Podcast Summary: IHIP News

Episode: Karoline Leavitt's Disgusting Remarks After Devastating School Shooting

Date: August 29, 2025
Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie “Pumps” Sullivan

Overview

In this emotionally charged episode, Jennifer and Angie tackle the aftermath of a tragic school shooting, focusing their commentary on the widely-criticized remarks made by Republican figures—especially Karoline Leavitt and J.D. Vance—about the "power of prayer" in response to gun violence. The hosts dissect what they see as the hypocrisy and gaslighting of the MAGA movement, the Republican Party's alignment with the NRA, and the weaponization of religion to avoid substantive gun control measures. They also spotlight hope in politics via Texas Democrat James Talarico, arguing for faith to be wielded for justice and inclusion rather than obstruction.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Problem with "Thoughts and Prayers"

[00:00 – 03:25]

• The episode opens with Jennifer criticizing conservative political and religious figures who, in her view, make tragedies about themselves by playing the victim—especially after school shootings.
• She cites Jen Psaki’s viral tweet: “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayer does not end school shootings.”
• Jennifer connects the "prayer-only" response to NRA/MAGA-aligned Christians who, she says, care more about gun profits than child safety.
• J.D. Vance is singled out as a representative hypocrite, nicknamed "Little Smokey," for his stance that "prayer works" and his insistence on being a victim of “attacks” on faith.

Notable Quote:

“They are the biggest snowflakes this country has to offer, and they constantly play victim.” — Jennifer Welch [00:13]

[02:16] Angie: Expresses frustration:

"Shove it up your ass with the thoughts and prayers. It doesn't work... We need real legislation regarding guns, full stop."

2. MAGA "Victimhood" and Religious Hypocrisy

[02:54 – 04:00]

• Jennifer argues conservatives weaponize faith, then claim persecution when challenged.
• Clip: Karoline Leavitt calls criticism of prayer after shootings “insensitive and disrespectful to tens of millions of Americans of faith.”
• The hosts counter that true disrespect comes from refusing real solutions. Jennifer draws a painful parallel to child abuse in churches, stating prayer alone did not save children from harm there either.

Notable Quote:

“What is disrespectful is that everybody is told if you pray, all of your problems will be solved if you pray. I imagine all of the small children that have been brutally raped and sexually abused in the Catholic Church… The prayer didn't work.” — Jennifer Welch [03:58]

3. Policy Failure and International Comparisons

[04:00 – 07:19]

• Jennifer: Other countries like Australia took legislative action post-massacre, resulting in zero mass shootings since.
• Critiques J.D. Vance’s claim that “literally no one thinks prayer is a substitute for action” as a “lie.”
• Angie: Republicans blame mental health but refuse to fund it or improve gun regulations—showing, she argues, their rhetoric is hollow.
• Both hosts stress that America’s ongoing school shooting crisis is unique and unacceptable.

Notable Quote:

"It's shocking to me that their policy to prevent school shootings is fucking prayer. Are you kidding? It obviously doesn't work or we wouldn't be here." — Angie “Pumps” Sullivan [06:12]

4. Personal Accounts & Moral Outrage

[07:19 – 08:48]

• Jennifer shares a personal anecdote about her child’s active shooter drill, illustrating how normalized gun violence has become for American children.
• Criticizes politicians for grandstanding while failing to enact protective policies—labeling it as "moral Christian hypocrisy" and "a cancer in the United States."
• Calls out Homeland Security’s response of “pray without ceasing” as exacerbating the problem, underscoring America’s separation of church and state.

Notable Quote:

“It is a part of their curriculum to learn what to do if a shooter gets into the school. And then the politicians that are supposed to protect them grandstand and try to be the victims when little kids got shot. This is moral Christian hypocrisy.” — Jennifer Welch [07:54]

5. Seeking Hope: Faith-Driven Political Leadership

[08:48 – 10:24]

• Jennifer brings attention to Texas State Rep. James Talarico as a positive example—a man of faith who advocates for equality and action:

[09:38] James Talarico:

“Imagine a Democratic Party that takes on big money and isn’t captured by it... that listens to the people, not DC Consultants... that uses every tool in the toolbox and plays to the fullest extent of the rules.”

• Jennifer argues that Democrats need bold leaders, not lobbyist-bound figures—that people like Talarico, who embody inclusive, action-oriented faith, should be at the forefront.

Notable Quote:

“We need fighters, not folders. We need Democrats that are not beholden to the same lobbyist that MAGA is beholden to.” — Jennifer Welch [10:16]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• "Shove it up your ass with the thoughts and prayers. It doesn't work... We need real legislation regarding guns, full stop." — Angie Sullivan [02:16]
• “What is disrespectful is … [telling people] if you pray, all of your problems will be solved.” — Jennifer Welch [03:58]
• “That their policy to prevent school shootings is fucking prayer. Are you kidding? It obviously doesn't work or we wouldn't be here.” — Angie Sullivan [06:12]
• "We need fighters, not folders." — James Talarico (via Jennifer) [09:45]
• “This is moral Christian hypocrisy. It is a cancer in the United States of America.” — Jennifer Welch [07:54]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:00 – 02:15]: Opening critique of “thoughts and prayers” and right-wing victimhood.
• [02:16 – 03:27]: Angie’s demand for gun regulations; dismissal of religious justifications.
• [03:28 – 03:58]: Karoline Leavitt’s remarks and Jennifer’s rebuttal.
• [04:00 – 07:19]: International success stories, Republican hypocrisy, anger at inaction.
• [07:19 – 08:48]: Personal story of active shooter drills and emotional impact on families.
• [08:48 – 10:15]: Elevating political figures who integrate faith for justice (James Talarico).
• [09:38 – 10:15]: James Talarico’s inspirational call for fighting Democrats.

Tone & Delivery

• Language: Raw, direct, emotional. The hosts use humor and expletives for emphasis.
• Style: Conversational, passionate, with biting sarcasm directed at conservative politicians.
• Goal: To vent collective frustration, debunk religious deflections, and motivate listeners toward political action.

This episode delivers a no-holds-barred progressive takedown of conservative rhetoric post-school shooting, demands legislative urgency, and seeks hope in genuine faith-led political courage.