Ruthless Podcast – Episode Summary

Podcast: Ruthless
Episode: Democrats’ NEXT LEVEL Crazy
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
Guest: Jason Miyares (Attorney General of Virginia)
Date: October 9, 2025

Overview

This episode delivers the trademark "variety progrum" atmosphere, blending sharp conservative critique, irreverent humor, and in-depth analysis of political controversies. The main theme is the escalation of what the hosts perceive as extreme, unhinged behaviors and rhetoric within the Democratic Party, illustrated through recent high-profile incidents involving Democratic politicians and candidates. The tone veers from biting sarcasm to moments of earnest concern, particularly in the interview with Jason Miyares about the stakes in Virginia’s attorney general race.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. "Next Level Crazy" in Democratic Politics

• Katie Porter’s Media Meltdown ([04:41]–[11:00]):

  • The hosts dissect Rep. Katie Porter's awkward interview, focusing on her dismissiveness towards Trump voters and her visible frustration with persistent questioning by a local reporter.
    • Quote: “There’s a level of darkness right beneath the surface. Like, you hear these stories that she burned her, like, husband’s scalp with mashed potatoes.” — (Smug, [00:13])
  • Porter’s handling of campaign math questions shows, according to the hosts, dangerous political arrogance and detachment.
    • Quote: "One of the most dangerous things a politician can do is start to play political quarterback in their own race." — Michael Duncan ([08:43])
  • The crew references allegations from divorce filings describing Porter's temper and episodes of domestic violence.

• Rhetoric on the Left: Antifa and Blame-Shifting ([14:29]–[16:40]):

  • Senators and media figures (e.g., Jeff Merkley, The View) are mocked for suggesting Trump somehow orchestrated or manufactured left-wing rioting.
    • Quote: "Now the logical conclusion is Donald Trump invented antifa." — Michael Duncan ([16:12])

• Escalating Political Violence and Normalization ([17:15]–[20:10]):

  • The panel notes an increase in left-wing tolerance for violent rhetoric and even acts of violence, suggesting Democratic leaders rarely distance themselves from extreme elements or incidents.
    • Quote: “We've seen candidates now that are openly expressing that they want to murder Republicans and see their children murdered in their mother's arms. That's all been normalized.” — Smug ([17:11])

2. Spotlight: Virginia Attorney General Race

a. The Jay Jones Controversy

• Jay Jones’ Violent Texts ([22:58]–[28:42]):

  • The Democratic candidate for Virginia AG, Jay Jones, sent messages wishing for the death of a political opponent’s children and comparing Republican colleagues to Hitler and Pol Pot.
    • Quote: “If those guys die before me, I will go to their funerals to piss on their graves... three people, two bullets... Gilbert gets two bullets to the head. Spoiler, put Gilbert in the crew with the two worst people you know. And he receives both bullets every time.” — Jay Jones, as read by John Ashbrook ([27:26])

• Democratic Leaders' Non-Response ([24:25]–[29:44]):

  • When pressed, Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner do not call on Jones to withdraw despite widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum.
    • Quote: “There is a candidate on the Democratic ticket who is wishing to kill the children of his political opponent... and he’s standing right by him.” — Josh Holmes ([24:51])
    • Quote: “I mean, it's only moral courage when you have something to lose. ...But, like, where's the Democrat you have on that panel where they have to answer for it? Nowhere.” — Michael Duncan ([29:29])

• Frustration With Broken Political Norms ([27:01], [42:38]):

  • The hosts lament the loss of bipartisan moral standards, comparing these events to how Republicans handled their own problematic candidates in the past.

b. Interview With Jason Miyares (Attorney General, VA)

• Personal Reactions to Jones’ Comments ([31:53]–[36:25]):

  • Miyares expresses his shock and grief as both a public servant and a colleague familiar with the people targeted by Jones’ rhetoric.
    • Quote: "When you've met with a mother that has lost their child to a violent crime, there is no cry like the cry of a mother that has lost a child." — Jason Miyares ([36:25])
  • Emphasizes how dangerous it is for someone with Jones’ apparent worldview to wield prosecutorial power.

• Character, Duty, & Real World Stakes ([37:45]–[41:08]):

  • Miyares discusses the essential impartiality expected of the AG role, contrasting his law enforcement philosophy against what Jones claims and admits fearing.
    • “Could we get justice with this guy as the lawman of Virginia? Of course not.” — Michael Duncan & Josh Holmes ([38:14]-[38:33])

• Broader Cultural Observations ([41:08]–[48:20]):

  • Miyares describes his immigrant family’s gratitude for the American system, warning about the dangers of excusing violence for political ends.
    • “We decided a long time ago we're going to settle our differences at the ballot box, not with bullets...” — Jason Miyares ([38:37])

• Policy Achievements & Obstacles ([49:41]–[52:00]):

  • Discusses his record on reducing crime through Operation Cease Fire and highlights Democratic legislators obstructing crime reduction efforts despite empirical success.

