# Cass Sunstein on The No Agenda Show Cass Sunstein comes up in 21 chapters across 18 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from July 2009 to February 2025. - **Chapters:** 21 - **Episodes:** 18 - **Discussed:** July 2009 – February 2025 - **Related topics:** [Cognitive Infiltration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cognitive-infiltration.md), [Samantha Power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/samantha-power.md), [Cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [Conspiracy Theories](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theories.md), [Hillary Clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [Nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [Fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [Free Speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/free-speech.md), [Libel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libel.md), [Michael Morell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-morell.md) ## Chapters 1–20 of 21 ### Samantha Power, USAID Global Impact, Color Revolutions - **Episode:** [1736: The Blurt](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1736-the-blurt.md) - **Published:** 2025-02-06 - **Time:** 13:08–18:45 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1736-the-blurt/chapter/samantha-power-usaid-global-impact-color-revolutions.md USAID is criticized for its historical involvement in color revolutions and its secretive ties to the CIA and State Department. Former Administrator Samantha Power expressed concern over the "wreckage" caused by the agency's sudden closure, citing the shuttering of health clinics and soup kitchens globally. The agency's authority stems from the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, originally delegated by President Kennedy. Keywords: [samantha power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/samantha-power.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [color revolutions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/color-revolutions.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), foreign assistance act ### Cass Sunstein and the Ministry of Truth - **Episode:** [1663: Climate Change Special](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1663-climate-change-special.md) - **Published:** 2024-05-23 - **Time:** 1:18:33–1:22:16 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1663-climate-change-special/chapter/cass-sunstein-and-the-ministry-of-truth.md Harvard Law professor Cass Sunstein's appointment to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is analyzed. The hosts discuss Sunstein's book "On Rumors" and his proposals for "notify and take down" systems for internet speech. They express concern that these powers will be used to stifle dissent on topics like climate change by labeling alternative views as "damaging falsehoods." Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [obama administration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obama-administration.md), oira, [internet censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-censorship.md), [libel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libel.md), [free speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/free-speech.md) ### Russian Troll Farms, Propaganda Tactics, Cass Sunstein - **Episode:** [713: New Mediocre](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/713-new-mediocre.md) - **Published:** 2015-04-16 - **Time:** 1:38:21–1:44:45 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/713-new-mediocre/chapter/russian-troll-farms-propaganda-tactics-cass-sunstein.md A BBC report details the operations of a "troll farm" in St. Petersburg, Russia, where young employees are paid to post pro-Kremlin comments online. Adam Curry notes that this tactic of "cognitive infiltration" was famously proposed by American legal scholar Cass Sunstein. The hosts suggest that the US State Department and political campaigns have been using similar "techno-expert" teams for years to manipulate online discourse. Keywords: [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [st. petersburg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/st-petersburg.md), [trolls](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trolls.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md) ### Cass Sunstein's Conspiracy Theory Book, Cognitive Infiltration, Samantha Power - **Episode:** [603: Revolution of Dignity](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/603-revolution-of-dignity.md) - **Published:** 2014-12-06 - **Time:** 2:08:29–2:13:19 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/603-revolution-of-dignity/chapter/cass-sunstein-s-conspiracy-theory-book-cognitive-infiltration-samantha-power.md Cass Sunstein, husband of UN Ambassador Samantha Power, has released a new book titled *Conspiracy Theories and Other Dangerous Ideas*. The hosts remind listeners of Sunstein's previous academic paper advocating for the "cognitive infiltration" of online groups to spread disinformation. They analyze his interview on MSNBC regarding the Malaysian Airlines flight 370 disappearance. Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [samantha power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/samantha-power.md), [conspiracy theories](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theories.md), [alex wagner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alex-wagner.