Microlooting the Normalization of Crime plus The Reason behind the Comey Indicment

Summary

Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Microlooting, the Normalization of Crime & The Reason behind the Comey Indictment
Date: May 2, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson

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Overview

This episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson explores two major stories shaping America's political and social discourse:

1. The left’s alleged normalization and justification of looting, referred to as “microluting.”
2. The latest indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, diving into its context and implications.

Through pointed commentary, media analysis, and illustrative soundbites, Ben Ferguson and fellow contributors argue that these stories reflect broader crises regarding law, order, and political accountability under the current administration and progressive influence.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rise of “Microluting” and the Left’s Defense of Crime

Timestamps: 02:55–11:56

• Introduction to Microluting:
  Ferguson and a conservative commentator highlight a growing narrative among some progressive activists and media commentators, who purportedly justify “stealing small things from big corporations,” coining it “microluting.”

  • Quote:
    “Democrats are now justifying looting in this country. They're calling it micro looting and saying, well, big companies, they deserve to get things stolen from them.”
    —Ben Ferguson (02:55)

• Origins & Media Coverage:
  They reference a recent New York Times podcast episode and discuss progressive hosts advocating for the practice, likening it to radical actions against an unjust system.

  • Quote:
    “It's literally stealing from Whole Foods... talking, taking small things from big corporations and feeling justified.”
    —Conservative Commentator (03:30)

  • The discussion touches on the ideological roots of justifying crime, tying it to radical activism dating back to the 1960s and resurfacing after the 2020 protests and riots.

• Moral & Societal Implications:
  The segment warns that the normalization of this mindset is “undermining the moral order” and could eventually seep into broader public acceptance:

  • “The endorsement of casual anti-social behavior... represents a genuine current on the American left, a view that such conduct is permissible because it's really ‘the system’ that's unjust.” (04:14)

• Polling & Public Sentiment:
  The commentary cites polling suggesting most Americans reject these rationalizations but warns that the fact a minority supports them is “scary” (05:36).

• Escalation to Political Violence:
  Ferguson connects the justification of small-scale crimes to the alleged encouragement or defense of political violence, referencing the recent assassination attempts on President Trump and incendiary language by Democratic leaders and candidates.

  • Quote:
    “‘We take them to the mud and choke them out.’ That is your Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate... When they go low, we don’t go high. We take them to the mud and choke them out. We kill them.”
    —Conservative Commentator referencing a Democratic candidate (07:56)

  • Audio clips are played of Democrats and journalists using strong language against Trump.

• “Stochastic Terrorism” & Media Responsibility:
  The panel critiques what they call “stochastic terrorism”—the claim that dehumanizing language in politics and media can incite lone-wolf acts of violence.

  • Quote:
    “Terrorism. Experts call this stochastic terrorism, where somebody has been so demonized that it creates this heightened risk of lone wolf actors.” (09:52)

  • Ferguson satirically mocks the repeated media and political refrain, “Democracy is on the ballot,” to illustrate what he argues is manipulative rhetoric (09:31–09:52).

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2. James Comey’s Indictment: Causes and Consequences

Timestamps: 11:56–18:36

• Latest Charges Against Comey:
  Ferguson outlines how former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted for the second time, this time over a social media post:

  • Incident: In North Carolina, prosecutors allege Comey posted a photo of seashells spelling out “86 47”—interpreted as a coded threat (“86” meaning to get rid of/kill, “47” for the 47th president, Trump).
  • Quote:
    "Comey is now facing not one, but two felony counts, threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce." (11:58)

• Media Perspectives & Framing:

  • Fox News Coverage: The panel plays a news clip recapping the facts and law enforcement context (12:54–13:06).
  • CNN Coverage: Contrasting tone is noted as CNN focuses on the ongoing investigation into Russia collusion origins and portrays Comey’s defense that he is being singled out (14:27–15:14).

• Broader Repercussions: Russia Investigation Resurfaces:

  • Ferguson and contributors explain how this indictment coincides with renewed scrutiny over the origins of the 2016 Russia investigation (“Crossfire Hurricane”), implicating Comey and others:

    • Quote:
      “...the administration has reopened scrutiny into the origins of the Russia investigation launching what is effectively a new criminal probe into the investigators themselves.” (15:17)

  • They outline that beyond the threat charges, Comey faces separate inquiries regarding alleged abuse of investigative powers during the initial Russian election interference probe.

• The Stakes & Political Narrative:
  Ferguson frames the latest developments as signaling a broader reckoning for high-level officials from previous administrations.

