Why Are Young Lefties Going Full Communist?

Radio host and podcaster Craig Collins is in for Jim. Join Craig and Greg for the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch as they react to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announcing new training standards and rules of engagement, young lefties insisting communism has never truly been attempted, and the revelation that nearly half of young people regularly get their news from TikTok.

First, they review Sec. Hegseth's speech to generals and admirals at Quantico today. In addition to Hegseth's demand for elite fitness at all ranks and the eradication of woke policies in the military, Hegseth also focused on returning to one tough standard for everyone in order to serve in combat and getting rid of "stupid" rules of engagement. The left and the media were immediately critical, but are these good ideas for military readiness?

Next, they examine a Jim Geraghty column at National Review on why so many young leftists insist communism has never been tried correctly. Greg outlines the bloody record of communist regimes throughout history, while Craig argues that the frustrations of younger generations, rooted in the 2008 financial crisis, won’t be solved by embracing socialism or communism.

Finally, they react to Pew Research polling showing 43 percent of Americans ages 18-29 regularly get their news from TikTok. Craig and Greg warn that while social media can provide reliable news if curated carefully, TikTok often pushes propaganda and indoctrination that can be harmful to young audiences.