In Good Faith With Philip DeFranco

Episode: Political Violence Has Got To Stop With Governor Wes Moore

Date: September 15, 2025
Guest: Governor Wes Moore (Maryland)
Host: Philip DeFranco

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the alarming escalation of political violence in the United States, with Governor Wes Moore of Maryland joining Philip DeFranco to discuss this crisis, its root causes, and constructive paths forward. Key topics include recent high-profile political assassinations, responsibility and leadership in times of division, gun violence and legislative solutions, the realities of governing in an era of partisanship, the threat of federal intervention in state affairs, and the Governor’s personal reflections on power, public service, and future political ambitions.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Epidemic of Political Violence [01:31]

• Context: DeFranco introduces the episode by recounting recent acts of political violence—including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a Minnesota state representative, and attacks on other public figures.
• Governor Moore’s Response:
  • Draws on personal experience with loss to empathize with families of victims, regardless of political disagreement.
  • "[...] you can vehemently disagree with somebody [...] and still say that. I still wish he was here, that we could actually have that debate." (Wes Moore, 02:41)
  • Stresses that violence is never an acceptable response to rhetoric—no matter how inflammatory.

2. Addressing Partisan Blame & Collective Responsibility [04:11]

• Blame Dynamics: DeFranco references social media responses blaming the left for recent violence.
• Moore’s Take:
  • Urges against partisan finger-pointing, emphasizing a “collective responsibility” shared by all—not only for the state of the country but also for finding solutions.
  • "We all have a role to play in how we got here. We all have a role to play in how we get out of it." (Wes Moore, 05:30)
  • Warns that infighting only aids those who want to see the U.S. implode:
    "The biggest fear that I have about the future of this country is actually will we be able to sustain a pretty remarkable experiment or not?" (05:58)

3. Need for Leadership & Moral Clarity [08:09]

• Reaction to Divisive Rhetoric:
  • Governor Moore calls for national moral leadership, criticizing recent comments from the President and others that further stoke division.
  • "Your words matter and the leadership that you show in this moment is going to help to determine what type of country [...] we are hoping to be." (Wes Moore, 10:46)
  • Moore draws on Maryland’s symbolic geography and history—split between North and South—to underscore the potential for reconciliation.

4. Gun Violence: The Common Thread [11:56]

• Root Causes:
  • Moore points out that gun violence, not geography or background, connects the tragedies—a measure he returns to repeatedly.
  • "It's gun violence. That's the thread, and it's the only thread." (Wes Moore, 12:13)
  • Advocates for both meaningful legislation (to protect citizens) and policies addressing societal conditions and healing.
  • Cites Martin Luther King, Jr.:
    “…laws won't change the heart, but laws can protect me from the heartless.” (13:54)

5. Maryland’s Policy Innovations and Results [14:52]

• Actions Taken:
  • Investments in local law enforcement, technology, and community programs.
  • Gun legislation aimed at keeping firearms away from individuals with documented violence or mental illness.
  • Economic revival and the largest mass pardon for cannabis misdemeanors.
• Results:
  • "Maryland has had among the fastest drops in violent crime anywhere in the United States of America in two and a half years..." (Wes Moore, 16:20)
  • Collaboration with clergy, educators, and returning citizens as crucial partners in reducing violence.

6. Responding to Trump Administration Policies & Federal Threats [17:23, 29:57]

• Federal Retaliation Allegations:
  • Moore describes how funding for violence prevention and disaster relief has been withheld from Maryland under Trump.
  • Direct rebuke of Trump’s threats to deploy the National Guard to Baltimore:

    "If you are trying to have a conversation about activating our National Guard inside of our cities, then miss me with it. And the answer is going to be no." (Wes Moore, 32:34)

  • Stresses the offense of using the National Guard for performative or political gestures.

7. Gerrymandering, Congressional Redistricting, and Federal Overreach [19:37]

• Governor Moore’s Stance:
  • Condemns gerrymandering, but, in light of new federal pressures, keeps "all options on the table" regarding redistricting in Maryland.
  • Criticizes the President’s direct interventions:
    "So what do you do? You cheat and you change the rules. And frankly, it tracks with what we have seen throughout his life." (Wes Moore, 20:27)
  • Calls for Congressional action—while noting state-level initiative if federal government fails.

