Podcast Summary: The Rob Carson Show
Episode: Soft Sedition?! Rob Carson and Tony Kinnett Torch the ‘Illegal Orders’ Six
Date: November 21, 2025
Host: Rob Carson
Guests: Tony Kennett (Daily Signal), Caroline Levitt, Joe Concha
Episode Overview
This episode centers on the controversy over six Democratic lawmakers who, in a public message, encouraged military and intelligence personnel to refuse "illegal orders"—an act Rob Carson and guest Tony Kennett characterize as "soft sedition." The discussion ranges from the implications for military order, the historical gravity of such statements, and political double standards, to broader issues of accountability and current events in Congress. Carson and Kennett approach the topic with a blend of outrage, incredulity, and signature humor, drawing connections to recent and historical events in American politics.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The ‘Illegal Orders’ Six and Accusations of Sedition
- Controversial Video Message: Six Democratic congressmembers and ex-military/CIA (frequently named as Slotkin, Mark Kelly, Jason Crow, etc.) published a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders.
- The hosts frame this as "sedition," referencing the seriousness of telling the military to potentially defy orders from the Commander-in-Chief, especially in broad and ambiguous terms.
“They told the military to obey orders from Donald Trump without specifying which orders they considered illegal. This was a soft sedition. They knew exactly what they were doing…”
— Rob Carson [04:00]
- Double Standard Analysis: Carson contrasts the reaction to this event with hypothetical outrage had Republicans said the same under Obama or Biden.
“If this were Republican members of Congress... this entire room would be up in arms. But instead, it is the other way around. And I think that's quite telling.”
— Caroline Levitt [10:40]
- Use of Military Credibility as Shield: Rob criticizes the lawmakers for “whipping out” their military credentials for cover against criticism, asserting that honorable service members don’t do so unprompted.
“People who serve in the military generally keep their service to themselves unless asked. They don't use it as a shield... it is utterly, utterly ridiculous.”
— Rob Carson [05:00]
2. The Host and Guests Unpack Legal and Practical Context
- Chain of Command: The central point is the necessity of chain of command for military function and the dangers of encouraging mass insubordination.
- Caroline Levitt and guests agree that refusing illegal orders is appropriate, but that this process is strictly regulated and guided by legal counsel (Judge Advocate General, etc.), not by spur-of-the-moment videos by politicians.
“If you in the military have some kind of an order that you think is illegal... You talk to your CO, you get it on record, you make a paper trail. You don't just decide... You're going to make up your own rules. That ain't how that works.”
— Tony Kennett [23:57]
3. Political and Media Reactions
- Victim Narrative: The “six” immediately shifted to a defensive position, claiming persecution by Trump and the political right.
“Play the victim when the reaction comes and they're called out for what it is. And as usual, legacy media is now trying to say that Trump is the bad guy here for calling this for what it is.”
— Joe Concha [20:13]
- Historical Analogies: Crow and other lawmakers cite well-known war crimes (e.g., Abu Ghraib, My Lai) as precedents for refusing unlawful orders. Carson and Kennett ridicule bringing up decades-old incidents to justify ambiguous contemporary advice.
4. Broader Context: Fomenting Division and Political Accountability
- ‘Next Thing’ Strategy: The hosts see Democrats’ actions as part of a pattern—moving from one outrage or crisis to the next (e.g., government shutdown, accusations of Trump as a Nazi, etc.).
“They're always looking for the next thing and this is their next thing. And guess what? It's going to result in D word for Richard. It's not gonna mean anything.”
— Rob Carson [10:56]
- Accountability in Congress: The conversation transitions to a broader critique of lack of accountability in Washington, referencing stories about other members (e.g., Plaskett and Mills) and the endemic inability of Congress to police its own.
5. Political Satire and Tone
- Carson's parody song (“Slotkin and Mark Kelly said the military Trump's orders they should choose to ignore...”) pokes fun at the accused lawmakers and sets the overall irreverent, mocking tone.
- Jokes about “whiny liberals,” historic retribution (“Hang them. George Washington would.” [06:48]), and playful banter with Tony Kennett keep the show fast-paced and pointed.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On the seriousness of the 'soft sedition':
"These are military members... and as soon as they are questioned, flash their military cred, which is a major signal that they're not honorable people... It is utterly, utterly, utterly, utterly ridiculous.”
— Rob Carson [05:00]
On military protocol:
"You get it on record, you make a paper trail. You don't just decide... You're going to make up your own rules. That ain't how that works. That's stupid.”
— Tony Kennett [23:57]
On historic parallels and double standards:
"Had Republican members of Congress done that while Barack Obama was the president... The world would be upside down...”
— Rob Carson [10:56]
On political patterns:
“They're always looking for the next thing and this is their next thing... It's not going to mean anything.”
— Rob Carson [10:56]
On Congressional accountability:
"Nobody in Washington D.C. ever goes to jail. Nobody is held accountable. They always say ‘nobody is above the law’ ... (but) no one gets punished.”
— Rob Carson [29:50]
Key Timestamps
- [01:51–03:17]: Parody song lampooning Slotkin, Mark Kelly, et al., as seditionists.
- [04:00–06:48]: Rob Carson outlines the allegation of "soft sedition"; scorn for double standards and historic violence by the political left.
- [08:40–10:56]: Back-and-forth with Caroline Levitt about the potential impact on military discipline; double standard if Republicans did same.
- [13:13–14:42]: Joe Concha and Rob Carson discuss proper legal channels for refusing orders; critique video messaging.
- [15:33–16:24]: Jason Crow and Rob respond to the charge of execution, “simply for reminding service members to abide by the Constitution and the rule of law.”
- [18:30–20:31]: Joe Concha details why explicit calls to insubordination represent a dangerous red line; mainstream media pivots blame to Trump.
- [23:27–26:35]: Tony Kennett, drawing on his military background, offers a step-by-step on handling potentially illegal orders; summarizes relevant legal statutes.
- [28:00–30:34]: Broader critique of congressional misdeeds; biting commentary on the ease of holding non-voting members accountable.
- [34:39–36:35]: Forward-looking optimism about the economy and patriotism under Trump.
- [39:40–41:24]: Elizabeth Vargas confronts Crow about the consequences of their video, Crow defends by referencing military history, Carson mocks their rear-guard action.
Additional Observations
- Humor & Satire: The episode is dense with banter, parody, and satiric asides—especially in descriptions of Democrats and media personalities.
- Historical Framing: Carson places current events in a larger historical narrative, often returning to Revolutionary and Civil War motifs, and repeatedly invoking the consequences for sedition in earlier American history.
- Guest Dynamics: Tony Kennett offers both comic relief and substantive information, especially regarding military legalities. Caroline Levitt and Joe Concha serve as reinforcements for Carson’s arguments.
In Summary:
Rob Carson and Tony Kennett take direct aim at six Democratic lawmakers’ call for military personnel to refuse "illegal orders," denouncing it as a reckless and possibly illegal political stunt. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of chain of command, the dangers of partisan grandstanding with national security, and the hypocrisy and lack of accountability in Congress. Throughout, the duo's irreverence and sharp-tongued humor ensures the show’s blend of entertainment and pointed commentary.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:
This episode serves as an extended critique—both serious and satirical—of political messaging around military loyalty, the risks of reckless rhetoric in Washington, and the ongoing clash between parties over American institutions. Expect opinion journalism blended with both policy detail and rapid-fire parody.