10 Minute Drill: Christmas Special
Episode Title: Inflation News Shocks Media, Dems Skip 2024 Autopsy, Kamala 2028, Christmas Picks
Host: Matt Whitlock
Released: December 23, 2025
Episode Overview
Matt Whitlock delivers a brisk, insightful, and festive special, blending major political headlines with personal Christmas favorites. The main themes are the latest on inflation, Democratic Party post-2024 introspection (or lack thereof), Kamala Harris's moves for 2028, a Minnesota fraud scandal, and a cheerful segment on Christmas movies, music, and traditions.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Inflation: A Bit of Good News
- [00:37] Whitlock reports a dip in the annual inflation rate, dropping from 3% to 2.7% in November.
- [00:41] B: “Finally some good news on the number one economic issue, the cost of living."
- The media is “working to contextualize” this, as the Trump Administration aims to show off their economic management, particularly with tax returns arriving in the new year.
- [00:59] A: “They are working to lower costs for Americans and help them take home more of the money they're making.”
2. Democrats Skip Autopsy—And Lessons
- [00:59 - 01:44] Democrats, led by DNC Chair Ken Martin, are shelving their planned 2024 “autopsy” (post-mortem) report, claiming it would be counterproductive as they see electoral victories.
- Analyst Harry Entin warns this is a mistake.
- [01:44] B (quoting Entin): “Democrats in the minds of the American public are lower than the Dead sea... net approval rating for Democrats in Congress... the lowest ever.”
- Whitlock points out Democrats are reverting to positions that hurt them in 2024, emboldened by special election wins.
3. Democrats’ Return to Unpopular Positions
- [01:55 - 03:44] Example: Gavin Newsom, a rising party leader, doubles down on support for trans rights, but fumbles the LGBTQ acronym.
- [02:15] B (Newsom): “No one has been a stronger advocate for the lgbtq—”
- [02:31] A: “Not great for the Alphabet Mafia's brand that the Democrat frontrunner can't get the acronym right”
- Whitlock highlights House Dems opposing bans on sex change treatments for minors; this, he notes, was an “80-20 issue” that cost them dearly in elections.
- [02:40] A: “On issue after issue, we see Democrats getting comfortable moving back into those far left positions as they've seen some signs suggesting they might be winning.”
4. Kamala Harris Eyes 2028—With New Branding
- [03:44 - 05:38] Axios reports Kamala Harris is positioning herself for another White House run, adopting a more populist style.
- [03:44] C (Harris): “Donald Trump is not the only source of our problems... the result of years of outsourcing and offshoring, financial deregulation, growing income inequality, a broken campaign finance system...”
- Whitlock calls out the irony, noting Harris herself raised $1.5 billion in 107 days in 2024, only to lose all swing states.
- [04:27] A: “To me, this feels like it was written by a former Bernie Sanders staffer.”
- [04:27] A: “She’s going to have to answer questions about that.”
- NYT reports internal anger over campaign finances, with donors demanding accountability.
5. Minnesota’s Billion-Dollar Fraud Scandal
- [05:38 - 06:42] Major Medicaid fraud in Minnesota: Over $9 billion lost to fraudulent claims.
- US Assistant Attorney Joe Thompson confirms that “a significant amount” (potentially “half or more”) is fraudulent.
- [05:48] A (on Thompson): “I'm talking on the order of half or more.”
- Representative from the Minnesota disabilities community underscores the impact:
- [06:24] B: “600,000 disability people in the state of Minnesota that could suffer... my people are done suffering.”
- Whitlock stresses these are not abstract numbers; widespread fraud deprives vulnerable groups of support.
6. Christmas Picks & Traditions
- [07:50 - End]
- Favorite Christmas Movies: Home Alone 1 & 2, Muppet Christmas Carol, Grinch, Charlie Brown Christmas, and the classic — It’s a Wonderful Life.
- [08:00] B (movie quote): “Hey, Merry Christmas Mr.”
- Favorite Christmas Albums: Andy Williams and Amy Grant; not much contemporary music.
- Favorite Treats & Traditions:
- Chex mix given to friends and neighbors; peppermint milkshakes enjoyed while decorating the tree.
- Family Christmas village and decoration fun/mishaps with toddlers.
- Christmas Eve Nativity play, with kids in key roles — shepherds especially for “sword fighting with crooks.”
- Favorite Christmas Movies: Home Alone 1 & 2, Muppet Christmas Carol, Grinch, Charlie Brown Christmas, and the classic — It’s a Wonderful Life.
- Whitlock invites listeners to share their own favorites and traditions.
- [End] A: “From all of us here at 10 Minute Drill, we wish you a Merry Christmas.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- [01:44] Harry Entin via Whitlock:
"Democrats in the minds of the American public are lower than the Dead sea... net approval rating for Democrats in Congress... the lowest ever." - [02:31] Matt Whitlock:
"Not great for the Alphabet Mafia's brand that the Democrat frontrunner can't get the acronym right for the LGBTQ community." - [04:27] Matt Whitlock:
“When you hear Kamala Harris opine about things like our broken campaign finance system, you have to remember she's the one who raised $1.5 billion in 107 days, only to lose every single swing state.” - [06:24] MN disabilities advocate:
“600,000 disability people in the state of Minnesota that could suffer... my people are done suffering.” - [08:00] Whitlock (on Christmas movies):
“But you have to finish with It’s a Wonderful Life, my very favorite.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Inflation News: [00:37–00:59]
- Democrats Shelve 2024 Autopsy: [00:59–01:44]
- Democratic Brand & Policy Missteps: [01:55–03:44]
- Kamala Harris’s Future, Party Discontent: [03:44–05:38]
- Minnesota Medicaid Fraud Scandal: [05:38–06:42]
- Christmas Picks and Traditions: [07:50–End]
Tone & Style
Matt Whitlock maintains a brisk, lightly irreverent, and accessible tone — mixing sharp political critique with humor and warmth, especially in the holiday segment. Direct, conversational, and wry, he sprinkles in listener engagement and personal anecdotes.