Bulwark Takes: Rogan Plays Footsie With Anti-Semites, Tim Pool Skatepark Fiasco
Release Date: March 19, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sam Stein and Will Sommer delve into two pressing issues: the troubling alliance between influential MAGA podcasters and anti-Semitic figures, and the controversial skatepark project spearheaded by right-wing YouTuber Tim Pool. Through insightful discussion and critical analysis, Stein and Sommer unpack the implications of these developments on the broader socio-political landscape.

1. MAGA Podcasts and the Rise of Anti-Semitic Conspiracy Theories

A. Joe Rogan's Platforming of Anti-Semitic Voices

Sam Stein opens the conversation by expressing concern over prominent podcasts like Joe Rogan’s giving airtime to individuals espousing anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Will Sommer emphasizes the significant influence these podcasts wield, highlighting that their reach is often underestimated:

"If there was One lesson from 2024, it was that, you know, however much how, however influential you think these podcasts are, you're underestimating it."
— Will Sommer [01:02]

One such figure discussed is Ian Carroll, a Gen Z TikTok conspiracy theorist known for his provocative statements linking Jews to global events like the 9/11 attacks. Stein challenges Carroll's rhetoric, pointing out the inherent flaw in blaming an entire ethnic group:

"He's a stain on all people… But because he is Jewish."
— Sam Stein [02:34]

B. Theo Vaughn and Candace Owens' Anti-Semitic Remarks

The discussion shifts to Theo Vaughn, another influential podcaster who has recently featured Candace Owens, a right-wing commentator with a growing propensity for anti-Semitic remarks. Sommer notes Owens' troubling claims that "Israel and the Jews are blackmailing all these American politicians and that's why they control America," indicating a descent from fringe platforms like Stormfront into mainstream media:

"A few years ago, you have to go to Stormfront to find, and now we're finding it on these just like mega popular podcasts."
— Will Sommer [04:19]

C. Backlash and the Consequences of Platforming Hate

Stein and Sommer discuss the backlash from within the Republican Party, particularly from Jewish Republicans like Jeremy Boring, former CEO of the Daily Wire. Boring condemned the anti-Semitic content, labeling it "a catastrophe" and "a terrible day for American Jews":

"This is a catastrophe. This is a black mark. The idea that this anti-Semitism is getting such a wide audience."
— Will Sommer [05:53]

The hosts argue that platforming such harmful content normalizes extremist views and invites broader societal acceptance. Stein draws parallels with the mainstreaming of vaccine skepticism, asserting that giving airtime to conspiracy theories inherently increases their legitimacy and reach:

"Once you inject the stuff into the mainstream, once you have the biggest podcasters in the world platforming this stuff, it invites more people to think exactly like this."
— Sam Stein [06:03]

2. The Epstein Files and Political Maneuvering

A. Pam Bondi's Controversial Claims

Transitioning to the Epstein files controversy, Sommer details how former Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed to possess Jeffrey Epstein’s client list, fueling speculation and frustration among Trump supporters. Stein notes the skepticism surrounding Bondi’s assertions, especially given Epstein's ties to prominent figures like Donald Trump:

"Trump has never, never been fully committal on the Epstein stuff."
— Sam Stein [10:22]

B. Speculation on Administration Motives

Sommer speculates that the Trump administration might be delaying the release of the Epstein files to divert attention from other scandals, such as the imminent release of the JFK assassination files:

"I think the JFK files are kind of like a distraction from the Epstein thing."
— Will Sommer [09:35]

Stein highlights the pattern of promised disclosures that fail to materialize, leading to disenchantment and distrust among supporters:

"It always seems to be a show. And when they promise some Epstein information doesn't like, it never materializes."
— Sam Stein [10:18]

3. Tim Pool’s Skatepark Fiasco in West Virginia

A. Ambitious Project Meets Local Resistance

The conversation shifts to Tim Pool, a well-known right-wing YouTuber, and his ill-fated attempt to establish a skatepark in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Sommer recounts Pool's initial proposal to host a skateboarding contest in a local abandoned lot, offering $20,000 as an incentive:

"Tim Pool said, cool, I'll offer $20,000 so we can have a contest."
— Will Sommer [12:01]

However, local skaters rebuffed Pool’s overtures, leading him to secretly purchase the land without community support. When the project faltered, Pool accused anti-Pool vandals of sabotaging the park, ultimately surrendering the property to the city without having constructed anything:

"He was going to build this sickest skate park ever. You guys are all welcome."
— Will Sommer [13:08]

B. Confrontation and Public Relations Decline

Pool’s frustrations culminated in a public confrontation at a local Cracker Barrel, where he alleged being accosted over the failed skatepark initiative. Stein humorously questions the plausibility of such an incident, highlighting the unusual nature of the claim:

"Are you aware of a man wearing a beanie who got accosted in your Cracker Barrel?"
— Sam Stein [13:36]

The episode underscores the challenges faced by public figures like Pool when community projects clash with local sentiments, leading to damaged reputations and halted initiatives.

Conclusion

In this episode, Bulwark Takes critically examines the intersection of influential media platforms and the propagation of anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, highlighting the risks of normalizing extremist viewpoints. Additionally, the discussion on Tim Pool’s skatepark venture serves as a case study on the pitfalls of public projects lacking genuine community support. Through thoughtful analysis and poignant commentary, Stein and Sommer provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these multifaceted issues.

Notable Quotes:

• "If there was One lesson from 2024, it was that, you know, however much how, however influential you think these podcasts are, you're underestimating it."
  — Will Sommer [01:02]

• "He's a stain on all people… But because he is Jewish."
  — Sam Stein [02:34]

• "A few years ago, you have to go to Stormfront to find, and now we're finding it on these just like mega popular podcasts."
  — Will Sommer [04:19]

• "This is a catastrophe. This is a black mark. The idea that this anti-Semitism is getting such a wide audience."
  — Will Sommer [05:53]

• "Once you inject the stuff into the mainstream, once you have the biggest podcasters in the world platforming this stuff, it invites more people to think exactly like this."
  — Sam Stein [06:03]

• "It always seems to be a show. And when they promise some Epstein information doesn't like, it never materializes."
  — Sam Stein [10:18]

• "Are you aware of a man wearing a beanie who got accosted in your Cracker Barrel?"
  — Sam Stein [13:36]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions from the Bulwark Takes episode, providing readers with a clear understanding of the key issues addressed by Sam Stein and Will Sommer.