Full Send Podcast: Matt Walsh | Ep. 140 Summary
Released on October 31, 2024 by Shots Podcast Network, sponsored by Happy Dad Hard Seltzer.
1. Introduction
The episode kicks off with host Kyle Forgeard promoting Happy Dad Hard Seltzer's availability in Oregon, highlighting its low sugar, gluten-free, and no artificial flavors attributes. He also announces a contest related to the Prize Picks World Championship, aiming to partner with a listener to compete for a $1 million prize. (00:00 - 01:22)
2. Political Climate and Upcoming Elections
Kyle emphasizes the urgency of the upcoming election, citing issues like an open border, soaring gas prices, and high food costs. He urges listeners to register and vote through sendthevote.com, stressing that action is necessary beyond just online discussions. (01:22 - 02:40)
Matt Walsh initiates the core discussion by addressing the current political landscape, focusing on the 2024 presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. He expresses confidence in Trump's chances, noting a recent surge in his campaign momentum.
"He's got a real good sense of that, and Kamala just has no sense for it at all." (03:39)
3. Analysis of Trump vs. Harris Campaigns
Matt Walsh delves into Trump's political instincts, commending his ability to connect with voters, exemplified by a recent successful visit to a McDonald's. He contrasts this with Harris's perceived lack of political acumen, citing an incident where she addressed audience members in a manner he found inappropriate.
"She just has no political instincts. I don't think I've ever seen a politician... who has worse political instincts than she does." (04:20)
Bradley Martyn references a Polymarket poll showing Trump leading by 66%, reinforcing Matt's optimism about Trump's prospects. The conversation touches on potential election outcomes and their societal impacts.
4. Potential Election Outcomes and Societal Unrest
The hosts discuss scenarios where either candidate wins:
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If Trump Wins: Anticipated as a landslide victory, potentially the first Republican to win the popular vote in decades. However, concerns about potential unrest persist.
"He survived an assassination attempt... he just has to do it..." (05:40)
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If Harris Wins: Bob Menery suggests that Harris winning might lead to significant unrest, stronger than if Trump were to win, due to reactions from Trump's base.
Matt Walsh counters by expressing skepticism about mass rioting regardless of the outcome, referencing historical events like the Women's March and the 2020 riots. He believes that such extreme reactions are unlikely to repeat on a larger scale.
"I don't think there's going to be mass rioting if he wins." (07:04)
5. The Role of Media and Narratives
The discussion shifts to how media portrays political figures and events. Matt Walsh criticizes media biases, suggesting that mainstream outlets avoid reviewing his film due to its controversial content, whereas some journalists from publications like The Washington Post and The New Yorker have engaged with it.
"We released it in theaters, it debuted in the top five... but film critics just pretended it didn't exist." (44:07 - 45:05)
6. Examination of Racial Ideologies and DEI
Matt Walsh discusses his film exploring racial ideologies, particularly critiquing DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives. He argues that these ideologies label all white people as inherently racist, creating a divisive "left-wing racial ideology."
"Their ideology is that all white people are inherently racist... it's racism as well." (22:14 - 22:54)
He further elaborates on the origins of these concepts in academia and their permeation into mainstream society post-Obama administration, leading to increased societal focus on systemic racism.
"They started... in academia, and then events allowed these ideas to filter down into the general population." (22:56 - 24:04)
7. Government Inefficiency and the Swamp
The conversation turns to government inefficiency, drawing parallels between the federal bureaucracy and private sector inefficiencies. Matt Walsh advocates for drastic measures to "drain the swamp," suggesting that significant staff reductions could enhance government performance.
"Trump used to, in his 2016 campaign especially, drain the swamp... it's a swamp that's deep." (60:22 - 60:52)
He highlights examples like FEMA's inefficient handling of hurricane cleanup, arguing that streamlined operations could lead to better outcomes.
"If you want to drain the swamp, it means you're firing thousands of federal employees... you're just done." (62:57 - 67:27)
8. Pharmaceutical Industry Critique
Matt Walsh criticizes the pharmaceutical industry for perpetuating misinformation, such as the debunked chemical imbalance theory of depression, and argues that they profit from creating dependencies through medications.
"The pharmaceutical industry has been doing this for decades... they were like, chemical imbalance is made up." (72:12 - 73:58)
He asserts that public trust in these institutions has eroded, contributing to systemic societal issues.
9. Hope and Individual Change
Towards the episode's conclusion, Steiny prompts Matt Walsh to reflect on whether societal change is possible, given innate human behaviors and entrenched systemic issues.
Matt Walsh remains skeptical but acknowledges that individual behavior change is feasible. He cites the decline in cigarette smoking due to persistent government messaging as an example of successful behavior modification, albeit noting that issues often shift rather than resolve.
"If you want to change society, you're looking for someone to go in there." (61:00 - 67:44)
10. Conclusion
The hosts wrap up by discussing the challenges of effecting large-scale societal changes and the importance of individual accountability. They encourage listeners to engage thoughtfully with the issues discussed and to seek personal improvements.
"Everything is terrible... So get in the gym." (76:17 - 76:23)
Matt Walsh emphasizes that while systemic changes are daunting, personal actions can contribute to broader societal shifts.
"You can change yourself... That's all you can actually change." (76:27 - 77:20)
Notable Quotes
- Matt Walsh (03:39): "He's got a real good sense of that, and Kamala just has no sense for it at all."
- Matt Walsh (04:20): "She just has no political instincts. I don't think I've ever seen a politician... who has worse political instincts than she does."
- Matt Walsh (22:14): "Their ideology is that all white people are inherently racist... it's racism as well."
- Matt Walsh (44:07): "We released it in theaters, it debuted in the top five... but film critics just pretended it didn't exist."
- Matt Walsh (60:22): "Trump used to, in his 2016 campaign especially, drain the swamp... it's a swamp that's deep."
- Matt Walsh (72:12): "The pharmaceutical industry has been doing this for decades... they were like, chemical imbalance is made up."
- Matt Walsh (76:17): "Everything is terrible... So get in the gym."
Conclusion
Episode 140 of the Full Send Podcast, featuring Matt Walsh, offers a critical examination of contemporary political dynamics, racial ideologies, government inefficiency, and systemic issues within key industries like pharmaceuticals. Through passionate dialogue and pointed critiques, the episode encourages listeners to engage deeply with societal challenges while highlighting the potential for individual action amidst widespread systemic obstacles.