The Michael Knowles Show - Episode 1744: "Abracadabra, You're Black!"

Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host: Michael Knowles
Guest: Dr. Jordan B. Peterson
Source: The Daily Wire

1. Introduction

In Episode 1744 of The Michael Knowles Show, titled "Abracadabra, You're Black!", host Michael Knowles delves into the complexities of contemporary politics and culture with insights from guest Dr. Jordan B. Peterson. The episode addresses significant legislative developments, cultural shifts, and engages with listener questions on pressing societal issues.

2. The Big Beautiful Bill

Passage and Legislative Journey

• Progress in the House: Michael discusses the passage of President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" in the House of Representatives by a narrow margin of one vote. The bill now moves to the Senate for further deliberation and reconciliation of differing versions from both chambers.

  "It's made its way through the House by one vote. Now it's gotta get through the Senate. Then they have to reconcile the two bills, then they need to sell it to the public." [02:30]

Criticism from Opposing Sides

• Libertarian Critique: Elon Musk, a prominent figure and supporter of the Trump administration, criticizes the bill for increasing the budget deficit instead of reducing it, opposing the administration's efforts to trim government spending.

  "The libertarian says, 'Nah, nah, the best kind of government is the smallest kind of government.'" [04:15]

• Liberal Opposition: Chris Murphy, a Democratic Senator from Connecticut and member of the Appropriations Committee, vehemently opposes the bill. He argues that it represents the most significant transfer of wealth from the poor and middle class to the rich in U.S. history.

  "It's the most massive transfer of wealth from the poor and the middle class to the rich in the history of the country." [05:23]

Michael’s Analysis

• Michael interprets the bipartisan criticism as an indicator of the bill's substantial impact, referencing G.K. Chesterton's argument about the Catholic Church being criticized for opposite reasons as a sign of its significance.

  "If the bill's being attacked for opposite reasons so persistently, it's not necessarily good, but it's definitely something special." [07:10]

• He further distinguishes between traditional conservatives, who are open to substantial government intervention for the common good, and libertarians, who advocate for minimal government involvement.

3. Impact on Planned Parenthood

Funding Cuts and Clinic Closures

• The administration's spending bill has led to significant funding cuts for Planned Parenthood, resulting in the closure of eight abortion clinics across Iowa and Minnesota.

  "Planned Parenthood is now citing in public a threat to its funding as the reason for the closings." [09:45]

• This move aligns with Trump's broader strategy to curtail federal funding for organizations involved in abortions, emphasizing the administration's commitment to its pro-life stance.

Political Strategy and Culture Wars

• Michael underscores the importance of engaging in politics to effect cultural change, highlighting that while culture warriors often champion moral causes, they may lack the political influence to enact tangible policy changes.

  "Culture warriors who will not engage in the messy reality of government... are basically useless." [15:30]

4. State Department's Substack and Western Civilization

Substack Initiatives

• Michael introduces an inspiring development from the State Department's Substack blog, lauding its mission statement that emphasizes the enduring bond between the United States and Europe based on shared culture, faith, and civilizational heritage.

  "The close relationship between the United States and Europe transcends geographic proximity and transactional politics." [18:22]

Philosophical and Historical Legacy

• The blog post reflects on the Western tradition of natural law, virtue ethics, and national sovereignty, drawing connections from ancient civilizations through medieval Christianity to America's founding principles.

  "Our partnership must be founded upon our shared heritage rather than globalist conformity." [23:10]

Michael’s Reflection

• He appreciates the State Department's acknowledgment of Western civilization's virtues, contrasting it with modern liberal ideologies and emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural and historical legacies.

  "Ensuring that Western civilization remains a source of virtue, freedom, and human flourishing for generations to come." [23:55]

5. King Charles' Land Acknowledgment in Canada

Ceremonial Remarks

• King Charles addressed a gathering in Canada with a land acknowledgment, recognizing the unceded territories of the Algonquin and Shinabeg people and expressing hope for truth and reconciliation.

