Podcast Summary: "Dems In The Dumps" – The Five, FOX News Radio

Release Date: July 15, 2025

In the episode titled "Dems In The Dumps," FOX News Radio's "The Five" hosts—Greg Gutfeld, Jesse Watters, Kennedy, Harold Ford Jr., and Dana Perino—delve into the Democratic Party's declining popularity and explore various factors contributing to their current struggles. The discussion is both dynamic and incisive, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the political landscape as of mid-2025.

1. Democratic Decline in Polls

The conversation kicks off with Jesse Watters highlighting the Democrats' poor standing in recent polls:

Jesse Watters [00:05]: "The latest poll shows how badly they are underwater with voters only 40% approve, 60% think they stink."

The hosts agree that the Democratic Party is facing significant challenges, struggling to resonate with a broad electorate.

2. Critique of Governor Gavin Newsom

A substantial portion of the discussion centers around California Governor Gavin Newsom's attempts to rebrand himself as a relatable "bro," a strategy that seemingly backfired:

Jesse Watters [02:04]: "Kennedy, you get the feeling that Gavin has transitioned into a bro... I really hate myself."

Harold Ford Jr. adds that Newsom's approach is perceived as inauthentic:

Harold Ford Jr. [03:23]: "He’s Mr. Doubtfire. Of course, it's not working. People can see right through it."

The hosts critique Newsom's use of profanity and masculine personas, arguing that it fails to connect with voters effectively.

3. Democratic Vulnerabilities: Epstein and Foreign Policy

Jesse Watters brings up multiple vulnerabilities the Democrats face, including the Epstein scandal and foreign policy issues:

Jesse Watters [04:32]: "You have the Epstein story, you have the Ukraine story, you have Iran..."

Harold Ford Jr. counters by suggesting that these issues provide openings for Republicans:

Harold Ford Jr. [05:36]: "Democrats have an opening here on a number of different issues."

However, he points out that internal divisions and overlapping interests make it difficult for Democrats to capitalize on these vulnerabilities.

4. Immigration and ICE Agent Attacks

A heated segment discusses the surge in violence against ICE agents and Democrats' use of Nazi analogies:

Kennedy [12:04]: "Democrats dumping more gas on the anti-ICE fire they started even as frontline agents face an 830% spike in violent attacks."

Greg Gutfeld criticizes the Democrats for perpetuating negative narratives:

Greg Gutfeld [13:39]: "It's utterly ludicrous and we need to do away with that."

The hosts argue that Democrats' portrayal of ICE agents as "Nazi Gestapo thugs" is both misleading and offensive.

5. Education Policies and NEA Criticism

The panel turns attention to education, criticizing the National Education Association (NEA) for prioritizing political indoctrination over essential skills like reading and writing:

Jesse Watters [24:30]: "The National Education association held its big annual get together and it was Trump Resistance 101."

Harold Ford Jr. emphasizes the need for improved K-12 education and criticizes the NEA's focus on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives:

Harold Ford Jr. [26:16]: "We are failing our kids. Which is why I think destroying the Department of Education is the wrong thing to do."

6. Political Divides Impacting Families

The discussion shifts to the personal toll of political polarization, with the hosts sharing anecdotes about family feuds caused by differing political views:

Harold Ford Jr. [35:17]: "Politics should be the last thing at a dinner. What you should be talking about."

Dana Perino humorously explores the idea of ostracizing liberal family members to protest their political stance:

Dana Perino [35:55]: "I'm gonna ostracize them. They've ruined the country. They're traitorous."

7. Light-Hearted Interludes and Final Thoughts

Interspersed with serious discussions are moments of levity, including jokes about "time blindness" and personal stories that humanize the hosts. For instance:

Jesse Watters [38:07]: "Time blindness is another way of saying unemployed."

The episode concludes with reflections on maintaining familial relationships despite political differences and the importance of focusing on substantive issues over partisan rhetoric.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jesse Watters [00:05]: "The latest poll shows how badly they are underwater with voters only 40% approve, 60% think they stink."
• Harold Ford Jr. [03:23]: "He’s Mr. Doubtfire. Of course, it's not working. People can see right through it."
• Greg Gutfeld [13:39]: "It's utterly ludicrous and we need to do away with that."
• Jesse Watters [24:30]: "The National Education association held its big annual get together and it was Trump Resistance 101."

Conclusion

"Dems In The Dumps" offers a critical examination of the Democratic Party's current predicament, blending humor with sharp political analysis. The hosts provide listeners with a clear perspective on the challenges facing Democrats, from leadership missteps to policy misalignments, while also addressing broader societal issues like education and immigration. This episode serves as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the complexities of contemporary American politics from a conservative viewpoint.