It's Complicated

Join former federal prosecutor and CNN Legal Analyst Renato Mariotti and former Special Agent at the FBI and Legal Analyst Asha Rangappa as they dive deeper into complicated issues in the news.

News
Government
151
Trump's Racist Immigration Strategy: What Does ...
Renato and Patti discuss the racist ad released by Donald Trump depicting immigrants as dangerous and falsely blaming Democrats for permitting criminals to enter our country. They are joined by Kimberly Atkins, the Washington Bureau Chief of the Boston Herald and a MSNBC Contributor.
43 min
152
Voter Suppression: What is it and How does it I...
In this special episode before a live audience at Georgetown Law Center, Renato and Patti discuss efforts to make it more difficult to vote, including recent government actions that reduce registration and voting by minorities. They are joined by Hannah Fried, co-founder and Executive Director of Access Democracy.
37 min
153
Hate Crimes on the Rise: What Can be Done? (wit...
Renato and Patti discuss the bombs sent to targets of Donald Trump by one of his supporters as well as the mass murder at a synagogue by an anti-semite. They are joined by James Gagliano, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and CNN Law Enforcement Analyst.
54 min
154
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi: How Should the U...
Renato and Patti discuss the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi operatives and the Trump Administration’s response to the murder. They are joined by Max Boot, Washington Post columnist and Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.
37 min
155
Family Separation: Why Does it Continue and Wha...
Renato and Patti discuss the Trump Administration’s family separation policy and the legality of young children signing away their rights. They are joined by David Leopold, the past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and a frequent commentator on immigration issues on CNN and elsewhere.
51 min
156
The Confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh: In the Wak...
Renato and Patti discuss what Democrats could have done differently to oppose the Kavanaugh nomination, and whether Democrats should change their tactics to match Republican strategies that shatter well-established norms. They are joined by Matthew Miller, former spokesperson for the Justice Department and MSNBC Contributor, who argues that Democrats should have been more aggressive in attacking the limited FBI investigation of Kavanaugh.
43 min
157
The Kavanaugh Hearing: What Does it Mean for Hi...
Renato and Patti discuss the testimony of Professor Christine Blasey Ford and Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Recorded moments after the hearing ended, they discuss what happened, what it means for Kavanaugh’s nomination, and what the lasting impact of this hearing will be.
47 min
158
Professor Christine Blasey Ford Comes Forward: ...
Renato and Patti discuss the implications of Professor Christine Blasey Ford's accusation that Judge Brett Kavanaugh attempted to rape her 37 years ago. They are joined by Judith Lichtman of the National Partnership for Women & Families, who testified at the confirmation hearing for Justice Clarence Thomas.
43 min
159
Manafort Flips: What does this mean for Mueller...
Renato and Patti discuss the implications of former Trump campaign chair Paul Manafort's decision to "flip" and cooperate with special counsel Robert Mueller. They are joined by Joyce Vance, the former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama and MSNBC Legal Analyst.
37 min
160
The Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh: How Would He...
Renato and Patti discuss the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court, including how he would impact the Court's rulings and recent controversies that arose during his confirmation hearing, including allegations that Kavanaugh lied under oath. They are joined by Neal Katyal, the former Acting Solicitor General who has argued many important cases before the Supreme Court.
44 min
161
Firing the White House Counsel: Part of a Schem...
Renato and Patti discuss the implications of Trump’s firing of White House Counsel Don McGahn, including whether it was intended to obstruct the Russia investigation. They are joined by Bob Bauer, who served as White House Counsel for Barack Obama
48 min
162
Cohen Guilty and Weisselberg Cooperates: Beginn...
Renato and Patti discuss the implications of the charges and guilty plea of former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen as well as the cooperation of Trump Organization Chief Financial Officer of the Trump Organization, who reportedly received immunity. They are joined by Natasha Bertrand, a reporter for The Atlantic and MSNBC Contributor, who closely covers the Russia investigation and other legal matters related to president Donald Trump.
35 min