Podcast Summary: VINCE Episode 117 – "The Left's Demented Fantasies Shatter"

Host: Vince Coglianese
Date: September 3, 2025
Podcast: VINCE (Cumulus Podcast Network)
Special Guest: Dr. Ben Carson

Overview

In this hard-hitting episode, Vince Coglianese tackles the latest political controversies, focusing on the persistent rumors regarding President Trump's health, escalating crime in Democrat-run cities, and the left's increasingly extreme rhetoric. With sharp commentary, audio clips, and a conversation with Dr. Ben Carson, Vince dissects media narratives, highlights the schism among Democrats, and lauds the administration's aggressive steps against crime and the drug trade.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. President Trump's ‘Proof of Life’ & Media Rumors

• Timestamps: 00:00–07:00
• Context: Rumors on social media falsely claimed President Trump had died after missing two days of public appearances. Mainstream media and left-leaning personalities debated and, in some cases, fueled the speculation.
• Vince’s Take: The left's “demented fantasies” of Trump’s demise were shattered when the President appeared at the White House to announce the Space Force HQ move to Alabama and conducted multiple press availabilities.
• Quote:
  • “The President, once again, stack[ing] up with his victories, is driving the left absolutely crazy by being alive, just by being alive.” — Vince (06:13)
• Key Moment: Peter Doocy (Fox News) asks Trump about the death rumors, and Trump responds bemusedly, highlighting the double standard compared to Biden's rare public appearances.
• Quote:
  • “I have heard ... but last week I did numerous news conferences, all successful... then I didn't do any for two days. And they said there must be something wrong with him. Biden wouldn't do 'em for months... and we know he wasn't in the greatest of shape.” — President Trump (04:08)

2. Left-Wing Figures’ Extreme Reactions to Trump’s Health

• Timestamps: 07:00–13:00
• Events: Stephen Colbert’s audience booed the news that President Trump was alive. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was caught admitting he was “doomscrolling” for hopes of Trump’s death.
• Vince’s Reaction:
  • “What the hell is wrong with you?...What is it about these lefties? They really do wish him dead.”
• Notable Quote:
  • “I'll tell you who is a complete piece of shit...Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota.” — Scott Jennings, CNN (11:52)
  • “Trump’s a decent person compared to Tim Walz, Tim Walz is a scumbag.” — Vince (14:10)

3. Violent Crime and Democrat City Leadership Failures

• Timestamps: 15:30–26:00
• Focus: Chicago’s crime crisis, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s low approval, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's warnings of federal involvement, and Democrat resistance to Trump administration's crime policies.
• Key Audio & Reaction:
  • JB Pritzker warns of Texas National Guard deployments, says Trump is seeking excuses to bring in federal forces.
  • Vince points out hypocrisy and references incidents like an attorney attacking a federal officer with a sandwich.
  • Quote:
    • “J.B. Pritzker would never fling a sandwich. He would consume them.” — Vince (16:22, comic relief)
    • “The left's policies always have a body count.” — Vince (21:15)
• Trump's Direct Statement:
  • “Well, we’re going in. I didn’t say when we’re going in. … I have an obligation…” — President Trump (18:19)
• Chicago Mayor Johnson's Blame-Shifting:
  • “Shootings will continue as long as this Presidential administration continues to put politics over people.” — J.B. Pritzker/Brandon Johnson (23:04)

4. Washington, D.C. — Democrat Mayor ‘Cries Uncle’

• Timestamps: 26:00–33:00
• Story: D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (in a rare move among Democrats) signs an executive order to indefinitely coordinate the local police with federal law enforcement, essentially yielding to Trump’s anti-crime initiative.
• Vince’s Analysis:
  • Sees Bowser’s move as pragmatic—preserving “home rule” for D.C. and possibly keeping Congress from taking over local government.
  • Predicts Democratic “civil war” over Bowser’s cooperation with Trump.
• Quote:
  • “Democrats have to be absolutely, you know, seething with rage that Muriel Bowser is being decent to the President of the United States. … She has become a perfect example of how much better your city could be if you simply work with the guy who's trying to save it.” — Vince (31:50)

