Podcast Summary
Discussing Trump's Iran win, media distortion, Covington, and Gervais' roast: Trump's Iran strike was a foreign policy victory, despite media misrepresentation. Deterrence is crucial in foreign policy, and Obama's appeasement approach failed. Media distorts events, such as Covington, and Gervais bravely roasted Hollywood elites.
The latest episode of The Daily Wire Backstage discussed various topics including President Trump's foreign policy win in Iran, media distortion of events, Covington and Nick Sandman's victory over CNN, and Ricky Gervais' Hollywood roast. The show also offered an opportunity for subscribers to ask questions and announced a discount for new subscribers using promo code "backstage." The episode highlighted the significance of Trump's decision to strike out against Iran's Soleimani as a major foreign policy victory, despite media attempts to portray it as a loss. The discussion emphasized that deterrence has long been a fundamental aspect of foreign policy and that Obama's approach of appeasement and economic concessions to Iran had failed. The media's consistent misrepresentation of events, such as the Covington controversy, was also a focus, as was Gervais' bold roast of Hollywood's elites.
Trump's departure from the Obama doctrine on Iran: Trump challenged the Obama doctrine by using deterrence instead of appeasement or war in Iran, demonstrating his willingness to use force when necessary.
During the Obama administration, there was a perceived need to either appease or go to war with countries that violated certain rules. Trump introduced a new option: deterrence. His decision to take out Soleimani was a rebuke to this framework and a bold move that some believe was the greatest foreign policy decision in recent history. Trump, who initially believed in the Obama doctrine, appeared to learn on the job and began to challenge false binaries presented by his supporters and opponents alike. His handling of the Iran situation was a departure from the past and demonstrated his willingness to use force when necessary. Despite criticisms and concerns about consistency, Trump's actions showed that he would not appease or make friends at the expense of national security.
Iran-US Tension: Diplomacy Prevents Military Conflict: Diplomatic communication between Iran and Iraq led to the evacuation of American troops, averting military conflict. The situation serves as a reminder to stay connected to home for peace of mind and safety.
The recent military tension between the United States and Iran was averted due to diplomatic communication between Iran and Iraq, leading to the evacuation of American troops from a base in Iraq. This comes after a series of escalating tensions between the two countries, including attacks on oil facilities and American bases. The Iranians reportedly called Iraq to evacuate their troops from the base to carry out retaliatory actions against the U.S. The Americans received an early warning and moved their troops out, preventing any casualties. Trump's foreign policy, specifically his handling of the Iran situation, has been a topic of debate. Some argue that his reluctance to respond to Iran's provocations earlier could have led to the escalation. The Iranians seemed to understand their actions had gone too far and have since taken steps to deescalate the situation. Furthermore, there's a reminder to stay connected to your home with Ring's home security system, which can alert you to any activity at your doorstep, even if you're miles away. This technology not only provides peace of mind but also helps prevent potential dangers.
Media's narrative towards international politics influenced by leaders' actions: Media's portrayal of international events can be biased and influenced by political leaders' actions, with the media often failing to acknowledge deterrence strategies and instead spreading propaganda
The media's narrative towards international politics can be heavily influenced by political leaders and their actions. During the Obama administration, the media portrayed a narrative of appeasement or war, but Trump introduced the concept of deterrence. When Trump took out Iran's military commander, Soleimani, the media responded by refusing to acknowledge deterrence and instead portrayed Trump as a madman and the Ayatollahs as rational actors. The media's bias towards Trump and their eagerness to spread Iranian propaganda was evident during the retaliation, where they reported false casualty numbers. The deterrence strategy, coupled with unpredictability, proved effective, but the media's coverage was far from objective. The media's lack of knowledge and understanding of the region and its events was evident in their coverage of the situation.
Media's Sensationalized Coverage of Soleimani's Death: The media's response to Soleimani's death was criticized for being biased, sensationalized, and lacking substance, with some suggesting they were rooting against President Trump. Despite this, Trump's taking out Soleimani was seen as a significant foreign policy achievement, and the Democrats' criticism lacked substance given Soleimani's past actions.
