Intro
In this episode of the PBD Podcast, host Patrick Bet-David interviews Anthony Weiner, a former American politician and radio show host. They discuss Weiner’s political career, his experiences in campaigning, the behind-the-scenes work of a politician, and his views on various topics.
Main Takeaways
Anthony Weiner’s Political Career
- Weiner served as the US representative for New York’s ninth congressional district from 1999 to his resignation in 2011.
- He resigned from Congress in 2011 after sending suggestive photos of himself to different women.
- Weiner ran for mayor of New York City twice and finished second in the Democratic primary in 2005.
The Middle with Anthony Weiner
- Weiner hosts a show called The Middle with Anthony Weiner, which is broadcast on AM terrestrial radio in 770 markets.
- The show combines traditional call-in radio and podcast content.
The Work of a Politician
- Weiner emphasizes the importance of personal connections and door-to-door campaigning in winning elections.
- He believes good documentaries can show a different side of politics and portray the behind-the-scenes work of a politician.
- Weiner’s documentary includes his wife without her consent, which he holds a grudge against the filmmaker for.
RFK’s Presidential Campaign and Silicon Valley Support
- RFK’s presidential campaign is drawing support from Silicon Valley figures such as Jack Dorsey and Shemaat due to his anti-establishment stance.
- RFK’s engagement with the tech community, including appearances on podcasts and discussions on platforms like Twitter spaces, has resonated with some tech leaders.
- Shemaat expressed his support for tearing down institutions of power.
- RFK is getting more support from Democrats than Republicans, contrary to previous claims.
Elections and Political Candidates
- Weiner discusses the concept of “backup quarterbacks” in politics, where people tend to think the candidate on the sidelines is better.
- He believes that none of the current candidates for president seem particularly interesting because they are not interested in departing from the orthodoxy of their candidate.
- The speaker mentions the potential candidacy of Cornell West, who could bring a different perspective to the race.
COVID-19 and Trust in the Establishment
- The speaker discusses the overcounting of COVID deaths and the decline in trust for the establishment due to changing guidelines and recommendations during the pandemic.
- DeSantis’ pursuit of certain lines of thought may be affecting his poll numbers.
- The importance of understanding what happened during the pandemic and addressing the concerns of those who followed the guidelines and made sacrifices.
Conspiracy Theories and Media
- The speaker emphasizes the harm caused by conspiracy theories and the need to respect the real-life consequences they have on people and their families.
- He challenges the idea of a giant cabal and emphasizes that sometimes things just happen.
- The conversation becomes heated as the speaker accuses the other person of being a bully and reading conspiracy websites.
Education and School Board Decisions
- The speaker discusses the importance of local community school boards and administrators making decisions about education.
- He suggests that parents should take action and run for school board positions if they disagree with certain issues being taught in schools.
- The conversation becomes heated as the speaker accuses the other person of making assumptions and not respecting others.
Anthony Weiner’s Personal Growth and Addiction
- Weiner opens up about his struggles with addiction and his journey to recovery.
- He is in a program for sex addiction and believes that addiction can manifest in many ways.
- Weiner reflects on his actions and the consequences he faced, including going to prison.
Child Pornography and Human Trafficking
- Weiner believes that child pornography and human trafficking should be considered a top crisis in America.
- He emphasizes the need for more protection for children and the corrosive effects of pornography on society.
- The conversation touches on concerns about sexual education in schools and the role of parents in voicing their opinions.
Conversations About Politics and Conspiracy Theories
- The speaker encourages having conversations about politics and values without treating differences as threats.
- He challenges the interviewer’s approach to conversation and emphasizes the importance of respecting others.
- The conversation becomes heated as they discuss conspiracy theories and the credibility of sources.
Summary
Anthony Weiner’s Political Career and Personal Growth
Anthony Weiner, a former American politician, reflects on his political career, including his time as a US representative and his mayoral campaigns. He also opens up about his personal growth and struggles with addiction.
The Work of a Politician and RFK’s Presidential Campaign
Weiner discusses the behind-the-scenes work of a politician and the importance of personal connections and door-to-door campaigning. He also highlights RFK’s presidential campaign and the support he is receiving from Silicon Valley figures due to his anti-establishment stance.
COVID-19, Trust in the Establishment, and Conspiracy Theories
The speaker delves into the overcounting of COVID deaths and the decline in trust for the establishment. He also emphasizes the harm caused by conspiracy theories and the need to focus on real issues and respectful conversations.
Educational Decisions and Conversations About Politics
The conversation touches on the importance of local community school boards making decisions about education and the role of parents in voicing their opinions. The speaker encourages conversations about politics and values without treating differences as threats.
Child Pornography, Human Trafficking, and Conspiracy Theories
Weiner highlights the need to address child pornography and human trafficking as top crises in America. The conversation also delves into conspiracy theories and the credibility of sources.
Conclusion
This episode of the PBD Podcast provides insights into Anthony Weiner’s political career, personal growth, and views on various topics. It explores the behind-the-scenes work of politicians, the challenges of campaigning, and the importance of respectful conversations.
