The Brett Cooper Show — Episode 106: "The Lowest IQ Member of Congress Wants a Promotion"

Date: December 10, 2025

Host: Brett Cooper

Episode Overview

In this episode, Brett Cooper delves into the Senate campaign of Representative Jasmine Crockett, interrogating her qualifications, political persona, and the broader cultural themes shaping American politics. Brett uses Crockett’s ascent as a lens through which to critique the rise of performative politics, the role of social media, and identity-based campaigning. She highlights viral moments, critiques the influence of attention-seeking politicians, and questions the trajectory of political leadership in the U.S.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jasmine Crockett’s Rise and Viral Infamy (01:11—06:05)

• Backstory: Jasmine Crockett's political journey began with her 2021 election to the Texas House and her 2023 move to Congress. Her breakout moment involved a viral spat with AOC and Marjorie Taylor Greene, noted for its personal attacks and dramatic exchanges.
• Memorable Viral Moment:
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene to Jasmine Crockett:
    “I think your fake eyelashes are messing up your...” (02:15)
  • Jasmine Crockett’s retort:
    "...somebody's bleach blonde, bad built, butch body..." (02:36)
  • Brett’s commentary: “It’s a cat fight...you have these two men...just sitting there like, ‘what?’” (02:52)
• Pop Culture Reaction: Social media dubbed Crockett a "queen" for standing up to Greene, solidifying her role as a progressive lightning rod.

2. The Politics of Attention — Not Power (06:05—08:59)

• Kamala Harris Endorsement:
  Kamala called Crockett a “superstar in the Democrat Party.” (05:02)
• Ego and Motive:
  Brett notes Crockett's Senate announcement focused on having “a bigger voice,” dismissing advice from party insiders.
  • Quote, Crockett campaign speech:
    "What we need is for me to have a bigger voice." (06:16)
• Matt Walsh Commentary:
  Politicians now crave attention and influence over traditional power.
  • Quote from Matt Walsh’s tweet (paraphrased):
    “Most...politicians in 2025 just want attention...They would trade their political office for 20 million Instagram followers… The Jasmine Crocketts of the world...aren’t scheming to become president. They are scheming to become podcast hosts.” (07:33)
• Societal Critique: Brett draws parallels between Crockett, Kamala Harris, and Michelle Obama, criticizing the claim that certain voices need to be “louder” despite already dominating public discourse.

3. Self-Image & Obsession with Trump (12:11—14:09)

• Narcissism Noted in the Media:
  • The Atlantic reports Crockett’s phone lock screen is "a headshot of herself." (12:08)
  • Acrylic nails painted with "resist," heavy lashes — self-presentation is part of her brand.
• Trump’s Involvement:
  Crockett’s campaign ad features only Donald Trump’s voice calling her “a very low IQ person.” (13:08)
  • Trump in the ad:
    “She’s a very low IQ person. I watched her speak the other day.” (13:22)
  • Brett suggests Crockett is “obsessed” with Trump, reflecting a trend where both left and right wing campaigns are Trump-centric.

4. Controversial & “Cringe” Crockettisms (14:09—17:29)

• Mindset Over Actions:
  • On a podcast, Crockett says:
    “Just because someone has committed a crime, it doesn’t make them a criminal…Being a criminal is more about your mindset.” (14:19)
  • Brett ridicules the comment, warning of the dangers of confident nonsense:
    “Crocottisms are stupidity delivered with confidence.” (15:21)
• Cultural Posturing and Code-Switching:
  • Brett plays two clips of Crockett—the first in a “hood” accent, the second polished and mild-mannered, underscoring a critique of inauthenticity and pandering.

5. Exposing Crockett’s Authenticity & Background (18:01—20:10)

• Elite Upbringing:
  • Despite a working-class public persona (“girl from the hood”), Crockett attended the exclusive Mary Institute and St. Louis Country Day School ($35k/year tuition) and Rhodes College.
• Brett’s Critique:
  • “It pays to pander to the black community…It pays to be a token angry black woman for the Democrat Party.” (19:33)
  • Suggests Crockett employs code-switching and political pandering as strategies.

