Join Erick Stackelbeck as he discusses the looming end of Hamas, negotiations for Israeli hostages, and the challenges of verifying disarmament. Top foreign policy experts Cliff May and Brad Bowman weigh in on the role of President Trump's peace plan and the influence of Russia and Iran. Delve into the growing relationship between these aggressors, along with updates on Hollywood's shift towards faith-based media. Bill Abbott of Great American Media shares insights on the company's mission to promote faith, family, and freedom. Discover the hope in the midst of darkness as the program explores current events and trends shaping the world.
#News
#Media
#Government
#Politics
#Israel
#Culture
#War
#Terrorism
#Military
#Faith
#Family
#Morals
#Deception
Closed captions
Show Timecode
Stakelbeck Tonight | Erick Stakelbeck: Hope for the Hostages | Stakelbeck Tonight | October 6, 2025
- Welcome to stakelbeck tonight i'm erick stackelbeck
- 00:00:03.226 --> 00:00:05.762
- And you are witnessing right now the end of hamas.
- 00:00:05.762 --> 00:00:10.633
- Whether hamas accepts
- 00:00:10.633 --> 00:00:11.935
- President trump's peace plan, lays down its arms and releases
- 00:00:11.935 --> 00:00:15.805
- The remaining israeli hostages, or it rejects the plan
- 00:00:15.805 --> 00:00:20.043
- And is then destroyed by the israel defense forces.
- 00:00:20.043 --> 00:00:23.179
- There is no way forward for this modern day nazi death cult.
- 00:00:23.179 --> 00:00:28.485
- Tomorrow marks the two year
- 00:00:28.485 --> 00:00:29.853
- Anniversary of the october 7th massacre for hamas.
- 00:00:29.853 --> 00:00:33.756
- This was its crowning achievement.
- 00:00:33.756 --> 00:00:36.259
- 1200 israelis slaughtered, hundreds
- 00:00:36.259 --> 00:00:39.329
- More dragged into hellish captivity in gaza.
- 00:00:39.329 --> 00:00:42.799
- What hamas didn't realize is that on that day,
- 00:00:42.799 --> 00:00:46.002
- It signed its own death warrant.
- 00:00:46.002 --> 00:00:48.371
- Over the past two years,
- 00:00:48.371 --> 00:00:49.539
- The idf has completely smashed the iran backed terror group
- 00:00:49.539 --> 00:00:53.676
- And eliminated most of its leaders. now
- 00:00:53.676 --> 00:00:56.679
- Hamas faces a choice surrender or be utterly destroyed.
- 00:00:56.679 --> 00:01:01.651
- President trump's peace plan,
- 00:01:01.651 --> 00:01:03.086
- Which has the backing of israeli prime
- 00:01:03.086 --> 00:01:05.221
- Minister benjamin netanyahu in most arab and muslim nations,
- 00:01:05.221 --> 00:01:09.125
- Does not leave hamas any wiggle room.
- 00:01:09.125 --> 00:01:11.995
- In the meantime, secretary of state marco
- 00:01:11.995 --> 00:01:14.364
- Rubio had a reality check sunday for all those in europe
- 00:01:14.364 --> 00:01:18.468
- And the halls of the u.n., who are demanding the immediate
- 00:01:18.468 --> 00:01:21.604
- Recognition of a palestinian state.
- 00:01:21.604 --> 00:01:24.507
- Watch.
- 00:01:24.507 --> 00:01:25.742
- Israel has no interest in governing gaza.
- 00:01:25.742 --> 00:01:27.577
- They want to turn it over to somebody,
- 00:01:27.577 --> 00:01:30.213
- Some organization that will govern it,
- 00:01:30.213 --> 00:01:31.915
- That will not build tunnels and sponsor terrorism and come
- 00:01:31.915 --> 00:01:35.385
- Across the line and kidnap, rape and murder israelis.
- 00:01:35.385 --> 00:01:39.289
- That's who they want to turn it over to.
- 00:01:39.289 --> 00:01:41.057
- Right now, that doesn't exist. that has to be built.
- 00:01:41.057 --> 00:01:43.426
- We can't have a
- 00:01:43.426 --> 00:01:44.561
- Palestinian state that's governed by hamas
- 00:01:44.561 --> 00:01:46.729
- Or by some terrorist organization
- 00:01:46.729 --> 00:01:48.364
- Whose stated purpose for existence
- 00:01:48.364 --> 00:01:50.133
- Is the destruction of the jewish state.
- 00:01:50.133 --> 00:01:51.701
- That will never work until there is
- 00:01:51.701 --> 00:01:54.204
- Until gaza is governed by people that are not interested
- 00:01:54.204 --> 00:01:58.107
- In destroying israel
- 00:01:58.107 --> 00:01:59.175
- Until there are no security threats
- 00:01:59.175 --> 00:02:00.877
- Emanating against israel from gaza.
- 00:02:00.877 --> 00:02:02.912
- You're not forgetting about statehood.
- 00:02:02.912 --> 00:02:04.280
- You're not going to have peace.
- 00:02:04.280 --> 00:02:05.448
- So we have to create the conditions for that.
- 00:02:05.448 --> 00:02:08.117
- That's going to take a while.
- 00:02:08.117 --> 00:02:10.019
- And that's going to be part of what these negotiations
- 00:02:10.019 --> 00:02:12.222
- Are about in the days to come.
- 00:02:12.222 --> 00:02:13.556
- But right now, the priority number one
- 00:02:13.556 --> 00:02:15.525
- Is to get the hostages released.
- 00:02:15.525 --> 00:02:17.060
- If we can't even get an agreement
- 00:02:17.060 --> 00:02:18.595
- On the hostages being released,
- 00:02:18.595 --> 00:02:19.929
- You ain't going to have long term peace here,
- 00:02:19.929 --> 00:02:22.332
- Folks.
- 00:02:22.532 --> 00:02:23.700
- Today marks the beginning of the feast of tabernacles
- 00:02:23.700 --> 00:02:26.703
- Or sukkot.
- 00:02:26.703 --> 00:02:27.804
- It's a week long biblical festival
- 00:02:27.804 --> 00:02:29.505
- That wraps up the jewish high holy days.
