Podcast Summary: The Dan Bongino Show – "Trump Drops The Hammer At Press Conference" (Ep. 2389)

Release Date: December 17, 2024
Host: Dan Bongino
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network
Description: Former Secret Service Agent, NYPD Officer, and New York Times best-selling author Dan Bongino tackles pressing political issues, debunking rhetoric from both liberal and Republican establishments.

1. Introduction

The episode opens with Dan Bongino and his co-host setting the stage for a deep dive into recent political controversies, media misrepresentations, and significant updates regarding January 6th investigations. The hosts emphasize their commitment to unveiling the "truth about America," challenging prevailing media narratives.

2. Media Coverage of the Madison School Shooting

a. The "Bongino Rule"

Dan introduces the concept of the "Bongino rule," advocating for withholding immediate judgments or conclusions when initial reports of events surface. This rule underscores their skepticism towards first-hand accounts and media reports during chaotic incidents.

b. Initial Reports vs. Reality

The discussion centers around a recent school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. The initial media reports provided conflicting information regarding the number of casualties and descriptions of the suspect. For instance, a witness inaccurately described the shooter as “7ft tall with a blue jacket and red pants” (01:05), while eyewitnesses knew the suspect was shorter and differently dressed.

c. Police Chief’s Remarks

The police chief's cautious statements further fueled public confusion. At [04:17], the chief states:

“We know that three people are dead, including the suspect shooter. We know that the suspect shooter was a teenage student who attended the school. At this time, we're not releasing the age or gender of the student or any other identifying remarks about the student.”

Bongino criticizes the media's pressure on officials, leading to incomplete or misleading information dissemination.

d. Critique of Media Handling

The hosts argue that media outlets often prioritize sensational narratives over factual reporting. They highlight how eyewitnesses and official statements initially misrepresent events, leading to public misinformation.

3. The January 6th IG Report and Benny Thompson’s Pardon

a. Claims of FBI Agents at January 6th

Bongino brings attention to allegations that FBI assets were present during the January 6th Capitol riot, a claim previously denied by liberals and mainstream media. At [34:24], he states:

“We now know that FBI assets were embedded in the crowd on January 6th.”

b. Criticism of the January 6th Committee

The co-host criticizes the January 6th Committee, labeling members like Benny Thompson and Adam Kinzinger as part of a "Hollywood-produced" narrative aimed at discrediting President Trump. They assert that the committee was designed to pursue a predetermined storyline, regardless of actual evidence.

c. Claims of Obstruction of Justice

The hosts accuse the committee of obstructing justice, destroying evidence, and failing to address key incidents like the pipe bombing at the DNC. They question why critical information, such as Secret Service texts, has not been released, suggesting intentional cover-ups.

d. Benny Thompson Seeking a Pardon

At [40:07], the police chief quoted by the hosts discusses Benny Thompson’s interest in a presidential pardon:

“If the president, in his infinite wisdom, determined that the work of our committee was legitimate and that we should not be penalized for doing what we as members of Congress should do, and he offers that part, I will take it.”

The hosts interpret this as a sign of deep-seated issues within the committee, possibly hinting at underlying misconduct.

4. Drones Around New Jersey Ports

a. Trump’s Press Conference Comments

The discussion shifts to a press conference where President Trump addressed unidentified drones around New Jersey ports. At [46:00], the co-host remarks:

“You know what, I'm telling you the government knows who it is. It’s going to leak out.”

b. Government's Handling of Drone Sightings

The hosts express frustration over the government's opaque handling of drone sightings, speculating that many drones could be foreign or mistyped as surveillance devices targeting sensitive locations.

c. Speculated Foreign Surveillance

They suggest that a significant portion of these drones might be foreign surveillance tools, although some incidents could involve recreational drones or cases of mistaken identity.

5. Healthcare System Critique

a. Discussion on Obamacare’s Impact

Bongino and his co-host delve into the flaws of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), emphasizing its negative impact on the healthcare system. They discuss how policies like community rating and guaranteed issue have led to increased premiums and economic strain on insurers.

