DONKEY: Politicians Should Stop Using Extreme Rhetoric To Each Other If They Turn Around And 'Work Together'

Summary

The Breakfast Club – Donkey of the Day: Politicians Should Stop Using Extreme Rhetoric To Each Other If They Turn Around And 'Work Together'

Date: November 24, 2025
Hosts: DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts

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Episode Overview

This episode’s "Donkey of the Day" segment, led by Charlamagne Tha God, calls out the hypocrisy of politicians using extreme rhetoric—labeling each other as "fascist" or "communist"—only to subsequently cooperate on policy issues. Using a recent high-profile meeting between New York Mayor-elect Zoran Mandani and President Donald Trump, Charlamagne makes the case that such language is damaging, undermines democracy, and confuses the public, as it is rarely matched by politicians’ actual conduct.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

The Mandani-Trump Meeting (03:21–04:45)

• Background: Zoran Mandani (Mayor-elect of New York) met with President Donald Trump to discuss pressing issues—affordability, cost of living, public safety, and economic security.
• Despite "deep ideological differences," both sides expressed willingness to cooperate for pragmatic governance.
• Mandani on the meeting: "We agree on a lot more than I would have thought." (04:16)
• Trump on working together: "I am really looking forward to delivering for New Yorkers in partnership with the president on the affordability agenda." (04:21)
• Charlamagne notes that politicians must cooperate by virtue of their positions but finds it jarring when that happens right after using highly charged accusations against each other.

Extreme Rhetoric: Fascist vs. Communist Name-Calling (05:58–06:45)

• Charlamagne plays direct quotes where Mandani calls Trump a "fascist" and Trump, in turn, accuses Mandani of being a "communist."
  • Mandani: "It's going to be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York and because if you have a communist running New York, all you're doing is wasting the money you're sending there." (05:58)
  • Trump: "We have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford where the mayor will use their power to reject Donald Trump's fascism." (06:10)
• Charlamagne describes this as "political theater" that riles up supporters and divides families and communities, while the politicians themselves are willing to work together when it suits them.
• Insight: The rhetoric is more about emotional leverage and electioneering than genuine belief or concern.

Hypocrisy and Public Confusion (07:19–08:05)

• Mandani, questioned at a press conference, reiterates his belief that Trump is a fascist but still stresses the need to find common ground on issues like affordability.
  • Mandani: "I said, yes [Trump is a fascist]. And that's something that I've said in the past. I say it today... we also wanted to focus on what it could look like to deliver on a shared analysis of an affordability crisis for New Yorkers." (07:47)
• Charlamagne's take: If someone truly believes another is a "fascist" in the historical sense, “the idea of working with them is contradictory.” (08:05)
• He draws a line between normal political disagreement (e.g., tax rates) and existential threats to democracy.

Media’s Role and Politicians’ Responsibility (08:05–11:23)

• Charlamagne argues that it’s the job of media and commentators to call out extreme behavior or rhetoric, while politicians should behave diplomatically and constructively.
  • Charlamagne: "I feel like that's the media's job to call it out... Politicians clearly can't do that because the words don't match the actions." (08:57)
• He highlights the consequences for the public: fractured relationships, confusion about language, and desensitization to real threats.
  • "If you call somebody a fascist or communist, but then sit down and work with them like everything is normal, you make those words meaningless. All right? It’s dangerous to do that. It's dangerous to weaken those terms, and it confuses the public." (10:36)
• Ends with a call for honesty in political discourse and for politicians to avoid using terms like "fascist" or "communist" unless they intend to act accordingly.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Charlamagne’s Core Message (08:05, 10:36):
  • "If someone truly believes a political figure is a fascist, then the idea of working with them is... contradictory."
  • "[Politicians] are using these terms for emotional leverage, not accuracy. And the danger in that, people—the public becomes numb to real authoritarian threats."
• On Political "Theater" (06:45):
  "It’s all political theater, okay? And it’s irresponsible because they got us out here choosing sides, gang, gang on each other. Meanwhile, they working together." – Charlamagne
• On Rhetoric Undermining Democracy (10:36):
  • "When you call someone a fascist or communist, it’s supposed to mean something serious. You talking Hitler, Mussolini… The public becomes numb to real authoritarian threats."

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:21] – Charlamagne introduces "Donkey of the Day" and the context for Mandani-Trump's meeting.
• [04:16] – Mandani and Trump express unexpected agreement and readiness to collaborate.
• [05:58] – Compilation of past extreme rhetoric exchanged between Mandani and Trump.
• [07:19] – Mandani reiterates calling Trump a fascist at a press conference, but still commits to cooperation.
• [08:05] – Charlamagne explains why using extreme rhetoric undermines democratic values.
• [10:36] – Final plea for politicians to stop using serious labels for political posturing.

