2WAY Morning Meeting: Jimmy Kimmel "Won't Apologize," May Never Be on ABC Again; Kamala Harris' Book "Angering Everybody"

Date: September 19, 2025
Hosts: Mark Halperin, Sean Spicer, Dan Turrentine
Podcast: 2WAY Morning Meeting

Episode Overview

This episode of the 2WAY Morning Meeting digs deep into two headline-grabbing stories: the fallout surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's controversial remarks and uncertain future at ABC, and the divisive rollout of Vice President Kamala Harris' new book. The regular panel—Mark Halperin, Sean Spicer, and Dan Turrentine—unpack the implications for media, politics, and public discourse. The show also includes the "Winners and Losers of the Week" segment, polling analysis, listener questions, and pointed exchanges on free speech, political hypocrisy, and the future of the Democratic Party.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jimmy Kimmel Controversy (05:58 – 16:27)

• Kimmel's Absence & ABC's Dilemma

  • Mark Halperin frames the Kimmel saga as a complex clash between corporate interests, political pressure, and free speech, elaborating on protests outside Disney offices and questioning their authenticity.
    • "What kind of people are organically making signs and showing up outside Disney?" (06:03)
  • Sean Spicer and Dan Turrentine doubt Kimmel will return, citing his refusal to apologize and network risk aversion.
    • Dan Turrentine: "He was going to double down. They'll never allow that... You cannot allow a guy who's gonna double down go on and ruin your business." (10:16)
    • Dan highlights the irony that Kimmel once replaced Bill Maher after Maher's controversial exit, suggesting a cycle of political correctness and shifting standards.

• Free Speech, Cancel Culture, and Hypocrisy

  • The hosts spar over whether defenders of Kimmel are genuine about First Amendment values, with pointed reminders of past partisan double standards.
    • Mark Halperin: "This is an extraordinary abuse of power. Extraordinary abuse of power. And it should be denounced as such." (12:59)
    • The role of the FCC and potential quid pro quo with affiliates comes up as a dangerous precedent for political intervention in media deals.

• Debate on Punishment for Speech

  • Discussion intensifies over whether public figures should lose jobs over their words and where to draw the line between offensive speech and protected expression.
    • Sean Spicer: "If evening entertainers that don't tell the truth on political commentary is the standard for being fired, there will be no host on almost every cable network." (34:37)
    • The wider concern is government versus private action, with all agreeing that government coercion of speech is a red line.

2. Kamala Harris' Book Rollout & Fallout (18:01 – 24:50)

• Political Backstabbing & 2028 Positioning

  • The panel is bewildered by Harris’s strategy, noting the book has angered almost every Democratic faction and "positioned her for 2028 by making more enemies than friends."
    • Sean Spicer: "You would write a book like this to set yourself up for your next step... Even people I know who really like Kamala Harris and are sympathetic, basically, are cringing at this, and they're like, she looks weak. She looks whiny." (21:22)

• Buttigieg's Reaction & Loyalty Dynamic

  • Buttigieg’s response to Harris suggesting America wasn’t ready for a "black woman and a gay man" ticket is played and dissected:
    • Pete Buttigieg (clip): "I just believe in giving Americans more credit than that. My experience in politics has been that the way that you earn trust with voters is... on what they think you're going to do for their lives, not on categories." (20:15)
  • The panel notes the irony of Harris alienating an ally and suggest her only remaining friend is her husband, Doug Emhoff.

• Book Sales Speculation

  • Debate over how high Harris’s book will land on bestseller lists, raising questions about DNC bulk buys and the NYT's ranking methodologies.
    • Halperin, Spicer, Turrentine: General consensus: may hit #1 due to timing and strategy, but with low real sales.

3. Polls, 2028 Democratic Field & AOC’s Ascension (16:32 – 28:54)

• Biden Approval Deep Dive

  • The latest Washington Post poll is cited: Biden underwater across the board—tariffs (64% disapprove), Russia/Ukraine (60%), economy (59%), etc.
    • Mark Halperin: "He is, as the professional pollsters would say, underwater on everyone." (16:34)
    • Sean and Dan agree these numbers imperil the Democrats' chances to retain the House.

• Speculation: AOC as a 2028 Contender

  • AOC rumored to be eyeing a presidential run; the panel debates her credentials and broad-popularity appeal.
    • Halperin: "Name one idea she has that's broadly popular as a policy idea. Go." (26:40)
    • Spicer points out her base strength and grassroots energy but Halperin counters with lack of mainstream policy appeal.

