Podcast Summary: Part Of The Problem – “Is the Nightmare Over?”

Host: Dave Smith | Guest/Co-host: Robbie “The Fire” Bernstein
Date: October 15, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Dave Smith and co-host Robbie Bernstein analyze the recent ceasefire in the Middle East, examining its implications, limitations, and the political theatrics surrounding it—particularly the roles of Donald Trump, the Israeli government, and U.S. foreign policy. The hosts deeply criticize the idea that the ceasefire marks a true end to violence, calling out media narratives, U.S. political interests, and the lack of accountability for war crimes. They reflect on public opinion shifts about Israel, the evident desperation among pro-Israel pundits, and the underlying motivations of major political figures.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Initial Reactions to the Ceasefire

• Dave’s Skepticism: Despite widespread celebrations and media narratives hailing the ceasefire as Trump’s triumph, Dave expresses deep skepticism about the prospects for lasting peace.

  “We’ve had ceasefires before… between the Israelis and the Palestinians. Many have been broken by Israel, but several have been broken by Hamas. We're really just not there.” (03:23)

• Ceasefire “Achievements”: Fewer deaths over the weekend, more aid promised to Gaza, some hostages exchanged. Nonetheless, Dave sees this as “better than nothing,” far from an actual solution.

2. Trump’s Role and Motivations

• Trump’s Self-Congratulation: The hosts mock Trump’s immediate “mission accomplished” attitude:

  “You gotta love Donald Trump’s closing energy, though… he's already done full celebrations, signing ceremonies… pushes everyone along into it, like, no, this is totally done, it’s complete, we’re good to go.” – Robbie (05:28)

• Political Incentives: Dave highlights how Trump, by staking his reputation, makes it more difficult for Israel or Hamas to break the ceasefire without affecting his own legacy.

3. Israel’s Conduct Post-Ceasefire

• Collective Punishment: Discussing the news that Israel would halve aid to Gaza due to perceived violations, Dave is appalled:

  “Is there a better example of the horrific cruelty that Israel treats the Palestinian people with?... [using] aid as a weapon of war, as revenge… as collective punishment for this?” (12:00)

• Comparison to Other Wars: Dave points out the exceptional brutality:

  “There’s just never an example… where you went like, the insurgents took out some of our guys… so we are going to deny food to women and children.” (16:41)

4. Political Optics and the American-Israeli Relationship

• Trump & the Adelsons: The hosts play an extended Trump clip, highlighting his open acknowledgment of the Adelsons’ influence (American billionaire donors) on U.S. Israel policy.

  “...they would come in… very responsible for so much, including getting me thinking about Golan Heights… I actually asked [Miriam Adelson], what do you love more, the United States or Israel? She refused to answer…” – Trump (19:00)

• Dave’s Response:

  “This is fucking indefensible. Like, what can you say about this, Rob?” (24:09)

• Rob’s Analysis:

  “Are you admitting that a Jewish billionaire gave you funds and you enacted a foreign policy because of the campaign donations... those are things you should never say out loud.” (24:09)
  “It kind of furthers the asterisk a little bit… what does it mean when outside government agencies… are making formal decisions on behalf of the Jewish people because of large sums and donations…” (29:25)

5. Israel’s PR Collapse & Zionist Cope

• Public Opinion Shifts: Dave notes the unprecedented drop in American support for Israel, likening it to the rapid loss of trust in the COVID vaccine.
• Media Narrative: The hosts respond to Ben Shapiro’s argument accusing critics of “disappearing” after the ceasefire:

  “Would be kind of amazing if anyone knew what the fuck you are talking about… Who is left who's ghosted the Internet? …Name me the one person who's ghosted…” (35:53)

6. Debate Over Genocide Claims

• Genocide Definition: Dave acknowledges the vagueness of the term in international law but stands by his previous usage after the implementation of the starvation blockade.

  “...yes, the destruction of a captive people, the slaughter of tens, if not hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians, and starvation blockades... just call it the worst word you can think of because what the hell is this?” (38:53)

7. Absurdity of ‘Celebrating’ the Ceasefire

• Host Responses:

  “People don’t typically celebrate the end of a genocide.” – Robbie (37:20) “If I lost my entire career and every dime I own, I’d go be successful at something else... Let this goddamned genocide end, and then I will figure out what else to talk about.” – Dave (33:18)

8. Neocon Agendas & War Forever

• Mark Levin’s Warmongering: Playing a clip from Mark Levin, Dave laments:

  “Now that we have a peace deal, it's the opportunity for war. A whole new war on terrorism. That's what Mark Levin calls for... is there ever a time that you don't want to be at war?” (57:38)

9. Fundamental Problems Remain

• Not Over Yet:

  “I hope I’m wrong, but I don’t think this is over. And I don’t think Netanyahu or even the members of his government… are just going to abandon their plans to annex and ethnically cleanse Gaza.” (59:00)

• Real Solution?: Even in the best case, the occupation, statelessness, and U.S. backing remain unaddressed.

10. Takeaway: Accountability and Change

• Netanyahu Must Go:

  “The obvious next thing here that has to happen in order for there to be a real chance… is that Netanyahu has to go. Now, Netanyahu is sometimes a scapegoat... but it shouldn’t be underplayed how much he really did make it substantially worse.” (61:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dave Smith: “This is simply not how people fight wars in the modern day. This is not how civilized societies conduct wars.” (12:00)
• Rob: “Are you admitting that a Jewish billionaire gave you funds and you enacted a foreign policy because of the campaign donations that they made to you?... Those are things that you should never say out loud.” (24:09)
• Trump (on Miriam Adelson): “I actually asked her once. I said, so, Miriam, I know you love Israel. What do you love more, the United States or Israel? She refused to answer.” (20:10)
• Dave (on accusations of grifting): “It would be like accusing an abolitionist of loving slavery, because what are you going to talk about now that slavery’s gone? …Let this goddamn genocide end, and then I will figure out what else to talk about.” (33:18)
• Dave (on genocide): “The Israeli justification of the destruction of Gaza requires you to believe that nothing could justify October 7th, and October 7th justifies anything.” (59:03)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:23 – Dave’s initial skepticism and ceasefire breakdown
• 05:28 – Rob on Trump’s “deal-making” theatrics
• 09:54 – Discussion on Netanyahu’s ambitions & cruelty of aid reduction
• 19:00 – Trump’s speech in Israel: Adelson influence, foreign policy admissions
• 24:09 – Dave & Rob analyze the open discussion of donor influence
• 35:23 – Ben Shapiro called out for bizarre post-ceasefire narrative
• 38:53 – The debate on genocide and terminology
• 57:38 – Mark Levin’s warmongering as “celebration” of peace
• 59:00 – Dave’s outlook: Fundamental issues remain, Netanyahu must go

Conclusion

Dave and Robbie see the ceasefire as a welcome reduction in violence but remain deeply wary of its permanence and meaning. They urge listeners not to be fooled by political theater or media spin, emphasizing that neither accountability nor real justice has been achieved. Underlying structural issues—occupation, statelessness, U.S.-Israel alignment—remain firmly in place. Until those are addressed, Dave argues, the “nightmare” is far from over.

Recommended listening for those interested in a critical libertarian critique of U.S., Israeli, and Western foreign policy, and the manipulations of media and political elites.