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Tone and Style

Charlamagne Tha God adopts a direct, passionate, and sometimes humorous tone. He critiques political hypocrisy with plain language, often punctuating his points with references to everyday family and community dynamics (“You done told your aunt and three of your cousins f you—you not invited to Thanksgiving this year because of who they supported politically. Meanwhile, the people we supported politically are willing to support each other.” (10:08))

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Summary Takeaways

• Politicians often use extreme, emotionally charged accusations against one another for political gain, but these labels are rarely matched by their subsequent behavior—especially when they cooperate on governance.
• Such rhetoric confuses the public, weakens serious terminology, and contributes to unnecessary division within communities.
• Charlamagne calls for greater honesty and restraint from politicians, urging them to govern with integrity and leave hyperbole to the pundits.

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In essence: If politicians are going to work together, they should stop using extreme rhetoric that inflames the public and undermines the significance of serious political labels. Otherwise, voters are the ones left confused and divided.

Transcript

[Charlemagne the God]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.

[DJ Envy]

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Com.

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[Charlemagne the God]

This is a miracle.

[Interviewer/Host]

There is no question that there are are problems in this country between police and community.

[Charlemagne the God]

Yes, you are a dog. To the latest on that police killing of a black man.

[Interviewer/Host]

Now to new developments in the deadly spa shooting rampage.

[Zoran Mandani]

And yesterday was a really bad day.

[Donald J. Trump]

For him and this is what he did.

[Interviewer/Host]

And so we are in a state of emergency.

[Charlemagne the God]

Okay. White supremacist violence is, it always has been, the number one threat to our society.

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[DJ Envy]

Breakfast Club.

[Interviewer/Host]

All right, Charlene, please tell me, why was I your donkey of the day?

[Charlemagne the God]

You know, donkey of the day for Monday, November 24th is inspired by the meeting between Mayor Elect Zoran mandani and the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump. If you haven't heard, on this past Friday, Zoran Mandani and Donald J. Trump had a meeting at the White House. Okay. According to statements and reporting, they discussed affordability, the cost of living crisis, public safety, economic security and federal local cooperation. Zoran expressed that even with deep ideological differences, there has to be a practical working relationship between the federal government and New York City. Let's listen to some of what was said.

[Interviewer/Host]

Are you affirming that you think President Trump is a fascist?

[Donald J. Trump]

I've spoken about.

[Zoran Mandani]

You could just say that's easier. It's easier than explaining in Panama.

[Charlemagne the God]

Would you feel comfortable living in New York City under a mundane.

[Zoran Mandani]

Yeah, I would. I really. Especially after the meeting. Absolutely. We agree on a lot more than I would have thought.

[Donald J. Trump]

I am really looking forward to delivering for New Yorkers in partnership with the president on the affordability agenda.

[Zoran Mandani]

So we're going to help him. But I really think he has a chance to do a great job. I'll be cheering for him.

[Charlemagne the God]

Didn't mention anything about America.

[Zoran Mandani]

I think he is going to surprise some conservative people, actually, and some very liberal people. I think I met with a very, I met with a man who's a very rational person.

[Charlemagne the God]

Wow. They're being very cordial to each other, very nice to each other. I completely agree with that. And anyone who thought there wasn't going to be a working relationship between New York City and the federal government doesn't understand politics. But the reason I have gathered us here today is because I don't want to hear any politicians call each other extreme names like fascists, communist, authoritarian wannabe dictator. None of that kind of rhetoric can come from politicians anymore. It's all dead. Because don't none of y' all really believe it, okay? And if you call someone that and then turn around and say, but I'm willing to work with them, it looks very hypocritical, okay? Leave that type of commentary for the pundits, all right, like myself for the social media, YouTube commentator, crowd. And y' all go do your jobs, okay? Go govern, Go be diplomatic. Go do the politics thing, all right? That rhetoric is irrespons in this climate, all right? Both parties rile people up. You know, have we the people mad at each other, fighting in the street, fighting online? Some folks literally commit commit acts of violence against their political opposition. Meanwhile, the politicians are out here working with. With each other, okay? Do we not remember some of the things Trump and Mandani said about each other? Let's listen.

[Zoran Mandani]

It's going to be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York and because if you have a communist running New York, all you're doing is wasting the money you're sending there.

[Donald J. Trump]

We have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford where the mayor will use their power to reject Donald Trump's fascism.

[Zoran Mandani]

This guy is a communist at the highest level, and he wants to destroy New York.

[Donald J. Trump]

I will not be intimidated by this president. I will not be intimidated by anyone, because my job here is to serve.

[Charlemagne the God]

The people of this.

[Zoran Mandani]

This communist from New York someday gets elected. I can't believe that's happening. That's a terrible thing for our country, by the way.

[Donald J. Trump]

So hear me, President Trump, when I say this. To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of.