- 00:02:29.505 --> 00:02:32.375
- What a celebration.
- 00:02:32.375 --> 00:02:33.576
- We'd see
- 00:02:33.576 --> 00:02:34.811
- If the 48 remaining israeli hostages, at least 20 of them
- 00:02:34.811 --> 00:02:38.381
- Still alive, were to return home from captivity this week.
- 00:02:38.381 --> 00:02:42.752
- That's the prayer.
- 00:02:42.752 --> 00:02:44.020
- But the ball is in hamas's court, which is never
- 00:02:44.020 --> 00:02:47.523
- A good place to be.
- 00:02:47.523 --> 00:02:49.292
- So what comes next with the negotiations?
- 00:02:49.292 --> 00:02:51.728
- And what about the growing relationship between hamas's
- 00:02:51.728 --> 00:02:55.098
- Masters in tehran and vladimir putin?
- 00:02:55.098 --> 00:02:58.167
- We get the inside story from two top foreign policy experts.
- 00:02:58.167 --> 00:03:01.838
- Next.
- 00:03:02.071 --> 00:03:19.322
- President trump has urged negotiators in egypt
- 00:03:20.223 --> 00:03:23.326
- To move fast, warning of massive bloodshed if talks fail.
- 00:03:23.326 --> 00:03:28.598
- Prime minister
- 00:03:28.598 --> 00:03:29.832
- Netanyahu says a hostage release may be announced this week.
- 00:03:29.832 --> 00:03:33.002
- But will hamas disarm?
- 00:03:33.002 --> 00:03:35.271
- And how do you verify compliance in a war zone?
- 00:03:35.271 --> 00:03:38.741
- Joining us now to help break it down are cliff
- 00:03:38.741 --> 00:03:40.810
- May, president of the foundation for defense of democracies
- 00:03:40.810 --> 00:03:43.880
- In washington, d.c., and brad bowman, senior director
- 00:03:43.880 --> 00:03:47.216
- Of the center on military and political power at fdd.
- 00:03:47.216 --> 00:03:51.087
- Gentlemen, welcome.
- 00:03:51.087 --> 00:03:52.221
- Always great to see you.
- 00:03:52.221 --> 00:03:53.890
- A cliff, i guess a big question.
- 00:03:53.890 --> 00:03:55.258
- One of the big questions is, as israel and hamas
- 00:03:55.258 --> 00:03:58.728
- Are engaged in indirect negotiations in egypt.
- 00:03:58.728 --> 00:04:02.065
- How much leverage does the united states have here?
- 00:04:02.065 --> 00:04:04.734
- Does president trump have here in pushing this deal forward?
- 00:04:04.734 --> 00:04:08.571
- Well what's higher?
- 00:04:09.038 --> 00:04:10.440
- Great to see you. thanks for having us on.
- 00:04:10.440 --> 00:04:12.575
- I would say that the secret sauce in president trump's deal
- 00:04:12.575 --> 00:04:17.780
- Is that it's backed by pragmatic arab states, saudi arabia,
- 00:04:17.780 --> 00:04:22.518
- The uae. it's backed by egypt.
- 00:04:22.518 --> 00:04:25.021
- It's even backed by turkey, not an arab state,
- 00:04:25.021 --> 00:04:28.324
- Not necessarily
- 00:04:28.324 --> 00:04:29.492
- Pragmatic, a member of nato, but a supporter of hamas.
- 00:04:29.492 --> 00:04:33.162
- And it's supported by qatar.
- 00:04:33.162 --> 00:04:35.264
- Qatar is a state that supports the muslim brotherhood,
- 00:04:35.264 --> 00:04:38.868
- That supports hamas, has spent billions of dollars on hamas.
- 00:04:38.868 --> 00:04:42.572
- To have that behind him makes this very different
- 00:04:42.572 --> 00:04:45.908
- From anything else.
- 00:04:45.908 --> 00:04:47.610
- How much pressure they're putting on hamas.
- 00:04:47.610 --> 00:04:49.846
- We can only kind of guess.
- 00:04:49.846 --> 00:04:52.482
- I'm hopeful that they're saying to hamas,
- 00:04:52.482 --> 00:04:54.450
- This really has to be the end of the line, guys.
- 00:04:54.450 --> 00:04:57.420
- We want to get this done where
- 00:04:57.420 --> 00:04:59.722
- We can't continue to support you at this point.
- 00:04:59.722 --> 00:05:02.759
- And so
- 00:05:02.959 --> 00:05:04.160
- Let's go along with trump's deal for all sorts of reasons.
- 00:05:04.160 --> 00:05:07.029
- That's my that's my hope.
- 00:05:07.029 --> 00:05:08.464
- And that's where the strength lies in this plan in my view.
- 00:05:08.464 --> 00:05:11.834
- Yeah. cliff good points all around.
- 00:05:11.834 --> 00:05:13.503
- And brad, how difficult is it
- 00:05:13.503 --> 00:05:15.071
- For the remaining hostages who are alive, of course.
- 00:05:15.071 --> 00:05:17.673
- And the remains of hostages who were killed as well.
- 00:05:17.673 --> 00:05:20.309
- How tough in the middle of this
- 00:05:20.309 --> 00:05:21.577
- War zone in gaza will it be to get the first of all,
- 00:05:21.577 --> 00:05:25.047
- To locate the hostages, but to actually get them out?
- 00:05:25.047 --> 00:05:28.284
- How much of a challenge could that be?
- 00:05:28.284 --> 00:05:30.553
- It is incredibly challenging.
- 00:05:31.187 --> 00:05:33.423
- Assuming you have a partner in good faith on the other side,
- 00:05:33.423 --> 00:05:36.626
- Which of course we don't have
- 00:05:36.626 --> 00:05:37.827
- Are talking about hamas, a designated foreign
- 00:05:37.827 --> 00:05:39.595
- Terrorist organization that started this war
- 00:05:39.595 --> 00:05:41.831
- And is ultimately responsible for the suffering
- 00:05:41.831 --> 00:05:44.200
- Palestinian people have suffered
- 00:05:44.200 --> 00:05:45.568
- Since they conducted the horrific attack on october 7th.
