Podcast Summary: "The System is Broken"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Part Of The Problem
• Host/Author: GaS Digital Network
• Episode: The System is Broken
• Release Date: July 29, 2025

Hosts:

• Dave Smith
• Robbie "The Fire" Bernstein

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage (00:37 - 02:02)

The episode kicks off with Dave Smith greeting his audience and introducing Robbie "The Fire" Bernstein. They briefly discuss their weekend activities, with Robbie mentioning his gigs hosting for Sam Tripley and Eddie Bravo. The conversation light-heartedly touches upon their interactions with Eddie Bravo, humorously cautioning each other against wrestling with him.

2. The Alex Berenson Controversy (02:27 - 26:30)

2.1. Accusations of Holocaust Denial (02:27 - 05:12)

Dave reveals a significant development: Alex Berenson has publicly accused him of being a Holocaust denier. This accusation stems from a tweet where Berenson labeled Dave as “the man who thinks Auschwitz was a spa and Unit 731 was a cool sushi place” ([04:51] Dave Smith). Dave expresses his disbelief and frustration, emphasizing his Jewish heritage and family history with the Holocaust. He states:

"It's like, seems like a particularly fucked up thing to tell a Jewish guy whose family died from the Nazis to be like, you are downplaying how bad the Nazis were." ([05:04])

2.2. Preparing for the Debate (05:12 - 26:30)

Dave discusses the upcoming debate with Alex Berenson, reflecting on their relationship and past interactions. He acknowledges that while Berenson is a respected figure, the accusation is baseless and deeply offensive. Robbie provides his perspective, suggesting that Berenson might be engaging in a "Twitter radio war game," aiming to challenge Dave's credibility. Robbie remarks:

"He's playing all those cards of like, no, I'm going to get this guy." ([17:35])

Dave delves deeper into the complexity of the situation, questioning how Berenson can sustain such accusations without evidence. He laments the impact of public smears on his reputation and the broader implications for discourse in media and politics.

3. Trust in Republican Foreign Policy (26:30 - 32:45)

Transitioning to political analysis, Dave highlights recent CNN polls indicating a persisting trust in Republicans over Democrats regarding foreign policy. A CNN analyst comments:

"Despite everything that's going on in the world right now, Republicans are more trusted on Democrats when it comes to foreign policy." ([30:57])

Dave and Robbie discuss how this trend is unusual compared to historical patterns where Democratic trust typically rises when Republican approval wanes. Dave posits that this shift may signal deeper issues within the two-party system, suggesting that the existing framework is failing to adapt or represent a broader spectrum of voter interests.

4. Decline of the Two-Party System and Third-Party Dynamics (32:45 - 50:48)

4.1. Rigged Rules Against Third Parties (32:45 - 37:00)

Dave critiques the entrenched two-party system, arguing that it stifles third-party initiatives through rigged rules and limited access to debates. He asserts:

"The rules are just so rigged against third parties on behalf of the two parties, down to the fact that for many years, access to the debates was the whole game before podcasts and the Internet were huge." ([37:00])

4.2. Democrat's Low Approval and Lack of Talent (37:00 - 42:07)

Robbie concurs, emphasizing the Democratic Party's struggle with low approval ratings and a perceived lack of credible candidates. They discuss how scandals like COVID mismanagement, Russiagate mishandling, and internal corruption have eroded public trust. Robbie states:

"The Democratic bench, they just have zero talent. The country knows the extent by which they were lied to by the Democratic Party." ([40:46])

Dave adds that the inability of Democrats to recover their approval ratings even as Republican figures like Donald Trump see fluctuating support indicates a systemic failure. He highlights Trump's declining approval amidst ongoing controversies, contrasting it with Democrats' stagnant disapproval ratings.

