Vivek's 9/11 Spin, Trump's Arrest Theater, and Prigozhin Dies in Plane Crash, with The Fifth Column Hosts | Ep. 613
Aug 23, 2023
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Vivek Ramaswamy, an American entrepreneur and political candidate, sparks debate with his controversial comments on 9/11. Joined by Kmele Foster and Michael Moynihan of "The Fifth Column," the trio discusses the growing conspiracy narratives in politics and how GOP voters might react to such remarks. They also delve into Trump's theatrical maneuvers around debates, the implications of Yevgeny Prigozhin's mysterious plane crash, and the challenges of younger political figures aiming for leadership in a polarized environment.
Ron DeSantis has the most to gain at the debate and a strong performance could position him as the alternative to Trump.
Trump's decision to skip the debate is seen as a middle finger to Fox News and opens up an opportunity for the remaining candidates.
Ron DeSantis' authenticity and ability to connect with voters sets him apart from typical politicians and people should not underestimate him.
The podcast highlights the dangerous nature of Putin's regime, the challenges faced by the US in formulating an effective approach towards Russia, and the importance of clear-headed analysis and pragmatic decision-making.
Deep dives
DeSantis has the most to gain at the debate
Ron DeSantis, the current Florida governor, has the most to gain at the debate. Being in the second position and having recently floundered, a strong performance could position him as the alternative to Trump. A weak performance, on the other hand, could provide ammunition to other candidates.
Trump's decision to skip the debate
Donald Trump's decision to skip the debate is seen as a middle finger to Fox News. While it may impact the ratings, it opens up an opportunity for the remaining candidates to get more airtime and potentially make an impact.
DeSantis' strong debate performance
Ron DeSantis has shown his skill in debating, as seen in his 2018 race against Andrew Gillum for Florida Governor. His confident and decisive responses resonate with voters, allowing him to present himself as a strong leader with broad appeal.
DeSantis' authenticity
Ron DeSantis' authenticity and ability to connect with voters as a working-class Harvard and Yale graduate with military experience sets him apart from typical politicians. His intelligence and ability to think on his feet make him a formidable debater, and people should not underestimate him.
Debate weaknesses for DeSantis
While Ron DeSantis is a strong debater, there may be some potential weaknesses that other candidates could exploit. Thorough preparation and a clear strategy will be essential to ensure a strong performance and prevent any missteps.
Volatile Situation and Difficult Choices in Dealing with Russian Aggression
The recent podcast episode discusses the volatile situation and difficult choices in dealing with Russian aggression, emphasizing the need for thoughtful foreign policy. The episode highlights the dangerous and manipulative nature of Vladimir Putin's regime and its ambitions to regain lost imperial power. It examines the challenges faced by the United States and potential presidential candidates in formulating an effective approach towards Russia. The episode mentions the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the risk of wider-ranging conflicts involving multiple parties, and the implications of Putin's brutal tactics and assassinations. It concludes by underscoring the importance of clear-headed analysis and pragmatic decision-making in handling Russia's expansionist agenda.
The Importance of Recognizing Putin's True Agenda
The episode underscores the need to recognize Vladimir Putin's true agenda and his determination to maintain power at any cost. It warns against underestimating his ruthless tactics and manipulative approach when engaging in negotiations or discussions. It highlights Russia's ambitions to expand its influence beyond its former empire, noting instances of Russian aggression in other regions such as Syria and the Central African Republic. The episode emphasizes the gravity of the situation and warns against being naive or complacent in dealing with a leader who seeks to restore lost national glory and aggressively pursue self-interest.
The Unpredictability and Volatility of Russian Politics
The episode discusses the unpredictability and volatility of Russian politics under Vladimir Putin's regime. It notes the assassination of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former ally who had rebelled against Putin, underscoring the stark consequences faced by those who challenge or threaten Putin's power. The episode analyzes the recent crash of a Russian plane allegedly shot down, highlighting the rarity of such incidents and the suspicious circumstances surrounding it. It raises concerns about Russia's militaristic ambitions and their potential impact on regional stability. Overall, the episode highlights the pressing need for careful consideration and clear-eyed analysis in navigating Russian politics.
Megyn Kelly begins the show discussing the truth about the offensive comments Vivek Ramaswamy made about 9/11 and flirting with "trutherism," the "irritating" way he keeps blaming the media for something he said, how he should have handled it, and more. Then the hosts of The Fifth Column, Kmele Foster, Michael Moynihan, and Matt Welch, join to discuss how GOP voters may react to Vivek's 9/11 comments, conspiracy theories growing on the left and right, how some elements of COVID turning out to be true is leading to more conspiracy thinking, cringe videos showing him working out and playing tennis shirtless, if a millennial candidate should be in office, whether the GOP debate is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “time to shine” in Trump’s absence tonight, if Chris Christie will be declared the winner by the media, Trump trying to upstage the debate by getting arrested, the breaking news that head of Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin has died in a plane crash in Russia, whether there's a chance this could be accidental or if this was Putin enacting his revenge and shooting down the plane, and more.
