Podcast Summary: The Five (07-18-2025)

Episode Overview

In the July 18, 2025 episode of The Five hosted by FOX News Podcasts, the panel—comprising Greg Gutfeld, Emily Compagno, Paul Morrow, Jessica Charloff, and Jesse Waters—dives into pressing political controversies and media developments. The discussion primarily centers around the Democratic Party's internal struggles, the implications of NYC's socialist mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Late Show, and a recent hoax involving LA Mayor Karen Bass and ICE. The episode is marked by heated debates, sharp critiques, and insightful commentary from each panelist.

1. Democratic Party's Identity Crisis and Zoran Mamdani's Candidacy

Timestamp: [00:22] - [05:26]

The episode opens with Jessica Charloff questioning Zoran Mamdani, the New York City Socialist candidate for mayor, about recent accusations labeling him a communist. Emily Compagno addresses Mamdani's statements and his meeting with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, highlighting the Democratic Party's dwindling approval rating of 19%.

Key Points:

• Zoran Mamdani's Policies: Rent freezes, free buses, city-run grocery stores, and other socialist-leaning policies.
• Democratic Party's Struggles: The party faces an identity crisis, struggling between radical policies and the need to appeal to moderates.
• Public Perception: Every day, videos resurfacing of Mamdani's radical past, including calls to "abolish private property," fuel concerns about the party's direction.

Notable Quotes:

• Emily Compagno [00:32]: "He's seizing the means of the Democratic Party."
• Greg Gutfeld [01:37]: "The system has hundreds of thousands of people unhoused, right for what?"

2. Critique of Democratic Policies and the Concept of Success

Timestamp: [05:26] - [11:57]

The discussion intensifies with Greg Gutfeld challenging the Democratic stance on wealth and success. He argues that Democrats advocate for fairness but end up punishing success, citing tax distribution where the top 5% pay a disproportionate share.

Key Points:

• Wealth Redistribution: The top 5% contribute 61% of federal taxes, overshadowing the bottom 90%.
• Dems' Fair Share: Gutfeld criticizes the vague definition of "fair share," suggesting it's often punitive and driven by envy.
• Policy Implications: Compagno highlights concerns that policies like abolishing private property and implementing rent freezes could lead to negative societal outcomes.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Gutfeld [05:26]: "Their idea of fair is punitive. It's driven by envy."
• Jesse Waters [05:26]: "Democrats are warming up to those radical policies."

3. CBS Cancels Stephen Colbert's Late Show

Timestamp: [13:43] - [22:11]

The panel shifts focus to the media landscape, discussing CBS's decision to cancel Stephen Colbert's Late Show. They explore the reasons behind the cancellation, including financial losses and declining viewership.

Key Points:

• Financial Losses: Jesse Waters reveals Colbert's show cost CBS $100 million a year, with massive losses.
• Democrats' Reaction: Elizabeth Warren criticized the cancellation, accusing CBS of potential political motivations, though panelists argue it was a purely business decision.
• Fox News vs. Legacy Media: Paul Morrow contrasts Fox's profitability and forward-thinking approaches with the struggles of traditional networks like CNN and CBS.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Gutfeld [14:56]: "Imagine being a chef, you know, you're such a bad chef that they cancel food."
• Jesse Waters [17:39]: "They had to bail him out with the superdelegates."

4. LA Mayor Karen Bass and ICE Kidnapping Hoax

Timestamp: [22:36] - [31:50]

Jessica Charloff introduces a segment on a fabricated story involving LA Mayor Karen Bass and ICE. The hoax claimed ICE kidnapped a migrant mother, which was later debunked by the DOJ.

Key Points:

• The Hoax: Urianna Calderon, a Mexican national, falsely accused ICE of kidnapping her, leading to federal charges against her for the deception.
• Democratic Response: Mayor Bass and other Democrats remained silent or supportive, despite the lack of evidence.
• Broader Implications: The panelists link this hoax to a pattern of left-wing narratives aimed at discrediting law enforcement and immigration agencies.

Notable Quotes:

• Jessica Charloff [24:21]: "The Democrats are crying conspiracy."
• Emily Compagno [24:33]: "It's nothing more than kidnapping. You can be kidnapped off of the streets of the United States."

5. Fan Mail Friday and Light-Hearted Segments

Timestamp: [31:50] - [40:02]

Adding a lighter tone, the panel engages in "Fan Mail Friday," sharing personal anecdotes and humorous stories about scams and dating mishaps in New York City.

Key Points:

• Personal Stories: Jesse Waters recounts losing money to a fake real estate agent in London, while Emily Compagno shares her experience of being scammed into an at-home bartender course.
• Dating Scene Jokes: The panel humorously critiques the challenges of dating in NYC, particularly targeting the notion of women stealing finance bros' salads.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Gutfeld [38:06]: "Tell that story. Tell that story."
• Jessica Charloff [34:30]: "First of all, like, this didn't really happen and, like, I don't know why we're paying attention."

6. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Timestamp: [40:34] - [42:47]

The episode wraps up with brief mentions of upcoming segments, promotional content for Fox Nation, and light-hearted banter about fictional stories and future topics.

Key Points:

• Upcoming Topics: Reference to future discussions on social issues and community events.
• Promotions: Advertisements for products and upcoming shows, maintaining the show's signature blend of news and entertainment.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Gutfeld [40:34]: "It's tough to follow. We have volcano news. Let's roll it."
• Emily Compagno [41:09]: "Amazing. Mine is fast, guys."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Five presents a critical examination of the Democratic Party's current trajectory, highlighting concerns over socialist policies and internal conflicts. The panelists express skepticism towards the party's direction, emphasizing the potential negative impacts of radical policies on New York City. Additionally, the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Late Show serves as a focal point for discussing the shifting dynamics in the media industry. The fabricated ICE kidnapping story further underscores the panel's critique of left-wing narratives and their implications for public trust and policy. Balancing serious political discourse with humorous anecdotes, the panel maintains an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue throughout the episode.