Podcast Summary: The Dan Bongino Show – "This Is What Winning In Politics Looks Like" (Ep. 2425)

Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: Dan Bongino
Cumulus Podcast Network

Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service Agent and NYPD officer, delves deep into the intricate world of politics, exposing corruption, analyzing security threats, and critiquing media narratives. In episode 2425, titled "This Is What Winning In Politics Looks Like," Bongino navigates through a multitude of pressing issues, offering his perspective on how political figures amass wealth, the looming security concerns posed by drone swarms, and the pervasive influence of media bias.

1. Politicians' Wealth and "Follow the Money"

Bongino opens the episode by addressing the rampant question among his listeners: "How the hell do politicians get so rich?" He asserts that political figures exploit their federal connections to siphon taxpayer money, enriching themselves and their networks.

• Notable Quote:
  "[...] they are getting rich off of their connections and their ability to use this base of four or five trillion dollars of your taxes to have it flushed through people, family members and everyone else."
  (02:45)

Bongino emphasizes the importance of tracing financial flows to understand political corruption, suggesting that both liberal and Republican establishments partake in this malpractice.

2. Security Threats: The Drone Swarm Crisis

Transitioning to national security, Bongino highlights a significant yet underreported threat: drone swarms, primarily manufactured by China, posing potential attacks on American population centers.

• Notable Quote:
  "This is a very real threat in population centers in America and around the world. I'm focused on America now. Times Square, Beverly Hills, areas where there are big, you know, Chicago, the Miracle Mile..."
  (08:15)

He references an Axios report titled "America's Drone Swarm Crisis," agreeing with its assessment and pointing out the inadequacy of current defense mechanisms against such aerial threats.

3. Government Fraud and Wasteful Spending

Bongino critiques government inefficiency, citing allegations of massive fraud within entitlement programs. He references Stephen Miller, a senior adviser from the Trump White House, who discusses foreign fraud rings exploiting Social Security and Medicare.

• Notable Quote:
  "These are foreign nationals who come into the United States. They use fake Social Security numbers, they use fake identities to steal billions in taxpayer benefits."
  (10:35)

He argues that dismantling such fraudulent activities is crucial for the economic stability of programs like Social Security, which he claims are on the brink of insolvency.

4. Media Criticism and Disinformation

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to criticizing mainstream media outlets. Bongino accuses them of perpetuating false narratives and being complicit in political agendas that undermine public trust.

• Notable Quote:
  "They lie to you all the time. The lying has gotten so bad that now they've resorted to owning themselves in their own clips in an effort to stop people like me, Mike Benz, Tucker and others, Shapiro, Levin from exposing what Elon's exposing in this doe."
  (18:40)

He highlights instances where media figures like Brandy Zadrozny mishandle information, inadvertently exposing their biases and misinformation.

5. Historical Context: Debunking the "Clinton Surplus" Myth

Bongino delves into historical political achievements, specifically debunking the myth of the budget surplus during Bill Clinton's presidency. He argues that despite popular belief, there was never an actual surplus, attributing widespread misconceptions to political propaganda.

• Notable Quote:
  "There was never a surplus [during Clinton's presidency]. Every single year of the Clinton presidency from 93 to 2000 that the government ran a deficit."
  (30:50)

He contrasts Clinton's administration with current Democratic practices, suggesting that efforts to conceal financial deficits continue to this day.

6. The Trump Doctrine: Fiscal and Foreign Policy Strategies

Bongino outlines what he terms the "Trump Doctrine," emphasizing decisive action in both fiscal reforms and foreign policy. He advocates for maximalist positions that, while seemingly extreme, aim to achieve substantial policy shifts.

• Notable Quote:
  "The Trump Doctrine is this especially on foreign policy, although it applies domestically, too. But this is a foreign policy segment. This involves NATO, so pay attention."
  (38:20)

He discusses recent NATO meetings where Europe has agreed to increase defense spending, interpreting this as a victory for his outlined doctrine.

7. Recent Events and Media Reactions

Bongino touches upon recent aviation incidents, critiquing how media outlets misrepresent facts and assign blame without substantial evidence.

• Notable Quote:
  "Donald Trump may make it there, want to make it that, but it is not right now. It is still a separate country. It is not an FAA country that..."
  (50:02)

He highlights Caroline Levine’s efforts to correct misinformation regarding FAA staffing and aviation safety, urging listeners to be vigilant against media distortions.

8. Conclusion: Advocating for Informed Vigilance

Wrapping up, Bongino calls upon his audience to become proactive in combating misinformation. He encourages listeners to utilize their social media platforms to disseminate accurate information and challenge false narratives perpetuated by biased media entities.

• Notable Quote:
  "You need to be quick though. You got to clean it off quick and get moving."
  (45:10)

He underscores the significance of maintaining a strategic approach to political advocacy, emphasizing the need for consistent and informed action to safeguard democratic integrity.

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Dan Bongino presents a fervent critique of political corruption, government inefficiency, and media bias. He intertwines historical analysis with contemporary issues, offering listeners a perspective that challenges mainstream narratives. Bongino's emphasis on "following the money" and his warnings about emerging security threats aim to inform and mobilize his audience towards a more vigilant and proactive stance in the political landscape.