The Rob Carson Show
Episode: Shutdown Shenanigans & Clown Town Politics
Date: February 13, 2026
Host: Rob Carson
Podcast: Newsmax Podcasts
Episode Overview
On this edition of The Rob Carson Show, Rob brings his signature mix of comedy, political commentary, and cultural critique to tackle the week's biggest headlines. The episode zeroes in on the looming government shutdown and what Rob calls "clown town politics," particularly focused on Democratic policy maneuvers, border security debates, and urban decline in cities like Minneapolis and New York. Rob is joined by recurring guests for spirited discussions, delivers his trademark musical and comedic parodies, and closes by celebrating American resilience and patriotism.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Super Bowl Recap and Pop Culture Critique
- Rob shares humorous takes on the Super Bowl halftime performances and ratings, critiquing choices like Bad Bunny and Kendrick Lamar, and reminiscing fondly about classic acts like Prince and Aerosmith.
- "Bad Bunny's ratings were down, down, down compared to previous Super Bowls. Even lower than Kendrick Lamar..." (00:47)
- Expresses a disconnect with new hip hop, but finds some innovation (e.g., Snoop Dogg’s crossover with country, “gangster grass”).
Government Shutdown and Border Policy
- Central theme: Democrats are engineering a “partial government shutdown” over differences in border and immigration policy, specifically funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Guest Appearance: Senator Eric Schmidt (MO) explains the current standoff in Washington.
- Critiques Democrats for allegedly stalling essential services like FEMA and TSA for political gain:
“The Democrats are about to shut down the Department of Homeland Security budget bill ... and then get to fly to Munich on the taxpayer dime and trash President Trump’s foreign policy.” (02:00)
- Rob lambastes the argument that the shutdown is "principled," calling it intellectually and morally bankrupt (04:27).
- Claims that open borders and “emptying Venezuela’s prisons” have led to spikes in crime, contrasted with the assertion that Trump’s policies lowered the murder rate (03:45–04:12).
Debate on Immigration Enforcement and State Policy
- Discussion on the role of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), with anecdotes from states like Florida (with cooperation, no controversy or violence) vs. Minnesota or Massachusetts (where ICE is resisted).
- “Oddly enough, no damage in places where they just cooperated. ICE. Which means basically that ICE isn’t doing the damage, you know, because Minneapolis is a clown town.” (10:07)
- Highlights what Rob sees as the Democratic tendency to obstruct federal law enforcement, let criminals out, then demand federal funds to “clean up the mess.” (08:00–08:45)
Parody and Satirical Commentary: "Clown Town Politics"
- Musical parody lampooning Minneapolis leadership:
- “…Jacob Fry is making Minneapolis a clown town... Clown town once great cities become.” (10:31)
- Targets local and state leaders over fraud and mishandled unrest, with comic exaggerations and signature catchphrases.
Urban Decline and Fiscal Policy in NYC & Beyond
- Criticizes New York City’s fiscal policy and proposals for new tax increases ("Zoran Mondami, the city of New York has already scrapped and he's coming in and immediately says we have a budget crisis and he needs to raise taxes.”) (33:50)
- Plays a viral clip of a lifelong New Yorker lamenting the city’s decline:
- “I have never seen something like this ever. I've lived here 26 years... It literally looks like a cesspool.” (34:06)
- Warns that progressive economic policies and high taxation are driving citizens and businesses away.
Transition to Cultural Commentary: Soundtracks, Movies & More
- Shifts tone for a lighter segment with guest Christian Toto ("Hollywood in Toto"), discussing iconic movie soundtracks and the cultural impact of film and television.
- Laughs about the enduring appeal of certain music and film moments:
“Purple Rain is number one...I listened the hell out of that soundtrack.” (22:19–22:50)
- Laughs about the enduring appeal of certain music and film moments:
- Reflects on celebrity passings (erroneously refers to James Vanderbeek’s passing instead of another figure, showing the looseness of podcast conversation), and the outsized focus of the media on certain tragedies versus broader national issues (24:59–26:33).
- "There are really substantial stories that should be covered on any given day, especially of late …" (25:59, Christian Toto)
Olympics, Identity Politics, and Satire
- Rob pokes fun at Olympic coverage, particularly medalist Amber Glenn’s identity as pansexual and her remarks about "queers under attack":
- “She calls herself...pansexual. Okay? ... What the hell is pansexual? So like Peter Pansexual...? That sounded weird.” (31:06)
- “Just shut up and ski.” (32:18)
- Uses this as a jumping-off point for a riff about generational change and cultural shifts, connecting to broader complaints about the direction of American society and leadership.
Closing – Patriotism, Upcoming Events, and Show Plugs
- Rob closes on an upbeat, patriotic note, promoting an upcoming Ride to Gettysburg and his own Newsmax comedy show:
- “It is one of the most haunting places. I used to go there for solace when I was so sad ... and realize how fortunate I was. And I want you to go with me.” (38:30)
- Plug: “It is Newsmax’s only comedy show... Donald Trump told me at Mar-a-Lago, not kidding, Rob, you’re the funniest guy on television.” (39:40)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the border standoff:
“They're doing a death spiral into hell ... It's ridiculous. They're, you know, using this policy debate to hold up funding ... Democrats never debate things for that and we should because they never win arguments intellectually and morally bankrupt.” — Rob Carson, (02:30–02:50) -
On NYC’s decline:
“It literally looks like I just entered a third world country. Streets are absolutely disgusting … cops swarming the streets … this is definitely not the Big Apple anymore.” — Anonymous New Yorker (34:06–34:43) -
On identity politics at the Olympics:
“She calls herself… pansexual… What the hell is pansexual?... Just shut up and ski.” — Rob Carson (31:06–32:18) -
On Democrats and ID for voting:
“If it’s racist to ask for an ID to vote, then it’s racist to ask for an ID to rent a sea-doo on vacation.” — Rob Carson (07:00) -
On modern political dysfunction:
“Clown town. Here is Jacob Fry, the mayor of Minneapolis, the Justin Trudeau of Minneapolis demanding reparations.” — Rob Carson (11:18) -
On media coverage of tragic events:
“I think it's tedious. I think there are too many other things to worry about. I think it's a very deeply personal and tragic story ... and to spend an entire hour on it is just... I don't feel right. I feel like if I was really interested, it would make me a lesser human.” — Rob Carson (25:24–25:59)
Segment Timestamps
- Super Bowl & Pop Culture Riff: 00:03–01:30
- Shutdown/Immigration Border Crisis: 01:30–07:50
- Parody Song & Minneapolis as “Clown Town”: 10:08–11:18
- NY City Decline/Policy Debate: 33:50–36:58
- Movie Soundtrack and Hollywood with Christian Toto: 20:46–29:00
- Olympics Satire / Identity Riff: 31:06–33:50
- Closing – Patriotism & Show Promotion: 38:30–40:53
Tone & Style
Rob Carson delivers his commentary with irreverence, sarcasm, and a dose of populist frustration, paired with musical interludes and playful banter. The conversation is colloquial, punctuated by satirical jabs at politicians, cultural figures, and the mainstream media.
Summary Takeaway
This episode encapsulates Rob Carson’s blend of entertainment and political critique: skewering what he perceives as Democratic overreach and urban mismanagement, defending conservative perspectives on border and fiscal policy, mourning “the death spiral” of traditional American values, and finding solace—and humor—in pop culture and patriotic experiences.
Listeners can expect a mix of insightful takes and comic relief, all delivered in Carson’s unique radio voice. If you’re looking for energetic, unfiltered, and unapologetically opinionated commentary on America’s current political and cultural “clown town,” this episode delivers.