Morning Wire: Adam Carolla On Fires, Failures & Urgent Need for Change | January 18, 2025
Hosted by John Bickley and Georgia Howe
Introduction
In the January 18, 2025 episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire’s investigative reporter Spencer Lindquist engages comedian and actor Adam Carolla in a compelling discussion about the devastating Los Angeles fires, personal experiences during the evacuations, and broader societal issues related to equity and regulatory policies. Hosted by Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley alongside co-host Georgia Howe, the episode delves deep into the intersection of personal hardship and institutional challenges.
Personal Experience with the Los Angeles Fires
Spencer Lindquist opens the conversation by inviting Adam to share his firsthand experience with the recent Los Angeles fires, particularly the Palisades fire. Adam recounts the harrowing day when the fires broke out, detailing his swift evacuation and the subsequent uncertainty regarding his condo's safety.
“Tuesday morning I was leaving the gym that's on Sunset and PCH... I just saw smoke at the top of Sunset. And that's exactly when the fire started.” [01:01]
Adam describes navigating the chaotic environment as fire trucks converged from multiple directions and sirens filled the air. Despite the widespread destruction, Adam's condo miraculously survived, though the surrounding area was decimated.
“My condo didn't burn down. The area is gone.” [03:15]
He reflects on the constant fear and the logistical nightmare of rerouting through congested areas to reach safety, ultimately finding temporary refuge in a hotel as the situation remained precarious.
Discussion on Equity in Fire Departments
The conversation shifts to the contentious topic of equity within fire departments. Spencer references recent comments by the current fire department chief regarding gender balance and equity, probing Adam’s views on these policies and their implementation.
Adam expresses strong criticism of equity-driven hiring practices, sharing his personal frustration with affirmative action in firefighting. He recounts his own attempt to join the fire department at 19, only to be dismissed for not fitting the desired demographic profile.
“I tried to be a firefighter when I was 19 and was told I wasn't black enough or Hispanic enough or female enough to be led onto the crew.” [04:43]
Adam challenges the necessity of demographic representation in critical public services, arguing that qualifications and competence should take precedence over diversity quotas. He draws parallels with other professions, emphasizing that effectiveness in roles like healthcare or security is not contingent on the worker’s appearance matching the community’s demographics.
“We just sort of want the best qualified person to do the job. I think it's racist and a lot of projection when they would say... Who cares?” [06:05]
Broader Implications of DEI and Regulatory Policies
Spencer broadens the discussion to the pervasive influence of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across various sectors, including government, media, and corporate America. He inquires whether Adam believes there will be a rollback of these policies in favor of reducing red tape and easing regulatory burdens.
Adam is optimistic about a potential renaissance against overregulation, attributing this shift to influential figures like former President Trump, Elon Musk, and Vivek Ramaswamy. He suggests that the public is becoming increasingly aware of the hidden costs of excessive regulation, which often go unnoticed until they tangibly impact everyday life.
“They were all nuts with COVID and that sort of turned around. They were all nuts with BLM and that sort of turned around... So I think it'll be more Trump and more Musk that are sort of banging that drum.” [07:58]
Adam elaborates on his background in construction, highlighting firsthand experiences with bureaucratic overreach and the inefficiencies it creates. He argues that as more people recognize the detrimental effects of excessive regulation, there will be a significant push towards deregulation and simplifying processes.
“Like half the cost of every private jet is just lawyers, lawsuits and regulations.” [08:45]
Adam’s Personal Story and Critique of DEI
To illustrate the real-world implications of DEI policies, Adam shares a poignant personal story from the early 1980s. He narrates his attempt to join the firefighting profession, only to be sidelined by policies favoring demographic diversity over merit.
“I just realized, oh, that's what we're dealing with now. You by no means wanted this person coming into your... and she didn't look like she could lift her arms if she put a bracelet on.” [12:30]
This experience left a lasting impression on Adam, reinforcing his belief that DEI initiatives often undermine the core objectives of public services by prioritizing representation over capability. He underscores the importance of maintaining high standards and qualifications to ensure effectiveness and reliability in critical roles.
“I was just like, oh, damn. And that's when I learned, like, oh, that's what we're dealing with now. You by no means wanted this person coming into your... but that's who's coming to save you.” [14:00]
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Spencer acknowledging Adam’s insights and personal anecdotes, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to equity and regulation. Adam reiterates his stance on prioritizing qualifications over diversity quotas and calls for a reevaluation of current policies to better serve both public institutions and the communities they aim to protect.
John Bickley wraps up the discussion, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these issues in the wake of the Los Angeles fires and beyond. Listeners are left with a nuanced perspective on the challenges facing public services today and the urgent need for systemic change.
This summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, and insights shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the full conversation.