Podcast Summary: IHIP News – "Trump Hits Rock Bottom After Polling Plummets and Fox News Freaks Out"
Release Date: August 2, 2025
Hosts: Jennifer Welch & Angie “Pumps” Sullivan
Episode Title: Trump Hits Rock Bottom After Polling Plummets and Fox News Freaks Out
Introduction
In this episode of IHIP News, progressive hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan delve into the tumultuous state of political discourse in America, focusing on the declining approval ratings of former President Donald Trump and the sensationalist strategies of Fox News. Through a blend of comedic insight and critical analysis, the hosts unpack recent developments in the political landscape, emphasizing media manipulation and its impact on public perception.
Fox News: From News to Entertainment
Timestamp [00:05] – Angie:
“We want to remind everybody that Fox News is not news. It is entertainment for the rubes. It is a propaganda channel that is a well-documented liar.”
Angie kicks off the discussion by sharply criticizing Fox News, labeling it a propaganda machine rather than a legitimate news outlet. She highlights the network's focus on sensational stories over substantive issues, using the example of their disproportionate coverage of an American Eagle commercial featuring Sydney Sweeney compared to the minimal attention given to the Trump administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Timestamp [03:27] – Speaker 2:
“Fox News uses the same playbook that Donald Trump uses. Manufacture crisis and act like we've solved the problem. That's what they do. It’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Jennifer concurs, pointing out the media's tendency to fabricate crises to engage their audience, a strategy reminiscent of Trump’s own tactics. Both hosts express frustration over Fox News prioritizing trivial matters, such as the American Eagle ad, while neglecting far more critical issues like Epstein's activities and Trump’s potential involvement.
The Jeffrey Epstein Connection
The conversation shifts to the resurgence of interest in Jeffrey Epstein's case, particularly focusing on recent revelations about a mysterious third person spotted near Epstein's cell shortly before his death.
Timestamp [04:27] – Angie:
“Jeffrey Epstein was incarcerated under Bill Barr and Donald Trump's rule. We've just found out there was a mystery person near his cell two hours before he died.”
Angie raises critical questions about Epstein's incarceration, suggesting that the involvement of high-profile figures like Bill Barr and Donald Trump warrants a deeper investigation. She narrates allegations that Trump may have had a vested interest in Epstein’s situation, potentially leading to his early demise.
Timestamp [07:34] – Jennifer:
“If we know about this and we're just asking questions, it means Trump 1.0 had him taken care of. There's nothing I wouldn't put past him.”
Jennifer expresses skepticism regarding the thoroughness of investigations under the Department of Justice, particularly blaming Merrick Garland for inadequate probing into Epstein's death. She underscores the necessity of obtaining concrete evidence to substantiate claims of Trump’s involvement.
Timestamp [12:49] – Jennifer:
“Trump was the one who started this investigation. Trump's the whistleblower.”
Jennifer presents a controversial take, suggesting that Trump played a pivotal role in initiating the investigation into Epstein, thereby positioning him as a whistleblower. She links this to broader suspicions about Trump's connections with Russian oligarchs, insinuating a deeper, possibly compromising relationship.
Declining Approval Ratings of Donald Trump
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Trump's plummeting approval ratings, especially among independent voters.
Timestamp [14:11] – Speaker 1:
“Trump's net approval rating with independents was minus 3. Now it's minus 29 points.”
The hosts cite alarming statistics indicating a drastic decline in Trump’s support among independents, suggesting that his political influence is waning. This decline is portrayed as a critical factor affecting his viability in upcoming elections.
Angie’s Hopeful Outlook on the Future
Despite the grim analysis, Angie offers a beacon of hope, encouraging listeners to remain engaged and proactive in the political process.
Timestamp [14:49] – Angie:
“The MAGA support is grossly exaggerated... Now is the time to lock in and care more. We've got to get to these midterms. We have to move our base away from special interests so that we have a party that can absorb these independents and that we can have a blue tsunami and impeach this mother once and for all.”
Angie acknowledges the challenges posed by Trump’s actions and the current administration but emphasizes the importance of rallying the progressive base. She advocates for strategic political maneuvers aimed at harnessing independent voters to create significant momentum in the upcoming midterm elections.
Conclusion
In this episode of IHIP News, Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan offer a critical examination of the current political and media landscapes, highlighting the detrimental effects of sensationalist journalism and the declining political standing of Donald Trump. Through incisive commentary and compelling arguments, they urge listeners to remain vigilant and actively participate in the political process to counteract the negative influences dominating mainstream media and politics.
Notable Quotes:
- Angie [00:05]: “Fox News is not news. It is entertainment for the rubes.”
- Jennifer [07:34]: “If we know about this and we're just asking questions, it means Trump 1.0 had him taken care of.”
- Speaker 1 [14:11]: “Trump's net approval rating with independents was minus 3. Now it's minus 29 points.”
- Angie [14:49]: “Now is the time to lock in and care more.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the hosts' perspectives on media manipulation, political accountability, and the strategic outlook for upcoming elections.