Mark Levin Podcast: The Best Of Mark Levin – 2/21/26

Date: February 21, 2026
Podcast Network: Cumulus Podcast Network
Host: Mark Levin

Episode Overview

In this “Best of” episode, Mark Levin compiles highlights from recent broadcasts, focusing on a mix of passionate commentary about U.S. domestic and foreign policy, the state of the media, criticism of progressive policymakers, and defenses of American capitalism and traditional values. The episode is rich with Mark Levin’s trademark rhetoric as he discusses Israel, Iran, American military and law enforcement, processed foods, taxation policies, and political developments, especially in New York and California.

1. Israel, Iran, and Progressive Politics in America

Timestamps: 00:50–12:11

Key Discussion Points

• John Fetterman Criticizes AOC & Israel Discourse

  • Levin plays an excerpt from Senator John Fetterman, who criticizes Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and other progressives for their focus on criticizing Israel while ignoring far more egregious actions by regimes like Iran.
  • Fetterman asserts:

    “Why is she so eager to criticize and find a way to criticize Israel? But I don’t really recall them saying anything as Iran was executing thousands of their protesters for that... There was never any genocide in Gaza. Absolutely.” – John Fetterman (01:08)

• Levin on Anti-Israel Sentiment in Democratic Circles

  • Levin agrees with Fetterman and expands criticism to broader segments of the Democratic Party, accusing some members and allies (including media and activist organizations) of perpetuating anti-Israel rhetoric and aligning with socialist and even communist interests.
  • He notes:

    “Well, basically 90% of elected Democrats are saying things about Israel and genocide that Hamas isn’t even saying. I want you to think about that.” – Mark Levin (02:21)

  • Marks a warning about the influence of Democratic Socialists of America and alleged foreign ties, particularly with China, Cuba, and Venezuela.

• Benjamin Netanyahu on U.S.-Israel Relations

  • Levin introduces a cut from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressing Israel’s defense strengths and its relationship with the U.S.

    “We don’t ask for American boots on the ground. We develop our own arms industry. ... With deep appreciation for American support given over the years by both parties.” – Benjamin Netanyahu (06:04)

  • Levin underscores Israeli technological contributions and self-sufficiency, noting how Israel’s military innovations benefit allies, including the U.S.

• On Negotiating with Iran

  • Netanyahu outlines stringent requirements for any potential nuclear deal with Iran, including expulsion of enriched uranium, dismantling enrichment capabilities, and restrictions on ballistic missiles.

    “Iran is reliable on one thing. They lie and they cheat.” – Benjamin Netanyahu (09:29)

  • Levin expresses skepticism that Iran would ever honor such terms and draws parallels to failed North Korea deals:

    “We can’t do that again. And Iran’s never been weaker than it is now... But it would be a lot harder if your children and grandchildren have to fight this, because they're going to have to.” – Mark Levin (10:52)

2. Urban Policy, Taxation, and the Failures of Progressive Governance

Timestamps: 12:27–26:11

Key Discussion Points

• Criticism of Local Democratic Governance

  • Levin launches into a passionate critique of how Democratic-led cities and states mismanage essential public services, highlighting issues like sewage spills in Maryland and the DC area.
  • He describes Democrats as “Locusts” who move to prosperous Republican areas and ultimately ruin them through poor policies and over-taxation.

    "They have no commitment to these communities. At this point you really have to be insane to be a Democrat in New York City. You’ve got to be out of your mind, out of your mind." – Mark Levin (16:20)

• New York City Tax Policy Debate

  • Focuses on New York City’s Democratic Socialist mayor, Zoran Mandami, and his threat to hike property taxes by 9.5% unless a wealth tax is passed.
  • Levin mocks the logic and terminology behind these policies, warning it would drive out the middle class and further erode the city’s economic foundation:

    “A wealth tax. Wait till they get their foot in the door on that one.” – Mark Levin (17:45)

  • He argues that the so-called “wealth tax” and the property tax hikes would impact millions of working families and small businesses, not just the ultrarich.

3. The Role of the Media and Processed Foods

Timestamps: 26:47–40:32

Key Discussion Points

• Critique of Mainstream Media and “Herd Mentality”

  • Levin laments the repetitive nature of media coverage, suggesting that more important stories are missed in favor of “looped” narratives.

