Podcast Summary: The Charlie Kirk Show – "Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?"

Episode Information:

• Title: Are Biden's Autopen Pardons Null and Void?
• Host: Charlie Kirk
• Release Date: March 18, 2025
• Description: Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a leading conservative voice, delves into pressing political issues, providing clarity amidst chaos from his unapologetically conservative perspective. In this episode, Kirk explores the contentious topic of President Biden's autopen pardons and engages in an in-depth discussion with Josh Hammer, author of Israel and Civilization.

1. Introduction and Episode Overview

Host Introduction:

• Andrew Colvitt begins the episode in place of Charlie Kirk, who is unwell.
• Blake Neff joins as co-anchor, setting the stage for a robust discussion on Biden's autopen pardons and introducing guest Josh Hammer.

Key Topics:

• Legitimacy and implications of President Biden’s autopen pardons.
• Josh Hammer’s insights into Israel’s role in Western civilization and current geopolitical dynamics.

2. Biden's Autopen Pardons: Legality and Political Implications

Josh Hammer on Autopen Pardons ([02:21]):

• Hammer introduces the controversy surrounding President Biden's use of an autopen to sign pardons.
• Quote: "Biden is signing all of these with an auto pen because he's totally out of it. So people are signing things in Biden's name while he's not aware of it." (02:36)

Discussion on Validity:

• Concerns raised about the legality of pardons signed without the President’s direct involvement.
• Hammer’s Analysis:
  • Legal challenges debating whether these pardons are null and void.
  • Potential invocation of the 25th Amendment if Biden is deemed incapable of executing presidential duties.

Trump’s Stance ([06:27]):

• Donald Trump declares Biden's pardons null and void, questioning their authenticity.
• Quote: "To sign pardons and all of the things that he signed with an auto pen is disgraceful." (07:27)

Andrew Colvitt’s Perspective ([04:52] – [07:51]):

• Colvitt aligns with Hammer, expressing skepticism about the legal standing of the pardons.
• Acknowledges the frustration within the MAGA base but emphasizes the shaky legal grounds of nullifying the pardons.

Trump’s Further Comments ([06:27]):

• Trump criticizes Biden’s incompetency and the use of an autopen for serious legal documents.
• Quote: "It's not my decision. But I would say that they're null and void because I'm sure Biden didn't have any idea what was taking place." (07:27)

3. Guest Interview: Josh Hammer on "Israel and Civilization"

Introduction of Josh Hammer ([11:32]):

• Josh Hammer, Senior Editor at Newsweek and author of Israel and Civilization, joins the show.
• Andrew Colvitt congratulates Hammer on his new book, highlighting its relevance to contemporary foreign policy discussions.

Book’s Thesis: Linking Israel to the West ([12:41] – [19:46]):

• Hammer outlines his book’s central argument: the fate of the Jewish nation is intrinsically tied to the destiny of Western civilization.
• Key Points:
  • Advocates for a realist, America-first foreign policy that strengthens US-Israel relations.
  • Criticizes neoconservatism for its flawed nation-building efforts in the Middle East.
  • Emphasizes the importance of Judeo-Christian values in defending Western civilization against threats like wokeism, Islamism, and global neoliberalism.

Charlie Kirk’s Insights ([13:35] – [19:46]):

• Kirk discusses the Trump administration’s foreign policy successes, particularly the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
• Quote: "America has to ensure that our interests in the Middle East are secured while prioritizing the Indo-Pacific." (13:35)

Marco Rubio’s Statement ([20:45]):

• Rubio highlights the strategic importance of the Red Sea shipping lane and the threats posed by the Houthis.
• Quote: "This is a very important shipping lane...They are not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot." (20:45)

4. Demographics and Political Alignment of American Jews and Christians

Voting Patterns Among American Jews ([25:15] – [28:52]):

• Hammer discusses the dichotomy between the high approval of the US and President Trump among Israeli Jews versus the predominantly left-leaning stance of American Jews.
• Key Insights:
  • Orthodox Jews in America overwhelmingly support conservative candidates, particularly Trump.
  • Secularization has led to a significant portion of American Jews aligning with Democratic policies.

