Podcast Summary: The Michael Knowles Show – Ep. 1665: "The Libs Choose Avocados Over Americans"

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles
Platform: The Daily Wire

1. Introduction to Tariffs and Chuck Schumer’s Response

Timestamp: [00:00] – [03:54]

In the opening segment, Michael Knowles discusses President Trump’s implementation of substantial tariffs on Mexico, China, and Canada as a measure to combat the influx of fentanyl into the United States, which tragically results in approximately 200 American deaths daily. He highlights Senate Democrat Leader Chuck Schumer's criticism of these tariffs, mocking the Democratic prioritization of products like guacamole and Corona beer over national security.

• Chuck Schumer’s Quote:
  "Let’s just take Super Bowl Sunday, okay? It’s going to affect beer, okay? Most of it. Corona here comes from Mexico. It’s going to affect your guacamole because what is guacamole made of? Avocados. Both from Mexico."
  (Timestamp: [00:17])

Key Points:

• Trump’s Tariff Strategy: Aimed at penalizing countries contributing to fentanyl flow into the U.S., reinforcing national security and public health.
• Democratic Critique: Schumer trivializes the serious issue by focusing on consumer goods, suggesting a disconnect from genuine concerns.
• Knowles’ Satirical Take: He ridicules Democrats for choosing consumer preferences over critical public safety measures, emphasizing the misplaced priorities.

2. President Trump’s Tariff Pitch and Economic Implications

Timestamp: [07:38] – [08:26]

Michael delves deeper into Trump’s rationale behind the tariffs, presenting Trump's own words to illustrate the administration’s commitment to safeguarding American lives from foreign-borne threats like fentanyl.

• Donald Trump’s Quote:
  "We’re gonna tell Mexico you’re killing tremendous numbers of our people by allowing China to send their fentanyl through your system and through your country. And we’re going to give them a little period of time. But we don’t want drugs coming across our border or any border."
  (Timestamp: [07:38])

Key Points:

• Public Safety Argument: The tariffs are positioned as a direct response to the life-threatening issue of fentanyl trafficking.
• National Security: Beyond immediate public health, the tariffs aim to reduce dependency on foreign nations for critical goods, thereby strengthening economic sovereignty.
• Economic Impact: While acknowledging potential short-term economic pain due to increased consumer prices, Knowles argues that the long-term benefits of protecting American industries and national interests outweigh the drawbacks.

3. The FBI Purge and Democratic Retaliation

Timestamp: [25:00] – [37:37]

Knowles addresses President Trump’s actions to remove several FBI officials implicated in investigations tied to Trump, including those involved in the Mar-a-Lago and January 6 inquiries. He criticizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) for undermining the administration’s agenda, framing it as Democratic overreach and corruption.

Adam Schiff’s Reaction:

• Adam Schiff’s Tweet:
  "FBI director nominee Cash Patel promised no retribution. The next day, we have this grotesque purge at the FBI."
  (Timestamp: [30:15])

Key Points:

• Mass Removal: Trump’s administration systematically ousts FBI agents and officials linked to investigations into his presidency, suggesting political motivation behind the moves.
• Democratic Critique: Schiff and other Democrats view these actions as retaliatory and undermine the integrity of federal investigations.
• Knowles’ Analysis: He defends Trump by portraying the DOJ purges as necessary to protect the administration from partisan attacks, emphasizing a struggle between conservative values and Democratic corruption.

4. J.D. Vance and the Ordo Amoris Debate

Timestamp: [37:37] – [44:50]

The discussion shifts to J.D. Vance, whose interpretation of the classical concept of "Ordo Amoris" (Order of Love) has sparked controversy. Vance advocates for a hierarchical approach to love, prioritizing family and community over broader societal obligations.

• J.D. Vance’s Concept:
  "You love your family, and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens in your own country. And then after that, you can focus and prioritize the rest of the world."

Criticism from Rory Stewart:

• Rory Stewart’s Quote:
  "Less Christian and more pagan, tribal. We should start worrying when politicians become theologians, assume to speak for Jesus and tell us in which order to love."
  (Timestamp: [42:10])

Key Points:

• Ordo Amoris Explained: Vance's stance is rooted in classical philosophy and Christian theology, emphasizing a structured approach to love and obligations.
• Critique from Academia: Rory Stewart and others argue that such hierarchical moral obligations are unnatural and conflict with broader ethical principles.
• Knowles’ Defense: He defends Vance’s views as aligned with common sense and scriptural teachings, reinforcing the importance of prioritizing loved ones over abstract global concerns.

