Normally Podcast: Tensions Escalate in the Middle East

Summary

Podcast Title: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
Episode: Normally Podcast: Tensions Escalate in the Middle East
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host/Authors: Mary Kathryn Hammond, Carol Markowitz, Mike Huckabee
Description: Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics, and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

---

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage [02:40 – 03:06]

Mary Kathryn Hammond and Mike Huckabee open the episode after a supposedly calm weekend, quickly dispelling the notion that things have remained quiet.

Mary Kathryn Hammond: "Nobody can ever chill."

---

2. Escalation of Conflicts Between Israel and Iran [03:06 – 09:27]

Overview:

The hosts discuss the recent aggressive actions taken by Israel against Iran, highlighting the severity and potential long-term implications of these moves.

Key Points:

• Israel's Offensive: Israel has launched significant attacks against Iran, indicating a prolonged conflict rather than isolated strikes.

  Mike Huckabee: “Israel very quickly said, this is not going to be a quick thing... They see this as being at war, not just strikes.” [03:10]

• American Involvement: The speculation that Trump may have had prior knowledge or involvement in these strikes is addressed.

  Mike Huckabee: “Obviously, Israel's not doing this without the United States kind of permission.” [04:29]

• Credibility of Leadership: The importance of setting and maintaining deadlines to establish leadership credibility is emphasized.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “But because of the military and intel successes of Israel, which have been astounding over the past year or so, fewer of those ballistic missiles are coming in each time because they are able to target where they're coming from and take those out.” [07:18]

• Impact on Iran: The hosts express hope that Iran's internal dynamics will change due to ongoing military pressures.

  Mike Huckabee: “Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb. President Trump said that, and we were hoping to get back to the negotiating table.” [09:42]

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Do I want Iran to have nukes? And the answer is no.” [09:27]
• Mike Huckabee: “This is a much cleaner, safer situation for Americans.” [07:18]

---

3. Minnesota Shooting Incident [15:37 – 19:05]

Overview:

A tragic shooting in Minnesota where a gunman killed House Speaker Melissa Hortman, her spouse, and allegedly another lawmaker is discussed in detail.

Key Points:

• Details of the Incident: The shooter, Vance Bolter, targeted prominent Democratic figures, resulting in multiple casualties, including their dog.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “This is a 55-year-old democratic leader in the Minnesota house and her husband. They have children.” [15:31]

• Shooter’s Background: Bolter has a confusing employment history, including work with an eye donation company and attempts to start a security company. He also has ties to the Democratic Republic of Congo and holds pro-life views.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “He works with some sort of eye donation company right now and is also trying to get a security company off the ground.” [17:19]

• Motivations and Manifesto: While details are scarce, a manifesto is expected to shed light on his motives, though law enforcement is withholding information for now.

• Community and Law Enforcement Response: The quick apprehension of the shooter, thanks to trail cameras and vigilant hunters, is commended.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “He has been apprehended. We will know more information.” [18:17]

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Huckabee: “This is wrong and we don't stand for it normally.” [18:05]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Everyone should be able to say this is the worst and we want nothing to do with anyone who agrees with us doing anything like this.” [17:08]

---

4. Donald Trump's Policies and Actions [24:07 – 29:20]

Overview:

The hosts analyze recent actions and policy changes under Donald Trump's administration, focusing on immigration, tariffs, and tech regulations.

Key Points:

• Deportation Policies and Special Carve-Outs: Trump’s approach to illegal immigration includes creating exceptions for certain industries, which the hosts criticize for undermining legal worker programs.

  Mike Huckabee: “There should be no special carve-outs. What about Uber Eats? What about any other number of businesses that rely on a class of people that they don't have to pay minimum wage to?” [24:35]

• Tariffs and Trade Stances: Discussion on Trump’s inconsistent stance on tariffs, highlighting support from figures like Cliff Asness.

  Mike Huckabee: “Cliff Asness... 'today I'm thinking I can live with some tariffs,' which is really where we are on Trump.” [23:27]

• TikTok Ban Enforcement: Trump’s delayed enforcement of the TikTok ban is criticized for not adhering to legal requirements.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “But the left doesn't care because they really like TikTok... he keeps saying I’m going to delay. And there's nothing in the law that says he's allowed to delay.” [28:37]

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Huckabee: “I hate that. I hate it because there should be no special carve-outs.” [24:43]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “I do think there's a way to achieve... not turning everyone off with the mass deportation effort while also getting done a lot of work.” [27:25]

---

5. No Kings Protests and the Army Parade [33:39 – 40:54]

Overview:

The episode covers the "No Kings" protests against Donald Trump, juxtaposed with the Army's 250th birthday parade in Washington D.C., highlighting the polarized political climate.

Key Points:

• "No Kings" Protests: These rallies, held around 2,000 sites nationwide, criticize Trump’s leadership style. The hosts observe the demographics of the protesters, noting many are older women.

  Mike Huckabee: “Kings generally wouldn't allow no King protests on their streets.” [34:18]

• Army’s 250th Birthday Parade: This long-planned event coincides with the protests, showcasing military pride and tradition, counterbalancing the political demonstrations.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “There have been plans in the works since 2023, at least it just to do this.” [36:23]

• Public Perception and Reactions: The hosts discuss the public’s mixed feelings towards Trump, especially in the context of military displays and public protests.

  Mike Huckabee: “They were real worried about it before, though.” [40:10]

Notable Quotes:

• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “These guys are marching. And you'll hear the horrifying soundtrack. When I think fascists, I think John Philip Sousa.” [38:33]
• Mike Huckabee: “Matt Cover on X tweeted, who knew that principled opposition to Trump would mean booing the Army's 250th birthday?” [40:25]

---

6. Critique of New York Times' Father's Day Coverage [40:54 – 44:58]

Overview:

The hosts critique a New York Times op-ed that portrays a negative view of the author's father, discussing the complexities of parental relationships and media representation.

