Podcast Summary: Candace Ep 157 – "Should We Feel Bad For Blake Lively?"

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Host: Candace Owens
Podcast Title: Candace
Description: This time it's just Candace. Free and unfiltered.

Introduction to Today's Topics

In Episode 157 of her podcast Candace, host Candace Owens delves into two significant and contentious issues dominating online discussions: the recent deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student activist from Columbia University, by the Trump administration, and the public's reaction to Blake Lively's appearances at movie premieres amidst growing scrutiny and rumors about her personal and professional life.

1. Blake Lively's Premiere: Should We Feel Compassion?

Candace begins by analyzing Blake Lively’s demeanor during her appearances at the premieres of "Simple Favor 2" at South by Southwest and an SNL event. She observes noticeable changes in Lively's public behavior, suggesting signs of discomfort and anxiety.

Notable Observations:

• Red Carpet Appearance: Lively attended alone, a decision Candace interprets as distancing herself from Ryan Reynolds amid their declining public image.
• Interactions with Anna Kendrick: During an interview on red carpet events, Anna Kendrick's interaction with Lively was terse, indicating underlying tensions. Candace cites a moment at [00:00] where Lively did not bring Reynolds to the premiere, contrasting it with her usual public persona.

Candace's Analysis:

• Public Perception: Lively is perceived as unkind and dismissive towards reporters and the press, often appearing aloof and rude.
• Recent Behavior: In recent appearances, Lively has shown signs of anxiety, such as rambling speeches and increased gratitude towards fans, which Candace interprets as indicators of internal distress.

Key Quote:

"When you get caught doing something that is purely evil... you should not extend forgiveness to you." [07:05]

Candace argues against the notion of showing compassion towards Lively, asserting that without an apology or acknowledgment of wrongdoing, compassion is unwarranted.

2. The Deportation of Mahmoud Khalil: Was It Justified?

The primary focus shifts to the Trump administration's decision to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder and Palestinian activist at Columbia University. Candace scrutinizes the justification provided by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and questions the transparency and legality of the deportation process.

Background:

• Mahmoud Khalil: A Palestinian refugee from Syria, Khalil pursued a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Columbia University.
• Allegations: The DOJ claims Khalil was involved in pro-Hamas activities, including distributing propaganda flyers and orchestrating disruptive protests on campus.

Candace's Examination:

• Legal Status: Khalil is a legal permanent resident (green card holder), not a student visa holder. This distinction raises questions about the basis for his deportation.
• Lack of Evidence: Despite DOJ's claims, there has been no concrete evidence presented to substantiate Khalil's alleged support for terrorism.
• Media Scrutiny: Candace highlights the DOJ's failure to provide specific details about Khalil's activities, likening the administration's evasiveness to political theatrics.

Key Quotes:

"She has not said sorry. She has not even said sorry to the court." [06:45]

"We are the meddling kids. This was meant to be an act of evil against a harmless person." [07:18]

During a press briefing segment in the transcript [32:01], the White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt outlines the DOJ's stance, accusing Khalil of distributing pro-Hamas propaganda and disrupting campus activities. Candace counters these claims by questioning the absence of specific evidence and the abruptness of the deportation.

Further Analysis:

• Political Motives: Candace suggests that the deportation may be politically motivated, aimed at suppressing pro-Palestinian activism rather than addressing genuine security threats.
• Comparison with BLM Protests: She contrasts the DOJ's aggressive stance on Khalil with the administration's relatively lenient approach to Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests, implying a double standard influenced by racial and political biases.

Key Quote:

"I will not forgive it. I will not forget it. But when she comes down and asks for an apology, then we can revisit that question." [28:29]

Candace concludes that without transparent evidence and a formal apology from Lively, public compassion remains misplaced.

3. Media and Free Speech Commentary

Candace broadens the discussion to critique mainstream media's role in shaping public perception and stifling dissent. She reminisces about past events like the January 6th aftermath and BLM protests, emphasizing the media's tendency to label dissenters as extremists without substantial evidence.

Key Points:

• Weaponization of the DOJ: Candace argues that the DOJ has been misused to target political adversaries under the guise of national security.
• Censorship Concerns: She voices concerns over free speech suppression on college campuses and the broader societal implications.

Key Quote:

"We believe in free speech, including all online and including on campus." [39:54]

4. Listener Comments and Poll Results

Throughout the episode, Candace engages with listener feedback and conducts a live poll regarding the DOJ's decision to deport Khalil.

Poll Results:

• 66% of listeners believe the DOJ was not justified in deporting Khalil.
• 34% believe the deportation was correct.

Listener Highlights:

• Norma: Agrees with Candace's stance on Blake Lively and emphasizes the need for her to apologize before showing compassion.
• Jaria Khan: Criticizes the Trump administration for alienating its base by targeting figures like Thomas Massie.
• Stephanie: Echoes the sentiment that Blake and Ryan Reynolds deserve no sympathy and that they are facing the consequences of their actions.
• Abigail Bower: Expresses a shift in political perspective after discovering Candace's podcast.

5. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Candace wraps up the episode by reflecting on her podcast's growth, acknowledging her listeners' support, and encouraging critical thinking beyond conventional political binaries. She reiterates the importance of seeking truth and scrutinizing mainstream narratives to preserve individual freedoms and national values.

Closing Message:

"It is amazing how much they can make you hate somebody and make you believe in a version of events and make you acquiesce to your freedoms being squeezed. And it's just gonna take critical thinkers to kind of be able to break that mold."

Final Notes:

• Podcast Recognition: Candace shares a Wall Street Journal feature highlighting her podcast as the number three podcast in America, underscoring its impact and reach.
• Upcoming Events: She announces a book club session and a new episode of "Shot in the Dark" focusing on the flu shot.

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions from Episode 157 of Candace, providing an insightful overview for listeners who may not have tuned into the full episode.