Podcast Summary: Part Of The Problem - Responding to Konstantin

Podcast Information:

• Title: Part Of The Problem
• Host/Author: GaS Digital Network
• Description: Dave Smith discusses current events, government, foreign policy, and Libertarian perspectives, aiming to educate listeners about the potential for a truly free nation.
• Episode: Responding to Konstantin
• Release Date: April 24, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode begins with Dave Smith acknowledging recent tensions on Twitter, specifically addressing a contentious exchange with Konstantin Kissin. Smith expresses his initial hesitation to respond but decides it's necessary due to the ongoing nature of the debate, which has persisted longer than anticipated.

Notable Quote:

"I claim the right to respond when I am criticized. And so this is, I'll be exercising that right today."
[04:10] – Dave Smith

2. Context of Konstantin Kissin's Video

Dave introduces Konstantin Kissin's video, which critiques a debate between Smith and author Douglas Murray on Joe Rogan's podcast. Kissin's article, reportedly his most read, examines the dynamics of new media's impact on public discourse, particularly focusing on the shift from traditional media gatekeepers to decentralized platforms like podcasts.

Notable Quote:

"Prepare for the unprecedented. I'm about to admit I was wrong."
[05:50] – Konstantin Kissin

Smith and Robbie Bernstein delve into Kissin's initial praise of new media's democratizing effects, acknowledging its role in challenging legacy institutions but also pointing out inherent flaws.

Notable Quote:

"The corporate media lost all of their trust. They were lying and weaponizing these lies for to maintain power."
[07:30] – Dave Smith

3. Analysis of Kissin's Arguments on Media and Gatekeeping

Kissin argues that new media dismantled traditional gatekeeping, allowing for a more diverse range of voices. He highlights how major podcasts and YouTube channels have overshadowed mainstream media, creating what he terms the "podcast election."

Notable Quote:

"Politicians, academia, and media merged into a monoculture whose consensus rested primarily on the vigorous inhalation of gases emanating from their own backsides."
[06:00] – Konstantin Kissin

Smith agrees with Kissin's assessment but critiques the notion that gatekeeping is entirely obsolete. He emphasizes that while decentralization has reduced traditional barriers, new forms of gatekeeping emerge based on audience trust and platform influence.

Notable Quote:

"There's always going to be some voices who get in and some voices who don't get to gatekeep in the same way."
[09:15] – Dave Smith

4. Discussion on Expertise and Appeal to Authority

A central theme is the role of expertise in public debates. Kissin suggests that the concept of expertise has been undermined, arguing that anyone can express views without requisite qualifications. Smith counters by asserting that expertise remains crucial and that dismissing it leads to poor discourse.

Notable Quote:

"The central critique of Murray here is that he's arguing from authority... Murray's attempt to dismiss such views on the basis that they don't align with expert opinion is seen as an ineffective argument at best and an attempt at credentialism at worst."
[32:35] – Konstantin Kissin

Smith rebuts by highlighting that both he and Robbie rely on expert opinions but believe that existing experts have been discredited over time, especially regarding issues like wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

Notable Quote:

"We rely on expertise. Nobody is arguing against expertise. What I argued against was that the expert class should be the only ones who can weigh in on these topics."
[43:07] – Dave Smith

5. Specific Critiques of Douglas Murray's Position

Kissin criticizes Douglas Murray's stance in the debate, labeling him as an advocate for mainstream narratives and accusing him of using credentialism to suppress alternative viewpoints. He contrasts Murray's approach with that of Daryl Cooper, whom he views as more genuinely researched.

Notable Quote:

"Unlike his opponents, Murray clearly understands that the term Nazi apologist has a defined meaning, and the fact that most Nazi apologists are anti-Semitic does not mean you have to be anti-Semitic to fit the description."
[38:41] – Konstantin Kissin

Smith vehemently disagrees, defending Daryl Cooper's integrity and expertise while criticizing Murray for not addressing inaccuracies in his arguments.

