**Summary of "The Dan Bongino Show"
Episode: Thanksgiving SPECIAL: Fireworks With Geraldo
Release Date: November 28, 2024
Host: Dan Bongino
Guest: Geraldo Rivera
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network

Introduction

In the Thanksgiving Special episode of "The Dan Bongino Show," host Dan Bongino welcomes former Secret Service Agent and NYPD officer, Geraldo Rivera, leading to a heated and spirited debate. Joined by Sean Hannity, the discussion delves into pressing political and social issues, challenging Geraldo's perspectives while highlighting Bongino's staunch defense of law enforcement and constitutional rights. The episode is marked by intense exchanges, critical analyses, and notable moments of contention between the hosts and Geraldo.

1. Potential Appointment of Dan Bongino as Secret Service Director

The episode commences with a surprising discussion about the possibility of Dan Bongino being appointed as the Secret Service director. Geraldo Rivera shares his candid thoughts on Bongino's suitability for the role.

• Brianna Keilar (Guest Host):
  [00:36] “I'm going to ask you about Dan Bongino because I'm sure that you saw this. He's being floated as Secret Service director... How would you feel about him being Secret Service director?”

• Geraldo Rivera:
  [00:56] “I can't imagine anyone who I feel, I feel more fiercely combative with than Dan Bongino... But with Bongino, you know, I think he would keep me safe. He would do the job.”

Dan Bongino appreciates Rivera's acknowledgment, stating it was "a very nice compliment at the end" and emphasizes that their sparring has always been in good fun.

2. Critique of Geraldo Rivera's Journalism and Credibility

The core of the episode revolves around Bongino and Hannity challenging Geraldo's credibility as a journalist, particularly regarding his views on policing and racial issues.

• Unknown Speaker 1 (Geraldo Rivera):
  [03:48] “Why produce some actual data? You're a reporter, right?...”

• Sean Hannity:
  [04:25] “Data Research analysis on police interactions between minorities and the police... the number of unarmed black men who were shot by the police was somewhere in the neighborhood of 11.”

Hannity criticizes Geraldo for lacking factual support in his narratives, especially concerning police interactions with black men. Bongino echoes this sentiment, highlighting the absence of concrete evidence backing Rivera's claims.

• Dan Bongino:
  [07:04] “Any time you ask Geraldo, I'm guessing, guys, this is going to be a theme...”

3. Gun Control and Constitutional Rights Debate

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to debating gun control measures and constitutional rights, where Bongino and Hannity argue against Geraldo's stance on gun legislation.

• Unknown Speaker 2 (Geraldo Rivera):
  [06:18] “You're a lawyer. I think you know this. It's through the least restrictive means...”

• Sean Hannity:
  [12:48] “No, there aren't. Yes, there are... Constitutional rights are infringed on all the time.”

The discussion highlights the debate over the Second Amendment, with Rivera advocating for stricter gun control and comparing it to other regulated activities like purchasing alcohol. Bongino and Hannity counter by asserting the fundamental constitutional right to bear arms, emphasizing the necessity of defending these rights against government overreach.

• Dan Bongino:
  [13:00] “Legally, it has to have a compelling government interest preventing you from getting slashed in the back...”

• Sean Hannity:
  [13:18] “I am not denying the tragic nature... I'm simply asking, Geraldo, show me your evidence this was race-based.”

This segment underscores the tension between maintaining constitutional liberties and addressing public safety concerns, with Bongino and Hannity firmly supporting gun rights and criticizing Rivera's proposals for legislative restrictions.

4. COVID-19 Policies and Media Narratives

The conversation shifts to Geraldo's criticism of former Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's COVID-19 policies, particularly DeSantis's approach to reopening the state and schools.

• Dan Bongino:
  [16:43] “Guns randomly kill people... It's this media narrative where Ron DeSantis very smartly opened up the state...”

• Sean Hannity:
  [17:12] “Deaths were the highest in Florida or something like that...”

Bongino and Hannity argue that Geraldo succumbed to prevailing media narratives without thorough research, painting DeSantis's actions during the pandemic in a negative light despite data suggesting otherwise.

5. Israel-Palestinian Conflict Brief Discussion

Geraldo briefly touches upon the Israel-Palestinian conflict, criticizing U.S. support for Israel amidst calls for a ceasefire.

• Unknown Speaker 1 (Geraldo Rivera):
  [17:42] “Ammunition provided to Israel by the United States without even for cease fire. I demand a cease fire.”

• Unknown Speaker 2:
  [17:55] “I demand that Israel win the war against terrorism...”

Bongino and Hannity seize this moment to highlight Geraldo's perceived inconsistency and emotional rhetoric, further questioning his ability to present balanced viewpoints.

6. Personal Attacks and Closing Remarks

As the debate intensifies, personal jabs and frustrations surface, showcasing the strained relationship between the hosts and Geraldo.

• Sean Hannity:
  [19:35] “This thing on the Israel, Palestinian issue, too. He falls for every single media narrative...”

• Dan Bongino:
  [19:56] “Now I take the back.”

• Sean Hannity:
  [20:11] “What a lunatic, folks.”

The episode concludes with Bongino and Hannity contemplating future debates with Geraldo, suggesting that their "Fireworks" interaction could garner significant attention and ratings.

• Dan Bongino:
  [20:12] “Oh, man, those are good ones. We got to do this again sometime.”

Conclusion

The Thanksgiving Special episode of "The Dan Bongino Show" serves as a platform for a fiery exchange between Dan Bongino, Sean Hannity, and Geraldo Rivera. Central themes revolve around the legitimacy of media narratives, the defense of constitutional rights, and the critique of governmental policies. Through robust debate and pointed critiques, Bongino and Hannity aim to dismantle Geraldo's arguments, advocating for law enforcement respect and the preservation of individual liberties. The episode underscores the deep-seated divisions in contemporary political discourse, encapsulating the clash between differing ideologies and the quest for factual integrity in journalism.

Notable Quotes

1. Geraldo Rivera on Bongino's Potential Appointment:
   [00:56] “...if I was a target and Bongino was on the job, I feel that Bongino would keep me safe. He would do the job.”

2. Sean Hannity on Police Data:
   [04:59] “...the number of unarmed black men who were shot by the police was somewhere in the neighborhood of 11.”

3. Dan Bongino on Constitutional Rights:
   [13:00] “Legally, it has to have a compelling government interest preventing you from getting slashed in the back...”

4. Sean Hannity on Geraldo's Reporting:
   [17:19] “And he just says stick to the facts when you correct the facts that were wrong.”

5. Closing Banter Between Hosts:
   [20:12] Dan Bongino: “Oh, man, those are good ones. We got to do this again sometime.”

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the key debates, critical insights, and concluding thoughts, providing a clear overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.