VINCE Podcast Summary

Episode 198: “Fake and Lame Dems: Must-See Video Sums It All Up”
Host: Vince Coglianese
Guest: Amber Duke (Editor, Daily Caller)
Release Date: January 7, 2026

Overview

In this high-energy episode, Vince Coglianese delivers his signature sharp analysis on both domestic political melodrama and world affairs, with a primary focus on the Democrats’ latest January 6th commemorations, Trump’s realignment of U.S. policy in Venezuela, and recent domestic and international developments. The episode blends biting satire, breaking news, and a detailed look at ongoing investigations into political corruption and fraud, culminating in a substantive interview with Amber Duke.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mocking Democrats’ January 6th Observance

• Plastic Candlelight Vigil:
  Vince lampoons Democrats’ annual January 6th remembrance, describing their “plastic candlelight vigil” as theatrical and phony (09:00–12:00).
  • Notable for Democrats carrying plastic candles—some upside down—down the steps of the Capitol, with “a disastrous performance of God Bless America.”
• Emulating 9/11 Commemorations:
  Draws a direct parallel, noting how the Democrats’ approach is a “pale imitation of September 11, 2001 unity”—but for division, not healing (13:30).
• Hamilton Musical at Past Vigils:
  Recalls Nancy Pelosi bringing in Hamilton cast for a musical number commemorating J6 in 2022, declaring:

  “Everything is melodrama with these idiots” (16:00)

2. Critique of FBI Overreach Post-January 6th

• Vince recounts the story of Christine Crowder, a woman who was aggressively surveilled and investigated by the FBI despite never entering the Capitol, based on an anonymous tip (17:30–22:30).
• The FBI’s actions included putting her on the terrorist watchlist, surveilling her home, and tracking her travel, even absent credible evidence.

• “You’re a Soviet-like pile of garbage is what you are [if you tip off the FBI like this].” (19:45)

• Strong criticism of civil liberties violations and misplaced justice system priorities.

3. Systemic Barriers to Justice and GOP Complicity

• Blue Slip & Filibuster Issues:
  Vince explains how the “blue slip” custom and filibuster rules in the Senate let Democratic senators block Trump’s appointments of U.S. attorneys and federal judges, which in turn stymies judicial accountability (25:00–28:00).

  “If we have failures in our justice system at any point…it means the people who need to be subjected to it don’t make it to the finish line... It’s John Thune, it’s Chuck Grassley, they’re standing in the way right now.”

• Accuses Republican Senate leaders of enabling these blocks and failing to facilitate meaningful progress.

4. Venezuela, Oil, and the ‘Donroe Doctrine’

• American Power Projection:
  Vince details breaking news of the U.S. military (under Trump) intercepting tankers attempting to evade American maritime blockades near Venezuela (30:00–33:00).
• Forcing Out U.S. Adversaries:
  Highlights Trump’s ultimatum requiring Venezuela to expel China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba from oil partnerships.
• Oil for the People:
  New policy: Venezuela to transfer 30–50 million barrels of oil to the U.S. The proceeds, controlled by Trump, will be distributed to benefit Venezuelans and compensate U.S. oil interests previously nationalized by the regime.

  “President Trump has kicked out the power cord for these countries and said: you’re not getting it back.” (33:30)

• Strategic Realignment:
  U.S. now poised to regulate ~70% of China’s present oil needs by controlling Venezuela and possibly Iran.

5. Interview with Amber Duke (Daily Caller)

Start: 34:24

Venezuela Realignment & Geopolitical Implications

• Amber agrees the short-term benefits are clear—removal of dictator Maduro is a relief to many Venezuelans and ensures U.S. strategic influence in the hemisphere (35:00–36:00).

  “The argument for taking out Maduro has nothing but upside in the short term.” (35:15, Duke)

• Discusses skepticism of U.S. military engagement due to past “adventurism,” but views Trump-era operations as focused, efficient, and in the national interest.

Perceptions of U.S. Military & Trump Doctrine

• Amber details how Trump-era operations in Iran and Venezuela have showcased an effective, goal-oriented military, in stark contrast to the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal and domestic military controversies (37:20–38:55).

  “This should be an indication to the American people that the US Military is still great. The problem… was poor leadership and poorly defined goals.” (38:00, Duke)

China, Venezuela, and Oil Control

• Both discuss Trump’s audacious “cutting the power cord” from China and Russia, noting the move blocks their energy supply and showcases American hemispheric dominance (39:00–40:00).

  “We are the superpower over here. You don’t get to come over into the Caribbean and take what should be ours.” (39:35, Duke)

Democrats and January 6th “High Holy Day”

• Amber attributes the focus on J6 to the Democrats’ lack of modern examples of right-wing political violence, contrasting this with left-wing urban riots and political zones during the Trump era (40:18–42:08).

