DeProgram with John Kiriakou and Ted Rall A Small Price to Pay | DeProgram with Ted Rall and John Kiriakou
Mar 11, 2026
They debate the economic fallout from a possible Iran war and whether rising fuel costs could tip the U.S. into recession. They weigh if a limited strike can stay limited or become a long regional quagmire. A deep dive into billionaire political influence reveals how a tiny number of families dominate 2024 campaign funding. They also unpack immigration policy fights and the politics of the SAVE Act.
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Dinner With Sean Penn Sparked Online Backlash
- John Kiriakou attended dinner at Sean Penn's Malibu home and took a photo that drew online backlash for a Ghost of Kiev flag in the background.
- He emphasizes valuing personal relationships over ideological purity despite left-wing critics demanding he cut contact.
Cousin Angelo's Ship Jump Became American Life
- John shared a family immigration story about his cousin Angelo who jumped ship in Norfolk and later became a U.S. citizen and community fixture.
- Angelo hid from agents, benefited from a 1970s amnesty, and ran the Pentagon barbershop for 30 years.
Asymmetric Cheap Drone Attacks Raise Energy Risk
- The Iran conflict will raise global energy prices and could trigger a recession if consumers and businesses cut spending.
- John Kiriakou notes drones cost ~$5k while missiles to shoot them down cost ~$150k, making asymmetric attacks economically painful.