The Megyn Kelly Show Summary: Dem Party Imploding, Michelle Obama's Failing Podcast, and Debating Khalil Deportation, with Glenn Greenwald | Ep. 1028

Release Date: March 17, 2025

In Episode 1028 of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly engages in a robust conversation with renowned journalist Glenn Greenwald. The episode delves into the tumultuous state of the Democratic Party, criticizes former First Lady Michelle Obama’s new podcast venture, and debates the contentious deportation of Mahmoud Khalil under the Trump administration. Additionally, the episode offers a scathing critique of mainstream media, particularly The New York Times, regarding their handling of the COVID-19 lab leak theory.

1. The Democratic Party's Downfall

Rising Internal Tensions and Failing Leadership

Megyn Kelly opens the discussion by highlighting a significant decline in the Democratic Party’s favorability ratings. Recent polling data shows the party at a record low:

• CNN Poll: Democratic Party favorability at 29%, a 20-point drop since January 2021.
• NBC Poll: Dem favorability at 27%, with a 55% negative rating.

Glenn Greenwald draws parallels to the Republican Party's struggles post-Obama presidency, noting a "civil war" within the Democrats reminiscent of the Tea Party movement's opposition. He states:

"There's like... a civil war happening right now within the Democratic Party." ([03:29])

The core issue identified is the lack of a clear, affirmative agenda. Instead of presenting positive policies, the Democratic leadership is perceived as merely opposing former President Trump without offering substantial alternatives.

Lack of Strong Party Leaders

Polls reveal a troubling disconnect between the Democratic leadership and party members:

• CNN Poll: 30% of Democrats named "no one" as best reflecting the party’s core values.
• Following options: AOC (10%), Kamala Harris (9%), Bernie Sanders (8%), and former President Barack Obama (4%, tied with Jasmine Crockett).

Greenwald emphasizes the weakness of current leaders:

"These are clearly not the party leaders if you're only getting 9 or 10%." ([07:42])

The discussion underscores a leadership crisis with figures like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries facing calls for their ousting due to perceived ineffectiveness and inability to inspire the base.

2. Leadership Challenges: Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries

Calls to Oust Chuck Schumer

Following mixed responses to the Democratic leadership’s recent decisions, particularly Schumer’s vote for a continuing resolution to prevent a government shutdown, internal dissatisfaction has surged. Critics argue that Schumer is:

• Misreading the Democratic base: Failing to address the party’s core issues beyond opposing Trump.
• Lacking a unifying vision: Kelly cites Molly Jenkins stating, “The Chuck Schumer's of the world... should all step down.” ([16:33])

Greenwald and Kelly discuss how Schumer's actions are seen as pandering rather than leading, leading to unprecedented anger within the party:

"This is a real black market stain on Chuck Schumer's leadership and I'm pissed." ([16:37])

Hakeem Jeffries Under Scrutiny

Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, faces similar criticism. When questioned about leadership changes, Jeffries deflects, indicating reluctance to support Schumer without clear alternatives. This hesitance further fuels the perception of ineffective leadership.

“Is it time for new leadership in the Senate?” ([17:03])

Greenwald notes Jeffries' lackluster response as indicative of broader leadership issues:

"Is that something that you would consider? Would you consider that role?" ([30:54])

3. Michelle Obama's Podcast: A Critical Failure

Launch and Reception

Michelle Obama’s foray into podcasting is met with harsh criticism from both hosts. The podcast, intended to provide intimate conversations, instead portrays Obama as disenchanted with her past role and relationships.

Notable critiques include:

• Lack of Authenticity: Conversations with her brother Craig lack relevance and fail to engage listeners.
• Perceived Bitterness: Obama's discussions about her marriage to Barack Obama come across as resentful rather than reflective.

Inappropriate Content and Relatability Issues

Examples from the podcast demonstrate a disconnect with the audience:

“Think about if you go back and look at the Republicans in the first term of Obama... In contrast to what I just got done saying, do actually believe in things...” ([07:51])

Greenwald and Kelly argue that Michelle Obama's content lacks substance, focusing instead on trivial matters that don't resonate with the broader public.