[Charlemagne the God]

Us, blah, blah, blah. It's all political theater, okay? And it's irresponsible because they got us out here choosing sides, gang, gang on each other. Meanwhile, they working together. How are you going to be mad at a person because of who they voted for, who they supported politically? But then watch the people you support be willing to work with them. I know some of y' all out there saying, but they politicians, they have to work together. Yes, they do, and they should. But stop with the extreme rhetoric like fascism and communism, okay? Zoran Mandani was on NBC, NBC News yesterday, and he said he still believes Donald Trump is a fascist, but he's willing to work with him.

[Interviewer/Host]

Let's listen in that press conference with President Trump, a reporter asked you whether you. You believe that President Trump is, in fact, a fascist, a word that you've used in the past. You were about to answer, then President Trump sort of jumped in and he said, quote, that's okay. You can just say yes. It's easier than explaining it. So, Mr. Mayor elect, just to be very clear, do you think that President Trump is a fascist?

[Donald J. Trump]

And after President Trump said that, I said, yes.

[Interviewer/Host]

So you do.

[Donald J. Trump]

And that's something that I've said in the past. I say it today. And I think what I appreciated about the conversation that I had with the president was that we were not shy about the places of disagreement about the politics that has brought us to this moment. And we also wanted to focus on what it could look like to deliver on a shared analysis of an affordability crisis for New Yorkers.

[Charlemagne the God]

Listen, America. My name is Leonard McKelvey, commonly known as Charlemagne the God, and I believe words matter. Now, I'm not the highest grade of weed in the dispensary, but based on everything I know about fascism, if someone truly believes a political figure is a fascist, then the idea of working with them is. Is contradictory. Okay? Fascism isn't a normal political disagreement, all right? Disagreeing on tax rates is a normal political disagreement. Economic issues, environmental concerns, those are normal political disagreements. Fascism is not okay. When you call someone a fascist, you are accusing them of being fundamentally anti democratic, authoritarian, and willing to use the power of the state to crush opposition. Okay? If you believe someone is fascist, and historically and morally, you resist them, or use institutions, law and coalitions to contain them, okay? Limit their power, you organize against them, litigate against them, but you don't collaborate because collaboration with a fascist regime, even on small issues, legitimizes it. So if Zoran truly believes Trump is a fascist and working with him makes zero sense, but this is my issue. He doesn't fully believe Trump is a fascist, just like Trump doesn't fully believe Mandani is a communist. It's all political theater. Now, there are a lot of things Trump has done and has said that look like fascism and authoritarian strategy to me, but I feel like that's the media's job to call it out, okay? Politicians clearly can't do that because the words don't match the actions. And that's when you just look like a dishonest politician who says whatever to get elected. Because once again, if you think someone is a fascist, but you believe you can work with them, that's where the question of Hypocrisy becomes unavoidable. Okay, listen to me. I know I have a lisp, all right, so you don't take me serious, but you can't call someone a fascist and then treat them like a normal political partner. Those two positions contradict each other. So the real question for Trump, Okay, Mandani. The real question for Trump and Mandani, you know, these are what should be after them. Hey, Trump, were you exaggerating when you called Mandani a communist? Hey, Zoran, were you exaggerating when you called Trump a fascist or. Zoran, are you now minimizing fascism by agreeing to work with Trump or Trump, are you minimizing communism by agreeing to work with Zoran? Here's the answer to all these questions. It's politics as usual, and I'm sick of politicians doing this, because once again, you know who it hurts the most? Us. You done told your aunt and three of your cousins f you you not invited to Thanksgiving this year because of who they supported politically. Meanwhile, the people we supported politically are willing to support each other. If Zoran and Trump can be in the White House smiling at each other and excessively touching on each other, then you and your family can enjoy Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving dinner together. Okay, listen, the all elected officials, if you call somebody a fascist or communist, but then sit down and work with them like everything is normal, you make those words meaningless. All right? It's dangerous to do that. It's dangerous to weaken those terms, and it confuses the public. When you call someone a fascist or communist, it's supposed to mean something serious. You talking Hitler, Mussolini and politicians are using these terms for emotional leverage, not accuracy. And the danger in that? The danger in that, people. The public becomes numb to real authoritarian threats. Please give every politician who has done this, because it's not just Mondani and Trump. It's all of them. The biggest. Hee Haw.

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[Charlemagne the God]

Yes, indeed.

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[Charlemagne the God]

Yes.

[DJ Envy]

What up, y'?

[Charlemagne the God]

All?

[Home Depot Announcer]

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[Coca-Cola Announcer]

What a vibe. We've got y'.

[Charlemagne the God]

All.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

As always, it's classic HBCU energy. Nonstop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chants echoing, drums beating, Everybody showing that school pride. Moments like this, yeah, they call for an ice cold Coca Cola. Crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there.

[DJ Envy]

Mmm.

[Coca-Cola Announcer]

Yeah, that taste always hit the right note. Just like the band at halftime. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere, and an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo. No matter the place, no matter the moment, Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

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[Charlemagne the God]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.