Added: Nov 30, 2023
In this podcast episode, Patrick Bet-David interviews Chris Cuomo, who is the brother of Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including politics, party dynamics, and the current state of the country.Cuomo discusses the complexities of party politics and the challenges faced by his brother, Andrew Cuomo, within the Democratic Party. He explains that Andrew is not the typical politician and is known for his ability to get things done. However, he also acknowledges that Andrew's approach has made him a target within the party, as he is not afraid to challenge the status quo and make enemies in the process.
The conversation delves into the dynamics of party politics, with Cuomo highlighting the competitive nature of the two-party system. He emphasizes the need to move away from the binary nature of politics and encourages people to leave the parties and focus on the best ideas, rather than aligning with a specific party.
Cuomo also discusses the impact of populism and grievance politics on the current political climate. He points out the shift in power dynamics and the rise of extreme viewpoints on both the left and the right. He emphasizes the need for a more balanced and nuanced approach to politics, rather than succumbing to the polarizing rhetoric that dominates the current discourse.
The conversation also touches on the role of media and storytelling in shaping public opinion. Cuomo highlights the importance of connecting with regular people and providing a platform for diverse opinions, rather than promoting groupthink and polarization.
The conversation continues with a discussion about the FBI and its perceived political leanings. Cuomo argues that the FBI is not a left-leaning organization and that its actions are not influenced by political agendas. Bet-David, on the other hand, expresses skepticism about the FBI's impartiality and points to specific instances where he believes the agency has been weaponized for political purposes.
The conversation then shifts to the topic of interest rates and their impact on corporate America. Bet-David highlights the rise of "zombie companies" that rely on low interest rates to stay afloat, and he emphasizes the negative consequences of this trend. He also discusses the impact of interest rates on the decisions of businesses and individuals, particularly in the context of migration patterns in the United States.
The discussion then turns to the topic of law enforcement, specifically the high number of police officers leaving their jobs in New York City. Bet-David attributes this trend to a combination of factors, including the dangerous nature of the job, lack of respect, and the perception of being vilified by the media and society. He also points to the impact of political turmoil and the influence of left-leaning policies on law enforcement.
The conversation then delves into the issue of trust in institutions, particularly organized religion. Bet-David and Cuomo discuss the growing trend of young Americans disaffiliating from organized religion, with up to 40% categorizing themselves as "nones." They explore the reasons behind this trend, including evolving views on social issues such as abortion, LGBTQ acceptance, and the role of women in churches. Cuomo challenges the notion that political turmoil is the primary driver of this disaffiliation, instead pointing to the influence of educational institutions and the impact of social media on young people's beliefs and attitudes.
The conversation also touches on the concept of "selling the dream" in politics and the role of charismatic leaders in shaping public opinion. Bet-David emphasizes the importance of transcendent figures with a compelling message to counter the prevailing culture of doubt and moral relativism.
The conversation then shifts to the role of religion in society, with a focus on the Catholic faith. Cuomo emphasizes the importance of instilling values and principles in children, regardless of their religious background. He also advocates for a mandated year of service after high school as a way to inculcate a sense of community and responsibility in young people.
The discussion then turns to the recent actions of Pope Francis, who has been criticized for his progressive stance on issues such as transgender rights. Cuomo points out that the Pope has always been inclusive and poverty-obsessed, and that his actions are in line with his beliefs. He also highlights the need for a standard in society, as well as the importance of positive reinforcement in shaping behavior.
The conversation then delves into the situation in Israel and Gaza, with a focus on the recent visit of Elon Musk to Israel. Musk expressed concerns about the violence in the region and emphasized the need to neutralize those intent on murder. He also highlighted the importance of promoting economic prosperity in Gaza for lasting peace.
The conversation also touches on the selectivity of outrage in society, with a focus on the lack of attention given to other global conflicts, such as the situation in Yemen and the treatment of Uighur Muslims in China. Cuomo emphasizes the need for a balanced and informed approach to global issues, rather than succumbing to confirmation bias.
The conversation continues with a discussion about the Arab Brotherhood and their treatment of Palestinians. Bet-David and Cuomo express their disappointment with the Arab Brotherhood's lack of support for the Palestinians and their failure to build up their fellow Arabs. They also touch on the selective outrage and hypocrisy that exists in the region, where certain issues receive more attention than others.
The conversation then shifts to the situation in Gaza, with Cuomo expressing concerns about the displaced people and questioning whether they will be able to return to Gaza. He also discusses the role of other countries in providing support to the displaced Palestinians.
The conversation then delves into the topic of Iran and the nuclear deal. Both express their views on the Iran nuclear deal and the challenges of dealing with Iran. They also discuss the complexities of the situation and the need for a strong approach to address the issues.
The conversation then turns to the topic of immigration and border security. They discuss the need for a comprehensive approach to immigration, including addressing the root causes of migration and improving processing and security capabilities at the border. They also touch on the challenges of dealing with asylum claims and the need for clear guidelines.
The conversation concludes with a discussion about the upcoming presidential election and the potential candidacy of Donald Trump. Both express their views on Trump's presidency and the potential for him to run for office again. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of a potential Trump presidency and the need for a fair and open-minded approach to political leadership.
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