We’re Not Kidding with Mehdi & Friends

Is Trump 'Daddy'? – with Bassem Youssef

Feb 7, 2025

Bassem Youssef, an internationally acclaimed comedian, joins Mehdi for a candid discussion packed with insight and humor. They delve into Trump's second term, questioning whether the U.S. empire is on the brink of collapse and the effectiveness of resistance movements. Bassem shares his take on the controversial Elon Musk and the complexities of American political honesty. The conversation takes a satirical turn, analyzing Trump's disturbing paternal image among supporters and reflecting on the geopolitical absurdities in today's world.

34:58

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Episode guests

Bassem Youssef

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The ongoing violence in Gaza highlights a stark contrast between media narratives and the harsh realities faced by civilians on the ground.

The hosts view Trump's bluntness as a double-edged sword that may expose the unsustainable nature of American imperialism while raising questions about needed political change.

Deep dives

The Reality of Ceasefire in Gaza

Despite claims of a ceasefire in Gaza, the situation remains dire as violence continues, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes. The podcast hosts emphasize that the narrative of a ceasefire is misleading, as Palestinian casualties persist, highlighting the disconnect between reported news and the reality on the ground. They point out that while there is international chatter about peace efforts, the results on the ground tell a different story, one marked by continued suffering and loss of life. This discrepancy between media portrayals and lived experiences underscores the urgent need for accountability and truth in reporting.

Intro

2min

Political Discourse and Global Dynamics

10min

Wealth, Power, and Political Isolation in America

2min

Political Satire and Geopolitical Ironies

8min

Trump and the Daddy Figure

3min

Citizenship and Global Politics

6min

The Arrogance of Power: Musk, Comedy, and Social Commentary

3min

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit zeteo.com

Mehdi is once again joined by ‘We’re Not Kidding’ powerhouse Bassem Youssef for a raw and honest conversation about the state of the world. To steal a phrase from MAGA Republicans speaking about Donald Trump — “Daddy is home.” Mehdi and Bassem unpack the first few weeks of Trump’s second term, including the escalating violence in the West Bank occurring during the “fake” Gaza ceasefire.

The two also debate whether the US empire is beginning to collapse, if organized resistance movements are at all effective, and if Trump and the Republicans are more honest than Joe Biden and the Democrats. “You prefer to deal with the wolf rather than the wolf in sheep's clothing,” Mehdi asks Bassem, who also shares his opinion on Elon Musk’s controversial hand gesture and his uniquely noxious flavor of South African racism.

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