Podcast Summary: The Five – “Commie In Control”

Date: January 3, 2026
Host & Panelists: Kennedy (Host), Paul Morrow, Richard Fowler, Charlie Hurt, Kat Timpf
Podcast: FOX News Podcasts

Episode Overview

The Five dives into current controversies and debates stirring up New York City and the nation following the inauguration of self-declared democratic socialist Zoran Mamdani as New York City’s mayor. The episode critically examines Mamdani’s sweeping agenda, perceived “communist” tendencies, and the broader implications for urban policy, generational politics, and upcoming national elections. Panelists also debate federal fraud scandals, affordability issues, and generational divides – all framed in the show’s characteristic mix of serious commentary and lively banter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Zoran Mamdani’s Mayoral Inauguration & Agenda

(00:04 – 08:48)

• New Direction for NYC:
  Mamdani wastes no time revoking predecessor Eric Adams’ executive orders on Israel and antisemitism, seeking to swiftly enact his far-left platform. Bernie Sanders swears him in, reinforcing the city’s new political trajectory.

  “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism. I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist.”
  — Zoran Mamdani, Inauguration Speech (00:55-01:20)

• Economic Concerns:
  Kennedy predicts an exodus of wealthy residents (01:20), suggesting the city risks economic viability by embracing radical collectivism.

• Symbolism and Messaging:
  The ceremony features progressive icons like Bernie Sanders and AOC. AOC adapts the classic “if we can make it here, we can make it anywhere,” signaling New York’s aspiration to become a national model for leftist policies (04:24).

  “New York has always been about money… That means the thing we have to offer is the lifestyle: safety, nightlife, restaurants… And he's going to replace that, apparently, with collectivism.”
  — Paul Morrow (04:49)

• Criticism of 'Collectivism':
  Charlie Hurt draws historical parallels, warning, “Fascism always comes dressed as socialism” (02:45) and downplays Mamdani’s intellectual prowess.

2. Millennial Frustration & The Housing Crisis

(06:46 – 08:48)

• Disconnect with Conservative Messaging:
  Kat Timpf asserts that conservatives fail to connect with young voters on housing: “It’s not as simple as millennials being cappuccino addicts…” (07:25)

• Structural Barriers:
  Timpf delves into how family wealth is the main predictor for millennial homeownership, noting, “If it was about hard work, then hard work would be a predictor of that” (07:25).

• Dangerous Vacuum:
  With conservatives ignoring these issues, radical solutions gain traction because “at least somebody is listening” (08:48).

3. Debate over Universal Childcare

(09:17 – 11:46)

• Progressive Policy vs. Fiscal Realities:
  Richard Fowler praises universal childcare, citing New Mexico as a model: “We haven’t seen people run to leave New Mexico... because when you allow folks to take childcare off… both able to go to work, you increase competitiveness.” (09:17-10:28)

• Challenges and Risks:
  Kennedy and others caution, “Free child care isn’t free; someone has to pay for it” (10:46). Concerns arise about fraud, wage increases for staff, and government overreach.

• International Comparisons:
  Fowler notes, “All of the countries that we're competing against… have supplemented childcare,” mentioning nations from the UK to China (11:16).

• Key Banter:
  “You want the people who are running the DMV to raise your kid, right?” — Paul Morrow (11:46)

4. Federal Fraud in Minnesota’s Child Care Programs

(12:38 – 22:06)

• Massive Scandal:
  President Trump promises to “get to the bottom” of the Minnesota fraud scandal, linking it to broader patterns in other states (12:38-13:23).

• Investigative Journalism Under Attack:
  Reporter Nick Shirley describes receiving threats for exposing the fraud (13:33).

  “You’ll be the next Kirk. Why are you guys coming after somebody for going against fraud?”
  — Nick Shirley (13:49)

• Partisan Deflection & PR Spin:
  Kat Timpf laments the public treating accountability as a partisan issue: “Why can't we all be mad?” (14:47-16:03)

• Federal vs. Local Responsibility:
  Charlie Hurt and Kennedy discuss inefficiency in routing tax dollars through D.C. (16:13-16:44).

• Corruption and Scapegoating:
  Fowler argues against blaming the Somali community, reminding the founder of the implicated group was not Somali (19:02-19:49). Paul Morrow points to evidence of widespread complicity and warns of Treasury involvement in tracking funds to terrorist groups (20:28-22:06).

• Consequences for Innocents:
  Concerns are raised about freezing federal dollars harming children outside Minnesota (20:07-22:09).

5. Midterms, Messaging, and Party Identity

(22:45 – 28:55)

• Democratic Messaging Challenge:
  Democrats are urged to articulate what they stand for beyond being anti-Trump (23:00-23:08).

