The Dan Bongino Show
Episode: HE'S BACK! (Ep. 2405)
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Introduction and Context
In this pivotal episode of The Dan Bongino Show, host Dan Bongino dives deep into the monumental events surrounding Donald Trump's political resurgence. Broadcasting on a special day, Jan 21, 2025, shortly after what Trump has dubbed "Liberation Day," Bongino sets the stage for a comprehensive analysis of the current political landscape, media biases, and the implications of recent presidential pardons.
1. Trump's Message and Political Comeback
Dan Bongino opens the discussion by highlighting Donald Trump's recent video message, emphasizing resilience and determination amidst ongoing legal challenges.
- Notable Quote:
"Never, ever give up." – Donald Trump [00:12]
Bongino interprets this message as a testament to Trump's unwavering commitment, characterizing it as the greatest political comeback in U.S. history.
- Notable Quote:
"I think that we just witnessed the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America." – Dan Bongino [01:47]
2. Inauguration Day Experience
Bongino provides a firsthand account of the inauguration day, addressing controversies surrounding crowd sizes and media narratives.
a. Crowd Size Disputes
Critiquing mainstream media outlets like CNN, Bongino asserts that the inauguration saw a substantial turnout, directly contradicting media claims of sparse crowds.
- Notable Quote:
"Please do not fall prey to this bullshit liberal narrative that the crowds there were sparse." – Dan Bongino [12:07]
b. Media Narratives and Biases
He discusses the persistent bias within media organizations, labeling their coverage as attempts to undermine Trump's support base. Bongino emphasizes the importance of on-the-ground experiences over televised reports.
- Notable Quote:
"The media battle plan from 2016...immune to facts." – Dan Bongino [Various timestamps]
c. Interaction with Other Political Figures
Highlighting alliances within the conservative movement, Bongino mentions his encounter with Chris Pavlovski, CEO of Rumble, praising the platform's commitment to free speech after being de-platformed by mainstream media.
3. Biden's Pardons and Their Implications
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting President Joe Biden's recent pardons, exploring their potential impact on the political arena.
a. Wall Street Journal's Theory on the Pardons
Bongino references a Wall Street Journal theory suggesting that Biden's pardons of family members and associates involved in January 6th could inadvertently benefit Trump by reducing political pressure within the Democratic base.
- Notable Quote:
"This gives squishy Republicans a talking point...You don't have to answer the question." – Dan Bongino [31:44]
b. Potential Benefits to Trump
He posits that these pardons might weaken Democratic adversaries, allowing Trump to capitalize on reduced scrutiny and maintain his political momentum.
4. Trump's Pardon Power and Preemptive Pardons
Bongino delves into the controversial topic of potential preemptive pardons by Trump, raising alarms about the abuse of presidential power.
- Notable Quote:
"They are going to argue the exact same battle plan again." – Dan Bongino [37:14]
5. Media's Reaction to Trump's Actions
Continuing his critique, Bongino condemns the media's portrayal of Trump's actions and inauguration speech as part of a longstanding strategy to undermine his legitimacy.
- Notable Quote:
"The media is going to use the 2016 playbook over again." – Dan Bongino [41:19]
6. Public Sentiment and Approval Polls
Bongino shares insights into Trump's high job approval ratings compared to President Biden's, citing a significant lead that bolsters Trump's influence and support among voters.
- Notable Quote:
"Donald J. Trump presidential job approval poll approval 56%...Biden's was like a 7." – Dan Bongino [26:32]
7. Closing Thoughts and Personal Anecdotes
Wrapping up the episode, Dan Bongino reflects on his experiences covering the inauguration, interactions with supporters, and the overarching theme of perseverance in the political fight. He underscores the importance of factual integrity and urges listeners to remain steadfast amidst media manipulations.
- Notable Quote:
"Don't get distracted. I'm asking you as a friend." – Dan Bongino [Various timestamps]
Notable Quotes Summary
-
Donald Trump:
"Never, ever give up." [00:12]
-
Dan Bongino:
"I think that we just witnessed the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America." [01:47]
"The media battle plan from 2016...immune to facts." [Various timestamps]
"The media is going to use the 2016 playbook over again." [41:19]
"Don't get distracted. I'm asking you as a friend." [Various timestamps] -
CNN Reporter:
"The president seems intent on filling each of his remaining days in office with petulance, grievance, self-interest." [31:44]
Conclusion
In this episode, Dan Bongino masterfully navigates through the tumultuous political landscape, offering listeners an unfiltered perspective on Donald Trump's enduring influence, media biases, and the ramifications of recent presidential actions. By intertwining personal anecdotes with incisive political analysis, Bongino reinforces the significance of perseverance and factual integrity in the face of systemic challenges.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in Episode 2405 of The Dan Bongino Show, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.