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [cognitive infiltration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cognitive-infiltration.md) ### Benghazi Theories, Santa Claus Comparison, True Conspiracy Category - **Episode:** [603: Revolution of Dignity](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/603-revolution-of-dignity.md) - **Published:** 2014-12-06 - **Time:** 2:13:20–2:18:05 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/603-revolution-of-dignity/chapter/benghazi-theories-santa-claus-comparison-true-conspiracy-category.md In his book promotion, Cass Sunstein compares "dangerous" conspiracy theories to the Benghazi investigation. He surprisingly admits that "true conspiracy theories" exist, citing Watergate as an example. He also likens the myth of Santa Claus to a conspiracy because parents work together to propagate a fiction involving "mysterious elves." Keywords: [benghazi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/benghazi.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [santa claus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/santa-claus.md), [watergate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/watergate.md), [conspiracy theory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theory.md) ### Shattering Theories, Psychological Tactics, Shills and Debunking - **Episode:** [603: Revolution of Dignity](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/603-revolution-of-dignity.md) - **Published:** 2014-12-06 - **Time:** 2:18:06–2:20:33 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/603-revolution-of-dignity/chapter/shattering-theories-psychological-tactics-shills-and-debunking.md Sunstein outlines psychological tactics for "shattering" conspiracy theories, such as appealing to the "basic beliefs" of the theorists or using "allied" credible figures to debunk claims. The hosts interpret this as a blueprint for using government shills to manipulate public discourse and steer people away from alternative narratives. Keywords: psychological tactics, [debunking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debunking.md), [shills](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shills.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agenda.md) ### Bush Administration Iraq War Lies, Cass Sunstein Infiltration Strategy - **Episode:** [640: Putinism](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/640-putinism.md) - **Published:** 2014-08-03 - **Time:** 22:57–25:52 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/640-putinism/chapter/bush-administration-iraq-war-lies-cass-sunstein-infiltration-strategy.md The Bush administration's use of intelligence to justify the Iraq war is contrasted with modern labels of "conspiracy theory." Specific reference is made to Colin Powell's 2003 UN presentation involving a vial of simulated anthrax. The segment also mentions Cass Sunstein's academic proposals regarding the government infiltration of online "conspiracy" communities to sow cognitive diversity. Keywords: [colin powell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colin-powell.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md), [anthrax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anthrax.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [weapons of mass destruction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weapons-of-mass-destruction.md) ### Cass Sunstein Testimony, NSA Political Targeting - **Episode:** [583: A Pure Heart](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/583-a-pure-heart.md) - **Published:** 2014-01-20 - **Time:** 1:25:29–1:33:09 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/583-a-pure-heart/chapter/cass-sunstein-testimony-nsa-political-targeting.md Professor Cass Sunstein testified before a Senate committee, claiming the NSA does not target individuals based on religious or political views. Senator Mike Lee challenged this, questioning whether "jihadist" views are protected as religious beliefs. Critics noted Sunstein's specific phrasing that there is "no targeting" by the NSA, which may leave room for other agencies to use NSA-collected data for targeting. Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [mike lee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-lee.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [jihad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jihad.md), [political targeting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-targeting.md) ### President's Review Group, Intelligence Technology Report - **Episode:** [575: BIOS Brick](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/575-bios-brick.md) - **Published:** 2013-12-19 - **Time:** 17:21–23:26 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/575-bios-brick/chapter/president-s-review-group-intelligence-technology-report.md President Obama's handpicked review group released a 308-page report with 46 recommendations for reforming the NSA. The panel includes controversial figures such as Richard Clarke, Cass Sunstein, and former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell, leading to skepticism regarding the group's true independence from the intelligence community. Keywords: [richard clark](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-clark.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [michael morell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-morell.md), [intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intelligence.