Ruthless Podcast - Episode Summary: "Biden Struggles As His Presidency Comes To An End" (January 7, 2025)

Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook

Overview

In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook critically examine the declining effectiveness of President Joe Biden's administration as his term nears its end. They delve into Biden's perceived incompetence, controversial actions, and the promising return of Donald Trump to the White House. The discussion also explores the strategic legislative agenda planned by the incoming Trump administration, emphasizing unity within the Republican Party and the challenges posed by media narratives. Additionally, the hosts share lighter moments discussing holiday traditions, providing a well-rounded and engaging episode for listeners.

1. Biden's Declining Presidency

The episode kicks off with a strong condemnation of President Joe Biden, highlighting his perceived lack of competence and leadership.

• Michael Duncan (00:00): "Everyone knows Joe Biden, dementia patient. Fewer Americans are familiar with Joe Biden. Complete and utterly asshole."

• Josh Holmes (00:28): "It's supposed to be like everyone's having a good time and relaxing and then he out of nowhere just goes off the handle."

The hosts argue that Biden is struggling to maintain relevance and manage his legacy as his presidency winds down.

• Michael Duncan (00:34): "This is Joe Biden's like, old man shouts at cloud moment to end his presidency where, like, he's so desperate for relevance and for some sort of legacy."

2. Critique of Biden's Symbolic Gestures

Biden's decision to award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to controversial figures like Hillary Clinton and George Soros is heavily criticized by the hosts.

• Michael Duncan (12:14): "He decided to award people like Hillary Clinton and George Soros... The Soros thing's hilarious because it's no shortage of why the American people lost patience with his administration."

• Josh Holmes (12:14): "It's like the Met Gala of all the..."

The hosts view these gestures as symptomatic of a flawed administration, pointing out the irony and inappropriateness of honoring political adversaries.

• Michael Duncan (14:32): "And the Soros thing's hilarious because ... he was like awarding him to people... So unlike Obama, who reciprocated, Biden did not reciprocate at all."

3. Transition to Trump Administration's Legislative Agenda

Anticipating Donald Trump's return to the White House, the hosts outline the ambitious legislative plans set to be undertaken by the incoming administration.

• Comfortably Smug (25:59): "We're gonna be live from Freedom Plaza on Inauguration Day, January 20th."

The proposed "mega MAGA" bill aims to overhaul key policy areas, including taxes, immigration, energy deregulation, and federal spending.

• Comfortably Smug (25:59): "The bill would use reconciliation process ... The most optimistic timeline for a mega bill passage is late spring, April or May, which really means June. It could even take until fall."

4. Strategies for Passing Legislation

The hosts discuss the strategic considerations behind passing a comprehensive bill versus splitting the agenda into multiple smaller bills.

• Josh Holmes (25:59): "It's gonna require ... Speaker Johnson was elected in the first vote as speaker ... we saw so many folks in the media and Democrats hoping they're like, oh, no, Republicans are divided. Nope, they didn't get their wish."

• Michael Duncan (30:58): "There's going to be a constituency for the border components here and there's going to be a constituency for the tax package... forcing everyone to not make perfect the enemy of the good by putting them all in the same thing..."

The consensus leans towards pushing a unified bill to harness momentum and facilitate smoother passage through Congress.

5. Leadership and Unity within the Republican Party

Highlighting the importance of cohesive leadership, the hosts praise the administrative efforts to minimize internal conflicts within the Republican ranks.

• John Ashbrook (39:46): "Susie Wiles has put out an edict to say that there is no drama on her watch, that she doesn't want people using that platform as a way to springboard themselves and their image and their character ahead of the President and his agenda."

• Comfortably Smug (43:08): "Susie's doing this as chief of staff. Put the blinders on like a racehorse. Look forward. You're just running for the finish line here..."

The emphasis is on maintaining unity and focus to effectively implement the Trump administration's agenda.

6. Managing Media and Internal Conflicts

The discussion underscores the necessity of avoiding public infighting to prevent derailing legislative efforts. The hosts advise lawmakers to handle disagreements internally and resist media provocations.

• Comfortably Smug (34:42): "...don't have those conversations externally right now... don’t lock yourself in to, 'Over my dead body.'"

• Comfortably Smug (35:48): "As a constituent ... the budget itself is just a framework and a vehicle in order to get all these other things done... which is why you voted for President Trump in the first place."

The strategy focuses on shielding the legislative process from media-driven conflicts to maintain momentum.

7. Lighthearted Segment: Christmas Tree Traditions

Breaking away from intense political discourse, the hosts share personal stories about taking down Christmas trees, adding a relatable and humorous touch to the episode.

• Josh Holmes (44:35): "I tossed the whole damn thing down. Interesting... she did it."

• John Ashbrook (47:08): "We cannot throw ornaments away...but as soon as Christmas is over, we take the tree down..."

These anecdotes provide a welcomed respite from the heavy political analysis, showcasing the hosts' personalities and camaraderie.

8. Concluding Remarks

The episode concludes with reflections on the discussions, promotions for upcoming live events, and encouragement for listener engagement through questions and merchandise.

• Josh Holmes (51:03): "Gentlemen, again, thank you so much to the Minions... Stay ruthless."

• Comfortably Smug (51:54): "Marketing is hard, but I'll tell you a little secret..."

The hosts reinforce their commitment to their political agenda while maintaining an engaging rapport with their audience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michael Duncan (00:00): "Everyone knows Joe Biden, dementia patient. Fewer Americans are familiar with Joe Biden. Complete and utterly asshole."

• Josh Holmes (00:28): "It's supposed to be like everyone's having a good time and relaxing and then he out of nowhere just goes off the handle."

• Michael Duncan (12:14): "He decided to award people like Hillary Clinton and George Soros... The Soros thing's hilarious because it's no shortage of why the American people lost patience with his administration."

• Comfortably Smug (25:59): "We're gonna be live from Freedom Plaza on Inauguration Day, January 20th."

• Michael Duncan (30:58): "There's going to be a constituency for the border components here and there's going to be a constituency for the tax package... forcing everyone to not make perfect the enemy of the good by putting them all in the same thing..."

• Comfortably Smug (34:42): "...don't have those conversations externally right now... don’t lock yourself in to, 'Over my dead body.'"

• John Ashbrook (39:46): "Susie Wiles has put out an edict to say that there is no drama on her watch, that she doesn't want people using that platform as a way to springboard themselves and their image and their character ahead of the President and his agenda."

• Josh Holmes (51:03): "Gentlemen, again, thank you so much to the Minions... Stay ruthless."

Conclusion

This episode of the Ruthless Podcast provides a comprehensive and incisive critique of President Biden's administration while setting an optimistic tone for the incoming Trump presidency. The hosts effectively balance sharp political analysis with relatable personal anecdotes, making the episode both informative and engaging for listeners. The emphasis on unity within the Republican Party and strategic legislative planning highlights the podcast's focus on pragmatic conservatism, appealing to its target audience of next-generation conservative thinkers.