Ruthless Podcast — “Sedition or Stupidity? Why Are Democrats Defending Iran?”

Date: March 27, 2026
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
Guests: Julia Letlow (U.S. Rep. and Senate candidate, Louisiana), Lori Buckhout (Republican nominee, NC-1)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on Democrats' responses to recent Iran-related events, criticism of how left-leaning politicians and media handle propaganda from adversaries, and whether this behavior is “seditious or just stupid.” The first half is devoted to this discussion with notable clips and a lively takedown of Democratic messaging. The second hour features detailed interviews with two key GOP candidates: Julia Letlow (Louisiana Senate) and Lori Buckhout (NC-1).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Democrat Messaging on Iran: “Sedition or Stupidity?”

[03:14–25:40]

• Hosts’ Position: The group argues that Democrats have become so reflexively anti-Trump that they’re, in some cases, parroting Iranian propaganda during a time of U.S.–Iran conflict.
• Holmes’ Critique: The hosts lampoon Senators Chuck Schumer and Chris Van Hollen for hesitating to express support for U.S. efforts to degrade Iran’s military infrastructure.
  • “[Schumer] cannot even say ... that Iran not having weapons is good. ... He’s that terrified of his left wing base.” — Comfortably Smug [07:47]
• Propaganda Point: The group raises alarm at the “rate at which Democrats who are elected by American voters are adopting [Iranian] propaganda and spreading it” (Duncan [15:35]).
• Analogy: Contrast is drawn between bipartisan support for operations under Obama (e.g., Bin Laden raid) and current hyperpolarization.
  • “I remember when Bin Laden was knocked out during the Obama administration, and every single Republican was like, hell yeah, I'm glad that you got Osama bin Laden. ... Democrats were not praising Trump [for killing Soleimani].” — Michael Duncan [15:40]
• Media’s Role: Hosts accuse mainstream outlets (CNN, NYT) and former officials like John Brennan of echoing adversaries’ talking points for political gain.

Notable Quote:

• “You go on TV and you're saying you're gonna take Iran's word over the President of the United States. Seditious. It's seditious. And that's where we've reached with this Democratic Party.” — Josh Holmes [22:29]

2. In-depth Critique: “Absolute Idiots” or Calculated Cowardice?

[04:51–14:37]

• Hosts play clips of Democratic leaders “pretzeling themselves” to avoid, in their view, supporting a Trump policy even if it’s in America’s interest.
• Analysis of clip featuring Schumer refusing to acknowledge the benefit of degrading Iranian military targets.
• Discussion on Democrats’ fear of being primaried by their left flank (AOC as boogeyman).
• “He [Schumer] just doesn’t even want to say what’s real.” — Michael Duncan [09:17]

3. Media and Former Intelligence Officials: Echo Chamber

[17:23–20:14]

• John Brennan (former CIA director) is singled out for media appearances, with hosts incredulous he’s “the last person you’d want in a position of authority” and now “undermining President Trump overseas.”
• The group points out the folly of trusting Iran’s word on negotiations or missiles, drawing on their history of anti-American action.
• “Why, if they're so credible about the facts on the ground, are we not supposed to believe them when they say they're going to eliminate our country, that we are the Great Satan?” — Michael Duncan [19:13]

4. Recurring Theme: Forgetting History, Spreading Disinformation

[20:37–24:58]

• Holmes references a 46-year timeline of Iranian attacks against Americans, slamming those who ignore this in pursuit of political arguments.
• “But they're banking on you being too f***ing stupid to realize that this is 46 years of history.” — Josh Holmes [23:28]

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Democrats’ Motivations:
  “The defining feature of the Democrats ... is they no longer have any core beliefs or any ideals. ... They define themselves as against Trump.” — Comfortably Smug [05:52]
• On Biden-era Partisanship:
  “We're not dealing with two different ways of solving the same problem. We're not talking about people operating in good faith on any issue. ... When you deal with things of war and peace, good and evil ... it’s the lowest form of American politics.” — Josh Holmes [24:20]
• Satirical Slogan:
  “America deserved 9/11.” — Sam, mocking DNC messaging drift [25:09]

Candidate Interview: Julia Letlow (Louisiana Senate)