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md) ### Cass Sunstein Joins NSA Oversight Panel - **Episode:** [543: Kosovo Protocol](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/543-kosovo-protocol.md) - **Published:** 2013-08-29 - **Time:** 1:47:42–1:49:48 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/543-kosovo-protocol/chapter/cass-sunstein-joins-nsa-oversight-panel.md Cass Sunstein has been appointed to the panel overseeing the NSA, despite his controversial history of advocating for the infiltration of conspiracy groups. The panel also includes former CIA official Michael Morell and Richard Clark. Critics argue the panel lacks civilian representation and is composed of establishment insiders. Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [richard clark](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-clark.md), [michael morell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-morell.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md) ### No Agenda News Network and Content Vetting - **Episode:** [414: Thingamajig](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/414-thingamajig.md) - **Published:** 2012-06-03 - **Time:** 3:11–5:03 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/414-thingamajig/chapter/no-agenda-news-network-and-content-vetting.md Concerns are raised regarding the infiltration of alternative media groups by government figures like Cass Sunstein. The No Agenda News Network platform requires constant vetting to remove unreliable aggregators like Infowars while promoting high-quality contributors. The system relies on RSS feeds from independent blogs to maintain a decentralized news flow. Keywords: [no agenda news network](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-news-network.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [infowars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infowars.md), [rss feeds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rss-feeds.md), [content moderation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/content-moderation.md) ### WTC7 and the Financial Times Connection - **Episode:** [344: Cyber Master](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/344-cyber-master.md) - **Published:** 2011-10-02 - **Time:** 1:12:56–1:16:10 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/344-cyber-master/chapter/wtc7-and-the-financial-times-connection.md The hosts examine the staff of the Demos think tank, noting connections to The Financial Times. They criticize the Demos report for dismissing the film "Loose Change" and 9/11 skepticism without addressing specific anomalies like the collapse of World Trade Center 7. They argue the initiative is a "money grab" to fund government-approved curriculum. Keywords: [world trade center 7](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-trade-center-7.md), [loose change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/loose-change.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [financial times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-times.md), [ministry of truth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ministry-of-truth.md) ### Lone Wolf Terrorism, Infiltration of Online Groups - **Episode:** [303: Starship Troopers 4](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/303-starship-troopers-4.md) - **Published:** 2011-05-12 - **Time:** 34:04–38:05 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/303-starship-troopers-4/chapter/lone-wolf-terrorism-infiltration-of-online-groups.md Security consultants on CNN discuss the rising threat of "lone wolf" terrorists in the United States who operate outside of organized networks. The FBI and other agencies are reportedly using undercover cyber agents to monitor social media platforms like Facebook for extremist ideology. The discussion references Cass Sunstein's theories on infiltrating online groups to disrupt radicalization. Keywords: [lone wolf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lone-wolf.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md) ### Cass Sunstein, Cognitive Infiltration, NSA Jingles - **Episode:** [294: Choking the Puffin](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin.md) - **Published:** 2011-04-10 - **Time:** 53:15–55:49 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/cass-sunstein-cognitive-infiltration-nsa-jingles.md The hosts discuss Cass Sunstein's theories on "cognitive infiltration" of online groups and warn the chat room to be vigilant against shills. They play a jingle inspired by "They Might Be Giants" regarding NSA surveillance and the permanent war state. Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [cognitive infiltration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cognitive-infiltration.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), they might be giants ### State Department Propaganda and Media Deconstructionist Titles - **Episode:** [292: Obama Needs Water](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/292-obama-needs-water.md) - **Published:** 2011-04-03 - **Time:** 14:04–16:56 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/292-obama-needs-water/chapter/state-department-propaganda-and-media-deconstructionist-titles.md Adam Curry argues that NPR's reliance on Twitter for news allows for easy infiltration by State Department "techno-experts" spreading disinformation in languages like Farsi. He references Cass Sunstein's theories on cognitive infiltration as a framework for this activity. Curry also recounts his refusal to be labeled a "blogger" by the Washington Post, insisting on the title "Media Deconstructionist." Keywords: [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [disinformation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disinformation.md) ### Martial Law Preparations, Expanded FBI Assessment Powers - **Episode:** [290: Mission Accomplished!