- 00:05:45.568 --> 00:05:48.671
- So even if they had the goodwill
- 00:05:48.671 --> 00:05:50.807
- To make good on their commitments,
- 00:05:50.807 --> 00:05:52.708
- We know that of the 48 hostages, most of them are sadly
- 00:05:52.708 --> 00:05:56.312
- Deceased.
- 00:05:56.312 --> 00:05:57.280
- And so finding their remains is one thing.
- 00:05:57.280 --> 00:06:00.716
- And then, and then and then confirming,
- 00:06:00.716 --> 00:06:04.620
- Their location and then playing, having the red
- 00:06:05.521 --> 00:06:08.391
- Cross, hopefully play
- 00:06:08.391 --> 00:06:09.358
- A role is is more difficult than it sounds.
- 00:06:09.358 --> 00:06:12.295
- And that's
- 00:06:12.295 --> 00:06:13.396
- Why you need organizations like the red cross here.
- 00:06:13.396 --> 00:06:15.698
- But, one of the things that bothers me most
- 00:06:15.698 --> 00:06:18.267
- Is that when you look at the agreement,
- 00:06:18.267 --> 00:06:20.336
- We're going to have to see a lot of of,
- 00:06:20.336 --> 00:06:23.739
- Prisoners released by the israelis.
- 00:06:23.739 --> 00:06:26.042
- And, unfortunately,
- 00:06:26.042 --> 00:06:27.410
- Many of these are stone cold terrorists,
- 00:06:27.410 --> 00:06:29.011
- And we know that they're going
- 00:06:29.011 --> 00:06:29.912
- To want to return right to terrorism.
- 00:06:29.912 --> 00:06:31.280
- So that's one of the,
- 00:06:31.280 --> 00:06:33.115
- Parts of the agreement here that is most troubling.
- 00:06:33.115 --> 00:06:35.685
- Yeah, that is a bitter pill to swallow.
- 00:06:35.685 --> 00:06:37.453
- Brad and cliff, we're talking verification about the hostages.
- 00:06:37.453 --> 00:06:40.690
- What about verifying that hamas will actually disarm?
- 00:06:40.690 --> 00:06:45.361
- And number one, will they agree to disarm at all?
- 00:06:45.361 --> 00:06:48.931
- I mean, will
- 00:06:48.931 --> 00:06:50.166
- They make that big concession on hamas's part, needless to say.
- 00:06:50.166 --> 00:06:53.536
- Will hamas actually disarm?
- 00:06:53.536 --> 00:06:56.639
- Well, i'm dubious, but i got i would say
- 00:06:56.639 --> 00:06:59.041
- This, eric, that the don't leave too soon.
- 00:06:59.041 --> 00:07:02.178
- The question of the hostages.
- 00:07:02.178 --> 00:07:03.613
- This is the threshold question.
- 00:07:03.613 --> 00:07:05.815
- It's extraordinarily important for israelis,
- 00:07:05.815 --> 00:07:08.985
- Based on
- 00:07:09.252 --> 00:07:10.453
- Religion, based on culture, the redeeming of the captives.
- 00:07:10.453 --> 00:07:13.222
- That's what they want.
- 00:07:13.222 --> 00:07:14.457
- First and foremost, president trump sees that.
- 00:07:14.457 --> 00:07:17.827
- And he said very clearly it has to be all the hostages.
- 00:07:17.827 --> 00:07:21.297
- Again, the 20 that are alive.
- 00:07:21.297 --> 00:07:23.733
- The, about, i think roughly 25 that are deceased were the 20
- 00:07:23.733 --> 00:07:27.336
- That are alive. that has to take place.
- 00:07:27.336 --> 00:07:30.273
- Will hamas do it?
- 00:07:30.273 --> 00:07:32.141
- They don't want to do it.
- 00:07:32.141 --> 00:07:34.544
- They get not just what brad just said, 250
- 00:07:34.544 --> 00:07:38.214
- Or so convicted terrorists convicted of murder
- 00:07:38.214 --> 00:07:41.317
- Is serving in jail.
- 00:07:41.317 --> 00:07:42.351
- They get out free 1700,
- 00:07:42.351 --> 00:07:45.288
- Gazans who have been detained during this two years of war.
- 00:07:45.288 --> 00:07:49.759
- Again, as brad says,
- 00:07:49.759 --> 00:07:50.760
- Many will go back to to terrorism, to jihadism.
- 00:07:50.760 --> 00:07:53.863
- The israelis understand all that.
- 00:07:53.863 --> 00:07:56.198
- The here's the other end.
- 00:07:56.198 --> 00:07:57.333
- The thing that that that the gazans in the tunnels get.
- 00:07:57.333 --> 00:08:00.603
- Keep in mind,
- 00:08:00.603 --> 00:08:01.804
- There were still hamas leaders in doha, the capital of qatar,
- 00:08:01.804 --> 00:08:05.408
- Who i hope are being pressured by the qatar.
- 00:08:05.408 --> 00:08:08.244
- The there has to the the qataris are saying our hospitality
- 00:08:08.244 --> 00:08:11.447
- Will not extend if this deal does not unfold as it should.
- 00:08:11.447 --> 00:08:16.085
- The ones in the tunnels, they know now
- 00:08:16.085 --> 00:08:19.922
- That they can get passage safe passage
- 00:08:19.922 --> 00:08:22.325
- Out of gaza to a third country, probably of their choice.
- 00:08:22.325 --> 00:08:26.262
- If this deal goes through, would they prefer that
- 00:08:26.262 --> 00:08:29.865
- Or would they prefer to die as martyrs?
- 00:08:29.865 --> 00:08:32.068
- You know, there's no phrase that brad knows as a veteran.
- 00:08:32.068 --> 00:08:35.972
- There are no atheists in a foxhole.
- 00:08:35.972 --> 00:08:37.940
- It takes on a very different meaning
- 00:08:37.940 --> 00:08:39.976
- When you when your your theology is jihadism
- 00:08:39.976 --> 00:08:43.546
- And you think that there are rewards in paradise
- 00:08:43.546 --> 00:08:46.248
- If you die a martyr to the cause of islamic supremacism
- 00:08:46.248 --> 00:08:49.986
- And dominance in the world.