At [24:30], Jonathan Gruber, one of Obamacare’s architects, is quoted:

“It's just you can't do it politically. You just literally cannot do it. ... So it's written to do that in terms of risk rated subsidies."

b. Connection Between Healthcare Policies and Media Narratives

The hosts argue that Obamacare has burdened younger individuals with premiums that do not correlate with their health status, essentially making them subsidize older or less healthy demographics. They criticize the media for diverting attention away from these systemic issues.

c. Real-World Implications

They highlight personal anecdotes, such as younger individuals paying exorbitant premiums despite being healthy, while insurance companies seek ways to control costs due to mandated pricing structures.

6. Gender and Masking Debates

a. Criticism of Current Gender Theory

The co-host passionately disputes contemporary gender theories, asserting that biological sex and gender are inseparable. They challenge the notion that gender identity can differ from biological sex, using blunt language to dismiss these ideas.

At [49:02], they state:

“When a baby's born, they've got a penis downstairs. It's definitely a boy. That's the sex and the gender.”

b. Debate on Masks and Public Health Measures

The discussion transitions to criticism of mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. They liken mask-wearing to using condoms, suggesting it should be optional rather than enforced, and accuse experts like Dr. Fauci of misleading the public.

c. Quotes from Ted Cruz and Jonathan Gruber

Senator Ted Cruz’s questioning of experts is highlighted to support their stance. At [52:19], Cruz asks:

“If there is a difference between women and men, why do women's sports exist then?”

Jonathan Gruber’s non-committal responses are used to illustrate perceived evasiveness and incompetence among supposed experts.

7. Conclusion

a. Trump’s Impact on the Republican Party

The hosts conclude by praising former President Trump for revitalizing the Republican Party, emphasizing his role in challenging "woke culture" and dismantling the illusion of liberal expertise.

At [55:55], Dan summarizes:

“Trump's lasting gift was going to be his remaking of the Republican party about the working man minority communities... cracking of this woke culture where the facade of expertise was completely collapsed.”

b. Defeating Woke Culture

They assert that Trump’s influence is crucial in exposing and defeating what they describe as a "cult" driven by leftist agendas, focusing on issues like gun control, healthcare, and social policies.

c. Call to Action

The episode wraps up with a strong call to action, urging listeners to stay vigilant against media manipulation and to support efforts that promote transparency and truth in governance and public discourse.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Bongino ([04:17]):
  “We know that three people are dead, including the suspect shooter. We know that the suspect shooter was a teenage student who attended the school. At this time, we're not releasing the age or gender of the student or any other identifying remarks about the student.”

• Unknown Co-host ([12:55]):
  “If you thought it was about guns, you would have made it about freaking guns too.”

• Police Chief ([04:17]):
  “We know that three people are dead, including the suspect shooter...”

• Jonathan Gruber ([24:30]):
  “It's just you can't do it politically. You just literally cannot do it...”

• Senator Ted Cruz ([52:25]):
  “If there is a difference between women and men, why do women's sports exist then?”

Key Takeaways

• Skepticism Towards Initial Reports: The hosts emphasize the unreliability of first reports during crises, advocating for the "Bongino rule" to prevent premature conclusions.

• Media Manipulation: A recurring theme is the accusation that mainstream media distorts facts to fit predetermined narratives, especially regarding gun control and political scandals.

• January 6th Investigations: Significant focus is placed on alleged misconduct by the January 6th Committee, including obstruction of justice and hidden FBI assets, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the investigations.

• Healthcare System Flaws: The episode criticizes Obamacare's policies, arguing they have led to unfair premium distributions and strained the healthcare system.

• Opposition to Contemporary Gender and Mask Policies: The hosts reject modern gender theories and criticize mandatory mask policies, labeling them as tools of control rather than public health measures.

• Trump’s Legacy: Dan Bongino credits Trump with revitalizing the Republican Party and challenging entrenched liberal ideologies, positioning him as a pivotal figure in combating "woke culture."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and viewpoints presented in Episode 2389 of The Dan Bongino Show. Listeners seeking to understand the hosts' perspectives on media credibility, political investigations, healthcare policies, and social issues will find this episode particularly insightful.