Podcast Summary: The Five (FOX News Radio) – May 28, 2025
Host and Panelists:
- Jesse Waters
- Rosanna Scotto
- Jessica Guitarlov
- Dana Perino
- Greg Gutfeld
I. Political Landscape: Democratic Unpopularity and Internal Struggles
The episode kicks off with Jesse Waters addressing the declining favorability of the Democratic Party. Citing recent polls, he notes that Republicans hold a significant 10-point advantage over Democrats in net favorability. This unpopularity is attributed to various factors, including ineffective leadership and disconnect with the electorate.
Jesse Waters (02:05): “The Democrats are typically tagged as tortoises, slugs or sloths. Slow, plodding, passive.”
Dana Perino (02:20): Challenges the characterization, probing how Democrats have earned such negative descriptions.
The conversation delves into the internal divisions within the Democratic Party. Dana Perino highlights the rift between moderates like Rahm Emanuel, who advocates returning to the center to regain voter trust, and progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), whose policies are significantly left-leaning. This split hampers the party's ability to present a unified front.
Dana Perino (03:50): “Two weeks ago, AOC was seen as the person who's the number one choice for Democrats, the most exciting person in the Democratic Party.”
II. Republican Strategies and Policy Critiques
Greg Gutfeld articulates the Republican stance on key issues, emphasizing dissatisfaction with Democratic policies, particularly concerning economic measures and Medicaid. He criticizes the current Democratic reconciliation bill as insufficient, arguing it fails to address the deficit adequately and unfairly benefits the wealthy at the expense of the poor.
Greg Gutfeld (05:18): “They’re trying to give tax cuts to the wealthy and take away food assistance and Medicaid. So we’re hurting the poor to help the rich.”
The panel discusses the potential ramifications of these policies on upcoming elections, expressing skepticism about the Democrats' ability to regain popularity without significant policy shifts.
III. Media Presence: Trump vs. Biden
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the contrasting media strategies of President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden. Greg Gutfeld praises Trump's relentless media engagement, portraying him as a "presidential shock jock" who maintains high visibility and public interest through constant interaction with the press.
Greg Gutfeld (12:31): “Trump 2.0 has done media on 111 days of his 138 days back in office. An 80% hit rate... just about the most accessible president in modern history.”
Conversely, Joe Biden is criticized for being less accessible and more passive, which the panel argues diminishes his effectiveness and public trust.
Dana Perino (13:15): Responds to a mock interview question, highlighting perceived evasiveness in Biden's responses.
IV. Transgender Issues in Sports
A heated segment discusses the controversy surrounding transgender athletes in competitive sports. Rosanna Scotto reports on President Trump's threats to cut federal funding to California after revelations of a biological male competing in a girls' track championship. This has led to California implementing a pilot program to categorize transgender athletes separately.
Rosanna Scotto (22:49): “President Trump scoring a huge win for women's sports while attacking the governor he loves to call news scum.”
The panel debates the fairness and implications of this policy change, focusing on the impact on female athletes and the broader societal debate on gender identity in sports.
Jessica Guitarlov (25:08): Criticizes the ambiguity of the pilot program, advocating for clear policies that prevent biological males from competing in female sports categories.
V. Celebrity Moments and Cultural Commentary
The podcast transitions to cultural topics, including Patti LuPone's controversial remarks about the Kennedy Center and her personal rants against various figures. The panel mocks her actions and the broader trend of celebrities engaging in political discourse.
Dana Perino (33:18): “Patti Luponi is lashing out at President... she wants to blow up the building.”
Additionally, lighter segments cover humorous incidents like pigeons disrupting flights and viral dance moves by Brazilian nuns, showcasing the panel's blend of political and pop culture commentary.
VI. Light-hearted Segments and Closing Remarks
Towards the end, the host and panelists engage in playful banter about upcoming events, humorous takes on viral stories, and personal anecdotes. Greg Gutfeld mentions being sent to observe the erupting Kilauea volcano, adding a whimsical touch to the discussion.
Jesse Waters (40:48): “Kilauea volcano just sending off thousands of feet in the air. Lots of hot lava. That's how you do it, folks.”
The episode concludes with promotions for upcoming segments and a nod to the next broadcast, maintaining the show’s signature blend of serious political analysis and lighthearted entertainment.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Jesse Waters (02:05): “The Democrats are typically tagged as tortoises, slugs or sloths. Slow, plodding, passive.”
- Dana Perino (03:50): “Two weeks ago, AOC was seen as the person who's the number one choice for Democrats, the most exciting person in the Democratic Party.”
- Greg Gutfeld (05:18): “They’re trying to give tax cuts to the wealthy and take away food assistance and Medicaid. So we’re hurting the poor to help the rich.”
- Greg Gutfeld (12:31): “Trump 2.0 has done media on 111 days of his 138 days back in office. An 80% hit rate... just about the most accessible president in modern history.”
- Rosanna Scotto (22:49): “President Trump scoring a huge win for women's sports while attacking the governor he loves to call news scum.”
- Jessica Guitarlov (25:08): “It's confusing... If it's only 10, then tell the 10 people you're not competing well.”
- Jesse Waters (40:48): “Kilauea volcano just sending off thousands of feet in the air. Lots of hot lava. That's how you do it, folks.”
Conclusion:
This episode of The Five delves deep into the current political tensions, focusing on the struggles within the Democratic Party, Republican critiques of Democratic policies, and the contrasting media strategies of Presidents Trump and Biden. Additionally, it touches upon the contentious issue of transgender athletes in sports and blends in cultural and humorous segments to provide a comprehensive and engaging discussion for its listeners.