Key Points:

• Negative Portrayal: The NYT piece titled "What My Father Gave Me" presents a troubled relationship between the author and her father, which the hosts find problematic.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “It was all about how much she dislikes her father and he's still with us.” [41:10]

• Impact on Father's Day: The hosts express frustration that such narratives overshadow positive recognitions of fathers on the holiday.

  Mike Huckabee: “They can’t even just say fathers. Like, that’s one of the categories.” [43:02]

• Personal Reflections: Both hosts share personal gratitude towards the fathers in their lives, contrasting the negative portrayal in the article.

  Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Thanks to the dads in my family who we had a great time.” [45:03]

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Huckabee: “It's so pathetic how the New York Times is just anti men and the whole... the whole left really is just anti men.” [43:29]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “You have to make Father's Day about the fathers who are with us and the ones we've lost.” [44:07]

---

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts [45:43 – End]

The hosts wrap up the episode by promoting upcoming content and sharing final reflections on societal issues, reinforcing the theme of maintaining composure amidst chaos.

Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Next time we could shoot for it next year. New York Show Show 2026.” [45:21]

Mike Huckabee: “So that was a weird situation where a guy with a rifle showed up, was charging people and a designated peacekeeper inside the crowd shot at the assailant and missed and hit a bystander, which is just terrible.” [35:18]

---

Overall Insights and Conclusions

• Geopolitical Stability: The escalating tensions between Israel and Iran highlight a volatile Middle East landscape, with significant implications for global security.

• Domestic Tragedies: The Minnesota shooting underscores the ever-present threat of political violence and its devastating impact on communities.

• Policy Criticism: There is a clear critique of Trump’s immigration and trade policies, emphasizing the need for consistent and lawful approaches.

• Public Discourse: The "No Kings" protests and military parades reflect deep societal divisions and differing perceptions of leadership and patriotism.

• Media Representation: The discussion on the NYT’s Father's Day coverage points to concerns about media bias and the portrayal of familial relationships.

• Personal Responsibility: Throughout the episode, the hosts advocate for rational discourse, personal accountability, and the importance of maintaining civility in public discussions.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Mary Kathryn Hammond: "Nobody can ever chill." [02:56]
• Mike Huckabee: “Israel very quickly said, this is not going to be a quick thing... They see this as being at war, not just strikes.” [03:10]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Do I want Iran to have nukes? And the answer is no.” [09:27]
• Mike Huckabee: “This is wrong and we don't stand for it normally.” [18:05]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “Everyone should be able to say this is the worst and we want nothing to do with anyone who agrees with us doing anything like this.” [17:08]
• Mike Huckabee: “I hate that. I hate it because there should be no special carve-outs.” [24:43]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “But the left doesn't care because they really like TikTok...” [28:37]
• Mary Kathryn Hammond: “These guys are marching. And you'll hear the horrifying soundtrack. When I think fascists, I think John Philip Sousa.” [38:33]
• Mike Huckabee: “They can’t even just say fathers. Like, that’s one of the categories.” [43:02]

---

This summary encapsulates the main discussions and insights from the "Normally Podcast: Tensions Escalate in the Middle East" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners who haven't tuned in.

Transcript

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Carol Markowitz]

Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide and every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn [e-mail] credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report, it is Ryan here and I have a question for you. What do you do when you win?

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Like are you a fist pumper?

[Carol Markowitz]

A woohooer? A hand clapper? A high fiver? If you want to hone in on those winning moves, check out Chumba Casino. Choose from hundreds of social casino style games for your chance to redeem serious cash prizes. There are new game releases weekly plus free daily bonuses, so don't wait.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Start having the most Fun [e-mail] no purchase necessary. VGW Group void where prohibited by law.

[Ryan]

21/ terms and conditions apply.

[Carol Markowitz]

Clorox Scentiva Smells like lavender, cleans like.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Clorox.

[Carol Markowitz]

And feels like all right, that could go on for a while. Experience the long lasting freshness of Clorox Scentiva Available in Clorox Scentiva Lavender Scented Leach use as directed. Get this Adults with financial literacy skills have 82% more wealth than those who don't. From swimming lessons to piano classes, Us parents invest in so many things to enrich our kids lives, but are we investing in their future financial success? With Greenlight you can teach your kids financial literacy skills like earning, saving and investing. And this investment costs less than that. After school treatment. Start prioritizing their financial education and future today with a risk free [e-mail] iheart greenlight.com iheart Let your imagination take flight with an AI powered PC from Lenovo. Whether it's creating digital art, designing new software or building a portfolio for a Future career, our PCs are powered by Intel Core Ultra processors to help students unlock smarter learning and unleash their creativity. That's the power of Lenovo. With intel inside all, all you have to do is choose the one that fits your passion. Head to lenovo.com to shop AI PCs and find your perfect companion. Plus get 5% off when you create an education account.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Hey guys, we are back on normally the show with normal ish takes for when the news gets weird.

[Mike Huckabee]

I am Mary Kathryn Hammond and I'm Carol Markowitz. Hi Mary Kathryn. We are recording this after another very calm, chill weekend.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Nobody can ever chill.

[Mike Huckabee]

Why won't they let us rest?

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

They will not. And here we are to catch up on just like, you know, one or two things.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah. Some things, you know, some things have happened.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Yeah.

