The Best of Mark Levin – 2/28/26

Host: Mark Levin (Cumulus Podcast Network)
Air Date: February 28, 2026

Episode Overview

In this "Best Of" episode, Mark Levin delivers impassioned commentary on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East—particularly regarding Iran and Israel—the peril of bureaucratic leaks, the ideological transformation of the Democratic Party, and the dangers he perceives from isolationism and internal betrayers. He critiques prominent media figures, defends Judeo-Christian values, and revisits the State of the Union, comparing today’s political climate with historic moments of weakness and threat.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Escalating Middle East Crisis and U.S. Readiness

Timestamps: [00:19]–[09:01]; [30:13]–[42:37]

• U.S. Military Posturing:
  Levin details U.S. naval deployments (USS Gerald Ford, Abraham Lincoln) near Israel amid regional tension. He notes cooperation from Jordan and Saudi Arabia in allowing U.S. access to bases.

  “The USS Gerald Ford has now made port…off the shores of Israel. The USS Abraham Lincoln is there. There are literally hundreds of jet fighters.” [00:19]

• International Response & NATO:
  Levin criticizes the U.K. and France for denying U.S. military access to their bases, despite being NATO allies, contrasting with support from Middle Eastern partners.

  “The British Prime Minister…has said we cannot use his bases. The French President, Macron, has said we can’t use his bases. Now, these are NATO countries, you understand.” [00:54]

• Israeli Resolve and American Support:
  Levin highlights Israel’s vow to respond powerfully to any Iranian attack, and President Trump’s strong rhetoric pledging U.S. support. He rebukes leaks undermining military credibility and calls for criminal investigations under the Espionage Act.

  “Security clearances should be revoked, fines should be issued, prosecution should take place and if guilt is found, prison sentences should be imposed…these leakers, isolationists, …are traitors giving aid and comfort to the Islamist regime that seeks to destroy our country.” [04:05]

• On Iran’s Threat:
  The episode repeatedly returns to the threat posed by the “Islamist Nazi regime in Tehran,” accusing them of continuous war preparations and nuclear ambitions.

  “We have an enemy…an Islamist Nazi enemy that wants to build nuclear weapons to blow us off the face of the earth. There is no peace with an enemy like this…enough is enough.” [32:23]

2. Scathing Critique of Leakers and “Isolationists”

Timestamps: [00:35]–[09:00]; [30:13]–[41:59]

• Condemnation of White House Leaks:
  Levin calls leakers within the administration “traitors,” accusing them of aiding America’s enemies by undermining presidential authority and discouraging military resolve.

  “It’s another thing to leak for the purpose of trying to sabotage a decision a president, this President as Commander in chief, might make or will make.” [03:00]

• Attack on Isolationism:
  Levin likens modern isolationists to 1960s hippies and 1930s anti-Semites, accusing them of undermining American interests for personal gain.

  “They remind me of the hippies of the 1960s. They remind me of the antisemites of the 1930s. They have their own Father Coughlin in the form of Tucker Kitarlson. Mental midgets. Bigots with their own agendas.” [31:40]

3. Media, Tucker Carlson, and Betrayal from Within

Timestamps: [12:12]–[29:53]

• Sharp Rebuke of Tucker Carlson:
  Levin launches a relentless attack on Tucker Carlson for his recent commentary in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, accusing him of undermining U.S. foreign policy and spreading anti-Israel, anti-Semitic views.

  “Tucker Carlson is stabbing Donald Trump in the back, repeatedly, relentlessly, and doing it overseas…He’s a traitor…” [12:50, 14:15]

  • Comparison to Historic Traitors:
    Levin likens Carlson’s behavior to Benedict Arnold and Father Coughlin, asserting Carlson is building a movement akin to pre-WWII fascists.

    “My video podcast today, I elaborate…Benedict Arnold…Father Coughlin…and I explain that Carlson’s worse.” [14:55]

• Contrast with Carlson’s Father:
  Levin plays a lengthy segment featuring Richard Carlson (Tucker’s father) discussing moderate Islamic outreach and support for democracy, painting a picture of ideological contrast.

