Summary of "Common Sense with Dan Carlin" Episode 324 - "What's Good for the Goose"

Release Date: March 23, 2025

Host: Dan Carlin
Podcast Description: Loud, fast-talking, and deceptively funny, Dan Carlin offers a politically-independent "forward-thinking pragmatist" perspective on world events through a uniquely American lens. The show prides itself on being smarter and faster than listeners might expect, catering to those who value independent thinking over partisan allegiance.

1. Introduction: Battling Partisanism

Timestamp: 00:00 - 10:00

Dan Carlin opens the episode by addressing partisanism, labeling it a pervasive disease affecting 60% of Americans. He emphasizes its destructive impact on families, minds, and the future of children, advocating for independent thinking as a remedy. Carlin highlights his commitment to creating content that transcends the traditional left-right divide, aiming to engage listeners who seek common ground.

Notable Quote:

"There's a disease that's affecting fully 60% of Americans. It's dividing families, poisoning minds and stealing our children's future. It's partisanism and it's completely preventable."
– Dan Carlin [00:00]

2. The Production Challenge: Laryngitis and Multiple Takes

Timestamp: 10:01 - 20:00

Carlin shares personal anecdotes about recent challenges in producing the show due to prolonged laryngitis. He recounts recording 12-14 different takes of the episode, each imbued with a unique vibe depending on his mood—ranging from angry to analytically detached. His wife describes one take as sounding "like a detached monk in a monastery," highlighting the swings in tone he experiences.

Notable Quote:

"She said, you sound like a detached monk in a monastery observing the events around you from afar."
– Dan Carlin [05:30]

3. Addressing Trump and Presidential Authority

Timestamp: 20:01 - 40:00

A significant portion of the episode delves into Carlin's critique of former President Donald Trump. He expresses deep concern over Trump's lack of empathy and narcissistic traits, positing that such characteristics are detrimental for someone with access to immense power, including the nuclear button.

Key Points:

• Empathy and Leadership: Carlin argues that a leader devoid of empathy poses a severe threat to national security and democratic integrity.

• Narcissism in Leadership: He compares Trump to historical presidents like Bill Clinton and Richard Nixon, suggesting that narcissistic tendencies in leaders are a recurring issue.

• Presidential Power and Executive Orders: The discussion extends to the expanding use of executive orders, highlighting how both Trump and previous presidents have pushed the boundaries of presidential authority.

Notable Quotes:

"The guy has no empathy. It is really bad to have a person with their hand on the nuclear button who has no empathy."
– Dan Carlin [22:15]

"I don't think the man's got character. I don't think you could trust him."
– Dan Carlin [35:45]

4. Constitutional Concerns: The Decline of Checks and Balances

Timestamp: 40:01 - 1:10:00

Carlin delves into the constitutional framework of the United States, expressing concerns over the erosion of checks and balances. He references historical contexts and scholarly works to illuminate how presidential powers have expanded beyond the founders' original intentions.

Key Points:

• Historical Analysis: Drawing parallels with Finland's Emperors and Roman leaders, Carlin underscores the dangers of centralized executive power.

• Bruce Ackerman's Predictions: He introduces ideas from Bruce Ackerman's 2010 book, "The Decline and Fall of the American Republic," which predicts the rise of charismatic outsider presidents who exploit executive powers.

• War Powers Act and Emergency Declarations: Carlin critiques the War Powers Act and the ease with which presidents can declare emergencies, granting themselves expansive authority without effective legislative oversight.

Notable Quotes:

"The system is also promoting different personality types to the White House... charisma counts more. Seasoned judgment counts less."
– Dan Carlin [55:20]

"These lines, folks. These are places where you look and you just go, okay."
– Dan Carlin [1:02:10]

5. The Future of the American Republic: Paths to Autocracy

Timestamp: 1:10:01 - 1:40:00

Exploring potential future scenarios, Carlin warns of a critical juncture where the consolidation of presidential power could lead the United States down a path toward autocracy. He discusses two primary outcomes:

1. Continued Executive Overreach: Where each successive president further erodes constitutional boundaries, eventually enabling authoritarian rule.

2. Emulation of Viktor Orban's Hungary: A multi-party state where the executive branch holds centralized power, undermining the republic's foundational principles.

Key Points:

• Normalization of Executive Power: Carlin emphasizes how both sides of the political spectrum may inadvertently support policies that centralize power, normalizing what he views as dangerous precedents.

• Judiciary and Legislative Failures: He laments the weakening of Congress and the judiciary, which traditionally act as checks on executive power, leaving the executive branch largely unbalanced.

