Podcast Summary: Real America’s Voice – Bolling! (February 23, 2026)
Host: Eric Bolling
Date: February 23, 2026
Length: ~1 hour
Major Guests: Oscar ElBlue Ramirez (Border Correspondent), Jonathan Cain (Journey)
Episode Overview
This episode of Bolling! centers on pivotal current events, including the aftermath of a major cartel leader’s death in Mexico, stark warnings for Americans planning to travel south of the border, reflections with Journey's Jonathan Cain on faith, music, and cultural shifts, and a passionate monologue on American patriotism following the US Olympic hockey win. The episode is marked by deep dives into border security, high-profile interviews, commentary on hypocrisy in US politics, and anecdotal stories from the worlds of finance, music, and sport.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Market Turmoil Following Tariff Ruling
[03:31]
- Bolling reports a major market drop, blaming a Supreme Court decision ruling Trump's selective tariffs unconstitutional as the catalyst.
- Trump replaces earlier tariffs with a global 15% tax, further rattling markets.
- Gold surges above $5,000/oz; Bitcoin and crypto struggle amid tightening liquidity.
"The markets don't like, number one, uncertainty and number two, additional tariffs. It puts a clamp on free markets, guys." — Eric Bolling [03:56]
2. Aftermath of El Mencho's Death: Mexico’s Security Crisis
[04:53] With Oscar ElBlue Ramirez
- El Mencho, a top cartel leader, is killed. Violence erupts in major Mexican cities and tourist regions.
- American intelligence reportedly provides key support in the operation.
- Cartel reprisals include blockades, arson, and public displays of force (“narco blockades”), raising urgent security concerns for Americans in Mexico.
"American intelligence basically guided the mission...he died on the helicopter on his way to city of Mexico." — Oscar ElBlue Ramirez [05:52]
- Schools close, businesses shutter early, and Americans are warned not to vacation in Mexico.
"If you want to travel as a vacation on this week, don't come, you know, stay in your home and just wait till things calm down." — Oscar ElBlue Ramirez [09:46]
- The cartel’s reaction signals direct resentment toward US involvement.
"They were clearly sending a message not to the owners of the resort, but they were sending a message to the government that we do not care if there are Americans here." — Oscar ElBlue Ramirez [10:36]
3. US-Mexico Political Cooperation & Cartel Influence
[13:06]
- Bolling queries whether President Trump's recent meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum signals a new era of forced cooperation.
- Ramirez suggests Trump’s administration extracted information and strong-armed Mexican officials, contrasting with prior US leadership.
"They forced the Mexican government to say, if you do not open up, we have this extraction of information of all your dirty politicians in your political party. So she doesn't have another choice." — Oscar ElBlue Ramirez [13:36]
4. Musical Inspiration & Cultural Commentary: Interview with Jonathan Cain
[17:41] to [28:41]
- Journey’s Jonathan Cain discusses new music, faith, and the enduring influence of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” revealing his father’s prophetic role in guiding him.
- Describes his journey from classic rock success to ten years of faith-based songwriting across multiple albums.
- Discusses the band’s lineup history, including replacing Steve Perry and discovering Arnel Pineda online.
"Just when I was ready to give up and come back to Chicago, where I was born, [my father] gave me the nugget—‘Don't stop believing, John. We've come this far. Your blessing is right beyond this battle. Stay with it.’" — Jonathan Cain [20:39]
- Addresses lack of Grammy wins for Journey, downplaying their importance.
"Our fans are gold plated. They are our Grammy." — Jonathan Cain [22:07]
- Comments on the influence behind recent Super Bowls, pop acts, and the NFL’s targeting of Latin American audiences.
"If they would have done the translations of what [Bad Bunny] was singing, we'd be appalled." — Jonathan Cain [26:53]
5. American Pride, Patriotism & Media Critique
[31:09]
- Bolling responds to the US Men's Hockey team’s Olympic gold:
- Asserts flag-waving and expressions of national pride are necessary, not political.
- Critiques progressives for making patriotism controversial, arguing “the left hates America.”
"When Jack Hughes scores the winning goal and says he's proud to be American, that used to be called patriotic and normal." — Eric Bolling [32:52]
- Shares players’ celebratory quotes:
“This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates. It's unbelievable.” — Jack Hughes, via Eric Bolling [32:48]
“I want to thank our troops for allowing us to play this game.” — Quinn Hughes, via Eric Bolling [33:03]
6. Political Hypocrisy, Voting, and National Priorities
[54:01] & [56:05]
- Bolling ridicules New York City’s requirements of ID for snow-shoveling jobs while objecting to voter ID laws, labeling it blatant hypocrisy.
- Criticizes politicians (Gavin Newsom, Bernie Sanders, AOC) for condescending or contradictory public remarks.
- Listener calls for attention to Americans detained in Guinea, asserting media priorities are misplaced.
"If identity verification is reasonable for paid minor municipal tasks like snow removal, how is it unreasonable for something as foundational as voting?" — Eric Bolling [54:43]
Notable Quotes & Moments
Cartel Violence & American Security
- “This is a national security issue...they’re showing you: we’re doing it right here in front of you.”
— Oscar ElBlue Ramirez [07:38]
Journey’s Legacy & Faith
- "I find that writing songs for God is, is, is forever and it's never a waste, you know."
— Jonathan Cain [21:18] - "Journey...has the sold out arenas, the sold out stadiums. What else can you say? You have public approval, that's enough."
— Jonathan Cain [22:46]
On Political Division & Olympics
- “A gold medal doesn't belong to the left or the right. It belongs to the red, white and blue.”
— Eric Bolling [37:38]
Timestamps: Important Segments
- 03:31 – Market update and tariff fallout
- 04:53 – Interview: Oscar ElBlue Ramirez on Mexican cartel violence
- 13:06 – US-Mexico political cooperation under Trump
- 17:41 – Interview: Jonathan Cain on faith and Journey's music
- 31:09 – Monologue: US hockey gold and American patriotism
- 54:01 – Critique on NYC snow shoveling job requirements vs. voter ID
- 56:05 – Listener spotlight: Americans detained in Guinea
Overall Tone and Style
- Bolling is direct, energetic, opinionated, and at times sardonic. He exhibits strong advocacy for traditional American values, skepticism toward progressive politics, and an affinity for underdog inspirational stories. Both interviews and commentaries maintain a conversational, sometimes combative edge, blending cultural, economic, and political topics with personal anecdotes.
Summary
This episode weaves together urgent international security news, reflections on changes in American and Mexican governments, the ongoing influence of faith and perseverance in music, the divisiveness of patriotism in American culture, and sharp critiques of perceived media and political hypocrisy. It's a robust mix of “real news and honest views,” aiming both to inform and stir debate for its audience.