[Mike Huckabee]

Oh, yeah. So since we last spoke, Israel has attacked Iran. And it's going very well so far. You know, Israel very quickly said, this is not going to be a quick thing. After the first attack, they were asked, like, is this it? They said, this is not even the end of the beginning. They see this as being at war, not just strikes. And, you know, the night that it all went down. So one of the funnier things about it, about an hour before the strikes began, Mike Huckabee, who is ambassador to Israel from the US Tweeted that he would be remaining at the embassy in Jerusalem. And everyone was like, why are you tweeting this at us in the middle of the night? Mike Huckabee.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Interesting.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah. So it was clear it was happening. Now, I am not a foreign policy expert. I know this doesn't stop people from pretending they are on X, but I follow it closely, obviously. But I could not possibly call myself an expert in the field. However, that night, the rumor that spread on X was that Trump didn't know about this. Oh, come on.

[Ryan]

Yeah.

[Mike Huckabee]

Knowing absolutely nothing about what was going on. I responded that, like, obviously, Israel's not doing this without the United States kind of permission.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Yes.

[Mike Huckabee]

And it was. Trump had said that Iran had 60 days to reach an agreement. It was day 61. This kind of thing, it just. It drives me bananas because these people have followings on X that say things that we all know are not true and that we know can't be true. It really does make me crazy.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

So, yeah, it is frustrating. And the immediate jump to petty domestic politics, which, look, is part of my job, petty domestic politics is what I spend way too much of my time on. Right. But in this case, this is Israel going after an existential threat that, frankly, if they went nuclear, would affect everyone because this is an insane and awful regime.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

And so to turn it into, like, ooh, they. They embarrassed President Trump as sort of domestic politics victory is A, silly because it's not true, and B, just sort of, like, makes you look very small because it's not about that. And look, I don't think that this would have happened under Biden because I think Biden would have been saying openly, or a Harris administration certainly would have been saying openly, oh, no, no, no, no, you're not allowed to do any of that.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Under a Trump administration. They've talked behind the scenes, and although I was worried about Steve Witkoff making deals with the Iranians because I thought that didn't look like a good idea, it seems clear to me that they probably look. I think Trump likes deals. So Steve Witkoff goes in there like, we're gonna make a deal. Trump's like, maybe we'll make a deal. But he's serious about the deadline, and he's serious about backing Israel up if they need to do what they need to do. And so I did the deadline. And here's the thing about passing the deadline and then making good on a threat is that it makes you a credible leader.

[Mike Huckabee]

Exactly.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

To those who we want to be scared of us. Now, this also means, by the way, that so many of our friends in Israel, who I want to just send up prayers for, are in danger. Many of them in bomb shelters or in special parts of their houses to protect them from Iranian ballistic missiles. But because of the, you know, military and intel successes of Israel, which have been astounding over the past year or so, fewer of those ballistic missiles are coming in each time because they are able to target where they're coming from and take those out.

[Mike Huckabee]

Amazing. Yeah. Iran is in this tough spot where Israel keeps taking out their launchers every time they launch missiles, but they can't not launch missiles. So, you know, kind of. Kind of a tough little spot for them. It's going wildly well. There have been some deaths in Israel, which are very unfortunate, obviously. Also any innocent Iranians who are caught up in this, it's really desperately sad. Iranian people have wanted to get rid of the mullahs for so long, but hopefully this will be a moment where that can happen. Even, you know, people who have opposed this attack, like Tucker Carlson, for example, in the days before the attack happened, he wrote this whole long thing, and I'm not going to get into it, but basically he said if the Iranians were close to getting a nuke, the United States would already be at war with them. Why would we want that? Why would we, as Americans, want them to get really close to getting a nuke? And that's when we would go to war with them. This is a much cleaner, safer situation for Americans. I don't understand how any American can oppose a Israel doing this in Iran because it helps us without us having to have boots on the ground, period.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

And I understand people being concerned. I don't want to be naive, but I am there. There is this special moment that we are in that because of Israel's incredible successes, they sort of stood naked before the world. This program and Iran's various sites didn't have the defenses that they would otherwise have. So it seemed like a good opportunity to add a relatively low cost, just like in general, of consequences and of retaliation, to go ahead and make a serious dent in their situation. As you say, their public is not exactly resoundingly behind them. Of course, a lot would have to happen before the public rises up and there's any sort of change. But I just, you don't have to be an expert to think, do I want Iran to have nukes?

[Mike Huckabee]

Right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

And the answer is no. And the Obama administration's plan for keeping them from nukes seemed to be pay them, let them get extremely close to nukes and also give them lots of money to get there, which I, I confess I don't understand.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah, it never made a lot of sense and didn't think that strategy was going to work and it hasn't. So also, Iran has not let in inspectors in a long time. This idea that they're being so transparent and, oh, look at Israel just bombing them for no reason is ridiculous. Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb. President Trump said that, and we were hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. And then he added, there are several people in leadership that will not be coming back, which is a perfect little Trumpism.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

He also said, when asked, like, you know, said, oh, well, how. How did they die? Or they died because they were taken out by Israel. And he goes, well, they didn't die of COVID And I just. He is a very funny president.

[Mike Huckabee]

He is hilarious.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

He's a very funny president. Apparently, Iran is now signaling the Wall Street Journal reports that it would like to de escalate hostilities and resume talks over its nuclear programs, sending messages to Israel and the US Via Arab intermediaries. Middle Eastern and European officials said, ooh, what changed? I also would like to note every Arab country quietly does not want them to have nukes. They are not loud about it, but they have. They want this result. And they also have backed up Israel by shooting many things out of the air headed toward Israel. At least, at least some of those allied Arab countries. So even though it's like a little testy over there, they don't want Iran to have a nuke either.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right. Why would they? Yeah. It makes no sense. We'll be right back on. Normally.

