Podcast Summary: "Joy Reid is Fired" | Part Of The Problem

Podcast Information

• Title: Part Of The Problem
• Host: Dave Smith
• Co-Host: Robbie "Fire" Bernstein
• Episode: Joy Reid is Fired
• Release Date: February 26, 2025
• Description: Dave Smith delves into current events, government affairs, foreign policy, and Libertarian perspectives, aiming to educate and inspire towards a truly free nation.

Introduction

In the February 26, 2025 episode of Part Of The Problem, host Dave Smith and co-host Robbie "Fire" Bernstein tackle the recent dismissal of Joy Reid from MSNBC. The discussion extends to broader critiques of MSNBC’s programming strategies, the leadership dynamics within cable news, and an analysis of current U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine and Russia.

Segment 1: The Firing of Joy Reid from MSNBC

Joy Reid’s Dismissal and MSNBC’s Ratings Crisis

Dave Smith opens the episode expressing satisfaction over Joy Reid’s termination from MSNBC, attributing it to the network's declining ratings:

• [08:00] Dave Smith: “Joy Reid in the key demo was doing like, 40,000... it's insane how much the show was failing.”

Robbie "Fire" Bernstein concurs, highlighting the surprisingly low viewership numbers:

• [08:02] Robbie: “40,000 in the key demo... That’s a small podcast.”

Analysis of MSNBC’s Content Strategy

Smith criticizes MSNBC’s focus on race and identity politics, arguing that it alienates broader audiences:

• [15:12] Dave Smith: “The dumbest person on cable news. That's what she thinks of herself.”

He contends that MSNBC's insistence on racial narratives over practical content leads to viewer disengagement, culminating in Reid’s show's cancellation despite its perceived "value."

Joy Reid’s Statement on Her Firing

The podcast features a clip of Joy Reid addressing her departure, emphasizing the value she brought to MSNBC:

• [10:45] Joy Reid: “I am not sorry that I stood up for those things, because those things are of God.”

Rachel Maddow’s Reaction

Rachel Maddow laments Reid’s exit, portraying it as a setback for MSNBC’s diversity:

• [21:28] Rachel Maddow: “It is also unnerving to see that on a network where we've got two... non-white hosts in primetime are losing their shows... That feels worse than bad.”

Hosts’ Critique of Network Decisions

Dave and Robbie debate the rationale behind MSNBC’s choices, suggesting that the network prioritizes ideological conformity over genuine audience engagement:

• [24:02] Robbie: “Not unless she has a non-compete cause clause...”

They liken MSNBC’s operational failures to a failing Ponzi scheme, emphasizing that maintaining a large, opulent infrastructure without sufficient viewership is unsustainable:

• [16:34] Dave Smith: “It feels like a Ponzi scheme falling apart.”

Segment 2: Dan Crenshaw’s Hot Mic Incident

Incident Overview

The hosts discuss a leaked audio clip where Congressman Dan Crenshaw vehemently threatens Tucker Carlson:

• [31:11] Crenshaw: “If I ever meet Tucker Carlson, I will fucking kill him.”

Interpretation of the Threat

Robbie argues that Crenshaw’s remarks are exaggerated bravado rather than genuine threats:

• [31:56] Robbie: “It’s very leftist to go, ‘Words are violence.’ That sounds like dude bravado to me.”

Dave concurs, framing the comments as hyperbolic expressions of frustration rather than credible threats:

• [32:01] Dave Smith: “Yes, I completely agree... Let’s grow up.”

Tucker Carlson’s Response

Carlson’s measured response is praised as a model of mature discourse:

• [31:56] Dave Smith: “Tucker Carlson’s response was perfect. He goes, ‘Why don’t you come sit for a one-on-one interview?’”

The hosts highlight that Carlson’s invitation underscores the importance of dialogue over hostility, contrasting with Reid’s approach.

Segment 3: U.S. Foreign Policy – Ukraine and Russia

Critique of U.S. Involvement in Ukraine

Dave and Robbie critically assess the U.S. role in the Ukraine conflict, questioning the sustainability and strategic value of prolonged support:

• [39:25] Robbie: “What exactly is the nature of this precious metals agreement Trump is pushing for?”

Discussion on War Ethics and Outcomes

The conversation delves into the moral and economic implications of supporting Ukraine, with Smith questioning the worth of the human and financial costs:

• [41:37] Dave Smith: “It’s like gangster shit. Pure shakedown.”

Historical Context and Comparisons

Drawing parallels with historical events, the hosts compare current foreign policy decisions to past military engagements, emphasizing the potential for miscalculations:

• [54:53] Dave Smith: “Don’t worry, we’re not going to go World War II style into Ukraine to kick Russia out.”

Analysis of Negotiation Tactics

Smith critiques Donald Trump's negotiation style, suggesting it undermines long-term strategic partnerships by prioritizing immediate gains over sustainable alliances:

• [60:19] Dave Smith: “We'll be incentivized to protect you. We're not going to protect you.”

Impact on International Relations

The hosts discuss the broader consequences of aggressive foreign policy maneuvers, such as strained relations with NATO allies and the potential for future conflicts:

• [60:19] Dave Smith: “It's in our short-term interest, but not in our long-term interest to just get some minerals.”

Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Dave Smith reiterates the futility and self-destructive nature of current media and foreign policy strategies. He emphasizes the need for content-driven media that resonates with a broader audience and advocates for a more pragmatic and less interventionist approach in international affairs.

Closing Remarks:

• [64:13] Robbie: “Shoot Rob an email. Maybe even shoot him an Adderall.”
• [64:23] Dave Smith: “See you tomorrow. Peace.”

Notable Quotes

• Robbie "Fire" Bernstein [08:02]: “40,000 in the key demo... That’s a small podcast.”
• Joy Reid [10:45]: “I am not sorry that I stood up for those things, because those things are of God.”
• Rachel Maddow [21:28]: “It is also unnerving to see that on a network where we've got two... non-white hosts in primetime are losing their shows... That feels worse than bad.”
• Dan Crenshaw [31:11]: “If I ever meet Tucker Carlson, I will fucking kill him.”
• Robbie "Fire" Bernstein [31:56]: “It’s very leftist to go, ‘Words are violence.’ That sounds like dude bravado to me.”
• Dave Smith [54:53]: “Don’t worry, we’re not going to go World War II style into Ukraine to kick Russia out.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Part Of The Problem offers a critical lens on media and foreign policy, advocating for accountability, realistic analysis, and a move away from identity-driven narratives. Dave Smith and Robbie "Fire" Bernstein provide passionate and unfiltered commentary, challenging listeners to reconsider mainstream narratives and the true costs of political decisions.