The Gist: Not Even Mad – Anthony Weiner and Nick Gillespie

Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Mike Pesca
Guests: Anthony Weiner, Nick Gillespie
Produced by: Peach Fish Productions

Introduction

In this episode of The Gist, host Mike Pesca engages in a spirited debate with two notable guests: Anthony Weiner, former U.S. Congressman and radio host, and Nick Gillespie, Editor at Large for Reason Magazine. The discussion centers around critical issues such as government funding, debt management, Social Security, and the Democratic Party's internal strategies. True to the show's ethos, Pesca challenges his guests in a responsible yet provocative manner, encouraging a nuanced exploration beyond rigid political dogma.

Government Funding and Continuing Resolutions

The conversation kicks off with a deep dive into the current state of government funding. Mike Pesca raises questions about Senator Chuck Schumer's decision not to filibuster the continuing resolution, which prevents a government shutdown.

Nick Gillespie [12:01]: "The continuing resolution... is a sign that the classroom doesn't have a teacher in it. There's no adults here."

Anthony Weiner adds context, emphasizing the limited options:

Anthony Weiner [07:37]: "Being a member of Congress is the opposite of really being accountable, except to the idea that you've got to know where your constituents are."

The guests discuss the implications of a continuing resolution versus a government shutdown, highlighting the challenges Schumer faces in balancing party demands with practical governance.

Debt and Social Security

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on national debt and the sustainability of Social Security. Mike Pesca brings up the alarming figures:

Mike Pesca [21:15]: "We pay about $870 billion on interest. We pay more to service the debt than we do on the military."

Anthony Weiner responds by addressing wealth transfer and the concentration of wealth:

Anthony Weiner [22:17]: "We have a wealth transfer from government to rich people... That's not going to my constituents. It's going to very wealthy people."

Nick Gillespie underscores the bipartisan nature of the debt problem:

Nick Gillespie [26:14]: "The debt keeps growing. It's a bipartisan problem."

The trio debates the effectiveness of Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) and the long-term risks of unchecked debt accumulation, agreeing that while immediate popular programs receive support, structural fiscal reforms are lacking.

Democratic Leadership and Strategy

Mike Pesca probes the Democratic Party's strategy, especially in light of recent midterm challenges. He references James Carville's strategy of letting opposition leaders like Donald Trump make mistakes to capitalize on them in future elections.

Mike Pesca [56:13]: "What do you think of Carville's op ed and that strategy in general?"

Anthony Weiner reflects on historical patterns:

Anthony Weiner [58:06]: "If history is any tell, Republicans are doing unpopular things. They're going to lose seats."

Nick Gillespie discusses the party's difficulty in unifying around a coherent policy platform and leveraging a potential coalition of libertarians and moderate Republicans to enforce fiscal responsibility.

Nick Gillespie [73:39]: "We should not be spending money as if Covid is still around."

Government Spending and Taxation

The dialogue shifts to government spending priorities and taxation. The guests critique the lack of effective budgeting and the consequences of high taxation on economic growth.

Nick Gillespie [30:15]: "We should not be spending money as if Covid is still around."

Anthony Weiner argues for targeted spending to address poverty and healthcare needs, countering the narrative that debt repayment should overshadow immediate social needs.

Anthony Weiner [33:05]: "Repaying the debt. I think it's reasonable. But... we are having babies, and they're going into the workforce."

They explore the balance between necessary social programs and fiscal responsibility, acknowledging the complexities of reallocating resources without exacerbating poverty or economic disparity.

Political Strategies and Midterms

Mike Pesca and his guests analyze the upcoming midterms, questioning the Democrats' preparedness and unity in presenting a clear alternative to the Republican agenda. They discuss the internal fragmentation within the Democratic Party and the potential impact on electoral outcomes.

Mike Pesca [61:04]: "What are the Democrats going to propose to do after they take power in the midterm terms?"

Nick Gillespie emphasizes the importance of articulating a market-friendly, less regulated approach as a pathway to reclaiming fiscal stability.

Nick Gillespie [73:39]: "It's all gone out the window."

Anthony Weiner critiques the current Democratic leadership's inability to innovate and respond effectively to constituent needs, particularly in urban areas like New York City.

Anthony Weiner [74:27]: "If you don't solve these problems, we don't deserve to win."

Debt Servicing vs. Military Spending

An intriguing comparison is drawn between debt servicing and military expenditure. Mike Pesca points out that the U.S. spends more on paying interest on the debt than on the military.

Mike Pesca [30:15]: "We pay about $870 billion on interest. We pay more to service the debt than we do on the military."

Nick Gillespie and Anthony Weiner debate the implications, agreeing that debt servicing diverts funds from potentially more productive uses, yet recognizing the entrenched nature of both spending areas.

"Goat Grinders": Annoyances and Pet Peeves

Towards the end of the episode, the guests share their "goat grinders"—elements that irritate them. Nick Gillespie criticizes the unverified reverence for media figures like Walter Cronkite, arguing that many revered benchmarks are based on myths rather than facts.

Nick Gillespie [75:43]: "It's insane and it's totally unfounded."

Anthony Weiner expresses frustration with sports commentators who attribute failures to a lack of effort, reflecting broader societal misconceptions about personal responsibility and support systems.

Anthony Weiner [77:13]: "The idea that if you just will something enough, you can make it happen... that's the fun of sports, is arguing about those types of things."

Conclusion

Mike Pesca wraps up the episode by acknowledging the complex interplay of ideas discussed, highlighting the valuable exchange between Anthony Weiner and Nick Gillespie. The episode underscores the pressing need for thoughtful fiscal policies, effective leadership within the Democratic Party, and a balanced approach to government spending that addresses both immediate social needs and long-term economic sustainability.

Mike Pesca [83:20]: "We are not saying we're right. We're not saying you're right, but we're definitely saying we're not even mad."

Notable Quotes

• Anthony Weiner [07:37]: "Being a member of Congress is the opposite of really being accountable, except to the idea that you've got to know where your constituents are."

• Nick Gillespie [12:01]: "The continuing resolution... is a sign that the classroom doesn't have a teacher in it. There's no adults here."

• Mike Pesca [30:15]: "We pay about $870 billion on interest. We pay more to service the debt than we do on the military."

• Anthony Weiner [22:17]: "We have a wealth transfer from government to rich people... That's not going to my constituents. It's going to very wealthy people."

• Nick Gillespie [26:14]: "The debt keeps growing. It's a bipartisan problem."

Final Thoughts

The Gist episode "Not Even Mad: Anthony Weiner and Nick Gillespie" presents a robust discussion on some of the most pressing issues facing the United States today. Through engaging dialogue and thoughtful critique, the guests illuminate the complexities of government funding, fiscal responsibility, and political strategy, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential pathways forward.