[Carol Markowitz]

There'S a moment every parent remembers the day their child takes off on two wheels with Guardian bikes. That moment comes as early as 2 years old and with less stress and frustration. These bikes are built just for kids. Lightweight frames, low center of gravity, easy to use brakes. Everything about Guardian is designed to help kids ride confidently, often in just one day. No training wheels needed. And because Guardian bikes are designed and assembled right here in the usa, you know they're built to last with care in every detail. Their patented SureStop braking system stops both wheels with a single lever, helping your child stop safely without tripping forward or losing control. Right now. Save hundreds when comparing Guardian to its [e-mail] and get a free lock and pump when you join their newsletter a $50 value. Visit guardianbikes.com today to save and help your child learn an essential life skill safely. Guardian Bikes built for your kid and for the memories you'll never forget.

[Ryan]

This episode is brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal can help you find and finance the right vehicle with ease and this summer you're in the driver's seat with savings. You can get a $250 bonus when you buy your next car through Navy Federal's car buying service. Powered by Truecar and financed with Navy Federal. With this tool you can find the vehicle that's right for you as you search through inventory and compare models. And you could get an amazing rate when you finance with Navy Federal. Navy Federal strives to support all active duty veterans and their families to achieve their personal and financial goals and this partnership with TrueCar is one of the many tools Navy Federal uses to help its members make your plan with Navy Federal and TrueCar today. Navy Federal Credit Union to qualify for the $250 Bonus, car purchase and financing must be completed by September 2, 2025. Terms and conditions apply and are available at navy federal.org truecar Credit and Collateral subject to approval. Navy Federal is insured by NCUA.

[Mike Huckabee]

Clorox.

[Carol Markowitz]

Sentiva smells like lavender.

[Mike Huckabee]

Cleans like Clorox.

[Carol Markowitz]

And feels like hmm, alright, that could go on for a while. Experience the long lasting freshness of Clorox Scentiva Available in Clorox Scintiva Lavender Scented Bleach Use as directed for period protection. You can put on and forget about nothing. Beats NYX Leak proof Underwear North America's number one leak proof underwear brand. Let's face it, life can be unpredictable, but your leak proof underwear shouldn't be. That's why millions of people choose NYX for periods, for light leaks, for everyday freshness. NYX undies are super comfy, super absorbent and made to Handle whatever your day throws at you. Day two of your period covered your daily run. No problem. That big sneeze? You know the one? Yep. We've got you. And with styles like bikinis, boy shorts, thongs and high rise plus sizes from extra small to 4 XL NYX makes it easy to find your perfect fit size. Say goodbye to stress and leaks and say hello to undies that work just as hard as you do no matter the leak. Find the style and level of protection you [e-mail] and use code FLO15 for 15% off. That's K-N-IX.com code FLO15 for 15% OFF NYX for your leaks, for your life. For some of us, personal finances aren't just personal.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

They include a lot more people than ourselves.

[Carol Markowitz]

Loved ones, neighbors, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with the bigger picture in mind.

[Carol Markowitz]

Because even though our business is helping guide your finances, our ambition is to.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Make it mean so much more.

[Carol Markowitz]

Thrivent, where money means more. Connect with [e-mail].

[Mike Huckabee]

Other news this weekend, there was a shooting in Minnesota where a gunman killed Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse and he shot two other lawmakers. The gunman is Vance Bolter. I reported that first. Thank you very much.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Yes, she did. If you do not follow Carol, you should because she does break some news.

[Mike Huckabee]

Sometimes I break news. It's very, very scary whenever I do. By the way, I don't recommend it. It's a very nerve wracking few minutes every time where I hope that, that I got it right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

You're correct.

[Mike Huckabee]

Haven't been wrong yet. I had one time where I said a jury decision was in and that hadn't become public yet, but then the jury went back into deliberations so it seemed like I got it wrong. But other, other than that one, I'm batting whatever the good batting average is.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Our girl is a good follow. But this, this terrible situation. This is a 55 year old democratic leader in the Minnesota house and her husband. They have children. I believe he also shot their dog. Uh, it's just like the worst story. Uh, he also, the suspect also shot allegedly another lawmaker. It's unclear exactly what the situation is right now. Uh, the Wall Street Journal is reporting that this guy has really disparate employment, sort of a very confusing career path. Ministry. Uh, they said he works with some sort of eye donation company right now and is also trying to get a security company off the ground. He apparently has a family but also has roommates in another part of town. They did report that he has been a preacher and is that specifically worked with the Democratic Republic of Congo, which is an interesting choice. And that he is a pro life person. That perhaps there's a list of abortion allies that he had in his possession. He shoots both of these lawmakers. I don't want to get over our skis because that's what the press always does in these situations and it's not healthy for anyone. But every single person should be able to say this is the worst and we want nothing to do with anyone who agrees with us doing anything like this. Unlike the Luigi situation. I would just like to say that very loudly. Right.

[Mike Huckabee]

You're not like, well, maybe the cops were right. Right. Like I wouldn't shoot people. But no, no, this is wrong and we don't stand for it normally.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Also I would like to note that Senator John Hoffman, 60, and his wife Yvette, who were also attacked, I believe Yvette shielded their daughter like incredibly heroically. There was a manhunt for this guy. He has been apprehended. We will know more information. Apparently there's a manifesto. I don't know if it will be released. Law enforcement seem to say not at this point. And also it sounds like someone that he was caught because someone found saw him on a trail cam. So way to go hunters.

[Carol Markowitz]

Wow.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

We appreciate it.

[Mike Huckabee]

That's what happened. I didn't hear that.

[Carol Markowitz]

Amazing.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

That is what I saw this morning. So anyway, as always, we will be careful with such news unless someone is on tape and many witnesses saying this is my motive. I am currently practicing that motive. I don't like to say that until.