5. David Hogg’s Appointment as DNC Vice Chairman

Timestamp: [44:50] – [52:30]

Michael criticizes the Democratic Party for selecting David Hogg as the Vice Chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Hogg, known for his activism following the Parkland school shooting, is portrayed as an ill-suited and unpopular choice disconnected from the party’s core voters.

Key Points:

• Background on David Hogg: Former student activist turned Democratic figure, synonymous with gun control advocacy.
• Michael’s Critique: Labels Hogg as a privileged and ineffective leader who lacks genuine connection with Democratic constituents, suggesting he epitomizes the party's entitlement rather than its grassroots.
• Impact on Democrats: Predicts continued electoral struggles due to poor leadership choices like Hogg’s, thereby weakening the party’s appeal.

6. Al Sharpton’s Costco Boycott and DEI Programs

Timestamp: [52:30] – [65:00]

The episode critiques Al Sharpton’s orchestrated boycott of Costco in response to the retailer’s decision to maintain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. Knowles condemns Sharpton and likens his actions to extortion and racial shakedowns.

Key Points:

• Costco’s DEI Decision: In the wake of shareholder opposition, Costco continues its DEI initiatives, prompting Sharpton to lead a boycott.
• Sharpton’s Motives: Accused of using his influence to disrupt businesses that adopt DEI policies, which he views as discriminatory.
• Knowles’ Argument: Presents Sharpton and similar activists as detrimental to businesses and the economy, arguing that DEI programs are unpopular among the general consumer base and harmful to corporate America.

7. Executive Orders on Transgender Youth and Legislative Appeals

Timestamp: [65:00] – [37:37]

Michael highlights the Trump administration’s executive orders aimed at preventing irreversible medical procedures for transgender youth. He emphasizes the moral and political imperative for Congress to support these measures through legislation.

• Caroline Levitt’s Statement:
  "The President has already taken a very strong stance on this issue this week with the signing of his executive order."
  (Timestamp: [37:37])

Key Points:

• Policy Overview: Executive orders that restrict medical interventions for transgender minors, positioning them as protective measures against irreversible procedures.
• Congressional Action: Urges Congress to bolster these executive actions by withholding federal funds from states that do not comply, framing it as both a moral and highly popular political stance.
• Knowles’ Strategy: Advocates for leveraging Congressional power over funding as a means to enforce and expand protections for transgender youth, predicting significant voter support.

8. Military Actions Against ISIS in Somalia

Timestamp: [38:39] – [55:00]

Michael discusses President Trump’s decision to carry out precision airstrikes against ISIS leaders in Somalia, countering claims that Trump is an isolationist. He argues that these actions demonstrate an assertive foreign policy aimed at eliminating threats to American security.

• Trump’s Statement:
  "I ordered precision military airstrikes on the senior ISIS attack planner and other terrorists he recruited and led in Somalia... We will find you and we will kill you."
  (Timestamp: [38:39])

Key Points:

• Strategic Military Engagement: Contrasts Trump’s active response to terrorism with previous isolationist criticisms, highlighting a balance between "America First" and global leadership.
• Imperial vs. Nationalist Policies: Suggests that Trump’s approach embodies a modern, well-ordered empire rather than isolationism, aligning with historical precedents of American military presence.
• Policy Justification: Frames military actions as essential to maintaining national security and international stability, opposing the leftist criticism of imperialism.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Timestamp: [55:00] – End

In his concluding remarks, Michael Knowles reiterates his support for President Trump’s policies, celebrating what he perceives as a resurgence of true conservatism and effective leadership. He underscores the importance of maintaining national sovereignty, protecting American industries, and upholding moral standards against what he portrays as liberal excesses.

Key Points:

• Optimism for the Future: Despite ongoing political battles, Knowles remains confident in the Trump administration’s ability to navigate and overcome Democratic opposition.
• Call to Action: Encourages listeners to support conservative initiatives and endorse policies that prioritize American interests both domestically and internationally.
• Overall Message: Emphasizes a vision of America as a strong, self-reliant nation capable of leading the world while safeguarding its own citizens and values.

This episode of The Michael Knowles Show navigates through several critical political issues, juxtaposing conservative policy initiatives against liberal opposition and critiques. Through a blend of satire, direct commentary, and strategic endorsements, Knowles articulates a vision of American resilience and ideological steadfastness aimed at rallying his audience around key conservative causes.