Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards – It Could Happen Here Weekly 173

Release Date: March 15, 2025
Hosts: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Title: It Could Happen Here Weekly 173

1. Neoliberalism and the Rise of Elon Musk

Timestamp: 02:53 - 09:57

The episode opens with a deep dive into how the neoliberal American state of the past five decades has inadvertently fostered the emergence of figures like Elon Musk. Hosts discuss the intricate relationship between government policies and the success of Musk’s enterprises, particularly Tesla and SpaceX.

Key Points:

• Carbon Credits: Tesla’s significant portion of its income (43% in 2024) stems from selling carbon credits. "In 2024, the selling of carbon credits was 43% of Tesla's net income." (09:40)
• Government Contracts: SpaceX’s extensive contracts with NASA amount to $18 billion, highlighting the dependency of tech giants on government funding.
• Tax Incentives: Tesla benefits from substantial tax breaks and incentives for building factories in the U.S., reinforcing its market dominance.
• Market Creation: Neoliberal policies have led to the state creating markets that favor specific companies, inadvertently granting Elon Musk monopolistic power.

Notable Quote: "The product of neoliberalism and this specific state seems to have produced their own grave diggers, partially in the form of Trump, but partially in the form of Elon Musk." (05:37)

2. The Monopolistic Advantage of Elon Musk

Timestamp: 10:00 - 13:35

The conversation shifts to the monopolistic advantages gained by Musk through state-created markets. The discussion emphasizes how regulatory credits have allowed Tesla to thrive while other automakers lag in electric vehicle (EV) production.

Key Points:

• EV Tax Credits: A $7,500 tax credit for electric cars has significantly boosted Tesla’s sales.
• Exclusive Benefits: Lesser EV companies struggle to compete as Tesla capitalizes on both carbon credits and government incentives.
• Monopoly Concerns: Tesla’s unique position creates a de facto monopoly in the EV market, with Musk becoming the richest individual due to these state-favored mechanisms.

Notable Quote: "Tesla makes electric cars and all of the rest of the car companies are increasing the amount of CO2 per mile, etc., etc. This is a disaster for climate policy." (11:02)

3. Candace Owens: From Progressive to Mainstream Influencer

Timestamp: 40:02 - 81:43

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to Candace Owens, exploring her transformation from a progressive blogger to a mainstream right-wing influencer. The hosts analyze her strategies for gaining a broader audience and the implications of her rebranding.

Key Points:

• Early Activism: Owens initially engaged in progressive activism, running a blog called Degree180 that criticized conservative Republicans. "In 2015, Owens was running a blog making fun of Trump penis size." (44:36)
• Shift to Conservatism: Following harassment and backlash during the Gamergate era, Owens rapidly shifted to conservative ideologies, aligning herself with figures like Charlie Kirk and joining the Daily Wire.
• Feud with Ben Shapiro: Owens’ public disputes with Daily Wire founder Ben Shapiro highlighted internal conflicts and her willingness to challenge her allies.
• Mainstream Success: By covering high-profile celebrity disputes, such as those between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, Owens has expanded her audience beyond traditional right-wing followers. "Since Owens started covering the Lively Baldoni case, her YouTube channel has exploded in popularity." (62:28)

Notable Quotes:

• "Candace Owens might not be on the money. Might not be on the level." (80:29)
• "Her coverage of this dispute has really allowed her to attract a lot more viewers beyond her normal right-wing extremist base." (63:30)

4. Immigration Policies and Targeted Deportations

Timestamp: 82:11 - 100:01

The hosts discuss recent alarming developments in U.S. immigration policies, particularly the targeted deportation of legal permanent residents involved in activism. A case study of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist facing deportation, is examined to illustrate broader trends.

Key Points:

• Mahmoud Khalil’s Case: Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and activist, had his green card revoked without being charged with a crime. "ICE agents came to his front door, told him they were revoking his student visa and deporting him, despite him being a green card holder." (86:21)
• Title 6 Violations: The Trump administration is intensifying investigations into universities for Title 6 violations related to anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination. "The Department of Education is investigating 60 universities for Title 6 violations relating to anti-Semitic harassment." (92:07)
• Legal and Ethical Concerns: The episode highlights the misuse of immigration laws to target activists and the potential for widespread repression. "This is effectively unprecedented, save for ugly historical precedents, including the Red Scare and McCarthyism." (84:00)
• Supreme Court Involvement: The Supreme Court denied an appeal related to the Trump administration’s attempts to shut down USAID, emphasizing ongoing legal battles over executive actions.

Notable Quotes:

• "The government takes the position that it can arrest, detain, and seek to deport a lawful permanent resident exclusively because of his peaceful, constitutionally protected activism." (86:26)
• "Free speech has its limitations." – ICE Director Tom Homan (21:42)

5. Escalating Trade Wars and Economic Implications

Timestamp: 155:25 - 167:48

The final segment covers the intensifying trade wars between the U.S., EU, and China, and their devastating impacts on the American economy. Hosts analyze recent tariff implementations and downgrades by major financial institutions.

Key Points:

• EU Tariffs: In retaliation to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, the EU imposed tariffs on American beef, poultry, bourbon, and sneakers. "The European Union will raise tariffs on American beef, poultry, bourbon, and motorcycle parts." (168:59)
• China’s Response: China activated tariffs on U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans, exacerbating economic strain.
• Financial Downgrades: Major banks like Citibank and UBS downgraded U.S. equities, signaling a lack of investor confidence and potential capital flight. "Citibank and UBS downgraded the status of all U.S. equities, boosting Chinese and EU equities instead." (170:00)
• Market Predictions: Goldman Sachs projected stagflation, raising concerns about simultaneous inflation and unemployment, reminiscent of the 1970s economic turmoil.
• Potential Recession: The combination of retaliatory tariffs, investor distrust, and stagflation indicators suggests an impending severe economic downturn.

Notable Quotes:

• "The Tariffs are going to massively impact the US economy, potentially obliterating it." (171:12)
• "The European Union will raise tariffs on American beef, poultry, bourbon, and motorcycle parts." (168:59)

Conclusion: The Intersection of Power, Policy, and Extremism

The episode concludes by underscoring the dangerous convergence of neoliberal policies, concentrated economic power in individuals like Elon Musk, and authoritarian immigration practices. The hosts warn of a future where unchecked power could lead to widespread societal destabilization and the erosion of democratic institutions.

Final Quote: "The only way to save this world is to take it back. If we want to save democracy, the only way to do it is to extend democracy into the spheres where Elon Musk rules." (34:04)

Listeners Are Encouraged To:

• Stay informed about the implications of neoliberal policies and their impact on individual power structures.
• Recognize the role of influential figures like Candace Owens in shaping public opinion across political spectrums.
• Understand the critical importance of safeguarding democratic institutions against authoritarian overreach in immigration and economic policies.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions of the episode.