[Mike Huckabee]

We know we're going to give it a minute. That's right. We're going to take a short break and come right back with.

[Carol Markowitz]

Normally there's a moment every parent remembers the day their child takes off on two wheels. With Guardian bikes, that moment comes as early as 2 years old and with less stress and frustration. These bikes are built just for kids. Lightweight frames, low center of gravity, easy to use brakes. Everything about Guardian is designed to help kids ride confidently, often in just one day. No training wheels needed. And because Guardian bikes are designed and assembled right here in the usa, you know they're built to last with care in every detail. Their patented SureStop braking system stops both wheels with a single lever helping your child stop safely without tripping forward or losing control. Right now safe save hundreds when comparing Guardian to its [e-mail] and get a free lock and pump when you join their newsletter. A $50 value. Visit guardianbikes.com today to save and help your child learn an essential life skill safely. Guardian Bikes Built for your kid and for the memories you'll never forget.

[Ryan]

This episode is brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal can help you find and finance the right vehicle with ease. And this summer you're in the driver's seat with savings. You can get a $250 bonus when you buy your next car through Navy Federal's car buying service. Powered by Truecar and financed with Navy Federal. With this tool you can find the vehicle that's right for you as you search through inventory and compare models. And you could get an amazing rate when you finance with Navy Federal. Navy Federal strives to support all active duty veterans and their families to achieve their personal and financial goals and this partnership with TrueCar is one of the many tools Navy Federal uses to help its members make your plan with Navy Federal and TrueCar today. Navy Federal Credit Union to qualify for the $250 Bonus, car purchase and financing must be completed by September 2, 2025. Terms and conditions apply and are available at navyfederal.org TruCar Credit and Collateral subject to approval. Navy Federal is insured by NCUA.

[Mike Huckabee]

Clorox.

[Carol Markowitz]

Sandiva Smells like lavender.

[Mike Huckabee]

Cleans like Clorox.

[Carol Markowitz]

And feels like hmm, alright, that could go on for a while. Experience the long lasting freshness of Clorox Scentiva. Available in Clorox Scentiva Lavender Scented Bleach Use as directed for period protection. You can put on and forget about nothing. Beats Nyx Leakproof underwear North America's 1 leak proof underwear brand. Let's face it, life can be unpredictable, but your leak proof underwear shouldn't be. That's why millions of people choose NYX for periods for light leaks for everyday freshness. Nyx undies are super comfy, super absorbent and made to handle whatever your day throws at you. Day two of your period covered your daily run. No problem. That big sneeze? You know the one? Yep, we've got you. And with styles like bikinis, boy shorts, thongs and high rise plus sizes from extra small to 4XL, NYX makes it easy to find your perfect fit size. Say goodbye to stress and leaks and say hello to undies that work just as hard as you do no matter the leak. Find the style and level of protection you [e-mail] and use code FLO15 for 15% off. That's K-N-.com code FLO15 for 15 percent off. NYX for your leaks, for your life. For some of us, personal finances aren't just personal.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

They include a lot more people than ourselves.

[Carol Markowitz]

Loved ones, neighbors, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with the bigger picture in mind. Because even though our business is helping.

[Carol Markowitz]

Guide your finances, our ambition is to.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Make it mean so much more.

[Carol Markowitz]

Thrivent, where money means more. Connect with [e-mail].

[Mike Huckabee]

In other news, Donald Trump, you know, when he's good, he is very, very good. My friend Cliff Asness, who is a big opponent of tariffs, he tweeted this after Trump said, for those people who say they want peace, you can't have peace if Iran has a nuclear weapon. So for all those wonderful people, you don't want to do anything about Iran having a nuclear weapon. That's not peace. And Cliff Asness wrote djt, you know, today I'm thinking I can live with some tariffs, which is really where we are on Trump. Like, he is so good. And then other times, I just don't understand this man. And one of those times is these new carve outs for people who are here illegally and have jobs and in the farming and hotel and leisure businesses are getting a carve out to not be deported. And I hate that. I hate it. I hate it. Because there should be no special carve outs. What about Uber Eats? What about, you know, any other number of businesses that rely on a class of people that they don't have to pay minimum wage to?

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Right.

[Mike Huckabee]

You know, the people who are very worried about their, their maids and their gardeners and whatever.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Very open about that. Very.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah, they're just like, what about my cleaning staff? What about their people? Right. So I really don't like this at all. The other thing kind of related to this that he reversed himself on is made a deal with China, subject to final approval. But one of the things was we agreed Chinese students using our colleges and university, which has always been good with me. He tweeted. I think that's a problem. I think it's a real problem that China can send anyone they want to our universities and we really don't know who's coming in. And so it ties really well with the illegal immigration problem because these special carve outs do not help us and they don't lead us to a good place. If you want to have special workers and special industries, we have worker programs for that legal worker programs, we don't just overlook that these industries have illegal immigrants working there and say, oh, well, they need those immigrants, and that's just what we're going to do here. So, Donald Trump, man.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

I know. Well. And once again, you're punishing people who obey the law because it's much more expensive for them to run their businesses because they're paying people minimum wage. I love liberals, by the way, where it's like, we have to have a $20 minimum wage, which will crush the actual not black market economy. But for the gray and black market, where people are being paid off the books, pay them whatever you want, $2 an hour. That seems fine with us. So it's a little weird to me. I do think there's a way to achieve, basically not turning everyone off with the mass deportation effort while also getting done a lot of work, which is to do what he said he was gonna do. And the beauty and the annoyance about Trump is that he'll say a thousand things. So you can always say, well, he said that. But look, prioritizing criminal aliens is very, very, very popular. Do that. Do targeted pickups. If there are various industries that are more problematic than others, I think those are worth sending a signal about because all the other parts of that industry have to go, oh, should we be doing this?

