Episode Summary: Normally Podcast - "Washington Crime, Virginia Shifts, and the Cuomo Twist"

Release Date: August 12, 2025
Hosts: Mary Kathryn and Carol Markowitz
Podcast: The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show by iHeartPodcasts

Introduction and Good News

The episode begins with hosts Mary Kathryn and Carol Markowitz sharing encouraging news that Vinay Prasad has returned to the FDA ([02:54]). They express enthusiasm about his reinstatement, noting, "Once you've been burned like that, it's probably pretty hard to say, sure, I'll go work for the government again" (Mary Kathryn, [03:04]). This return is viewed positively as it strengthens their position against ongoing political campaigns, particularly those spearheaded by far-left elements.

Decline in Interest Over Jeffrey Epstein

Carol highlights a significant drop in public interest concerning Jeffrey Epstein cases, referencing Harry Enten from CNN: "Google searches for Jeffrey Epstein are down 89% from just three weeks ago. We said we don't want to talk about it. And the country agreed" ([03:27]). This decline is attributed to the public's desire to move past the scandal, aligning with Trump's influence: "It's Trump's world. We just live in it" ([03:55]).

Raising Children Without Screens

Mary Kathryn commends Carol for successfully raising children accustomed to dining out without the distraction of screens. She shares personal anecdotes, such as taking her toddlers to places like Waffle House and a local Mexican restaurant, where her children behaved admirably: "They even ordered for themselves. It was adorable" (Mary Kathryn, [04:20]). This approach is praised as a model for effective parenting.

Trump's Proposal to Deploy National Guard in D.C.

A major focus of the discussion centers on former President Donald Trump's proposal to deploy 800 National Guard troops to Washington D.C. to combat rising crime rates. Carol supports the move, stating, "Trump can debunk every false left-wing narrative about proactive policing. I'd like to see him do that" ([05:57]). Mary Kathryn acknowledges the legal and administrative aspects, noting that Trump has the authority to mobilize the National Guard in D.C. independently of local governance: "This is within his powers. The D.C. city government, even though it has power, thanks to a 1973 law, it's a partnership with the federal government" ([06:32]).

Current Crime Statistics and Media Portrayal

The hosts delve into the current state of crime in Washington D.C., citing specific statistics and media portrayals:

• Statistics: In 2024, there were 22,320 crimes against persons in D.C., predominantly assaults, with a homicide rate of 27.3 per 100,000 people ([10:06]). While this rate is lower than some of the world's most dangerous cities, it still places D.C. just behind Detroit and Baltimore in the U.S.

• Media Critique: Carol criticizes media outlets like Newsweek for downplaying the severity by comparing D.C.'s crime rates to international cities rather than domestic counterparts: "They are comparing themselves to cities in Mexico, Haiti, and South Africa instead of other U.S. capitals" ([06:17]).

Jeanine Pirro's Stance on Youth Crime

A pivotal point in the episode is the discussion of statements made by Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. She emphasizes the need for stricter laws to curb youth-led violent crimes:

• Quote: "We need to get rid of this concept of, you know, no cash bail. We need to recognize that the people who matter are the law-abiding citizens" (Jeanine Pirro, [11:27]).

Mary Kathryn and Carol commend Pirro for her tough stance, referring to her as a "real petite little badass" (Carol, [12:52]). They highlight issues like carjacking, referencing personal stories and emphasizing the dangerous environment created by lenient laws.

Federal and Local Partnerships to Combat Crime

The conversation shifts to collaborations between federal law enforcement and Virginia authorities to reduce violent crime. Carol mentions a partnership that successfully removed 400-500 violent felons from Northern Virginia streets: "Navy Federal partnered with Virginia and Governor Glenn Youngkin to get like 400 to 500 violent felons off the streets" ([13:59]).

Mary Kathryn adds that these efforts include addressing lenient penalties, especially for offenses like grand theft auto, which remains a misdemeanor in Virginia: "A friend's car was stolen, and they learned that grand theft auto is a misdemeanor. There's no reason for police to pursue" ([12:52]).

Public Perception and Community Concerns

Residents express mixed feelings about security in D.C. While some data suggests improvement, personal narratives reveal persistent fears:

• Resident Quote: "This is a safe city, but overhearing and witnessing gang threats and thuggery is disturbing" ([14:20]).

Mary Kathryn shares her own cautious approach to navigating the city, especially at night, highlighting ongoing safety concerns despite statistical improvements.

Political Implications and Upcoming Elections

Mary Kathryn and Carol analyze the political landscape, focusing on upcoming elections and the potential impact of crime on voter behavior:

• Virginia's Political Shift: The state is portrayed as a battleground with candidates like Abigail Spanberger facing scrutiny over her stances on issues such as abortion and transgender athletes in sports.

• Spanberger's Position: Carol discusses Spanberger's evasive responses to critical questions, highlighting her campaign's attempt to balance parental rights with controversial policies: "She can't say yes or no on this just like she can't on the boys and women's sports because she will get lambasted by her left flank" ([27:11]).

• Andrew Cuomo's Revival: The hosts express surprise at former Governor Andrew Cuomo's continued political relevance, speculating on his strategy to introduce "Zoran's Law" aimed at preventing the wealthy from monopolizing affordable housing: "He says, 'Zoran lives in a rent-controlled apartment. It's time we address this injustice.'" ([37:14]).

Carol critiques Cuomo's approach, noting the irony of his personal wealth juxtaposed against his political rhetoric: "You are the only one who earned it honestly. So, yeah, I don't know." ([38:39]).

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reiterate the significance of combating crime and maintaining effective governance in urban centers like Washington D.C. They emphasize the necessity of strong legal frameworks and proactive policing to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

Mary Kathryn concludes with reflections on the broader implications for Democratic strategies in Virginia, advocating for continued support of effective leadership to sustain progress and address pressing social issues.

Notable Quotes

• Mary Kathryn: "Once you've been burned like that, it's probably pretty hard to say, sure, I'll go work for the government again." ([03:04])

• Carol Markowitz: "Jeanine Pierro is no joke. She is the U.S. attorney for District of Columbia. She is a real petite little badass." ([12:52])

• Jeanine Pirro: "We need to get rid of this concept of, you know, no cash bail. We need to recognize that the people who matter are the law-abiding citizens." ([11:27])

• Mary Kathryn: "You can't just have the kids and you gotta raise these kids." ([05:25])

• Carol Markowitz: "This is a Trump win one way or the other." ([15:57])

Key Topics Covered

1. Vinay Prasad's Return to the FDA: Strengthening the FDA's mission amidst political challenges.
2. Decline in Public Interest Over Jeffrey Epstein: Shifting focus back to current issues under Trump's influence.
3. Parenting Without Screens: Effective methods for raising well-behaved children in public settings.
4. Trump's National Guard Proposal for D.C.: Potential impact on crime rates and federal-local dynamics.
5. Current Crime Rates in Washington D.C.: Analysis of statistics versus media portrayal.
6. Jeanine Pirro's Crackdown on Youth Crime: Introduction of stricter laws to deter violent offenses.
7. Federal and Local Law Enforcement Partnerships: Strategies to reduce violent crime in Virginia and D.C.
8. Political Dynamics in Virginia: Examination of candidates' stances on controversial social issues.
9. Andrew Cuomo's Political Strategy: Attempted revival through housing legislation targeting affordability and wealth concentration.

This episode of Normally Podcast provides an in-depth analysis of pressing crime issues in Washington D.C., the political maneuvers in Virginia's evolving landscape, and the unexpected political activities of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Through candid discussions and insightful commentary, Mary Kathryn and Carol Markowitz offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between crime, politics, and community safety.