A non-meat campaign
The Brand Brief 3.18.26: James Talarico, Markwayne Mullin, Nancy Guthrie, Conan O'Brien, Joe Kent, Abigail Spanberger, Tulsi Gabbard, and Eugenio Suarez
Actionable media intel: The Brand Brief delivers a daily snapshot of the conservative media ecosystem - FOX News, podcasts, and more. | Brought to you by On Brand Strategies | Written by Carly Moran and Nathan Brand
📣 Driving the Conversation…
1,377 words | 7 minute read | Written to be skimmable (13+ hours of media covered in The Brand Brief)
What Matters: Steak is on the menu
New Media Voices: Iran, Israel, and Joe Kent
Leading FOX: Mullin, Leavitt, and Kent
Trending: Air strikes and baseball
What the Right is Writing: Air stirkes, SAVE America Act, and Kent
✍️ WHAT MATTERS AND WHERE WE’RE GOING…
Nathan’s quick take on where we’re headed…
There is good campaign oppo, then there are Texas-sized, viral hits like this.
James Talarico, running for U.S. Senate in Texas, pledged to run a “non-meat” campaign in 2022. Talarico’s statement on the matter is just as cringy. H/t Bobby LaValley for digging up this clip.
Fair to say, conservative media is feasting on this one. - NRB
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🎙️ NEW MEDIA VOICES
The Megyn Kelly Show - 3/17
Kelly reports on the implications of the blood patterns found at Nancy Guthrie’s home with expert Dr. Amy Santoro
Savannah Guthrie’s connection to the case brings heightened public concern, former FBI agents James Fitzgerald and Maureen O’Connell react
The panel criticizes the Pima County sheriff’s inconsistent communication and investigative interviewing techniques
They return to family dynamics, especially with the recent Kouri Richins case where a mother killed her husband and made money off his death
The Ben Shapiro Show - 3/17
Shapiro discusses the recent death of Ali Larijani, implications of potential successors like Mojtaba Khamenei
He argues Israeli airstrikes have significantly degraded the capabilities of the Islamic Republic and Revolutionary Guard Corps
Shapiro critiques the Biden admin’s inaction regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and the hypocrisy of accusations against the U.S. on women’s rights
He reacts to Joe Kent’s resignation from the National Counterterrorism Center
Shapiro condemns allies like the European Union’s focus on green energy over a unified strategy against Iran
The Michael Knowles Show - 3/17
Knowles notes a shift in support for Israel among certain factions of the American right
He highlights the security challenges posed by Iran, particularly under the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps
Knowles critiques recently deceased Paul Ehrlich’s predictions in The Population Bomb, arguing his alarmist views on global population growth should not dictate current family policy and have negatively impacted modern women’s views on having kids
He reacts to President Trump’s recent claims he’ll take Cuba next
Knowles questions California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s learning disabilities claims, and explains how victimhood narratives affect perceptions of competence in political leadership
The Brett Cooper Show - 3/17
Cooper critiques attempts at humor by presenters like Conan O’Brien at the Oscars as falling flat, as well as political speeches, reflecting a disconnect between Hollywood and contemporary audiences
She notes the significance of the film K-Pop Demon Hunters, especially its creator’s impactful speech
She reacts to the Oscars moving to YouTube in 2029
Cooper argues Timothee Chalamet played a role in enhancing social media buzz surrounding the event
Timcast IRL - 3/17
Roseanne Bar, Liv Boeree, and Jake Pentland all react to Joe Kent’s resignation over U.S. involvement in Iran, the split among MAGA
Council on Foreign Relations fellow James Lindsay’s influence in conservative circles is discussed with his views on Israel
The panel reviews Nick Shirley’s recent reporting on California fraud
They argue recent crime in Washington, D.C. points to deeper issues involving youth violence and racial perceptions, some suggest national service to discipline juvenile delinquents
📺 LEADING FOX NEWS
The Five