[Mike Huckabee]

Exactly.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

And I just don't understand what part of the law has been repealed.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Because to my knowledge, none. It's just still illegal to employ all these people. Yeah. By the way, remember the days when, like, one nanny scandal would get somebody kicked out of an administration?

[Mike Huckabee]

Yes. Do we even do that anymore? I think we just accept that everybody has illegal immigrant nannies.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

That's what the libs keep telling me.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah. I did a border trip last year now, and one of the things that the agriculture worker that we spoke to who owns an agriculture business on the border of Texas and Mexico was saying he does not hire anyone who is here legally. But he also has a lot of trouble with the guest worker program. They don't have a good, effective guest worker program. He often does not have enough people. He also, the whole idea, just pay more and you get Americans. He says, well, no, because you have to live in this rural area where the crops are grown. And he says he has two Americans who come every season to work for him, but it's very rare, very hard, and he would like to bring in more legal workers, and he has trouble doing that. And I don't think exempting farm workers is going to lead us to having a better guest worker program, which Trump has mentioned he wanted. Right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

He.

[Mike Huckabee]

He has said he wants a better guest worker legal program. I think exempting these illegal workers in these industries moves us farther away from that goal.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Yeah. By the way, while we're airing grievances, I would like to point out that still, TikTok should not exist on American app markets right now according to the law. However you feel about that law. The law is not being obeyed. And it's so interesting to me and actually a good segue into our next topic because this is the, like, almost the only thing that Trump is acting like a king about is not enforcing this TikTok law. But the left doesn't care because they really like TikTok. So, right.

[Mike Huckabee]

They're like, it doesn't matter. It's fine. Trump's not a king here.

[Carol Markowitz]

Yeah.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

But just want to note that the law is not being followed on that. He keeps saying I'm going to delay. And there's nothing in the law that says he's allowed to delay. It just shouldn't be happening.

[Mike Huckabee]

We'll be right back on.

[Carol Markowitz]

Normally, there's a moment every parent remembers the day their child takes off on two wheels with Guardian bikes. That moment comes as early as 2 years old. Old and with less stress and frustration. These bikes are built just for kids. Lightweight frames, low center of gravity, easy to use brakes. Everything about Guardian is designed to help kids ride confidently, often in just one day. No training wheels needed. And because Guardian bikes are designed and assembled right here in the usa, you know they're built to last with care in every detail. Their patented SureStop braking system stops both wheels with a single lever helping your child stop safely without tripping forward or losing control. Right now, save hundreds when comparing Guardian to its [e-mail] and get a free lock and pump when you join their newsletter. A $50 value. Visit guardianbikes.com today to save and help your child learn an essential life skill safely. Guardian bikes built for your kid and for the memories you'll never forget.

[Ryan]

This episode is brought to you by Navy Federal Credit Union. Navy Federal can help you find and finance the right vehicle with ease. And this summer, you're in the driver's seat with savings. You can get a $250 bonus when you buy your next car through Navy Federal's car Buying Service, powered by Truecar and financed with Navy Federal. With this tool, you can find the vehicle that's right for you as you search through inventory and compare models. And you could get an amazing rate when you finance with Navy Federal. Navy Federal strives to support all active duty veterans and their families to achieve their personal and financial goals and this partnership with TrueCar is one of the many tools Navy Federal uses to help its members. Make your plan with Navy Federal and TrueCar today. Navy Federal Credit Union to qualify for the $250 Bonus, car purchase and financing must be completed by September 2, 2025. Terms and conditions apply and are available at navy federal.org truecar Credit and Collateral subject to approval. Navy Federal is insured by NCUA.

[Mike Huckabee]

Clorox.

[Carol Markowitz]

Centiva smells like lavender.

[Mike Huckabee]

Cleans like Clorox.

[Carol Markowitz]

And feels like hmm, alright, that could go on for a while. Experience the long lasting freshness of Clorox Scentiva Available in Clorox Scentiva Lavender Scented Leach Use as directed for period protection. You can put on and forget about nothing Beats NYX Leak Proof Underwear North America's number one leak proof underwear brand. Let's face it, life can be unpredictable, but your leak proof underwear shouldn't be. That's why millions of people choose NYX for periods for light leaks for everyday freshness. NYX undies are super comfy, super absorbent and made to handle whatever your day throws at you. Day two of your period covered your daily run. No problem. That big sneeze? You know the one? Yup, we've got you. And with styles like bikinis, boy shorts, thongs and high rise plus sizes from extra small to 4XL, NYX makes it easy to find your perfect fit. Say goodbye to stress and leaks and say hello to undies that work just as hard as you do no matter the leak. Find the style and level of protection you [e-mail] and use code FLOW15 for 15% off. That's K-N-I x.com code FLO15 for 15% off NYX for your leaks for your life for some of us, personal finances aren't just personal.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

They include a lot more people than.

[Carol Markowitz]

Ourselves, loved ones, neighbors, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with the bigger picture in mind.

[Carol Markowitz]

Because even though our business is helping guide your finances, our ambition is to.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Make it mean so much more.

[Carol Markowitz]

Thrivent where money means more Connect with [e-mail].

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

The no Kings rallies happened all around the nation, reportedly about 2,000 different sites. At the same time the army parade was going on. Army 250th birthday parade was happening in Washington D.C. i do want to point out that in my area, I ran across some no Kings protesters. They were all boomerific ladies. I was like, it's hot outside today, everybody make sure you hydrate. But we drove past a little crowd and my kids said, and I don't talk to them about politics a lot. We talk about civics, but we don't talk about politics.

