The Charlie Kirk Show: "The Great Confirmation Marathon"

Release Date: January 15, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Great Confirmation Marathon," host Charlie Kirk delves into the intense period of political confirmations, focusing primarily on the nomination of Pam Bondi for Attorney General. The episode interweaves real-time analysis of ongoing hearings with broader geopolitical discussions, notably the recent Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal brokered by former President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff.

1. Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Overview of the Deal

At the onset ([00:31]), Charlie Kirk highlights a groundbreaking ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, ending a 15-month conflict in Gaza. This deal entails:

• Ceasefire Duration: At least six weeks.
• Hostage Releases: Hamas will release dozens of hostages held since October 7.
• Prisoner Exchange: Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be exchanged.
• Aid to Gaza: Large convoys of humanitarian aid will enter Gaza.
• Phase Two: If the ceasefire holds, Israel plans to withdraw from Gaza, and Hamas will release remaining hostages, paving the way for a permanent peace agreement, pending approval from Netanyahu's cabinet.

President Trump's Role

Charlie emphasizes Donald Trump's pivotal role in brokering the deal, portraying him as a "peace president" even before assuming office. He states, “[00:44] ... President Trump is already delivering as the peace president before he takes office.”

Impact on U.S. Politics and Youth Vote

Kirk discusses the positive reception of the deal among young Arab Muslim communities, particularly in Michigan. He notes a significant swing in the youth vote towards Trump, attributing it to his successful mediation efforts: “[09:19] ... According to CNN exit polls in Michigan, President Trump won the youth vote, R +3, a 27 point swing from 2020.”

Quotes:

• Charlie Kirk ([00:31]): "This is phenomenal news."
• Charlie Kirk ([09:19]): "If Trump does deliver this victory, they will leave the Democrat Party in major numbers."

2. Confirmation Hearing of Pam Bondi for Attorney General

Endorsements and Criticisms

Pam Bondi receives early endorsements from figures like Charlie Kirk ([00:25]-[00:31]), who praises her spirit and accomplishments with Turning Point USA. However, during her confirmation hearing, Bondi faces intense scrutiny and challenging questions from Charlie Kirk regarding the Department of Justice's (DOJ) alleged weaponization and bias against conservative and religious groups.

Key Topics Discussed:

• DOJ and FBI Weaponization: Bondi is questioned about the DOJ's actions against churches and pregnancy centers, referencing specific memos and cases where discriminatory practices were allegedly employed.

  • Charlie Kirk ([54:40]): "It is an outrageous abuse. One of the worst abuses of Department of Justice and FBI authority in our history."
  • Pam Bondi ([56:03]): "Yes, Senator."

• Protection of Religious Institutions: Bondi commits to protecting churches and pregnancy centers from targeted violence and intimidation.

  • Charlie Kirk ([56:08]): "Will you protect churches and pregnancy care centers when they are targeted for violence?"
  • Pam Bondi ([56:08]): "Yes, Senator."

• Election Integrity: Kirk presses Bondi on the integrity of the 2020 election, questioning her stance on alleged fraud.

  • Charlie Kirk ([63:16]): "Was there massive fraud affecting the result of the 2020 election, yes or no?"
  • Pam Bondi: Avoids a direct answer, emphasizing the need for factual predicates before investigation.

• Whistleblower Protection: The importance of safeguarding whistleblowers within the DOJ is underscored.

  • Charlie Kirk ([76:50]): "Will you protect whistleblowers from retaliation and promote a culture?"
  • Pam Bondi ([78:14]): "Yes, Senator."

Quotes:

• Pam Bondi ([51:17]): "I will do everything in my power to prevent illegal gun runners in our country."
• Charlie Kirk ([59:55]): "Would you stop the deliberate persecution of pro-life Americans for nothing more than their pro-life beliefs?"

3. Crime Rates and Law Enforcement

Comparative Analysis of Crime Under Different Administrations

Charlie Kirk presents data contrasting crime rates during Trump’s first term with those under Biden’s administration:

• Trump’s Term: Violent crime "failed by 17%".
• Biden’s Term: Violent crime "soared by 43%" ([72:53]).

Bondi’s Stance on Reducing Crime

Bondi assures her commitment to lowering crime rates and supporting law enforcement agencies.

• Pam Bondi ([56:17]): "I will faithfully enforce that law and all laws that I am asked to review."
• Charlie Kirk ([83:24]): "Will you protect churches and pregnancy care centers when they are targeted for violence?"
  Bondi responds affirmatively, highlighting her focus on public safety.

Quotes:

• Charlie Kirk ([72:53]): "She's doing wonderfully. 10 out of 10. Pam Bondi."
• Pam Bondi ([94:00]): "We have got to come together, we have got to work together to make America safe again."

4. Geopolitical Discussions: U.S.-China Relations and Global Stability

China’s International Strategies

Bondi discusses the need to counter China’s "One China" policy and its aggressive international strategies, emphasizing the importance of supporting Taiwan and other democratic nations.

• Pam Bondi ([94:00]): "China is imposing... China One principle on the world which is very different than Senator Curtis from Utah policy."

U.S. Commitment to International Alliances

She underscores the necessity of maintaining strong alliances, particularly with NATO and within the Indo-Pacific region, to counterbalance China’s influence.

• Pam Bondi ([94:55]): "It is critical for the United States to support our allies and uphold our commitments."

Quotes:

• Pam Bondi ([94:00]): "If the Chinese are in fact serious about stabilizing US China relations... they will not do anything rash or irrational when it comes to Taiwan or the Philippines."
• Charlie Kirk ([97:34]): "Than Senator Curtis from Utah policy."

5. Media and Information Warfare

Combatting Disinformation

Charlie Kirk raises concerns about Russian and Chinese disinformation campaigns in Africa, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to counter false narratives.

• Charlie Kirk ([27:18]): "Russian propagandists targeted U.S. anti-malaria programs in Burkina Faso."

Pam Bondi’s Response

Bondi agrees on the importance of addressing disinformation and pledges to prioritize this issue if confirmed.

• Pam Bondi ([28:25]): "We need a real focus and a real strategy for engaging Africa and the impact of US Engagement is real."

Quotes:

• Charlie Kirk ([27:42]): "We have live coverage... of Senator Ted Cruz, chairing the Transportation Committee."
• Pam Bondi ([28:25]): "We need to keep the integrity of our engagements across the board."

6. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

Charlie Kirk concludes the episode by expressing optimism about the confirmation of Pam Bondi and the assembly of a strong, Trump-aligned administration ready to "rock and roll." He underscores the alignment within the Republican Party and the Senate's readiness to implement Trump's agenda, emphasizing swift and concurrent confirmation processes.

• Charlie Kirk ([97:34]): "As you can start to see. The team that will be running your government is assembled."

Final Quotes:

• Charlie Kirk ([98:58]): "She's doing wonderfully. 10 out of 10. Pam Bondi."

Conclusion

"The Great Confirmation Marathon" provides an in-depth look into the political maneuvering surrounding high-profile nominations and the broader implications of recent geopolitical developments. Charlie Kirk's combative yet insightful approach underscores the tensions within the DOJ and the broader U.S. political landscape, while also celebrating the strides made in international diplomacy, particularly in the Middle East.