Part Of The Problem - Episode: The Epstein Trainwreck Continues (December 25, 2025)

Host: Dave Smith
Co-host: Robbie "The Fire" Bernstein
Producer: GaS Digital Network

Episode Overview

On this Christmas episode of Part Of The Problem, Dave Smith and Robbie Bernstein dig into the continuing controversy and botched government handling surrounding the "Epstein files"—documents that allegedly detail criminal networks tied to Jeffrey Epstein. The hosts analyze the political fallout, the incompetence of the Trump administration's response, and the role of key players like Thomas Massie. The latter half of the episode pivots to an in-depth economic discussion, responding to recent pro-inflation arguments heard elsewhere, and public questions on gun rights and the future of the Republican Party.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Christmas Banter and Setting the Tone (00:48 - 05:18)

• Hosts exchange lighthearted holiday banter about Christmas spirit, Jewish traditions, and the acceptability of daytime drinking during holidays.
• Discussion of the social acceptability of adult indulgence (cocktails at 1pm) versus “degenerate” behavior as a teenager.
• Humor around first class airline experiences and the sunk cost fallacy of "free" drinks.

Notable Quote

“I think the two of us together might have more Christmas spirit than any other two Jews in America.”
— Dave Smith (00:52)

2. The “Trainwreck” Handling of the Epstein Files Scandal (05:18 - 18:45)

• Epstein files release described as the worst-handled political scandal Dave has ever seen—sloppy, contradictory, incoherent, and incompetent.
• Sequence of failed public messaging from the Trump administration: promising transparency, public ceremonies with influencers, anticlimactic and redacted document drops, then outright denial and accusations against critics.
• astounded at Trump’s public feud with Thomas Massie, despite having signed the release bill himself.

Notable Quotes

“I don't know that I've ever seen a political scandal mishandled this badly... it's really just amazing.”
— Dave Smith (07:08)

“For Donald Trump to campaign on, ‘we’re going to expose the Epstein thing’, then those files turn out to not be the Epstein files... There's just been zero effort to have a coherent narrative.”
— Dave Smith (07:57)

Transition to sponsors at [09:37] & return at [11:17].

3. Why the Cover-Up Fails: Truth, Media, and Public Outrage (11:17 - 18:45)

• Conversation on administrative incompetence: “They're not even putting forward a good lie.”
• The administration failed to construct a plausible propaganda narrative; instead, they “slowly leak accurate information” that keeps the public’s interest piqued.
• Specifics on the files:
  • Strange redactions leading to internet sleuthing and uncovering hidden names.
  • Inclusion of possibly fraudulent and non-sensational documents muddying the narrative (ex: suspicious letter to Larry Nassar).
  • Unexplained photographs and various accusations, including a suspicious story implicating Trump.

Notable Quotes

“They're so caught with their pants down, they couldn't even come up with a lie.”
— Dave Smith (11:51)

“I don't see how that's possible to reconcile... without it just being obvious what they're doing.”
— Dave Smith (13:10)

4. The Critical Role of Thomas Massie & Congressional Pressure (13:26 - 16:21)

• Thomas Massie (and Marjorie Taylor Greene) credited for relentless push to force transparency and legislative action.
• Massie’s success described as unprecedented: making Congress members fear a legacy of “protecting pedophiles.”
• Importance of redacted co-conspirator information, such as involvement of lawyers, accountants, and financial links (e.g., JP Morgan’s settlements).

Notable Quotes

“Thomas Massie really did win the day on this one, getting all this information out.”
— Robbie Bernstein (13:26)

“It can’t be overstated how incredible what Massie pulled off there. He shamed and threatened all the other members of Congress.”
— Dave Smith (29:33)

5. Media Integrity and Accountability (18:45 - 21:12)

• Dan Bongino and Cash Patel’s alleged public deceptions, subsequent “reward” with media gigs, and inability to regain public trust after lying about the Epstein case.
• Discussion of the lack of real consequences in media for misinforming the public.

Notable Quote

“The whole currency you trade in is the truth. Or at least... honesty. How could you ever trust Dan Bongino again?”
— Dave Smith (17:44)

6. Gun Rights and the Psych Eval Proposal (21:12 - 26:43)

• Listener question: Should mandatory psych exams be required to buy a gun, with the stipulation that if more than 0.5% fail, the law is void?
• Dave’s Libertarian take: against psych eval requirements due to potential for abuse, subjective judgments, and deterrence from seeking mental health.
• Robbie entertains merits but agrees concerns are valid; suggestion that state power over gun ownership is too easily abused.

Notable Quotes

“A psych eval is not a goddamn... fair trial. It becomes a very easy way for the state to take away guns by calling people crazy.”
— Dave Smith (23:23)

7. Was This Botch Unique or Just a Sign of the New Media Era? (26:43 - 28:42)

• Consideration of how social media and the new media landscape amplify and expose cover-ups, but Dave holds that this incident was uniquely inept—“out of a cartoon.”
• Trump’s “drain the swamp” image irreparably damaged: he’s now “swamp protector” after the Epstein cover-up.

