Podcast Summary: Part Of The Problem – Episode: 2024 Recap
Host: Dave Smith
Co-Host: Robbie "The Fire" Bernstein
Release Date: January 1, 2025
Podcast Network: GaS Digital Network
Introduction
In the "2024 Recap" episode of Part Of The Problem, hosts Dave Smith and Robbie "The Fire" Bernstein delve into the tumultuous events of 2024, examining political upheavals, societal shifts, and international conflicts through a Libertarian lens. The episode provides a retrospective analysis, highlighting key moments that shaped the year and offering insights into the future trajectory of the United States.
Reflection on 2024: A Historic Year
Dave Smith opens the discussion by reminiscing about the podcast's evolution since its inception in 2012 and acknowledges Robbie’s joining around 2017. He emphasizes that 2024 surpassed previous years in complexity and chaos, even outdoing the unprecedented turmoil of 2020 with lockdowns and riots.
[01:26] Dave Smith: "I think it's safe to say that this was the craziest year that we've been covering this stuff me and you have been doing."
Robbie Bernstein concurs, highlighting the extreme political instability marked by numerous assassinations, presidents exhibiting signs of dementia, and escalating wars.
[03:41] Robbie Bernstein: "It sure is a lunar year of assassinations, presidents with dementia, stirring up wars."
The Decline of Wokeism and Corporate Media
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the apparent decline of "wokeism" and the corporate media's influence. Dave posits that the death of these forces was crucial for reviving free speech and fostering genuine political discourse.
[07:21] Dave Smith: "I think that quite possibly the two biggest results of 2024 are the death of wokeism and the corporate media."
Robbie adds that society is moving away from "woke nonsense," appreciating the shift towards more authentic conversations.
[07:58] Dave Smith: "But there’s this...they both had to die because you can't even start to have a conversation with those forces around."
They draw parallels to the decline of other cultural phenomena, likening "wokeism" and corporate media to genres like grunge music, which retain a niche following despite losing mainstream appeal.
Trump’s Turbulent Year: Assassination Attempts and Political Resurgence
Dave identifies the most pivotal story of 2024 as the assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump, which he argues reshaped the political landscape.
[16:40] Dave Smith: "I think the biggest story of the year is the Trump assassination attempt."
He recounts Trump’s unprecedented political journey, from a non-politician defeating established political dynasties in 2016 to his struggles post-2020, including legal battles and a near assassination that left the nation in shock.
[20:02] Robbie Bernstein: "But Nixon wasn't contending with the Democratic Party. That went full retard."
Dave emphasizes Trump's resilience, portraying his survival of the assassination attempt as a transformative moment that galvanized his supporter base and exposed flaws within the corporate media and Democratic establishment.
[26:30] Robbie Bernstein: "It also just just made him look super fucking cool... it just showed the system’s being unfair."
The Biden Administration's Downfall: Alleged Coup and Leadership Crisis
The hosts delve into the controversial exit of President Joe Biden from the reelection race, framing it as a coup orchestrated by the Democratic Party and the corporate media. Dave criticizes the lack of transparency and the abrupt manner of Biden’s withdrawal, suggesting it undermined the integrity of the political process.
[26:30] Robbie Bernstein: "...the sitting President of the United States of America dropped out of his reelection campaign after the most..."
Dave argues that the corporate media’s unwavering support for Biden, despite signs of declining mental acuity showcased during debates, damaged their credibility irrevocably.
[35:08] Dave Smith: "Can this guy live outside of a nursing home or does he need round the clock 24 hour supervision?"
He underscores the disconnect between public perception, fueled by media narratives, and the observable performance of Biden, particularly during televised debates.
Israel-Palestine Conflict: Media Exposure and PR Failures
A major segment of the episode focuses on the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, highlighting Israel's increasing military actions in Gaza and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Dave criticizes Israel’s strategies, asserting that their actions have severely damaged their public relations standing globally.
[48:49] Dave Smith: "There is no government in Gaza. There's no state in Gaza."
He reflects on the cultural shift, noting that Israel's aggressive stance has eroded its image as the Jewish homeland, shifting global conversations towards the ethical implications of their actions against the Palestinian populace.
[52:11] Dave Smith: "The conversation about Israel has just dramatically changed from what it ever would have been."
Robbie corroborates this viewpoint, emphasizing the devastating impact of Israeli military operations on Gaza's infrastructure and civilian population.
[53:07] Dave Smith: "It's like biblical levels of evil that you can't even imagine really exist in 2024."
Future Outlook and Optimism for 2025
Despite the chaos of 2024, Dave expresses optimism about the future, believing that the dismantling of wokeism and corporate media paves the way for greater liberty and prosperity in 2025.
[10:03] Dave Smith: "I do think we go into 2025 with... the prospects for liberty, the prospects for prosperity are just to me at least look better than I could have imagined."
However, Robbie raises concerns about Trump’s fiscal policies and the sustainability of current economic practices, hinting at potential economic downturns despite the cultural and political shifts.
[15:28] Robbie Bernstein: "I wonder when... the bill coming due on all the government spending and what it's done to prop up the markets and when some of these bubbles are going to burst."
Personal Reflections and Future Plans
In the closing segment, Dave shares personal achievements, expressing gratitude towards supporters and collaborators. He highlights significant milestones, such as securing platforming opportunities with major media figures like Joe Rogan and Tucker Carlson, which have substantially boosted his career.
[62:32] Dave Smith: "This year has been an incredible year for me. It's been the best year of my career by far."
He invites listeners to engage with upcoming live shows in 2025, emphasizing continued commitment to providing valuable perspectives in the political discourse.
Notable Quotes
- Dave Smith [01:26]: "I think it's safe to say that this was the craziest year that we've been covering this stuff me and you have been doing."
- Robbie Bernstein [03:41]: "It sure is a lunar year of assassinations, presidents with dementia, stirring up wars."
- Dave Smith [07:21]: "I think that quite possibly the two biggest results of 2024 are the death of wokeism and the corporate media."
- Dave Smith [16:40]: "I think the biggest story of the year is the Trump assassination attempt."
- Dave Smith [35:08]: "Can this guy live outside of a nursing home or does he need round the clock 24 hour supervision?"
- Dave Smith [48:49]: "There is no government in Gaza. There's no state in Gaza."
- Dave Smith [52:11]: "The conversation about Israel has just dramatically changed from what it ever would have been."
- Robbie Bernstein [15:28]: "I wonder when... the bill coming due on all the government spending and what it's done to prop up the markets and when some of these bubbles are going to burst."
Conclusion
The "2024 Recap" episode of Part Of The Problem offers a comprehensive analysis of a year marked by extraordinary challenges and transformative events. Through incisive discussions on political turmoil, media dynamics, and international conflicts, Dave Smith and Robbie Bernstein provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the forces reshaping the United States and the world. As they look forward to 2025, the hosts maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook, anticipating continued societal evolution and the pursuit of greater freedom and prosperity.