Bulwark Takes: MAGA Media Is Having A BREAKDOWN Over Pete Hegseth
Release Date: April 24, 2025
In the April 24, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Andrew Egger of The Bulwark, the discussion centers around the turmoil within conservative media following Pete Hegseth's challenges, the internal conflicts within the Department of Defense, and the evolving landscape of influential conservative figures like Joe Rogan and Jordan Peterson. Joined by conservative media reporter Will Summer, the episode delves into the intricacies of right-wing media dynamics, internal conspiracies, and the shifting narratives shaping the conservative movement.
1. Pete Hegseth's Turmoil and Department of Defense Chaos
The episode opens with Andrew Egger addressing the escalating difficulties faced by Pete Hegseth. Egger remarks:
"The mainstream media knows how it's covering the Pete Hegseth story. He's having a crazy time. He's in over his head. He's the things are falling apart around him."
— Andrew Egger [00:00]
Key Points:
- Firing of High-Ranking Officials: Three high-ranking officials associated with Pete Hegseth were dismissed from the Department of Defense. Will Summer explains that two were ousted under suspicion of leaking classified documents, but the specifics remain unclear due to the lack of polygraph tests and phone examinations.
"Dan Caldwell was fired because reporters are told off the record he had leaked classified documents to the media... So actually beneath the headlines was nothing other than a false accusation."
— Will Summer [02:13]
- Narrative Split in Conservative Media: Summer outlines the diverging narratives between conservative figures like Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly. While Carlson portrays Dan Caldwell as a martyr against neocon agendas pushing for war with Iran, Kelly adopts a harsher stance, advocating for Caldwell's prosecution.
"Megyn Kelly goes on her show and basically says, you know, time to fit this guy for a prison jumpsuit... they're probably going to face prison time."
— Will Summer [05:04]
2. Conservative Media's Response: Carlson vs. Kelly
The conversation shifts to the conflicting approaches within right-wing media in handling the Pete Hegseth debacle.
Tucker Carlson's Approach:
- Frames Caldwell as resisting neocon influences leading to unnecessary conflicts.
- Portrays the fired aides as victims of a broader conspiracy within the Department of Defense.
"Tucker like gives it that extra secret twist, right? That the special sauce of like... It's the neocons who are trying to twiddle the various knobs and dials such that we will imminently begin to bomb Iran."
— Andrew Egger [05:04]
Megyn Kelly's Stance:
- Pushes for accountability and legal consequences for the alleged leakers.
- Contrasts sharply with Carlson's portrayal, indicating internal rifts.
"Megan Kelly goes on her show... These trio there, they probably did it, you know, and I think it's time for one of them to go cut a deal..."
— Will Summer [06:34]
Impact on Pete Hegseth:
- The conflicting narratives undermine Hegseth's leadership, suggesting incompetence or manipulation by external forces.
"The obvious story is one that's very hard for them to swallow, which is that Pete Hegseth is completely incompetent and out of his depth."
— Will Summer [08:10]
3. Transition to Joe Rogan's Influence and Controversies
Shifting gears, Egger and Summer delve into Joe Rogan's burgeoning influence in the media landscape and his recent controversies.
"Joe Rogan... he's the most popular podcaster in the world and have started to pay a lot more attention to, like, his political influence..."
— Andrew Egger [09:15]
Key Points:
-
Controversial Guests: Rogan has been featuring guests with anti-Semitic views, sparking internal conflicts within his audience and the broader conservative community.
"He got really, really into some anti Semites... this has created this rift because a lot of people... they're like, maybe Rogan's getting a little crazy there."
— Will Summer [09:58] -
Debate Highlight: A notable debate between libertarian anti-Israel comedian Dave Smith and neoconservative Douglas Murray intensified the debate over Rogan's content choices.
-
Jordan Peterson's Critique: Psychologist Jordan Peterson criticized Rogan for platforming extremist views, introducing his theory of the "Dark Tetrad."
"He's a psychologist, and so he has like, kind of like a cloaking... he has like a new theory that psychopaths have taken over the right."
— Will Summer [12:29]
4. Jordan Peterson's "Dark Tetrad" and Its Implications
Peterson's emergence as a critic within conservative circles introduces a nuanced critique of the right-wing movement.
Concept of the Dark Tetrad:
-
Extends beyond the traditional "Dark Triad" (narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism) by adding a fourth trait, potentially aligning with modern political challenges.
"He goes on Hannity... you gotta watch out for these dark tetrad types."
— Will Summer [15:06]
Public and Media Reaction:
- Peterson's theory has caused backlash among conservatives, positioning him against elements within the right that are perceived as extremist.
"Jordan Peterson is kind of getting woke now... he kind of gently makes the point that Rogan has been platforming absolute lunatics."
— Will Summer [11:15]
5. Conclusions and Future Outlook
The episode concludes with reflections on the fragmented state of conservative media and the challenges leaders like Pete Hegseth face in maintaining cohesion amidst internal conflicts and external pressures.
"We're talking like hard pop psychology here. It's not... you wanna stay clear on narcissists and the other ones that you mentioned."
— Will Summer [15:41]
Final Thoughts:
- Leadership Challenges: Pete Hegseth's inability to manage internal crises reflects broader issues within conservative leadership structures.
- Media Fragmentation: Divergent narratives from key media figures like Carlson and Kelly highlight the lack of unified strategy within the right.
- Influence of New Critics: Figures like Jordan Peterson introduce critical perspectives that could reshape conservative discourse.
Andrew Egger wraps up the episode by emphasizing the ongoing nature of these discussions and the importance of staying informed amidst the evolving conservative media landscape.
"Thanks to everybody out there for listening. Share the video subscribe to the channel... we'll see you all next time."
— Andrew Egger [15:47]
Notable Quotes
- Andrew Egger [00:00]: "The mainstream media knows how it's covering the Pete Hegseth story. He's having a crazy time."
- Will Summer [02:13]: "Actually beneath the headlines was nothing other than a false accusation."
- Will Summer [05:04]: "...it's time for one of them to go cut a deal because the rest are going to be facing prison time."
- Will Summer [08:10]: "Pete Hegseth is completely incompetent and out of his depth."
- Will Summer [15:06]: "You gotta watch out for these dark tetrad types."
Key Takeaways
- Internal Struggles: Pete Hegseth's leadership is being questioned due to high-profile firings and allegations within the Department of Defense.
- Media Narratives: Conservative media is divided between portraying leakers as martyrs or criminals, undermining unified messaging.
- Influential Figures: Joe Rogan's platforming of controversial guests is causing friction within the conservative community, further complicated by critiques from figures like Jordan Peterson.
- Future Dynamics: The conservative movement faces challenges in maintaining cohesion and addressing internal and external criticisms, necessitating adaptive strategies from its leaders.
This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a comprehensive look into the fractures within conservative media and leadership, highlighting the ongoing power struggles and ideological battles shaping the future of the right-wing discourse.