Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Gov. Abbott Explains How This Will End for Texas Democrats"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Ruthless Podcast
• Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
• Episode: Gov. Abbott Explains How This Will End for Texas Democrats
• Release Date: August 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook dive deep into the political turmoil unfolding in Texas. The focal point of the discussion is an exclusive interview with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who addresses the ongoing conflict with Texas Democrats over redistricting and the recent catastrophic floods in the state.

Governor Greg Abbott's Interview

Breaking Quorum and Accountability

Governor Abbott opens the discussion by condemning Texas Democrats for their unprecedented move to break quorum, effectively abandoning their legislative duties.

“If the average worker in the state of Texas did not show up to do their job, they would be fired. And yet these Democrats think they can break quorum...” ([00:00])

Impact on Flood Relief and Redistricting

Abbott emphasizes the dual focus of the special legislative session: redistricting and flood relief. The governor criticizes Democrats for fleeing Texas during a time of crisis, hindering essential recovery efforts.

“We are dealing with the travesty of the deadliest flood in the history of the state of Texas. And we have agenda items on this special session... These Democrats are going to be losing their job because they failed to show up...” ([09:03])

Legal Actions Against Absent Democrats

Abbott reveals legal strategies aimed at holding these absent Democrats accountable, including filing a lawsuit to remove legislators who have abandoned their posts.

“I filed a lawsuit in the Texas Supreme Court seeking the removal of the leader of this group of Democrats who have fled...” ([12:53])

Promises of Republican Gains

Looking ahead, Abbott projects that the Republican Party may gain additional congressional seats if Democrats continue their pattern of absenteeism.

“...we may make it six or seven or eight new seats we're going to be adding on the Republican side.” ([11:15])

Discussion on Gerrymandering in Blue States

The hosts transition to a broader discussion on gerrymandering, comparing the tactics of Texas Democrats to those employed in traditionally blue states like Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, and California.

“...Democrats have been getting away with everything there forever... Now Americans have realized how gerrymandered all these blue states are.” ([08:24])

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes: “It's like they did study abroad in a non extradition country so they could learn how to gerrymander better.” ([07:32])
• Greg Abbott: “The worst examples of gerrymandering are Democrat states... Americans have realized that.” ([09:03])

Listener Engagement and Boomer Shirts

In response to listener comments, the hosts introduce a special merchandise segment celebrating the Boomer generation. They encourage listeners to purchase themed shirts as a gesture of appreciation.

“We have a new shirt. Thank a Boomer in the Ruthless podcast store... you can go to store.Ruthlesspodcast.com, buy that shirt...” ([03:08])

Notable Quotes:

• John Ashbrook: “Buy the shirt, start a conversation.” ([03:56])
• Michael Duncan: “They deserve our gratitude, honestly. They deserve a holiday.” ([03:40])

Football Segment: Playful Rivalries

The podcast features a light-hearted exchange about college football, specifically Texas vs. Ohio State, highlighting the competitive spirit of the hosts.

John Ashbrook: “I think Texas has probably the best defense of all college football...” ([14:19])

Guest Appearance: Kevin Burkhart from Fox Sports

A special guest, Kevin Burkhart, joins to rib co-host John Ashbrook about his unwavering support for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Michael Duncan: “Bengals are gonna have to let their playing speak for them...” ([43:36])

Comments on Media Figures: Jimmy Kimmel and The View

The hosts engage with listener comments critiquing media personalities like Jimmy Kimmel and The View, discussing their perceived shifts towards liberal stances.

Comfortably Smug: “Jimmy Kimmel will be the next domino to fall...” ([38:09])

Notable Quotes:

• John Ashbrook: “He's the biggest woke skull.” ([38:43])
• Josh Holmes: “He wasn't gonna be pressed. They don't actually care about what's right or fair...” ([17:35])

Colonization Discussion: Ideological Vacuity

A heated segment delves into the concept of colonization, critiquing the left's usage of the term without historical context. The hosts argue that the left's aversion to the word reflects a lack of substantive ideology.

John Ashbrook: “It reveals how vacant all of their ideology is...” ([46:08])

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Holmes: “Colonization, that's negative. We know that...” ([45:33])
• Comfortably Smug: “Republicans are like, hey, maybe you shouldn't have to pay as much in taxes...” ([46:55])

Biden-Harris Book Deals and Team Conflicts

The discussion shifts to the Biden-Harris administration, highlighting tensions and upcoming book deals aimed at political leveraging.

Michael Duncan: “A $10 million book deal for a book that is going to go unread...” ([50:06])

Notable Quotes:

• John Ashbrook: “He is going to stop doing deals with his son, with China...” ([52:15])

Animal News: Blue Wild Pigs in California

The podcast addresses alarming reports about wild pigs in California developing bright blue skin due to pesticide exposure. The hosts express both concern and a dark sense of humor about the situation.

Michael Duncan: “They cut open some wild pigs... their skin is... neon blue...” ([54:30])

Notable Quotes:

• John Ashbrook: “I call that Avatar blue.” ([54:32])
• Michael Duncan: “Calls them straight up terrifying.” ([54:30])

Drunk at Airport: Viral Incident

A viral video of a man driving an airport cart through a moving walkway sparks discussion on passenger frustrations and media coverage.

Josh Holmes: “Nobody knows his side of the story.” ([60:27])

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Duncan: “There are programs that are stood up absolutely exclusively for the unique challenges...” ([24:02])

China News: Stress and Pacifiers

Briefly touching on international news, the hosts mention a report about stressed adults in China using pacifiers, linking it to broader socio-political issues.

Michael Duncan: “He knows weakness when he sees it...” ([61:46])

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reiterate their commitment to holding Texas Democrats accountable and encourage listeners to engage with the content through comments and subscriptions.

Josh Holmes: “Texas Democrats. Are you going to see justice?... It has been an absolute pleasure here at the Ruthless Variety program.” ([62:39])

Closing Remarks:

• Michael Duncan: “Absolute banger of an episode...” ([63:04])
• Josh Holmes: “Stay ruthless.” ([63:17])

Notable Quotes Summary

• Governor Abbott: “Their voters are not going to look kindly upon them for this...” ([00:00])
• Michael Duncan: “Boomers are the greatest generation people want...” ([03:04])
• John Ashbrook: “It’s the hypocrisy, they are preserving democracy by denying democracy.” ([13:06])
• Josh Holmes: “Republicans are like, hey, maybe you shouldn't have to pay as much in taxes...” ([46:55])
• Comfortably Smug: “Stephen Colbert literally put two ridiculous, unexplainable Democrat held districts in front of JB Pritzker...” ([17:35])

Key Takeaways

1. Political Accountability: Governor Abbott is taking decisive legal actions against Texas Democrats who flee the state legislature, emphasizing the importance of accountability and duty.

2. Gerrymandering Concerns: The episode highlights widespread gerrymandering in blue states, drawing parallels to Texas and exposing partisan manipulation of congressional districts.

3. Generational Respect: The hosts express deep appreciation for the Boomer generation, promoting merchandise as a token of gratitude.

4. Media and Ideological Critique: There is a strong critique of media figures and their perceived shifts towards liberal ideologies, with a focus on maintaining conservative integrity.

5. Humor and Light-hearted Segments: Despite heavy political discussions, the podcast intersperses humor through segments like the football banter and animal news, maintaining an engaging and entertaining atmosphere.

6. Listener Interaction: The hosts actively engage with listener comments, fostering a community that shares their conservative viewpoints.

Note: This summary encapsulates the primary discussions, key points, and notable quotes from the podcast episode. For a comprehensive understanding and nuanced insights, listening to the full episode is recommended.