Podcast Summary: "Violence is the Last Stop for Democrats"
Podcast Information:
- Title: Free Thinking Through the Fourth Turning with Sasha Stone
- Host/Author: Sasha Stone
- Episode: Violence is the Last Stop for Democrats
- Release Date: July 10, 2025
- Description: Essays on politics and culture from Sasha Stone's Substack. A former Democrat and Leftist who escaped the bubble to understand the other side of the country and critically examine the left.
1. Introduction to Rising Political Violence
The episode opens with Sasha Stone discussing the escalating violence associated with the Democratic Party. Stone introduces the central question: "Violence is the last stop for Democrats. Was it a resistance or an ongoing insurrection?" He references the assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by Luigi Mangione, a figure now idolized by the left, highlighting a shift towards political violence.
Notable Quote:
"Violence is in the air by politicians who now want protesters to get messy, to get bloody... turn the public against Donald Trump."
(00:00) — Sasha Stone
2. The Catalytic Role of Luigi Mangione
Stone and co-host Ben Shapiro delve into the implications of Mangione's assassination. They explore how this act became a rallying point for leftist populism, with Shapiro suggesting that the incident was "a little too convenient" for the Democratic agenda.
Notable Quote:
"The Mangione case as a platform for creating this leftist populist fervor... it became the platform for this sudden renewed populism."
(02:02) — Ben Shapiro
3. Media's Influence and Democrat Rhetoric
The discussion shifts to the media's role in perpetuating violent rhetoric. Stone cites a New York Post story linking Democrats to an "assassination culture," supported by a study showing significant support for violent actions against figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump.
Notable Quote:
"Our own base is telling us that what we're doing is not good enough... there needs to be blood to grab the attention of the press and the public."
(00:41) — Ben Shapiro
4. Public Opinion vs. Democratic Actions
Stone contrasts public opinion polls favoring deportation of illegal immigrants with the Democratic Party's anti-immigration rhetoric. Despite a majority supporting strict immigration controls, Democrats advocate for open borders and sanctuary cities, which Stone argues is counter to public sentiment.
Notable Quote:
"Most Americans are in favor of deporting illegal immigrants... These are very clear indication that a majority of Americans... want to deport all immigrants who are here illegally."
(08:15) — Ben Shapiro
5. Escalation of Political Violence
The hosts discuss specific incidents of violence at political rallies, particularly targeting ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations. They argue that Democratic rhetoric dehumanizes ICE agents, inciting public violence against them.
Notable Quote:
"The left has been claiming for a very long time... you are not responsible for that violence."
(08:59) — Ben Shapiro
6. Historical Parallels and Political Analysis
Shapiro draws parallels between current political dynamics and historical events like the Civil War and the civil rights movement. He suggests that contemporary Democratic actions mirror these tumultuous periods, leading to societal division and instability.
Notable Quote:
"We have a cancer when a small cluster of cells invade and overcome the larger healthy host... Trump represents the immuno response of the normal healthy cells of our polity."
(17:13) — Ben Shapiro
7. Personal Reflections and Predictions
Sasha Stone shares personal experiences of alienation from the Democratic Party, recounting lost friendships and relationships due to the party's increasing embrace of violence and intolerance. He reflects on historical events like the Kent State shootings to illustrate how violence can backfire politically.
Notable Quote:
"The party of hate. I've lost so many friends... They have become defined by that collective hatred, that poisonous intolerance."
(43:40) — Sasha Stone
8. The Future of American Politics
Concluding the episode, Stone and Shapiro discuss the potential future trajectory of American politics. They express skepticism about the Democrats' strategies and predict continued polarization, suggesting that violence may further erode Democratic support.
Notable Quote:
"Our story. We'd solved America's problems... When Trump happened to us rather than the people voted for him."
(37:37) — Sasha Stone
Conclusion
The episode portrays a grim view of the current Democratic Party, emphasizing a shift towards violent rhetoric and actions that conflict with public opinion. Through a combination of personal anecdotes, historical analysis, and media critique, Sasha Stone and Ben Shapiro argue that the Democratic embrace of violence undermines their political goals and alienates the broader American populace.
For More Insights: Visit Sasha Stone's Substack at sashastone.substack.com for more essays on politics and culture.