Notable Quote:

"If you're saying that to someone who plays in the NBA, they'd be like, slow down... it's just insane. He just did a 360 dunk."
[48:15] – Dave Smith

6. Debates on Freedom of Expression and Censorship

The conversation shifts to the implications of Kissin's arguments on freedom of speech. Robbie Bernstein sarcastically suggests re-enacting disinformation censorship methods, critiquing the push to limit certain viewpoints to maintain public support for issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Notable Quote:

"We need censorship because too many people are listening to the other people."
[26:29] – Robbie Bernstein

Smith emphasizes the danger of replacing traditional gatekeepers with biased new ones, arguing that attempts to censor opposing views mirror authoritarian tactics.

Notable Quote:

"What exactly are you advocating? You're advocating Joe Rogan stop having me and Daryl Cooper on the show."
[26:49] – Dave Smith

7. Final Thoughts and Conclusion

As the discussion intensifies, Smith and Bernstein highlight the persistent nature of the debate and express frustration over what they perceive as misrepresentation and logical fallacies in Kissin's critique. Smith calls for more substantive arguments rather than name-calling and strawman tactics.

Notable Quote:

"This is just strawman. None of us were ever arguing against expertise... It's just a non-argument."
[62:41] – Dave Smith

In concluding the episode, Smith reflects on the challenges of engaging in meaningful discourse amidst a polarized media landscape and reaffirms his commitment to addressing these issues head-on.

Notable Quote:

"This is too crazy. Alright, I'll play a couple more minutes, and then I think we're just gonna call it an episode."
[63:40] – Dave Smith

Key Takeaways:

• Media Gatekeeping: The transition from traditional to decentralized media has altered but not eradicated gatekeeping. New platforms have their own forms of control based on audience trust.

• Role of Expertise: While Smith and Bernstein value expertise, they critique the current expert class for being unreliable, especially on contentious issues like foreign wars and public health.

• Credentialism Critique: Kissin accuses figures like Douglas Murray of using credentialism to suppress alternative viewpoints, a claim strongly contested by Smith.

• Freedom of Speech vs. Censorship: The debate touches on the fine line between protecting free speech and preventing the spread of misinformation, with Smith and Bernstein wary of censorship mimicking authoritarian practices.

• Substantive Debate Needed: Both hosts call for more meaningful and evidence-based discussions rather than relying on logical fallacies and personal attacks.

Notable Quotes Reference

• Dave Smith:

  • "I claim the right to respond when I am criticized." – [04:10]
  • "There's always going to be some voices who get in and some voices who don't get to gatekeep in the same way." – [09:15]
  • "We rely on expertise. Nobody is arguing against expertise." – [43:07]
  • "This is just strawman. None of us were ever arguing against expertise... It's just a non-argument." – [62:41]
  • "This is too crazy. Alright, I'll play a couple more minutes, and then I think we're just gonna call it an episode." – [63:40]

• Robbie Bernstein:

  • "We need censorship because too many people are listening to the other people." – [26:29]
  • "Light bulbs aren't real, and the only reason why racists will marry black people is because they have white vaginas." – [47:18] (Note: This statement appears to be satirical or hyperbolic, reflecting the hosts' disdain for Kissin's arguments.)

• Constantin Kissin:

  • "Prepare for the unprecedented. I'm about to admit I was wrong." – [05:50]
  • "Unlike his opponents, Murray clearly understands that the term Nazi apologist has a defined meaning." – [38:41]
  • "Most things are not our own. You know why? Because we get them from people we consider to be authorities." – [61:32]

Conclusion

In this episode, Dave Smith and Robbie Bernstein engage in a robust critique of Konstantin Kissin's analysis of the current media landscape and its impact on public discourse. They defend the importance of expertise while challenging what they perceive as the misuse of credentialism to stifle alternative viewpoints. The hosts emphasize the need for substantive debates grounded in facts rather than relying on logical fallacies or personal attacks, highlighting the ongoing struggle to maintain meaningful conversations in an increasingly polarized media environment.