The Left's Bloodthirst Grows To Dangerous Levels | Episode 18
Apr 9, 2025
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Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and political commentator, discusses the alarming rise of violent rhetoric and actions from the political left, including disturbing surveys justifying violence against public figures. He critiques media portrayals of security concerns and the FBI's decisions in protecting controversial figures. Bongino also delves into U.S.-China tensions, the implications of rising tariffs, and the cultural context of political violence, highlighting the serious ramifications for democracy and public safety.
The alarming rise of an assassination culture is evident, with nearly half of left-leaning individuals justifying violence against figures like Trump and Musk.
Political violence normalization poses a significant threat to democracy, undermining trust in peaceful discourse and altering perceptions of opposition.
The recent tariffs imposed on China reflect a strategic shift to prioritize American economic interests while challenging exploitative practices detrimental to workers.
Deep dives
Growing Political Violence on the Left
Political violence among the left has been observed to be rising, with a concerning number of individuals justifying violent actions against prominent political figures. Recent surveys indicate that a significant percentage of left-leaning individuals find it acceptable to commit violence against public figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk. This trend aligns with an increase in violent incidents and assassination attempts against these individuals, pointing to a troubling normalization of political violence within certain segments of the population. The rhetoric surrounding threats to democracy has inadvertently supported and justified this descent into violence, fostering a climate where some believe extreme measures are necessary for pursuing political goals.
Concerns Over Political Assassination Culture
A recent study from the Contagion Research Institute highlights the alarming rise of an assassination culture among left-leaning individuals, with many expressing acceptance of violence as a means to achieve political objectives. The research revealed that nearly half of the left-of-center respondents believed that killing certain political figures could be justified, further illustrated by past incidents where violence was rationalized by leadership figures. This normalization of extreme views poses a significant threat not only to individuals in the public eye but also to the broader democratic process, as these attitudes could erode trust in peaceful political discourse. The implications of such a mindset are deeply concerning, suggesting a fundamental shift in how political opposition is perceived and contested.
The Media's Role in the Narrative
Media portrayal of figures like Dan Bongino, especially regarding his security measures, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the framing of security needs in the political landscape. Reports often suggest that his need for protection is unwarranted, ignoring the broader context of rising threats against those who criticize mainstream narratives or hold politically unpopular views. The aggressive tone of media criticism not only undermines the legitimacy of security concerns but also reveals a tendency to dismiss genuine threats faced by individuals in the public eye. This dynamic further complicates the discourse around political safety, as public figures must navigate a landscape that sometimes amplifies the very dangers they face.
Funding and Support for Conservative Voices
There is growing sentiment around the idea of financially supporting conservative platforms as a response to perceived bias in mainstream media. The call to action focused on defunding organizations seen as representing opposing political ideals aims to bolster the reach and influence of conservative voices in media and beyond. This reflects an effort to redirect financial support to entities that align more closely with certain political values, suggesting a potential shift in how media consumption and support are approached by audiences. The drive for higher rankings among podcasts and media outlets among conservative audiences highlights the importance of audience engagement and loyalty in shaping the landscape of political dialogue.
Trade Tariffs and Economic Policy
The recent decision to impose higher tariffs on China, reaching up to 104%, underscores a renewed emphasis on prioritizing American economic interests and addressing long-standing trade imbalances. This policy shift aims to directly challenge China's historical exploitative practices, including intellectual property theft and currency manipulation, which have disadvantaged American workers for decades. The political rhetoric surrounding this decision emphasizes a commitment to American manufacturing and jobs, positioning these tariffs as a necessary measure for protecting the economy. As the administration moves forward with this aggressive trade strategy, the broader implications for international relations and domestic economic stability remain a focal point of discussion and concern.
A new development with the would-be Trump assassin and his desire for Ukrainian RPGs? Also in this episode: The tariffs made their way to China yesterday and they responded in a way you may not expect.
‘Assassination Culture’: Poll Shows About Half Of Liberals Believe Killing Trump, Musk Justified