- 00:08:49.986 --> 00:08:51.587
- So that's what we have to figure after that.
- 00:08:51.587 --> 00:08:54.523
- A lot can happen.
- 00:08:54.523 --> 00:08:55.491
- A lot can go wrong.
- 00:08:55.491 --> 00:08:57.293
- They'll give up some weapons.
- 00:08:57.293 --> 00:08:58.628
- Perhaps they'll hold on to others.
- 00:08:58.628 --> 00:09:00.396
- I think the,
- 00:09:00.396 --> 00:09:01.731
- A cease fire will hold up until the time when somebody
- 00:09:01.731 --> 00:09:04.734
- From hamas, seasoned israeli soldier
- 00:09:04.734 --> 00:09:07.203
- And takes a shot, then it falls apart, doesn't it?
- 00:09:07.203 --> 00:09:10.239
- A lot of things will can i can happen.
- 00:09:10.239 --> 00:09:12.308
- But this is the threshold. do they?
- 00:09:12.308 --> 00:09:14.710
- Does hamas give up the hostages
- 00:09:14.710 --> 00:09:17.747
- Within a within a few days from now?
- 00:09:17.747 --> 00:09:20.349
- Yeah,
- 00:09:20.349 --> 00:09:21.550
- Yeah.
- 00:09:21.784 --> 00:09:22.418
- And president trump seems,
- 00:09:22.418 --> 00:09:24.120
- In no mood to play games, have this all strung out,
- 00:09:24.120 --> 00:09:27.156
- Which hamas would love to do more
- 00:09:27.156 --> 00:09:29.091
- With cliff may and brad bowman after the break
- 00:09:29.091 --> 00:09:30.993
- From the great foundation for defense of democracies.
- 00:09:30.993 --> 00:09:33.429
- What about hamas's masters in tehran?
- 00:09:33.429 --> 00:09:36.332
- Their growing relationship with russia?
- 00:09:36.332 --> 00:09:38.567
- What about russia threatening nato
- 00:09:38.567 --> 00:09:41.003
- In a pretty major way over the past few weeks?
- 00:09:41.003 --> 00:09:43.039
- We'll get all the latest breakdowns
- 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:44.473
- From cliff and brad after the break.
- 00:09:44.473 --> 00:09:46.776
- Stick around.
- 00:09:46.776 --> 00:09:52.005
- Stick around.
- 00:09:52.005 --> 00:09:54.885
- Welcome back to stakelbeck tonight
- 00:09:55.619 --> 00:09:57.020
- We're talking to our good friends, cliff may and brad
- 00:09:57.020 --> 00:09:58.822
- Bowman of the great foundation for defense of democracies
- 00:09:58.822 --> 00:10:01.324
- In washington, d.c..
- 00:10:01.324 --> 00:10:02.726
- Brad, shifting a bit, we're just talking
- 00:10:02.726 --> 00:10:04.928
- Middle east, shifting a bit to europe.
- 00:10:04.928 --> 00:10:07.097
- Poland reported on september 10th that some 19 russian drones
- 00:10:07.097 --> 00:10:11.468
- Made an incursion into polish territory.
- 00:10:11.468 --> 00:10:14.004
- Romania reported a similar situation
- 00:10:14.004 --> 00:10:16.973
- A few days later with these russian incursions.
- 00:10:16.973 --> 00:10:20.777
- How concerned should nato be right now that
- 00:10:20.777 --> 00:10:23.213
- Vladimir putin's regime is probing beyond ukraine?
- 00:10:23.213 --> 00:10:26.717
- It's a great question and beyond concern.
- 00:10:27.584 --> 00:10:30.153
- That's absolutely what is happening,
- 00:10:30.153 --> 00:10:32.089
- Where vladimir putin sees weakness or hesitation,
- 00:10:32.089 --> 00:10:35.459
- He sees that as a green light for additional aggression.
- 00:10:35.459 --> 00:10:38.095
- And exactly right on september 10th,
- 00:10:38.095 --> 00:10:40.297
- We had roughly 19,
- 00:10:40.297 --> 00:10:41.798
- Russian drones penetrating the airspace
- 00:10:41.798 --> 00:10:43.567
- Of poland and nato ally.
- 00:10:43.567 --> 00:10:45.435
- And then a short time later, on september 14th,
- 00:10:45.435 --> 00:10:48.472
- We saw, as you said, a, russian drone over romanian airspace
- 00:10:48.472 --> 00:10:52.542
- And then let me out on september 20th,
- 00:10:52.542 --> 00:10:54.811
- You saw we had russian mig 31 fighters
- 00:10:54.811 --> 00:10:57.681
- Violating the airspace of estonia, another nato ally.
- 00:10:57.681 --> 00:11:01.184
- So i believe he's looking
- 00:11:01.184 --> 00:11:02.352
- At some of our hesitation to impose greater consequences,
- 00:11:02.352 --> 00:11:05.489
- For his unprovoked,
- 00:11:05.956 --> 00:11:07.224
- Massive re invasion
- 00:11:07.224 --> 00:11:08.391
- Of ukraine, the largest war in europe since world war two.
- 00:11:08.391 --> 00:11:11.795
- Any. and he's testing nato.
- 00:11:11.795 --> 00:11:13.430
- He's seeing how well respond.
- 00:11:13.430 --> 00:11:14.798
- And we responded by using really, really expensive
- 00:11:14.798 --> 00:11:19.569
- Air launched munitions one and many of them roughly $1
- 00:11:19.569 --> 00:11:22.606
- Million each, to shoot down about $100,000 or so drones.
- 00:11:22.606 --> 00:11:26.643
- And by the way, let me quickly add
- 00:11:26.643 --> 00:11:28.678
- That these drones, many of them that have been used by russia
- 00:11:28.678 --> 00:11:31.548
- To probe nato,
- 00:11:31.548 --> 00:11:32.883
- Those would not be there in the way that they were
- 00:11:32.883 --> 00:11:34.885
- If it weren't for the support of the islamic republic of iran.