6. Policy Positions & Performative Politics (20:10—21:59)

• Reparations Proposal:
  • Crockett advocates for Black Americans not paying taxes as a form of reparations but offers little clarity or detail.
• Circular Reasoning:
  • Brett lampoons the incoherence of Crockett’s argument, highlighting a podcast where both interviewer and Crockett finish each other’s sentences while “not actually saying anything.” (20:59)
• Accusations Against Mexican Trump Voters:
  • Crockett accuses Hispanic Trump supporters of "slave mentality"—despite their growing numbers and support for Trump in Texas. (21:32)

7. Campaign Theater: The Rapper & the Facade Cracks (22:56—24:40)

• Rap Performance at Rally:
  • Crockett has a campaign rapper who can’t remember his own lyrics, which Brett mocks as yet another layer of performative identity politics.
  • “Of course she has a rapper opening for her...She’s like, alright, so I’m gonna put on my black set, I’m gonna have a rapper come out...” (23:34)

8. Prospects for Crockett and the State of U.S. Politics (24:40—end)

• Comparison to Other Politicians:
  • Brett compares Crockett to shirtless rapper-turned-politician Zohran Mamdani, suggesting politics has shifted towards viral spectacle.
• Electoral Chances:
  • Brett expresses skepticism that Crockett can win Texas, given her refusal to appeal to Trump voters.
    • Crockett on winning Trump voters:
      “Yeah, I don’t know that we’ll necessarily convert all of Trump’s supporters. That’s not our goal.” (26:07)
    • Brett’s take:
      “It is Texas. You actually kind of do need them.” (26:17)
• Warning to the GOP:
  • Brett urges Republicans to move beyond “just an endorsement of Donald Trump” and focus on real campaigning and constituents’ priorities.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Crockett’s Ego:
  “What we need is for me to have a bigger voice.” — Jasmine Crockett, campaign speech (06:16)
• On Politicians’ New Motivation:
  “These days, they just want attention... The Jasmine Crocketts of the world aren’t scheming to become president. They are scheming to become podcast hosts.” — Brett (via Matt Walsh) (07:33)
• On Crockett’s “Criminal” Remark:
  “Just because someone has committed a crime, it doesn’t make them a criminal...Being a criminal is more so about your mindset, guys.” — Jasmine Crockett (14:19)
• On Crockett’s Code-Switching:
  “How Christian they is. What is happening? Like, genuinely, what is going on?” — Brett (17:29)
• On Performative Politics:
  “Cause I’m a hustler. I didn’t go to a day school that cost $35,000. I didn’t go to Rhodes College which costs $75,000 a year. I’m just a girl from the streets with a rapper who cannot even sing the right lyrics.” — Brett (23:34)
• On the State of Modern Elections:
  “We need real work and focus, please, God, on the people. They want their voices heard. They are tired of the shenanigans.” — Brett (end)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:11 | Introduction to Jasmine Crockett and viral Congressional spat | | 02:08 | Viral catfight in Congress clip | | 05:02 | Kamala Harris calls Crockett a "superstar" | | 06:16 | Crockett explains why “my voice needs to be louder” | | 07:33 | Matt Walsh tweet on politicians today | | 12:08 | Self-obsession highlighted in Atlantic profile | | 13:08 | Crockett’s campaign ad is just Trump mocking her | | 14:19 | Crockett claims committing a crime doesn’t mean you’re a criminal | | 17:07 | Crockett adopts “hood” accent in social media video | | 18:01 | Contrasted with refined, humble earlier interview | | 20:10 | Crockett advocates for reparations via tax exemptions | | 21:32 | Crockett on Mexican Trump voters having a “slave mentality” | | 22:56 | Embarrassing campaign rally rap performance | | 24:40 | Critique of politicians-turned-viral sensations | | 26:07 | Crockett says she doesn't need to convert Trump voters |

Conclusion

Brett Cooper’s dissection of Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign goes far beyond one candidate. She lambasts attention politics, performative identity, and partisan theatrics dominating the national stage. This episode offers an unvarnished (and often sarcastic) look at how viral moments, social media, and cultural pandering have replaced substance and unity in American politics.

For listeners, the takeaways are clear:

• Political theater is the new normal.
• Crockett’s campaign is emblematic of a broader trend toward influencer-style politics.
• There is deep frustration with the lack of authentic leadership across the aisle.

If you missed the episode, this summary covers all of Brett's key points, critiques, and her unfiltered, sharp-edged take on the state of the American political spectacle.