Lead Patriot

Right Leaning Commentary

Congressman Responds To Talk Show Host
The Scoop

Congressman Responds To Talk Show Host

Oh, Eric Swalwell. If there were ever a politician who could make his own bad press worse by trying to clap back, it’s this guy. The House is in recess, but that hasn’t stopped the California Democrat from taking shots at Republicans and Donald Trump — because apparently, that’s his idea of “work.” Former Democratic operative Dan Turrentine nailed it when he said they don’t actually have an agenda. So what does Swalwell do instead? He posts videos of himself swimming laps and lifting weights like some kind of budget Instagram fitness influencer, while claiming this “normal recess” is about the Epstein files. Seriously?


And here’s the kicker: Swalwell had a chance to actually “lower costs” for Americans — you know, by supporting tax relief — but he voted against what Trump proudly called the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which preserved tax cuts for working people. Instead of helping his constituents’ wallets, he’s filming cringe content for social media. That’s the kind of political theater that makes voters roll their eyes so hard they can see their brains.

Naturally, the internet had a field day. Greg Gutfeld, the reigning king of late-night TV, had some fun at Swalwell’s expense, calling his videos “the ick.” And instead of laughing it off like a grown adult, Swalwell went full middle school meltdown. His response? A bizarre “challenge” to Gutfeld:


“If tough guy benches more than me for 10 reps I’ll leave Congress. If not, he leaves Fox News.”

That’s a real quote. From a sitting member of Congress. It’s like watching a 12-year-old try to win an argument on the playground after getting roasted. Oh, and he tried to throw shade by claiming he’d “never heard” of Gutfeld — you know, the guy whose show just crushed every other late-night host in the ratings. Smooth move, Congressman.


For context: Gutfeld pulled in 2.9 million viewers compared to Colbert’s 2.2 million, Fallon’s 1 million, and Comedy Central’s sad little 507,000 for The Daily Show. Meanwhile, congressional Democrats sit at a 19% approval rating. Not exactly the scoreboard you want to compare, Eric.

Even Sen. Markwayne Mullin chimed in, offering to take Swalwell up on his “bench press challenge.” And here’s what Swalwell doesn’t seem to know: Gutfeld actually has a bodybuilding background. So this chest-thumping might not end the way he hopes.


If you’re keeping score: Gutfeld wins in ratings, in wit, and probably on the bench press. Swalwell? He’s stuck looking like the guy who got dunked on — and then challenged the dunker to a rematch.

Written by Arthur Higgens - July 31, 2025