Notable Quote

“There's almost a before-Epstein-cover-up Donald Trump and an after... and the after just lost all drain the swamp credibility.”
— Dave Smith (27:15)

8. Republican 2028 Prospects & Presidential Contenders (52:11 - 69:59)

Ties between the Epstein scandal and the future GOP field:

• JD Vance: A smart communicator, but Dave perceives a “weakness” (signal chat leak, deferential stance).
• Dilemma: challenge Trump’s legacy and risk MAGA wrath, or ride with the team and forfeit reformist energy.
• Mention of other possible contenders: Thomas Massie (despite saying he won't run), Josh Hawley, “separated” Vivek Ramaswamy.
• Brief tangent on Vivek’s recent speech, highlighting cultural tone-deafness on American identity and “seniority” (seniority/legacy vs. “just as American” claims).

Notable Quotes

“I think the biggest problem with JD Vance right now is a weakness. There's a weakness to him that I’ve never been able to unsee since the signal chat leak.”
— Dave Smith (52:19)

“Donald Trump said he was going to drain the swamp. He had eight years to do it and didn’t drain anything. How’s JD Vance going to handle that?”
— Dave Smith (54:34)

9. Libertarians & Economic Education: Debating Deflation (35:11 - 52:11)

The Jillian Michaels Podcast Clip (36:02, 35:11-42:25)

• Fox News host claims deflation would halt consumption—“if you know something will be 30% less next month, why buy now?”
• Dave’s rebuttal: time preference; people buy for present needs. Real-world example: electronics (TVs fell in price, but sales continued).
• Robbie expands: deflation incentivizes long-term saving and planning; inflation and debt-driven economies promote short-term, compulsive consumption.
• Both hosts roast the faulty argument that nobody would buy “groceries” if prices dropped yearly—impractical at best.

Notable Quotes

“If groceries were going to be down 30% next year, and you knew that, why buy them this year? Go... because eating this year means something to me too!”
— Dave Smith (38:21)

“If everyone's delaying gratification because their money's worth more in the future, I actually think you have a better society.”
— Robbie Bernstein (40:39)

Deflation, Inflation, and the Debt Bubble (47:49 - 52:11)

• Robbie clarifies: current debt levels make our economy incompatible with deflation, but the “sound money” argument remains robust.
• Dave: the “target inflation” mantra disguises ongoing theft by the financial system; defending 2% inflation equals conceding the battle of ideas to statists.

Notable Quotes

“Once you concede that deflation is bad and inflation is good, you're 70% of the way to being a socialist... Deflation is the market and inflation is the government.”
— Dave Smith (44:04)

“It's a defense of the status quo, and all the status quo is, is a bunch of bankers robbing from the rest of the people.”
— Dave Smith (46:10)

10. Cultural Identity, Seniority, and the Idea of America (58:56 - 67:17)

• Discussion on what it means to be ‘American’ in the context of immigration and citizenship: legacy, seniority, and the reality of cultural ties.
• Comparison to experiences in other cultures and institutions (e.g., the “senior rules” at school or the gym).
• Dave asserts that American identity is about more than a document: tradition, landscape, and people matter.

Notable Quotes

“If you just took the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and made them law in Haiti, would it be America? No—there's more to it than that.”
— Dave Smith (64:35)

Memorable Moments & Quotes by Timestamp

• "They're not even putting forward a good lie…" (11:17, Bernstein introduces a key observation about the incompetence of the Trump administration’s messaging).
• "How could you ever trust Dan Bongino again?" (17:44, Smith denouncing media figures who parrot regime propaganda).
• "Thomas Massie really did win the day on this one…" (13:26, Bernstein on the rare Congressional victory for transparency).
• "There's almost a before-Epstein-cover-up Donald Trump and an after…" (27:15, Smith on Trump’s lost credibility).
• "If groceries were going to be down 30% next year…why would you buy them this year?" (38:21, Smith mocking anti-deflation logic).
• "If everyone's delaying gratification… I actually think you have a better society." (40:39, Bernstein on virtuous effects of deflation).
• "Once you concede that deflation is bad and inflation is good, you're 70% of the way to being a socialist." (44:04, Smith).
• "I'm not saying in the legal sense they're more American, but yes, in a very real sense, that person is kind of more American." (64:35, Smith).

Significant Timestamps

• 05:18 – Start of Epstein files segment
• 13:26 – Redaction details, Massie’s Congressional maneuvering
• 17:44 – Breakdown on Bongino et al. and loss of trust
• 21:12 – Gun rights and mental health evaluation Q&A
• 26:43 – Media landscape vs. unique scandal mismanagement
• 35:11 – Start of Jillian Michaels economics/deflation segment
• 52:11 – Republican 2028 field analysis and Trump legacy
• 58:56 – Deep dive into Vivek Ramaswamy, American identity, and “seniority”
• 67:17 – Seniority in American culture and final reflections

Takeaways for the Uninitiated

This episode is a blend of sharp libertarian political critique and economic education, punctuated by Dave Smith’s characteristic wit and intensity. The heart of the episode centers on government incompetence and institutional corruption in the handling of the Epstein files, contrasted with rare victories for transparency. The show pivots seamlessly from holiday cheer and social commentary to biting political analysis and foundational economic principles, challenging mainstream narratives on both news and money.

Listeners will leave with a greater appreciation for:

• The importance of transparency and how rare real legislative victories are.
• The enduring patterns of media and government collusion.
• The basic logic defeating anti-deflation arguments and the libertarian critique of inflation.
• The challenges facing anyone trying to claim the mantle of American identity, and the next Republican presidential hopefuls post-Trump.

For upcoming live shows and bonus episodes, check out comicdavesmith.com and Robbie’s “Porching” on YouTube.