Luke Thomas Gets Political (LTGP)
Welcome to LTGP – Luke Thomas Gets Political. Luke Thomas is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a husband, a father, and a longtime resident of Washington, DC. After years of sharp analysis in the combat sports world, he brings that same unapologetic depth, intellectual rigor, and sharp commentary to a different kind of arena: politics. This channel is the official home for Luke’s political takes. Here you'll find the issues shaping our world, the debates that matter, and the conversations many have asked him to take on outside of the fight game. Whether it's thoughtful analysis, no-nonsense monologues, or a brutally honest perspective, this is where combat-sports logic meets political discourse. No tribalism. No spin. Just straight talk. Subscribe for weekly videos, livestreams, and commentary that cut through the noise.
Episodes

Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Thursday Sep 18, 2025
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension wasn’t the result of audience backlash, it was forced through pressure from the Trump administration’s FCC. In this video, we break down how government actors leaned on private broadcasters, why the free speech implications are bigger than just one late-night host, and how this moment fits into a broader pattern of political suppression.Luke unpacks the hypocrisy of conservatives who once cried foul over censorship but are now weaponizing regulatory power to silence critics. He also connects this controversy to the right’s larger plan to dominate media, punish political opponents, and consolidate control.This isn’t about defending Kimmel as a comedian, it’s about recognizing how easily power can be abused to shape the national conversation. If comedians and networks can be punished for mild criticism, what comes next?Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/Chapters00:00 Kimmel suspension explained01:00 Trump FCC pressures networks02:10 Conservative hypocrisy on speech03:15 Comparing Fox News settlement04:20 Why this threatens free speech05:30 Rogan and Musk’s role in debate06:20 Passport bill and repression07:15 Defending Kimmel reluctantly08:00 Right’s selective outrage09:00 Consolidation of media power10:20 What this means for 2026 election11:30 Final warning on free speech future#lukethomas #kimmelshow #trump

Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Trump and his billionaire backers aren’t just funding campaigns — they’re reshaping society itself. In this clip, Luke Thomas and Reese Waters break down how right-wing elites are dismantling civil rights protections, attacking DEI programs, and pushing through corporate-friendly legislation like the “Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act” to strip away athlete protections. From higher education to media to combat sports, the strategy is the same: consolidate power for donors while leaving ordinary people behind.They also dive into the Democratic Party’s failure to communicate effectively, the weakness of its current leadership, and why the left continues to fall behind in the messaging war. What will it take to fight back? Stronger voices, relentless messaging, and a recognition that the stakes are bigger than one election.If you found this discussion valuable, make sure to subscribe for more independent political analysis and commentary.Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/Full interview available on Reese Waters’ channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt42oAO3g60

Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Why are so many fans walking away from MMA? In this conversation, Reese Waters and I break down how the UFC transformed from an inclusive, global sport into a brand catering to a narrower audience. Reese explains why he stopped following MMA after the UFC began openly embracing partisan politics and alienating longtime fans. I share the messages I’ve received from people across the country who feel the same way, describing how the sport went from edgy and exciting to something that feels closed off, insular, and unwelcoming.We also dig into the larger political parallels. Reese compares UFC’s strategy to how grievance politics dominates Capitol Hill, and I outline how a once-broad coalition has been traded for a smaller, loyal base. That gamble may make business sense in the short term, but it risks alienating millions of fans in the long run.This is more than a sports story—it’s a conversation about culture, politics, and what happens when institutions choose sides. If you’ve felt disillusioned with MMA or politics in recent years, this discussion may resonate with you.Watch the full interview with Reese Waters here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt42oAO3g60Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/Subscribe to this channel for more in-depth political commentary, cultural analysis, and unfiltered conversations.

Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Luke Thomas Gets Political: The shocking murder of Charlie Kirk is more than just a personal tragedy — it’s a direct challenge to the foundations of democracy. In this video, we break down why political violence, no matter the target, erodes freedom of expression and puts the very idea of civil society at risk.Luke reflects on the human cost of this act, especially the devastating impact on Kirk’s family, while also drawing on lessons from abroad to highlight the dangerous path polarization and intimidation can lead us down. He also examines the rush to judgment in the aftermath, urging caution and a commitment to justice over political point-scoring.This isn’t about agreeing or disagreeing with Kirk’s politics — it’s about defending the basic principle that violence cannot be tolerated in a democratic society.Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/Chapters00:00 Democracy at risk00:22 Kirk’s legacy and disagreements01:00 Condemning the violence01:20 Family impact and grief02:04 Parallels to Colombia03:15 Threats to social cohesion04:00 Why this moment matters05:01 Rush to judgment warning06:32 Online creators’ security fears07:21 Living with threats08:09 Broader violence in America09:18 Limits of personal protection10:00 Dangerous mix in society

Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Luke Thomas Gets Political: The shooting of Charlie Kirk has ignited a heated debate about political violence in America, polarization, and the moral cost of celebrating the death of opponents. In this video, we break down the incident, the response across social media, and what it means for the future of democracy.Luke explores whether it’s possible to condemn Kirk’s politics while still recognizing the danger of devaluing human life. He also examines the shooter’s apparent level of training, the chilling footage that has circulated online, and why political hysteria in the United States has become so combustible compared to other nations.This conversation goes beyond one event. It’s about the forces driving Americans apart—rising inequality, disinformation, and institutional failures—and whether we can still hold on to the shared values needed to keep society from unraveling.Don’t miss this critical breakdown of one of the most consequential political moments of the year.Subscribe to stay updated on the latest analysis and discussions.Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/Chapters00:00 No sympathy vs national tragedy01:00 The moral cost of cheapening life03:00 Shooter’s training and preparation06:00 Disturbing footage reactions07:00 Social media rejoicing problem08:00 Both sides embracing violence09:00 Why US polarization is unique10:00 Institutional failures and inequality11:00 The combustible mix fueling violence12:00 Closing thoughts

Monday Sep 15, 2025
Monday Sep 15, 2025
Luke Thomas: Political violence is no longer a distant concept - it’s happening here, and the consequences are profound. In this discussion, we look at the disturbing rise of political violence, from high-profile shootings to the collapse of social cohesion, and ask whether American democracy can withstand the strain.The conversation explores the drivers of unrest, including media polarization, weakened institutions, and partisan hypocrisy. We also examine recent events, such as the Charlie Kirk shooting, past attacks on political figures, and the broader cultural failures that make violence unpredictable and uncontrollable.Beyond the headlines, the video tackles deeper questions: What fuels these acts? How should we respond without further eroding trust? And why do some acts of violence receive outrage while others are dismissed or mocked?If you want analysis that cuts through noise and partisan talking points, this breakdown goes beyond surface-level debates to explore the underlying dangers facing the country.Subscribe to stay informed and support independent analysis.#lukethomas #lukethomaspolitics #charliekirk Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/Chapters00:00 Disturbing rise of political violence01:00 What drives nations to unrest02:00 Social decay and weak institutions03:00 The dangers of political assassinations04:00 Why unpredictability makes violence worse05:00 Case study: Minnesota senators killed06:00 Why the Kirk shooting is different07:00 Trump, hypocrisy, and media reactions09:00 Right vs left violence debate10:30 What motivates political shooters?11:30 Guns vs alcohol regulation debate14:00 RAND study on gun policy

Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Luke Thomas: Charlie Kirk, conservative political commentator and activist, was murdered/assassinated today on the campus of Utah Valley University. Luke reacts to this frightening event and what it all means.SUBSCRIBE to my SUBSTACK: https://lthomas.substack.com#charliekirk #donaldtrump #lukethomas

Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Abdul El-Sayed joins Luke Thomas to argue that Democrats must break corporate money in politics, name Gaza genocide, and reset Israel policy while building a progressive movement that puts voters over donors. This candid clip tackles Democratic Party donor capture, healthcare platitudes without real plans, Trump’s ability to exploit public pain, and whether a gerontocracy can deliver reform.The discussion starts with a blunt diagnosis: both parties took corporate cash, but Democrats created a serious tension by promising public goods while courting interests that profit from privatization. Voters hear “affordable healthcare” repeated, but never get the “how.” Result: drift, cynicism, and an opening Trump exploited. The question is not whether the message resonates, but whether leaders will stop negotiating with consultants and donors first, and instead build an uncompromising, voter-first movement.From there, the conversation moves to what a real reset looks like: turnover, yes, but more importantly a values-anchored project that recruits and lifts new leaders, treats the Senate seat as a platform for organizing, and answers two questions clearly: who are we, and who do we want to be. That clarity is tested on foreign policy. El-Sayed argues the United States should stop writing blank checks to foreign militaries and explicitly name the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza for what it is. If the party cannot state obvious moral red lines, why should voters trust it to take on pharmaceutical and insurance CEOs or defend democracy at home.If you care about whether Democrats can break the donor grip, reclaim a credible “party of peace,” and win voters who are tired of performative messaging, this clip lays out the stakes and the path.If you find this useful, subscribe for more interviews, analysis, and follow-ups as this story evolves. Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/Chapters00:00 Donor money vs voters00:36 Healthcare talk without plan01:20 Trump exploits public pain02:15 Can Democrats reform?03:05 Movement building over titles04:10 Who we are, who we be06:05 Israel policy and genocide claim07:35 Moral red lines for Democrats08:55 Party of peace, next steps

Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Tuesday Sep 09, 2025
Joe Rogan’s claim that his scene is not anti woke sparks a bigger question about receipts, consistency, and the culture war. In this political commentary, Luke Thomas reviews Joe Rogan’s own past statements and moments, the vibe around the Comedy Mothership, and the broader podcast clip discourse to test the “not anti woke” framing.Luke lays out clear examples, context, and why this matters beyond one clip. Is this about free speech, branding, or moving the goalposts? We examine how “anti woke” gets used, where Rogan has landed before, and what that means for listeners who want more than vibes.If you value critical analysis without the tribal spin, hit subscribe so you do not miss the follow up and related breakdowns on media narratives and accountability.Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/🔥SUBSCRIBE to my SUBSTACK: https://lthomas.substack.com/🔥Become a Luke Thomas Channel Member here:https://www.youtube.com/lukethomas/join🔥SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/lukethomas🔥MERCH: https://luke-thomas-store.creator-spring.com/🔥CONTACT INFO:✅Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lukethomas.bsky.social✅Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/lukethomasnews✅Email: lukethomasnews at gmail dot com✅Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bE8pzpywDdm8cqzAZDuv8#joerogan #comedy #lukethomas

Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Medicare for All and single payer take center stage as Luke Thomas presses Abdul El-Sayed on Medicaid cuts, rural hospitals, and runaway healthcare costs. Early in the conversation, they touch STEM education, but the core of this clip is health policy: why premiums and deductibles keep rising, how consolidation squeezes choice, and whether a single payer could finally bend the cost curve. Keywords: Medicare for All, single payer, Medicaid cuts, rural hospitals, healthcare costs, Luke Thomas, Abdul El-Sayed.The guest argues that reform keeps stalling because corporate money shapes the debate and floods the air with fear about what people might lose, while families already lose a paycheck to deductibles after paying premiums. He lays out how today’s multi-payer setup weakens leverage over providers, drives administrative overhead, and leaves patients exposed to job-change churn and medical debt. He contrasts that with a single payer that negotiates on behalf of everyone, cuts overhead, and removes copays and deductibles at the point of care.The conversation also tackles the political moment. If Medicaid eligibility is tightened, closures could hit rural and urban hospitals alike, affecting people with private insurance too. That, he says, should sharpen the case for financing care by taxing wealth rather than raising household costs. For viewers who want the plain-English breakdown of payers vs providers and what would change in a single-payer model, this clip delivers it with specifics you can take to the next policy argument.If you’ve felt priced out, stuck in network games, or one surprise bill away from debt, watch through for clear definitions and concrete tradeoffs. Then tell us where you stand on the policy path ahead.Subscribe for more weekly interviews, analysis, and audience debates.Learn more, and join in on the conversation on Luke’s Substack: https://lthomas.substack.com/Source: interview transcript of this clip. Chapters00:00 STEM as method, not track01:58 Why single payer stalled03:40 Premiums and deductibles explained04:52 Medicaid cuts and closures06:18 What would it cost07:02 Payers vs providers 10108:23 Why single payer saves10:00 Life on Medicare for All11:01 The real cost tradeoff12:07 Closing and Substack plug

