Step into the World of Conspiracy Theories:
Leah Feiger: This is so intriguing.
David Gilbert: Then things took a darker turn, delving into this conspiracy, unfortunately.
Leah Feiger: Oh, no.
David Gilbert: I had never seen Gwen Walz before, but she bears a resemblance to Hilary Clinton.
Leah Feiger: Just because she’s short and blond?
Donie O’Sullivan: It’s the perm.
David Gilbert: I suppose.
Leah Feiger: Guys.
David Gilbert: In the conspiracy realm, the theory is that this isn’t Gwen Walz but rather Hilary Clinton. She allegedly eliminated the real Gwen Walz as part of a scheme to reclaim the White House. Ultimately, she plans to eliminate everyone and seize power as president.
Leah Feiger: I’m fascinated by this theory. It has every element you could imagine.
David Gilbert: It gave me a good chuckle.
Leah Feiger: This involves body-snatching. It’s quite the tale.
David Gilbert: Indeed.
Leah Feiger: That was brilliant, David.
Donie O’Sullivan: I’m slightly concerned for David.
Leah Feiger: This is what he encounters online daily. Sometimes he logs on and exclaims, “Have you seen this?” And I’m like, “Why? Why would I see that? In what world?”
Donie O’Sullivan: Well, I’m steering clear of discussing JD Vance and the couch.
Leah Feiger: Go on, share your story, Donie.
Donie O’Sullivan: It’s not every day you interact with the target of conspiracy theories. I work with Anderson Cooper at CNN, and the Qanon community has its own theories about him due to being a Vanderbilt. Some are unsettling, while others are simply ludicrous and amusing. Occasionally, I meet individuals deeply entrenched in the conspiracy world who inquire, “You’re with CNN? Do you collaborate with Anderson Cooper?” Yes, I encounter him occasionally and report on his show. “Have you met him in person?” Yes. “Up close?” Yes, I’ve been on set with him. On at least one or two occasions, someone earnestly asked me, “Can you see the mask? Can you see it?”
Leah Feiger: No.
Donie O’Sullivan: Yes, I often get that, “Can you see the mask?”
Leah Feiger: No.
Donie O’Sullivan: “Because I can see it.” Yeah. I encounter that frequently. Of course, I respond humorously, “Yes, it’s wild. The mask …” No.
Leah Feiger: Wait, what’s the theory? Who are they referring to?
Donie O’Sullivan: David might be more informed on this. There’s a widespread belief about individuals assuming alternate identities, wearing masks, and other bizarre notions. Some people even assert … Last year, we produced a documentary on the notion that Trump is actually JFK Jr in disguise, and so forth.
Leah Feiger: I see, I see.
Donie O’Sullivan: It leads to a rather dark place. But when someone earnestly inquires about the mask, it feels surreal to me. It’s like all worlds colliding.