The media's response to the U.S. airstrike that killed Iranian military leader Qasem Soleimani has been criticized for being biased and sensationalized. Former Cincinnati Bengals coach Sam Wyche's passing was used as an analogy for the media's coverage of the situation, with some suggesting they are rooting against President Trump. Christiane Amanpour's interviewing tactics were called out as shameful. Michael Moore even urged the Ayatollahs not to retaliate and criticized Americans for not showing the same level of support for their generals as the Iranians do for their leaders. Despite the media's portrayal of the situation, many argue that Trump's taking out Soleimani was a significant foreign policy achievement, and the Democrats' criticism of it as an illegal kill lacks substance, given Soleimani's past actions and responsibilities for the deaths of American soldiers and civilians. The media's coverage has left many questioning their credibility and raising concerns about the potential for further escalation.
Tensions between Iran and the US did not escalate into a full-blown war: Despite fears of a large-scale conflict, Trump's stance led to a de-escalation of tensions with Iran, contrasting previous administrations' handling of international crises.
The threat of a war between Iran and the United States was largely speculative, and despite fears of a large-scale conflict, the situation did not escalate into a full-blown war. Iran does not possess a weapon capable of striking America directly, and the Iraq War, which some consider a failure, saw the United States unseat a large military with relatively few casualties. While there could have been bloody battles if a conflict had occurred, the scale would not have approached a World War 3 scenario. Trump's stance on Iran, which involved having backbone and not backing down, contrasted with previous administrations' handling of international crises. The overall situation demonstrates that foreign policy can be simpler than experts often make it out to be. Trump's actions, which some may view as impulsive or reckless, ultimately led to a de-escalation of tensions with Iran.
Trump's actions towards Iran send strong message to world powers: Trump's unpredictability and use of force have established new reality in international relations, demonstrating America's strength and deterrence
President Trump's handling of Iran's General Soleimani has sent a strong message to the world, particularly to countries like China, Russia, and North Korea. The red lines established by Trump's actions have put these countries on notice, and the response from Iran and its allies shows that Trump's approach is a major foreign policy win. The discussion also highlighted the contrast between Trump's willingness to use force and Obama's lack of red lines, which has led to a renewed respect for America's strength on the global stage. The speakers emphasized that Obama's inability to learn from his mistakes and adapt to changing circumstances was a major weakness, and that Trump's unpredictability and use of force when necessary have established a new reality in international relations. The discussion also touched on the importance of the Powell doctrine, which states that if you break it, you own it, and the value of demonstrating credible use of violence to establish deterrence. Overall, the speakers agreed that Trump's actions have shown that America is once again a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
Impact of Political Climate on 2020 Democratic Primary Race: The 2020 Democratic Primary Race is a closely watched and highly competitive race, influenced by the political climate, candidates' actions, and demographic shifts.
The current political climate, particularly the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, is expected to significantly impact the 2020 Democratic primary race. Joe Biden is currently seen as the frontrunner due to his experience and perceived stability, especially during times of uncertainty. The antics of politicians like Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, as well as their sympathies towards Iran, have raised concerns about their ability to survive the elections. Meanwhile, Donald Trump's aversion to war and the population shift from blue to red states are also factors to consider. The increasing influence of social media and the waning power of traditional media are also shaping the political landscape. Overall, the 2020 elections are expected to be a closely watched and highly competitive race.
Michael Bloomberg's Campaign Strategy and Challenges: Bloomberg's campaign relies on Biden underperforming in early states, but he faces challenges from his stance on education and Israel. Easing memory preservation with Legacy Box was discussed.
Michael Bloomberg's presidential campaign hinges on a narrow bet: if Joe Biden underperforms in Iowa and New Hampshire, leaving Bloomberg as the only major moderate contender with significant financial resources. However, Bloomberg faces challenges beyond just Biden's performance, including his support for school choice and charter schools, and his stance on Israel. Meanwhile, the discussion touched on Legacy Box, a favorite advertiser, which offers a simple and affordable solution for digitizing old home movies, pictures, and other traditional media. The ease of use and importance of preserving memories were highlighted. Patricia Arquette's commentary during the Golden Globes was also noted for its insightful critique of the entertainment industry. Overall, the conversation covered a range of topics, from politics to advertising to entertainment.
