Podcast Summary: The Majority Report with Sam Seder Episode 3536 - ICE Age, GOP Base Epstein Client List Revolt w/ Kyle Kulinski, This Space Release Date: July 11, 2025
In episode 3536 of The Majority Report with Sam Seder, host Sam Seder delves into a spectrum of pressing political issues, primarily focusing on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, the shifting public opinion on immigration, Republican Party strategies, and the launch of a new cooperative media platform, This Space. The episode features insightful discussions with Kyle Kulinski of the Kyle Kulinski Show and Crystal Kyle and Friends, alongside members of the newly formed cooperative, including Ben Dixon, Matt Strackbein, and Andrea Rovenski.
1. ICE's Escalated Operations and Public Perception
The episode opens with Sam Seder and guest Emma Vigeland discussing the intensified operations of ICE amid new polling data. [05:34] Emma highlights, “Trump's approval rating on immigration is really low right now. ... it’s exceptionally low.” This sentiment underscores a significant shift in public opinion, where support for ICE’s stringent measures has declined while support for immigrants has concurrently risen.
[06:16] Sam Seder emphasizes, “None of this stuff is static and that it actually makes a difference what the political parties articulate. People are starting to see that.” This observation sets the tone for the episode, indicating that public sentiment is evolving based on the visible actions and rhetoric of political entities.
2. ICE's Morale and Operational Tactics
A major portion of the discussion revolves around a recent ICE raid in Camarillo, California, where federal agents employed heavy-handed tactics, including tear gas and flashbang grenades, to detain immigrants. [07:36] Emma describes the scene: “People watching on podcasts... they’re tear gassing the workers... terrorizing children too. Children? Yes.” The use of such aggressive measures has sparked outrage and raised questions about the humane treatment of detainees.
[08:22] Emma continues, “But Republicans at the same time accusing Democrats and those on the left of amplifying this rhetoric against federal agents and ICE agents. So we're seeing this finger-pointing.” This highlights the polarized political landscape, where both parties blame each other for the escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.
3. Republican Justifications and Racial Profiling
The conversation shifts to comments made by Tom Homan of Fox and Friends, defending ICE’s operations. [12:01] Tom asserts, “ICE officers and border patrol... they don’t need probable cause to stop and detain people. They just need reasonable suspicions based on location, occupation, or physical appearance.” Sam Seder challenges this stance, labeling it as racial profiling and questioning the legitimacy of such broad authority.
[14:45] Emma firmly states, “That is racial profiling.” The hosts critique the justification provided by Republican figures, arguing that basing detention on factors like occupation or appearance inherently targets minority communities and undermines constitutional protections.
4. Public Opinion Shift and Democratic Leadership
Sam introduces recent Gallup polling data illustrating a substantial shift in American attitudes towards immigration. [44:12] Emma adds, “Trump’s approval on immigration is at 35%, with 62% disapproving.” This marks a historic low in support for reducing immigration, contrasting sharply with previous years.
[41:50] Sam discusses how the Democratic Party has failed to capitalize on this shift: “Such an abject failure on the part of Democratic leadership to articulate a position.” The hosts argue that Democrats have been too passive, not presenting a compelling or distinct immigration policy, thereby missing an opportunity to leverage the public’s evolving views.
5. GOP Strategies and Internal Issues
The discussion delves into the Republican Party’s internal dynamics and strategic missteps. [36:39] Emma notes, “He [Trump] outsourced domestic policy to Stephen Miller,” critiquing the delegation of critical policy decisions to figures perceived as more extreme.
[37:12] Rich emphasizes, “Trump and Stephen Miller... they are white nationalists,” highlighting concerns about the party’s direction and leadership under Trump’s influence. The hosts scrutinize the disconnect between presidential rhetoric and the on-the-ground realities of ICE operations.
6. Launch of "This Space": A New Cooperative Media Platform
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the introduction of This Space, a new worker-led media cooperative aimed at uniting progressive voices and fostering solidarity across various silos. The hosts welcome guests Ben Dixon, Matt Strackbein, and Andrea Rovenski, who elaborate on the platform’s mission and operational structure.
[74:15] Matt Strackbein explains, “This space is the brainchild of Matt, Andrea, Dave Grossman... it is a worker-led, worker-class media co-op,” emphasizing the cooperative’s focus on solidarity and mutual support among progressive content creators.
[78:28] Kyle Kalinsky, co-host, adds, “We want it to be like an organizational apparatus... giving people resources... reducing friction between viewers and getting things done.” This initiative aims to streamline the dissemination of progressive content and mobilize collective action against oppressive policies.
7. Audience Engagement and Future Vision
The guests discuss the challenges and aspirations for This Space, including plans for expanding live streaming schedules and enhancing audience participation. [82:51] Matt highlights the platform's unique approach: “We give you the race car, the racetrack, and the pit crew. All you have to do is drive.”
[84:53] Ben Dixon shares insights on audience reactions and the importance of building trust and solidarity: “The people in the audience are taking the initiative... organizing ourselves... countering narratives.” The cooperative seeks to foster an engaged and proactive community dedicated to progressive change.
8. Concluding Remarks and Projections
As the episode wraps up, Sam Seder reflects on the potential impact of This Space and the broader implications of the current political climate. [91:35] Ben Dixon urges listeners to join the platform: “It's a platform where we will develop solutions...you could be with us instead.”
The hosts express optimism about the cooperative’s future and its role in uniting the progressive movement, despite initial challenges in viewership and logistical hurdles.
Notable Quotes:
- Emma Vigeland [05:34]: “Trump's approval rating on immigration is really low right now... it’s exceptionally low.”
- Sam Seder [06:16]: “None of this stuff is static and that it actually makes a difference what the political parties articulate.”
- Tom Homan [12:01]: “ICE officers and border patrol... they don’t need probable cause to stop and detain people.”
- Emma Vigeland [14:45]: “That is racial profiling.”
- Emma Vigeland [41:50]: “Trump’s approval on immigration is at 35%, with 62% disapproving.”
- Matt Strackbein [74:15]: “This space is the brainchild of Matt, Andrea, Dave Grossman... it is a worker-led, worker-class media co-op.”
- Kyle Kalinsky [78:28]: “We want it to be like an organizational apparatus... giving people resources... reducing friction between viewers and getting things done.”
Conclusion
Episode 3536 of The Majority Report with Sam Seder offers a comprehensive examination of the current immigration enforcement landscape, the Republican Party's strategies, and the Democratic Party's response. Additionally, the episode introduces This Space, a new media cooperative aimed at uniting progressive voices and fostering solidarity within the left. Through detailed discussions and critical analysis, Sam Seder and his guests shed light on the evolving political dynamics and the pressing need for cohesive action against oppressive policies.
