Fake Electors; A Prisoner of Iran; Rich Paul | 60 Minutes Full Episodes

Wisconsin Fake Elector Scheme

• Andrew Hitt, former Wisconsin Republican Party chairman, revealed how he and other GOP electors were allegedly deceived by the Trump campaign into casting fake electoral votes for Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election.
• Hitt received a suspicious request from the Republican National Committee for a list of Wisconsin Republican electors.
• On December 4th, Hitt was advised by the state GOP's outside legal counsel to gather Republican electors and sign a document claiming Trump won Wisconsin in case of an overturned election.
• Despite personal reservations, Hitt signed the document due to fear of Trump supporters and potential blame for Trump's loss in Wisconsin.
• Special Counsel Jack Smith's indictment alleges that the initial legal strategy in Wisconsin evolved into a corrupt plan involving six other states to create controversy and position Vice President Mike Pence to replace legitimate electors with Trump's fake electors.
• Internal emails show panic within the Trump campaign as fake elector documents from Michigan and Wisconsin had not reached Vice President Pence's Senate Office.
• Alicia Gunther, a part-time employee of the Wisconsin Republican Party, was tasked with delivering the fake elector documents to Washington, D.C., on January 5th.
• Ken Chesbro, a Wisconsin resident, delivered documents related to the 2020 election to Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021.
• An aide to Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson attempted to deliver fake elector slates to Vice President Mike Pence but was refused.
• The real electoral votes were secured during the evacuation of the Senate chamber and returned after Congress resumed.
• The Supreme Court declined to hear the Trump campaign's lawsuit challenging the election results in Wisconsin.

Imad Shi's Imprisonment and Release

• Imad Shi, a dual citizen of the US and Iran, was arrested in Iran in 2018 and spent five and a half years in prison, including time in the notorious Evin Prison.
• Accused of being a spy, Shi endured torture and psychological abuse during interrogation.
• After eight months, he was released on bail but later sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Revolutionary Court.
• Shi managed to escape with smugglers' help but was recaptured near the border with Kurdistan.

Siamak Namazi's Release

• Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American businessman, was wrongfully detained in Iran for over six years.
• Despite harsh conditions and interrogations, Namazi remained hopeful for US government intervention.
• His sister, Netta, and daughters campaigned tirelessly for his release, seeking help from the State Department and meeting with Iranian diplomats.
• The Biden administration negotiated a complex agreement with Iran, involving the release of American detainees and the renewal of the Iran nuclear deal.
• After two years of negotiations, Namazi and four other Americans were released in a prisoner exchange and returned to the US.
• Namazi, now reunited with his family, reflects on his ordeal and emphasizes the significance of hostage-taking as a form of statecraft.

Rich Paul's Journey in the NBA

• Rich Paul, a prominent sports agent, gained recognition in the NBA for negotiating lucrative deals for clients like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
• Paul's journey began in Cleveland, where he developed negotiation skills in a challenging environment.
• His unique approach prioritizes athletes' leverage and education in the evolving sports landscape.
• Despite polarizing opinions, Paul remains focused on empowering athletes and navigating the business side of professional sports.
• His memoir, "Outlast," chronicles his rise from Cleveland's streets to becoming an influential NBA agent.

Rich Paul's Background and Success

• Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Paul learned resilience and character from his experiences.
• As a teenager, he ran an open-air casino in the park with a friend for money.
• After his father's death, Paul turned to selling marijuana and crack cocaine.
• A chance meeting with LeBron James at the Akron Canton Airport in 2001 led to Paul becoming James' right-hand man.
• Paul learned from successful individuals like James through observation and listening.
• He launched Clutch Sports Group in 2012 with LeBron James as his first client, proving doubters wrong by negotiating a $70 million contract for Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe.
• Clutch Sports Group has expanded to over 100 employees with offices in multiple cities.
• Paul has achieved significant success, including a New Balance signature shoe and a relationship with Adele.
• Despite criticism that his success is solely due to his connection with LeBron James, Paul believes he earned it through hard work and perseverance.