The Brett Cooper Show Can I Bench More Than a Socialist? | Episode 60
Aug 25, 2025
A New York mayoral candidate went viral for struggling with a 135-pound bench press, prompting a humorous critique of public figures and their fitness. The discussion blends political rivalry with fitness culture, revealing how personal mishaps can fuel online spectacle. There's a look at how health narratives have been politicized, touching on issues of racism in fitness discourse. Amidst this, the conversation highlights the struggle for political relevance through gym culture, raising questions about authenticity in engaging young male voters.
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Viral Bench Press Humiliation
- Brett recounts the viral clip of NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani failing to bench 135 pounds at a public event.
- She describes the spotter doing most of the work and crowds egging him on, which fueled the online mockery.
Host Attempts The Same Lift
- Brett shares her personal attempt to bench 135 after mocking Mamdani and documents failing too, with photos.
- She uses the story to point out both the humor and the shared embarrassment of the moment.
Bench Fail As Cultural Signal
- Brett argues the clip reveals cultural signals about the left's fitness stance rather than being mere mockery.
- She frames the moment as a symptom of a broader leftward rejection of traditional fitness culture.