Real America’s Voice—Bolling! | February 24th, 2026
Host: Eric Bolling
Featured Guests: Senator Ron Johnson (WI), Congressman Ralph Norman (SC)
Main Focus: Analysis and preview of President Trump’s first State of the Union of his second term; Democrat boycotts; Iran and foreign policy; voter ID laws; media hypocrisy; conservative movement concerns.
Episode Overview
This episode centers on the political climate ahead of President Trump's State of the Union address. Eric Bolling and his guests discuss Democrat plans to boycott the event, the administration’s approach to Iran amid rising tensions, and the broader culture war over voter ID and American values. Bolling also reacts to recent media and political comments (notably from Gavin Newsom), and amplifies calls for Senate Republicans to push stronger on conservative priorities, particularly the SAVE Act on voter identification. Listener voicemails and some behind-the-scenes perspectives on conservative media growth round out the show.
Major Discussion Points & Insights
1. Stock Market, Economy & Current Events
- [02:47] Market Recap: Bolling opens with a stock market update—Dow up nearly 400 points; oil stable; gold drops slightly; crypto "floundering."
- [03:15] U.S. Hockey Team’s Win: Celebrates the men's team clinching gold in Milan and their spirited celebration in a Miami nightclub.
- “They stopped the music in the nightclub last night so the hockey team could sing, and the whole crowd got behind them. Sure is a far cry from the NFL taking a knee, don't you think, folks?” (Eric, 04:26)
2. Preview: Trump’s State of the Union (America 250 and Affordability)
- [04:46, 20:58] Focus: Trump's address covers the 250th anniversary of the U.S., affordability for citizens, and the evolving risk of conflict with Iran.
Democrat Boycotts & Political Theater
- [05:54, 09:03] 36 Democrat Lawmakers boycotting for a “People’s State of the Union.”
- [06:08] “You don't have to like the occupant, but respect that. And that's, you know, we should be better than that.” —Sen. Fetterman’s statement, discussed by Bolling and Johnson.
Senator Ron Johnson on Division & Strategy
- [06:51] Johnson argues Fetterman is acting like a swing-state politician and praises his recovery from a stroke.
- Johnson is skeptical about the attention the counter-events will get: “The big show is the president [in] front of a joint session.... A couple people don't show up, I don’t think they're going to be missed.” (08:17)
- [09:08] Discusses the Democratic response from Gov. Spanberger and Sen. Padilla: “Good news for them. If they totally screw up, no one's gonna notice anyway.”
3. Iran & Foreign Policy on the Brink
- [09:15, 22:02]
- Show of Force: Two U.S. carrier groups in the Persian Gulf, the biggest U.S. air presence since 9/11—potential for major escalation.
- Johnson emphasizes the difficulties of taking decisive action on Iran but insists “Iran is a real menace in the world and I for one can’t wait for the mullahs to be replaced.” (11:07)
- Congressman Ralph Norman echoes urgency: “I think it is go time.” (22:25)
4. The Democrats & Guest Politics
- [12:39, 23:33] Noted that some Democrats invite guests (e.g., a detained ICE mother, or immigration-related figures) to the SOTU for political messaging.
- Johnson questions Ilhan Omar’s choices, hinting at ongoing investigations: “She may be one of them. I don’t know.” (12:39)
On Antics and Political Messaging:
- [23:33] “Look at what they've done ... the last State of the Union where they, the little boy with cancer, they sat on their hands, they didn't clap....” —Rep. Norman
5. The SAVE Act and Voter ID
- [13:09, 26:44] Johnson and Norman both argue that photo ID for voters is overwhelmingly popular and common sense.
- Johnson: “80% of the American public basically supports what the SAVE Act does.” (13:09)
- Normans implores leaders: “That’s what Americans do to get medicine. That’s what Americans do to get on an airplane. And the fact is Democrats don’t want verification of who you say you are.” (26:44)
- Both are frustrated at Republican reluctance to kill the filibuster to pass the law, calling out John Thune and Mike Johnson for lack of action.
