Podcast Summary: Part Of The Problem - Episode "Regime Change"
Host: Dave Smith
Guest: Robbie "the Fire" Bernstein
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Podcast Network: GaS Digital Network
In the "Regime Change" episode of Part Of The Problem, host Dave Smith and guest Robbie "the Fire" Bernstein delve deep into the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. They explore the recent missile attacks by Iran on American bases, scrutinize the accompanying war propaganda, and critique the role of political figures like Donald Trump in shaping public perception and foreign policy.
1. Immediate Crisis: Iran's Missile Attacks
The episode opens with Dave Smith addressing a critical development: Iran's retaliation involving missile strikes on U.S. bases in Qatar and Iraq. Recording live, Dave notes, "[00:39] Robbie the Fire Bernstein: We neutered them and they learned their lesson. That can't be possible."
Key Points:
- Timing and Impact: The attacks occurred while the podcast was being recorded, highlighting the immediacy and unpredictability of the situation.
- Government and Media Response: Dave criticizes the swift shift in government talking points and questions the effectiveness of the U.S. response strategy.
2. War Propaganda and Media Dynamics
Dave Smith offers a critical analysis of war propaganda, emphasizing the evolving media landscape. He states, "[01:28] Dave Smith: ...the corporate media is a corpse and the new media is what's vibrant and alive..."
Key Points:
- Shift to New Media: The decline of traditional corporate media and the rise of new media platforms make disseminating propaganda more challenging.
- Rapid Narrative Changes: Unlike previous conflicts where war narratives remained consistent, the current situation sees swift changes in talking points, undermining public trust.
3. Critique of Political Narratives and Trump’s Role
Dave and Robbie scrutinize the role of war hawks and political figures in perpetuating misleading narratives. Dave remarks, "[02:00] Dave Smith: ...you could argue, we'll ding them a few times, then walk away, no problem."
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Smith on War Hawks: "[05:15] Dave Smith: ...we are launching a war in the new media environment where the, the corporate media is a, is a corpse..."
- Robbie Bernstein on Media Lies: "[08:50] Robbie the Fire Bernstein: ...what's your plan here? Because it seems like you guys just want an all out war..."
Key Points:
- Inconsistent Messaging: Political leaders, notably Trump, present contradictory statements regarding the war's objectives and progress.
- Regime Change Ambiguity: The ambiguous stance on regime change—publicly denying it while simultaneously endorsing related actions—creates confusion and skepticism.
4. Historical Comparisons: Lessons from Past Wars
The hosts draw parallels between the current crisis and past U.S. military interventions, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Key Points:
- Ineffectiveness of Limited Strikes: Recalling the 1991 and 2003 Iraq invasions, Dave argues that targeted strikes rarely achieve desired regime changes without substantial ground operations.
- Current Risks Exceed Past Wars: The potential for wider regional destabilization and higher economic costs makes the current situation more precarious than previous conflicts.
5. Risks of Escalation and Potential Outcomes
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the dangers of escalating the conflict beyond Iran and the unpredictable nature of Iran's responses.
Key Points:
- Missile Strikes as Escalation Triggers: Even with attempts to minimize casualties, as reported by [24:10], the missile attacks pose a significant risk of further retaliation.
- Global Ramifications: The involvement of other global powers, such as Russia's provocative stances, increases the threat of a broader international conflict.
- Economic and Social Costs: Dave and Robbie highlight the immense financial burdens and societal divisions that could result from an expanded war effort.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Smith on Escalation Risks: "[12:39] Dave Smith: ...they are on record saying, we will get back into the original JCPOA if America wants to come back into it."
- Robbie Bernstein on Global Order: "[46:06] Robbie the Fire Bernstein: ...they just kick the bees hive here. And I guess potentially, I mean, you want to talk about the extreme upside..."
6. Public Opinion and Political Support
The episode examines public sentiment toward regime change, referencing a poll conducted by Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA.
Key Points:
- Poll Insights: Despite Trump's endorsement of regime change, a poll shows that approximately 70% of Kirk's audience opposes U.S.-led regime change in Iran.
- Divergence Within Conservative Circles: This discrepancy highlights a potential rift between traditional conservative supporters and the newer, more hawkish factions aligned with Trump.
Notable Quotes:
- Robbie Bernstein on Public Sentiment: "[58:12] Robbie the Fire Bernstein: And that's, that's Trump didn't actually endorse a regime change. He's going to make Iran great again."
- Dave Smith on Poll Results: "[58:29] Dave Smith: Yeah, here, let me read the exact Donald Trump quote here... he didn't say he's for regime change."
7. Final Thoughts: The Uncertain Path Forward
Concluding the episode, Dave and Robbie express deep concerns about the potential outcomes of the current conflict and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.
Key Points:
- Skepticism of Success: Both hosts remain unconvinced that the limited strikes will achieve meaningful regime change without unintended consequences.
- Call for Restraint: They advocate for a more measured approach, emphasizing the high stakes and irreversible impacts of escalating military actions.
- Reflection on Historical Failures: Drawing from past interventions, they warn of repeating history's mistakes by engaging in poorly planned and executed foreign policies.
Notable Quotes:
- Dave Smith on Regime Change Feasibility: "[63:50] Dave Smith: ...with this war you have risks that are way higher than even with Iraq or Afghanistan."
- Robbie Bernstein on Media and War Narratives: "[62:49] Robbie the Fire Bernstein: Before we call it a show. Let me plug. It's the last vestige of freedom in this country..."
Conclusion:
In this episode of Part Of The Problem, Dave Smith and Robbie "the Fire" Bernstein provide a critical examination of the U.S.-Iran tensions, challenging the prevailing narratives and highlighting the complexities of modern warfare and media influence. Their insightful commentary urges listeners to question official statements, understand historical contexts, and consider the profound consequences of foreign interventions.