Podcast Summary: "The Best Of Mark Levin" – October 25, 2025
Host: Mark Levin
Podcast: Mark Levin Podcast (Cumulus Podcast Network)
Date: October 25, 2025
Overview
This “Best Of” episode features Mark Levin’s signature blend of impassioned conservative analysis, legal and constitutional commentary, and critique of contemporary headlines. The main themes are the backlash to left-wing protests (the "No Kings" movement), the constitutionality of federal authority during civil unrest, U.S.-Israel relations amidst conflict, the impact of mass immigration and assimilation on American culture and politics, and a critical discussion on healthcare policy and government benefits. The episode also features highlights from debates and notable conservative figures including Ted Cruz and Ron DeSantis.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Critique of "No Kings" Protest Movement
[00:20–11:41]
- Levin ridicules the "No Kings" protests, dismissing their size and significance; positions them as orchestrated by a radical, Democrat-aligned far-left coalition.
- Draws contrast with Tea Party protests, questioning reported attendance numbers and the movement's true popularity.
- Highlights a perceived media bias: "Our friends at Newsbusters pointed out that they couldn't stop reporting about no Kings protest. Whereas the March for Life and other massive protests, we patriotic Americans receive almost no attention whatsoever." ([02:26])
- Questions the sincerity and effectiveness of claims that the protest is a broad, grassroots movement.
“If we really had somebody who was violating the Constitution relentlessly...wouldn’t there be more than 7 million people? And would they only be Marxists, Islamists, BLM, Antifa, elected Democrats? I mean, wouldn’t we all be joining them?” — Mark Levin [01:11]
2. Presidential Authority, The National Guard, and The Insurrection Act
[05:43–11:41]
- Levin argues the President has clear constitutional authority to deploy the National Guard and invoke the Insurrection Act, referencing a recent 9th Circuit decision permitting Trump to federalize the Oregon National Guard.
- Critiques lower court judges for “rogue” decisions at odds with constitutional precedent.
- Relates historic examples of federal intervention (e.g., enforcing integration, cracking down on riots), arguing Democrats today act like the "old Confederacy" by nullifying federal law.
- Asserts the left’s protest against “kings” is ironic: "The irony of this calling no kings, protest no kings, is about as absurd as it gets." ([10:33])
3. Immigration Policy and National Identity
[11:41–14:14, 24:46–34:16, 53:35–62:38]
- Criticizes the current interpretation of immigrants’ rights and the notion that the U.S. serves “the world,” arguing that immigration should primarily benefit “our society and citizens.”
- Asserts prior U.S. policy excluded subversives, and only since the 1960s has that changed:
“If you’re coming here for the purpose of overthrowing our country…you’re out of here. You’re not even supposed to be here. That’s been the position of our government and our country for over 200 years until the 1960s.” — Mark Levin [11:41]
- Connects mass immigration to the rise of leftist and Islamist influence in U.S. politics—specifically in New York City mayoral politics with Zoram Mamdani's campaign—and argues that assimilation has broken down.
- Predicts long-term negative effect on U.S. culture, likening current trends to those seen in Europe:
"We're seeing a very bleak period around the planet now, a dark period…dark clouds are the imposition of a Marxist Islamist ideology, the smothering, the smothering of the Enlightenment.” — Mark Levin [25:11]
4. Middle East Conflict: U.S., Israel, and Hamas
[13:02–24:06, 34:34–40:19]
- Reports on Israeli military action against Iranian targets and the complex, multi-party diplomacy over Gaza and Hamas.
- Critiques the role of regional powers like Qatar and Turkey, describing Qatar as “a terror state” and dismissing promises of peace or collective security in the region:
“The dirty little secret is Saudi Arabia hates Qatar and vice versa. And not one of these countries would actually take a Palestinian, you might recall, and none of them are offering to take any Palestinians right now.” — Mark Levin [23:00]
- Emphasizes that regional Arab and Muslim states are unwilling to resolve the Hamas issue and that true peace requires Hamas’s elimination.
- Rebroadcasts and discusses a Fox News debate, underscoring Hamas’s charter and calling for realism in peace efforts.
5. Notable Debate and Political Commentary Highlights
A. Ted Cruz at CUFI "Night to Honor Israel"
[41:14–44:31]
- Senator Ted Cruz warns of rising antisemitism on the political right, particularly among youth:
“The poison of antisemitism on the right, it is spreading with young people. It is gaining traction. Part of it is philosophical. There's an isolationism. So they will argue, what business do we have supporting Israel?” — Ted Cruz [43:30]
- Argues that supporting Israel is in America's national security interest, rebuffing both left- and right-wing critics.