[29:33–50:49]

Background & Motivation

• Personal Tragedy and Resilience: Letlow shares her transition from academia to politics after her husband (elected to Congress) died of COVID days before being sworn in.
  • “When life knocks you down, you have a decision to make. Will you give up or will you get up and keep moving forward with faith and hope?” — Julia Letlow [35:06]

Campaign Philosophy

• “This is not my seat; it’s the people's seat. Every decision that you ever make needs to be at the forefront of your mind, that you represent the people, and you cannot forget that.” [37:14]
• Letlow defends her investment account practices, calling attacks from Cassidy “ludicrous” and explaining use of third-party management for transparency [39:28].

Policy Priorities

• Oil & Gas Deregulation: “We need to deregulate. ... I would continue that work.” [44:05]
• School Choice & Parents’ Rights: Authored the Parents Bill of Rights after witnessing education issues during COVID.

Lightning Round (“Three Questions”)

• Last Meal: Fried chicken, fried okra, mashed potatoes, sweet tea [47:13]
• Alternate Career: Meteorologist (“I'm obsessed over the weather”) [48:10]
• Motivation: “Thrill of victory. I'm a positive person.” [49:48]

Notable Quote

• “We witness our mom: when life knocks you down, you get back up and you keep moving forward.” — Julia Letlow [35:06]

Candidate Interview: Lori Buckhout (North Carolina-1)

[60:41–82:20]

Background

• Retired Army colonel; led cyber operations; daughter of WWII POW; multi-generational military family.
• Shares story of serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber, highlighting U.S. cyber warfare capabilities.

District & Opponent

• Takes aim at incumbent Don Davis—portrayed as a “full-time politician” who’s “done nothing to move the needle” for the district [63:40].
• “He's always there for a ribbon cutting and envelope opening ... Voted against the big beautiful bill.” [64:46]
• Zingers about Davis' Uber expenses and performative border visits [65:36].

Policy & Ground Game

• Emphasizes border security, economy, and support for “working families.”
• “I'm running because I'm sick of it ... went from crazy to absolute madness.” [73:00]
• Importance of building direct community relationships; a focus on agriculture, small business, and local economy.

Personal Ethos

• “Being in a position where you can serve really feels good. ... Maybe I'm kind of like a sheepdog.” [80:04]

Lightning Round

• Last Meal: North Carolina barbecue (chopped pork), collard greens, cornbread/corn sticks, coleslaw, bourbon [76:05]
• Alternate Career: Wanted to be a veterinarian; story about horse-assisted calf delivery ended the dream [78:11]
• Motivation: “Thrill of victory. ... I for damn sure hate to lose, but the thrill of victory—I like to win.” [80:04]

Hack Madness Update & Media Critique

[53:58–59:04]

• “Sweet 16” round of Ruthless’s “Hack Madness”—their satirical March Madness for notorious media, political, and online “hacks.”
• Debate over figures like Abby Phillip, Brian Stelter, Hasan Piker, Jennifer Welch, Mehdi Hassan.
• “Media attention economy has kind of moved away from the mainstream outlets ... more alternative media, real lunatics in the podcast space there, and they're sort of rising to the top.” — Sam [56:19]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |----------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 03:14–25:40 | Democrat messaging & Iranian propaganda discussion | | 29:33–50:49 | Julia Letlow interview (Louisiana Senate) | | 60:41–82:20 | Lori Buckhout interview (NC-1) | | 53:58–59:04 | Hack Madness tournament breakdown |

Tone & Style

• Sharp, irreverent, partisan: The hosts intermix serious critique with sarcasm, mockery, and inside jokes; the overall tone is that of political “roast.”
• Original Language: Frequent use of strong language, rhetorical flourish, and colloquial expressions.
• Notable Running Gags: Playful shots at left-leaning media; pop culture references; ritual “three questions” for candidates.

Conclusion

This “Ruthless” episode is an all-out, combative conservative critique of perceived Democrat failings on national security and foreign policy, blending sharp policy discussion, bitter criticism of political/media adversaries, and robust interviews with high-profile Republican candidates. Essential listening for those tracking 2026 cycle narratives—and a preview of campaign talking points on patriotism, American interests, and progressive “derangement.”