• Viktor Orban and Global Trends: By referencing Hungary's political system under Viktor Orban, Carlin illustrates how similar trends could manifest in the U.S., leading to diminished democratic freedoms.

Notable Quotes:

"The guardrails that used to protect us from an autocrat are gone and they've been gone now for some time."
– Dan Carlin [1:25:40]

"It's not just this guy. It's surrounding it."
– Dan Carlin [1:17:55]

6. Reflections on Political Parties and Bipartisan Failures

Timestamp: 1:40:01 - 2:00:00

As an independent, Carlin critiques both major political parties for their roles in fostering a system overly reliant on partisanship and executive dominance. He expresses frustration with the inability of either party to present viable, non-corrupt alternatives, which in turn perpetuates the existing power structures.

Key Points:

• Dependence on Parties: Carlin discusses the challenges of being an independent in a deeply partisan system, where both parties contribute to systemic issues.

• Lack of Viable Alternatives: He highlights how both parties have failed to evolve, often reverting to outdated templates (e.g., Mondale and Dukakis archetypes), hindering meaningful political progress.

• Bipartisan Corruption: Carlin points out that corruption is entrenched within both major parties, making genuine reform difficult to achieve.

Notable Quote:

"Everyone who's ever held power in this country at the top job has probably been involved in some of the deformities created in our system."
– Dan Carlin [1:45:30]

7. The Judiciary's Role and Threats

Timestamp: 2:00:01 - 2:20:00

Carlin underscores the judiciary's critical role as the remaining branch capable of checking executive overreach. He expresses concern over efforts to undermine the judiciary's independence, noting that partisan attacks could erode its ability to safeguard democratic principles.

Key Points:

• Judiciary Under Attack: He warns that partisan efforts to influence or undermine judicial independence could leave the republic vulnerable to unchecked executive power.

• Importance of Judges: Carlin emphasizes that a robust and impartial judiciary is essential for maintaining the balance of power and protecting civil liberties.

• Future Implications: Without a strong judiciary, the checks on presidential power could falter, paving the way for authoritarianism.

Notable Quotes:

"You better hope it Viktor organizes or you're screwed."
– Dan Carlin [2:15:20]

"What you're essentially doing is creating pushback. If owning the libs comes at the cost of more people more motivated to oppose what you want to do, how is that smart?"
– Dan Carlin [1:05:10]

8. Final Reflections: The Fragility of the Republic

Timestamp: 2:20:01 - End

In concluding the episode, Carlin reiterates the fragility of the American republic in the face of escalating executive power and entrenched partisanship. He calls for vigilance and proactive measures to restore and preserve the constitutional balance, emphasizing that the future of American democracy hinges on the actions taken now.

Key Points:

• Urgency for Action: Carlin stresses the immediate need to address the systemic issues threatening the republic's foundations.

• Preservation of Freedom: He reiterates his core belief that freedom must be defended proactively to prevent its erosion.

• Call to Awareness: Carlin encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged, recognizing the historical significance of the moment the country is experiencing.

Notable Quotes:

"It is not hyperbole, in my opinion, ladies and gentlemen, to say the republic is threatened."
– Dan Carlin [2:18:45]

"If you never heard the Common Sense show, the basic attitude was the same as my radio show."
– Dan Carlin [08:20]

Conclusion

In "What's Good for the Goose," Dan Carlin delivers a passionate and incisive critique of the current political climate in the United States, focusing on the dangers of escalating partisanism and executive overreach. Through historical references, scholarly insights, and robust analysis, Carlin warns of a potential slide toward autocracy unless decisive action is taken to restore constitutional balance and protect democratic institutions. His call for independent thinking and vigilance resonates as a clarion call for all listeners concerned about the preservation of the American republic.

Overall Themes:

• Partisan Division: The detrimental effects of entrenched partisanship on American society and governance.
• Executive Overreach: The expansion of presidential powers beyond constitutional limits and the risks associated with centralized authority.
• Constitutional Balance: The importance of maintaining checks and balances among the branches of government to safeguard democracy.
• Historical Context: Lessons from past presidents and scholarly works that highlight recurring issues within the American political system.
• Call to Action: Encouraging listeners to remain informed, independent, and proactive in defending democratic principles.

Final Notable Quote:

"May you live in interesting times."
– Dan Carlin [End of Episode]

Note: This quote, though often cited, does not have a verified origin and is used here to underscore the tumultuous period discussed in the episode.