B. Ron DeSantis on NYC Mayoral Politics
[45:30–46:32]
- Praises DeSantis as “probably the greatest governor,” aligning with his criticism of NYC’s political leftward shift.
C. NYC Mayoral Debate Highlights (Mondami, Cuomo, Sliwa)
[47:08–53:35]
- Levin sharply critiques Zoram Mamdani for lack of substance and legislative accomplishments, presents Curtis Sliwa as the most qualified candidate, and accuses Mamdani of “Marxist, Islamist revolutionary propaganda.”
- Features an exchange where the debate moderator presses Mamdani for positions, which Mamdani refuses to clearly state:
“This guy never passed one piece of legislation when he was in the assembly…He’s done nothing except spew Marxist, Islamist revolutionary propaganda.” — Mark Levin [49:42]
- Curtis Sliwa’s approach to dealing with Trump as President:
“With Trump, it’s always the art of the deal…if you immediately act like you’re going to take them on…it’s New Yorkers who suffer. You have to be able to show respect and…protect the New Yorkers who are so desperately in need of federal funds.” — Curtis Sliwa (recounted by Levin) [52:26]
6. Healthcare and Government Shutdown Politics
[53:35–62:38]
- Levin rails against the expansion of Medicaid and Obamacare, especially benefits for illegal immigrants, describing it as a manipulation of policy definitions and semantics.
- Claims expanded healthcare subsidies fuel skyrocketing costs and degrade care quality:
“Obamacare was passed 12 years ago. It’s a disaster. It’s a complete failure. People in Obamacare get second rate health care.” — Mark Levin [59:28]
- Accuses Democrats of “blackmailing” Republicans and the President over shutdown politics to ensure illegal immigrants’ access to government benefits.
- Warns continued government expansion and left-wing economic policy threaten Medicare, Medicaid, and employer health plans.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)
- “They keep saying there were 7 million people out there. I must confess I didn't see that many...there's 330 million of us who were not, who had no interest in it whatsoever.” — Mark Levin [00:44]
- “When you see people fighting, pushing back, throwing things violent against federal law enforcement, those are Democrats or people who identify with Democrats…” — Mark Levin [08:51]
- “Apparently nobody cares about the lives of Palestinians anymore except the Israelis. You don't hear a single Arab country talking about it.” — Mark Levin [23:31]
- “The only pushback there is shows like mine, but at the kitchen table...that's it. No other organized or systemic pushback.” — Mark Levin [28:58]
- “[On the left and assimilation:] The Instrumentalities of a society that are supposed to be used to reinforce that society have been conquered…It is true.” — Mark Levin [29:52]
- “He's done nothing. Literally nothing...Would you hire him to manage your store?...Of course not.” — Mark Levin on Zoram Mamdani [49:42]
- “Obamacare is imploding. And the Democrats are saying, increase the subsidies…Republicans are saying, no, we got to fix this thing.” — Mark Levin [61:34]
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:20–11:41 | “No Kings” protest, crowd sizes, media bias, Natl. Guard | | 11:41–14:14 | Immigration policy, foreign radicals, assimilation | | 14:14–24:06 | Israel-Iran conflict, Hamas and diplomatic complexity | | 24:46–34:16 | Mass immigration, cultural/electoral impact, NYC mayoral race | | 34:34–40:19 | Hannity/Levin discussion: Hamas, Israel, Arab reactions | | 41:14–44:31 | Sen. Ted Cruz: Antisemitism on right, US-Israel alliance | | 45:30–46:32 | Gov. Ron DeSantis on NYC, leftward political drift | | 47:08–53:35 | NYC debate: Mamdani, Cuomo, Sliwa, Levin’s critique | | 53:35–62:38 | Healthcare costs, Medicaid, Obamacare, shutdown politics |
Conclusion
The episode is a thorough encapsulation of Levin’s conservative perspective on 2025’s political landscape. He argues that the left employs radical movements and legal contortions to achieve power, accuses the media of bias, and maintains that the primary threats to American and Western society are unchecked immigration, progressive ideology, and lack of assimilation. He calls for a resolute defense of constitutional authority (both in immigration and national security), unwavering support for Israel, and firm resistance to expanding government control over individual liberties and economic life.