The Five

Episode: Pro-Kimmel Protestors Hold Rally Outside ABC
Date: September 19, 2025
Host and Panel: Jesse Watters, Kellyanne Conway, Jessica Tarlov, Emily Compagno, Joey Jones

Overview

This episode of The Five dives into the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension from ABC, the political and public reactions to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, escalating heated rhetoric between Democrats and Republicans (notably accusations of "fascism"), and new drama from prominent Democrats, with a focus on excerpts from Kamala Harris' book. The panelists discuss media reactions, cultural divisions, accountability in broadcasting, and the toxic nature of today’s political discourse.

Main Topics & Key Points

Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension and Media Fallout

(00:34 - 13:06)

• Public Protests and Media Response:
  Jesse Watters opens by highlighting the rally outside ABC by pro-Kimmel protestors, claiming the left seems more outraged by Kimmel's suspension than by Charlie Kirk's assassination.

  • “Censorship has got to go... the left is more outraged over a late night comic getting suspended than the cold blooded murder of Charlie Kirk.” – Jesse Watters (00:34)

• Kimmel’s Remarks and ABC’s Decision:
  The suspension followed a string of inflammatory comments from Kimmel, particularly jokes analogizing President Trump’s mourning of Kirk. ABC’s executives and affiliates, reacting to advertiser and viewer pressure, decided to suspend him.

  • “He said that the way President Trump is mourning Charlie Kirk is the way a, quote, four year old mourns a goldfish...” – Kellyanne Conway (06:13)

• Government and FCC Influence:
  Jessica Tarlov disputes the narrative that Democrats care more about Kimmel than Kirk’s assassination. She pushes back against claims of government overreach, citing confusion over FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr's role.

  • “The premise that Democrats are more concerned about Jimmy Kimmel than they were about the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk is completely unfounded.” – Jessica Tarlov (04:04)

• Employer vs. Free Speech:
  Joey Jones says this is an employee misbehaving, likening it to previous FCC-related suspensions (e.g., Howard Stern), emphasizing network standards and brand integrity trumping individual speech rights in this context.

  • “...the employer's interest in brand integrity indeed outweighs an employee's right to free speech...” – Joey Jones (10:13)

Reaction to Charlie Kirk’s Assassination & Political Tensions

(13:06 - 29:25)

• House Resolution and Democrats’ Response:
  The House passed a resolution honoring Charlie Kirk, with 58 Democrats (including AOC) voting against it. AOC’s speech is played, critiqued as dismissive.

  • “Democrats said all the right things...that violence, political violence has no place in our society. And we were met with, this is your fault, and we are at war.” – Jessica Tarlov (04:04)

• Escalating Rhetoric: “Fascist” Accusations:
  Democrats, notably Rashida Tlaib and Maxwell Frost, are criticized for labeling Republicans as “fascists” in the wake of the assassination.

  • “Fascism is not on the way. It is here.” – Jesse Watters quoting Democrats (24:27)

• Impact of Hyperbolic Language:
  Emily Compagno references Greg Gutfeld’s point that the “evil” label toward the political opposition justifies extreme rhetoric and even violence.

  • “If you're evil, they can justify anything on their side to push against you. So the reason why that matters is when you start using hyperbole...then you'll start to believe that anything...is justified and moral to push back against it.” – Emily Compagno (25:43)

• Hypocrisy and Double Standards:
  Both sides are accused of hypocrisy in their rhetoric, with Tarlov countering that Trump and Republicans also use extreme labels.

  • “Looking back at what Trump said about Kamala, even from just that short 107 days. She's a fascist. Okay? She's a fascist. She's a Marxist, communist, fascist, socialist, actually. She's not a socialist. She's gone.” – Jessica Tarlov (29:30)
  • “You guys have called us this word a lot. You can't control yourselves. We can't control you.” – Jesse Watters (31:31)

• The Danger of Radicalization:
  Joey Jones and Tarlov agree violent rhetoric (from both sides) can contribute to tragic outcomes, referencing radicalized individuals.

Kamala Harris Book Drama

(13:43 - 22:59)

• Key Revelations and Backlash:
  Excerpts from Kamala Harris’ book highlight internal Democratic conflicts and grievances. Harris reports Biden calling her before a debate to chastise her, and details criticism of high-profile Democrats like Pete Buttigieg and Josh Shapiro.