Golden Globes overshadowed by hypocrisy and scandal: The Golden Globes ceremony was marred by self-righteous speeches, scandal, and hypocrisy in the entertainment industry, with calls for morality contrasting starkly with instances of corruption and cover-ups.
The Golden Globes ceremony, which was meant to celebrate artistic achievements, was overshadowed by hypocrisy and scandal. Actors and actresses, including Tim Cook and Michelle Williams, delivered speeches that were criticized for their self-righteousness and entitlement. Cook's statement about removing hate from sites was met with skepticism, as some questioned his role as a billionaire CEO dictating what people can say. Michelle Williams' speech, which referenced her role in a film where she had to kill a child to achieve fame, sparked controversy and drew comparisons to the ancient Babylonian practice of sacrificing children for material success. The entertainment industry's corruption and hypocrisy were highlighted, with Ronan Farrow's book revealing instances of cover-ups and the protection of abusers. Ricky Gervais was praised for his honesty and willingness to call out the industry's flaws. The event served as a reminder of the stark contrast between the glamour and morality of Hollywood.
Hypocrisy and humor at the Golden Globes: Ricky Gervais poked fun at Hollywood's perceived racism and hypocrisy during the Golden Globes, sparking discussions on diversity and individual contradictions.
Hypocrisy and humor were central themes during the Golden Globes, as host Ricky Gervais poked fun at the industry's perceived issues with racism and hypocrisy. A notable moment came when Gervais joked about the lack of diversity in award nominations and the Hollywood Foreign Press's supposed racism. The conversation around this topic continued during the show, with guests acknowledging the presence of white nominees and the controversy surrounding it. Additionally, Gervais's interaction with Joaquin Phoenix, who wore a vegan shirt to a meat-selling restaurant, sparked a discussion on hypocrisy and whether it's acceptable for public figures to have contrasting beliefs or actions. Overall, the show highlighted the complexity of addressing social issues while maintaining a sense of humor and acknowledging the potential for individual hypocrisy.
Find the right insurance policy with Policygenius: Compare quotes from top insurers, save time and money, and secure your family's financial future with Policygenius
Policygenius is a valuable resource for finding the right life insurance policy, as well as home, auto, and disability insurance. By using Policygenius, you can compare quotes from top insurers, save time and money, and ensure your family is financially secure in the event of your death. The process is simple, with Policygenius handling all the paperwork and red tape. Additionally, movies have provided great entertainment this year, with engaging stories about real people and their problems. My personal favorites were "Knives Out" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," which stood out for their entertainment value and complex plots.
A thought-provoking and suspenseful film about Hollywood and manliness: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood explores themes of masculinity, decency, and the loss of traditional values in Hollywood through the lens of two main characters, and offers a fresh perspective on the industry's changing landscape, as well as the impact of capitalism on individuals and society.
That "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" is a thought-provoking and suspenseful film that explores themes of masculinity, decency, and the loss of traditional values in Hollywood. The film features two main characters, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, who represent different versions of manliness and are both struggling to find their place in an industry that values new trends over the past. The film's most suspenseful scene takes place at the Manson Ranch and is reminiscent of classic Hitchcock films. The film is a "lowercase c conservative" movie that celebrates the importance of conserving what was lost in Hollywood during the 1960s and 1970s. It also showcases the good and bad aspects of capitalism and the impact it has on individuals and society. Other notable films mentioned include "Ford v Ferrari," which is a unique American film about cars, men, and competition, and "1917," which is a well-executed film with a long tracking shot for two hours. Overall, these films offer a fresh perspective on various aspects of society and are worth watching in the theater.
A film with strong performances and technical skills, but some felt it lacked a complete story: While 'Birdman' showcases impressive performances and cinematography, some critics argue it prioritizes technique over a fully developed plot and well-rounded characters
"Birdman" is a well-crafted film with strong performances, but it felt more like a video game than a fully developed movie to some viewers. The film, which portrays soldiers in World War 1 with respect and shows the brutality of the Huns, was appreciated for its honesty and lack of revisionist history. However, some felt that the movie prioritized its technical skills over telling a complete story with fully realized characters and plot. The performances of Olivia Wilde and the lead actor in "Richard Jewell" were particularly noted as exceptional. Despite having reservations about the Joker character and the movie's handling of the superhero genre, many found the scenes with Robert De Niro to be standouts. Ultimately, opinions on the film varied, but its technical prowess and strong performances were widely acknowledged.
