Podcast Summary: The Michael Knowles Show – Ep. 1699 "RFK Jr. Goes After Big Soda"

Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles
Podcast: The Michael Knowles Show by The Daily Wire

Introduction

In Episode 1699, titled "RFK Jr. Goes After Big Soda," Michael Knowles delves into a series of pressing political and cultural issues, primarily focusing on internal Democratic critiques and the implications of policy changes under Republican leadership. The episode features discussions on the Department of Education, RFK Jr.'s stance on Big Soda, corporate shifts away from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and societal trends impacting marriage and happiness among American women.

Department of Education and College Affordability

Key Discussion Points:

• Abolishment of the Department of Education: Knowles begins by citing President Trump's initiative to abolish the Department of Education, highlighting Congressman Eric Swalwell's unexpected acknowledgment that a significant portion of education spending (71%) is directed toward college grants and loans, rather than the commonly feared programs like school lunches or special education.

  "The vast majority of education department spending, 71%, according to PolitiFact, goes toward college grants and loans." (00:00)

• College Cost Trends: Utilizing data from the National Center for Education Statistics, Knowles presents a chart illustrating the rising costs of college education since the Department of Education's inception in 1979. He argues that increased spending without oversight has led to escalating tuition fees.

  "Since the department was founded, costs of college skyrocket with no end in sight." (02:15)

• Democratic Accountability: Knowles challenges Democratic narratives that blame Republican administrations for rising college costs, pointing out that increases have persisted across various administrations, irrespective of party control.

  "It just keeps going up under different administrations, whether they're Republican or Democrat." (03:40)

RFK Jr. vs. Big Soda

Key Discussion Points:

• Big Soda Subsidies: The episode shifts focus to RFK Jr.'s efforts to target Big Soda, criticizing the allocation of SNAP (food stamps) funds toward high fructose corn syrup-laden soft drinks. Knowles emphasizes the health implications and economic inefficiency of subsidizing sugary beverages.

  "Kennedy says this is bad. It's bad for the people who are drinking the sodas. It's bad for the taxpayer." (14:50)

• Public and Influencer Response: Knowles observes a backlash from online influencers defending soda subsidies as essential for low-income individuals, questioning their priorities over public health.

  "Conservatives, we don't support this. Keep the soda subsidies going." (16:05)

Department of Education Argument Revisited

Key Discussion Points:

• Libertarian Critique: Knowles critiques liberal narratives that portray the Department of Education as a tool for improving test scores and reducing college costs but highlights the historical decline in these areas since its establishment.

  "We need the Department of Education so that test scores improve. Oh, right—they’ve declined since the department was founded." (05:30)

• Reallocation of Programs: Addressing claims that Trump's administration intends to cut special needs and food programs, Knowles references Eric Swalwell's own words to argue that these programs are merely being transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), not eliminated.

  "The libs, their latest talking point... Trump is gonna put that into other departments." (06:05)

Corporate Shifts: JP Morgan's DEI to DOI Transition

Key Discussion Points:

• Renaming DEI to DOI: Knowles discusses JP Morgan Chase's decision to replace its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives with DOI (Diversity, Opportunity, and Inclusion), interpreting it as a strategic move to distance the corporation from controversial equity measures.

  "JP Morgan is trying to split the baby. They’re saying we reject DEI ideology, but we're keeping D and I." (23:15)

• Critique of DEI: He contends that DEI initiatives inherently create divisions based on race and sex, arguing that focusing solely on merit-based performance (as DOI purports) inherently undermines diversity.

  "If you're gonna only focus on performance-based merit, then you can't take into consideration racial diversity or sexual diversity." (24:45)

Political Elites and Jon Ossoff's Claims

Key Discussion Points:

• Ossoff's Accusations: Senator Jon Ossoff accuses Republicans, including Trump, of being the very elites they claim to oppose, citing Trump's substantial wealth and luxurious lifestyle.

  "Trump's cabinet is worth like $60 billion... They are literally the elites they pretend to hate." (16:26)

• Knowles' Counterargument: Knowles refutes this by distinguishing between different types of elites, asserting that Trump's approach to governance and policy differs fundamentally from traditional liberal elites.

  "They're different elites. What Ossoff is trying to make this about is some kind of class war." (17:04)

Gavin Newsom and Political Opportunism

Key Discussion Points:

• Newsom's 2028 Ambitions: The conversation shifts to California Governor Gavin Newsom's attempts to position himself as a centrist candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, including his outreach to MAGA Republicans and questionable policy stances.

  "Gavin Newsom is trying to appeal specifically to MAGA Republicans, people who are personally close to President Trump." (28:00)

• Controversial Actions: Knowles criticizes Newsom's past actions, including his support for same-sex marriage before its legalization and his alleged role in assisting his mother's suicide, portraying him as ideologically extreme and ethically compromised.

  "In May 2002, his mother decided to end her life through assisted suicide. Newsom recalled..." (30:41)

Societal Trends: Women Giving Up on Marriage

Key Discussion Points:

• Wall Street Journal Report: Knowles references a report indicating that American women are increasingly forgoing marriage, correlating this trend with shifts in education and economic status.

  "The happiest group of women is married moms with children. The least happy group, single women without children." (34:50)

• Natural Law and Happiness: He argues that marriage remains a fundamental aspect of human happiness and societal stability, asserting that shared experiences and traditional structures contribute to overall well-being.

  "Marriage is normal for human beings. It's the kind of thing we just do." (35:30)

Marijuana Legislation and Health Concerns

Key Discussion Points:

• Health Risks of Marijuana: Knowles presents a study from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology highlighting significant health risks associated with marijuana use, including increased likelihood of heart attacks and strokes among users under 50.

  "Marijuana is very, very bad for your heart." (40:15)

• Critique of Pro-Marijuana Arguments: He challenges proponents of marijuana legalization who claim the substance has no downsides, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing its health risks.

  "I'm skeptical of anything that is said not to have downsides." (42:00)

Conclusion

Michael Knowles wraps up the episode by reiterating his skepticism towards progressive policies and societal changes that, in his view, undermine traditional structures and public health. He emphasizes the importance of meritocracy over divisive diversity initiatives and advocates for policies that promote genuine social cohesion and well-being.

Notable Quotes:

• "The vast majority of education department spending, 71%, according to PolitiFact, goes toward college grants and loans." – Michael Knowles (00:00)

• "Trump's cabinet is worth like $60 billion... They are literally the elites they pretend to hate." – Jon Ossoff (16:26)

• "We need the Department of Education so that test scores improve. Oh, right—they’ve declined since the department was founded." – Michael Knowles (05:30)

• "Marijuana is very, very bad for your heart." – Michael Knowles (40:15)

• "Marriage is normal for human beings. It's the kind of thing we just do." – Michael Knowles (35:30)

This episode of The Michael Knowles Show provides a comprehensive analysis of current political dynamics, corporate strategies, and societal trends from a conservative perspective, challenging prevailing liberal narratives and advocating for traditional values and merit-based policies.