The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 960 Summary

Release Date: December 9, 2024

Overview

In Episode 960 of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly engages in a robust discussion covering several high-profile topics: the acquittal of Daniel Penny in the Jordan Neely subway incident, former President Donald Trump's contentious interview with NBC’s Meet the Press regarding immigration policies, and the arrest of a suspect in the assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Joining Kelly are guests Batya Unger-Sargon, Amala Ekponobi, and Jordan Neely's father, who provide diverse perspectives on these pressing issues.

1. Daniel Penny's Acquittal in the Subway Case

Background: Daniel Penny was charged with the death of Jordan Neely, a subway rider whose behavior had reportedly threatened other passengers. The prosecution, led by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, initially charged Penny with reckless homicide, a more severe charge than criminally negligent homicide.

Acquittal Details:

• The jury could not reach a verdict on the top charge of reckless homicide, leading to Penny’s acquittal on the lesser charge.
• Megyn Kelly expresses relief and criticizes DA Bragg:

  "I think all of us are feeling the same thing. Thank God. And how on earth was he charged in the first place?" [00:50]

Guest Perspectives:

• Batya Unger Sargon (Opinion Editor for Newsweek) applauds the verdict as a win against leftist elites:

  "I think what this verdict shows is that we are no longer under the grip of this false myth that we're still racist, that we're divided by race, or even that we're divided by political party." [08:55]

• Jordan Neely's Father criticizes the narrative around the case, emphasizing Neely as the aggressor and challenging claims of racism:

  "Did you know that this thug, Alvin Bragg brought these charges where they never should have been brought... Now the jury was sent back to deliberate on the serious but less serious charge of criminally negligent homicide." [05:10]

Notable Reactions:

• John Podoretz, tweeting on the case:

  "Today is a day to celebrate the jury system and the fair administration of justice. Tomorrow begins the relentless effort to get Alvin Bragg the fuck out of that office." [11:30]

• Alex Berenson (The New Yorker) comments on the racial dynamics:

  "Penny is a criminal. He should be locked up for what he did." [12:05]

Key Takeaways:

• The verdict is seen as a repudiation of politically motivated prosecutions.
• Discussions centered around masculinity, self-defense, and the impact of stringent legal actions on societal behaviors.
• Critique of Alvin Bragg’s prosecutorial approach and its implications for future Good Samaritan interventions.

2. Trump's Interview with NBC’s Meet the Press

Summary: Former President Donald Trump appeared on NBC’s Meet the Press in a heated exchange with host Kristen Welker, focusing on his immigration policies.

Key Points:

• Trump's Stance on Deportations:

  "I'm saying we have to get the criminals out of our country... We're starting with the criminals and we gotta do it." [58:37]

• Discussion on Family Separations:

  "We have to have rules and regulations... You can always find something out." [60:09]

• Trump’s Vision:

  • Emphasizes retribution through national success rather than direct confrontations.
  • Megyn Kelly highlights Trump's anticipation of media backlash:

    "He's exactly right that he's anticipating where this plan is going to meet. Significant pushback from the press..." [60:55]

Guest Insights:

• Batya Unger Sargon praises Trump’s approach against the “woke” media and Democratic Party:

  "This is all just pure projection. Every accusation from the Democrats is a confession." [73:00]

Notable Quotes:

• Trump on success as retribution:

  "Retribution will be through success." [66:05]

• Kristen Welker challenges Trump on deportation realism:

  "Is it realistic to deport everyone who's here illegally?" [59:08]

Key Takeaways:

• Trump maintains a tough stance on immigration, prioritizing the removal of individuals with criminal backgrounds.
• Emphasis on preventing family separations while adhering to strict immigration laws.
• Discussion reflects ongoing political polarization around immigration policies and media portrayal of Trump’s agenda.

3. Arrest of Suspect in United Healthcare CEO Assassination

Incident Overview: A 26-year-old man, Luigi Mangione, was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, suspected of assassinating United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione allegedly wrote a manifesto criticizing the healthcare industry and was found with a ghost gun and silencer.