8. Presidential Ambitions & Party Leadership [22:16, 24:49]

• 2028 Prospects:
  • Moore unequivocally states he is not running for president in 2028, emphasizing commitment to Maryland.
  • Memorable exchange with DeFranco about political appointments as a lighthearted aside.
  • On leadership:
    "If you want any of us to take you seriously in 2028, I want to see, do you understand what's going on in 2025? Because if you don't, frankly, it's disqualified. It's disqualifiable for me." (Wes Moore, 27:06)

9. Politicization of Federal Agencies [27:37]

• FBI Loyalty Tests:
  • Moore, as a veteran, condemns political litmus tests for federal positions: "A question I've never once asked my soldiers...what's your political party? [...] It didn't matter. We had one goal, one mission." (Wes Moore, 28:09)
  • Warns of dangers reminiscent of Hoover-era abuses.
  • Urges for federal leadership to be measured by competence, not politics.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Political Violence:

  • “This is the thing, what I think is really important for people to remember is that you can vehemently disagree with somebody [...] and still say that. I still wish he was here, that we could actually have that debate.”
    (Wes Moore, 02:41)

• On Responsibility:

  • “We all have a role to play in how we got here. We all have a role to play in how we get out of it.”
    (Wes Moore, 05:30)

• On the Need for Leadership:

  • “Your words matter and the leadership that you show in this moment is going to help to determine what type of country [...] we are hoping to be.”
    (Wes Moore, 10:46)

• On Gun Violence:

  • “It's gun violence. That's the thread, and it's the only thread.”
    (Wes Moore, 12:13)

• On Use of the National Guard:

  • "If you are trying to have a conversation about activating our National Guard inside of our cities, then miss me with it. And the answer is going to be no."
    (Wes Moore, 32:34)

• On Presidential Ambitions:

  • “I've never ever once said that I'm even interested in that job. And I appreciate the fact that people are looking at what we're doing in Maryland and are excited about it, because what's happening in Maryland is really exciting.”
    (Wes Moore, 22:36)

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamps | Key Topics Covered | |-------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | Opening & Context | 00:31–01:49 | Recent political violence, setting heavy tone | | Empathy and Violence | 01:49–03:22 | Moore’s personal story, condemnation of violence | | Blame & Responsibility | 04:11–06:29 | Refuting partisan blame, call for unity | | Leadership, Rhetoric | 08:09–11:26 | Need for moral clarity, critique of divisive politics | | Gun Violence | 11:56–14:34 | Legislative solutions, the service year program | | Maryland’s Results | 14:52–17:07 | Lower crime, cannabis pardons, economic recovery | | Federal Policies, Retaliation | 17:23–19:24 | Funding threats, economic challenges | | Redistricting, Gerrymandering | 19:37–21:59 | Systemic fairness, keeping options open | | Presidential Run? | 22:16–24:49 | Denies 2028 run, values local work | | Future of Party Leadership | 24:49–27:37 | Standards for 2028, evaluating current leaders | | FBI & Politicization | 27:37–29:32 | Loyalty tests, veteran’s perspective | | Military & Nat’l Guard | 29:57–32:46 | Rejects military deployment, specifics on Baltimore |

Tone & Language

Governor Moore is sincere, direct, and measured—balancing empathy with clarity, and leading with personal story and professional experience. He sharply critiques partisan tactics, but refrains from inflammatory language, instead encouraging responsibility, calm, and hope. DeFranco’s questions are probing, at times informal, but maintain a respectful tone.

Conclusion

Governor Wes Moore delivers a passionate, nuanced perspective on political violence, the responsibilities of leaders and citizens alike, and the urgent need for effective, humane solutions. He champions Maryland’s progress as a model, calls out federal abuses, and holds firm on rejecting the militarization of local issues—all while emphasizing empathy and unity as cornerstones for national healing.

For those concerned about the direction of the nation, seeking to understand both the crisis and credible ways forward, this conversation is a must-listen.