  • Quote:
    “It does mean that the chickens actually, for once, may be coming home to roost." (18:32)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On radical justifications for looting:
  “Progressives defense of theft... is literally undermining the moral order in this country.”
  —Conservative Commentator (03:30)

• On the normalization of aggressive political rhetoric:
  “With all due respect, if they go low, we don't go high. We take them to the mud and choke them out.”
  —Democratic Candidate (07:37)

• On the dangers of political demonization:
  "Terrorism. Experts call this stochastic terrorism, where somebody has been so demonized that it creates this heightened risk of lone wolf actors."
  —Conservative Host (09:52)

• On Comey’s social media post:
  “Prosecutors argue that that phrase was a clear threat against President Donald Trump because 86 means to get rid of and Trump is the 47th president.”
  —Conservative Host (11:58)

• On the renewed Russia probe:
  "...launching was effectively a new criminal probe into the investigators themselves. That includes looking into figures... like former CIA Director John Brennan and, yes, James Comey."
  —Conservative Host (15:17)

---

Important Timestamps

• 02:55 – Introduction of topics: Microluting and Comey indictment
• 03:30–07:31 – Detailed discussion of microluting: media, ideology, cultural consequences
• 07:31–10:01 – Political violence, incitement, and examples of charged rhetoric
• 11:56–14:27 – James Comey indictment recap; Fox News and CNN media analyses
• 15:17 – The Russia investigation background and current status
• 18:36 – Episode wrap-up

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Tone & Delivery

The episode is delivered in Ben Ferguson’s signature direct and often pointed style. The atmosphere is urgent and critical, especially toward progressive philosophies, perceived media bias, and political adversaries. The language is unfiltered, with moments of sarcasm, especially when referencing media refrains or political slogans.

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For Listeners

This episode is geared toward listeners seeking:

• Conservative perspectives on current legal and cultural flashpoints
• Critical analysis of media narratives and political accountability
• In-depth exploration of the intersection between rising crime, political rhetoric, and justice system developments

While strongly opinionated, the discussion provides context for ongoing debates about crime, law enforcement, and the political climate as America heads toward another contentious election cycle.

Transcript

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[Ben Ferguson]

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Wasn't that delicious?

[Conservative Host]

So good.

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Rock, paper scissors.

[Ben Ferguson]

Shoot.

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[News Correspondent]

We don't like it. We don't like a pope that's going to say that it's okay to have a nuclear weapon. We don't want a pope that says crime is okay in our cities. I don't like it. I'm not a big fan of Pope Leo. He's a very liberal person and he's a man that doesn't believe in stopping crime.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

[Conservative Host]

Good Saturday morning. Nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. And we've got two big stories for you. First up, Democrats are now justifying looting in this country. They're calling it micro looting and saying, well, big companies, they deserve to get things stolen from them. So what does this mean for the. Well, complete breakdown of the law. We'll explain it. Also, James Comey, he's been indicted yet again. What's behind the latest indictment and what does this mean for him? We'll explain it all. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

[Ben Ferguson]

Story number one.

[Conservative Commentator]

I want to also bring up another really important story. You talk about the demise of civility in this country. It's not just the assassination attempts on President Donald Trump. We now have people advocating on the left for what they describe as micro looting. It is the progressives defense of theft. And it's literally undermining the moral order in this country. If you're wondering what the hot new trend is among Brooklyn progressives, and it's now gone viral. It's literally stealing from Whole Foods. That according to a recent episode of the Opinions. It's a New York Times podcast. This podcast, they go into microluting, talking, taking small things from big corporations and feeling justified. The full half hour discussion is something the late Tom Wolf could have written as satire. One of the hosts, who resides in a 2.7 million West Hollywood mansion, and another one of the hosts, whose family is sufficiently well off to run an alleged human trafficking ring, present themselves as stalwart defenders of the poor and the downtrodden, engaged in radical actions against a violent system. You notice the same keywords they use against President Trump, piker. One of the hosts endorses stealing not just from Whole Foods but also from other stores. Tolentino says the other hosts blowing up pipelines is probably moral. Another host does a lot of giggling, of course, in the process. It's unlikely that microlitting has much currency outside the circles in which these Individuals run more broadly. However, the endorsement of casual anti social behavior, the City Journal writes, represents a genuine current on the American left, a view that such conduct is permissible because it's really quote, unquote, the system that's unjust. So therefore you're justified in looting. That idea is likely to gain greater acceptance. We've seen it with flash mob looting of grocery stores and of course malls. It's worth saying clearly why it's wrong and the fact that we're even having to do it now is even more shocking. But the radicals say, no, no, no, this is appropriate. In fact, they say it goes back to the 60s and the defensive looting and violence during 2020, including NPR. Their interview with the author of a book called In Defensive Looting shows you how far the propaganda has come. One of the hosts invoked that looting around the 2020 protest, which was, she says, such a huge talking point is made people so uncomfortable. And I'm curious, what do you think the root of that is? The idea that opposition alluding is confusing or in need of serious investigation is not only ridiculous, but it's also alarming. The City Journal writes, people dislike looting because they would rather their stuff wasn't taken, especially by force. There's no deeper there there yet. Many on the left and the fringe believe that Americans have a barely suppressed taste for crime. Piker, for example, implies that many regard the murder of the UnitedHealth CEO. Yes, you can kill anybody you don't like. That's the left's mantra now. Brian Thompson was justified. More than 4, 5. More than 4 in 5 actually do not see it that way is what the polling data shows. But it's scary that 1 out of every 5 or 1 out of every 4 to 5 believe that you can kill the CEO of a company because you don't like them. This is the Democratic Party. This is what they believe. So whether it is this or let's just go back to they tried to kill President Trump hours ago. And Democrats are out there saying this, that the fight oligarchy rally. Yes. This is after, I want to be clear, the President's third assassination attempt. Here they are in their own words.

