WarRoom Battleground EP 662: Massive Wins Against Woke Corporations
Released: November 27, 2024
Host: Stephen K. Bannon, WarRoom.org

Introduction

In Episode 662 of "WarRoom Battleground," hosted by Stephen K. Bannon, the discussion centers around the significant victories conservative activists have achieved against "woke" corporations. The episode features key contributors Natalie Winters and Robby Starbuck, who delve into strategies and successes in combating corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Autocratic Breakthrough and Political Maneuvering

00:00 – 03:52

Stephen Bannon introduces the concept of Autocratic Breakthrough, defined as a scenario where the ruling party uses governmental power to entrench itself permanently. He cites the recent actions in the House of Representatives, where Republican Speaker Mike Johnson successfully altered House rules to secure his position, making it difficult to remove him from office. Bannon emphasizes the importance of recognizing such tactics to prevent the consolidation of power.

Natalie Winters agrees, highlighting the broader implications beyond domestic politics. She connects the alteration of House rules to efforts aimed at undermining legal challenges against former President Trump, suggesting a coordinated strategy to maintain political dominance. Winters asserts that this is part of a global battle between populism and neoliberal elitism, where antifascist narratives are employed to delegitimize conservative movements.

Notable Quote:

• Stephen Bannon: "Autocratic Breakthrough is when the party in power uses the power they do have in government to make sure they can never be dislodged from government." [00:45]

Combatting Corporate "Wokeness": Strategies and Successes

03:52 – 16:28

Bannon shifts the conversation to the audience's appreciation for fighters who take on powerful corporations. He introduces Robby Starbuck and his wife, who have spearheaded campaigns against major corporations implementing DEI policies. Robby Starbuck details their efforts in pressuring companies like Walmart, Harley Davidson, Tractor Supply, and John Deere to roll back inclusive initiatives.

Starbuck explains that their strategy involves exposing discriminatory practices and financially incentivizing companies to abandon DEI programs. By highlighting the negative consumer and financial impacts, they successfully pressured corporations to change their policies. He cites Walmart's decision to end racial equity training and reduce funding for pride events as a significant victory.

Notable Quotes:

• Robby Starbuck: "We started with these companies like Tractor Supply, John Deere, Harley Davidson. These audiences of consumers are vastly, vastly conservative." [06:03]
• Natalie Winters: "We can't get lost myopically in the moment right now or even in the next four years... This is about a global battle between populism and this sort of weird neoliberal elitism..." [02:30]

Natalie Winters elaborates on the broader impact of these corporate changes, suggesting that shifting the Overton window makes "wokeness" socially unacceptable. She emphasizes the role of market pressures and public opinion in enforcing these changes, arguing that traditional media narratives often misrepresent the strength of the resistance movement.

Notable Quote:

• Natalie Winters: "The Overton window has been shifted to where it is normal to drop wokeness. And soon we're going to have shifted it to the place where having WOKE policies means you are the crazy ones." [09:58]

Recommendations for the Trump Administration

16:28 – 19:56

Bannon seeks practical advice on how the incoming Trump administration can continue dismantling corporate "wokeness." Jackie Torburth responds with a multi-pronged approach:

1. Judicial Action: Utilize the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue legal actions against companies violating civil rights through DEI initiatives.
2. Contractual Reforms: Modify government contracts to exclude companies that maintain discriminatory policies, thereby leveraging federal contracts as a tool for enforcing corporate compliance.
3. Systemic Changes: Implement structural changes within federal agencies to prevent the reinstallation of "woke" policies, ensuring long-term sustainability beyond executive orders.
4. Demoralization Tactics: Apply significant pressure and penalties to discourage companies from adopting DEI programs in the future.

Torburth stresses the importance of legal precedents over temporary executive measures, aiming for enduring solutions that prevent the resurgence of discriminatory corporate practices.

Notable Quote:

• Jackie Torburth: "The DOJ needs to go after companies where they committed civil rights violations by discriminating, and it was largely against white people through these DEI programs." [14:00]
• Jackie Torburth: "Use those tools to ensure this never happens again. And it needs to be painful." [19:56]

Surgeon General Nomination Controversy

25:12 – 37:43

The episode shifts focus to the controversial nomination of a new Surgeon General by President Trump. Host Bannon and guest Mike Lindell criticize the nominee for her alignment with COVID-19 policies they deem oppressive, such as mask mandates and vaccine advocacy.

Mike Lindell expresses strong disapproval of the nominee's track record during the pandemic, citing her role in promoting measures like lockdowns and mask mandates that, in his view, adversely affected children and educational systems. He links these policies to broader societal issues, including declining academic proficiency and increased mental health problems among youth.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Lindell: "She keeps doubling down on it. And again, even after the kids were vaccinated, she still encouraged masking and spacing." [32:37]
• Mike Lindell: "This woman is now going to be the face of both of those things. That's completely unacceptable." [38:55]

Jackie Torburth adds that the nominee's support for disinformation and censorship undermines democratic institutions, arguing that her appointment represents a threat to the truth and free speech. The discussion underscores the tension between conservative values and current public health policies.

Notable Quote:

• Jackie Torburth: "When you look at fundamentally, these diversity supplier programs, how they work is they give preference to people according to their racial or ethnic makeup. That is ludicrous and it's against the law." [17:18]

Conclusion and Future Directions

37:43 – 51:46

The episode concludes with discussions on the implications of current political appointments and the ongoing efforts to combat corporate and governmental "wokeness." Bannon encourages listeners to stay engaged and support initiatives that align with their values. While the latter part of the transcript includes promotional content and advertisements, the core message revolves around sustaining the momentum in the fight against perceived ideological overreach in both corporate and governmental sectors.

Key Takeaways

1. Autocratic Breakthrough: Vigilance against political maneuvers that entrench power within a ruling party to prevent democratic erosion.
2. Defeating Corporate "Wokeness": Strategic campaigns against DEI initiatives have led to significant rollbacks in major corporations, reshaping the corporate landscape.
3. Legal and Structural Reforms: Emphasis on judicial actions and systemic changes within government to ensure long-term removal of discriminatory corporate practices.
4. Controversial Appointments: Scrutiny of political appointees who support or enforce policies deemed harmful to conservative values and societal wellbeing.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Bannon: "Autocratic Breakthrough is when the party in power uses the power they do have in government to make sure they can never be dislodged from government." [00:45]
• Robby Starbuck: "We started with these companies like Tractor Supply, John Deere, Harley Davidson. These audiences of consumers are vastly, vastly conservative." [06:03]
• Natalie Winters: "The Overton window has been shifted to where it is normal to drop wokeness. And soon we're going to have shifted it to the place where having WOKE policies means you are the crazy ones." [09:58]
• Jackie Torburth: "Use those tools to ensure this never happens again. And it needs to be painful." [19:56]
• Mike Lindell: "She keeps doubling down on it. And again, even after the kids were vaccinated, she still encouraged masking and spacing." [32:37]

This episode underscores a concerted effort within conservative circles to dismantle progressive policies in both the corporate and political realms, advocating for legal reforms and strategic campaigns to uphold traditional values and prevent further ideological encroachment.