5. Interview with Dr. Ben Carson

• Timestamps: 33:10–53:45
• Highlights:
  • Violence & Transgender Issues: Dr. Carson discusses the school shooting in Minnesota by a transgender perpetrator and warns of mental health consequences from gender ideology and medical interventions.
    • “A lot of the people who undergo sex transformations end up in very difficult psychological situations. … At least we need to start talking about it and not sweeping it under the rug.” — Dr. Ben Carson (34:04)
    • Critiques left-wing officials/media for downplaying the problem and coddling the perpetrator.
  • Prayer and Public Faith:
    • Explains Marxism/socialism’s antipathy to religion and the left’s hostility toward prayer.
    • “With Marxism, communism and socialism, there's no room for God. Because the government has to be central... Anything they can do to push God aside and to denigrate him, they do.” — Dr. Ben Carson (39:10)
  • Vaccines & Public Health Messaging:
    • Supports vaccine choice and informed dialogue, critiques coercion and untested bundling.
    • “The amount of vaccines that are pushed on little babies these days is absolutely incredible. … This is a decision that needs to be made with intelligent conversation with one's pediatrician. And that's not being done.” (40:52)
  • COVID-19 Response:
    • Points out inconsistencies in public health advice, accuses health agencies of stifling cheap drug alternatives for monetary motives.
    • “Pfizer doesn't get rich off of that [hydroxychloroquine]. So we can't recommend you take some cheap and widely available drug.”
  • Trump Administration Evolution:
    • Describes the current Trump cabinet as better aligned and more focused, Trump as less easily manipulated by media.
    • “He was ready to go. And he made sure that he picked people who were in alignment with that philosophy, and that's why things are moving so fast.” — Dr. Ben Carson (44:12)
  • Divine Providence:
    • Says Trump's survival of the assassination attempt and reelection is evidence of “the hand of God.”
    • “No question about it. … I talked to him about the fact that I thought God had his hand on him even before that, and he kind of acknowledged it by now. I think he really believes it.” (46:06)
  • Media Treatment:
    • Reflects on being revered in medicine until he entered Republican politics: “He went from genius, inspirational American success story to we have to destroy him. … I have never been one who goes around with my finger in the air trying to determine which way people think and how I should react. ... If I'm good with God, I'm good.” — Dr. Ben Carson (53:20/53:41)
  • Memorable Exchange:
    • Discussion of the famous 2016 debate entrance where Trump stood with Carson in the wings:
      • “So President Trump stayed there with him for the duration ... I just thought it was a great and touching and charming moment...” — Vince (49:54)
    • Carson: “Trump came and stood with me. … Over the course of the campaign, we became friends... philosophically, we were peas in a pod, personality wise, we were a little bit different, to say the least.” (51:11)

6. U.S. Military Action Against Narco-Terrorists

• Timestamps: 53:47–59:02
• Breaking News: U.S. military, on President Trump’s direct orders, struck a Venezuelan narco-terrorist vessel, killing 11, to disrupt fentanyl trafficking.
• Quote:
  • “[We] just over the last few minutes literally shot out a, a boat, a drug carrying boat ... you'll be seeing that and you'll be reading about that it just happened moments ago.” — President Trump (58:22)
• Vince: Applauds policy of direct strikes and transparency as deterrence.

Additional Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Chicago Crime:
  • “I don't want to see more Americans dying in the streets. … The left's policies always have a body count.” — Vince (21:15)
• On Muriel Bowser’s DC pivot:
  • “The President right now is very pleased that Muriel Bowser is, one, admitting the truth about how bad things were, two, expressing gratitude for how much better Trump has made them in the nation's capital, and three, that Muriel Bowser has now signed an executive order saying Trump's in charge.” — Vince (28:55)
• On anti-Trump “wishcasting”:
  • “The media is wishcasting that you’re dead. That’s crazy. That’s totally crazy.” — Vince (05:14)

Key Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:00–04:00: Opening theme, President’s press conference breakdown
• 04:08: President Trump responds to “death rumors” at press conference
• 07:00–13:00: Stephen Colbert/Tim Walz responses, Scott Jennings on CNN
• 15:30–21:00: Illinois, Chicago crime and federal response
• 26:00–33:00: DC’s Muriel Bowser coordination with Trump administration
• 33:10–53:45: Dr. Ben Carson interview
• 53:47–59:02: Strike against Venezuelan narco-terrorists, the administration’s anti-drug strategy

Tone and Style

• Language: Candid, sharp-tongued, unapologetic, often humorous and biting
• Energy: High, urgent, and confrontational when addressing leftist rhetoric and Democrat governance
• Notable Characteristic: Willingness to highlight and replay audio moments for raw illustration

Final Takeaways

• Vince uses a mix of detailed news analysis, soundbites, and pointed asides to paint a picture of a left frustrated by Trump's resilience and substantive policy moves.
• The episode’s message: Media and Democrat opponents are losing their grip not only on narrative control but also on effective governance, as seen in crime policy and drug interdiction; meanwhile, the administration forges ahead with new clarity, purpose, and some unlikely Democratic cooperation.
• Dr. Ben Carson offers thoughtful, faith-based, and evidence-informed commentary—contrasting policy critiques with personal integrity and sly humor.

For listeners who missed this episode:
You'll find a bracing analysis of post-2024 politics, a media critique that pulls no punches, insight into intra-Democrat struggles, and an illuminating interview with Dr. Ben Carson—plus a rare bit of good news: bold, public action against America’s drug enemies.