Host and Guest Commentary:

• Megyn Kelly expresses fascination with the arrest, particularly the role of an elderly McDonald's employee in identifying Mangione:

  "An elderly person was in there, saw the guy, and again, almost certainly he had that." [73:21]

• Batya Unger Sargon discusses the societal implications of such acts and the misguided attempts to address grievances through violence:

  "Murder is absolutely wrong... Finding a way to have that conversation going forward that's not tied to this is going to be, I think extremely important." [87:51]

• Amala Ekponobi critiques the radicalization in universities and its potential link to such violent actions:

  "These universities are radicalizing people at an extreme rate... This is a prime example of that." [89:39]

Notable Details:

• Manifesto Insights:

  The manifesto reportedly includes grievances against the healthcare industry, inspired by anti-capitalist and climate change causes, and echoing sentiments from Ted Kaczynski, the former Unabomber.

• Recognition by McDonald's Employee:

  An employee recognized Mangione, possibly noticing his mask and demeanor, leading to the arrest.

Key Takeaways:

• The case underscores the dangers of radical ideologies and how they can manifest in violent actions.
• Raises concerns about mental health support and the effectiveness of existing systems in preventing such tragedies.
• Highlights the role of everyday citizens in contributing to public safety.

4. Rosie O'Donnell's Public Health Claim

Incident Overview: Comedian and television personality Rosie O'Donnell publicly claimed to have contracted herpes, attributing it to stress related to opposition against Donald Trump and MAGA supporters.

Host and Guest Commentary:

• Megyn Kelly mocks the sensational nature of O'Donnell’s revelation:

  "She was totally comprehensible, but it's weird... Here's that same guy." [90:38]

• Jordan Neely's Father criticizes O'Donnell’s behavior as attention-seeking:

  "She looks totally demoralized and broken down... Blaming it on UFOs." [95:02]

Notable Quotes:

• Rosie O'Donnell on her cold sore:

  "I just want to say I miss my son... Do you think that's right, sir?" [89:14]

Key Takeaways:

• The segment serves as a critique of public figures using personal health issues as political statements.
• Emphasizes the blending of personal health and political narratives in public discourse.

5. General Themes and Conclusions

• Critique of "Woke" Culture and Leftist Elites: The episode prominently features criticism of what guests describe as "woke" culture, identity politics, and leftist elites. Guests argue that these forces are divisive and misrepresent societal issues, leading to wrongful prosecutions and radicalization.

• Support for Traditional Masculinity and Self-Defense: Discussions around Daniel Penny’s actions highlight a defense of traditional masculinity and the right to protect others, framing Penny’s acquittal as a victory against overreaching legal actions fueled by political agendas.

• Concerns Over Radicalization and Mental Health: The arrest of Luigi Mangione brings to light fears about increasing radicalization and the influence of extremist ideologies within educated circles, prompting calls for more constructive dialogues on societal grievances.

• Media and Political Polarization: The episode underscores a deep mistrust of mainstream media, portrayed as biased and oppressive, while championing alternative platforms and narratives that align with conservative viewpoints.

Notable Quotes:

• Meghan O'Donnell:

  "I didn't have to go through this either. It hurts. Really, really hurts." [23:47]

• Batya Unger Sargon:

  "A moment being ushered in by Donald Trump and then all of these down ballot and downstream effects of being able to see ourselves once again as the United States of America who are organized primarily around the desire for every American, regardless of color and regardless of creed to have a fair shot at the American dream." [27:23]

• Megyn Kelly on Media Projection:

  "Every accusation from the Democrats is a confession... The media has lost all credibility because in opposing him in the most dishonest and vitriolic way." [74:41]

Conclusion

Episode 960 of The Megyn Kelly Show presents a strong conservative viewpoint, emphasizing victories against perceived liberal overreach, defending traditional values, and critiquing media and political opponents. Through in-depth discussions and guest insights, the episode navigates complex legal cases, political strategies, and societal issues, aiming to resonate with listeners who share similar perspectives on justice, identity politics, and national integrity.