Ruthless Podcast Summary: "Dems Spending Millions to Learn How to Talk To Men"

Episode Overview

Title: Dems Spending Millions to Learn How to Talk To Men
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug (Michael Duncan), and John Ashbrook
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Description: In this episode, the hosts delve into the Democratic Party's strategic efforts to reconnect with male voters. They analyze policy decisions, internal strategies, and media portrayals that have contributed to the perceived alienation of men within the Democratic base.

1. Introduction to the Democratic "Man Problem"

Josh Holmes opens the discussion by highlighting the Democratic Party's struggle to engage male voters. He asserts that the party's policies have inadvertently positioned men as adversaries, leading to a significant voter disconnect.

• Quote (00:00):
  Unknown Speaker A: "Every single one of your policies is designed to hurt half this country, the men."

2. Analysis of the New York Times Article

The hosts examine a recent New York Times article titled "Six Months Later: Democrats are Still Searching for the Path Forward," which underscores the party's internal recognition of its declining support among men.

• Key Points:

  • Democratic strategists and donors have been convening in luxury hotels to devise strategies targeting male voters.
  • A substantial financial investment, reportedly around $20 million, has been allocated to understand and address the "man problem."

• Quote (05:19):
  Michael Duncan: "Believe all women. And what they do is simultaneously a couple of things. One, you made every generation of Americans think... feel guilty about it."

3. The Role of DEI and MeToo Movements

The conversation shifts to how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and the MeToo movement have unintentionally marginalized men, leading to policies that critics argue disadvantage them.

• Key Points:

  • DEI initiatives have predominantly been administered by women, often resulting in the exclusion or demonization of men in the workplace.
  • The MeToo movement, while addressing legitimate issues, has been critiqued for fostering an environment where men feel universally guilty or under suspicion.

• Quote (13:50):
  Unknown Speaker A: "If you tell half the country that you think they want to vote for you."

4. Critique of Democratic Media and Communication Strategies

The hosts criticize how mainstream media, particularly publications like the New York Times, serve as echo chambers for Democratic ideologies, often portraying policy solutions in ways that alienate men.

• Key Points:

  • Media outlets are accused of being "stenographers" for the Democratic Party, lacking genuine understanding or connection with male voters.
  • Efforts to study men's behavior and preferences are likened to anthropological studies of "zoo animals," suggesting a lack of authentic engagement.

• Quote (10:16):
  Michael Duncan: "PowerPoint like they are studying us like zoo animals. This is like an alien who came to Earth."

5. The "Shadow Cabinet" Proposal by Democrats

A significant portion of the episode critiques a Politico proposal where Democrats suggest creating a "shadow cabinet" to counteract President Trump's administration. The hosts mock the selection of candidates, highlighting perceived inadequacies and symbolic appointments.

• Key Points:

  • Names like Giselle Fetterman and Nikki Glaser are suggested for roles such as Secretary of Homeland Security and Small Business Administration Administrator, respectively.
  • The appointments are portrayed as disconnected from the actual needs and competencies required for these positions.

• Quote (38:42):
  Josh Holmes: "And it's like, well, we're going to... they're willing to go beyond their own biases."

6. Tax Cuts and Economic Policies

The discussion touches on President Trump's "big beautiful tax cut," with comments from figures like Elon Musk criticizing the bill for increasing the deficit. The hosts defend the tax cuts, arguing they stimulate economic growth.

• Key Points:

  • Republicans utilize reconciliation processes to pass tax and spending bills without the need for a supermajority.
  • The hosts challenge the legitimacy of deficit concerns, attributing them to Democratic narratives rather than factual economic data.

• Quote (64:43):
  Josh Holmes: "If you're a deficit hawk and you haven't mentioned that component, like you, you're not a serious person."

7. Media Bias and Polarization

A segment of the episode criticizes journalists like Scott Pelley and Jonathan Capehart for perceived biases against conservatives, arguing that this undermines objective journalism.

• Key Points:

  • The hosts allege that prominent journalists engage in "lawfare" and biased reporting to discredit conservative figures.
  • Instances of reported conflicts and resignations among journalists are used to illustrate media's partisanship.

• Quote (73:14):
  Josh Holmes: "It's like a Norm MacDonald joke. But the whole thing... it's pre baked into the nomination itself."

8. The Impact of Democrat Policies on Men’s Perceptions

The hosts argue that Democratic policies and societal movements have fundamentally altered how men perceive their roles and value in American society, leading to widespread disenfranchisement and silence.

• Key Points:

  • Young men have been socialized to feel guilty and marginalized due to movements like MeToo and DEI.
  • The cumulative effect of these policies has led to increased support for Republican candidates among men.

• Quote (25:34):
  Josh Holmes: "How the fuck would anybody ever vote for that party? Like, you don't matter on your own merits."

9. Conclusions and Final Thoughts

In concluding the episode, the hosts reaffirm their belief that Democratic strategies to engage men are fundamentally flawed and unlikely to succeed despite significant financial investments. They emphasize the importance of policies that universally benefit voters rather than siloing specific groups.

• Key Points:

  • The Democratic Party's focus on specific identity groups has backfired, leading to broader voter alienation.
  • Authentic engagement with men, understanding their genuine concerns and contributions, is deemed essential for political success.

• Quote (36:28):
  Unknown Speaker C: "That's the right conclusion."

Key Takeaways

• Democrats’ Financial Commitment: The Democratic Party is investing millions to understand and appeal to male voters, recognizing a significant decline in support.
• Policy Alienation: Movements like DEI and MeToo, while addressing important social issues, have inadvertently alienated men, leading to broader voter disenfranchisement.
• Media Complicity: Mainstream media outlets are critiqued for reinforcing Democratic narratives and failing to authentically engage with male audiences.
• Shadow Cabinet Mockery: Democratic proposals for a shadow cabinet are mocked for their perceived incompetence and symbolic placements.
• Economic Policy Debate: The hosts defend Republican economic policies, particularly tax cuts, against Democratic criticisms of increasing deficits.
• Journalistic Bias: Prominent journalists are accused of partisanship, undermining objective reporting and contributing to political polarization.

Note: This summary captures the essence of the "Ruthless Podcast" episode "Dems Spending Millions to Learn How to Talk To Men," focusing on the critical analysis and discussions among the hosts. For a comprehensive understanding and to hear the nuanced points and additional humor, listening to the full episode is recommended.