Podcast Summary: "Tulsi is Confirmed" Part Of The Problem
Host: Dave Smith
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host Network: GaS Digital Network

Introduction

In the February 13, 2025 episode of Part Of The Problem, host Dave Smith dives deep into recent developments in U.S. foreign policy, focusing particularly on the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard as the Director of National Intelligence. The episode encompasses Dave's experiences in high-profile debates, his critique of academic institutions, and his perspectives on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Throughout the episode, Dave engages with audience questions, offering insightful commentary rooted in his Libertarian viewpoints.

Oxford Debate at Princeton

[00:00]
Dave Smith begins by recounting his recent Oxford-style debate at Princeton University against Josh Hammer, a senior editor at Newsweek. The debate centered on the U.S.-Israel relationship and broader foreign policy issues.

• Dominant Victory: Dave proudly shares, “I won pretty dominantly on the Oxford voting” ([05:30]). He reflects on the challenges he faced debating as a college dropout against an Ivy League counterpart, emphasizing the thematic clash between traditional education and practical knowledge.

• Critique of Higher Education: Dave criticizes the outdated nature of institutions like Princeton, pondering, “isn't this whole thing just so outdated?” ([10:15]). He contrasts the historical purpose of universities with modern technological advancements, suggesting that the traditional model may no longer be necessary in the digital age.

• War on Terrorism: A significant portion of the debate focused on the costs of the U.S. relationship with Israel, particularly the prolonged war on terrorism. Dave highlights the staggering human and economic costs, stating, “the cost of this is in like $8 trillion and 4 million dead innocent people” ([20:45]).

Listener Questions and Audience Interaction

Throughout the episode, Dave engages with listener questions from the live chat, addressing topics such as the USS Liberty incident and conspiracy theories surrounding it.

• USS Liberty Conspiracy Theories: A listener named Kurt challenges the dismissal of the USS Liberty attack as a conspiracy theory. Dave responds firmly, “Even Israel admits it happened. They just lie and say it's an accident” ([35:10]). He underscores the importance of acknowledging factual events over baseless theories.

• Debating Style: Dave discusses his approach to debates, emphasizing preparedness and thorough research. He shares insights from Gene Epstein of the SoHo Forum, who advised him to continually refine his arguments post-debate ([40:20]).

Critique of Other Pundits

Dave expresses strong opinions about prominent figures in the political commentary space.

• Ben Shapiro and Others: He criticizes Ben Shapiro for not debating competent critics of Israel, stating, “I think it's very reasonable for me to say there's a responsibility on you to debate someone” ([30:55]). Dave contrasts this with his own approach to engaging with knowledgeable opponents, highlighting the importance of substantive discourse over performative debates.

• Double Standards in Debates: Dave points out the inconsistency in public debating standards, noting, “Ben Shapiro got famous off debating some 20-year-old chick who thinks she's a dude” ([33:40]). He argues for higher-quality debates that truly challenge one's viewpoints rather than provide easy wins.

Tulsi Gabbard's Confirmation as Director of National Intelligence

A major focus of the episode is the confirmation of Tulsi Gabbard to a pivotal intelligence position.

• Historical Context and Policies: Dave outlines Tulsi's military background and her firsthand experiences in Iraq, stating, “she turned against that war and the fact that we were lied into it” ([38:30]). He delves into her stance against the redirection of the war on terrorism and her critical perspective on U.S. foreign engagements.

• Implications for U.S. Intelligence: He emphasizes the significance of Tulsi's role, “Tulsi is the head of the Deep State now” ([40:05]), suggesting that her appointment could lead to substantial shifts in intelligence strategies and transparency.

• Potential Agendas: Dave speculates on Tulsi's priorities, including addressing past treasonous acts by previous administrations and reforming intelligence oversight, though he admits uncertainty about her specific agenda ([42:50]).

U.S. Foreign Policy: Ukraine and Russia Conflict

Dave provides a critical analysis of the ongoing war in Ukraine, contrasting current policies with past approaches.

• Donald Trump's Approach: Highlighting Trump's consistent stance, Dave praises his desire to end the conflict, “Trump always said … I want the war to end. I want the killing to end” ([45:15]). He contrasts this with the Biden administration’s relentless support for Ukraine, which he deems unrealistic.

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Remarks: Dave shares a pivotal moment from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who stated, “The United States does not believe that NATO membership for Ukraine is a realistic outcome of a negotiated settlement” ([47:59]). Dave views this as a significant development towards de-escalation.

• Trump's Diplomatic Efforts: Reading Trump’s tweet, Dave conveys optimism about Trump’s negotiations with Putin, focusing on ending the bloodshed and seeking pragmatic solutions ([48:35]). He criticizes NATO leadership for rejecting simple, reasonable demands that could have prevented the conflict.

Notable Quotes

• On Winning the Debate:
  "[05:30] I won pretty dominantly on the Oxford voting."
  "- Dave Smith

• On Higher Education:
  "[10:15] Isn't this whole thing just so outdated?"
  "- Dave Smith

• On War Costs:
  "[20:45] The cost of this is in like $8 trillion and 4 million dead innocent people."
  "- Dave Smith

• On USS Liberty Incident:
  "[35:10] Even Israel admits it happened. They just lie and say it's an accident."
  "- Dave Smith

• On Debating Standards:
  "[33:40] Ben Shapiro got famous off debating some 20-year-old chick who thinks she's a dude."
  "- Dave Smith

• On Tulsi Gabbard's Role:
  "[40:05] Tulsi is the head of the Deep State now."
  "- Dave Smith

• On Ending the War:
  "[45:15] Trump always said … I want the war to end. I want the killing to end."
  "- Dave Smith

Conclusion

Dave Smith wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation and the hopeful shift in U.S. foreign policy towards ending the protracted conflict in Ukraine. He emphasizes the importance of informed debates, responsible punditry, and pragmatic political leadership. Dave encourages listeners to stay engaged, support the show, and remain vigilant about the direction of national and international policies.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Part Of The Problem offers a comprehensive look into the intersection of personal experiences in political debates, critiques of established institutions, and the evolving landscape of U.S. foreign policy. Dave Smith's articulate analysis and unfiltered perspectives provide listeners with a thought-provoking narrative on the state of global affairs and the roles individuals play in shaping them.