  "I would like to acknowledge that we are gathered on the unceded territory of the Algonquin and the Shinabeg people." [24:18]

Michael’s Critique

• Michael criticizes the ceremonial nature of such acknowledgments, questioning their sincerity and effectiveness. He argues that King Charles is attempting to modernize the monarchy's image but views it as a miscalculation that dilutes the traditional role of a monarch.

  "With monarchs like this, who needs Democrats?" [24:53]

Dr. Peterson’s Input

• Dr. Peterson elaborates on the traditional role of monarchs, emphasizing that they should embody the core aspects of monarchy without veering into performative political correctness.

  "If you're going to have a monarchy, have your monarch act like a monarch." [25:10]

6. Diversity in Harry Potter Casting

Controversial Casting Choices

• Michael highlights the new Harry Potter TV show's casting of non-traditional actors in iconic roles. Notably, a Black actor has been cast as Severus Snape, sparking debates about diversity and authenticity.

  "Harry Potter is going diverse. There's a new Harry Potter TV show that has cast at least one black actor in roles traditionally held by white people." [26:00]

Cultural Identity and Representation

• He questions the rationale behind the casting decisions, arguing that if true ethnic representation were the goal, a Pakistani cast might better reflect England's demographics.

  "If Harry Potter wanted to truly reflect the ethnic background of England, all the actors would be Pakistani." [27:15]

Broader Implications

• Michael connects this trend to larger discussions on racial identity and the sustainability of racial identitarianism, expressing concern over the diminishing recognition of distinct white racial identities.

  "Can we recognize that there are white races just as there are ethnic countries with every other race?" [29:40]

7. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Expert Answers

a. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Neutrality

• Question: A listener inquires about maintaining neutrality in conflicts like the Israeli-Palestinian situation, especially when atrocities are committed by both sides.

• Dr. Peterson’s Response: He clarifies his stance, supporting justified violence and expressing prudence in foreign policy. While broadly supportive of Israel, he does not align entirely with Israeli policies, advocating for pragmatic solutions over ideological alignments.

  "My interest as an American is to wrap that war up quickly." [37:59]

b. Afrikanes vs. Gazans Refugees

• Question: A listener questions the selective acceptance of Afrikaner (white) refugees over Gazans, pondering the perceived racial preferences in refugee policies.

• Dr. Peterson’s Response: He argues that cultural and religious similarities make Afrikaner refugees more assimilable into American society. In contrast, he cites the vast number and differing cultural backgrounds of Gazans as reasons against their mass acceptance.

  "We have much less in common with the Gazans, and there are over 2 million of them. We're gonna take 2 million Gazans in? I don't think so." [41:24]

c. Philosophy on Life and Death

• Question: A listener seeks guidance on reconciling newfound religious beliefs with atheism, especially in the context of marriage and life's purpose.

• Dr. Peterson’s Response: He shares his Catholic faith-based philosophy, encouraging engagement with religious practices and studies. He emphasizes that life's purpose transcends material existence, focusing on knowing and serving God.

  "The purpose of life ultimately is to know God, serve him in this world and enjoy him forever." [46:03]

8. Conclusion

Throughout Episode 1744, Michael Knowles and Dr. Jordan B. Peterson engage in a nuanced discussion of pressing political and cultural issues. From dissecting legislative battles and their societal impacts to exploring the depths of historical and philosophical legacies, the episode provides listeners with thoughtful analysis and expert perspectives. The mailbag segment further enriches the conversation by addressing real-world concerns from the audience, offering tailored advice and insights.

Notable Quotes:

• "If the bill's being attacked for opposite reasons so persistently, it's not necessarily good, but it's definitely something special." – Michael Knowles [07:10]
• "Planned Parenthood is now citing in public a threat to its funding as the reason for the closings." – Michael Knowles [09:45]
• "Ensuring that Western civilization remains a source of virtue, freedom, and human flourishing for generations to come." – Michael Knowles [23:55]
• "With monarchs like this, who needs Democrats?" – Michael Knowles [24:53]
• "We have much less in common with the Gazans, and there are over 2 million of them. We're gonna take 2 million Gazans in? I don't think so." – Dr. Jordan B. Peterson [41:24]

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between politics, culture, and individual beliefs, encouraging listeners to critically assess the forces shaping contemporary society.