Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Democrats’ Money Problem: The Fall Of ActBlue"
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug (Michael Duncan), John Ashbrook
Overview
In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook delve into the crucial issue facing the Democratic Party: the potential collapse of ActBlue, a pivotal online fundraising platform. Released on March 11, 2025, the episode titled "Democrats’ Money Problem: The Fall Of ActBlue" provides an in-depth analysis of the internal turmoil within ActBlue, its implications for Democratic fundraising, and the broader political landscape influenced by Donald Trump's presidency.
The Fall of ActBlue
The discussion kicks off with Josh Holmes highlighting the significance of ActBlue's potential downfall:
Josh Holmes [00:00]: "The fall of ActBlue would send shockwaves through politics."
Michael Duncan echoes this sentiment, comparing the mass departures to "rats leaving a sinking ship":
Michael Duncan [00:04]: "Feels like when there's smoke, there's fire."
The hosts emphasize the irony of ActBlue's struggles occurring during Donald Trump's presidency, a period when Democratic fundraising through small-dollar donations typically peaks:
Josh Holmes [00:14]: "Especially because Donald Trump is president again. When do Democrats raise the most small dollar? Fundraising? When Donald Trump is there."
Impact on Democratic Fundraising and Politics
John Ashbrook provides context on the political maneuvers surrounding ActBlue, particularly the actions of Senator Dick Durbin:
John Ashbrook [00:24]: "Senator Durbin has a new scheme. A government takeover of your credit card... less competition and less security."
The hosts discuss the internal chaos within ActBlue, referencing a New York Times article and the resignation of seven senior officials:
Andy Barr [08:07]: "All at least seven senior officials have left the group, setting off deep concerns about its future."
They draw parallels between ActBlue and the Republican counterpart, WinRed, noting ActBlue's expansive role in Democratic fundraising:
Andy Barr [11:08]: "ActBlue is roughly like 5 or 6x what WinRed ever was... It's not just every Democratic candidate, but every 501c4 nonprofit and left-wing entity."
The discrepancy in fundraising efficiency is highlighted, with ActBlue managing to raise funds at a rate five to one compared to Republican efforts:
John Ashbrook [12:16]: "Everybody's been talking about it... something weird has happened."
The hosts express concerns over potential fraudulent activities, such as straw donations and unknown donor contributions, questioning ActBlue's security measures:
Andy Barr [31:24]: "There's something to suggest... maybe somewhere, some way this could have happened."
Listener Comments on President Trump's Speech
The episode features a segment where the hosts read and discuss listener comments related to President Trump's recent speech:
John Ambrose [34:02]: "Our message to every child in America is that you are perfect exactly the way God made you."
Josh Holmes [36:17]: "There's also this completely false line from the Democrats that Republicans are attacking trans children."
The comments emphasize positive messaging and countering negative narratives, aligning with the hosts' conservative perspectives.
Interview with Guest: Congressman Andy Barr
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to an interview with Congressman Andy Barr from Kentucky. The discussion covers:
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Bourbon Industry and Trade Policies:
Congressman Andy Barr [57:07]: "It's a new distill district called the Garrett County Distilling Company... the sweet corn-based Kentucky bourbon matches perfectly with the spicy Indian palate." -
Foreign Affairs and Commerce:
Barr discusses the Trump administration's successful negotiation to regain control over the Panama Canal, highlighting the $23 billion deal facilitated by leveraging American dominance:
Andy Barr [38:25]: "The Panama Canal was something Jimmy Carter signed over for a dollar... President Trump is like, no, this belongs to America." -
Local Politics and Authentic Representation:
Barr shares anecdotes illustrating his commitment to representing Kentucky authentically, resisting partisan labels:
Congressman Andy Barr [76:22]: "I am an Andy Barr Republican. My voting record is my own, and it's transparent." -
Opposition Research and Personal Integrity:
The hosts humorously address a piece of opposition research alleging Barr's past possession of a fake ID, which Barr acknowledges with levity:
Andy Barr [73:37]: "Guilty as charged... I was researching."
Barr emphasizes the importance of loyalty to Donald Trump and the "America First" agenda, asserting his role in advocating for key Kentucky industries:
Congressman Andy Barr [77:37]: "I'm for Kentucky, the horse industry, auto manufacturing, the coal industry... I am all about Kentucky."
Other Segments
Beyond the main discussion and interview, the hosts explore varied topics to provide a "ruthless variety":
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Air Travel Incident:
A humorous recounting of a Southwest flight interruption caused by a passenger stripping naked, highlighting perceived declines in air travel standards:
Andy Barr [47:17]: "Can anyone guess the airline? Yeah. Can anybody get zero?" -
Scientific Advances:
The conversation shifts to the creation of "woolly mice" with woolly mammoth DNA, blending scientific progress with satire:
Michael Duncan [51:36]: "They're working towards bringing back the woolly mammoth, which I fully support." -
Merchandise Promotion:
The hosts introduce their exclusive Ruthless Variety Program golf gear, "Gaza Riviera," blending self-promotion with humor:
Josh Holmes [19:07]: "If I see Donald Trump on a golf course and he's got some of this stuff, I'll just quit."
Conclusion
The episode "Democrats’ Money Problem: The Fall Of ActBlue" offers a comprehensive look at the challenges facing Democratic fundraising machinery amidst political contention and internal strife. Through expert analysis, engaging listener interactions, and insightful interviews, the Ruthless Podcast provides listeners with a robust understanding of the shifting political dynamics influenced by ActBlue's instability and Donald Trump's leadership. The variety of topics ensures a well-rounded discussion, appealing to those interested in conservative perspectives on current political and social issues.
Notable Quotes:
- Michael Duncan [00:04]: "Feels like when there's smoke, there's fire."
- Josh Holmes [00:14]: "Especially because Donald Trump is president again. When do Democrats raise the most small dollar? Fundraising? When Donald Trump is there."
- Andy Barr [08:07]: "All at least seven senior officials have left the group, setting off deep concerns about its future."
- Congressman Andy Barr [57:07]: "The sweet corn-based Kentucky bourbon matches perfectly with the spicy Indian palate."
- Andy Barr [73:37]: "Guilty as charged... I was researching."
This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and humorous interactions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.