The Dan Bongino Show – Episode: "The Astronauts Are Finally Coming Home?" (Ep.04) Release Date: March 13, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Dan Bongino Show, host Dan Bongino delves into a range of pressing political and social issues, blending insightful commentary with engaging conversations. The episode features an in-depth discussion with special guest Vince Colonnaise, exploring topics from Black Lives Matter Plaza to the prolonged mission of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams aboard the International Space Station. The episode weaves through themes of governance, media influence, cultural conflicts, and bipartisan challenges, offering listeners a comprehensive analysis of current events.
Guest Introduction: Vince Colonnaise
Timestamp: 01:56 – 04:48
Dan Bongino welcomes Vince Colonnaise, a seasoned media personality known for his work with the Daily Caller and Fox News. Vince shares his background, highlighting his 15-year tenure at the Daily Caller, his experience hosting radio shows in Washington, D.C., and his upcoming venture into a new time slot from 12 to 3 PM starting Monday. He emphasizes his commitment to conservative media and his excitement to collaborate with Dan Bongino and Haley Caronia.
Vince Colonnaise [02:00]: “I have big T shirts to fill, actually.”
Black Lives Matter Plaza: A Critical Examination
Timestamp: 07:42 – 10:37
The discussion shifts to Black Lives Matter Plaza outside the White House. Vince criticizes the city's decision to paint "Black Lives Matter" in large yellow letters, arguing it was a response to the 2020 riots that only aimed to appease rioters without addressing underlying issues. He contends that the Plaza neither saved lives nor reduced violence, citing a 30% increase in Black homicides in 2020 due to reduced policing.
Vince Colonnaise [09:28]: “It's just FAIL. Black Lives Matter didn't save any lives.”
He further accuses Mayor Muriel Bowser of misusing taxpayer funds to create the Plaza, calling for its removal and renaming to “Liberty Plaza.”
Funding and Organizational Issues: ActBlue and Reid Hoffman
Timestamp: 16:12 – 20:01
Vince delves into the financial underpinnings of leftist movements, focusing on ActBlue. He highlights recent scandals within the organization, including executive resignations and internal chaos, suggesting that ActBlue’s downfall could undermine the financial strength of the American left.
He also discusses Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, alleging personal motivations behind Hoffman's opposition to former President Trump, including connections to Jeffrey Epstein's alleged activities.
Vince Colonnaise [16:48]: “Elon has indicated already that his research has concluded that ActBlue is the money engine of the left, and it's the biggest donors are to blame.”
Vince underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in political funding, urging listeners to scrutinize who is financing divisive political agendas.
Astronauts Still in Space: The Prolonged Mission
Timestamp: 25:26 – 33:02
A significant portion of the episode centers on the extended mission of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunny Williams aboard the International Space Station. Initially slated for an eight-day mission starting in June, unforeseen hydraulic issues with the Boeing Starliner have stranded them for over nine months. Vince expresses concern over NASA and SpaceX’s delays, attributing part of the problem to Biden’s administration.
He contrasts this with former President Trump's commitment to securing their return, emphasizing Elon Musk's assertion that his company could have expedited their return if not hindered by bureaucratic delays.
Vince Colonnaise [05:40]: “Tucker Carlson joining us in studio right here in this room.”
Personal Story: Butch Wilmore’s Daughter’s Perspective
Timestamp: 31:39 – 33:02
Vince shares a heartfelt segment featuring Butch Wilmore’s daughter, Darren, who speaks on TikTok about her father's extended stay in space. Darren recounts her struggles with her father's absence and her excitement for his imminent return, expected mid-March.
Darren Wilmore [31:39]: “I miss him so much and I cannot wait for him to hug his neck and see my sister graduate high school and see the show I'm in right now.”
This personal account humanizes the broader narrative, highlighting the emotional toll on families separated by prolonged space missions.
Cultural War and Gender Issues
Timestamp: 26:26 – 42:11
The conversation transitions to the ongoing cultural conflicts surrounding gender identity and political correctness. Highlighting recent controversies, Dan and Vince critique the Biden administration's policies on gender-neutral bathrooms and Title IX, arguing these measures undermine traditional definitions of gender and compromise women's safety.
They reference Representative McBride's remarks criticizing the Republican Party’s focus on culture war issues:
Representative McBride [26:26]: “The Republican Party is obsessed with culture war issues. It is weird and it is bizarre.”
In response, Vince defends conservative stances, asserting their commitment to safeguarding women's rights and challenging what they perceive as overreaches in progressive policies.
Viral TikTok and Political Divisions
Timestamp: 38:21 – 42:11
Dan introduces a viral TikTok video depicting a prank by a granddaughter on her MAGA-supporting grandfather, mocking Democratic scholarship criteria. The video showcases generational and political clashes, with the grandfather humorously rejecting the premise.
Grandfather [41:11]: “I can't do it. I saw I had to give you the $10,000.”
Dan criticizes the left’s reaction to such content, labeling comments supporting violence against President Trump as indicative of deep-seated political animosity and societal division.
Dan Bongino [41:14]: “How horrible do you have to be to say something like that on the Internet?”
Vince amplifies these sentiments, highlighting online harassment and dehumanization from the left towards conservative figures.
Trump's Participation and Interviews
Timestamp: 37:00 – 42:11
The episode includes light-hearted segments featuring clips from The Apprentice, showcasing President Trump's charismatic interactions and humor. Dan and Vince reminisce about memorable moments where Trump’s laughter and jokes endeared him to supporters, reinforcing his relatable persona.
Contestant from The Apprentice [39:20]: “Good luck with the show.”
These segments serve to humanize Trump, portraying him as an engaging and approachable leader, in contrast to his adversaries.
Closing Remarks
In the concluding segment, Dan and Vince reiterate their commitment to delivering truthful and unfiltered commentary. They encourage listeners to subscribe to the show on various platforms and engage with the Bongino community to support their mission of promoting American values and scrutinizing governmental actions.
Vince Colonnaise [20:40]: “I want to grow this amazing Bongino army. This amazing American army that cares about the truth.”
Dan wraps up the episode by thanking Vince and assuring listeners of more insightful content in future episodes, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to bring attention to critical issues affecting the nation.
Notable Quotes
- Vince Colonnaise [09:28]: “It's just FAIL. Black Lives Matter didn't save any lives.”
- Representative McBride [26:26]: “The Republican Party is obsessed with culture war issues. It is weird and it is bizarre.”
- Dan Bongino [41:14]: “How horrible do you have to be to say something like that on the Internet?”
Conclusion
Episode 04 of The Dan Bongino Show offers a robust exploration of contemporary political and social dynamics. Through candid discussions and critical analysis, Dan Bongino and Vince Colonnaise challenge prevailing narratives, advocate for conservative principles, and provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities shaping today's America.