• Exposé of Jay Jones' Other Controversies ([53:19]–[56:41]):

  • Details on Jones' reckless driving incident and possible misuse of “community service” for personal political benefit.
    • Quote: "Half of which was for the NAACP, half of which was for his own PAC." — Jason Miyares ([55:10])

• Partisanship vs. Professionalism ([57:50]–[59:51]):

  • The office of Virginia’s Attorney General is described as fundamentally nonpartisan in daily responsibilities, despite political pressures.
  • Miyares stresses the need for presence, humility, and a victim-first mentality.

• Final Reflection: Calls for Decency ([61:06]–[62:34]):

  • Both hosts and guest frame the race as a crossroads for American civic values.
    • Quote: “If you want to make sure decency stays alive in our politics, even if you're not a Virginia voter... stanwithjason.com” — Jason Miyares ([61:45])
  • Miyares closes with a poignant reminder: “If you go to Arlington National Cemetery and you walk among those crosses and the Stars of Davids, there's not an R or a D next to anyone's name.”

3. Lighter Segments, Listener Interaction, and Signature Games

• "Top Three Craziest Democrats" Contest ([62:42]–[64:27]):
  • Inspired by the episode’s recurring theme, listeners are asked to submit their nominations for the three "craziest" Democrats and why.
• Listener Comments ([64:04]–[66:24]):
  • Read and riff on humorous suggestions for how to "handle" blue cities gone wrong.
  • Notable responses include turning cities into Hunger Games-style contests or closed-off "Escape from New York" zones.
• King of the Hill (Signature Twitter Game) ([66:36]–[73:55]):
  • Bill Kristol (Holmes' pick) defeats Adam Kinzinger (Smug's pick) with especially egregious anti-Trump/Democratic-Party-pushing tweets, showing Kristol’s transformation from conservative leader to left-flanking Democratic critic.
    • Quote: “He’s like, I want more!” – Josh Holmes on Kristol ([72:46])
  • Memorable Moment: “Number one goes to Kristol.” – Michael Duncan, judge ([71:33])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "This is somebody who is just character, integrity, what you want in not only law enforcement, but some kind of representation, whatever it is, does it for the right reason, has the right perspective. Guy gets it up and down." — Josh Holmes on Jason Miyares ([02:58])
• "She did block out the moon." — Josh Holmes, roasting Katie Porter’s Batman costume ([07:37])
• “We like to call her mashed potatoes and crazy.” — John Ashbrook ([10:18])
• “It's one thing to enforce laws and rules. It's another to do it gleefully and celebrate the suffering of someone born into poverty and desperation.” — Adam Kinzinger (quoted by Smug in King of the Hill, [71:36])
• “I have never found a difference of opinion in politics, philosophy or religion as cause to withdraw from a friend.” — Jason Miyares quoting Thomas Jefferson ([38:37])
• “If someone says who they are, believe them.” — Jason Miyares ([34:48])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Katie Porter meltdown and media segment: [04:41]–[13:58]
• Discussion on left-wing violence and rhetoric: [14:29]–[20:10]
• Jay Jones controversy, Dems’ non-response: [22:58]–[29:44]
• Interview with Jason Miyares: [31:13]–[61:06]
• Listener comments and “Top 3 Craziest Dems” prompt: [62:42]–[64:27]
• King of the Hill game: [66:36]–[73:55]

Episode Tone & Style

• Language: Direct, irreverent, often sarcastic; hosts use both humor and grave concern when warranted.
• Approach: Alternates between banter/mockery and genuine worry about deterioration of basic civic norms.
• Guest Interview: Earnest, respectful, providing context and urgency.

Takeaways for New Listeners

• This episode presents a conservative critique of perceived left-wing extremism, both in rhetoric and policy.
• The Virginia AG race featuring Jason Miyares is framed as a microcosm for national questions about political decency, violence, and partisanship.
• Through examples, the hosts argue that Democratic leaders are increasingly unwilling to police their own extremes, with potentially severe ramifications for American society.
• Listener engagement and satirical games provide comedic relief but circle back to the episode’s serious theme: the urgent need for standards and character in public life.