VINCE Podcast Episode 218 – Summary
Episode Title: The GOP Continues To Disappoint
Host: Vince Coglianese
Date: February 4, 2026
Notable Guest: Rep. Pat Fallon (TX)
Main Theme & Purpose
In this episode, Vince Coglianese delivers a passionate critique of the GOP’s hesitancy on key election integrity legislation, specifically the SAVE Act, and the broader issue of voter ID requirements in the United States. He dissects the politics around the bill, the Democrat opposition framing, and the reluctance of establishment Republicans to fight for its passage. Congressman Pat Fallon joins to discuss the House perspective, why the SAVE Act is so critical, and strategies for grassroots action.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The SAVE Act & Voter ID Requirements
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Overview:
Vince explains the SAVE Act’s purpose: requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and mandating photo ID for all voting, including absentee ballots.- "As soon as the President signs it, every state would be required to verify that Americans are the only ones who are registering to vote. You'd have to look at documentation to prove that they're actually American citizens. Common sense." (06:16)
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Democrat Opposition:
Vince highlights that Democrats are labeling the act as "Jim Crow 2.0." He calls this a baseless, inflammatory accusation meant to stoke racial fears and distract from broad bipartisan support for voter ID laws.- “It's actually racist to infantilize black people and say they're incapable of getting voter id. And that's exactly what's coming out of Chuck Schumer's mouth.” (07:38)
- “It's about as poisonous as it gets in American politics.” (07:58)
Public Opinion & Democrat Messaging
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Polling Data and Public Sentiment:
Vince refers to polling (reported even on CNN) showing overwhelming support for photo ID across all parties and racial groups.- "85% of white people favorite, 82% of Latino. 76% of black Americans favor it. The bottom line is this. Voter ID is not controversial in this country." (12:09)
- "You got 95% of Republicans, pretty much all of them, but even 71% of Democrats favor photo ID to vote." (09:05)
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Cultural Influences:
Vince notes Nicki Minaj’s viral post questioning why America is still debating voter ID, and how it resonated with people across the spectrum.
Highlighted Quotes & Memorable Moments
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Vince on Democrat Strategy:
- "All they do is lie for a living. Try telling the truth for once. I'm telling you, it's liberating." (10:44)
- "This is projection where Democrats accuse Republicans of doing precisely what they're doing in order to absolve themselves of any sort of guilt or scrutiny." (15:41)
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Trump on Voter ID:
- "Who would not want voter id? Only somebody that wants to cheat." (16:55)
GOP Senate Wavering & John Thune’s Role
[23:40]
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Vince spotlights GOP Senate Whip John Thune’s reluctance to pursue a full floor debate on the SAVE Act, citing “other priorities” and time constraints:
- "Well, you know, I guess. And I would just remind people that the coin in the realm in the Senate is floor time. There's a finite amount of it. And we have a lot of things we have to do—Russia sanctions, farm bill..." – Sen. John Thune (23:40)
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Vince’s Response:
He calls this typical “Washington-ese” meant to placate voters while avoiding difficult fights. He cites Senate rules expert Rachel Bovard, who says the GOP could force a talking filibuster and block amendments if they wanted to.- "Rachel's telling you... If Republicans play this right, they can blockade Democrats from messing with the SAVE act at all..." (25:52)
Practical Politics – Pressure on Legislators
- Vince urges listeners to call their senators, regardless of stated positions, to show broad support or hold wavering Republicans to account.
- “Call them anyway and give them an attaboy and say, hey, love what you're doing. Convince your colleagues to join you. You have our enthusiastic support for that. And for those senators who are refusing...blow up their phones, call them, email them...” (31:48)
- “If you let fraud rule the day, in the end, it won't matter because Democrats will steal elections wantonly. Just going forward into eternity. So that's why it's so important to fix things now...” (34:23)
Interview: Rep. Pat Fallon (TX) on the SAVE Act
Segment begins: [36:32]
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On Cheating and Voting Security:
- "Democrats...know that they get somewhere between 2 and 5% additional votes from cheating. I mean, in some of these states, you just need to bring your utility bill. In other states, you don't even come in to vote at all." – Rep. Fallon (37:00)
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Why In-Person Voting with Photo ID Matters:
- "If you won the lottery...Of course you’re going to walk it in because it’s more secure." – Rep. Fallon (37:23)
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On Senate Procedure and Calls for Action:
- "The time is now. There is no tomorrow. To quote Apollo Creed from Rocky III..." – Rep. Fallon (38:36)
- "There’s absolutely nothing that should be more important than the SAVE Act, Period. Full stop. End of story." (43:34)
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Advice to Listeners:
- "Contact your senators. Go into their district office... Politely but passionately, let them know. And if you can't do that, then a call is the next best thing. And if you can't do that, then email." – Rep. Fallon (45:36)
Democratic Figures & Smear Tactics
Chuck Schumer, Ted Lieu, and Jerry Nadler
- Vince skewers Chuck Schumer for his “Jim Crow 2.0” rhetoric, calling it a recycled and divisive talking point.
- He highlights Rep. Jerry Nadler’s [49:16] controversial comments suggesting it would be “justified” to shoot masked ICE agents, labeling Nadler as reckless and dangerous.
- "Nadler says, the attacks on American citizens by masked hoodlums...you'd be justified in shooting the person to protect yourself. Nadler says. What a psychopath." (50:14)
- Rep. Ted Lieu is accused of spreading false claims about Trump and the Epstein files, reflecting a broader strategy Vince describes as the “wrap up smear,” a tactic Nancy Pelosi publicly acknowledged:
- "You smear somebody with falsehoods and all the rest and then you merchandise it and then you write it." – Nancy Pelosi, played by Vince (54:49)
- Vince repeatedly insists these are deliberate lies intended to manipulate public perception and fuel division.
Timestamps for Important Segments
- SAVE Act Policy Description / Schumer Critique: [02:45–07:58]
- Polling on Voter ID; CNN & Nicki Minaj angle: [08:23–12:34]
- Trump & Bongino on Nationalizing Voting: [13:40–17:10]
- John Thune’s Comments & Senate Maneuvering: [23:40–25:52]
- Rachel Bovard’s Senate Expertise: [25:52]
- Rep. Pat Fallon Interview: [36:32–48:13]
- Jerry Nadler’s ICE Remark: [49:16–50:14]
- Ted Lieu/Wrap-up Smear Discussion: [53:42–55:36]
- Call to Action: Pressure Your Senator: [31:48; 45:36]
Tone & Style
Vince’s style is combative, sarcastic, and unsparing—especially toward Democrats and establishment Republicans. The episode mixes news, analysis, and activism, urging listeners to apply direct and vocal pressure to their own GOP senators.
Summary for New Listeners
- The episode centers on why passing the SAVE Act—a bill to secure elections through voter ID and citizenship requirements—is crucial, and how both Democrats and wavering Republicans are obstacles.
- Vince dismantles Democrat talking points framing voter ID as racist, highlights overwhelming public support for election integrity measures, and spotlights the political calculus preventing GOP leadership from pushing hard on the bill.
- A candid interview with Rep. Pat Fallon underscores the urgency for grassroots action and legislative follow-through.
- The episode rounds out with examples of what Vince calls the left’s “wrap up smear” tactics and incendiary rhetoric from high-profile Democratic lawmakers.
Bottom Line:
If you’re seeking strongly opinionated, activist-oriented conservative commentary on election integrity, with detailed discussion of legislative dynamics and direct calls for audience participation, this episode is a comprehensive roadmap.
