Podcast Summary: WarRoom Battleground EP 720 - Polling Sides With Keeping Trans Athletes Out Of Women's Sports

Podcast Information:

• Title: Bannon`s War Room
• Host: WarRoom.org (Stephen K. Bannon)
• Episode: WarRoom Battleground EP 720
• Topic: Polling Sides With Keeping Trans Athletes Out Of Women's Sports
• Release Date: March 8, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 720 of Bannon's War Room, host Stephen K. Bannon delves into the contentious debate surrounding the participation of transgender female athletes in women's sports. Joining him are key figures such as Terry Schilling from American Principles Project and Kerry Sheffield from Independent Women's Voice. The episode focuses on the latest polling data, legislative attempts, and the political landscape influencing this issue.

Gavin Newsom's Shift on Trans Athlete Participation

The episode opens with a discussion about California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent comments and apparent shift in stance regarding transgender athletes in women's sports. Bannon introduces the topic by referencing Newsom's viral appearance alongside Charlie Kirk.

• Steve Bannon (00:52): "I was shocked to see Gavin Newsom on the podcast with Charlie Kirk. It seemed like a departure from his usual stance."

Kerry Sheffield criticizes Newsom's inconsistency and lack of core values, labeling him as an opportunist driven by political gains rather than genuine concern for women's sports.

• Kerry Sheffield (02:41): "He's a panderer with no core values, just a puppet putting his finger in the wind."

Polls Showing Overwhelming Public Support

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around recent polling data indicating robust public support for excluding transgender female athletes from women's sports.

• Josh Phillips (08:58): "Americans overwhelmingly support the common sense revolution you've been advocating. Before President Trump, support was at 63%, and now it has surged to 79%."

Kerry Sheffield presents detailed polling statistics, illustrating a near-universal opposition to transgender female athletes in women's sports across party lines.

• Terry Schilling (15:48): "Transgender female athletes in women's sports are opposed by 79% of Americans today, up from 62% in 2021."

The data further breaks down opinions by political affiliation:

• Republicans: 94% oppose
• Independents: 64% oppose
• Democrats: 67% have aligned with Gavin Newsom's position

Kerry Sheffield emphasizes that this issue unites Republicans and a significant portion of Democrats, highlighting its potential as a bipartisan focal point.

• Kerry Sheffield (17:55): "It's an issue that unifies Republicans and a majority of Democrats, making it one of the rare topics with widespread agreement."

Legislative Hurdles and Senate Opposition

Despite strong public support, legislative efforts to codify the exclusion of transgender female athletes face significant obstacles in the Senate. The proposed House bill, spearheaded by Speaker Johnson, aimed to protect women's sports but was thwarted by unanimous Democratic opposition.

• Kerry Sheffield (06:17): "In the U.S. Senate, the House bill to protect women's sports was killed by unanimous Democrat opposition, reflecting their entrenched stance against this issue."

Terry Sheffield attributes the Senate's inaction to Democrats' desire to obstruct President Trump's initiatives, prioritizing political agendas over women's safety.

• Terry Sheffield (16:13): "Democrats are so entrenched that they would rather obstruct beneficial legislation than support our president, putting politics over the safety of women."

Strategies to Advance Legislation

The conversation shifts to actionable strategies to overcome legislative resistance. Josh Phillips advocates for sustained pressure on senators through voter mobilization and continuous campaigning.

• Josh Phillips (10:45): "We need sustained tariffs and sustained pressure to ensure that small businesses and voters push this legislation forward."

Steve Bannon underscores the necessity of maintaining pressure and leveraging public support to influence Senate action.

• Steve Bannon (18:30): "The numbers are overwhelming. The next steps involve pressuring senators directly through voter actions and campaigning."

Political Implications and Future Outlook

The panel discusses the broader political implications of this issue, suggesting that it could influence upcoming elections and realign party positions. Josh Phillips predicts that continued advocacy could lead to the Senate attaining the necessary votes to pass protective legislation.

• Josh Phillips (18:30): "If we win the next midterms and the presidency, this issue could gain the traction needed to pass Senate votes, protecting our daughters and women's sports."

Steve Bannon emphasizes the critical nature of the issue, framing it as common sense and a fundamental right to protect women's sports.

• Steve Bannon (06:17): "This is common sense. If we don't get to the center on this issue, our national political viability is at stake."

Conclusion

Episode 720 of WarRoom's Bannon's War Room underscores a pivotal moment in the debate over transgender athletes in women's sports. With substantial public backing and strategic advocacy, the panel remains optimistic about overcoming legislative hurdles. The conversation highlights the intersection of public opinion, political strategy, and legislative action in shaping the future of women's sports.

Notable Quotes

• Steve Bannon (00:10): "This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies because we're going medieval on these people."
• Terry Schilling (02:41): "He's a panderer with no core values, just a puppet putting his finger in the wind."
• Josh Phillips (08:58): "Americans overwhelmingly support the common sense revolution you've been advocating."
• Kerry Sheffield (15:48): "Transgender female athletes in women's sports are opposed by 79% of Americans today."
• Terry Sheffield (16:13): "Democrats are so entrenched that they would rather obstruct beneficial legislation than support our president."
• Josh Phillips (18:30): "We need sustained tariffs and sustained pressure to ensure that small businesses and voters push this legislation forward."

This detailed summary provides a comprehensive overview of the episode, capturing the essence of the discussions, key points raised by the speakers, and the overarching narrative surrounding the exclusion of transgender female athletes from women's sports. It includes significant quotes with timestamps for reference and maintains a logical flow to inform listeners who haven't tuned in.