[Democratic Candidate]

We need Democrats who have the courage to stand up to the power brokers in our own party, let alone Trump and his goons. We don't back down. We don't back down. We don't back down. With all due respect, if they go low, we don't go high. We take them to the mud and choke them out.

[Conservative Commentator]

We take them to the mud and we Choke them out. That is your Democratic candidate for the U.S. senate in Michigan, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. When they go low, we don't go high. We take them to the mud and choke them out. We kill them. So whether it's Barack Obama claiming we don't know, the White House correspondent Senator Gummons motives, despite having a manifesto raving against Donald Trump, this is how they will try to rewrite everything. You think that's the only one. Governor Roy Cooper, Democrat, North Carolina. Remember what he had to say at a Biden rally?

[News Correspondent]

We are not going to let him because the position is already filled. We know that Donald Trump is an existential threat to our democracy and our nation and we have to stop him. We are not.

[Conservative Commentator]

We have to stop him. Donald Trump is an existential threat to our democracy and our nation. We have to stop him. Translation, go kill him. You had a room full of journalists that watched a radicalized member of their own audience act literally on their reporting. That is what we witnessed at the White House Correspondents Dinner. And what do they have to say? Oh, well, never forget what they put on TV for a very long time.

[Ben Ferguson]

Sarcastic terrorism is right. When a leader uses language that is more likely than not to radicalize.

Democracy is on the ballot still. Democracy is on the ballot.

[Political Commentator]

Democracy is on the ballot.

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[Ben Ferguson]

Democracy is literally on the ball. The ballot.

[Political Commentator]

Democracy is on the ballot for this election.

[Ben Ferguson]

Vice President Harris has made very clear that democracy is on the ballot here. Democracy, of course, is, as the president likes to say, on the ballot.

[Conservative Host]

Terrorism. Experts call this stochastic terrorism, where somebody has been so demonized that it creates this heightened risk of lone wolf actors.

[Political Commentator]

Donald Trump is turning this nation into Nazi Germany.

[Conservative Commentator]

You don't have a president, as you

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said, talking about exterminating Latinos.

[Ben Ferguson]

A reelection of Donald Trump could mean the end of democracy. This would be the end of America.

[Political Commentator]

An actual Trump led wannabe empire is

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the end of democracy.

[Ben Ferguson]

Sarcastic terrorism is a way of using language that is clearly meant to incite some percentage of the people listening for a violent purpose.

[Political Commentator]

What does that potentially do for unbalanced people out there? He is destructive to our democracy and he has to be eliminated.

[Conservative Commentator]

He has to be eliminated. That was a sitting member of Congress who said that. And then you have a room full of journalists who are there when one of the radicals that they created gave them the fuel, the ammunition. A guy who attended the no Kings protest in California, a guy who gave to Kamala Harris's campaign. This is who they are. They radicalized the people that killed Charlie Kirk. They radicalized the people that are trying to kill Nick Shirley. Nick Shirley went on TV exposing this, saying, I've had death threats. One of them was specific about the date. It's supposed to be coming up soon. The date they said they'd kill me. Last time I was in California, people were trying to dox my location live. So why did they go after Donald Trump? Because the leftist violence has been created by them. How do we get rid of looting? By justifying the looting, changing the name to saying that it's normal to steal from stores that have money. And what did the president do? He tried to bring the American people back together. While ABC News and their fake White House correspondent speech, Jimmy Kimmel actually jokes about Trump's assassin. And the room laughs. That is the media.

[Ben Ferguson]

Next story number two.

