What are we going to talk about after the midterms? A bunch of malarkey
The Brand Brief 7.16.26: Kai Trump, Todd Blanche, Karoline Leavitt, Tim Walz, Abdul El-Sayed, and Marco Rubio
NOTE: No Brand Brief tomorrow! Have a great weekend.
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…
1,322 words | 6 minute read | Written to be skimmable (12+ hours of media covered in The Brand Brief)
What Matters: More book buzz
New Media Voices: Western Civilization and Todd Blanche
Leading FOX: The DSA, Israel, and Kai Trump
Trending: JD Vance and Bill Maher
What the Right is Writing: Tim Walz, Marco Rubio, and the SAVE America Act
✍️ WHAT MATTERS AND WHERE WE’RE GOING…
Nathan’s quick take on where we’re headed…
Conservative media loves Democrat Book Buzz.
Yesterday, former President Joe Biden announced his new book will be hitting shelves this November - just two weeks after the midterms. He originally let slip a September release during an awkward moment earlier this year (see the video above).
It’s still four months out, but history tells us what’s coming: the grievance-filled book tours of Kamala Harris and Karine Jean-Pierre fed the conservative news cycle for weeks. Expect a sequel.
Mark your calendars! - NRB
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🎙️ NEW MEDIA VOICES
The Megyn Kelly Show - 7/15
Kelly criticizes the DSA platform for calling to eliminate the Senate, while making fun of Democrat candidate Haley Stevens’ voice alongside guest Adam Carolla
They argue the Emmys aren’t worth much after Meghan Markle received a nomination for her unpopular Netflix show
She argues Joe Biden’s incoherent book launch video underscores his incompetence as president
They react to Corey Comperatore’s widow saying the Butler, PA assassination attempt was an inside job
Kelly discusses how many celebrities treat their staff horrible behind the scenes, such as Ellen DeGeneres
The Ben Shapiro Show - 7/15
Shapiro argues that a video clip encapsulates the essence of Western civilization, and is the most important thing to watch
Pints of Aquinas host Matt Fradd and Dr. Peter Kreeft provides insights into the philosophy of love and marriage
Shapiro condemns the dangers of secular utilitarianism, as evidenced by a Canadian same-sex couple suing their surrogate for a baby with a cleft lip
He makes the case for the moral imperative of American foreign policy to uphold individual rights, rooted in Judeo-Christian principles
The Isabel Brown Show - 7/15
Brown argues Gen Z’s withdrawal from dating and relationships stems from a lack of social skills and opportunities
She features guest Professor Brad Wilcox’s research, showing a strong correlation between marriage and happiness
Brown references how Charlie Kirk criticized the misconception that career success leads to greater happiness than marriage, calling out the false dichotomy that pressures young women to choose
She argues social media, streaming services, and porn are all eroding intimacy and distracting younger generations
Tony Kinnett Cast - 7/15
Kinnett argues that U.S. military strikes in Iran are essential to counter the growing threat posed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while criticizing Democrats for refusing to engage in negotiations
He weighs whether the administration will expand operations in Iran or switch part of their attention toward Cuba
Referencing Iran’s new kamikaze drones, he emphasizes the need to counter with stronger technology
He describes Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing as political theatre overshadowing serious issues like fraud
The Trish Regan Show - 7/15
Regan expects a significant purge within U.S. intelligence agencies, particularly under the leadership of Tulsi Gabbard and Bill Pulte
As Todd Blanche prepares to take over the DOJ and Jay Clayton the DNI, evidence could get shared as soon as this week
She slams former DOJ official Jack Smith for his controversial investigation into President Trump and other GOP leaders’ emails and texts
📺 LEADING FOX NEWS
The Five
President Trump says Iran “better behave” or else their power plants and bridges will be hit, VP JD Vance tells Joe Rogan there will be no boots on the ground
DSA member Michaela Brangan calls for the eradication of the presidency, socialist Frances Gill claims every U.S. president has been evil
LA Mayor Karen Bass says the homeless use meth to stay awake out of fear of getting attacked by others on the street
Joe Biden announces his new book Promise Me, America, which was likely also autopenned
FOX & Friends
An American captive has been released from Iran, murals in Tehran show anti-Trump messaging
Argentina faces Spain in the World Cup Final this Sunday
Democrats remain divided on Israel, with 103 voting to cut aid
The entire northeast of the U.S. is covered in ashy smoke from Canada’s untamed wildfires
Press Sec. Karoline Leavitt will hold her first briefing since going on maternity leave
Jillian Michaels speaks about how Gen Z is leading the “healthmaxxing” movement
Toyota recalls more than 5,000 vehicles
A Florida woman is angered by her new license plate reading SQZA55
President Trump overturns the pause on ICE traffic stops one day after Border Czar Tom Homan’s order
Rep. Nancy Pelosi criticizes Democrats for supporting socialist challengers
The Senate continues fiery hearings for Todd Blanche as the next attorney general
Wounded Warrior Project CEO Walt Piatt kicks off the soldier bike ride in Times Square
Polls show voters have lost trust in higher education
Special guest Kai Trump explains how she shares the presidency and her golfing with fans via social media
🍿 TRENDING AND POUNCING
Tomorrow’s news today…
Bill Maher to NPR: “What the right wing hates the most about the left is their condescending attitude — and I don’t blame them.” [X, Cohen]
Vance: “A single ballot cast illegally in an American election is in fact the theft of the ballot from another American citizen.” [X, Daily Caller]
🗞️ WHAT THE RIGHT IS WRITING
FOX News Digital
Trump teases major White House address [FOX News]
Tim Walz offers strange defense for pardoning convicted child rapist [FOX News]
Breitbart
Britons Told to Stockpile 1-Year Supply of Food, Water, Over Russian ‘Hybrid Threat’ [Breitbart]
Trump Drops 20% Strait of Hormuz Reimbursement Fee for Trade Deals [Breitbart]
Mexican Government Sends Lawyers to Block ICE Deportations [Breitbart]
Wall Street Journal Editorials
Democrats Blockade U.S. National Security [WSJ Ed]
Todd Blanche’s Pitch for Permanent Attorney General [WSJ Ed]
Lindsey Graham’s Plan to Pressure Russia [WSJ Ed]
Some Good News on Inflation [WSJ Ed]
New York Post
Charlie Kirk ‘freedom’ statue to be unveiled in ‘center of the universe’ in NYC on anniversary of his assassination [NYP]
Thune tells The Post about potential breakthrough on SAVE America Act — led by Lindsey Graham [NYP]
Thune unsure ‘any one person’ could fill void left by Sen. Graham’s death: ‘Really effective voice’ [NYP]
Washington Free Beacon
Abdul El-Sayed in Top 1 Percent of Michigan Earners, Partial Tax Release Shows [WFB]
Washington Reporter
Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised by Senate Republicans for taking on “corrupt” ICC [Reporter]
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