Summary of Episode Ep. 1695 - "Libs PANIC as Poll Names AOC the Face of the Democratic Party"

The Michael Knowles Show by The Daily Wire, released on March 18, 2025, delves into the current political landscape, focusing on the Democratic Party's internal dynamics, challenges, and broader cultural battles. Hosted by Michael Knowles, the episode provides incisive analysis, supported by notable quotes and references to historical philosophies.

1. CNN Poll: AOC as the Democratic Party's Face

Michael Knowles kicks off the episode by discussing a recent CNN poll conducted from March 6th to 9th, which surveyed Democrats and Democrat-leaning independents to identify the politician who best reflects the party's views.

Michael Knowles [02:15]: "The Democrat who best reflects the views of the party... Have they learned their lesson? No, it's AOC."

AOC leads the poll with 10%, followed by Kamala Harris at 9%, Bernie Sanders at 8%, and other prominent figures trailing behind. This outcome highlights a leadership vacuum and suggests that the party's base favors more radical figures over moderates.

2. Democratic Party's Leftward Shift and Electoral Implications

Knowles argues that the Democratic Party has moved excessively to the left, alienating moderate voters and hindering electoral success.

Knowles [05:10]: "The Democrats have lost the common sense... They are totally disconnected from the real problems people have on the ground."

He emphasizes that issues like transgender rights symbolize the party's departure from pragmatic politics, making it difficult to appeal to a broader electorate.

3. Republican Strategies vs. Democratic Struggles

Drawing parallels between Republican resilience and Democratic instability, Knowles examines how former President Donald Trump's unconventional approach in the 2016 GOP primary reshaped the party's coalition.

Knowles [10:05]: "Trump dominated the primary because he signaled that he was more right-wing and just in a different way... He formed a new coalition."

In contrast, the Democrats lack a similar unifying figure capable of bridging the primary and general election divides, leaving them vulnerable in upcoming contests.

4. James Carville on Moral Superiority

The episode references James Carville's surprising pivot to offering dating advice for young progressives, linking personal and political shortcomings.

Knowles [13:17]: "Carville just gave dating advice... to overcome preening moral superiority."

Carville suggests that embracing humility and pragmatism can enhance both personal relationships and political efficacy, critiquing the prevailing attitudes within progressive circles.

5. Political Virtue of Love: Insights from Aristotle and Cicero

Knowles delves into classical philosophies, citing Aristotle and Cicero to underscore the importance of love and friendship in governance.

Knowles [14:30]: "Friendship is the bond of the state... The highest form of justice seems to have an element of friendly feeling in it."

He argues that genuine political collaboration requires more than transactional compromises—it demands mutual respect and a shared vision of the common good.

6. Decolonizing Stratford Upon Avon: An Attack on White Heritage

Transitioning to cultural critiques, Knowles discusses the efforts to "decolonize" Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Knowles [16:45]: "They want to... decenter whiteness in Shakespeare's birthplace... It's to colonize it."

He condemns these initiatives as attempts to erase European cultural contributions under the guise of inclusivity, portraying them as culturally destructive.

7. Deportation of Professor Rasha Aliyeh: Opinions vs. National Security

The episode examines the case of Rasha Aliyeh, an assistant professor deported from Brown University for attending Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's funeral.

Knowles [22:10]: "Are we deporting this person on national security grounds, or because of their opinion?"

Knowles critiques the decision, framing it as an overreach that conflates political beliefs with security threats, and argues for stricter immigration controls based on ideological alignment.

8. Critique of The New York Times' COVID Reporting

Knowles attacks The New York Times for its handling of COVID-19 origins, accusing the publication of misleading the public and suppressing alternative theories.

Knowles [24:35]: "You know, when all of the public health officials and scientists lied to us, maybe it was fair."

He asserts that mainstream media failed to conduct rigorous investigations, thereby shaping public perception inaccurately and undermining trust in established institutions.

9. Other Topics: Statue of Liberty, Social Security Tease

Towards the episode's conclusion, Knowles touches on additional cultural and political issues:

• Statue of Liberty: He mocks a French MP's proposal to reclaim the monument, asserting its indelible association with American liberty despite its Enlightenment roots.

• Social Security: Knowles teases an upcoming discussion on misconceptions propagated by liberals regarding President Trump's stance on Social Security, promising to debunk false narratives.

Knowles [28:00]: "There is a line... the accusation that President Trump is threatening Social Security... we have to get to that tomorrow."

Conclusion

Episode 1695 of The Michael Knowles Show provides a comprehensive critique of the Democratic Party's current trajectory, cultural battles over historical figures like Shakespeare, and media accountability in reporting critical events. Through incisive analysis and strategic use of classical philosophy, Knowles underscores the challenges facing both political parties and emphasizes the need for genuine dialogue grounded in mutual respect and common purpose.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Knowles [02:15]: "The Democrat who best reflects the views of the party... Have they learned their lesson? No, it's AOC."
• Knowles [13:17]: "Carville just gave dating advice... to overcome preening moral superiority."
• Knowles [14:30]: "Friendship is the bond of the state... The highest form of justice seems to have an element of friendly feeling in it."
• Knowles [22:10]: "Are we deporting this person on national security grounds, or because of their opinion?"
• Knowles [24:35]: "You know, when all of the public health officials and scientists lied to us, maybe it was fair."
• Knowles [28:00]: "There is a line... the accusation that President Trump is threatening Social Security... we have to get to that tomorrow."

This summary encapsulates the episode's key discussions, providing insightful commentary on the current political and cultural climate while highlighting Michael Knowles' perspectives and critiques.