NATO allies are on notice as they refuse to assist in Iran, Israel confirms Iran’s security chief is dead, at least 80 Hezbollah structures destroyed
Democrats come out unanimously against the SAVE America Act despite 80% of Americans supporting voter ID
Texas Senate candidate James Talarico defends his radical posts as “out of context”
The Wall Street Journal defends the “Irish goodbye”
FOX & Friends
Israel confirms Iran’s top intel official killed in strikes, President Trump criticizes NATO allies for not assisting in the Strait of Hormuz, Sen. Tom Cotton reacts
The Senate begins debate on the SAVE Act
As the DHS shutdown continues, the White House offers a compromise of body cameras for ICE agents, limited enforcement in schools and hospitals, and greater facility oversight
Costco Pastor Lucas Gomes explains how online evangelism has led to Gen Z’s Christian movement
Four different Nebraska wildfires scorch more than 800,000 acres
A Minnesota bill would allow retirement homes to host happy hours
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos believes Nancy Guthrie was targeted, many are calling for his recall with no leads on her location
Following last night’s primaries, the Illinois governor’s race will be a rematch
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger is ripped for sanctuary policies as illegal migrant crime skyrockets
FIFA rejects Iran’s push to move the World Cup from the US to Mexico
A rare daytime meteor caused a sonic boom over Ohio
The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady today
Team USA loses to Venezuela in the Baseball World Classic
Luke Bryan is interviewed on his 13th appearance at RodeoHouston
FOX Newsroom
Sen. Markwayne Mullin’s DHS confirmation hearing begins live
Iran’s top intel chief killed by Israeli air strikes, U.S. unleashes 5,000 pound “bunker busters,” United Arab Emirates intercepts enemy missiles
Press Sec. Karoline Leavitt condemns live Joe Kent’s resignation from his top counterterrorism position, calls out NATO allies, shows support for SAVE America Act
TSA agents are interviewed on going without pay, “we feel completely forgotten”
Virginia’s sanctuary state policies are under fire after an 18-year-old illegal immigrant student groped high school girls
A panel of Tulsi Gabbard, John Ratcliffe, Kash Patel, Lt. Gen. William Hartman, and Lt. Gen. James Adams III testify live on worldwide threats
🍿 TRENDING AND POUNCING
Tomorrow’s news today…
Allied air strikes have just killed top Iranian leader Esmaeil Khatib who targeted President Donald Trump with violence. The man was also responsible for sleeper cells worldwide. [X, Daugherty]
Stephen Miller says ICE asked the illegals they’ve detained if they were receiving Medicaid. Half said they had been signed up. [X, Wall Street Apes]
Venezuela star Eugenio Suarez: “God is good! ALL the glory is for Lord Jesus!” [X, Daugherty]
TSA officer and union steward just snapped, “We don’t deserve this!” as Democrats drag the government shutdown! [X, Eagleman]
🗞️ WHAT THE RIGHT IS WRITING
FOX News Digital
Mullin faces Democrat grilling in first hurdle to lead DHS [FOX News]
Senate GOP dig in for weeks-long floor takeover to force election vote [FOX News]
Iranian leader who targeted US officials, including Trump, killed in strike [FOX News]
Breitbart
Sen. Rick Scott: Google Must Answer ‘Dangerous’ AI Allegations in ‘Code Red’ [Breitbart]
Polls: MAGA, GOP Overwhelmingly Back Trump’s Iran ‘Operation Epic Fury’ [Breitbart]
Wall Street Journal Editorials
Why the SAVE America Act . . . Won’t [WSJ Ed]
Joe Kent Resigns on Anti-Israel Principle [WSJ Ed]
The Allies Take a Pass on Iran [WSJ Ed]
The Battle for the Strait of Hormuz [WSJ Ed]
Paul Ehrlich, the Man Who Lost an Infamous Bet [WSJ Ed]
New York Post
Trump will ‘rebalance’ media, FCC boss tells Pod Force One — and urges broadcasters to air ‘pro-America’ programs [NYP]
Dem challenger in Texas House race starred in his own bizarre music video where he played a pervert [NYP]
Washington Free Beacon
‘Information Sharing and No Surprises’: Qatar Demanded American Schools in Doha ‘Be Aligned’ in Wake of Oct 7, Emails Show [WFB]
Washington Reporter
Sen. Tom Cotton unveils bill to denaturalize felons and terrorists [Reporter]
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