- 00:11:34.885 --> 00:11:38.121
- Iran began providing russia these drones in 2022
- 00:11:38.121 --> 00:11:42.492
- To support putin's war
- 00:11:42.492 --> 00:11:44.094
- And then spent,
- 00:11:44.094 --> 00:11:45.128
- A whole lot of money and time helping
- 00:11:45.128 --> 00:11:46.730
- Russia build a domestic production capacity.
- 00:11:46.730 --> 00:11:50.066
- So we've gone from a situation where the ukrainian men,
- 00:11:50.066 --> 00:11:53.236
- Women and children trying to defend their homes
- 00:11:53.236 --> 00:11:55.005
- Are having a few dozen of these shithead style drones
- 00:11:55.005 --> 00:11:58.475
- Go into hundreds of them.
- 00:11:58.475 --> 00:11:59.743
- And the purpose is to overwhelm ukrainian air missile defenses.
- 00:11:59.743 --> 00:12:04.181
- And as a result, these attacks are more successful
- 00:12:04.181 --> 00:12:06.850
- And you have more dead ukrainian.
- 00:12:06.850 --> 00:12:08.084
- So when the chairman of the joint
- 00:12:08.084 --> 00:12:09.719
- Chiefs of staff, dan kaine, said in this summer,
- 00:12:09.719 --> 00:12:12.155
- There were seeing, quote, unprecedented, cooperation
- 00:12:12.155 --> 00:12:16.193
- Between this axis of aggressor
- 00:12:16.193 --> 00:12:17.694
- China, russia, iran, north korea,
- 00:12:17.694 --> 00:12:19.563
- That is not theoretical, that is real,
- 00:12:19.563 --> 00:12:21.565
- That is the islamic republic of iran supporting russia.
- 00:12:21.565 --> 00:12:25.035
- And that's the worst war in europe since world war two.
- 00:12:25.035 --> 00:12:27.838
- Brad, great points.
- 00:12:27.838 --> 00:12:28.939
- The iranian regime's nefarious influence stretches far
- 00:12:28.939 --> 00:12:31.808
- Beyond the middle east. cliff, you know that very well.
- 00:12:31.808 --> 00:12:34.044
- Talk cliff a bit more about that russia iran relationship.
- 00:12:34.044 --> 00:12:36.880
- Russia just announced recently
- 00:12:36.880 --> 00:12:38.315
- It's going to help iran build nuclear reactors as well.
- 00:12:38.315 --> 00:12:41.484
- That relationship runs deep, and it's a big danger
- 00:12:41.484 --> 00:12:43.954
- Not only to israel but to the west.
- 00:12:43.954 --> 00:12:46.256
- And yes, it is and is, as brad
- 00:12:46.857 --> 00:12:49.926
- Sanders suggested, this is part of well,
- 00:12:49.926 --> 00:12:53.630
- We have been calling
- 00:12:53.630 --> 00:12:54.598
- For some years now at an axis of aggressors,
- 00:12:54.598 --> 00:12:58.134
- And it's a very strange axis in the in the following way.
- 00:12:58.134 --> 00:13:01.371
- Russia at this point is neo imperialist.
- 00:13:01.371 --> 00:13:04.641
- What putin wants to do, it's his life
- 00:13:04.641 --> 00:13:06.643
- Mission is to restore the russian empire,
- 00:13:06.643 --> 00:13:09.512
- Which for a number of years,
- 00:13:09.512 --> 00:13:10.947
- Number of decades was the soviet empire.
- 00:13:10.947 --> 00:13:13.516
- And in fact, it was at its largest
- 00:13:13.516 --> 00:13:15.418
- When it was the soviet
- 00:13:15.418 --> 00:13:16.386
- Empire under stalin, because you even had,
- 00:13:16.386 --> 00:13:19.322
- The east european satellite states
- 00:13:20.090 --> 00:13:22.125
- That were essentially vassals.
- 00:13:22.125 --> 00:13:23.994
- Now he is in league with the islamist,
- 00:13:23.994 --> 00:13:27.364
- Islamic republic of iran.
- 00:13:27.364 --> 00:13:28.999
- They are jihadis.
- 00:13:28.999 --> 00:13:30.133
- They are for islamic dominance,
- 00:13:30.133 --> 00:13:31.601
- The establishment of a new great islamic empire.
- 00:13:31.601 --> 00:13:34.537
- People forget that
- 00:13:34.537 --> 00:13:35.972
- Islamic empires ruled the world for about a thousand years,
- 00:13:35.972 --> 00:13:38.842
- And both are very close now,
- 00:13:38.842 --> 00:13:40.911
- With the most strongest communist party
- 00:13:40.911 --> 00:13:43.880
- In all of history that would be in beijing,
- 00:13:43.880 --> 00:13:47.117
- Ruled by xi jinping, and also with kim jong un's
- 00:13:47.117 --> 00:13:51.321
- Strange dynastic dynasty in north korea.
- 00:13:51.321 --> 00:13:54.891
- And they are working in all sorts of ways.
- 00:13:54.891 --> 00:13:57.460
- Brad's written very much, quite,
- 00:13:58.094 --> 00:14:00.297
- Quite a few things about this and has a monograph coming.
- 00:14:00.297 --> 00:14:03.433
- But in short, russia and iran are working together
- 00:14:03.433 --> 00:14:07.270
- Economically, militarily, diplomatically,
- 00:14:07.270 --> 00:14:10.540
- Really in all ways.
- 00:14:11.007 --> 00:14:12.309
- And it's very important that we understand
- 00:14:12.309 --> 00:14:14.177
- This is a very different threat
- 00:14:14.177 --> 00:14:15.712
- Environment than we've ever seen before.
- 00:14:15.712 --> 00:14:18.248
- It's sort of another cold war.
- 00:14:18.248 --> 00:14:20.116
- It's a more dangerous cold war because the axis of aggressors
- 00:14:20.116 --> 00:14:23.219
- Are much stronger than the soviet union ever was.
- 00:14:23.219 --> 00:14:26.556
- Yeah. i mean, nuclear armed.
- 00:14:26.556 --> 00:14:27.924
- And it's really a new gathering storm.
- 00:14:27.924 --> 00:14:29.659
- Cliff. great point guys.
