Behind the Bastards: Part One - Pete Hegseth's Fascist Book 'American Crusade'

Release Date: August 5, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Behind the Bastards, hosted by Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts, Robert and Jamie delve deep into the life and ideologies of Pete Hegseth, the controversial Secretary of Defense. The episode, aptly titled "Part One: Pete Hegseth's Fascist Book 'American Crusade'," dissected Hegseth's manifesto and explored the disturbing realities behind his rise to power.

Hosts' Banter and Episode Kickoff (00:00 - 08:07)

The episode begins with Robert and Jamie engaging in light-hearted banter about a dying squirrel named Elizabeth, setting a casual tone before transitioning into the serious subject matter. This segment serves to humanize the hosts and provide a relatable entry point for listeners.

Background on Pete Hegseth (08:08 - 19:50)

Robert introduces Pete Hegseth, outlining his journey from a Fox News commentator to the Secretary of Defense. Hegseth's early life in Minneapolis, his education at Princeton, and his involvement with the conservative campus newspaper are highlighted. The hosts depict Hegseth as someone deeply ingrained in extreme conservatism from a young age, noting his early adoption of anti-diversity ideologies.

Robert (09:00): "Pete Hegseth is not the most reliable in a position of power. Right from his days at Princeton, he was already pushing extreme conservative agendas."

Overview of 'American Crusade' (08:13 - 43:02)

The centerpiece of the episode is a thorough examination of Hegseth's 2020 book, American Crusade. Robert describes the book as a "fascist Christian nationalist manifesto," emphasizing Hegseth's vision for America's future—a society devoid of diversity and underpinned by extreme nationalist values.

Robert (41:06): "He declares, 'There's not room in the country for any 50, 50American, nor can there be but one loyalty to the Stars and Stripes.'"

Critical Analysis of the Book's Content (43:03 - 51:32)

The hosts critique Hegseth's historical inaccuracies, particularly his misrepresentation of the First Crusade and its relevance to modern American politics. They reference expert opinions from historians like Matthew Gabriel, who debunk Hegseth's claims about the Crusaders' motivations and actions.

Jamie (46:53): "This isn't sounding right. Crusades weren't about an existential threat from Islam."

Robert further dissects Hegseth's rhetoric, highlighting his portrayal of the political landscape as a clear-cut battle between "America" and "the left," leaving no room for moderate or diverse perspectives.

Jamie (44:15): "Best of luck with that project because it feels like mainstream Democrats aren't going to take these direct threats seriously."

Hegseth's Military Career and Controversies (51:33 - 73:17)

A significant portion of the episode delves into Hegseth's military background and the ensuing controversies. From his aggressive leadership style in Iraq to allegations of war crimes and misuse of funds in veterans' organizations, the hosts present a damning picture of Hegseth's character and competence.

Robert (63:22): "Charlie Company was nicknamed Kill Company... They maintained a whiteboard listing confirmed kill civilians that each platoon had notched."

Jamie's frustration is palpable as they discuss Hegseth's questionable actions, including an incident where he accidentally injured a drummer during an axe-throwing event.

Jamie (34:42): "If you give an addict an axe, you know, it's so funny."

The Book’s Rhetoric and Its Implications (73:18 - 70:59)

The hosts explore how Hegseth's American Crusade promotes a dangerous ideology that dehumanizes political opponents and justifies extreme measures against them. They analyze his call for a "holy war" against the left and the implications of such rhetoric in contemporary politics.

Robert (72:27): "He ends the introduction with a call to arms—Chapter one, baby."

Historical Accuracy and Misrepresentations (51:32 - 57:11)

Robert and Jamie emphasize the flawed historical claims made by Hegseth, particularly his depiction of the Crusades. They reference scholarly rebuttals that undermine Hegseth's narrative, highlighting his attempt to co-opt historical events to serve his extremist agenda.

Robert (51:32): "The Guardian interviewed Matthew Gabriel, who's a professor of medieval studies at Virginia Tech, and he pointed out there were absolutely no incursions to mainland Europe."

Conclusion and Hosts' Final Remarks (73:17 - End)

As the episode concludes, Robert and Jamie reflect on the broader implications of Hegseth's rise and the ideological threats he poses. They caution listeners about the persistence of such extremist views and the dangers of their normalization in mainstream politics.

Jamie (74:37): "Those are my plugs. Plugs done. Go to hell, everyone. I love you."

The hosts sign off by encouraging listeners to stay informed and vigilant against the spread of fascist ideologies.

Notable Quotes

• Robert (09:00): "Pete Hegseth is not the most reliable in a position of power. Right from his days at Princeton, he was already pushing extreme conservative agendas."

• Robert (41:06): "He declares, 'There's not room in the country for any 50, 50American, nor can there be but one loyalty to the Stars and Stripes.'"

• Robert (63:22): "Charlie Company was nicknamed Kill Company... They maintained a whiteboard listing confirmed kill civilians that each platoon had notched."

• Robert (72:27): "He ends the introduction with a call to arms—Chapter one, baby."

• Robert (51:32): "The Guardian interviewed Matthew Gabriel, who's a professor of medieval studies at Virginia Tech, and he pointed out there were absolutely no incursions to mainland Europe."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Behind the Bastards offers a comprehensive and critical examination of Pete Hegseth's American Crusade, peeling back the layers of his extremist ideology and uncovering the troubling facets of his rise to power. Through meticulous analysis and sharp commentary, Robert and Jamie provide listeners with a clear understanding of why Hegseth represents a significant threat to American democracy and ethical governance.

Listeners who haven't tuned in will find this summary both informative and engaging, capturing the essence of the episode while shedding light on the complexities surrounding one of the most controversial figures in recent American politics.