The Rubin Report: "Revealing the One Detail About Drug Boat Strikes That Dems Wish Wasn't True"

Guest: Senator John Kennedy
Host: Dave Rubin
Date: December 19, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a wide-ranging conversation between Dave Rubin and Senator John Kennedy (LA), centering on America’s ongoing war on drugs—specifically, recent military action against narco-terrorists off the coast of Venezuela. The discussion also delves deep into political gridlock in Congress, the effectiveness of Trump's policies, party divides, the cost of living crisis, and personal insights into Kennedy’s political philosophy and commitment to Louisiana.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Strikes on Drug Boats: A "Real War on Drugs"

• Classified Briefing Aftermath: Senator Kennedy describes attending a classified briefing with Secretary Rubio, Secretary Ed Seth, and military leaders regarding operations targeting narco-terrorists off Venezuela (01:30).
• Effectiveness & Legality:
  • “Trump’s doing something. I mean, it’s working. It’s been highly effective. It’s legal…The intelligence is exquisitely good.” (Sen. Kennedy, 01:34)
  • “These people that we are killing, we’re killing them before they can kill our kids. And it is working.” (Sen. Kennedy, 01:48)
• Regional Cooperation: Central and South American countries, including Mexico, are growing increasingly cooperative in intercepting traffickers, though not yet to the level desired (01:56).

Notable Quote

“For years, we’ve talked about a war on drugs. This is literally a war on drugs. These people that, that we are killing, we’re killing them before they can kill our kids. And it is working.”
(Senator John Kennedy, 05:32)

2. Congressional Gridlock and Budget Battles

• End-of-Session Scramble: The Senate rushes to complete the National Defense Authorization Act, confirmations, and address the budget, with one anonymous Republican holdout stalling progress (03:03).
• Deadline Pressure:
  • “The sight of the gallows concentrates the mind.” (Sen. Kennedy, 04:15)
  • Deadlines push legislators to take action—but ideally, things wouldn’t wait until the last minute.

Notable Quote

“Sometimes in the Senate, it can take days, weeks, months to get nothing done...when we have a deadline, people get focused and go, OK, I got to make a decision here.”
(Senator John Kennedy, 04:08)

3. State of American Politics

• Divisions & Leadership: Both parties have disengaged the public by prioritizing talk over action. Kennedy credits Trump for decisive action, contrasting him with typical political inertia (05:15).
• Response to Criticism from Democrats:
  • On allegations of excessive force in military strikes: “Our military did it by the book…some people are just wrong on every issue. It’s like…it’s a gift, you know.” (Sen. Kennedy, 07:15)

Notable Quote

“I mean, some people are just wrong on every issue. It’s like...it’s a gift, you know, but they have the right to their opinion.”
(Senator John Kennedy, 07:21)

4. The 2026 Midterms: GOP Strategy and Concerns

• Key to Republican Success: Addressing the cost of living, lowering housing costs, and reducing regulatory burdens is vital. There’s frustration over GOP leadership’s reluctance to push aggressive legislation—even when possible under reconciliation rules (08:26).
  • “I have hit Senator Thune with everything but a chair. I’ve been chasing like he stole Christmas.” (Sen. Kennedy, 09:48)
• Need for Boldness: Kennedy advocates for bold legislative action, referencing Trump’s recent acts on immigration, crime, and foreign policy (13:54).

Notable Quote

“If Chuck Schumer had the authority right now to pass virtually anything he wants to...he’d be on it like a hobo on a ham sandwich. And so why aren’t we doing it?”
(Senator John Kennedy, 10:56)

5. Party Politics: Democrats’ “Loon Wing”

• Internal Democratic Struggles: Many centrist Democrats are afraid to challenge the ascending “loon wing” of their party, fearing backlash (18:09).
• Senator Schumer’s Dilemma: Kennedy presents Schumer as beholden to the far left, notably to figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
  • “Everything, in my opinion, almost everything...Senator Schumer is doing is to...try to get the left, the loony left, the Bolshevik wing of his party to love him. And they will never love him.” (Sen. Kennedy, 19:54)

6. Louisiana: Pride and Policy

• State Spotlight: Kennedy reflects on representing Louisiana, a state he deems “ten and a half times more interesting” than Texas—a place with unique challenges in petrochemicals, tourism, agriculture, and education (21:10).
• Personal Anecdotes: Humorous and affectionate descriptions of Louisiana culture and cuisine: “We eat things that you would call an exterminator for to get out of your backyard. But we know how to cook them.” (Sen. Kennedy, 22:50)

7. Senator Kennedy on Politics, Service, and Resilience

• Why He Serves:
  • Hopes for his legacy: “Kennedy left something behind besides Styrofoam...he refused to be beaten.” (26:45)
  • “I’m not one of these politicians that tries to convince people it’s a sacrifice. I’m having the time of my life, man.” (27:02)
• Handling Setbacks:
  • “Falling down is not the worst thing that can happen to you. The worst thing can happen to you is not getting up.” (Sen. Kennedy, 28:58)

Notable Quote

“I think God is great, dogs are good and people are crazy. That’s kind of my philosophy.”
(Senator John Kennedy, 26:25)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Congressional Deadlines:

  • “The sight of the gallows concentrates the mind.” (04:15)

• On Criticism from the Left:

  • “Some people are just wrong on every issue. It’s like...it’s a gift.” (07:21)

• Cost of Living & Legislative Frustrations:

  • “I have hit Senator Thune with everything but a chair. I’ve been chasing like he stole Christmas.” (09:48)

• Political Philosophy:

  • “Part of my job is to advance good ideas. But I see part of my job is to kill bad ideas.” (15:31)
  • “Falling down is not the worst thing...the worst thing...is not getting up.” (28:58)

Important Timestamps

• War on Drugs Briefing: 01:30–02:40
• Congressional Procedures & Deadlines: 03:03–04:54
• State of Politics & Trump’s Leadership: 04:54–06:51
• Military Action Legality: 07:15–08:18
• Midterms & Cost of Living Issues: 08:18–11:35
• Democratic Party Dynamics: 17:42–20:50
• Kennedy on Louisiana: 21:08–22:56
• Personal & Political Philosophy: 26:35–29:18

Tone

The conversation is frank, humorous, and direct, marked by Senator Kennedy’s characteristic wit and storytelling. Both Rubin and Kennedy display a clear-eyed, if critical, view toward political gridlock and ideological divides, while championing a return to action-oriented, results-driven governance.

Summary for Listeners

Listeners are treated to an insider’s account of ongoing anti-drug operations, a candid analysis of fault lines in both parties, and a reflective, often witty, examination of political purpose and public service from Senator Kennedy. The chemistry between Rubin and Kennedy fosters a conversation that is simultaneously substantive, relatable, and entertaining. Whether you’re interested in federal drug policy, legislative process, or the colorful fabric of Louisiana, this episode delivers insight with heart and humor.