  “His father was a very decent man…[he] would be appalled at the things this son is saying…in Qatar or Saudi Arabia...” [23:03]

4. The State of the Nation: Radicalization of the Democratic Party

Timestamps: [10:12]–[12:47]; [27:09]–[30:09]

• Transformation and Radicalization:
  Levin claims Democrats aim to “burn down the system”—citing open borders, opposition to deportations, and efforts to undermine the Supreme Court and American sovereignty.

  “We’ve got a real Problem. We’ve got this Mandami in New York City. Cops are pelted with snowballs…” [10:36]

• Behavior at the State of the Union:
  Levin mocks Democratic lawmakers’ boycotts and outbursts during President Trump’s State of the Union, framing it as a lack of respect for American institutions.

  Angie Craig (D-MN): “I would rather stick forks in my eyes than be here tonight to listen to Donald Trump talk about the State of the Union.” [29:55]

5. Reflections on U.S.-Israel Relations and Anti-Semitism

Timestamps: [23:03]–[27:09]; [54:33]–[end]

• Unique Alliance with Israel:
  Levin lauds Israel as an advanced democracy and America’s indispensable strategic partner in the Middle East.

  “Wonderful relationship, America and Israel. Wonderful. That can’t be said with any Arab country.” [26:31]

• History’s Warnings and Widespread Antisemitism:
  Levin draws frightening parallels between today’s climate and the rise of Nazism, warning against repeating the mistakes of history and the consequences of ignoring festering hatred.

  “Those of us who are old enough…what took place a hundred years ago…Not a third world country…So how does a country like that produce an entire Nazi movement? …It happens when early on the citizenry…do not want to believe what is taking place...” [54:33]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Leaks and Treason:

  “Giving aid and comfort to the enemy, that’s a traitor.” — Mark Levin [04:00]

• On Tucker Carlson:

  “This is a bad, evil bastard, this guy. Stupid as they come. A bad, bad guy.” — Mark Levin [13:23]
  “He would have fit in beautifully, and I am not kidding with the Third Reich beautifully. He got down all the…hate language.” — Mark Levin [54:12]

• On the State of the Union:

  “Most of you listened and watched the President’s State of the Union. It was absolutely fabulous.” — Mark Levin [44:51]
  "If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support. The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens." — President Donald Trump, State of the Union clip [48:34]

• On Historical Lessons:

  “History will denounce them. History will treat them like the devil that they are. The time is now. The time is now to rally the American people to our cause. The cause of liberty and security.” — Mark Levin [44:17]

• On the Threat from Iran:

  “Any paper agreement with this enemy, like any paper agreement with Hitler in the Third Reich, is surrender.” — Mark Levin [35:00]
  “They are not going to go anywhere unless we send them to hell.” — Mark Levin [36:03]

Important Segments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |---------------|-------------|-----------------| | 00:19–09:00 | U.S.-Iran military posture | Naval deployments, international base access, call for FBI investigation into leaks | | 10:12–12:47 | Democrat Party critique | Accusations of radicalization, open borders, lack of respect for the Supreme Court | | 12:47–20:00 | Tucker Carlson focus | Accusations of betrayal, anti-Semitism, foreign appearances | | 20:22–23:03 | Richard Carlson clip | Discussion on moderate Islam, Israel, and democracy promotion | | 23:03–27:09 | U.S.-Israel partnership | Praise for U.S.-Israel relations, Palestinian leadership critique | | 30:13–44:33 | State of the Union & Iran | Commentary on Iran policy, party contrasts on immigration and national security | | 44:51–53:13 | State of the Union audio | President Trump & Bill Clinton on immigration, party alignment changes | | 54:33–end | Historical perspective | Parallels to pre-WWII Germany, warnings on modern anti-Semitism/isolationism |

Overall Tone and Language

Levin’s tone is forceful, combative, and urgent throughout. He speaks directly to “Mr. and Mrs. America,” portraying existential threats from both external enemies (Iran, radical Islamists) and internal ones (media figures, Democratic politicians, isolationists). He invokes historical analogies frequently and urges action against perceived betrayals.

Summary for First-Time Listeners

This episode weaves together urgent national security concerns with blistering criticism of media personalities and Democratic leadership. History, patriotism, and defense of Western civilization are central motifs, and listeners are left with a rallying cry to resist passivity, internal betrayal, and threats to American values and security.