4. Winners & Losers of the Week (28:54 – 34:50)

• Winners

  • Dan Turrentine: "Charlie Kirk’s legacy"—citing Kirk’s posthumous influence and the faith revival among many Americans. (29:33)
  • Sean Spicer: Faith as a winner, linked to Kirk's example.
  • Mark Halperin: Satirical "the American people... because finally... we now have a consensus savior," referencing a satirical article promoting Dan Turrentine as a future candidate. (29:44)

• Losers

  • Spicer: "Biden-Harris '25"—citing missteps by both the President and Vice President, and the overall perception of weak leadership. (32:10)
  • Halperin: "Those who hate hypocrisy"—pointing to both sides' inconsistencies on free speech and cancellation. (32:59)
  • Dan Turrentine: Schumer for misplaying the government shutdown standoff.

5. Listener Questions & Thoughtful Reflections (36:02 – 59:09)

• Empathy, Unity, Political Tone

  • Caller from Verde Valley shares a personal story connecting generational grief (John Lennon's death) with the current moment after Charlie Kirk's assassination. Calls for more empathy and "love your enemies." (38:55)
  • Hosts commend the MAGA community's peaceful mourning and contrast it to speculated potential reactions from the left.

• Crime, Social Order, & Political Response

  • Caller from Amelia Island: Argues left-wing policies have led to a "broken window society," making more extreme events (like assassination) easier to imagine.
    • Dan Turrentine: "It's okay if you steal, it's okay if you vandalize, it's okay if you do the following things, you won't be prosecuted... The idea that we have a problem when one side, I'm sorry, doesn't think that it's a problem to vandalize, to commit violence if it's in pursuit of what they believe is the greater good. And that is an issue that we have to reconcile with." (46:05)

• Honest Reflection on Reactions to Tragedy

  • Sean Spicer: Admits he wouldn’t be surprised if left-leaning activists rioted in the event of a comparable loss on their side, referencing historical reactions. (48:06–48:56)
  • Mark Halperin: "It's notable Dan said it and it'll probably go viral on Twitter." (49:11)

• Cross-Aisle Tributes at Memorials

  • Martha from Michigan: Asks who from the left could speak at Charlie Kirk’s memorial; suggestions include Kirsten Sinema, Josh Shapiro, and a joint appearance by Mark Kelly and Gabby Giffords.

6. Broader Media & Political Analysis

• Hypocrisy Fatigue & the Need for New Culture
  • Dr. John: Expresses exhaustion over partisan hypocrisy and calls for a less tribal and more principle-centered political culture.
    • Mark Halperin: "No, all beautiful, Sean. And then Dan." (57:01)
    • Dan Turrentine: Reminds the audience everyone processes grief differently, but calls for "inflection about the language we use and how we talk about other human beings and the value of life." (58:51–58:52)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Dan Turrentine (on cancel culture):
  "Before you start defending the First Amendment, at least admit that what Jimmy Kimmel said was wrong." (10:48)

• Mark Halperin:
  "This is an extraordinary abuse of power... and it should be denounced as such." (12:59)

• Pete Buttigieg (clip):
  "My experience in politics has been that the way that you earn trust with voters is based mostly on what they think you're going to do for their lives, not on categories." (20:15)

• Caller from Verde Valley:
  "Love your enemies, love your enemies, love your enemies. Pray for them, pray for them. And I think as Christians, we could do better at that." (39:50)

• Dan Turrentine (on Democratic challenges): "If I were her, the last thing I'd be doing is throwing Pete Buttigieg under the bus because he's the kind of guy you want on your team. Secondly, I got to tell you, the only person she hasn't screwed over is Dougie. And I'm wondering if he's next." (22:33)

Key Timestamps

• Jimmy Kimmel segment start: 05:58
• First Amendment, FCC discussion heats up: 12:13
• Biden and polling segment: 16:32
• Kamala Harris book discussion: 18:01
• Pete Buttigieg responds to Harris: 19:57
• AOC 2028 speculation: 25:15
• Winners & losers of the week: 28:54
• Listener questions and reflections: 36:02
• Empathy, unity discussion: 38:55
• Broken window society/left policies: 43:02
• Left vs. right response to tragedy: 47:55
• Memorial speakers cross-aisle question: 50:43
• Dr. John on hypocrisy: 53:56

Episode Tone and Style

Lively, candid, and occasionally contentious, this episode oscillates between sharp political analysis, frank admissions of hypocrisy, and rare moments of empathy across the aisle. The hosts don’t shy away from staking strong positions, holding both their own camps and the opposition to account. Audience interaction adds grit and emotional weight, keeping the conversation grounded.

Conclusion

A fast-paced and wide-ranging episode, the 2WAY team draws sharp lines around speech, power, and political integrity—frequently challenging their own biases and those of the audience. Expect tough love for both parties, a search for principle amid political theater, and real-time responses to listener insights on the mood of a divided America.