Podcast Summary: "Democrats Take A Tumble" | The Five | July 28, 2025
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Episode Title: Democrats Take A Tumble
Release Date: July 28, 2025
Introduction: The Democratic Party's Plunge in Favorability
At the outset of the episode, Dana Perino introduces the central theme: the Democratic Party's significant decline in public approval. Referencing a Wall Street Journal poll, Perino states, "the Democratic Party's favorability rating is at its lowest point in 35 years. Just 33% of voters say they approve." [00:49]. This stark statistic sets the stage for an in-depth discussion among the panel members—Kellyanne Conway, Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Waters, and Greg Gutfeld—about the factors contributing to this downturn and the broader political implications.
Analyzing the Decline: Factors Behind Democratic Unfavorability
Jesse Waters delves into the specifics of the poll, highlighting that the Democratic Party is "30 points underwater," marking its lowest record since the early 1990s [01:28]. Greg Gutfeld emphasizes that the Democrats are grappling with a "message problem," suggesting they are "bereft of ideas." [03:37]. He critiques the party's shift to the hard left, stating, "They went all the way to the hard left, and the answer, it turns out, was Donald Trump and his policies." [03:55]. Gutfeld further argues that the Democrats have lost their economic and cultural footing, failing to resonate with key voter concerns.
Kellyanne Conway adds to this by asserting that Trump's strength as a public figure surpasses that of the Democratic leadership. "He is a stronger public figure than the Democratic people," she notes [02:32]. The panel discusses how issues like the economy, education, and cultural debates have eroded trust in the Democratic base, leading to a loss of support among workers and moderates alike.
Trump's Ascendancy and the EU Trade Deal
Shifting focus, the conversation turns to President Trump's recent historic trade agreement with the European Union. Jesse Waters highlights the deal's benefits, mentioning, "Donald Trump on the world stage has been using trade deals for peace deals and vice versa." [16:27]. Kellyanne Conway celebrates the agreement as the "biggest trade deal in history," emphasizing its positive impact on the American economy and job market [16:31]. The panel discusses how this deal has not only bolstered Republican approval but also countered predictions that the tariffs would derail the economy.
Greg Gutfeld elaborates on the multifaceted advantages of the trade deal, stating, "It is a victory for the United States," and underscores how the tariffs have been strategically applied to make U.S. industry more competitive [16:53]. He further argues that the trade agreement has fostered better international relationships and economic stability.
Democratic Messaging and Strategic Missteps
The panel critiques the Democratic Party's current strategies, particularly their reliance on social media content like workout videos featuring politicians such as Eric Swalwell. Greg Gutfeld mocks these attempts, stating, "I am not condoning the Eric Swalwell videos, but people are trying to get more social media presence." [03:07]. Jessica Tarlov echoes this sentiment, noting the Democrats' struggle to present a coherent and appealing message to voters [06:00].
Dana Perino questions whether the Democrats have hit “rock bottom” or if there is still room for further decline. The consensus among the panel is that unless the Democrats overhaul their messaging and policy proposals, their unfavorable ratings will continue to plague them [03:07].
The Impact of Canceling Late-Night Shows on Political Discourse
A significant portion of the discussion centers around the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show. Kellyanne Conway and Jessica Tarlov debate the ramifications of this move on political satire and media polarization. Conway suggests that satire can thrive when it ridicules both sides equally, implying that the current environment lacks this balance [27:45]. Greg Gutfeld criticizes the lack of humor in conservative shows compared to their liberal counterparts, arguing that political polarization has stifled genuine comedy [28:02].
Jessica Tarlov reflects on the financial and structural challenges faced by late-night shows, questioning whether such formats can survive in an increasingly divided political landscape [29:45]. The panel agrees that the heightened politicization of entertainment media contributes to broader societal divisions and undermines the potential for bipartisan humor.
Celebrity Campaigns and the Cultural Shift
The episode further explores the backlash against Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney’s new ad campaign, "Looney Left Us," which has been criticized by progressive groups as being reminiscent of Nazi propaganda [35:25]. Jesse Waters defends Sweeney, dismissing the allegations as baseless and emphasizing her positive attributes: "She is a hot, beautiful biological woman and everybody loves it." [35:41].
Dana Perino contextualizes this controversy within a larger cultural movement towards Americana and traditional values, suggesting that figures like Sydney Sweeney symbolize a return to pre-2020 norms [37:07]. The panel debates how such cultural shifts are both a cause and effect of the current political climate, with Conway advocating for balanced satire that includes equal opportunities to mock all political factions [32:43].
Technology and Social Media: Double-Edged Swords
In a side discussion, the panel addresses a new poll indicating Americans are spending nearly 10 hours a day online for work or play [39:10]. Dana Perino and Jessica Tarlov express indifference, viewing technology as an indispensable tool for modern life [39:27]. In contrast, Jesse Waters humorously suggests that excessive screen time might be best suited for the deranged or homeless [40:16].
Greg Gutfeld raises concerns about the potential for technology to reduce face-to-face interactions and diminish essential social skills, though he acknowledges the necessity of digital platforms for education and work [40:14]. This segment underscores the complex relationship society has with technology, balancing convenience with the need for personal interaction.
Conclusion: Navigating the Political Landscape
As the episode winds down, the panel reflects on the future of the Democratic Party and the strategies needed to recover from their current low in favorability. Jessica Tarlov offers a cautious optimism, citing Roy Kupper's Senate run as a potential silver lining for the Democrats [07:10]. However, the overarching consensus is that without significant changes in messaging and policy alignment with voter concerns, the Democrats may continue to struggle in upcoming elections.
Greg Gutfeld concludes by highlighting the administration's successes in trade and economic policies, positing that the transformative actions taken during Trump’s term are reshaping the political and economic landscape [26:27]. The panel remains divided, with Republicans celebrating these developments as proof of effective leadership, while Democrats grapple with internal challenges and dwindling public support.
This episode of "The Five" provides a comprehensive analysis of the Democratic Party's declining favorability, the strategic maneuvers of the Trump administration, and the broader cultural and technological factors influencing the current political climate. Through engaging discussions and pointed critiques, the panel offers listeners insight into the shifting dynamics of American politics as of mid-2025.