Podcast Summary: The Jim Acosta Show – May 9, 2025

Episode Title: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Democracy Activist Garry Kasparov
Host: Jim Acosta
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Description: Don't give into the lies. Don't give into fear. Hold on to the truth. And hope. jimacosta.substack.com

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Jim Acosta Show, host Jim Acosta welcomes two distinguished guests: Jocelyn Benson, the Michigan Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate, and Garry Kasparov, renowned chess grandmaster and democracy activist. The conversation delves deep into the current political climate, election integrity, threats to democracy, and the economic ramifications of recent policies affecting Michigan.

Welcoming Jocelyn Benson

[00:00 - 02:45]

Jim Acosta kicks off the episode by reintroducing Jocelyn Benson, praising her resilience in handling the tumultuous aftermath of the 2020 election and her professional stance against misinformation. Acosta highlights Benson's new venture, her book "The Purposeful Warrior", and her ongoing campaign for governor.

Notable Quote:

Jim Acosta [00:45]: "You've been dealing with the fallout of Trump's lies for years now... You're now running for governor, and you also have a new book called The Purposeful Warrior. Congrats on that book."

Discussion on the New American Pope

[00:31 - 02:44]

The conversation transitions to the election of the first American Pope, a historic moment that both guests find significant. Jocelyn Benson shares her personal experiences related to the Vatican and reflects on the progressive vision the new Pope brings to the global stage.

Notable Quote:

Jocelyn Benson [02:44]: "Millions of people representing America on the global stage alongside the current president. And how a Pope that by all commentary, seems to be very progressive and really will continue a lot of the progressive vision for the church that his predecessor did."

Threats to Due Process and Habeas Corpus

[02:45 - 05:06]

Jim Acosta brings forth alarming news about the White House's intention to suspend habeas corpus, a fundamental constitutional protection. Jocelyn Benson, leveraging her expertise as a former law school dean, elaborates on the gravity of this move and its implications for migrants and the rule of law.

Notable Quotes:

Jim Acosta [04:11]: "Stephen Miller at the White House today... said that the White House is looking into suspending habeas corpus, which of course protects people from unlawful detentions."

Jocelyn Benson [05:06]: "We’re seeing reckless economic policies... while at the same time, this cruelty and this complete disregard for our Constitution."

Importance of Habeas Corpus

[05:06 - 09:20]

Acosta explains the significance of habeas corpus, citing Law and Crime's definition, emphasizing its role in protecting individuals from unlawful government detentions. Jocelyn Benson underscores the constitutional and democratic principles at stake, drawing parallels to past infringements post-2020 elections.

Notable Quote:

Jocelyn Benson [07:11]: "Fear is a tool of the weak to try to control and oppress people in a democracy. But no one... can make you feel inferior without your consent."

Economic Impact of Tariffs on Michigan

[21:23 - 24:37]

Transitioning to economics, Acosta addresses the backlash from Michigan's auto industry due to Trump's tariffs, particularly criticizing the disproportionate impact on British carmakers. Jocelyn Benson analyzes how these policies have eroded voter trust and adversely affected Michigan's farmers and small businesses.

Notable Quote:

Jocelyn Benson [24:37]: "The people of Michigan voted for this administration... to now be doing the opposite is not lost and should be not lost on any Michigander."

Arrest of Public Officials and Administration’s Tactics

[18:02 - 19:01]

The episode highlights recent arrests of public figures, including the mayor of Newark, New Jersey, and a judge in Wisconsin, by ICE. Jocelyn Benson criticizes these actions as attempts by the administration to instill fear and suppress opposition, reinforcing the need for public resistance and courage.

Notable Quote:

Jocelyn Benson [19:01]: "They want us to be afraid. They want judges to be afraid. It's the use of fear as a control mechanism."

Garry Kasparov’s Insights on Democracy and Oligarchy

[30:52 - 47:59]

Garry Kasparov joins the discussion, drawing parallels between the erosion of democratic norms in Russia under Putin and similar trends in the United States under Trump's administration. He warns of the gradual transition towards oligarchy, where decision-making consolidates in the hands of a few wealthy individuals who manipulate democratic institutions for personal gain.

Notable Quotes:

Garry Kasparov [35:38]: "They are creating a parallel [oligarchy], shifting the decision-making process from the established institutions that have been working for 250 years into the hands of very few selected by Trump."

Garry Kasparov [38:27]: "Every inch of our freedom that is being acquired by these measures means that they will move further."

Media Manipulation and Information Control

[41:50 - 45:16]

Kasparov criticizes the current media landscape, pointing out how information manipulation and the suppression of dissenting voices contribute to the deterioration of democratic values. He draws attention to the normalization of authoritarian tactics and the diminishing role of traditional democratic checks and balances.

Notable Quote:

Garry Kasparov [43:52]: "Instead, it's 100% lie."
Jim Acosta [44:08]: "...they are under his thumb."

Defending the Constitution and Democratic Institutions

[44:45 - 48:27]

The discussion emphasizes the urgent need to defend the Constitution against ongoing threats. Kasparov advocates for unified action to uphold constitutional values, urging Americans to resist fragmentation and uphold democratic principles to prevent the slide into dictatorship.

Notable Quote:

Garry Kasparov [46:55]: "They have not pushed him back on that. They have not pushed him back on Greenland...because we have to make sure that 2026 will be free and fair elections."

Jocelyn Benson [48:19]: "It's about the people standing up and demanding a better world that aligns with our values."

Conclusion and Final Remarks

Jim Acosta wraps up the episode by reiterating the critical discussions on protecting democracy, the rule of law, and the economic well-being of Michigan. He encourages listeners to engage with Jocelyn Benson's campaign and her book, as well as Garry Kasparov's work on defending democratic institutions.

Notable Quote:

Jim Acosta [30:23]: "Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, running for governor of Michigan, out with a brand new book, The Purposeful Warrior. Check out Jocelyn's book."

Key Takeaways

1. Election Integrity and Democracy: Jocelyn Benson highlights the ongoing threats to democratic processes, emphasizing the importance of upholding the Constitution and resisting misinformation.

2. Economic Impacts of Policies: The discussion sheds light on how Trump's tariffs adversely affect Michigan's economy, particularly the auto industry and agriculture, eroding voter trust.

3. Constitutional Protections Under Threat: The potential suspension of habeas corpus poses severe risks to migrants and civil liberties, challenging the foundational principles of the U.S. legal system.

4. Parallels with Authoritarian Regimes: Garry Kasparov draws cautionary parallels between the U.S. and Russia, warning against the gradual erosion of democratic norms and the rise of oligarchy.

5. Need for Unified Resistance: Both guests advocate for collective action to defend democratic institutions, promote transparency, and ensure fair electoral processes to safeguard the nation's future.

Further Resources

• Jocelyn Benson's Campaign and Book: Visit jocelynbenson.com for more information on her gubernatorial campaign and her book, "The Purposeful Warrior".

• Garry Kasparov's Work: Explore Garry Kasparov's insights and activism on his Substack platform and his foundation’s initiatives on The Next Move.

This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles to maintain democratic integrity and the importance of active civic engagement in the face of emerging threats.