Podcast Summary: The Dan Bongino Show – "Things Have Changed, It's Trump's GOP Now" (Ep. 2390)

Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Dan Bongino
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network

In Episode 2390, titled "Things Have Changed, It's Trump's GOP Now," former Secret Service Agent and NYPD officer Dan Bongino delves into the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party under Donald Trump's influence. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current political climate, the challenges posed by the Continuing Resolution (CR), media skepticism, and the shift in media consumption habits. Bongino also addresses recent conspiracy theories and their impact on public trust.

1. The Continuing Resolution (CR) Crisis

Bongino opens the discussion by highlighting the turmoil surrounding the Continuing Resolution (CR), a legislative measure aimed at preventing government shutdown by funding government operations temporarily. He vehemently criticizes the CR, labeling it as an "absolute disaster" filled with "junk and garbage" (02:45).

Key Points:

• Inadequate Funding: The CR fails to address critical government spending issues, merely extending funding without meaningful reforms.
• Political Ramifications: Passing such a flawed bill could drain the Republican Party's political capital and alienate conservative voters.
• Congressional Inaction: Bongino emphasizes the necessity for Congress to either properly fund the government or face the consequences of inaction, rather than perpetually kicking the can down the road.

Notable Quote:

"This CR is a complete abomination and a train wreck. We need to shut it down if we have to." (15:30)

2. Trump's GOP and Strategic Political Maneuvering

Bongino asserts that the Republican Party has undergone a seismic shift, becoming firmly aligned with Donald Trump's leadership and populist agenda. He outlines two primary lessons learned from Trump's first term that are now shaping the party's approach:

Key Points:

• Learning from the Flynn Scandal: The GOP has become more resilient against internal and external attacks, leveraging the lessons learned from past political controversies to safeguard Trump's agenda.
• Media Discreditation Strategy: Instead of engaging directly with every media narrative, the party allows the media to undermine itself, trusting that their base will discern the truth independently.

Notable Quote:

"Trump is back, this time without disdain, as his domestic critics have gotten in line. The world has saluted his restoration, if reluctantly." (25:10)

Bongino also discusses the universal approval of Trump's transition within the GOP, citing a near 96% approval rating compared to 80% in 2017 (50:45).

3. Media Critique and the Battle for Influence

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to critiquing mainstream media outlets, particularly MSNBC and The New York Times. Bongino argues that these institutions are out of touch and consistently publish misleading or false narratives to undermine Trump and the conservative movement.

Key Points:

• Media Reliability: Bongino questions the credibility of reports from major media houses, suggesting a persistent agenda against Trump.
• Influence of Social Media and Alternative Platforms: He emphasizes the importance of platforms like Rumble, Twitch, and YouTube in shaping public opinion, which traditional media outlets often overlook.
• Confronting Media Doubts: By exposing what he perceives as media failures, Bongino aims to rally his audience against perceived biases and misinformation.

Notable Quote:

"Rachel Maddow and the New York Times will continue to be five, six years behind these stories because they're only interested in covering them up." (1:05:20)

4. Conspiracy Theories and Eroding Public Trust

Bongino addresses various conspiracy theories, particularly those related to the January 6th insurrection and ongoing investigations into Donald Trump. He challenges mainstream narratives and underscores the importance of questioning official accounts.

Key Points:

• Cassidy Hutchinson's Testimony: He critiques Hutchinson's claims about Trump's actions on January 6th, asserting they are fabricated and unsupported by credible sources.
• Stuart Thompson and Media Accountability: Bongino accuses The New York Times and journalists like Stuart Thompson of perpetuating false stories, contributing to public distrust.
• Georgia Prosecution Scandals: He highlights the recent testimony from Georgia prosecutor Nathan Wade, suggesting undue influence and corruption within governmental investigations.

Notable Quote:

"Everything they tell you is bullshit. We're the media now." (1:20:15)

5. The Shift in Media Consumption and Technological Adaptation

Bongino explores the transformative changes in how younger audiences consume media, moving away from traditional cable news to digital platforms such as Rumble, Twitch, and TikTok. He underscores the Republican Party's advantage in adapting to these new mediums compared to their Democratic counterparts.

Key Points:

• Dominance of Digital Platforms: Emphasizing that platforms like Rumble and Twitch are now leading in audience engagement, surpassing conventional media channels.
• Influencer Impact: Highlighting influential figures on these platforms who shape public opinion, often bypassing traditional media gatekeepers.
• Technological Savvy: Crediting Trump and the GOP with a better understanding and utilization of these platforms to disseminate their message effectively.

Notable Quote:

"Live streaming is the future. Van Jones and the Democrats know so little about how to get a message out." (1:35:50)

6. Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

In wrapping up the episode, Bongino reiterates the strength and strategic positioning of Trump's GOP, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged through alternative media channels. He emphasizes the continued vigilance required to counteract what he perceives as media manipulation and political opposition.

Key Points:

• Enduring Support: Affirming the unwavering support within the GOP for Trump's leadership and policies.
• Media Self-Reliance: Encouraging listeners to rely on independent research and trusted sources outside mainstream media.
• Ongoing Resistance: Calling for continued opposition against legislative measures like the CR and other policies that do not align with conservative values.

Notable Quote:

"We're the media now. You can't ignore this audience." (1:50:30)

Conclusion

Episode 2390 of The Dan Bongino Show offers a robust examination of the current state of the Republican Party under Donald Trump's influence. Dan Bongino articulates a narrative of strength, resilience, and strategic adaptation, positioning Trump's GOP as a dominant force capable of navigating and counteracting mainstream media narratives. The episode serves as both an analysis and a rallying cry for conservative listeners to engage actively with emerging media platforms and remain steadfast in their political convictions.