Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary Title: What Is Really Behind The Democrats’ Civil War?
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook

1. Introduction: The Democratic Civil War

The episode kicks off with host Josh Holmes addressing the escalating tensions within the Democratic Party, likening it to a civil war. He underscores the fracturing between the House and Senate Democratic leaders, emphasizing that such internal strife is unprecedented.

Josh Holmes [00:00]: "This civil war is no joke. The tension between the House and the Senate is very real."

2. Key Players and Internal Conflicts

a. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Chuck Schumer

John Ashbrook highlights the direct confrontation between AOC and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, where progressive members openly call for Schumer to be ousted.

John Ashbrook [02:34]: "We've got basically a lot of Democrat House members asking AOC to primary Schumer straight up."

b. Kyrsten Sinema's Role

Michael Duncan brings up former Senator Kyrsten Sinema's shift in stance regarding the filibuster, portraying her as a pivotal yet conflicted figure within the party.

John Ashbrook [03:40]: "Kyrsten Sinema just showing... she's like waiting on the outside the ring with the steel chair."

c. Jasmine Crockett Emerges as a New Voice

The discussion transitions to Jasmine Crockett, a rising star in the Democratic ranks, who challenges party norms and leadership dynamics.

Jasmine Crockett [21:52]: "What your response to Senator Fetterman?"

3. The Media's Influence and Democrat's Struggle

The hosts critique legacy media's longstanding bias, arguing that it has contributed to the current fragmentation within the Democratic Party. Josh Holmes laments the media's control over information access, hindering independent voices.

Josh Holmes [00:00]: "The media is broken... providing voices and views that legacy outlets... will not air."

4. Interruptions: The Tale of Gus the Murder Donkey

In a detour, the podcast recounts a bizarre incident involving "Gus the Murder Donkey" at Maker's Mark. This story serves as a metaphor for misguided leadership and the chaos stemming from internal conflicts.

Josh Holmes [11:11]: "Gus the murder donkey is a sordid tale..."

5. Government Shutdown Predictions

The hosts delve into the possibility of a government shutdown orchestrated by Democrats to disrupt the Biden administration. They analyze listener comments predicting Democrats' strategies to pass a continuing resolution without substantial grounds.

Listener Comment (Lorinda Leach) [39:35]: "I bet the Dems will pass the CR because next week is spring break..."

6. Approval Ratings: A Stark Contrast

A significant segment highlights the contrasting approval ratings between Democrats and President Trump. Chuck Schumer's leadership is criticized for damaging the party's image, while Trump enjoys a historically high approval rate.

Josh Holmes [37:03]: "Trump's approval rating of 47%,... the highest ever."

7. Hack Madness Tournament: Holding the Media Accountable

Introducing their annual "Hack Madness" tournament, the hosts engage listeners in a bracket-style competition to identify and rank media critics they deem the most biased or ineffective.

John Ashbrook [27:29]: "It is the fifth annual Hack Madness tournament... vote for each game, each matchup of these 64 hacks."

8. Dem Journal: Distinguishing Journalists from Democrats

In the "Dem Journal" game, the hosts present statements purportedly from journalists and Democrats, challenging each other to identify the sources. This segment underscores their assertion that mainstream journalism is overly aligned with Democratic ideologies.

Michael Duncan [50:54]: "A true leader would use this as a moment to showcase why he should remain majority leader..."

9. Conclusion: A Rudderless Democratic Ship

Wrapping up, the hosts reiterate their view of the Democratic Party as directionless, plagued by internal conflicts, and unable to present a unified front against the Trump administration. They call for action from listeners to support Republican initiatives and challenge Democratic leadership.

Josh Holmes [37:56]: "They're in a rudderless ship... Is it Jasmine Crockett? I don't know."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Josh Holmes [00:00]: "This civil war is no joke. The tension between the House and the Senate is very real."
• John Ashbrook [02:34]: "We've got basically a lot of Democrat House members asking AOC to primary Schumer straight up."
• Michael Duncan [03:40]: "Kyrsten Sinema just showing... she's like waiting on the outside the ring with the steel chair."
• Josh Holmes [37:03]: "Trump's approval rating of 47%,... the highest ever."
• Josh Holmes [37:56]: "They're in a rudderless ship... Is it Jasmine Crockett? I don't know."

Key Takeaways

• Internal Strife: The Democratic Party is experiencing significant internal conflicts, with progressive members challenging longstanding leaders like Chuck Schumer.
• Media Bias: Legacy media's perceived bias against Republicans exacerbates Democratic disarray, limiting the party's ability to present cohesive narratives.
• Leadership Vacuum: Emerging figures like Jasmine Crockett are stepping into the fray, but the lack of clear leadership continues to weaken the party's structure.
• Approval Disparity: While Democrats grapple with low approval ratings, President Trump enjoys unprecedented support, highlighting the party's challenges in resonating with the electorate.
• Engagement Initiatives: Through segments like "Hack Madness" and "Dem Journal," the podcast actively involves listeners in their critique of media and Democratic politics.

This episode of the Ruthless Podcast offers a critical examination of the Democratic Party's internal challenges, the influence of media bias, and the broader implications for American politics. By dissecting specific conflicts, leadership struggles, and media dynamics, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive analysis of what they perceive as a weakening party undermined by its factions and external forces.