Megyn in the middle
The Brand Brief 11.7.25: Tucker vs Shapiro, CPAC of the Left, FOX Nation Awards + programming note about next week
Actionable media intel to cut through the noise and keep you ahead: The Brand Brief delivers a daily snapshot of trending stories in the conservative media ecosystem - FOX News, podcasts, and more.
*** Programming note: The Brand Brief will be away Monday - Wednesday next week and will return Thursday. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the services of our nation’s veterans. ***
Brought to you by On Brand Strategies | Written by Carly Moran and Nathan Brand
📣 Driving the Conversation…
1,379 words | 6 minute read | Written to be skimmable (12+ hours of media covered in The Brand Brief)
What Matters: Tucker vs. Shapiro continues
New Media Voices: How to police your side
Leading FOX: Sydney Sweeney fan club
Trending and Pouncing: ICE protests and CPAC “for the left”
What the Right is Writing: Shutdown consequences
✍️ WHAT MATTERS AND WHERE WE’RE GOING…
Nathan’s quick take on where we’re headed…
Megyn Kelly’s latest live events featured conversations with Ben Shapiro and, earlier this week, with Tucker Carlson. It is not often that the biggest names in new media on the right get together like this, especially when they are so openly feuding (Shapiro did not mince words). Megyn’s full interviews with both are included below.
The moment is a reminder of how personality-driven the conservative media ecosystem is. Villains on the left, like Pelosi, Mamdani, or the stage full of crazies at CrookedCon. Celebrities talking culture like Sydney Sweeney or Nicki Minaj. Or voices on the right, like Megyn Kelly, Ben Shapiro, and Tucker Carlson. The Brand Brief exists to track the issues and topics they’re elevating. But often the personalities themselves are the headline. - NRB
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🎙️ NEW MEDIA VOICES
The Megyn Kelly Show feat. Tucker Carlson - 11/6
Kelly expresses her disappointment in the recent election results, emphasizing the importance of winning without Trump on the ballot
One silver lining, Kelly says, is Mamdani can now serve as a poster boy for Democrat’s extremism
She calls Gov. Newsom’s Prop 50 redistricting a power grab
Guest Tucker Carlson says his Nick Fuentes interview was an attempt at journalism, and says he rejects antisemitism and identity politics
Carlson emphasizes the importance of men building harmony with women, and the reality of spiritual warfare in daily life
The Megyn Kelly Show feat. Ben Shapiro - 11/7
Guest Ben Shapiro describes Nick Fuentes as a “Hitler-loving troll,” says Tucker Carlson is normalizing Fuentes by asking soft questions
Shapiro says after Charlie Kirk died, the two had agreed to collaborate on a project against the Democratic Socialists of America, but he never followed through
While Kelly says Carlson’s views on Israel are critical rather than antisemetic, Shapiro says he’s had other problematic moments, like not condemning Mamdani enough
Both Kelly and Shapiro agree that Candace Owens’ conspiracies surrounding Charlie Kirk’s death are concerning
The Ben Shapiro Show - 11/6
Shapiro argues that the next NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani went from friendly during campaigning to militant in his victory speech
Mamdani’s plans include spending $7 billion annually on rent stabilization, billions on municipal debt, and raising taxes on the wealthy
Some of Mamdani’s closest allies and donors include Muslim activist Linda Sarsour, CAIR, and of course the DSA
Shapiro says Mamdani has paved the way for more DSA-inspired candidates, such as in Georgia, Maine, Michigan, and Illinois
Shapiro says Republicans need to push messaging on affordability to fight the socialist indoctrination of Gen Z
The Benny Show - 11/7
The DOJ prepares to issue a grand subpoena for former CIA Director John Brennan in connection with the January 6th pipe bomber
Reflecting on visiting the TPUSA Auburn event, Mar-a-Lago, and the FOX awards, Johnson talks about returning to fighting for Americans over fighting each other
Guest Corey Lewandowski, Trump’s 2016 campaign manager and a former law enforcement officer, explains how it feels impossible to leave no DNA or video evidence of the pipe bomb incident