Mixed feelings on 'Joker' and critique of 'Cats': Despite critical acclaim, the speaker found 'Joker' overrated and saw it as a conservative film. He disliked 'V for Vendetta' and criticized the Golden Globes for not recognizing 'Marriage Story' and 'The Irishman'. The speaker values well-crafted films with rewatchability and strong morality.
The speaker had mixed feelings about "Joker," finding it overrated despite high critical acclaim. He saw it as a conservative film set in the corrupt New York of the 70s and 80s, with the Joker as an anti-capitalist character. The speaker also expressed his dislike for "V for Vendetta" and unexpectedly returned to discuss his disdain for the film "Cats." He criticized the Golden Globes for not awarding any Netflix productions, particularly "Marriage Story" and "The Irishman," which he considered overrated and interminable. The speaker's overall sentiment was that he preferred well-crafted films with rewatchability and strong morality, even if he didn't necessarily love their themes.
Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman' and Hollywood trends: Scorsese's use of de-aging tech in 'The Irishman' divided opinions, while the Oscars and Globes remain hostless, and Hollywood's focus on gender-swapped remakes faces criticism for lacking authenticity.
"The Irishman" marked a bold move by Martin Scorsese in using de-aging technology, but the execution left some viewers feeling disconnected, particularly during a crucial scene involving Robert De Niro's character. Meanwhile, the Oscars and Golden Globes continue their hostless streak, with Ricky Gervais unlikely to return as host. In the realm of comedy, Hollywood's focus on gender-swapped remakes has drawn criticism for lacking authenticity and failing to understand the nuances of humor. Ultimately, these trends reflect larger cultural shifts and debates surrounding representation and comedy's role in challenging societal norms.
Hollywood's portrayal of women: Balancing humor and perfection: The need for authentic, complex characters in media, regardless of gender, was emphasized, as the debate over perfect vs relatable portrayals continues.
Hollywood's portrayal of women in media continues to be a subject of debate, with the expectation that women must be both funny and flawless creating a challenge for creating compelling and realistic characters. The shift towards perfect portrayals of women, as seen in movies like Incredibles 2, is a concern for some, who argue that it moves away from the complexity and relatability of human characters. Furthermore, the discussion touched on the double standard in portraying women's strength and capabilities, with the example of Geralt of Rivia's female counterpart in The Witcher, highlighting the need for authenticity and respect for women's strength and abilities, regardless of gender. Ultimately, the conversation emphasized the importance of creating authentic and complex characters, allowing audiences to connect with and admire them, regardless of their gender.
The debate over women's capabilities and their place in various fields: Serena Williams' success challenges gender norms, women's increasing representation in fields challenges the need for women to prove worth, comedy addresses societal issues, and recognizing unique contributions is key.
The debate over women's capabilities and their place in various fields, including sports and education, continues to be a contentious issue. The example of Serena Williams and her ability to compete against men serves as a long-standing symbol of this debate. Meanwhile, the increasing representation of women in various sectors, such as medicine and education, challenges the notion that women need to prove their worth by matching men's accomplishments. Additionally, the role of comedy in addressing societal issues and the importance of respecting different perspectives were discussed. The impeachment trial and the focus on Iran in the news were also mentioned as potential distractions from ongoing political issues. Ultimately, the conversation emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the unique contributions of women and men, rather than trying to force parity based on percentages.
Pelosi's delay of impeachment trial and media bias distorting political landscape: Despite ongoing impeachment process, Pelosi's delay of trial and media bias towards Democrats may not significantly impact Trump's approval ratings or Democratic connection with voters.