5. Dan Bongino's Corruption Allegations (53:41 - 61:39)

5.1. Bongino's Disturbing Tweet (53:41 - 54:58)

Dave brings attention to a provocative tweet by Dan Bongino, where Bongino, as the former Deputy Director of the FBI, alleges rampant corruption and political weaponization within law enforcement and intelligence operations. The tweet includes:

"We cannot run a republic like this. I'll never be the same after learning what I've learned." ([54:58])

5.2. Analysis of Bongino's Position (54:58 - 61:39)

Robbie and Dave dissect Bongino's statements, debating the credibility and possible motivations behind such allegations. Robbie suggests that figures like Bongino may be pursuing personal gains, such as securing media positions or book deals, rather than genuinely addressing corruption. He theorizes:

"Dan Bongino will never go back to just being an independent podcaster with an audience that thinks, hey, this is an honest guy, but he might get a great Fox News job or a book deal." ([61:39])

Dave concurs, expressing skepticism about the long-term impact of these accusations on Bongino's and others' credibility. He fears that without substantial evidence, such claims may ultimately damage their reputations irreparably.

6. Impact on Third-Party Candidates (61:39 - 63:00)

Concluding the discussion, Dave and Robbie consider the broader implications for third-party candidates like J.D. Vance. They argue that ongoing scandals and lack of trust in both major parties create a challenging environment for third-party figures to gain traction. Dave notes:

"J.D. Vance could get a nice job too. But J.D. Vance wants to be President, and this is going to be very, very hard for him." ([61:39])

Robbie emphasizes that the entanglement of third-party candidates with tainted narratives or associations with controversial figures hampers their viability on the national stage.

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts (63:00 - End)

As the episode wraps up, Dave and Robbie reflect on the current political climate, highlighting the erosion of trust in established institutions and the two-party system. They express concern over the proliferation of unfounded accusations and the resulting polarization. Dave concludes with a call for more transparency and accountability in politics, urging listeners to remain vigilant and informed.

Notable Quotes:

1. Dave Smith on Accusations:

   "It's like, seems like a particularly fucked up thing to tell a Jewish guy whose family died from the Nazis to be like, you are downplaying how bad the Nazis were." ([05:04])

2. Robbie on Alex Berenson's Tactics:

   "He's playing all those cards of like, no, I'm going to get this guy." ([17:35])

3. CNN Analyst on Foreign Policy Trust:

   "Despite everything that's going on in the world right now, Republicans are more trusted on Democrats when it comes to foreign policy." ([30:57])

4. Dave Smith on Two-Party System:

   "The rules are just so rigged against third parties on behalf of the two parties." ([37:00])

5. Dave Smith on Dan Bongino's Tweet:

   "We cannot run a republic like this. I'll never be the same after learning what I've learned." ([54:58])

6. Robbie on Third-Party Challenges:

   "Dan Bongino will never go back to just being an independent podcaster with an audience that thinks, hey, this is an honest guy, but he might get a great Fox News job or a book deal." ([61:39])

Key Takeaways:

• Debate and Reputation: The episode centers around a significant conflict where Dave Smith is accused of Holocaust denial by Alex Berenson, prompting a planned debate and highlighting the fragility of personal reputations in polarized media landscapes.

• Political Trust Dynamics: Recent polls indicate a surprising and persistent trust in Republicans over Democrats in foreign policy, contrary to historical trends, signaling potential shifts in voter alignment and party efficacy.

• Two-Party System Critique: Both hosts critique the entrenched two-party system for stifling third-party candidates and failing to adapt to the evolving political landscape, suggesting systemic flaws that maintain political duopoly.

• Internal Corruption Allegations: Dan Bongino's disturbing allegations of corruption within the FBI and political weaponization spark discussions on the credibility of such claims and their impact on public trust.

• Impact on Third-Party Prospects: The combination of scandals, low trust in major parties, and entanglements with controversial figures poses significant challenges for third-party candidates aiming for national office.

• Call for Accountability: The hosts advocate for greater transparency, accountability, and a reevaluation of the existing political frameworks to address systemic issues and restore public trust.

This episode of "Part Of The Problem" delves deep into the fractures within the American political system, personal reputations amidst public accusations, and the overarching challenges facing the two-party structure. Through candid discussions and critical analysis, Dave Smith and Robbie Bernstein encourage listeners to scrutinize entrenched systems and seek meaningful reform.