Johnson explains how many CCTV cameras are placed in DC, arguing the pipe bomb had to be an inside job if limited footage remains
In a prior interview, Guest U.S. Pardon Attorney Ed Martin says it was a part of a broader plan for shock, not murder
Guest Robby Starbuck, conservative activist, talks about how AI chatbots can be biased and even attack its users
“Family Matters” with C.J. Pearson - 11/7
Pearson encourages NYC voters to face the consequences of voting for Mamdani, warning of the crime wave to come
Guest Rodica Applewhite, the former Biden White House Director of Black Media, celebrates the numerous Democrat victories
While Applewhite says Mamdani offers a refreshing message for working class voters, Pearson says his solutions are impossible
Both Applewhite and Pearson agree that both parties need to address mass incarceration and broader economic concerns
Winsome Sears’ loss in Virginia could signal the end of identity politics, while controversial figures like Jay Jones still succeed
📺 LEADING FOX NEWS
A look inside the FOX editorial decision-making…
The Five
The Five reports live last night from the FOX Patriot Awards to discuss Erika Kirk’s interview with Jesse Watters
President Trump calls in live to TPUSA’s Auburn University event hosted by Eric and Lara Trump
Retiring former Speaker Nancy Pelosi describes Trump as “a vile creature” while Trump retorts that she’s “an evil woman”
Trump responds to Zohran Mamdani’s win by saying America has a choice between “communism or common sense”
The Five argue Senate Democrats are placing national air traffic safety at risk for their own selfish political ends
Sydney Sweeney defends her American Eagle jeans ad in a GQ interview
The Louvre’s security password was “LOUVRE”
FOX & Friends
Guest Rep. Elise Stefanik announces on air her run for New York governor
Sixth terror suspect arrested in association with attempted ISIS-inspired terror attack in Detroit
40 major airports will cancel flights starting today due to government shutdown
FOX holds the 7th annual Patriot Awards Ceremony with recipients Erika Kirk, Melania Trump
DC sandwich thrower found not guilty of assault
New poll shows cost of living is a top issue for all voters nationwide, with 71% of Americans saying groceries cost them more
Sydney Sweeney refuses to cave to targeted GQ interview question about her “Good Jeans” commercial
Guest Sen. Rick Scott talks about Kazakhstan joining the Abraham Peace Accords
The White House announces plans to reduce the cost of weight loss drugs from the thousands to as low as $149 a month
🍿 TRENDING AND POUNCING
Tomorrow’s news today: highlights from the conversation on the right and what conservatives are “pouncing” on…
Arrests made at sit-in protests at ICE detention facility in Illinois [X, FOX News]
The American Airlines executive just NUKED Chuck Schumer, demanding he stop inflicting suffering on millions at ONCE [X, Daugherty]
Pod Save America podcasters host CPAC ‘for the left’ [Politico]
Initial tweet: 2.7M. Immediate quote tweet admitting it’s complete BS: 70k. [X, Scher]
British WWII veteran cries: “My friends gave their lives for what? The country today!?” [X, End Wokeness]
🗞️ WHAT THE RIGHT IS WRITING
Leading FOX News Digital
Senate Republicans develop new funding plan to end historic government shutdown [FOX News]
Erika Kirk receives inaugural legacy award honoring late husband at Patriot Awards [FOX News]
Female track stars honored after refusing to share podium with trans competitor [FOX News]
Top of Breitbart
Breitbart News Holds a Policy Event with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy [Breitbart]
Florida Real Estate Surges as New Yorkers ‘Nervous’ About Socialist Mamdani [Breitbart]
Nolte: Nancy Pelosi Officially Announces Her Retirement [Breitbart]
Billionaire Alex Soros Hails Socialist Mamdani’s Win: ‘The American Dream’ [Breitbart]
Wall Street Journal Editorials
The FDA’s Meltdown Escalates [WSJ Ed]
Democrats Don’t Mind Your Flight Delays [WSJ Ed]
Trump’s Tariffs May Not Please the Court [WSJ Ed]
The Property Tax Revolt in Texas [WSJ Ed]
SAY HELLO
Nathan (@NathanBrandWA on X or Nathan@OnBrandStrategies.com) and Carly (@realCarlyMoran on X or Carly@OnBrandStrategies.com).
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