Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: Socialist Shocks New York: A New Dem Leader Emerges
Episode Details:
- Title: Ruthless Podcast
- Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
- Release Date: June 26, 2025
1. Introduction: The Decline of the Democratic Party
The episode opens with Josh Holmes lamenting what he perceives as the "death of a political party," likening the current state of the Democrats to "the political equivalent of a protest sign" (00:00). The hosts express concern over the Democratic Party's direction, suggesting it has transformed into an openly socialist entity.
Notable Quote:
"This is like the death of a political party. It's like basically the political equivalent of a protest sign." — Josh Holmes [00:00]
2. Trump's Foreign Policy Successes
The discussion shifts to President Trump's impactful foreign policy moves. The hosts highlight Trump's role in revitalizing NATO, pushing member countries to commit 5% of their GDP—a significant increase from the previous 2% (02:12). They also commend Trump's decisive action against Iran, particularly the Soleimani strike, portraying it as a demonstration of American strength and leadership on the global stage.
Notable Quotes:
"The Soleimani strike was just so telling of how his pragmatic view on foreign policy actually works." — John Ashbrook [07:34]
"He's not merely trolling the Ayatollah. He's putting other adversaries on notice." — John Ashbrook [51:25]
3. Emergence of a Socialist Leader in New York City
A significant portion of the episode critiques the recent Democratic primary in New York City, where a candidate with socialist leanings, Zoran Mamdani, emerged victorious over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The hosts draw alarming parallels between New York City's current trajectory and cities like Mogadishu, suggesting that Mamdani's policies could lead to severe societal decline.
Notable Quotes:
"There is no Democrat party. It's now openly a socialist party. And we've seen every socialist party across the world eventually just becomes a race to the bottom." — John Ashbrook [00:43]
"Abolish the New York Police Department... it could get so much like Mogadishu." — John Ashbrook [21:16]
4. Critique of Democratic Strategies and Policies
The hosts delve into the Democratic Party's shift towards progressive and socialist policies, criticizing their focus on ideological battles rather than practical solutions to improve Americans' lives. They argue that the Democrats have lost touch with the core issues that matter to voters, such as economic growth, job creation, and community improvement.
Notable Quotes:
"This is not about what helps you or what could make your burden a little easier, it's what you just said. It's like basically the political equivalent of a protest sign." — Josh Holmes [25:09]
"Chuck Schumer's like, you know what? I love it. I love that my city in the state in which I represent is going to become Disneyland for communists." — Michael Duncan [13:38]
5. Media Portrayal and Party Polarization
The discussion highlights the contrast in media portrayal of Republicans versus Democrats. While media often magnifies the most extreme Republican viewpoints, the hosts argue that the Democratic Party has fully embraced radical socialism without similar scrutiny.
Notable Quotes:
"I hate it when the mainstream media tries to paint conservative Americans... So I don't want to do that on the Democratic Party." — Josh Holmes [36:11]
"It's pretty much think of what that looks like. It's what it currently looks like. So it's not that different." — John Ashbrook [21:21]
6. Audience Interactions: Questions and Comments
The podcast incorporates listener comments addressing topics like Trump's handling of foreign policy and critiques of media narratives. One listener, Nico, praises Trump's decisive actions against Iran, contrasting them with perceived media exaggerations of his vulnerabilities.
Notable Quote:
"Bombing a nuclear site... has way different than a war or a proper conflict with them. If Trump is taking out the means to attack but not going out for regime change war. It's 100% America first." — Nico [48:14]
7. Capitol Hill Updates: The Big Beautiful Bill
Brent Gardner joins the hosts to provide updates on the "Big Beautiful Bill," a significant legislative effort aimed at economic growth, tax reform, and border security. Gardner emphasizes the grassroots support and the urgency among voters to pass the bill, highlighting recent voter mobilization efforts.
Notable Quotes:
"This is a chance where Republicans said, let's take a swath of the things that we can do and show Republicans can get it done." — Brent Gardner [69:48]
"We got a few that are still left out there... Speaker Johnson, Steve Scalise, John Thune—watch these key figures." — Brent Gardner [66:39]
8. Concluding Remarks and Future Outlook
The episode concludes with optimism about the Republican Party's ability to implement significant policy changes through the "Big Beautiful Bill." The hosts encourage listeners to stay engaged and support the ongoing legislative efforts to ensure economic stability and national security.
Notable Quotes:
"We're not in a position where we're bending our debt and deficit curve significantly here. We need to grow, and to do that, we need great tax policy to do it." — Brent Gardner [65:03]
"This is the first step in getting a conservative economy that grows... making America great again is actually happening." — Josh Holmes [09:37]
Conclusion: In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, the hosts critically examine the Democratic Party's shift towards socialism, celebrate President Trump's foreign policy achievements, and express concern over the emerging socialist leadership in New York City. Through incisive commentary and listener interactions, they advocate for a return to conservative principles focused on economic growth and national strength.
Timestamps:
- Introduction and Decline of Dems: [00:00] – [00:58]
- Trump's Foreign Policy: [02:12] – [08:28]
- NYC Mayoral Race: [27:32] – [33:32]
- Democratic Policies Critique: [34:38] – [43:46]
- Media and Polarization: [55:06] – [73:38]
- Capitol Hill Updates: [57:54] – [73:55]