Podcast Summary: The Tony Kennett Cast, Ep. 414

Title: James Comey to be Indicted, “Bloody September” Marks Worst Month of Left-wing Terrorism
Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Tony Kennett (The Daily Signal)
Notable Contributors: Carol Lennig, Ken Delaney, Nick (Producer Nick)

Overview

In this urgent, hard-hitting episode, Tony Kennett delivers a deep dive into two pressing national stories: the expected Department of Justice indictment of former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress, and a chilling chronicle of escalating left-wing political violence—characterized as “Bloody September”—with a particular focus on the recent Dallas ICE facility shooting and a wave of targeted attacks around the country. The episode features commentary rooted in the host’s “middle-of-the-country” perspective, with a passionate critique of political double standards, media reluctance to label left-wing violence, and a direct call for public vigilance and local action.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Imminent Indictment of James Comey

• Breaking News: Tony opens with the exclusive that former FBI Director James Comey is likely to be indicted by the Department of Justice for lying to Congress; alleged perjury relates to testimony about leaking classified information and authorizing FBI leaks.

  • “There are numerous, numerous individuals in the prior administrations under Barack Obama, under Joe Biden, that a large portion of the country is eager to see face, if not open congressional investigation, indictment and prosecution for very clearly articulated and recorded crimes.” — Tony Kennett [00:57]

• Discussion of Congressional Perjury & Accountability

  • Kennett, Lennig, and Delaney revisit Comey’s 2017 Senate hearing, contrasting his denial of leaks with testimony and evidence showing his knowledge and/or authorization of press disclosures.

• Statute of Limitations: Carol Lennig explains legal technicalities regarding perjury charges, clarifying that the five-year statute of limitations can be superseded if the lie was used to conceal criminal activity and not just the act of lying itself.

  • “Lying to Congress to cover up unlawful activity is something else.” — Carol Lennig [08:50]

• Caution Against Overreach:

  • “When you throw the book at someone without careful preparation, you screw yourself out of delivering justice.” — Tony Kennett [04:22]

• Evidence & Consequences:

  • The discussion asserts that clear evidence of Comey's dishonesty exists in the public record and challenges media reluctance to state the obvious.

2. Left-wing Terrorism and “Bloody September”

• Dallas ICE Facility Shooting Analysis:

  • Kennett devotes extensive coverage to a recent shooting at a Dallas Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, contextualized as part of an acute escalation in targeted attacks against law enforcement and political opponents.
  • Immediate reaction scrutinizes media hesitancy to acknowledge the event as left-wing terrorism.
  • Details from the attack—including bullet casings marked “anti-ICE”—are highlighted as clear indicators of motive, contrasting media responses to left- and right-wing violence.

• Media Double Standard & Pattern Recognition

  • Kennett and guests express frustration at outlets suggesting alternate or ambiguous motives for left-wing attacks, while quickly labeling right-wing violence.
    • “Do you ever hear these outlets doing this when it's a suspected white supremacist shooting?...In this instance they have to do all these, ‘Well, maybe it's a red herring.’ If you believe this kind mental gymnastic logic, then there really is no help for you.” — Carol Lennig [24:27]

• Radicalizing Political Rhetoric:

  • The show compiles soundbites and commentary illustrating inflammatory descriptions of ICE as “Gestapo” and “thugs” from various media and progressive politicians. The hosts argue such rhetoric helps incite extremist acts, especially among the mentally unstable.

• Recent Wave of Attacks ("Bloody September")

  • The month is characterized by an unprecedented surge in left-wing political violence, including:
    • Church and school shootings
    • Arson at churches and memorials following conservative events
    • Attacks and threats against media affiliates and Walt Disney Company
    • Multiple direct assaults on ICE and Border Patrol officers/facilities
    • Political assassinations (e.g., Charlie Kirk)
  • Kennett credits Jack Posobiek and Human Events with coining the term “Bloody September,” but affirms its aptness based on empirical incident counts.

• Youth and Political Violence:

  • Cites polls indicating 30% of Gen Z/late Millennials on the left find political violence acceptable, compared to 9-10% on the right.
    • “30% and 10% are considerable numbers.” — Carol Lennig [29:41]

• Official Responses & Political Avoidance

  • Discusses evasive or dismissive reactions from left-leaning politicians, including Rep. Jerry Nadler and Rep. Chris Pappas, contrasted with Republican figures (e.g., Senator Ted Cruz) directly condemning the violence.
    • “This must stop.” — Sen. Ted Cruz [30:20]
    • “Either...he doesn't know of any attacks on ICE agents...or he might suggest some attacks on ICE are okay, some attacks are not.” — Carol Lennig on Rep. Nadler [30:48]