"No one's gonna listen to this. Why would they?" ([25:25])

4. Debating the Deportation of Mahmoud Khalil

Trump Administration's Deployment of the Alien Enemies Act

President Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport approximately 250 alleged gang leaders from Venezuela to El Salvador, citing their involvement in irregular warfare against the U.S. This unprecedented move faced immediate legal challenges:

• Court Ruling: Judge James Boasberg halted the deportations, stating Trump lacked the authority to enforce them under current circumstances.
• Administrative Response: The Trump administration argued the deportations proceeded as flights had already departed U.S. airspace.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The deportation of Khalil, a green card holder and American citizen married to a U.S. resident, sparks a heated debate:

• Glenn Greenwald’s Stance: He supports the deportation, citing Khalil’s actions that warranted removal under immigration law.
• Guest’s Counterargument: Emphasizes Khalil’s role as a mediator during protests and questions the ethicality of deporting individuals without due process.

Notable Exchange:

Glenn Greenwald ([56:00]): "The Trump administration said, I got a whole lot of..."
Guest ([60:17]): "But not necessarily to an El Salvador in prison. That's the difference."

The discussion highlights the tension between national security measures and individual rights, questioning the misuse of outdated laws for contemporary political agendas.

5. Media Critique: The New York Times and the Lab Leak Theory

Accusations of Cover-Up and Misinformation

Greenwald vehemently criticizes The New York Times for their handling of the COVID-19 lab leak theory, arguing that they suppressed legitimate inquiries into the virus’s origins to maintain a false consensus. Key points include:

• Delayed Acknowledgment: The Times only recently began admitting potential errors in their reporting on the lab leak theory, years after evidence and internal communications suggested its viability.
• Suppression of Dissenting Voices: Early proponents of the lab leak theory were dismissed as conspiracists, and online platforms censored their discussions.

Evidence of Institutional Bias

Greenwald references internal emails and testimonies that indicate concerted efforts by The Times and other mainstream media to discredit the lab leak theory:

"They allowed that person to be the sort of objective source. They hid his key role." ([85:37])

He further details how prominent scientists attempted to voice concerns about the virus’s origins, only to be silenced or reclassified as fringe voices.

Current Movement to Reclaim Credibility

Despite longstanding distrust, The New York Times now seeks to reposition itself as a truthful source. Greenwald views this as an attempt at "reputational rehabilitation" rather than genuine accountability:

“And it's so belated. I mean, even other mainstream news organizations have have published this kind of piece years earlier.” ([88:28])

6. Concluding Insights

Erosion of Trust in Institutions

Throughout the episode, both Kelly and Greenwald express profound disappointment in Democratic leadership and mainstream media institutions. The absence of credible leadership and the manipulation of information have severely damaged public trust.

Future Implications for American Democracy

The episode underscores a dire need for the Democratic Party to reclaim its foundational values and offer a clear, positive vision beyond mere opposition. Simultaneously, media outlets must confront their past missteps to rebuild trust with the public.

Upcoming Content Tease

Megyn Kelly wraps up the episode by teasing future discussions, including an upcoming interview with Charlie Kirk, highlighting the show’s commitment to open and provocative conversations.

Notable Quotes:

• Glenn Greenwald ([03:29]): "There's like... a civil war happening right now within the Democratic Party."
• Unnamed Guest ([07:51]): "In the Democratic Party more broadly... there is no positive vision."
• Glenn Greenwald ([07:42]): "These are clearly not the party leaders if you're only getting 9 or 10%."
• Unnamed Guest ([16:33]): "The Chuck Schumer's of the world,... they should all step down."
• Glenn Greenwald ([88:28]): "This is such a dereliction, all the stuff. And you heard me talking back then about Jeremy Farrar."

This episode offers a critical examination of current political dynamics within the Democratic Party, scrutinizes efforts by prominent figures like Michelle Obama to maintain relevance, and challenges the integrity of major media institutions. For listeners seeking an unfiltered perspective on American politics and media, Episode 1028 provides a compelling and thought-provoking analysis.