Podcast Episode Summary

Ruthless Podcast – February 5, 2026

Episode: Why Democrats Hate Voter ID (SAVE ACT)
Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook
Guest: Byron Donalds

Main Theme

The episode focuses on the intense partisan debate over the SAVE Act—federal legislation aiming to impose voter ID and citizenship requirements for voting in federal elections. The hosts break down historical and current arguments around voter ID policies, analyze why Democrats oppose such measures, and reflect on conservative strategies to pass the bill. Special guest Congressman Byron Donalds joins for an extended interview on state politics, Florida governance, and his own political origins.

Episode Structure & Key Discussion Points

1. The SAVE Act and the Voter ID Debate

[01:55, 03:36, 06:00, 09:49, 12:23]

• Viral Focus: The SAVE Act, imposing voter ID and stricter voter registration requirements, has energized the right and triggered backlash from Democrats.
• Basic Principle: According to Josh Holmes, the demand is simple: to restore and bolster "election integrity" after the controversies of 2020.

  "What it goes back to is just integrity of elections… But what's lost in all of it is discussion about what is basically just true and right to do with elections.” – Josh Holmes [01:55]

• Democrat Opposition: The panel discusses why Democrats are so "vehemently" opposed to voter ID. Their consensus: Democrats want to "make it easier to cheat" and have profited from mass registration and lax standards.

  “It could be because they want to cheat. Democrats have cheated in elections for a very long time and they want to keep getting away with it.” – John Ashbrook [14:55]

• Polling Irony: Polls consistently show high support for voter ID across both parties—yet Democratic leaders still resist, allegedly contrary to their base's wishes.

  “71% of Democrats want voter ID and Democrats are like, ‘no, it’s racist.’” – Michael Duncan [14:13]

2. History of Voter ID and Election Reforms

[07:01, 07:35, 08:57, 09:49, 10:12]

• Past Bipartisanship: The panel cites historical bipartisan commissions (e.g., the Carter-Baker Commission in 2005) as evidence that voter ID was once mainstream, not controversial.

  “Their number one thing: voter ID.” – Josh Holmes [09:49]

• Cynicism About Racial Excuses: The hosts forcefully reject claims that voter ID is discriminatory, pointing to polling of Black Americans who overwhelmingly support the idea.

  “Don’t let anyone gaslight you… You poll black people and it’s like 85% think there should be voter ID.” – Smug [09:51] “Yeah, like if you can’t get an id, probably shouldn’t vote anyway.” – Josh Holmes [10:12]

3. Mechanics of the SAVE Act and Critique of Democratic Process

[12:23, 13:45, 15:17, 16:03]

• Key Provisions: The SAVE Act proposes:
  • Photo ID requirement for voting
  • Proof of citizenship for registration
  • Federal mandates on states to clean voter rolls according to updated information
  • Does not ban mail-in voting, but seeks to ensure security and authenticity
• Process and Constitutionality: Some constitutional debate around federal involvement in state-run elections, but Holmes and others express confidence it will survive scrutiny.
• Legislative Journey: The bill passed the House but faces constitutional challenges and uncertain prospects in the Senate.

  “There’s an awful lot of unrest online…and misinformation…about what’s in this bill…” – Josh Holmes [16:03]

4. Conservative Skepticism—Online Discourse and Filibuster Debate

[25:50, 26:28, 28:27, 31:48, 33:29, 36:58]

• Right-Wing Infighting: The hosts vent about how online conservative influencers spread misleading theories or assign blame to GOP leadership, especially around process slowdowns.

  “Not all politics turns out like house of cards. There isn’t some secret malignant force that’s causing you all their problems. Sometimes it’s just the machinations of Congress.” – Michael Duncan [44:56]

• Filibuster Dilemma: Panel debates the wisdom of eliminating the Senate filibuster to pass the SAVE Act, raising concerns about Democrats doing the same to pass more radical agendas, and the potential for legal injunctions delaying implementation anyway.

  “If we can pass the SAVE Act, let’s go ahead and pass the SAVE Act. But it really feels like…on X, the SAVE act has become a stalking horse for just eliminating the filibuster.” – Michael Duncan [33:29]

5. Media Lies and the Importance of Debate

[16:26, 46:08, 48:48]

• Narrative Control: The hosts express disgust with the concept of “misinformation”—which, in their view, amounts to "lies" wielded by Democrats and mainstream media figures.

  “Can I just say I hate the term misinformation? They’re out and out lies. Just say lies.” – Smug [16:26]

• Desired Outcome: Either the SAVE Act passes, or Democrats are forced to explain their opposition over and over in public.

