Bannon's War Room: Episode 785 – "Escape LA Day 3: Chaos Continues"

Release Date: June 10, 2025

I. Introduction: The State of the Nation

In Episode 785 of Bannon's War Room, host Stephen K. Bannon delves into the escalating chaos unfolding in Los Angeles, drawing parallels to historical instances of societal collapse. The episode primarily features an in-depth conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and filmmaker David Mamet, exploring the underlying causes of the current turmoil and offering a critical analysis of America's political and social landscape.

II. Conversation with David Mamet: An Analysis of Political Decay

A. Overview of Mamet's Book "Disenlightenment" ([02:16])

David Mamet introduces his latest work, "Disenlightenment," which seeks to identify and analyze a series of seemingly disconnected societal ailments, proposing that they are manifestations of a single underlying "disease." Mamet likens these symptoms to the multifaceted nature of syphilis in the 19th century, emphasizing the complexity and interconnectedness of modern political and social issues.

B. The Open City Analogy ([03:25])

Mamet draws a compelling comparison between contemporary Los Angeles and an "open city" scenario, reminiscent of Paris in 1944 during World War II. In this analogy, Los Angeles lacks a centralized administration, leading to various factions—ranging from anarchists to Marxists—warring for control and influence. This fragmentation results in lawlessness and the inability to address pressing national issues effectively.

David Mamet [03:25]:
"What we're looking at in America is an open city, which is to say like Paris in 1944. The Nazis got out, the Allies had not quite gotten in. So the city, there was no central administration."

C. Symptoms of Political Decay ([03:25] - [07:19])

Mamet identifies several "symptoms" reflecting the nation's political malaise:

• Open Borders: Excessive immigration policies leading to national security concerns.

• Anti-Semitism and Hate of Israel: Rising intolerance impacting societal cohesion.

• Men in Women's Sports: Policies disrupting traditional structures and fairness in competitive environments.

• Withdrawal from Afghanistan: Failure to execute foreign policy effectively.

He argues that these issues, while appearing unrelated, stem from a broader ideological shift influenced by anarchism, Marxism, and anti-American sentiments propagated during the Obama administration.

David Mamet [05:00]:
"These are a bunch of symptoms which seem to have nothing to do with each other. I tried to identify an overriding political philosophy..."

D. The Role of the Biden Administration ([06:00])

Mamet critiques the Biden administration, suggesting it embodies the very ideologies contributing to America's fragmentation. He posits that the lack of strong leadership and coherent policies has transformed the nation into an open city vulnerable to internal strife and external threats.

David Mamet [06:30]:
"During the four years of the Biden horror, it was an open city. There was nobody home."

E. The Need for Action and Resistance ([07:19] - [09:24])

The conversation shifts to the imperative of proactive resistance against the perceived decline. Drawing parallels to historical uprisings, Mamet emphasizes the necessity of decisive action to prevent further deterioration.

Steve Bannon [07:19]:
"What you're saying is, this is why President Trump and the Stephen Millers of the world and the war rooms this, it's our time to stand up. You got to call the bluff now, because if you don't, it's only going to metastasize."

Mamet echoes the urgency, advocating for collective efforts to root out corruption and restore the constitutional republic.

David Mamet [09:24]:
"...we have to have a dictator at the end of the day in this country, or we're going to have a reversion to constitutional democracy and representative government."

III. Reflections on Historical Parallels

A. Russian Revolution and the Importance of Leadership ([07:19])

Steve Bannon references the Russian Revolution, highlighting how a small group (the Bolsheviks) could seize control due to the absence of strong opposition. This historical insight serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of complacency and the critical role of leadership in preventing societal collapse.

Steve Bannon [07:19]:
"The Bolsheviks were such a small group, and at any point in time, if anybody had stood up to him, the slaughter and the madness would have never happened."

B. The Influence of Media Narratives ([09:24] - [10:08])

Bannon discusses Hollywood's opposition to the MAGA movement, questioning how intelligent individuals aligned with elite institutions can be swayed against nationalist sentiments. This critique underscores the perceived disconnect between mainstream media narratives and grassroots movements.

Steve Bannon [09:24]:
"How come so much of Hollywood today is still adamantly opposed? They hate the MAGA movement. They hate the concept."

IV. Hollywood's Role and Opposition

Mamet challenges the notion that the opposition from Hollywood results from a lack of intelligence, suggesting instead that it stems from systemic incentives that align individuals with bureaucratic interests over popular support.

David Mamet [10:08]:
"These people are so smart, they're stupid... if you're not appealing to the mass, if you're appealing to a bureaucracy, there's little that you won't do."

This perspective implies that Hollywood's resistance is not due to ignorance but rather a strategic alignment with entrenched political interests, diverging from the authentic voice of the populace.

V. Conclusion: The Call to Action

The episode culminates with a resounding call to action, urging listeners to actively engage in preserving the constitutional republic. Bannon and Mamet emphasize the necessity of grassroots mobilization to counteract the fragmentation and chaos plaguing major American cities like Los Angeles.

Ben Berkwam [22:08]:
"Until it's rooted out to the root, and taken out of this nation, we're not safe. And that's what we're up against right now."

Bannon reinforces this message by highlighting the strategic importance of decisive confrontations to reclaim national integrity, likening the current struggle to pivotal historical battles.

Steve Bannon [23:14]:
"This is a test of wills, folks. The Third World War is here today."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Steve Bannon [00:11]:
  "This is the primal scream of a dying regime. Pray for our enemies. Because we're going medieval on these people."

• Steve Bannon [00:39]:
  "Ask yourself, what is my task and what is my purpose? If that answer is to save my country, this country will be saved."

• David Mamet [03:25]:
  "What we're looking at in America is an open city... So the gangs... would all take over a certain aspect of the city and fight for their turf."

• Steve Bannon [07:19]:
  "What you're saying is, this is why President Trump and the Stephen Millers of the world and the war rooms this, it's our time to stand up."

• Ben Berkwam [22:08]:
  "It's going to be ugly, it's going to be dirty, it's going to be not fun in some cases, but you've got to do that."

• Steve Bannon [23:14]:
  "The Third World War is here today."

Insights and Conclusions

Episode 785 of Bannon's War Room presents a stark analysis of America's current socio-political upheaval, attributing it to systemic failures and ideological shifts that have fragmented national unity. Through David Mamet's "Disenlightenment," the discussion unravels the complexities of political decay, drawing historical parallels to emphasize the urgency of collective action. The episode underscores the perceived disconnect between elite institutions like Hollywood and the grassroots MAGA movement, advocating for a return to constitutional principles and proactive resistance against internal and external threats. Ultimately, Bannon and Mamet call upon listeners to actively participate in the fight to reclaim and preserve the nation's foundational values.