The ongoing impeachment process against President Trump may not be as effective as the Democrats had hoped due to Nancy Pelosi's decision to withhold sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate. The uncertainty surrounding John Bolton's potential testimony and the Democrats' miscalculation of Trump's response to impeachment have kept the issue at the forefront of news headlines, but without a formal trial, it may not significantly impact Trump's approval ratings. Additionally, the winnowing of the Democratic primary field has revealed a lack of understanding between the media and ordinary Americans, with the media often portraying candidates in an overly positive light, even after they've dropped out of the race. The media's bias towards one side can create a distorted view of the political landscape, making it difficult for Democrats to connect with voters and understand their true concerns.
Democratic primary focused on Biden and Sanders, third-party candidates unlikely to make significant impact: The Democratic primary is currently centered around Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, with little chance for third-party candidates like Michael Bloomberg or Bernie Sanders to significantly impact the race due to party reforms and the current focus on the two front-runners.
While there have been discussions about potential third-party candidates, such as Michael Bloomberg or Bernie Sanders, who could impact the Democratic party, it's unlikely that anyone will be able to make a significant impact. The Democratic primary is currently focused on Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders, with Biden holding a strong lead. The reforms made to the Democratic National Committee after the 2016 election make it harder for the party to "steal" the nomination from a candidate. The Clinton family still holds some influence within the party, but Obama's lack of interest in politics and his Netflix deal have diminished his power. The generation after millennials, often referred to as "Zoomers," may push back against the leftist monopoly on thought they've grown up with, but it's uncertain if they will adopt the same level of obedience to leftist ideologies as millennials have. Overall, the Democratic primary is focused on the current candidates and the reforms made to the party structure, making it unlikely for a third-party candidate to make a significant impact.
Younger generations expressing discontent with the status quo: Younger generations feel disconnected, expressing dissatisfaction with societal trends and political/economic issues, potentially leading to a cultural shift.
Younger generations are feeling a deep disconnect with the current cultural narrative and are expressing their dissatisfaction with the status quo. This discontent is not just limited to economic and political issues but also extends to personal pain caused by societal trends. The speaker believes that this cultural phenomenon, though painful now, may lead to a much-needed shift towards a new way of thinking. Additionally, the speaker shares their personal preference for reading in silence but writing with music, specifically classical music like Bach. They mention that certain types of music can interfere with the writing process due to its rhythms. Regarding the 2020 elections, the speaker predicts a close repeat of the 2016 election, with Trump winning the electoral college despite losing the popular vote. They believe that the Democrats are unlikely to regain control of the House of Representatives, as many of the seats in swing states are also held by Democrats. However, they acknowledge the unpredictability of the political landscape and the potential for unexpected events to occur.
President Trump's Re-Election Case: Despite a strong economy and key adversary deaths, political unrest remains a concern due to ongoing claims of election fraud and the passing of Justice Ginsburg, which could impact the Supreme Court.
As of now, with the booming economy, the deaths of key adversaries like the head of ISIS and Iran's military, the appointment of 187 judges including two Supreme Court justices, record low unemployment, rising wages, and a thriving stock market, President Trump is making a strong case for his re-election. However, it's important to note that regardless of the outcome of the 2020 election, there is a risk of political unrest as each side may believe the election was stolen. This is a concern given the ongoing claims by some Democrats that Trump's election in 2016 was illegitimate. The passing of Justice Ginsburg and the future of the Supreme Court could further fuel tensions. Despite the current positive mood in the country, it's crucial to remember that people's perceptions, not just reality, can influence election outcomes.
Perception vs Reality: The Impact of Media and Communication: The way information is presented in the media can greatly influence public perception, even if reality is improving. The power to control information distribution should not be underestimated.
The perception of the current state of affairs in the country, which is influenced by the media and communication, can significantly impact people's feelings and beliefs, even if material conditions are improving. The constant portrayal of negative events and situations can lead to a sense of unease and despair, despite objective evidence of progress. This was highlighted during the discussion about the Iran situation, where the obvious win for the United States might not be perceived as such by the general public. The power of perception and the role of those who control information distribution should not be underestimated. The Daily Wire team also reminded their audience to log in and join them for their upcoming live events, including the Iowa caucuses and the State of the Union, which they predicted would be exciting regardless of the impeachment outcome.