  “Either you pass the Save act or you make them own the truth. And the truth is they want people here illegally to vote.” – Josh Holmes [48:48]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Democrats and Voter ID:
  • “Why would it be that a Democratic Party would so vehemently object to showing a driver’s license when you vote?” – Josh Holmes [00:00, repeated at 01:55]
  • “It could be because they want to cheat.” – John Ashbrook [14:55]
• On Filibuster:
  • “There’s a lot of talk about the talking filibuster, a walking filibuster… all of it is the dumbest, dorkiest, stupid bullshit you will ever hear.” – Josh Holmes [26:47]
• On Public Support:
  • “Even 71% of Democrats favor photo ID to vote. It’s not really all that controversial… The American people are with Nicki Minaj, whether they are Republican or…Democrats.” – Josh Holmes [12:46]
• On Online Conspiracy Theories:
  • “This is not real. Like, none of this shit is real… You gotta be real careful about whether it’s SAVE Act or…Israel…people…proclaiming to know what it is that the fuck that they’re talking about.” – Josh Holmes [44:34]
• On the Long Fight:
  • “Honestly, I’ve spent 23 years being on the record on this. Google it.” – Josh Holmes [46:08]

Guest Interview — Byron Donalds (Next Governor of Florida?)

[66:14–87:36]

Background & Candidacy

• Donalds discusses his transition from Congress to running for Florida Governor, emphasizing stability, efficiency, keeping property taxes low, and reforming housing and insurance markets.

  “The number one thing you have to do, maintain the foundation that’s been laid in place. That’s critical.” – Byron Donalds [66:55]

Handling State Issues

• Focus on education, ensuring high school graduates are “economically viable,” able to go straight into the workforce.

  “When they walk across that stage…they’re economically viable.” – Byron Donalds [68:54]

COVID-19 & Campaigning

• Recalls fighting against local mask mandates, campaigning door-to-door during COVID, and the unique responses he got.

  “I would have to go into the city council meetings, county commission meetings in my position… and tell them they had no legal authority to issue mask mandates.” – Byron Donalds [72:25]

Political Origin Story

• Donalds explains he became “pissed off” watching clueless members of Congress during the 2008 financial crisis. Attended a Tea Party rally to see if media claims of racism were true—found people passionate about fiscal responsibility instead.

  “It was the financial collapse 2008…I was apolitical…Turned on House Financial Services…and just got pissed off because I’m watching these members who had no clue what the hell they were talking about.” – Byron Donalds [78:22]

Lightning Round (“Three Questions”)

[81:58–87:36]

1. Last Meal: 12 oz bone-in filet, Brussels sprouts with bacon, mac and cheese, and 14 year Balvenie scotch neat.
2. Alternate Career: Coaching basketball, especially youth sports, which he’s passionate about for the life lessons.
3. Motivation: Thrill of victory—“I love nothing more than going into enemy territory and taking the entire room over. Like, I revel in it.” – Byron Donalds [86:16]

Audience Participation and Show Culture

• Question of the Day: What would it take to get Democrats on board with voter ID?
  Hosts encourage witty, funny responses to be read on-air.

• Community Engagement:

  • Hosts read and react to listener comments—often using them as launching points for further conversation about social trends, politics, or nostalgia.

Fun Segment – Game: “King of the Hill”

[54:20–65:13]

• The hosts run their recurring “King of the Hill” Twitter cringe-off, featuring bombastic political tweets from Adam Kinzinger and Sherry Jacobus, riffing on extremism and online political culture.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:55] – Introduction to the SAVE Act debate
• [07:35] – Brief history: Jimmy Carter and James Baker support voter ID
• [09:49] – Carter-Baker recommendations: #1 is voter ID
• [12:46] – Polling: Voter ID has majority support among both parties
• [26:47] – Senate filibuster and legislative procedural talk
• [31:48] – Arguments against eliminating the filibuster
• [66:14] – Interview with Byron Donalds begins
• [78:22] – Donalds’ path into politics and the Tea Party
• [81:58] – Lightning round questions for Byron Donalds
• [87:36] – Hosts reflect on interview and wrap up episode

Overall Tone and Takeaways

• Tone: Blunt, irreverent, and combative, with humor, camaraderie, and expletive-laden candor.
• Takeaways: The Ruthless crew argues that voter ID is common sense with bipartisan public support, but Democrats persist in opposition for self-interested or dishonest reasons. They caution listeners to be skeptical of both mainstream and “influencer” narratives, emphasize classic conservative skepticism toward “easy” political solutions, and push for persistent debate on the issue rather than quick procedural fixes.

[This summary omits all advertisements, promos, and non-content banter as requested.]