  • “I just couldn't understand why he would call me right now and make it all about himself. Says the woman that makes it all about herself.” – Joey Jones (13:43)

• Panel Reactions:

  • Emily Compagno: Sees it as a cash grab, believes the book proves Harris isn’t running.
  • Kellyanne Conway: Compares Harris to Hillary Clinton, saying both lack charisma and effectiveness and are now increasingly isolated.
  • “She truly is one of the least remarkable, least inspirational vice presidents.” – Kellyanne Conway (20:27)

• Mismanagement and Voter Disconnect:
  Panelists argue Harris’ drama and lack of “joy on the job” doomed her and that donors and voters won’t return to her.

Jasmine Crockett's Comments on Crime

(33:23 - 38:03)

• Viral Quote and Panel Outrage:
  Jasmine Crockett is mocked for stating, “just because someone has committed a crime, it doesn't make them a criminal...being a criminal is more so about your mindset.”

  • “I am shocked as well by the audacity of some kind of statement like that. Because to what end?...just because this person did this violent crime, they're not a criminal.” – Emily Compagno (34:50)

• Poverty and Crime Discussion:
  Tarlov raises the point that diapers are in high demand for low-income families, pushing for more charity and highlighting the reality of resource theft out of necessity.

  • “So if you do have extra diapers at home, please donate them.” – Jessica Tarlov (36:09)

• De-stigmatization Tactics:
  Watters suggests the left is attempting to destigmatize crime for poor and minority offenders while demonizing “white-collar” crime.

• Squad/Squad Critique:
  Conway: “The squad that doesn't do squat. They're famous for being famous...Let her talk as much as she can.”

Notable & Memorable Quotes

• On Kimmel Suspension:

  • “If you're not a reporter, check. You're not an entertainer, you're certainly not a comedian. Not funny.” – Kellyanne Conway (06:13)

• On Kamala Harris’ Book:

  • “A book like this cements that. It is one thing to air out dirty laundry, another thing to tell on yourself.” – Emily Compagno (15:29)

• On the Use of ‘Fascism’:

  • “Fascism is not on the way it is here.” – Rashida Tlaib, as quoted by Jesse Watters (24:27)
  • “If you're evil, they can justify anything on their side to push against you.” – Emily Compagno (25:43)

• On Charlie Kirk’s Assassination:

  • “...the real victim here is Charlie Kirk, and he's not alive to defend himself.” – Joey Jones (10:55)

• On Hyperbolic Rhetoric:

  • “That is the moment we're in. It's true for either side. But conservatives think differently. They don't think in absolutes in the same way that Democrats or liberals do when it comes to this stuff.” – Emily Compagno (25:43)

Additional Noteworthy Segments

• Phone-Free Movement:
  Andrew Yang’s initiative for “phone-free parties” is briefly discussed. Mixed reactions from the panel, with most agreeing time off phones is positive—if voluntary.

  • “If I'm with someone and they're on their phone constantly, I look the other way or I divorce them. And so that does. That has happened.” – Kellyanne Conway (39:29)

• One More Thing:
  End-of-show lighthearted stories—from alligator rescues to a father delivering his baby in a car—offering a respite from the heavy political topics.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Pro-Kimmel Protests & ABC Suspension: 00:34 – 13:06
• Kamala Harris Book Drama: 13:43 – 22:59
• Usage of ‘Fascist’ and Political Rhetoric: 24:12 – 32:17
• Jasmine Crockett Crime Comments: 33:23 – 38:03
• Phone-Free Parties: 38:35 – 39:59
• One More Thing / Lighter Stories: 40:28 – end

Summary & Tone

The episode is combative, sarcastic, and at times deeply personal, reflecting The Five’s trademark mix of commentary and debate. The dominant narrative is that the left and much of the media are hypocritical regarding free speech, accountability, and civility, and that liberal rhetoric is contributing to radicalization and violence. The hosts place significant weight on the consequences of language, while also mocking the inability of some Democratic leaders to inspire or unify voters. The lighter segments at the end offer a quick palate cleanser after heavy discussion.