Podcast Summary: The Five – "Hot Socialist Summer" | June 30, 2025

Hosted by FOX News Radio, "The Five" delves into the pressing political and social issues of the day with perspectives from Dana Perino, Kennedy, Harold Ford Jr., Paul Morrow, and Greg Gutfeld. In the episode titled "Hot Socialist Summer," the panel engages in a robust discussion about the rising influence of socialism in American politics, the implications for major cities, and the broader national landscape.

1. The New York City Mayoral Race and Zoran Mamdani's Controversial Campaign

The episode opens with Dana Perino introducing the contentious mayoral race in New York City, highlighting Zoran Mamdani's surge towards the Democratic nomination amidst allegations of harboring socialist ideologies.

• Dana Perino [00:03]: "The five moderate Democrats are sweating through a hot socialist summer."

The panel scrutinizes Mamdani's reluctance to condemn anti-Israel rhetoric, raising concerns about his stance on universal human rights and free speech.

• Kennedy [00:34]: "Do you condemn that phrase? Globalize the Intifada?"

• Zoran Mamdani [00:38]: "That's not language that I use... grounded in a belief in universal human rights." [00:38]

2. Critique of Socialism and Its Impact on Urban Centers

Harold Ford Jr. vehemently criticizes socialism and democratic socialism, citing historical and contemporary examples of its detrimental effects on communities.

• Harold Ford Jr. [02:28]: "If you look at anybody who inhabits the space he inhabits throughout history, not one has ever succeeded without devolving into a dictatorship." [02:28]

He contrasts Mamdani's policies with those of cities like Chicago, Portland, and Seattle, arguing that socialist policies lead to increased crime, inadequate support for the homeless, and economic decline.

• Harold Ford Jr. [03:52]: "Portland in Seattle, all these cities where they have ultra liberal DAs who hate cops... they don't get people into rehab." [03:52]

3. President Trump's Policies and Their Enduring Impact

The discussion shifts to President Trump's foreign and domestic policies, with Greg Gutfeld highlighting Trump's strategic maneuvers in international relations and domestic governance.

• Greg Gutfeld [08:13]: "He's the one who figured out how to weaponize TikTok to get him in." [08:13]

• Greg Gutfeld [09:38]: "These things seem to be coming together and ideally Dems should be happy for this because it's good stuff for the country, even if they hate the guy that's behind it." [09:38]

The panel praises Trump's efforts in strengthening NATO and countering Iran's nuclear ambitions, suggesting these actions have long-term benefits beyond his presidency.

4. The Auto-Pen Scandal and Biden Administration's Response

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the auto-pen scandal involving President Biden, with the panel dissecting the administration's handling and the broader implications for transparency and competence.

• Zoran Mamdani [26:09]: "I don't think Biden knew what was happening... one of the biggest scandals in the history of this country." [26:09]

• Dana Perino [26:15]: "All of us could see with our own eyes and ears that the messaging was a cover up." [26:15]

The panel debates who should be held accountable, with suggestions pointing towards key figures like Lisa Monaco and Alejandro Mayorkas.

5. Media Criticism and Cultural Commentary

The podcast also touches on media narratives and cultural phenomena, notably Jason Bateman's criticism of Trump voters.

• Greg Gutfeld [33:36]: "That may be unusual in Alabama, but were you to have done that in New York City and walked out waving a gun, nobody'd even notice." [33:36]

• Zoran Mamdani [34:02]: "Democrats are like the guy always shocked when he pulls a rabbit out of his hat." [34:02]

Moreover, the panel discusses generational behaviors, specifically Gen Z's social habits and their impact on social interactions.

• Zoran Mamdani [37:02]: "They're on dates with people that they just met... so they could just split." [37:02]

6. Sports Highlights and Light-Hearted Segments

Towards the end, the hosts briefly cover the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team's victory and a stunt recreation of the "Dukes of Hazzard" by a Kentucky stuntman, injecting humor and variety into the episode.

• Kennedy [39:57]: "Damian Downs... delivering the final goal clinching the win." [39:57]

• Harold Ford Jr. [40:34]: "Somerset, Kentucky stuntman recreated the Dukes of Hazzard." [40:34]

7. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

In their concluding remarks, the panel underscores the urgency of addressing socialist policies and the need for Democrats to present viable economic alternatives to regain public trust and achieve unity.

• Kennedy [23:04]: "If the next person who starts to move up the field with the Democrats is someone who isn't, doesn't necessarily talk like a Democrat and is focusing on 80/20 issues, don't you think we'd see more success and unity in the country?" [23:04]

• Harold Ford Jr. [24:52]: "You got Democrats talk about the hierarchy of deportations. That's where the country and that's where the division is." [24:52]

Notable Quotes:

• Zoran Mamdani [00:38]: "The language that I use and the language that I will continue to use to lead the city is that which speaks clearly to my intent, which is an intent grounded in a belief in universal human rights."

• Harold Ford Jr. [02:28]: "Socialism kills. Or, you know, talk to some of the free market reformers in Sweden who saw their GDP swirling down the toilet when they tried to be a socialist country."

• Greg Gutfeld [08:13]: "He's the one who figured out how to weaponize TikTok to get him in. So when you consider the fact that it's received wisdom on both the left and the right that TikTok is a Chinese influence operation, which it is."

• Zoran Mamdani [26:09]: "I don't think Biden knew what was happening. I think that the autopen is one of the biggest scandals in the history of this country."

• Greg Gutfeld [35:03]: "That may be unusual in Alabama, but were you to have done that in New York City and walked out waving a gun, nobody'd even notice."

Conclusion:

In "Hot Socialist Summer," "The Five" presents a critical examination of the rising socialist movements within major American cities, emphasizing the potential threats to economic stability and public safety. The panelists advocate for strong conservative policies and leadership, highlighting President Trump's achievements as pivotal in countering socialist ideologies. Additionally, the episode addresses recent political scandals and media narratives, urging Democratic leaders to offer genuine policy alternatives to foster national unity and trust.