The Daily Show: Ears Edition TDS Time Machine | Jordan Klepper Fingers the Pulse: Moscow Tools
Mar 9, 2026
John Bolton, former U.S. national security official and diplomat, brings decades of foreign policy experience. Conversation covers shifting Republican attitudes toward Putin. Discussions include Kremlin influence operations, appeals of authoritarian policies to some voters, NATO risks, and Estonia's preparations against Russian aggression.
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GOP Shift Toward Pro Russia Sentiment
- The modern GOP shows a growing affinity for Vladimir Putin that contrasts sharply with its Cold War stance.
- Jordan Klepper cites polling and media examples like Tucker Carlson's Moscow trip to illustrate a mainstreaming of pro-Russia sentiment.
Kremlin Amplifies Existing Republican Narratives
- Russian influence operations amplify existing U.S. right‑wing narratives rather than inventing new ones.
- Julia Yaffe (via Klepper) explains Kremlin documents show targeted campaigns echoing GOP talking points about immigration and corruption.
How A Fake Zelensky Story Traveled To Capitol Hill
- False stories like Zelensky yacht claims originate from fake sites linked to Moscow and then spread to U.S. politicians.
- Klepper traces one viral lie from a Moscow-run DC Weekly to shares by Marjorie Taylor Greene and J.D. Vance, stalling aid to Ukraine.