Podcast Summary: The Tony Kinnett Cast
Episode: 412 - Democrats Outraged over Charlie Kirk Memorial, Kimmel Returns & Claims of Fascism Flop
Host: Tony Kinnett
Date: September 23, 2025
Overview
This episode of The Tony Kinnett Cast centers on the political and media fallout following the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the controversy over memorial coverage, the temporary suspension and return of Jimmy Kimmel after inflammatory comments, and ongoing claims of “fascism” from prominent Democrats. Kinnett dissects reactions from the media, political figures, and new media commentators, highlights notable moments from the massive Kirk memorial, addresses left-wing violence and responses, and covers breaking executive actions by the Trump administration regarding Antifa and autism research.
Key Discussion Points
1. Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension and Return
[00:00–03:30]
- Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by Disney/ABC after making controversial remarks about the Kirk assassination and blaming “MAGA people.”
- Disney's corporate statement attributed the suspension to "ill-timed" comments, which Kinnett dismisses as dodging the real issue.
- FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s warnings were cited by some as causing the suspension, but insiders suggest advertiser and affiliate backlash mattered more.
- Kimmel's return prompted further debate about corporate and public responsibility.
Notable Quote:
"That's not ill timing though. That's just being stupid."
— Tony Kinnett, [00:01:23]
2. Sinclair’s Abrupt Pullback from Airing Charlie Kirk Memorial
[03:30–09:20]
- Sinclair had planned to air a tribute to Charlie Kirk on its ABC affiliates in place of Kimmel, but after severe threats—including bomb threats and an actual shooting at an ABC affiliate in Sacramento—Sinclair moved the special online instead.
- The shooter, Al Hernandez Santana, had a social media history encouraging violence against Kirk and rightwing figures.
- Controversy erupted over authorities initially withholding the shooter’s identity and releasing him on bail (later rearrested by the FBI).
Notable Quote:
"A man on the left in Sacramento, California fired shots into the lobby of an ABC News affiliate in Sacramento..."
— Tony Kinnett, [05:41]
3. Escalation of Political Violence and the Media’s Role
[09:20–18:40]
- Kinnett argues that left-wing violence is “on the rise” as a reaction to feeling culturally cornered and losing influence.
- Social media clips are played of left-wing activists vowing to “fight fascism” and invoking apocalyptic rhetoric.
- He draws parallels with recent assassination attempts and mass violence plots, notably referencing the failed attempt on Justice Brett Kavanaugh and the explicit political motivations there.
- Kinnett criticizes major media and Democratic figures for downplaying or failing to acknowledge the motivations and dangers from the left.
- He frames the narrative that media claims of “fascism” are fueling real violence.
Memorable Moment:
"Terrorism in this country from the left is on the rise and it is not slowing down. It is the result of a cornered animal..."
— Tony Kinnett, [10:15]
4. The Charlie Kirk Memorial: Attendance and Tone vs. Media Narrative
[18:40–27:06]
- Over 90,000 gather peacefully in Glendale, Arizona for the Kirk memorial, praised for its orderliness and reverence (“not a lot of litter at all left on the ground” [27:14]).
- Kinnett highlights musical and religious tributes, such as hymn singing, and heartfelt speeches from political and personal figures including Marco Rubio, J.D. Vance, Erica Kirk, and President Trump.
Notable Quotes & Moments:
“That is the gospel. Better than I’ve ever articulated it for sure. Phenomenal.”
— Tony Kinnett on Marco Rubio’s remarks, [20:07]“...Erica, with a level of grace from God and a humility and a peace that passes all understanding...forgave Charlie's assassin, Tyler Robinson, in an incredible moment”
— Tony Kinnett, [22:40]Clip:
“Father, forgive them, for they...not know what they do. That man...I forgive him.”
— Erica Kirk, [22:43–23:02]
- Trump’s appearance is characterized as providing comic relief and normalcy after an emotionally heavy service.
- The contrast between the forgiving tone of the memorial and media/political backlash is highlighted.
Trump Quote:
“I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry. I am sorry, Erica.”
— Donald Trump (quoted by Carolyn Levitt), [25:54]
5. Liberal and Media Response to the Memorial and Ongoing Smears
[27:06–36:28]
- Kinnett details the left’s narrative: mainstream media and progressive pundits condemned the memorial as a “Nazi rally” and criticized speeches, especially by Stephen Miller.
- Specific social media reactions are cited, including streamer “Destiny” and commentator David Pakman, who denounced the event as “disgusting.”
- Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Rep. Ilhan Omar are called out for refusing to “honor” Kirk and for using the memorial to push racial and ideological grievances.
Notable Quotes:
“[The memorial] is indistinguishable from a Nazi rally. And F*** anyone who wants to pretend it's not.”
— Stephen Bonnell II ("Destiny"), [33:19]“No one is more anti America than the Make America Great Again crowd.”
— Jasmine Crockett, [38:40]“I am not going to sit here and be judged for not wanting to honor any legacy this man has left behind. That should be in the dustbin of history and we should hopefully move on.”
— Ilhan Omar, [41:08]
6. Executive Action: Antifa as a Terror Group & Autism Research Announcement
[42:49–54:28]
- White House Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt announces Trump’s executive order designating Antifa a domestic terror organization, citing numerous attacks attributed to the group.