[Mike Huckabee]

Sure.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

And they asked about this and they're like, what is it? No Kings. What is happening? And I said, well, those are people who don't like Donald Trump and this is their First Amendment right to protest him and say that they don't like him because they believe he's acting like a king. And they said, wasn't he elected in the election? And I said, yes, that is a salient point, ladies. That is a very un king like behavior.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right. Also, Kings generally wouldn't allow no King protests on their streets. Just one of those things you hear about Kings. We also drove by a really small one in Coral Springs, Florida. They were waving American flags and not blocking traffic. And I just thought, even our leftists are better in Florida.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Yeah, I mean that, that may be the. Ours seemed to be a short lived little protest near where we were. I will say it did seem like they might have gotten a little more patriotic over the past couple of weeks when they saw how the LA stuff was landing.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right. And good for them.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Good, good.

[Mike Huckabee]

That's what we want. Yeah. We wanted. Right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

However, there was one death at a Salt Lake City. No Kings. And me thinks that if conservatives gathered in 2000 gatherings and there were one murder, that that would be a huge national story. But it's rather small. At any rate, that was a weird situation where a guy with a rifle showed up, was charging people and a designated peacekeeper inside the crowd shot at the assailant and missed and hit a bystander, which is just terrible. But the guy with the original guy with the rifle is being charged. So that happened at the Trump parade, which was supposed to be the fascistic display on the National Mall. It was actually just an army parade. It wasn't a Trump parade. He was there. He's the commander in chief. It's the 250th birthday of the Army. This event has actually been planned because the 250th anniversary was coming up for a long time and people knew it.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

There have been plans in the works since 2023, at least it just to do this.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah, yeah. He had very little to do with this. And yet it was like, look at the King with his military parade for his birthday, and it's like, yes, it really wasn't. And just he makes people lose their minds like this. I actually think the no kings is very bad branding. I don't think that they nailed it with this one.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

I think they did either. They're usually better at that.

[Mike Huckabee]

So much better. And the pink pussy, you know, hat thing in, in 2016, way more effective. Way more like striking and lands where kind of his weaknesses were. It was with women and it was the, the comments he made to Billy Bush. They nailed that he's not trying to be a king, and I don't know who thinks otherwise.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

I would also say his answers to whether people should be concerned about him being a king are far better than Obama's were, because Obama would just wax poetic about how he kind of wished he was a king, but he can't do it. And look, I'm sure you could find tape of Trump doing the same, but when he was just recently asked about it, he was like, I don't feel like a king. Like, I keep having to check with Mike Johnson to see what I can do.

[Mike Huckabee]

And also, like, local district court judges keep stopping him. So, you know, there was that meme going around like Donald Trump was gonna resign from the presidency and take a really, you know, the high powered job of district court judge.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

District court judge, Yeah. I do want to play just a tiny clip of the Army 250 parade, which was, I must say, very cool. Here is the scary military parade. These guys are marching. And you'll hear the. The horrifying soundtrack. When I think fascists, I think John Philip Sousa.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right. Also, I, I should note, like, London does that, like, three times a week, so.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Oh, yeah. In fact, they did it the same. The same day as us this year. Yes, this landed on Trump's birthday, but also Flag Day and also the 250th birthday of the US Army. I loved that they did all the different eras of uniforms. I loved it. Yeah, fantastic. The voiceover, if you were a history person or at all interested in this, was also great because you're just learning things about the American military while they're trooping the color, as they say in Britain. The lawmakers are watching. Carol, would you like to guess how long Trump's speech was at this event?

[Mike Huckabee]

Oh, you know, Trump likes to give the really long speeches, but I feel like the fact that you're asking me means it didn't go two hours.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

So for the Trump parade on his birthday, where he's a king, he gave an eight Minute speech.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah, again, when he's good, he's very, very good.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

And he also swore in a bunch of officers in the middle of the parade or a bunch of new enlistees and re enlistees at the parade, which is such a cool thing, except that I joked that he's literally in the streets of America telling them to obey his orders and we're all just blind to this horrific, unprecedented move. Of course, that's just the normal oath that you give when you're subject to the orders of the commander in chief in our system. Even MSNBC had to admit at one point, like, this doesn't seem like dark or scary.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah, they were. They were real worried about it before, though. Matt Cover on X tweeted, who knew that principled opposition to Trump would mean booing the Army's 250th birthday? If you find yourself booing the Army's birthday, like, you've got some problems.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Yeah, look, it was just nice. All the guys in the tanks were like smiling and waving at children. They, at one point, I did enjoy this, and I think this is a Trump era flair that might not have existed otherwise. When the tanks were coming down the street of different eras, they would play songs from the different eras. It was like Inter sandman and some 70s rock. It was very American.

[Mike Huckabee]

Love it.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

So just stop overreacting to everything.

[Mike Huckabee]

Man. From your lips, Mary. Kathryn. I really would enjoy that. How did the New York Times handle Father's Day?

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

They love fathers.

[Mike Huckabee]

Speaking of overreacting, did they have a very positive message for fathers on Father's Day?

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

You know, they had a daughter write a piece called what My Father Gave Me.

[Mike Huckabee]

He gave her good things, right?

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Oh, no, au contraire, Carol. It was a piece called what My Father Gave Me, and it was all about how much she dislikes her father and he's still with us. She wrote a New York Times article about him. And I'm just saying, look, parental relationships can be complicated. Okay, sure, I understand that. Just find one person in America who loves their father, right? Or stepfather or father in law.