• In Defense of Processed Foods

  • Levin reads from an article featured in The Free Press, which defends the nutritional and historical importance of processed foods in alleviating food insecurity in America:

    "Processed foods have become the go to villain in America’s health story... but just how harmful are they really?" – Quoting The Free Press (27:38)

  • He explains that processed and canned foods enabled urban populations to thrive, noting historical challenges with malnutrition and disease.
  • Highlights:
    • Pasteurization and canning saved millions from foodborne illness.
    • Critics’ romanticization of “great-great grandma’s food” ignores the hardships and poor nutrition of past generations.

• Memorable Quote:

  “It’s only when you take for granted that your diet won’t immediately kill you that you begin to ponder whether it might contribute to cancer or heart disease in a few decades.” – Levin, quoting the book, paraphrased (39:45)

4. American Military, Law Enforcement, and the Value of Service

Timestamps: 40:39–51:25

Key Discussion Points

• American Military Readiness & Underappreciation

  • Levin expresses his gratitude to U.S. military personnel, lamenting that contemporary conversations praise “illegal aliens” and “criminals” while neglecting those in the military:

    “The truth is that while we praise illegal aliens, that while we bend over backwards to protect criminals... we do not talk a whole lot about our military personnel, do we?... And they get paid peanuts.” – Mark Levin (40:39)

  • Stresses the moral necessity of U.S. readiness to take action against the Iranian regime for both American and global security.

• Respect for Law Enforcement

  • Explores the dangers faced by law enforcement daily and the lack of media coverage regarding officers murdered in the line of duty.

    “When there are violent riots in the streets, we rely on them to help us and protect us... Do you know the name of the last police officer in this country who was murdered? ... as a national news matter, it doesn’t even matter anymore.” – Mark Levin (49:55)

5. The Wealth Tax Debate & Economic Mobility

Timestamps: 51:33–End

Key Discussion Points

• Mark Levin vs. Bernie Sanders on Wealth and Taxes
  • Levin dissects Bernie Sanders’s advocacy for a wealth tax on billionaires, arguing that the rhetoric is designed to generate envy rather than economic progress.
  • Warns that such taxes threaten property rights for everyone and could ultimately harm innovation and everyday Americans, not just the ultrarich.

    “Any government that has the power to institute a wealth tax has the power to destroy your private property rights. It’s that simple.” – Mark Levin (51:47)

  • Debunks the idea that taxing billionaires serves the common good, pointing out how much these individuals contribute to society through entrepreneurship and job creation (e.g., Google).

    “How does it hurt us that [Sergey Brin] is worth $245 billion? It doesn’t. It hurts us if by force—that’s how you’d have to do it—that the government would take his money away... You would destroy an entire industry and related industries and businesses and jobs.” – Mark Levin (58:04)

  • Reminds listeners that most Americans benefit from the success of these companies via investments in IRAs, 401ks, and mutual funds.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• Levin’s Emphatic Support for Israel:

  “They’re getting their talking points from [Communist regimes] … to break up and break down the United States of America. It’s stunning what’s taking place in this country.” (03:45)

• Sharp Critique of Wealth Taxes:

  “The phrase ‘wealthy’ has come to mean rich or very rich. But what is the issue here? … The government taxes and spends. We have a massive debt that’s eventually going to sink this country.” (51:56)

• Reflection on Mobility and Taxes:

  “Mobility is freedom. The right to leave one state and go to another… They hate the idea of mobility.” (59:46)

Key Takeaways

• Levin consistently charges that progressive Democrats and their policies are undermining fundamental American freedoms, economic growth, and security.
• He defends traditional American institutions, including the military, law enforcement, and the rights of property owners and entrepreneurs.
• There is a through-line of deep skepticism toward the media and progressive political rhetoric, especially regarding wealth redistribution and identity politics.
• On the subject of processed foods, Levin takes a surprising turn to emphasize the historic and nutritional importance of modern, industrial food systems.
• The episode is an impassioned defense of American exceptionalism, free enterprise, and the value of individual initiative over big government.

Segment Timestamps Summary

• John Fetterman & AOC, Israel criticism: 00:50–06:04
• Netanyahu on U.S.-Israel-Iran relations: 06:04–12:11
• Democratic governance & tax policy (NYC): 12:27–26:11
• Processed foods & nutrition history: 26:47–40:32
• Military, law enforcement appreciation: 40:39–51:25
• Wealth tax, Bernie Sanders critique: 51:33–end

This summary presents the best of Mark Levin’s arguments and commentary from the episode – highly recommended for listeners who want to understand contemporary conservative perspectives on America’s political and economic landscape.