Podcast Summary: Ruthless Podcast – "Biden’s Most Outrageous Pardons"

Episode Information:

• Title: Biden’s Most Outrageous Pardons
• Release Date: December 19, 2024
• Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook
• Description: The Ruthless Podcast brings next-generation conservative talk to new heights, offering incisive and often humorous analyses of current events without holding back.

1. Overview

In this episode, the hosts delve into President Joe Biden's extensive use of pardons and commutations, particularly focusing on the controversial clemency actions that have sparked outrage among conservative circles. Beyond the main topic, the podcast features light-hearted banter about fantasy football, a listener question regarding drones, and an engaging game segment, all while maintaining a dynamic and entertaining flow.

2. Biden’s Pardons and Commutations

Michael Duncan initiates the discussion at 00:00, criticizing Biden's administration for issuing approximately 1,500 commutations and pardons. He argues that these actions are a "Trojan horse" designed to release some of the most problematic individuals from prison under the guise of addressing minor offenses related to COVID protocols.

Michael Duncan [00:00]: "Biden's letting them out. I mean, it's outrageous."

Josh Holmes concurs, emphasizing the need to scrutinize future implications as the administration continues its clemency spree.

Josh Holmes [06:40]: "President Biden made history last week when he commuted the sentences of nearly 1500 prisoners... It’s a big number."

The hosts compare Biden’s actions to those of previous presidents, highlighting that even under Barack Obama, the clemency count (1,927 individuals) was surpassed by Biden in his first term. Lee Smith and Comfortably Smug echo these sentiments, questioning the rationale behind releasing individuals involved in significant scandals, including Rita Crundwell’s $54 million embezzlement from Dixon, Illinois.

Lee Smith [10:25]: "That's roughly $180,000 a month."

They further discuss the moral and societal repercussions of these pardons, emphasizing the potential dangers of releasing corrupt individuals who have caused significant harm.

Michael Duncan [12:35]: "They abused the public trust, taken money, sent kids to prison who didn't deserve it... Biden's letting them out."

3. Fantasy Football Banter

Shifting gears, the hosts engage in a spirited discussion about their fantasy football leagues. Michael Duncan recounts his team's strong performance during the regular season but laments early playoff exits, a recurring frustration shared by many fantasy players.

Michael Duncan [02:25]: "I win the regular Season and I have the best team I got the regular season... But I lose in the first round."

Josh Holmes and Lee Smith join in, celebrating their playoff statuses and poking fun at Duncan's perennial misfortunes. This segment, filled with humor and camaraderie, provides a lighter counterbalance to the intense political discourse.

Lee Smith [02:30]: "I think it's more important to focus on fantasy football and Duncan's team's utter failure."

4. Listener Question: Drones and Media Distraction

At 23:54, the podcast transitions to address a listener's question about drones, speculating whether the increased focus on drone-related news is a deliberate distraction from more pressing issues.

Mark Wood's comment suggests that the media is amplifying the drone narrative to divert attention:

Mark Wood [23:54]: "The drone issue is to distract from something else that is going on... Proof of this is how much coverage the media is giving to it."

Michael Duncan builds on this idea, linking it to Biden's pardons and questioning the administration's priorities.

Michael Duncan [24:19]: "They're trying to bury all of the egregious cases with the number."

The hosts collectively agree, proposing that major issues like mass pardons are being overshadowed by less critical topics.

5. American Bridge and Democratic Strategy

Furthering the political analysis, the hosts critique the Democratic group American Bridge's plans to convene wealthy donors in Palm Beach, Florida, to strategize for upcoming elections. They question the effectiveness and sincerity of such gatherings, mocking the inclusion of conservative-turned-Democrat figures like Jennifer Rubin.

Michael Duncan [30:14]: "They are the largest effective ground game operation in the country to defend and advance the conservative movement."

Josh Holmes [32:58]: "Best of the business... This is a good game."

The discussion highlights a perceived disconnect between Democratic strategists and the broader voter base, suggesting internal fractures and ineffective approaches to rebuilding the party's influence.

6. Game Segment: King of the Hill

In an entertaining twist, the hosts introduce a game segment titled "King of the Hill." Characters like Jennifer Rubin and Ron Filipowski engage in a mock courtroom battle, critiquing political maneuvers and media narratives. This segment showcases the hosts' creativity and camaraderie, blending humor with sharp political commentary.

Lee Smith [42:18]: "I've actually had kind of like a long-running beef with John Harwood..."

Josh Holmes [41:31]: "John Harwood is a generally very amiable human being, easily gets along with everybody. I've never heard him more angry than he was."

7. Final Thoughts and Engagement

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts revisit the main topic of Biden's pardons, reiterating their concerns and encouraging listener participation through a "Price is Right"-style game. They invite listeners to guess the total number of pardons Biden will issue before the end of his term, offering exclusive merchandise as a prize.

Josh Holmes [65:03]: "We're Price is Right rules closest without going over. So until next time, Minions, keep the faith, hold the line and own the libs. We'll see you on Tuesday. Stay ruthless."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michael Duncan [00:00]: "Biden's letting them out. I mean, it's outrageous."
• Josh Holmes [06:40]: "President Biden made history last week when he commuted the sentences of nearly 1500 prisoners..."
• Lee Smith [10:25]: "That's roughly $180,000 a month."
• Mark Wood [23:54]: "The drone issue is to distract from something else that is going on..."
• Michael Duncan [24:19]: "They're trying to bury all of the egregious cases with the number."
• Josh Holmes [32:58]: "Best of the business... This is a good game."

Conclusion

This episode of the Ruthless Podcast offers a comprehensive and unfiltered exploration of President Biden's pardoning practices, dissecting the implications and comparing them to historical precedents. Interwoven with lively discussions on fantasy football and engaging listener interactions, the hosts deliver a balanced mix of serious political analysis and entertaining dialogue. For listeners seeking candid conservative perspectives on current events, this episode provides valuable insights wrapped in the show's signature humor and dynamism.