- Discussion follows about media and progressive denial of Antifa’s existence and activities.
- President Trump’s live remarks connect low reported autism rates among the Amish with lower use of acetaminophen and vaccines, signaling federal studies into potential environmental causes for autism.
- RFK Jr. joins the briefing, reinforcing the administration’s focus on “uncompromising and relentless” inquiry into autism's possible environmental triggers.
Notable Quotes:
“The president intends to sign that executive order very soon...we have seen a rise in violence perpetuated by antifa radical people across this country...”
— Carolyn Levitt, [43:35]“Virtually, the Amish have essentially no autism...FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of acetaminophen...during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.”
— Donald Trump (via Carolyn Levitt), [46:20]“Our friends like to say we should believe all women. Some of these same people have been silencing and demonizing these mothers for three decades because research on the potential link between autism and vaccines has been actively suppressed in the past...”
— RFK Jr., [59:32]
7. Media, Research, and Populist Backlash
[54:28–end]
- The hosts and contributors argue that ordinary Americans have been marginalized or dismissed by elites for questioning “official” science and public narratives, especially concerning children’s health or political violence.
- Kinnett contends that grassroots skepticism is now embraced on the populist right due to establishment overreach and a refusal to answer basic concerns.
- He asserts that this shift is one reason for the rise of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement and the right’s growing influence.
Notable Quotes:
“There are a lot of people in this country who don’t live in the major cities...whose questions never really get answered. Instead, they get gatekept.”
— Tony Kinnett, [60:04]“There is a group of Americans on the right and on the former left who are tired of the same hyper social justice y Karen liberal pearl clutching that has dominated American politics ever since Obama’s second term. America is done with it.”
— Tony Kinnett, [63:30]
Structure & Timestamps
| Segment | Topic | Key Speakers/Quotes | Approx. Time | |---------|-------|---------------------|--------------| | 00:00–03:30 | Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, Disney’s statement | Tony Kinnett, Andy Ngo, Scott Jennings | [00:01:23] “That's just being stupid.” | | 03:30–09:20 | Sinclair pulls Kirk tribute, ABC affiliate shooting | Tony Kinnett, Andy Ngo | [05:41] “A man on the left...fired shots...” | | 09:20–18:40 | Political violence, rhetoric escalation | Tony Kinnett | [10:15] “Terrorism...from the left is on the rise...” | | 18:40–27:06 | Kirk memorial, speeches by Rubio, Vance, Erica Kirk, Trump | Tony Kinnett, Marco Rubio, DJ Vance, Erica Kirk | [20:07]—Rubio; [22:43]—Erica Kirk | | 27:06–36:28 | Left/media outrage, “Nazi” accusations | Tony Kinnett, Stephen Miller, Destiny, David Pakman | [33:19]—Destiny quote | | 36:28–41:32 | Congressional reactions: Crockett, Omar | Jasmine Crockett, Ilhan Omar | [38:40]—Crockett; [41:08]—Omar | | 42:49–54:28 | Antifa exec. order, autism research | Carolyn Levitt, Tony Kinnett, RFK Jr. | [43:35], [46:20], [49:55], [59:32] | | 54:28–end | Science/populism, closing remarks | Tony Kinnett, Producer Nick, RFK Jr. | [60:04], [63:30] |
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Tony Kinnett: "That's not ill timing though. That's just being stupid." [00:01:23]
- Erica Kirk (widow of Charlie Kirk): "Father, forgive them, for they not know what they do. That man, that young man... I forgive him." [22:43–23:02]
- President Trump: "I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them. I’m sorry. I am sorry, Erica." [25:54]
- Marco Rubio: "We were all created...by the hands of the God of the universe, an all powerful God who loved us and created us for the purpose of living with him in a time eternity... And we are going to have a great reunion..." [18:48]
- Stephen Bonnell II (“Destiny”): "The Charlie Kirk memorial is indistinguishable from a Nazi rally..." [33:19]
- Jasmine Crockett: "No one is more anti America than the Make America Great Again crowd." [38:40]
- Ilhan Omar: "That should be in the dustbin of history and we should hopefully move on." [41:08]
- Carolyn Levitt: "Antifa is going to be designated a domestic terrorist organization..." [43:35]
- RFK Jr.: "...We will be uncompromising and relentless in our search for answers." [59:32]
- Tony Kinnett: "There is a group of Americans on the right and on the former left who are tired of the same hyper social justice...America is done with it." [63:30]
Tone and Style
- Tony Kinnett maintains a sardonic, irreverent, and confrontational tone, often using sarcasm, memorable analogies, and pointed critiques.
- The language is direct and aimed at a center-right populist audience, frequently contrasting the actions and rhetoric of the left with self-identified “middle America” sensibilities.
Conclusion
This episode deeply explores the intersection of contemporary political violence, the crisis of public trust in mainstream institutions (media and government), and how cultural and policy narratives shape and reflect the current polarized climate. Through a mix of reporting, live reactions, and sharp commentary, Kinnett contextualizes the major fallout from the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the massive public memorial, accusations of censorship and fascism, and recent executive actions targeting Antifa and autism research.