  “[J6] is probably the only example they have in modern political history of someone on the right… doing anything even close to violence.” (40:20, Duke)

• Highlighting abuse of federal authority:

  “A Catholic school teacher…was falsely identified from a ‘former friend’…was not there [on J6]…but they continued to surveil her house and even put her on the no fly list for years…” (41:15, Duke)

Democrat Policies, Crime, and Social Justice

• Discusses left-wing prosecutors and their impact on public safety by releasing criminals back onto the streets in major urban centers (43:16–44:25).

• “They are going to get people killed.” (44:20, Duke)

Tim Walz, Somali Fraud, and Democrat Corruption

• Theories on Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s departure: bad polling and fear of emerging legal ties to Somali community fraud scandals (44:51–46:52).
  • Discusses significant fraud among Somali-linked nonprofits, with cases also found in Maine and other states.

Broader Message & Recommendations

• Amber urges comprehensive investigation and oversight into state and federal funds—especially those distributed to communities with histories of corruption or fraud (48:33–49:42).

6. Post-Interview: Vince on Election Rigging and Corruption

• Vince excoriates Democrats for procedural rigging of primaries, ballot access, and exploiting loopholes, using Minnesota as a case study (50:10–55:20).

  “Democrats…a never-ending election rigging operation.” (53:00)

• Plays audio of embattled Tim Walz, who dodges questions about his exit by referencing January 6th instead of addressing fraud concerns (50:53).

7. Fraud in Minnesota: U.S. Attorney’s Perspective

• U.S. attorney Joe Thompson states that “more than half” of $18 billion in state payments are likely fraudulent, tying back to Somali-linked organizations (56:07).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Democrats’ J6 Commemoration:

  “They carried plastic candles out down the steps of the United States Capitol building…some upside down…Maisie Hirono was in the crowd…last thing you want to do is give her an open flame.” (10:30–11:30, Vince)

• On FBI Overreach:

  “I don’t care if she was in the building…She doesn’t deserve a counterintelligence investigation for going into her own Capitol which she didn’t even do.” (20:20, Vince)

• On GOP Complicity:

  “We’re losing our country if that’s the scenario we’re going to be through. This is why we keep desiring accountability… Hello, it’s the Republicans in the United States Senate.” (27:00)

• Amber Duke on Venezuela:

  “If Venezuela’s going to be a puppet, wouldn’t we rather them be a puppet for the United States than for Russia and China?” (36:00)

• On Military Operations:

  “First the B2 stealth bombers flying 37 hour missions to drop bunker busters on Iran…Then this Venezuela operation…just incredible…Delta Force on the ground, raiding Maduro’s residence…” (37:35–38:30, Duke)

• Amber on Democrat Narratives:

  “Where are the candlelight vigils for the shop owners that were murdered during the BLM Riots…? They would never have those.” (41:00)

• On Election Rigging:

  “How do Democrats win elections? They rig them. That’s how.” (53:00, Vince)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:00–05:00: Opening remarks and news tease (ads skipped)
• 09:00–13:00: Democrats, January 6th, plastic candlelight vigil
• 17:30–22:30: FBI surveillance of Christine Crowder
• 25:00–28:00: Blue slip, filibuster, GOP roadblocks
• 30:00–34:00: Venezuela standoff, U.S. blockades, oil transfer announcement
• 34:24–50:10: Interview with Amber Duke
  • 35:00: Upside of removing Maduro
  • 37:20: Military operations
  • 40:18: Dems’ obsession with January 6th
  • 43:16: Progressive prosecutors and public safety
  • 44:51: Tim Walz/Somali fraud scandals
  • 48:17: Targeting Gavin Newsom in CA
• 50:10–54:31: Vince on the Democrat election machine; Tim Walz press conference
• 56:07–56:35: U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson on fraud in Minnesota

Tone & Style

• Vince’s style throughout the episode is biting, sarcastic, and unapologetically partisan—mocking opponents and celebrating strategic wins with humor and candor.
• The segment with Amber Duke brings a more measured, analytical conservative perspective, emphasizing facts and pragmatic reasoning while retaining the show’s engaged, informal tone.

Conclusion

This episode is emblematic of the VINCE podcast: unfiltered, combative, and deeply immersed in the latest developments on the American political right. Vince Coglianese unpacks what he sees as Democratic hypocrisy, government overreach, and establishment barriers to real reform, all while heralding Trump’s foreign policy maneuvers as a bold course change for America. Amber Duke’s insights add depth to the discussion on Venezuela and domestic corruption. The episode combines news, satire, and investigative zeal, providing listeners with both information and entertainment.

For additional insights and to join the conversation, listeners are encouraged to tune into upcoming shows, including Vince’s daily radio program and special Dan Bongino appearances as discussed in this episode.