They're Having Second Thoughts About Iran...

Shifting Rhetoric on the Iran War [0:00]

• Right-wing influencers initially promised an easy Iran war, assuring it wouldn't be prolonged or affect prices.
• As the war continues, support wanes, and polls show increasing unpopularity.

• "So the Iran war was going to go easy, and that's what I was told by a bunch of right-wing influencers."

Benny Johnson's Change of Tune [1:14]

• Early in the conflict, Benny Johnson was enthusiastic about the war, even joking about renaming the Strait of Hormuz.
• More recently, Johnson expressed indifference to the Strait of Hormuz transit and a desire for peace to avoid economic and political collapse.

• "I just don't care. I don't care. I don't care. Let me say it again. I don't care."

Carl Higby's Evolving Stance [2:05]

• Initially, Higby defended the Trump administration's lack of explanation for the war's goals, prioritizing secrecy.
• Later, he expressed a willingness to pay double taxes for the war effort but demanded transparency and a clear plan from Congress.

• "You want close to totaling, I think it's like 80 something to $100 billion. Man, look, I will pay my taxes twice this year to help with that nut."

Michael Knowles' Predictions Unravel [3:33]

• Knowles initially downplayed concerns about the war, dismissing predictions of oil price spikes and economic recession.
• He later acknowledged that predictions about the Strait of Hormuz closing and oil prices soaring had been wrong, indicating waning appetite for the war.

• "But as of now, all the Pana cans predictions have been wrong, all of them."

Underlying Reasons for the Shift [5:18]

• The shift in rhetoric is driven by devastating poll numbers for the Republican Party in upcoming elections.
• Influencers fear losing power, which would harm their donors in industries like oil and pharmaceuticals.

• "So what these guys are super panicked about is that they're gonna get wiped out and then they're gonna lose power."

Deepening Fractures in the MAGA Movement [6:45]

• The war has exposed deeper divisions than previous MAGA conflicts, alienating even loyal voters.
• Trump's support has declined significantly, with a third of core MAGA supporters leaving.

• "So now there's still about two thirds of MAGA left, which is remarkable."

The War's Impact on the Republican Party [7:35]

• The war is seen as a potential cause for the collapse of the entire Republican Party.
• Even loyal voters are realizing they were misled into a disastrous war for another country.

• "Because at this point, even their own voters, even their most loyal voters realize they're giant liars."

Future Outlook [8:17]

• The current situation suggests the beginning of a decline for the Republican Party in 2026, with a potential crisis in 2028.
• The ongoing war and its consequences are eroding public trust and support for the party.

• "So 26 is the beginning, but they hit the iceberg in 28."