- 00:14:29.659 --> 00:14:31.027
- Great breakdown for a nuclear armed. yeah.
- 00:14:31.027 --> 00:14:33.396
- Three out of four of the aggressors.
- 00:14:33.396 --> 00:14:34.931
- Only one isn't.
- 00:14:34.931 --> 00:14:36.132
- And that's because of israel and the us working together
- 00:14:36.132 --> 00:14:39.636
- And preventing the islamic republic
- 00:14:39.636 --> 00:14:41.371
- Of iran from getting nuclear weapons, at least for now.
- 00:14:41.371 --> 00:14:44.341
- I'm not sure it's permanently disabused of its ambition.
- 00:14:44.341 --> 00:14:47.677
- Exactly, cliff. well said as always, cliff.
- 00:14:47.677 --> 00:14:49.746
- Brad. great job folks.
- 00:14:49.746 --> 00:14:50.880
- Fda.org including that new monograph
- 00:14:50.880 --> 00:14:53.583
- Coming out that brad authored.
- 00:14:53.583 --> 00:14:54.985
- Follow them across social media ex as well guys.
- 00:14:54.985 --> 00:14:57.620
- Great job as always. god bless.
- 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:59.456
- We'll see you again soon.
- 00:14:59.456 --> 00:15:00.557
- And coming up after the break we know about
- 00:15:00.557 --> 00:15:02.325
- We're talking nefarious influence.
- 00:15:02.325 --> 00:15:04.027
- What about the nefarious influence
- 00:15:04.027 --> 00:15:05.662
- On our culture coming out of hollywood?
- 00:15:05.662 --> 00:15:08.865
- Well, faith,
- 00:15:08.865 --> 00:15:10.266
- Family and freedom are back in the entertainment industry.
- 00:15:10.266 --> 00:15:13.336
- You'll get the inside story next. don't move.
- 00:15:13.336 --> 00:15:19.005
- You'll get the inside story next. don't move.
- 00:15:19.005 --> 00:15:22.012
- Welcome back to stakelbeck tonight.
- 00:15:22.779 --> 00:15:24.614
- For years,
- 00:15:24.614 --> 00:15:25.849
- Hollywood and big media tore down the pillars of our culture,
- 00:15:25.849 --> 00:15:29.986
- Faith, family and common sense patriotism, replacing them
- 00:15:29.986 --> 00:15:34.357
- With a hollow woke agenda that divides more than it heals.
- 00:15:34.357 --> 00:15:39.329
- Bill abbott, president and ceo of great american media,
- 00:15:39.329 --> 00:15:42.732
- Is building a media alternative that celebrates
- 00:15:42.732 --> 00:15:46.369
- American values, restores wholesome storytelling,
- 00:15:46.369 --> 00:15:49.939
- And gives families program they can trust.
- 00:15:49.939 --> 00:15:53.676
- Take a look.
- 00:15:54.010 --> 00:15:56.846
- Bill, great to have you here with us in washington,
- 00:15:56.846 --> 00:15:58.648
- Dc for this great gathering
- 00:15:58.648 --> 00:15:59.916
- Of the national religious broadcasters.
- 00:15:59.916 --> 00:16:01.751
- Hey, great american media, some amazing things happening.
- 00:16:01.751 --> 00:16:05.422
- Tell us more about what you're doing.
- 00:16:05.422 --> 00:16:06.956
- Number one.
- 00:16:06.956 --> 00:16:07.791
- And number two, faith, family freedom.
- 00:16:07.791 --> 00:16:10.293
- Bill i call them the three f's that built america.
- 00:16:10.293 --> 00:16:13.430
- Tell us more about how great
- 00:16:13.430 --> 00:16:14.464
- American media is based on those concepts.
- 00:16:14.464 --> 00:16:17.600
- Yeah.
- 00:16:17.600 --> 00:16:18.234
- So we founded the company,
- 00:16:18.234 --> 00:16:19.569
- Just about four and a half years ago now.
- 00:16:19.569 --> 00:16:22.572
- And, it was after the summer of love, which you may remember,
- 00:16:22.572 --> 00:16:26.976
- Which was all about not, being anti
- 00:16:26.976 --> 00:16:29.813
- Faith, anti family, anti freedom.
- 00:16:29.813 --> 00:16:32.949
- And we just felt like the culture had shifted so
- 00:16:32.949 --> 00:16:35.718
- Dramatically toward a 1 or 2% that didn't,
- 00:16:35.718 --> 00:16:38.755
- That hated the country, hated the concept of family,
- 00:16:38.755 --> 00:16:42.092
- Hated the, the idea of faith, that we wanted to be
- 00:16:42.092 --> 00:16:45.628
- One of the forces out there that was programing to
- 00:16:45.628 --> 00:16:49.265
- What we believe is the vast majority of the country
- 00:16:49.265 --> 00:16:52.001
- That has faith, family and freedom
- 00:16:52.001 --> 00:16:53.870
- As as part of their core values and everyday thought process.
- 00:16:53.870 --> 00:16:57.240
- And so that was, the premise in which we founded the business.
- 00:16:57.240 --> 00:17:00.844
- And, we've had great success.
- 00:17:00.844 --> 00:17:03.179
- Yeah.
- 00:17:03.179 --> 00:17:04.247
- Now, you were at hallmark house for 20 years. yes.
- 00:17:04.247 --> 00:17:06.749
- I worked for great american media's launch.
- 00:17:06.749 --> 00:17:09.519
- Tell us what influenced your decision to leave
- 00:17:09.519 --> 00:17:12.088
- Hallmark and help head up this new company?
- 00:17:12.088 --> 00:17:15.792
- I think that strategically, hallmark had served
- 00:17:15.792 --> 00:17:19.129
- An audience, had served that audience so
- 00:17:19.129 --> 00:17:21.631
- Well for so many years, and was a reliable source
- 00:17:21.631 --> 00:17:24.934
- Of family friendly content that was based
- 00:17:24.934 --> 00:17:27.971
- On traditional values that changed over time.
- 00:17:27.971 --> 00:17:31.808
- And, pretty dramatically.
- 00:17:31.808 --> 00:17:33.476
- And the focal point became being called the cocktail party.