Future Trends ([28:52] – [29:26]):

• Colvitt and Hammer observe that religious demographics in America (Orthodox Jews and Christians) are trending towards higher birth rates and stronger political cohesion, potentially shifting future electoral outcomes.

5. Addressing Accusations Against Israel

Accusations of Apartheid ([34:20] – [36:48]):

• Charlie Kirk confronts claims that Israel is an apartheid state.
• Hammer’s Rebuttal:
  • Argues that Israel’s borders and governance are legitimate under international law.
  • Emphasizes that Israel is not an illegal occupier and that its actions are in alignment with national and international interests.
• Quote: "There is no American national interest that supports carving out yet another state in the heart of the Holy Land." (36:48)

6. Gaza and Future Directions

Gaza’s Future ([30:27] – [33:40]):

• Colvitt asks Hammer about the crisis in Gaza and the humane, politically expedient solutions.
• Hammer’s Perspective:
  • Advocates for Israel taking over Gaza to eliminate Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization.
  • Supports Trump’s unconventional proposals, awaiting detailed strategies.
  • Suggests a consortium led by wealthy Sunni Arab states to rebuild Gaza, ensuring America’s strategic interests while preventing the resurgence of jihadist groups.

7. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Closing Thoughts:

• Andrew Colvitt acknowledges the complexity of the Israel-Palestine situation and commends Josh Hammer on his articulate defense of Israel’s role.
• Hammer emphasizes the ongoing relevance of his book in shaping foreign policy discourse and the necessity of strong US-Israel alliances.

Final Quote by Hammer:

• "Unless we double down on our biblical heritage, we are not going to be adequately equipped to push back against the three hegemonic forces that seek to destroy us." (19:46)

Notable Quotes:

• Josh Hammer ([02:36]): "Biden is signing all of these with an auto pen because he's totally out of it. So people are signing things in Biden's name while he's not aware of it."

• Donald Trump ([07:27]): "To sign pardons and all of the things that he signed with an auto pen is disgraceful."

• Marco Rubio ([20:45]): "This is a very important shipping lane...They are not going to have these people controlling which ships can go through and which ones cannot."

• Josh Hammer ([19:46]): "Unless we double down on our biblical heritage, we are not going to be adequately equipped to push back against the three hegemonic forces that seek to destroy us."

• Charlie Kirk ([36:48]): "There is no American national interest that supports carving out yet another state in the heart of the Holy Land."

Summary: In this episode of The Charlie Kirk Show, the hosts delve into the controversy surrounding President Biden’s use of an autopen to sign pardons, questioning their legality and the implications for presidential authority. They highlight former President Trump's declaration that these pardons are null and void, exploring the legal and political ramifications.

Transitioning to foreign policy, the show features an insightful interview with Josh Hammer, author of Israel and Civilization. Hammer articulates a realist approach to US-Israel relations, emphasizing the strategic importance of Israel in safeguarding Western civilization against existential threats. The discussion spans the successes of the Trump administration’s Middle East policies, the complex voting dynamics of American Jews, and the urgent need to address the Hamas threat in Gaza.

Throughout the episode, key figures like Marco Rubio provide additional perspectives on the strategic significance of regions like the Red Sea. The conversation underscores the interplay between domestic political movements and international alliances, advocating for policies that prioritize American interests while supporting allies like Israel.

The episode concludes with a compelling defense of Israel against accusations of apartheid, reaffirming the legitimacy of its actions under international law and stressing the necessity of strong US-Israel ties for global stability and the preservation of Western values.

This comprehensive discussion offers listeners a deep dive into pivotal political issues, blending legal analysis with strategic foreign policy insights, all from a staunchly conservative viewpoint.