Ruthless Podcast Episode Summary: "Why Now? Joe Pardons Hunter"

Release Date: December 3, 2024 Hosts: Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook

Introduction

In this episode of the Ruthless Podcast, hosts Josh Holmes, Comfortably Smug, Michael Duncan, and John Ashbrook delve deep into the controversial decision by President Joe Biden to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Released amid a turbulent political climate, the episode dissects the implications of the pardon, the perceived hypocrisy within the Biden administration, and the broader ramifications for American institutions and the justice system.

Main Discussion: Hunter Biden's Pardon

a. Hypocrisy and Integrity of Biden

Josh Holmes opens the discussion by highlighting the perceived hypocrisy in President Biden’s actions. He criticizes Biden for previously asserting that the Department of Justice (DOJ) was not politicized, only to pardon his son Hunter after years of such statements.

"[00:00] Josh Holmes: ...by pardoning his son after years of saying, oh, the Department of Justice is not weaponized... It shows he doesn't believe in any of these institutions."

The hosts argue that this act undermines Biden's credibility and raises questions about his commitment to upholding the rule of law.

b. Comparison with Trump

Michael Duncan draws parallels between Biden's actions and former President Donald Trump's approach to political prosecutions. He emphasizes Biden's perceived lack of integrity compared to Trump, who he claims respects the law and maintains a stance against politicizing justice.

"[03:08] Michael Duncan: ...this is the same guy who told us that inflation was transitory... I would have expected nothing less."

John Ashbrook reinforces this sentiment by pointing out the disparities in how both presidents handle legal issues within their families.

"[04:08] John Ashbrook: ...Joe Biden, Hunter Biden example is like, here is a man who does the right thing."

c. Media Reactions

The hosts critique the media’s handling of the pardon, suggesting that outlets like Politico and Axios have manipulated narratives to favor Biden’s actions. They mock the media’s focus on the reaction rather than scrutinizing the decision itself.

"[28:28] Josh Holmes: They really are that lacking of self awareness..."

Comfortably Smug highlights the media’s bias and the tactical misrepresentation of Biden’s motives behind the pardon.

"[29:07] Comfortably Smug: ...they really are that lacking of self awareness and that much of partisans."

d. Implications on Rule of Law

The discussion underscores how the pardon erodes public trust in the justice system. The hosts argue that Biden’s actions signal a departure from established norms and institutional respect, feeding into a broader narrative of government overreach and corruption.

"[10:43] Michael Duncan: ...the Democrat protection racket does not stop with the mainstream media..."

Institutional Knowledge and the Deep State

a. Biden Administration's Control of DOJ

Comfortably Smug and John Ashbrook express concerns about the Biden administration’s influence over the DOJ and the broader bureaucracy. They argue that the Deep State, populated by career Democrats, poses a threat to effective governance and the rule of law.

"[24:27] Comfortably Smug: ...if the American people actually don't have faith in the administration of justice in this country problem."

b. Nomination of Cash Patel

The hosts discuss President Trump’s nomination of Cash Patel as FBI Director, portraying it as a strategic move to counter the entrenched Deep State. They laud Patel’s credentials and anticipate significant changes under his leadership.

"[53:37] Comfortably Smug: ...if simply by nominating somebody who scared the shit out of everybody..."

c. Career Staff's Reactions

There is notable concern about the morale and future of DOJ staffers amid political turmoil. The podcast critiques Attorney General Merrick Garland’s efforts to retain institutional knowledge, viewing it as a futile attempt to maintain the status quo.

"[49:37] Michael Duncan: ...if President Trump clear cuts that bureaucracy, we're going to continue to have the same problem."

Audience Engagement: Family Gatherings and Political Confrontation

Shifting gears, the podcast engages with listener comments about navigating political discussions during family gatherings, especially around Thanksgiving. Strategies include using humor, subtle cues, and psychological tactics to "own the libs" without overt confrontation.

"[44:25] John Ashbrook: It's incredible. I've been. I was reading them before we started..."

Notable Listener Strategies:

• Changing Ringtones to patriotic songs to signal underlying political sentiments.
• Using Humor such as performing a dance when notified by hidden texts.
• Psychological Warfare by implying political shifts without direct confrontation.

"[45:15] Josh Holmes: Now that's how you do it."

Additional Content

a. Art and Cultural Critique

The hosts explore a bizarre art sale where a banana taped to a wall, originally sold for $6.2 million, was subsequently eaten by the buyer. They critique the high art market as a facade for money laundering and cultural degradation.

"[59:07] Comfortably Smug: ...the ultimate FDU to these."

b. Merchandise and Listener Interaction

The podcast promotes its merchandise, including napkins and golf balls featuring the Ruthless logo. They emphasize humor and satire in their promotional strategies, encouraging listeners to engage and identify with the show's ethos.

"[63:12] John Ashbrook: We have sold, like, 10,000 packets of these napkins."

Conclusion: Implications and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate their disdain for the Biden administration's actions and the perceived corruption within governmental institutions. They express hope for future political shifts that will restore integrity and accountability in American governance.

"[66:05] Josh Holmes: ...we’re going to have to watch cuz the Deep state, how they, how they respond."

The episode concludes with a mix of political commentary and light-hearted banter, reinforcing the show's commitment to delivering unabashed conservative perspectives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Josh Holmes [00:00]: "Being like, well, I guess the Department of Justice was politicized... It shows he doesn't believe in any of these institutions."

• Michael Duncan [03:08]: "Because the Democrat Party is now empty... Lie after lie after lie from this administration."

• John Ashbrook [04:08]: "Joe Biden, Hunter Biden example is like, here is a man who does the right thing."

• Comfortably Smug [10:43]: "The Democrat protection racket does not stop with the mainstream media..."

• Josh Holmes [21:11]: "To me, it speaks so much to his selfishness..."

• Michael Duncan [37:06]: "They equate institutional knowledge with an understanding of the priorities of George Soros."

• Comfortably Smug [40:35]: "And Trump has repeatedly pledged to use his second term to investigate and prosecute members of the Biden family."

• John Ashbrook [52:03]: "They make our job so easy, dude."

• Josh Holmes [58:55]: "There isn't."

This episode of the Ruthless Podcast provides an unfiltered and critical examination of President Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden, interwoven with broader critiques of the current political landscape, media bias, and institutional integrity. The hosts blend serious political analysis with humor and audience interaction, maintaining an engaging and provocative discourse for their listeners.