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/290-mission-accomplished.md) - **Published:** 2011-03-27 - **Time:** 54:19–57:34 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/290-mission-accomplished/chapter/martial-law-preparations-expanded-fbi-assessment-powers.md Reports indicate that Louisville, Kentucky, has developed an emergency response plan allowing the city to commandeer private property. Simultaneously, the FBI has expanded powers to conduct "assessments" without warrants, and a Second Circuit appeals court ruling suggests domestic terror suspects can be held without Miranda warnings. The discussion links these developments to the influence of Cass Sunstein and legal shifts toward increased domestic surveillance. Keywords: [martial law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/martial-law.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [miranda rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miranda-rights.md), second circuit court, [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [louisville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/louisville.md) ### Cass Sunstein and the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs - **Episode:** [271: By Executive Order](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/271-by-executive-order.md) - **Published:** 2011-01-20 - **Time:** 44:15–49:24 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/271-by-executive-order/chapter/cass-sunstein-and-the-office-of-information-and-regulatory-affairs.md The role of Cass Sunstein as the "Regulatory Czar" at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) is examined. The hosts review the reginfo.gov dashboard, noting a vast array of pending regulations covering everything from meat labeling to international fishing certifications, which they argue renders Congress obsolete. Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), oira, [omb](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/omb.md), [samantha power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/samantha-power.md), [vivek kundra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vivek-kundra.md), reginfo.gov ### Cass Sunstein, WikiLeaks, and Infiltration Theories - **Episode:** [271: By Executive Order](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/271-by-executive-order.md) - **Published:** 2011-01-20 - **Time:** 49:25–54:33 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/271-by-executive-order/chapter/cass-sunstein-wikileaks-and-infiltration-theories.md A theory is proposed linking Cass Sunstein's 2008 paper on "cognitive infiltration" of conspiracy groups to the activities of WikiLeaks. The hosts suggest that Sunstein's wife, Samantha Power, who previously criticized Hillary Clinton, may be connected to the strategic release of embarrassing State Department cables. Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [wikileaks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wikileaks.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [samantha power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/samantha-power.md), [cognitive infiltration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cognitive-infiltration.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md) ### Glenn Beck, Elena Kagan and Cass Sunstein - **Episode:** [200: The Deuce!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/200-the-deuce.md) - **Published:** 2010-05-16 - **Time:** 1:19:46–1:26:53 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/200-the-deuce/chapter/glenn-beck-elena-kagan-and-cass-sunstein.md Glenn Beck's coverage of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan is analyzed, specifically her praise for Cass Sunstein. Sunstein is criticized for his academic papers suggesting the government should "cognitively infiltrate" conspiracy theory groups or impose taxes on those who disseminate them to "unskew" public discourse. Keywords: [glenn beck](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-beck.md), [elena kagan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elena-kagan.md), [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), [conspiracy theories](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theories.md), [cognitive infiltration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cognitive-infiltration.md) ### Cass Sunstein and Government Infiltration of Conspiracy Groups - **Episode:** [165: Earthquake Machine Strikes Haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/165-earthquake-machine-strikes-haiti.md) - **Published:** 2010-01-14 - **Time:** 1:54:46–1:58:31 - **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/165-earthquake-machine-strikes-haiti/chapter/cass-sunstein-and-government-infiltration-of-conspiracy-groups.md Obama administration official Cass Sunstein authored a paper suggesting the government should "cognitively infiltrate" online groups that promote conspiracy theories. Sunstein argues that such groups suffer from "crippled epistemology" due to limited information sources. The hosts suggest this confirms the presence of government shills in online chat rooms and social networks to undermine alternative narratives. Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [conspiracy theories](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theories.md), [cognitive infiltration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cognitive-infiltration.md), crippled epistemology, [obama administration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obama-administration.md) [Next page](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md?offset=20) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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