- 00:17:33.476 --> 00:17:37.113
- And being in a position where,
- 00:17:37.113 --> 00:17:39.382
- You know, you could talk about being,
- 00:17:39.382 --> 00:17:41.651
- You know, the woke mentality, really.
- 00:17:41.651 --> 00:17:44.854
- And, and so, you know, the,
- 00:17:44.854 --> 00:17:47.457
- It just was no longer a fit for, for me.
- 00:17:47.457 --> 00:17:50.693
- And what i was comfortable with. yeah.
- 00:17:50.693 --> 00:17:52.595
- And including your faith, of course.
- 00:17:52.595 --> 00:17:55.231
- Look, some amazing things happening.
- 00:17:55.231 --> 00:17:56.799
- We're in washington, dc right now, coming up,
- 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:59.936
- Including at the museum of the bible in april 2026.
- 00:17:59.936 --> 00:18:03.072
- Want to tell you want you to tell us
- 00:18:03.072 --> 00:18:04.407
- About that, the white house tree lighting ceremony in december.
- 00:18:04.407 --> 00:18:07.744
- Tell us more about what you have
- 00:18:07.744 --> 00:18:08.611
- Coming here in the nation's capital.
- 00:18:08.611 --> 00:18:09.712
- Yeah. we're really proud of america.
- 00:18:09.712 --> 00:18:11.781
- It's the bible, which is an initiative
- 00:18:11.781 --> 00:18:13.950
- That will be filmed and done, live at the museum of the bible.
- 00:18:13.950 --> 00:18:17.453
- It'll have 420
- 00:18:17.453 --> 00:18:19.155
- Readers of the bible cover to cover over a seven day period.
- 00:18:19.155 --> 00:18:23.326
- And it will be all walks of life from politicians, celebrities,
- 00:18:23.326 --> 00:18:26.763
- To just average people.
- 00:18:26.763 --> 00:18:28.565
- Just encouraging everyone to read the bible
- 00:18:28.565 --> 00:18:30.500
- And get to know the bible,
- 00:18:30.500 --> 00:18:31.935
- Get to experience faith, get to become,
- 00:18:31.935 --> 00:18:34.604
- You know, to really activate on what people are yearning for
- 00:18:34.604 --> 00:18:38.174
- Right now in our in our culture.
- 00:18:38.174 --> 00:18:40.243
- And so,
- 00:18:40.243 --> 00:18:41.477
- We believe that will be a big lightning rod for, for that,
- 00:18:41.477 --> 00:18:46.049
- Really understanding of the bible and better, better,
- 00:18:46.049 --> 00:18:49.485
- Overall knowledge of it. yeah.
- 00:18:49.485 --> 00:18:51.054
- And the tree lighting ceremony, obviously,
- 00:18:51.054 --> 00:18:52.589
- That is an honor and a privilege to be a big part of that.
- 00:18:52.589 --> 00:18:55.225
- Yes, it is.
- 00:18:55.225 --> 00:18:56.192
- And we're partnering with the national parks
- 00:18:56.192 --> 00:18:58.094
- On that and the trump administration.
- 00:18:58.094 --> 00:19:00.063
- And, we're just thrilled it will be a celebration.
- 00:19:00.063 --> 00:19:03.099
- That will be epic.
- 00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:04.200
- Which things are happening.
- 00:19:04.200 --> 00:19:05.235
- Hey, candace, cameron
- 00:19:05.235 --> 00:19:06.202
- Bure is obviously doing amazing work there.
- 00:19:06.202 --> 00:19:08.171
- A lot of new films coming out.
- 00:19:08.171 --> 00:19:09.372
- Tell us more about her role
- 00:19:09.372 --> 00:19:10.807
- And some of the new films you have coming out soon.
- 00:19:10.807 --> 00:19:13.076
- Candace is fantastic
- 00:19:13.076 --> 00:19:14.477
- And been a great partner and as you know, is is certainly,
- 00:19:14.477 --> 00:19:18.881
- Really focused on faith and family and all the right things
- 00:19:18.881 --> 00:19:22.151
- In life about, about just being a good person.
- 00:19:22.151 --> 00:19:25.655
- And and there is no she's a remarkable talent
- 00:19:25.655 --> 00:19:29.425
- And an even better person.
- 00:19:29.425 --> 00:19:30.827
- And so she's producing
- 00:19:30.827 --> 00:19:32.328
- Two movies for us next year and starring in three movies
- 00:19:32.328 --> 00:19:35.365
- For us.
- 00:19:35.365 --> 00:19:36.266
- And it's a key part of, of our strategy
- 00:19:36.266 --> 00:19:38.968
- And our company and, and weighs in all the time.
- 00:19:38.968 --> 00:19:41.904
- And so we, we are, very focused on that faith,
- 00:19:41.904 --> 00:19:47.343
- Bringing faith into the entertainment world
- 00:19:47.343 --> 00:19:50.046
- In a way that is not preaching, that is not
- 00:19:50.046 --> 00:19:54.250
- That is not focused on, you know, a lot of,
- 00:19:54.250 --> 00:19:57.587
- Historical faith pieces have been
- 00:19:57.587 --> 00:20:00.790
- A little bit heavy and, difficult to watch.
- 00:20:00.790 --> 00:20:04.093
- We're raising the bar, elevating the quality of the content
- 00:20:04.093 --> 00:20:07.163
- And having faith as an integral part of it,
- 00:20:07.163 --> 00:20:09.999
- But not necessarily, you know, in, in your face, overtly.
- 00:20:09.999 --> 00:20:14.070
- It's faith friendly.
- 00:20:14.070 --> 00:20:15.672
- You mentioned production. talk about the importance now.
- 00:20:15.672 --> 00:20:18.207
- I think it's a great moment for christian film tv.
- 00:20:18.207 --> 00:20:21.110
- Bill.
- 00:20:21.110 --> 00:20:22.211
- The production values have just been enhanced.
- 00:20:22.211 --> 00:20:24.280
- It seems increasingly, i think of house of david
- 00:20:24.280 --> 00:20:26.816
- That shows and jesus revolution, all these great films.