3. Critique of Media and Political Leadership

• Media Rhetoric:

  • Extended montage of left-leaning hosts using “Gestapo” language for ICE, set against accusations of hypocrisy when lamenting rising temperatures and polarization.
  • Hillary Clinton’s double standard:
    • “We have got to stop demonizing each other...Now I think most of that right now in our country's history is coming, you know, from the right.” — Hillary Clinton [41:12][41:14]
  • Kennett responds: “You're doing the exact thing that you're calling for the stopping of…” [41:20]

• Solutions and Calls to Action

  • Rejects “both sides-ism,” arguing left-wing violence is at crisis levels and demanding honest naming and direct action.
  • Advocates:
    • Community vigilance (“If you see something, you must say something” [45:28])
    • Civic engagement, especially at the local level: “It is your responsibility to uphold your community.”
    • Multi-generational involvement, resisting cynicism about “the youth”
    • Refusal to trust that top-down solutions or “pretending our way out of this” will work

• Spiritual and Pragmatic Advice:

  • Kennett advises even nonbelievers to go to church as a means of fostering civic health.

4. Vocal Reactions from Political Leaders

• Vice President J.D. Vance’s Statement:
  • “If your political rhetoric encourages violence against our law enforcement, you can go straight to hell and you have no place in the political conversation of the United States of America.” [49:00]
  • Kennett supports this, but underscores the importance of distinguishing between reaching out to the confused or struggling and not wasting time on hardened ideologues.
• Final Thoughts:
  • Warns violence is now “closer to you than you think, even if you're out in the middle of nowhere” [46:32]
  • Encourages vigilance, not retribution: “Buy guns and ammunition, but do not seek civil war...Keep your head on a swivel. Don't advocate for things to fall apart, but at the same time recognize these events are not isolated anymore and your vigilance is required as a citizen.” [53:13]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Justice and Legal Strategy:
  • “When you throw the book at someone without careful preparation, you screw yourself out of delivering justice.” — Tony Kennett [04:22]
• On Political Rhetoric Inciting Violence:
  • “Democrats have been calling ICE facilities Gestapo centers where they're disappearing people and they're coming for you next. Because clearly the best thing to tell a schizophrenic person is they're coming for you next.” — Tony Kennett [14:58]
• On Media Bias:
  • “If you believe this kind of mental gymnastic logic, then there really is no help for you.” — Carol Lennig [24:27]
• On Genuine Solutions:
  • “You as a citizen, a sovereign citizen of the United States are required to invest your time not only in your family...but to be an active member of your community.” — Tony Kennett [45:45]
• On Direct Condemnation:
  • “If your political rhetoric encourages violence against our law enforcement, you can go straight to hell and you have no place in the political conversation of the United States of America.” — Vice President J.D. Vance (as quoted by Kennett) [49:00]

Important Timestamps

• 00:57 – Kennett lays out the gravity of the Comey indictment and broader expectations of justice
• 02:28–03:49 – Recap of Comey testimony and contradictions around FBI leaks
• 08:50 – Carol Lennig on legal nuances around perjury and covering up crimes
• 12:36–19:01 – Analysis and real-time reporting on the Dallas ICE shooting; critique of “both sides” rhetoric
• 20:24 – Clip from Rep. Pramila Jayapal urging followers to get “strike ready” and “street ready”
• 22:41–26:27 – Motive and details of ICE attack, media reluctance to state the obvious, and the absurdity of alternative theories
• 29:41 – Stats on youth’s tolerance for political violence
• 30:20–30:48 – Ted Cruz’s direct condemnation of attacks; critique of congressional non-response
• 39:13–41:56 – Media “Gestapo” characterization montage; Hillary Clinton’s dual message on rhetoric
• 45:28–48:00 – Kennett’s call to action and advice for resilience and vigilance
• 49:00–52:00 – Vice President Vance’s blunt condemnation of violence-promoting rhetoric
• 53:13 – Guidance from Kurt Schlichter: Be vigilant, not vengeful

Episode Takeaways

• The show offers a critical, unapologetic perspective on legal and political accountability for officials, notably James Comey.
• Kennett passionately documents and analyzes a surge of politically motivated attacks, arguing that mainstream media and many Democratic leaders minimize or obscure the leftist nature of recent violence.
• Listeners are urged to reject false narratives, engage directly in their communities, and demand that leaders and institutions—on all sides—condemn political violence unambiguously.
• The episode is a call for clarity, courage, and constructive action in a time described as increasingly chaotic and dangerous.

For listeners who missed the episode, this summary covers the backbone of Tony Kennett’s arguments, the societal context, and the emotional urgency that drives his broadcast—while highlighting the major news revelations and the central personalities contributing to the show’s lively, sometimes combative spirit.