The Chris Cuomo Project

Episode: "Things Are Going to Get Worse"

Host: Chris Cuomo
Date: November 4, 2025

Brief Overview

In this thought-provoking solo episode of The Chris Cuomo Project, Chris Cuomo delivers a stark warning about the direction of American politics and society, positing that “things are going to get worse.” Framing the conversation as a personal legacy statement, Chris unpacks the roots of rising outrage, political tribalism, and societal violence. He challenges listeners to become agents for positive change rather than succumbing to a cycle of anger and reaction. Drawing lessons from history, current events, and his own experiences, Cuomo presses for deeper understanding, policy action, and collective responsibility, all while maintaining his signature direct, conversational tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Outrage Culture and the Erosion of Reason

[02:30–07:30]

• Outrage as the Ultimate Commodity: Cuomo laments that loudness, anger, and division now trump reasoned insight in public discourse.
  • “The commodity is not cogency. It’s not being coherent. …It's being loud and angry and entertaining, frankly. And that’s what’s winning.” [03:55]
• Media and Influencers: He criticizes media figures and podcasters who thrive on division.
  • Examples: Dave Smith, Joe Rogan (“…you guys keep having the same problem with all these people…” [04:34])
• Metaphor of Violence: Cuomo compares politics to venting rage by “punching the wall”—satisfying in the moment, but ultimately destructive.
  • “Is anything going to be better from that? No, you’re just going to feel pain.” [05:46]
• Quote from Shakespeare: “Have you eaten on the insane route that takes reason prisoner? Yes, we have.” [02:50]

2. The Dangers of Political Mirror-Image Extremism

[07:30–13:00]

• Becoming What You Oppose: Chris warns that some who resist governmental overreach are adopting the tactics and rhetoric they once mocked.
  • “You sound like MAGA people. …You used to think that was absurd and stupid, but now you’re just as angry as they were when they said it.” [12:07]
• ICE, Gun Control, and Hypocrisy: Discusses recent calls to “arm up against ICE” as a dangerous reaction.
  • He draws parallels to right-wing Second Amendment arguments.

3. Policy, Lawsuits, & The Real Work of Resistance

[13:00–17:00]

• Productive Resistance: Cuomo urges activism via policy and lawsuits, not violence.
  • “That’s about policy. That’s about lawsuits. And I know that’s boring and not as sexy as saying, buy a gun…” [13:34]
• Cycle of Two Wrongs: America is stuck in a fight of “wrong versus wrong,” escalating division.

4. Lessons from the Past: The Black Panthers & Gun Control

[17:00–23:00]

• History of Gun Control: Cuomo dives into the 1960s, discussing the Black Panthers and the Mulford Act.
  • “California did something called the Mulford Act… The governor at the time was a man who would become very relevant in national politics named Governor Ronald Reagan. And he passed a law right quickly that said, well, you can’t have open carry laws…” [20:04]
• Ironies and Alliances: Notes how fear caused conservatives to embrace gun control, warning that similar reaction formation might happen today if leftists arm themselves.

5. Risk of Escalation: Political Violence on the Rise

[23:00–32:00]

• Unheeded Warnings: Cuomo argues that more disenfranchised young men (white and brown) see violence as a legitimate outlet.
• Case Study – Chris Moynihan:
  • Moynihan, a January 6 convict (later pardoned), threatened Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and was again arrested.
  • “You don’t even know his name because the media doesn’t really give a shit because he didn’t make good on the threat. But I’ll tell you what, he is emblematic of where we’re headed.” [27:40]

6. The Fine Line Between Speech and Action

[29:00–32:00]

• Free Speech and Threats:
  • “There is a line in the law…when you make a threat that is specific enough to reasonably be taken serious by the target, and it seems motivated by intimidating that person… That is enough.” [29:54]
• Media & Political Response:
  • Cuomo criticizes the lack of strong statements or action from political leaders after threats of violence.

7. Cycles of Division vs. Opportunities for Renewal

[32:00–37:00]

• Reflection on January 6th vs. No Kings Protest
  • Distinguishes between protest and riot, denounces right-wing attempts to equivocate the two.
• On Choosing Humanity:
  • “I would never want to resort to violence to make a point. Never have I in my life. …And I hope that my kids are better. And so far, thank God, they are. And I hope that we’re better also. And so far we’re not.” [33:44]

8. 2024 Democratic Betting Markets and Political Discourse

[39:30–46:00]

• Using Kalshi Prediction Markets as a Lens:
  • Analyzes leading Democratic candidates (Newsom, Buttigieg, AOC).
  • “I think that the Democrats' best chance is unknown, not in this representative field…” [45:41]
• Political Cynicism Peaks:
  • Discusses betting on whether Trump could run for a third term (Cuomo: “Zero chance.”) [46:30]
• Structural Problems with Consensus:
  • Expresses skepticism that America could pass a new constitutional amendment in the current climate.

9. A Call to Action

[50:00–end]

• Judging, Acting, and Caring:
  • Cuomo appeals to independent thinkers to resist apathy and to seek consensus and positive change.
  • “If you’re willing to dare to put yourself out there and to try to be part of a solution and to create consensus and to be reasonable and to be better, I’m here for it. So, let’s get after it.” [52:10]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Outrage Culture:
  • “Insults have become a proxy for insight.” [04:50]
• Hypocrisy Explored:
  • “You're becoming what you used to mock, okay? And you were right to mock it.” [12:40]
• On the Cycle of Violence:
  • “Every time something violent happens, one side, if not both, seems to make less of it than what it really is.” [34:44]
• On Consensus:
  • “I don't think we could get a constitutional amendment on what our name is as a country. I don't, I don't think we'd agree on America.” [48:07]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:30] – Outrage as the dominant currency in American discourse
• [05:46] – Punching the wall as a metaphor for destructive politics
• [12:07] – Left and right mirroring each other’s extreme stances
• [20:04] – The Black Panthers, Mulford Act, and gun control history
• [27:40] – The Chris Moynihan case and the rise of political violence
• [29:54] – Legal boundaries between threatening speech and action
• [33:44] – Cuomo’s personal reflection on violence and responsibility
• [45:41] – “Unknown” as potentially Democrats’ best 2024 presidential hope
• [46:30] – The third-term Trump scenario and constitutional obstacles
• [52:10] – Closing call to action for independent, consensus-seeking listeners

Overall Tone & Takeaways

Chris Cuomo speaks with urgency, candor, and a deep unease about the near future of American society. He is both critical and self-reflective, openly acknowledging his limitations as an analyst and his personal frustrations. The language throughout is direct, sometimes irreverent, and unmistakably sincere. The episode is ultimately a plea for rational dissent, deeper engagement, and a recommitment to policies and processes, not tribal posturing or reactionary violence.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of the episode’s substance and spirit.