence unavailable to investigators in 1963–64.
  • Posner found no credible link tying Oswald to mafia, anti‑Castro Cubans, or foreign intelligence despite many motives for Kennedy's death.
INSIGHT

How Modern Anti‑Semitic JFK Theories Spread

  • The recent Israel‑behind‑JFK theory grew after October 7 and uses selective redactions as supposed proof.
  • Posner notes the JFK files routinely redact many foreign agencies, so an unredacted Mossad mention is not proof of culpability.
INSIGHT

Why Conspiracies Amplify Faster Now

  • Social media and high‑reach hosts have amplified conspiracy thinking into powerful echo chambers.
  • Posner warns influencers like Tucker Carlson and Nick Fuentes monetize and mainstream fringe narratives about Israel and JFK.
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