- 00:20:26.816 --> 00:20:29.252
- What you're doing at great american media,
- 00:20:29.252 --> 00:20:31.187
- Talk about how the bar is being raised in a good way,
- 00:20:31.187 --> 00:20:34.957
- In christian and faith based and faith friendly media.
- 00:20:34.957 --> 00:20:38.394
- It's so encouraging.
- 00:20:38.861 --> 00:20:40.363
- And we're all we're supportive of all of those projects
- 00:20:40.363 --> 00:20:44.233
- Because when it rising tide lifts all boats
- 00:20:44.233 --> 00:20:46.736
- And for a long time, faith content had a bad reputation
- 00:20:46.736 --> 00:20:50.973
- That in some cases, you know, it's understandable.
- 00:20:50.973 --> 00:20:53.343
- They were underfunded,
- 00:20:53.343 --> 00:20:54.711
- They wanted to do the right thing,
- 00:20:54.711 --> 00:20:56.145
- But they didn't have the resources
- 00:20:56.145 --> 00:20:58.114
- Necessarily, to make that work in a way that was high quality.
- 00:20:58.114 --> 00:21:02.352
- But you see, it's been elevated to a level that,
- 00:21:02.352 --> 00:21:05.588
- Is all about quality content.
- 00:21:06.222 --> 00:21:08.024
- And with you look at wonder's
- 00:21:08.024 --> 00:21:11.027
- Doing and, angel studios, it's really encouraging to see.
- 00:21:11.027 --> 00:21:14.831
- Yeah, it's a great moment.
- 00:21:14.831 --> 00:21:16.265
- How much of that can be attributed
- 00:21:16.265 --> 00:21:18.668
- To the new political landscape.
- 00:21:18.668 --> 00:21:20.403
- Look, it
- 00:21:20.403 --> 00:21:21.437
- Obviously entertainment politics separate things,
- 00:21:21.437 --> 00:21:23.172
- But it affects the culture.
- 00:21:23.172 --> 00:21:25.074
- President trump, a very faith friendly president.
- 00:21:25.074 --> 00:21:28.211
- How has he been a game changer
- 00:21:28.211 --> 00:21:29.846
- In this new media landscape that we're a part of?
- 00:21:29.846 --> 00:21:32.448
- He is, leveling the playing field.
- 00:21:33.182 --> 00:21:35.518
- He's not he's not tilting the playing field toward phase.
- 00:21:35.518 --> 00:21:38.254
- Not you know, he's very fair
- 00:21:38.254 --> 00:21:39.956
- In terms of his his perspective and what he's doing.
- 00:21:39.956 --> 00:21:44.026
- Yet at the same time, he's he's just giving an opportunity,
- 00:21:44.026 --> 00:21:47.296
- Which, you know, everyone deserves to be successful.
- 00:21:47.296 --> 00:21:50.166
- And so brendan carr at the fcc has been fantastic
- 00:21:50.166 --> 00:21:54.003
- In terms of looking at, again, just leveling the playing field,
- 00:21:54.003 --> 00:21:57.840
- Not giving any one party an advantage,
- 00:21:57.840 --> 00:22:00.309
- But making it fair for all of us to compete.
- 00:22:00.309 --> 00:22:02.678
- And so that's game changing.
- 00:22:02.678 --> 00:22:04.347
- And when we founded the company,
- 00:22:04.347 --> 00:22:05.648
- It certainly
- 00:22:05.648 --> 00:22:06.883
- Certainly was not the case with the previous administration.
- 00:22:06.883 --> 00:22:09.152
- Yeah.
- 00:22:09.152 --> 00:22:10.253
- But now we are back to faith, family and freedom.
- 00:22:10.253 --> 00:22:12.054
- Yes we. amen. bill, thanks so much. great stuff.
- 00:22:12.054 --> 00:22:14.257
- Keep it up god bless. thank you i appreciate it. yeah
- 00:22:14.257 --> 00:22:17.827
- Folks.
- 00:22:18.027 --> 00:22:19.028
- Great things happening in our country right now
- 00:22:19.028 --> 00:22:20.396
- Even in the entertainment industry.
- 00:22:20.396 --> 00:22:22.765
- So be encouraged
- 00:22:22.765 --> 00:22:23.966
- And i'll give you a more reason to be encouraged
- 00:22:23.966 --> 00:22:26.335
- After the break in my final thoughts, stick around.
- 00:22:26.335 --> 00:22:32.008
- After the break in my final thoughts, stick around.
- 00:22:32.008 --> 00:22:35.547
- Welcome back to stakelbeck tonight.
- 00:22:36.314 --> 00:22:38.016
- Tomorrow marks, of course, the two year
- 00:22:38.016 --> 00:22:39.851
- Anniversary of the october 7th massacre.
- 00:22:39.851 --> 00:22:42.220
- And right here on american soil, there are pro hamas
- 00:22:42.220 --> 00:22:45.790
- Demonstrations planned to commemorate october 7th.
- 00:22:45.790 --> 00:22:50.295
- It's pure evil, folks.
- 00:22:50.295 --> 00:22:51.429
- But remember the words
- 00:22:51.429 --> 00:22:52.831
- In the gospel of john, chapter one, verse five.
- 00:22:52.831 --> 00:22:55.400
- The light shines in the darkness,
- 00:22:55.400 --> 00:22:58.036
- And the darkness has not overcome it.
- 00:22:58.036 --> 00:23:00.872
- God is still on the throne.
- 00:23:00.872 --> 00:23:02.040
- Good things are happening despite all the madness.
- 00:23:02.040 --> 00:23:04.609
- So be encouraged.
- 00:23:04.609 --> 00:23:05.810
- Stay in prayer tomorrow night, october 7th special
- 00:23:05.810 --> 00:23:08.313
- Here on stakelbeck tonight, jonathan conricus with us.
- 00:23:08.313 --> 00:23:10.682
- Then right after that, heroes of october 7th.
- 00:23:10.682 --> 00:23:13.952
- You want to miss that
- 00:23:13.952 --> 00:23:14.953
- Very special tbn presentation until tomorrow.
- 00:23:14.953 --> 00:23:18.723
- God bless you and we'll see you soon.
- 00:23:18.723 --> 00:23:18.723
