Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Cope And Seethe: The Libs Are Not Well"
Release Date: November 26, 2024
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan (Comfortably Smug), and John Ashbrook
Introduction
In the episode titled "Cope And Seethe: The Libs Are Not Well," the hosts of the Ruthless Podcast—Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook—delve into the increasing intolerance observed among liberals in the aftermath of recent political outcomes. As Thanksgiving approaches, the discussion centers around how political divisions are affecting personal relationships and broader societal interactions.
Liberal Intolerance and Political 'Cope'
Initial Discussion on Social Media Intolerance
The episode opens with Josh Holmes highlighting a growing trend of liberal intolerance. He references a story from Twitchy about a liberal individual who publicly boasted about cutting ties with an elderly neighbor who voted for Trump [00:00-00:15]. Michael Duncan sarcastically muses, “It could be a wonderful story of how life is bigger than politics... But no, no, no,” highlighting the opposite reality where personal relationships are being sacrificed over political differences [00:15-00:39].
Impact on Personal Relationships
John Ashbrook labels the situation as "unreal," emphasizing the severity of the situation where political affiliations are leading to the severing of familial and social bonds [00:39-00:40]. The hosts critique the left’s behavior as hypocritical, pointing out how actions contradict tolerant rhetoric [05:03-05:17].
Social Media Strategies: Mastodon, Threads, and Blue Sky
The conversation shifts to the migration of conservatives from platforms like Mastodon and Threads to Blue Sky. John Ashbrook recounts how users like David Santa Carlo are actively harassing liberals on Blue Sky by attacking their political beliefs with concrete evidence like electoral maps [14:37-16:53]. The hosts view this as a strategic move to continue combating liberal ideologies "where they are" [16:33-16:53].
Notable Quotes:
- Josh Holmes [00:00]: “Wait till you hear what the libs are up to. Just wait till you hear about it.”
- Michael Duncan [05:03]: “It's the live laugh love of the liberal left.”
Q&A Session: Preventing Democratic Sabotage
Listener Responses on Trump’s Strategies
The hosts read and analyze listener responses to their previous question about what Donald Trump should do to prevent Democratic sabotage reminiscent of the 2017 administration [17:57-25:14]. Sharon Penley's response advocates for enforcing the Presidential Records Act, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability [19:23-20:05].
Eric Johnson’s Insight
Eric Johnson suggests shining a light on governmental corruption and sabotage, urging the media and public to hold Democrats accountable through active measures like FOIA requests [20:05-21:51]. The hosts endorse these strategies, reinforcing the need for vigilance and proactive accountability [21:13-21:56].
Tad Schroeder’s Proposal
Tad Schroeder recommends legal actions to reclaim improperly allocated funds by Democratic consultants, urging the use of DOJ to audit and possibly reclaim these resources [22:08-23:52]. The hosts mock the bureaucratic inefficiency of Democrats while supporting aggressive measures to counteract their influence [23:52-24:22].
Notable Quotes:
- John Ashbrook [19:51]: “Members of Congress can put in a request for, like, specific departments and stuff to retain all records. None of it should be shredded.”
- Michael Duncan [22:23]: “It really is... Tammany Hall, like they never left.”
Mob Activity in Sicily: New York Post Report
Discussion on Organized Crime
A brief segment covers a New York Post article detailing a Mafia intimidation tactic in Sicily, where butchered animals were left on a business owner's property as a threat [25:16-28:30]. The hosts humorously exaggerate the severity of organized crime, connecting it to broader themes of intimidation and control [25:33-28:30].
Notable Quotes:
- John Ashbrook [25:33]: “It says so I can start right now.”
- Josh Holmes [27:40]: “Holy cat.”
In-Depth Interview: Mike Summers, CEO of API
Importance of Domestic Energy Production
Mike Summers discusses the critical role of domestic energy production in achieving American energy independence and national security [30:34-33:11]. He emphasizes how technological innovations like hydraulic fracturing have revolutionized the energy landscape, making the U.S. a net energy exporter [33:12-33:39].
Trump Administration’s Energy Policies
Summers highlights the Trump administration’s strategic appointments—Doug Burgum as Interior Secretary and Chris Wright leading the Energy Council—to advance energy policies that support domestic oil and gas industries [31:08-33:39]. He outlines a five-point roadmap aimed at securing American energy independence and reducing inflation [33:12-34:37].
Achievements and Future Plans
The discussion covers how the removal of the oil export ban in 2015 opened new markets for American energy, contributing to economic growth and foreign policy advantages [37:29-39:16]. Summers advocates for lifting current bans and supporting energy infrastructure projects like pipelines and high-powered transmission lines [48:30-50:09].
Critique of Previous Administrations
Summers criticizes prior policies that hampered energy sector growth, such as the Biden administration’s curtailment of oil leasing on federal lands [39:16-39:37]. He underscores the necessity of permitting bills that facilitate energy production to meet future demands [39:37-48:41].
Trade Associations and Advocacy
Josh Holmes lauds Summers for his effective advocacy and relationship-building skills within Washington’s trade association sphere [43:51-44:31]. He praises Summers as a pivotal figure in the energy industry, capable of bridging gaps between policy and industry needs [44:31-53:51].
Thanksgiving Traditions and Personal Insights
Summers shares his personal Thanksgiving traditions, including smoking a turkey and spending time with family, adding a relatable and human element to the discussion [44:42-51:19].
Notable Quotes:
- Mike Summers [31:17]: “Energy security is national security.”
- Josh Holmes [33:12]: “We do this better than anybody.”
Conclusion and Final Remarks
The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to subscribe, engage with their content, and participate in the community by sharing personal stories of liberal 'cope.' They reinforce the importance of their upcoming major episode on Thursday, promising strategic insights and comprehensive battle plans against liberal agendas [54:30-56:33].
Call to Action:
- Subscribe and Engage: The hosts urge listeners to like, subscribe, and check out their merchandise, including the specially mentioned napkins featuring a "Merry Christmas, America" design [02:12-03:16].
- Upcoming Episode Tease: They build anticipation for Thursday’s episode, promising a "horrific" look into liberal strategies and further discussions on energy independence [06:49-07:22].
Final Quotes:
- Josh Holmes [56:10]: “Happy Thanksgiving. We'll talk to you then.”
- John Ashbrook [56:33]: “Remember, you don't want to miss Thursday's episode. So like. And subscribe. Until next time, Minions. Keep the faith, hold the line, and own the libs. Stay ruthless.”
Key Takeaways:
- The episode critically examines liberal intolerance in social and familial contexts, especially during political divides.
- Emphasis on proactive media strategies and legal measures to counteract Democratic sabotage.
- In-depth analysis of the importance of domestic energy production and the Trump administration’s role in advancing energy independence.
- Personal anecdotes and humor interwoven with serious discussions on national security and economic policies.
Notable Moments with Timestamps:
- [00:00] Josh Holmes: “Wait till you hear what the libs are up to. Just wait till you hear about it.”
- [05:03] Michael Duncan: “It's the live laugh love of the liberal left.”
- [19:23] John Ashbrook: “Members of Congress can put in a request for, like, specific departments and stuff to retain all records. None of it should be shredded.”
- [31:17] Mike Summers: “Energy security is national security.”
- [56:10] Josh Holmes: “Happy Thanksgiving. We'll talk to you then.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the "Cope And Seethe: The Libs Are Not Well" episode, highlighting the hosts' perspectives on liberal intolerance, strategic responses to political challenges, and the pivotal role of energy policy in national security.