• Mamdani as a National Symbol:
  Republicans are expected to use Mamdani as a “national story” — a symbol to attack Democrats in swing states (23:29-24:02).

• Economic Voter Discontent:
  Fowler cites a Fox News poll: “72% of voters react negatively to the economy… high inflation and high prices” (24:03).

• The Battle for Young Men & Masculinity:
  Kennedy and panelists discuss young male voters, “cold shouldered out of the workforce and then expected to shoulder the tax burden when all these socialist policies come to fruition. No, thank you” — Kennedy (25:45).

• Backlash Against Progressive Social Policing:
  Kat observes that many non-Republican men feel demonized and are drawn to Trump as rebellion (27:11).

6. 2026 Midterms – Predictions & Wildcards

(28:06 – 28:55)

• Affordability Debate:
  Charlie Hurt welcomes a debate on affordability, touting Trump’s economic record and border shutdown (28:18).

• Redistricting Decision as a Wildcard:
  The Supreme Court’s pending decision on the Voting Rights Act could upend pre-election dynamics (28:55).

7. Lighter Segment: Dancing in a Social Media World & Workplace “Barefoot” Trend

(29:26 – 33:17)

• Dancing Anxiety:
  Kat admits: “If someone videotaped me dancing, they might call CPS. But I’m just vibing.” (29:46-30:15)

• Panel Jokes About Bad Dancing:
  Kennedy: “They tell me I dance like Elaine from Seinfeld” (30:36).

• Shoeless Offices:
  The barefoot-at-work trend sparks panel skepticism and more jokes, with Kennedy quipping, “The only thing you're spreading is foot fungus.” (33:04)

8. Fan Mail Friday – Panelist Q&A

(34:09 – 36:48)

• Decluttering Resolutions

  • Richard: “I’m cleaning out my coat closet.”
  • Paul: “Digitize everything… take all paper out of my life.”
  • Kennedy: Planning to donate her daughters’ oversized sweatshirts.

• Weird Daily Habits

  • Kennedy: Eats sea moss and drinks green tea.
  • Paul: Yodels at maximum volume.
  • Charlie: Brews kombucha, uses raw milk and honey.

• Wild Animal Encounters

  • Kennedy: “Almost trampled by a rogue male elephant in Zimbabwe.”
  • Richard: “Attacked by birds at the Utah Zoo.”
  • Charlie: “Bitten by snakes.”

9. One More Thing – Good Samaritans and Viral Moments

(38:28 – 40:47)

• Dramatic rescue at Lake Tahoe after an SUV plunges off a cliff; everyone survives thanks to bystanders.
• Kat adds new dates to her stand-up tour.
• Viral videos include a woman surviving 70mph wind and a coyote strolling on a frozen Central Park pond.
• Will Ferrell attends a hockey game dressed as a referee — for no discernible reason.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Fascism always comes dressed as socialism.” — Charlie Hurt (02:45)
• “If it was about hard work, then hard work would be a predictor of [homeownership].” — Kat Timpf (07:25)
• “You want the people who are running the DMV to raise your kid, right?” — Paul Morrow (11:46)
• “Why can't we all be mad?” — Kat Timpf (16:03)
• “You’ll be the next Kirk… why are you coming after somebody for going against fraud?” — Nick Shirley (13:49)
• “We all hate kids, of course.” — Paul Morrow, tongue-in-cheek (22:12)
• “They tell me I dance like Elaine from Seinfeld, and I used to think that was a very big compliment.” — Kennedy (30:36)
• “The only thing you're spreading is foot fungus.” — Kennedy (33:04)
• “I yodel at maximum volume, and my neighbors absolutely love it.” — Paul Morrow, on his weirdest daily habit (36:25)

Timestamps: Important Segments

• 00:04 – Zoran Mamdani & NYC’s hard pivot to socialism
• 02:45 – “Fascism always comes dressed as socialism”
• 06:46 – Millennial frustration and housing
• 09:17 – Debate on universal childcare
• 12:38 – Minnesota child care fraud scandal
• 16:03 – Kat on partisanship ruining accountability
• 22:45 – Democrats’ message and the role of Mamdani in midterms
• 25:45 – Masculinity, young men, and political backlash
• 28:55 – SCOTUS redistricting wild card
• 29:26 – Dance anxiety and social media
• 34:09 – Fan Mail Friday: Panel Q&A
• 38:28 – Dramatic rescue and one more thing

Conclusion

This episode of The Five offers a spirited and combative roundtable on the future of progressive governance in America’s biggest city, the generational frustration feeding radical policy proposals, and the partisan brawls over fraud, accountability, and affordability. Interwoven are segments where the panelists inject humor, personal stories, and lighter reflections on contemporary culture — all ensuring the show remains punchy, provocative, and highly relatable.