[Conservative Host]

Former FBI Director James Comey has now been indicted by a federal grand jury for the second time in what is becoming one of the most politically charged legal battles in recent memory. Now, this latest indictment was handed down in North Carolina, and it centers around a 2025 social media post, a photo Comey shared showing seashells arranged to read 86, 47 Prosecutors argue that phrase was a Now, prosecutors argue that that phrase was a clear threat against President Donald Trump because 86 means to get rid of and Trump is the 47th president. According to the U.S. department of Justice. Comey is now facing not one, but two felony counts, threatening the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce. Here's how it was announced on Fox

[News Correspondent]

News has indicted former FBI Director James Comey for a second time. Justice correspondent David Spunt's got the story. He's here in Washington. Hey, David. They're going to go at it again, John.

[Political Commentator]

They're going at it again. Not even a year after they went at it after the first time. We're told this via several law enforcement sources. We're told this is related to an Instagram post from the former FBI director last year when he posted on the beach, you may remember there was a formation of shells that said 8647 that were in that pairing of 8647. And he said something along the lines of, isn't this a curious formation that I just found while walking on the beach? Well, critics to that post immediately pointed out that 86, at least in the restaurant world, means to get rid of or to kill something from a menu, 47 meaning the 47th president of the United States. So Comey did speak with the Secret Service did speak with federal investigators at the time. He was interviewed last spring or early last summer. Shortly after that happened. No charges were ever filed. But now it appears that he has been indicted. Today we're working to learn more about the indictment. We're waiting to see if officials have anything to say on this. That is the post that you see right there. Cool shell formation on my beach walk from former director.

[Conservative Host]

Now, this obviously is going to be very interesting. And what's also interesting is how the media is covering it. You heard how Fox is covering it, but listen to the difference when CNN brought it up on their program.

[CNN Reporter]

We also know that there has been investigation ongoing down in Florida around a broad swath of the Russia investigation many years ago, starting back in 2016, seen an investigation Comey had worked on until Donald Trump fired him as his FBI director. Could it be something related to that? A lot of questions here, but this is going to be a really interesting case moving forward because Comey had been indicted again and had been trying to make arguments in court the last time he faced charges in the fall that he was being singled out for prosecution, that it was very unfair. You're very likely to see something like that again from his legal team. And I did try and reach out to them for more information. I have nothing back at this point on that front.

[Ben Ferguson]

We're still waiting, Boris.

[Conservative Host]

Now, you also heard something very interesting there from cnn. They mentioned that there's also another investigation going on that deals with the Russia collusion investigation. Now, this was one of the most explosive political sagas in modern American history. And guess what? It's not over. In fact, it's back in the spotlight now in a major way. And you can hear CNN's trying to get ahead of it. And now it could also directly involve the former FBI director James Comey yet again. Now, let me just remind you of how all this got started. Back in 2016, the FBI launched what was known as Crossfire Hurricane. It was an investigation of whether Donald Trump campaign was coordinating with Russia. That probe ultimately led to the special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation which confirmed that Russia did interfere in the election but did not establish a criminal. They claim conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia. But now we're learning that the story doesn't end with a collusion hoax being declared a hoax. We now know that because of the Trump administration, they're saying we're gonna see exactly what happened here. Because in 2015 and into this year, the administration has reopened scrutiny into the origins of the Russia investigation launching was effectively a new criminal probe into the investigators themselves. That includes looking into figures we're being told, like former CIA Director John Brennan and, yes, James Comey. According to the new reports, the FBI and the DOJ have begun examining whether Comey and others made not only false statements, but abused intelligence authorities and mishandled evidence during the origins of the original Russia investigation. At the same time, we now know newly declassified documents pushed by intelligence officials are also reigniting debate over whether there were efforts to shape or even influence the narrative. And that obviously is where things get complicated. And that's why the government is looking into all of this. US Intelligence agencies concluded Russia didn't did interfere in our elections, but they did not coordinate that interference with the Trump campaign. This is the biggest problem for James Comey and others. And that's exactly why right now they're now having to answer for their decisions. Because, of course, it was the FBI director, James Comey who approved the key decisions early in the Russia investigation. And then he's the same guy that later briefed Congress about it. He was also, as you know, fired by President Trump in 2017, a move that helped trigger the Mueller probe in the first place. So you fast forward to right now. Comey's now facing multiple legal challenges, including separate indictments unrelated to Russia. But at the same time, he's also reportedly under scrutiny again for his role in that original investigation. It does mean that the chickens actually, for once may be coming home to roost.

[Ben Ferguson]

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here on Monday morning.

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[Ben Ferguson]

Wasn't that delicious?

[Conservative Host]

So good.

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[Conservative Commentator]

I got it.

[Ben Ferguson]

No, I got it. Seriously, I insist.

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I insisted first.

[Ben Ferguson]

Oh, don't be silly. You don't be silly.

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[Ben Ferguson]

Okay. Rock, paper, scissors for it.

[Conservative Commentator]

Rock, paper, scissors. Shoot.

[News Correspondent]

No.

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