6. Media Critique & Democrat Identity Politics
- [32:10] Bolling slams comments by Gavin Newsom as “racist,” suggesting condescension toward minority audiences.
- “Racism is a favorite hidden but not so hidden trait of the Democrat Party. Always has been.” (32:10)
- Critiques Democrats for “soft bigotry of lowered expectations” (see extended riff from 34:00–36:00).
On Political Optics and Boycotts:
- [43:17] “They don’t want to hear. They just want to... call it out because that’s what they do...Somehow these Democrats, they think protest looks like empty seats. It's not just political theater. It's disrespect....” —Bolling
7. Conservative Media & Growth
- [15:53, 29:40, 51:44] Bolling takes pride in the podcast’s rising popularity, cross-promotes “Eric Bolling: The Edge,” and spotlights Grant Cardone’s redemption story and business acumen.
8. Listener Feedback & Community Engagement
- [55:53–59:15] Listeners from across the country weigh in:
- Enthusiasm for Trump and Royce White
- Frustration with the GOP’s lack of spine
- Calls to kill the filibuster and pass the SAVE Act
- Veterans voicing outrage at any prospect of the LGBTQ flag taking precedence over the American flag.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On Democratic Boycotts:
“Somehow these Democrats, they think protest looks like empty seats. It's not just political theater. It's disrespect to the routine of America itself.” —Eric Bolling [43:17] -
On Iran:
“Iran is a menace...I, for one, can’t wait for the mullahs to be replaced by the people of Iran, take control of their country.” —Sen. Ron Johnson [11:07] -
On Voter ID Laws:
“Americans don’t want their legitimate vote canceled out by a fraudulent one.... I would prefer they start recognizing that reality and we ought to do it before the Democrats turn this nation into a one-party state very quickly.” —Sen. Ron Johnson [13:09] -
On Media & Race:
“Racism is a favorite hidden but not so hidden trait of the Democrat Party. Always has been ... That is the soft bigotry of lowered expectations.” —Eric Bolling [32:10, 36:00] -
On Republican Leadership:
“It’s a feeling I’m getting...the lack of conservative cojones coming out of John Thune.” —Eric Bolling [28:44] -
Wrap-up Listener Quote:
“If the GOP is so worried about the midterm turnout, maybe they ought to get off their mushy little spines and get out there and show the American people we know how to do it. We do it better and we get it done.” —Caller, “Guiding Light” [56:28]
Segment Timestamps
- Stock Market & News Opening: 02:47
- U.S. Hockey Gold, Cultural Commentary: 04:00
- State of the Union Democrat Boycotts: 05:53–09:46
- Ron Johnson on State of the Union & Iran: 06:51–12:59
- Norman on SOTU, Iran, and Democrat Antics: 20:58–24:30
- The SAVE Act & Filibuster Debate: 13:09–15:45, 26:44–29:18, 56:28–57:36
- Media Critique (Gavin Newsom, Race): 32:10–36:26
- Boycotts, Political Theater & Angel Moms Segment: 42:10–45:25
- Listener Calls & Community: 55:53–59:15
- Closing Thoughts, Trump-Endorsed GOP, Wrap: 49:02–51:44
Tone & Style Reflected
The episode maintains a conversational, decidedly opinionated tone, blending political analysis and media criticism with sarcastic humor and open calls for conservative activism. Bolling and his guests use passionate rhetoric, pointed critiques of both the Democratic Party and their own party’s less-assertive leaders, and direct engagement with their listener base.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode
This episode offers a comprehensive pre-State of the Union look from a conservative viewpoint, covering both political strategy and cultural flashpoints. Expect strong opinions, inside-the-beltway analysis with Johnson and Norman, and Bolling’s signature engagement with audience calls. The discussion on voter ID, Democrat strategy and optics, and U.S. foreign policy puts partisan conflict and the upcoming election front-and-center, while providing a window into grassroots conservative frustrations and hopes for a bolder party stance.