Podcast Title: The Glenn Beck Program
Host/Author: Blaze Podcast Network
Episode: Best of the Program | Guest: Sen. Tom Cotton
Release Date: February 17, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Glenn Beck Program, host Glenn Beck delves into a variety of pressing topics, including the state of American culture and politics, the threat posed by China, and the alarming trends in free speech within Europe. Featured prominently is an in-depth interview with Senator Tom Cotton, who discusses the critical issues surrounding China's influence and the erosion of free speech globally.

America’s Resurgence and Global Relations

Glenn Beck opens the discussion by reflecting on a recent hockey game, symbolizing America's renewed strength and resilience. He draws parallels between the game and historical moments, emphasizing how sports can reflect and influence national morale.

Beck highlights President Trump’s recent diplomatic engagements, including a significant phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at negotiating peace in Ukraine. He notes Trump's discussions with Australian Prime Minister and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on defense, trade, and concerns over China's aggression. Beck remarks:

"On Truth Social, Trump posted good possibility of ending this horrible, very bloody war." [02:14]

He contrasts these positive diplomatic efforts with ongoing tensions, such as the strained relationship between the U.S. and Canada, and the disappointing stance of European allies on free speech.

The Decline of Free Speech in Europe

Beck expresses his disappointment in Europe’s deteriorating stance on free speech. He references a recent speech by J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference, where Vance criticized European leaders for their inadequate defense of free speech. Beck underscores the significance of free speech as a foundational American value and laments its perceived erosion abroad.

"It's quite far apart. 60 Minutes did a segment on it. That's our topic next hour." [05:00]

He further critiques the German stance, highlighting their efforts to censor online hate speech and the resulting societal fear of expressing dissenting opinions.

Interview with Senator Tom Cotton

The centerpiece of the episode is the conversation between Glenn Beck and Senator Tom Cotton, focusing on Cotton’s book, "7 Things You Can't Say About China." They dissect the seven critical issues surrounding China's influence over the United States.

China as an Evil Empire

Beck prompts Cotton to elaborate on China's characterization as an evil empire.

Glenn Beck: "China is an evil empire. Clearly make the case, Glenn."

Senator Tom Cotton responds by drawing historical parallels with communist Russia, emphasizing China's enduring authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

"Mao Zedong, the founder of Chinese communism, is the worst mass murderer in all of history. Worse than Stalin, worse than Hitler." [20:09]

Cotton details the atrocities committed under Mao, including the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution, and criticizes ongoing policies like the one-child policy and the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities.

Infiltration and Surveillance

Cotton discusses China's deep infiltration into American society and government, stressing the threat posed by their advanced surveillance systems.

"More than half the world's surveillance cameras are in China. They are everywhere." [24:19]

He warns of China's technological advancements in AI and machine learning, which facilitate widespread monitoring and control.

Economic and Political Warfare

The conversation shifts to China's economic strategies and their impact on American industries and jobs. Cotton accuses American elites of being too cozy with China, undermining national security and economic independence.

"We shipped entire industries overseas. There are many Americans deeply invested in China who won't say a critical word about China." [28:27]

Presidential Stances on China

Beck inquires about the current U.S. administration’s approach to China. Cotton praises former President Trump as the most formidable leader against China since World War II, contrasting him with President Biden’s hesitant policies.

"Donald Trump is the toughest president we've had on Communist China since at least the end of the Cold War." [28:34]

Cotton criticizes bipartisan reluctance to confront China aggressively, advocating for stronger measures to protect American interests.

The Erosion of Free Speech: A European Crisis

Beck transitions to discussing the alarming decline of free speech in Europe, primarily through the lens of J.D. Vance’s observations.

J.D. Vance at the Munich Security Conference

Vance criticizes both European and American policies that he perceives as suppressing free speech. He highlights instances where governments have overstepped in regulating online content, leading to widespread censorship.

"Our own government encouraged private companies to silence people who dared to utter what turned out to be an obvious truth." [30:58]

60 Minutes Segment on German Censorship

Beck critiques a 60 Minutes segment that showcased German authorities raiding homes over online hate speech. He debates the fine line between regulating hate speech and preserving free speech rights.

"When you have a government able to take away inalienable rights, you have a real problem on your hand." [35:00]

He further discusses hypothetical scenarios where innocent expressions could be criminalized under stringent hate speech laws, comparing them to historical totalitarian regimes.

Comparative Analysis: Nazi Germany vs. Modern Europe

Beck challenges the notion that free speech led to atrocities like the Holocaust, arguing that lack of free speech facilitated such regimes.

"You couldn’t speak out against the Nazis. Who doesn’t learn that in school?" [40:31]

He argues that robust free speech is essential to prevent authoritarianism, using Nazi Germany as a primary example of what can go wrong when speech is suppressed.

Conclusion: America’s Path Forward

Beck concludes with a call to reaffirm American values of free speech and resist external and internal threats that seek to undermine these principles. He emphasizes the importance of unity and vigilance in preserving the nation's foundational freedoms.

"If you violate freedom of speech that way, and remember, this is why Klaus Schwab told Europe, just believe in the system. Well, what is the system?" [46:29]

Beck reinforces the message that America must stand firm in defending individual liberties, even if it means standing apart from traditional allies who compromise these values.

Notable Quotes

• Glenn Beck:
  "The best way I know to have real peace of mind is to always be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best." [00:00]

• Senator Tom Cotton:
  "China could not be more brutal, more depraved in the way it treats its own people." [21:57]

• Glenn Beck:
  "It's our problem on your hand. 60 Minutes continues." [35:00]

• J.D. Vance:
  "Free speech needs boundaries, and in the case of Germany, these boundaries are part of our Constitution." [38:40]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Glenn Beck Program serves as a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted threats to American sovereignty and values, particularly focusing on China's aggressive maneuvers and the troubling trends in free speech within Europe. Through insightful discussions with Senator Tom Cotton and critical analysis of current events, Glenn Beck underscores the imperative of safeguarding freedom and standing resolutely against forces that seek to undermine it.