[Mike Huckabee]

I love my father in law.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

You know, like just, just grandfather even would be a thing you could do. But they found a person who's like, I want to trash my still living father for all the ways he fell short when I was a child. I want to air that in the New York Times. And I also want to note the emotionally immature ways in which I have retaliated against him for these things, including. She says, there are some things I've taken from my dad. Including Fox News when I set up his cable.

[Mike Huckabee]

Ma' am, you're not the sane one here.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Nope. No. Like, don't do that to your dad. Just.

[Carol Markowitz]

Just.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Hey, here's an idea, right? Let your grown ass father watch the channels he wants to watch.

[Mike Huckabee]

I know, exactly.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Wow. Wow.

[Mike Huckabee]

It just. Yeah. It's like he didn't take her to San Diego Chargers games even though he had season tickets. Of course that's shitty. But.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

But can I. Can I also just say I have a feeling if he took her to the Chargers games, she'd be writing a piece about how he made me go to Chargers games.

[Mike Huckabee]

True, true. Because she's like, he gave me really nice houses to grow up in. Like, oh, my God, how dare he? That seems important, right?

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Yeah, I don't know. I just.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah, there. It's just. It's so pathetic how the New York Times is just anti men and the whole. The whole left really is just anti men. They really don't get it. The Tennessee Titans. Happy Father's Day to all the Titans, moms and fatherly figures. I mean, Clay, Travis, come get your team.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

They can't even just say fathers. Like, that's one of the categories.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah. No, it can't be. It can't be. Fathers don't count.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Come on. I want to note, Gavin Newsom says this Father's Day, I'm thinking of the families torn apart by Trump's cross, cruel deportation policies. Innocent kids are paying the price simply because their dad showed up for work. We're near a Home Depot or we're in the wrong place at the wrong time. This cruelty must end. Okay, let's put aside the fact checking of that particular tweet. But like any other fathers, right?

[Mike Huckabee]

Do you know any other fathers? Right?

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Anyone out there? All these holidays have so much creep now.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah, right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

You have to make Father's Day about people who aren't fathers as well.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

You have to cat dads. Right. And I think it's always. I think it's nice to be aware that people have issues with their parents or have lost parents and all that stuff. Like, we can all acknowledge that that's part of life. I'm in a family where someone might think it's sensitive to say things to us on Father's Day.

[Mike Huckabee]

Right, right, right.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

I'm not worried about it. But even for those who are, let's not make Mother's Day or Father's Day overtaken by the grief that others feel, like we can just make it about the mothers and the fathers. Who are with us and the mothers and the fathers we've lost that we are honoring still.

[Mike Huckabee]

Exactly.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

It's such a downer sometimes on social media when everyone's like, just remember other people are sad and it's like, I.

[Mike Huckabee]

Know, yes, I'm fully aware. But that's not what the day's about.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

That's not what the day's about. Anyway, thanks to the dads in my family who we had a great time.

[Mike Huckabee]

With and in mine, we really are lucky to have some incredible, incredible men. My, you know, husband, father in law, my brother's just a great dad and uncle. I just, you know, really, really good guys and we're lucky to have them.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Maybe someone could have found somebody to write an op ed about them.

[Mike Huckabee]

Yeah, that would have been nice.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Next time we could shoot for it next year.

[Mike Huckabee]

New York Show Show 2026 well, thanks for joining us on Normally Normally airs Tuesdays and Thursdays and you can subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts. Get in touch with us@ normallythepodmail.com thanks for listening and when things get weird, act normally. Want to feel more creative but don't.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Have the right laptop?

[Carol Markowitz]

Lenovo.com can help look through our legendary lineup of AI powered PCs and devices and find the one that fits your passion. Our PCs, powered by Intel Core Ultra processors as well as cutting edge AI tools, allow students to focus, learn and create with ease. That's the power of Lenovo with Intel.

[Ryan]

Inside plus, college students and teachers can.

[Carol Markowitz]

Get 5% off their order. Shop now on Lenovo.com the future's waiting.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

And it needs you.

[Carol Markowitz]

For some of us, personal finances aren't just personal.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

They include a lot more people than.

[Carol Markowitz]

Ourselves, loved ones, neighbors, the communities we call home, and the causes we hold in our hearts.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

At Thrivent, we help plan your financial picture with the bigger picture in mind.

[Carol Markowitz]

Because even though our business is helping guide your finances, our ambition is to.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Make it mean so much more.

[Carol Markowitz]

Thrivent where money means more Connect with [e-mail] Clorox Centiva smells like lavender, cleans.

[Mike Huckabee]

Like Clorox.

[Carol Markowitz]

And feels like hmm, alright, that could go on for a while. Experience the long lasting freshness of Clorox Scentiva Available in Clorox scentiva Lavender Scented Bleach Use as directed. I already love same day delivery with Shipt, but it's so much better since I signed up for target's circle 360. Why? Price markups from the majority of stores through Shipt, only a handful of alcohol retailers and items don't count that means no markups on groceries, pet food, even home goods and makeup. So to recap, I have more time to catch up on life while someone shops for me and I spend less. It's a win win. Order [e-mail] 360trees apply.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Busy work weeks and weekends can leave you feeling drained. Prolon's five day Nutrition program works at.

[Ryan]

The cellular level to rejuvenate you with boxes labeled by day so you know.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Exactly what to eat. Developed at USC's Longevity Institute, this science backed program makes your cells believe they are fasting to support fat loss, skin.

[Ryan]

Appearance and healthy blood sugar levels.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Feel the difference and get real results.

[Ryan]

In just five days.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Get 15% off today plus a $40.

[Ryan]

Bonus gift when you subscribe to their five day program at prolonlife.com iheart that's.

[Mary Kathryn Hammond]

Prolonlife.Com iheart this is an iheart podcast.