Podcast Summary: The Jimmy Dore Show Episode: SHOCKING! CNN Actually DEFENDS Joe Rogan & Bernie Sanders!
Host: Jimmy Dore
Release Date: November 13, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of The Jimmy Dore Show, host Jimmy Dore, alongside co-hosts Keaton Weiss and Russell Dobular, delves into the intricate dynamics between the Democratic Party, media influence, and prominent figures like Joe Rogan and Bernie Sanders. The discussion critically examines how traditional media and party establishments handle progressive voices and the implications of these actions on recent electoral outcomes.

Media's Stance on Joe Rogan and Bernie Sanders

Joe Rogan's Influence on Elections

The conversation begins with the assertion that Joe Rogan's podcasts played a significant role in shaping Donald Trump's landslide victory by offering him a platform that bypassed mainstream media channels. Jimmy Dore emphasizes the impact of alternative media in redirecting political narratives, suggesting that traditional outlets like CNN are now defending figures like Rogan and Sanders, who previously faced pushback from the Democratic establishment.

Bernie Sanders' Podcast Appearance

Russell Dobular highlights Bernie Sanders' decision to appear on Joe Rogan's podcast during his presidential run. Despite the potential reach, Sanders faced substantial backlash from Democratic leaders, including allies like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC). Dobular questions whether the party's initial vilification of Sanders for appearing on Rogan's show was a strategic misstep, especially in light of Trump's subsequent success using similar platforms.

[02:43] Russell Dobular: "Joe Rogan, very popular podcaster. He endorsed Donald Trump in the final days of the election four years ago. You went on his podcast. You got a lot of blowback for doing that and for touting that he endorsed you."

[03:12] Bernie Sanders: "I think we've got to get. And clearly you have an alternative media out there. A lot of podcasts that have millions and millions of viewers get on the show. Disagree with you here. Agree with you there. I don't see a problem in doing that."

Nancy Pelosi's Response to Bernie Sanders

Pelosi's Rebuttal

The episode transitions to Nancy Pelosi's public response to Bernie Sanders' criticisms of the Democratic Party. Pelosi defends the party's record under President Biden, citing the Rescue Package and efforts to support working families. She contrasts these achievements with Trump's administration, which she claims primarily benefited the wealthiest Americans.

[19:50] Nancy Pelosi: "I have a great deal of respect for him, for what he stands for, but I don't respect him saying that the Democratic Party has abandoned the working class families."

Bernie's Counterargument

Bernie Sanders counters Pelosi's statements by outlining the Democratic Party's lack of legislative action on key issues affecting the working class, such as raising the minimum wage, supporting unionization through the Pro Act, and ensuring the solvency of Social Security. Sanders argues that these inactions demonstrate the party's failure to prioritize working-class interests.

[22:38] Bernie Sanders: "Last two years, we have not even brought forth legislation to raise the minimum wage to a living wage... if you're an average working person out there, do you really think that the Democratic Party is going to the max, taking on powerful special interest and fighting for you? I think the overwhelming answer is no."

Critique of Democratic Party Strategies and Failures

Gatekeeping and Suppression of Progressive Voices

Jimmy Dore criticizes the Democratic Party for gatekeeping and suppressing progressive movements within the party. He suggests that by sidelining figures like Bernie Sanders who challenge the establishment, the party has alienated a significant portion of the working-class voter base.

[07:46] Jimmy Dore: "Five years ago, they were exactly the people who gatekept. Of course, Bernie talking to Joe Rogan."

Impact on Voter Base

The hosts discuss how the Democratic Party's focus on identity politics and cultural issues has detracted from addressing economic concerns that resonate with working-class voters. This shift, they argue, has led to a disconnect between the party's policies and the interests of its traditional base, ultimately contributing to electoral losses.

[32:01] Dana Bash: "Shit that you were talking about. He was sort of forced to talk about in 2020 because they tried to run him out of the party in 2016 when he didn't bend the knee."

Nancy Pelosi and Kamala Harris Post-Election Responses

Pelosi's Justifications

In the wake of the election, Nancy Pelosi defends the party's decisions regarding candidate endorsements and timeline strategies. She attributes the outcomes to tactical decisions made by President Biden and emphasizes the importance of following procedural norms.

[35:44] Nancy Pelosi: "The president made his own decision to step aside and to endorse Kamala Harris. He made a patriotic, selfless decision."

Critique of Pelosi's Statements

Jimmy Dore and Dana Bash criticize Pelosi's responses as mere political talking points designed to deflect blame. They argue that her explanations lack accountability and fail to address the root causes of the Democratic Party's electoral shortcomings.

[36:20] Dana Bash: "That's the script. That's party line went out to all the operatives."

Free Speech and Media Censorship

Censorship of Pro-Palestinian Speech

The discussion shifts to concerns about censorship, particularly regarding pro-Palestinian speech. Lee Fang elaborates on how certain Republican figures and affiliated organizations are working to suppress dissenting voices, especially those critical of Israel. This, the hosts argue, undermines the principles of free speech and reflects a broader trend of media manipulation.

[54:06] Lee Fang: "...there's a very active push and pull. Someone who's influential one day could be pushed out the next."

Implications for Democracy

The hosts express alarm over the potential erosion of free speech, highlighting instances where media platforms have disproportionately censored pro-Palestinian advocacy. They warn that such actions could have long-term detrimental effects on democratic discourse and the ability to hold powerful entities accountable.

Conclusion

The Jimmy Dore Show episode critically examines the interplay between media control, party gatekeeping, and electoral strategies within the Democratic Party. By highlighting the marginalization of progressive voices like Bernie Sanders and scrutinizing the party's focus on identity politics over economic issues, the hosts argue that these factors have contributed to recent electoral failures. Additionally, concerns about media censorship and the suppression of dissenting voices underscore a broader commentary on freedom of speech and democratic integrity. The episode serves as a call to reassess and realign party strategies to better resonate with and serve the working-class populace.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Jimmy Dore [02:43]: "Joe Rogan, very popular podcaster. He endorsed Donald Trump in the final days of the election four years ago."

• Bernie Sanders [03:12]: "I think we've got to get. And clearly you have an alternative media out there."

• Nancy Pelosi [19:50]: "I have a great deal of respect for him, for what he stands for, but I don't respect him saying that the Democratic Party has abandoned the working class families."

• Bernie Sanders [22:38]: "If you're an average working person out there, do you really think that the Democratic Party is going to the max, taking on powerful special interest and fighting for you? I think the overwhelming answer is no."

• Dana Bash [32:01]: "He was sort of forced to talk about in 2020 because they tried to run him out of the party in 2016 when he didn't bend the knee."

• Lee Fang [54:06]: "...there's a very active push and pull. Someone who's influential one day could be pushed out the next."

Speaker Attribution

• Jimmy Dore: Host and primary commentator, providing critical analysis of Democratic Party strategies and media influence.

• Russell Dobular: Co-host, offering insights into Bernie Sanders' media appearances and party responses.

• Dana Bash: Co-host, presenting and critiquing Nancy Pelosi's statements and Democratic Party positions.

• Lee Fang: Guest speaker, discussing free speech issues and media censorship related to pro-Palestinian advocacy.

• Nancy Pelosi: Featured responder, defending the Democratic Party's actions and policies.

• Kamala Harris: Briefly mentioned in the context of Democratic campaign strategies.

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and critical viewpoints presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.