The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Tod Lindberg joins us on this week-long series of interviews for our upcoming September print issue to discuss his cover story on the War on Terror and the global changes in the quarter century since the September 11 attacks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, and we close out the week by discussing  the tendency of leftist candidates to publicly put down favorite American pastimes and places and how this could impact Abdul El-Sayed's political ambitions. Plus, the antisemitism reckoning at Haverford College, the dismissal of the antisemitism case against Harvard, and Duke's racial admissions discrimination. Also, Eliana recommends the Netflix documentary Mourinho. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Continetti is back to discuss recent primary results and the artificial differences between so-called establishment and insurgent nominees, and how muddying these lines allows socialism to infiltrate mainstream democratic circles. Plus, the debate surrounding "woke 1" and what a post-Trump right might look like, and Matt recommends Lee Child's No Middle Name. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back to discuss the fallout of Francesca Hong's loss in the Wisconsin gubernatorial primary and what another stunning polling error that radically favored far left candidates tells us about upcoming races. Plus, Trump endorsements no longer guarantee victory to republican primary candidates, the controversy surrounding the security incident involving Air Force One in Ankara, and John recommends James Ellroy's Red Sheet. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's primary day in Wisconsin, and Francesca Hong is in the spotlight with her history of terrible comments and social media posts, AOC hand-waves "woke 1" and announces IVF treatments, and New York Magazine's antisemitism-infused ode to Middle Eastern food and culture in NYC. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back to discuss the never ending cycle of the Iran war and the forming regional alliances in the wake of an American power vacuum, as well as the president's polling and the looming electoral disaster in the midterms.  Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss Chuck Schumer's promotion of Abdul El-Sayed despite styling himself the Guardian of Jews, and the folly of attempting to appease those who hate you. Plus, President Trump's hard-to-believe declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is open and the prospect of a terrible Iran deal on the backdrop of negative economic numbers, and John recommends the Anthony Bourdain biopic Tony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our friend Noah Rothman joins us today to share in our crushing morosity over recent election news, and whether the rise of terrorism-friendly politics and academia are the result of the decisive win in the War on Terror. What strategies might work in countering candidates like Abdul El-Sayed and Francesca Hong and the intersection of Marxism and Islamism? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss Abdul El-Sayed's tiny margin of victory in Michigan in contrast to polls that predicted a landslide, as well as the sorry state of the Democratic establishment and what these results tell us about the November election. Plus, the remarkable story out of the UK regarding fabulist Cambridge Professor Jason Arday, which grew out of a report on supposed plagiarism in his work, and Simon & Schuster's shame in publishing antisemitic author Susan Abulhawa. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss Trump's ire with Jeanine Pirro for dismissing charges of vandalism of the reflecting pool after the prosecution fell apart, which dovetails with the almost comic nature of his ongoing flip-flop on Iran strikes. Plus, Abdul El-Sayed's probable win in the Michigan primary vote and the increased marginalization of Jews in the democratic party, the antisemitic hate crime spike in New York, and how this year's Met Gala reflects these trends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jewish Insider's Josh Kraushaar joins us on this busy news Monday to discuss Trump's latest walkback of an attack on Iranian infrastructure, the collapse of the Reflecting Pool vandalism prosecution, the worrisome midterm poll numbers and the rise of increasingly radical left wing candidates, and another global wave of antisemitic incidents. Plus, John recommends City of Angels at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by our producer Noam Blum to answer some of your questions: From our favorite essayists to 2028 predictions and much more. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our old friend Jim Meigs is back to break down Anthony Fauci's appearance on the hill and the recent revelations from his personal diaries, and to revisit the COVID era through the prism of current knowledge - the lab leak theory, gain of function research, and the atmosphere of fear of criticizing the public health establishment. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss Anthony Fauci invoking his 5th amendment rights in Senate testimony and a revisiting of his tarnished COVID legacy, the aftermath of Netanyahu and Zelensky's Washington meetings and Trump's profane warning to the Iranians after yesterday's strike in Jordan. Plus, Eli's new piece on Laura Loomer, the rise of radical Islamist ideology through left-leaning institutions, and Eli recommends Midnight Run. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our friend Matt Continetti is back to discuss today's oval office meetings with president Zelensky and Prime Minister Netanyahu and the increased focus on the Iranian facility in Pickaxe Mountain, as well as how technology has shifted the modern battlefield. Plus, the Haley Stevens-Abdul El-Sayed debate pits the establishment against populist enthusiasm, the release of Anthony Fauci's diaries and Biden's interview with Robert Hurr, and Matt recommends The Oxford History of the French Revolution. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Monday, and we are back to discuss the pivot to Troy Jackson after Graham Platner's implosion in Maine and the familiar pattern of adoring media coverage for a struggling democrat, as well as Governor Gretchen Whitmer throwing her lot in with Haley Stevens in Michigan. Plus, a full resumption of hostilities in Iran once again does not materialize and the issue of stockpile shortages is brought into the spotlight, and 9/11 victim families want Mamdani out of the memorial ceremony. Stop online threats before they become real-world attacks. Visit ironwall.com/COMMENTARY and request a free Risk Assessment to see exactly how exposed your executives are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the creeping danger to Jews and Israelis everywhere after yesterday's stabbing in New York City and reports that the stabber shouted "Allah Akbar," as well as how Zohran Mamdani's minimal response contrasts with sterner comments from other officials. Plus, the Jews who lend legitimacy to those who hate them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by WSJ's Matt Continetti and FDD's Jonathan Schanzer to speculate on Trump's new strategy in Iran after the resumption of strikes last week and Iran and the Houthis teaming up to choke the straits of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab, as well as the emerging Saudi nuclear deal. Plus, Vance support slips in favor of Marco Rubio, a check in on the polls in the leadup to the midterm, and Matt recommends The Burroughs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss reactions to Zohran Mamdani's falsity-packed video on his efforts to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu and how Jewish New Yorkers and democratic politicians will respond to this trend. Plus, the agreement on Saudi Arabia's nuclear program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our friend Chris Stirewalt joins us to discuss the evidence that a democratic wave in November is not a done deal, the ever-increasing uncertainty surrounding Iran amid reports that centrifuges were moved into the fortified Pickaxe Mountain facility, and the scapegoating of Israel in an attempt to take heat off of Trump. Plus, new revelations about Abdul El-Sayed's half sister in the Free Beacon, and the creeping danger of left wing violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Monday, and we're back to discuss Iran striking US positions in Jordan and Iraq, the downplaying of American casualties and stockpile depletion, and the realization that intimidation tactics are not bearing fruit. Plus, Abdul El-Sayed's interview with Jake Tapper, Zohran Mamdani flirting with attempting to arrest Netanyahu, and John strongly recommends The Odyssey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our friend Noah Rothman is back to discuss President Trump's Thursday night speech about Chinese efforts to interfere with American elections and the notable absence of Iran and the resumption of the war from the remarks. Plus, Washington democrat Adam Smith admits that he flipped his vote on aid to Israel due to threats and intimidation from the left, Marco Rubio's speech on left-wing violence, and John recommends Dangerous, Dirty, Violent and Young. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss the newest round of bad news - JD Vance joining Joe Rogan for a conspiracy fueled podcast, 103 democrats joining Thomas Massie to vote to cut off aid to Israel, and Ro Khanna's DropSite interview trying to capitalize on his West Bank stunt. Plus, John ironically recommends Joe Biden's upcoming memoir Promise Me, America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The president is due to give a primetime address to the nation on Thursday the 16th. We give him advice on what he should talk about. We also talk about the mysterious affluence of Michigan senatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his fondness for expensive watches. And we wonder at New York State going Luddite when it comes to AI and data centers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the United States officially being back at war with Iran and the resumption of the American blockade in order to open the Strait of Hormuz, the new revelations surrounding Michigan senatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and John recommends Christine Rosen's The Extinction of Experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Monday, and we are back to discuss the waves of airstrikes against Iran over the weekend and what the US might do next, the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed suddenly over the weekend, and Abdul El-Sayed's race in Michigan. Plus, Seth recommends Maggie Stiefvater's The Listeners, and John recommends What Happens at Night by Peter Cameron. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, and contributing editor Eli Lake joins us to discuss whether we are at war with Iran again, and how can Trump reconcile his desire for a deal with Iranian intransigence? Plus, the evil conspiracy theories surrounding Charlie Kirk reach a fever pitch during his trial, and John recommends the new film Gale Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Continetti is back to discuss Graham Platner suspending his campaign with an angry 11-minute video diatribe, and whether his cratering poll numbers played a part in democrats' willingness to cut him loose. Plus, Iran's overreach leads to a resumption of hostilities in the region, Rahm Emmanuel's hallucinatory speech in Israel and the upcoming Israeli elections, and Matt recommends Richard Brookhiser's The Hero Returns: Lafayette and the Legacy of Revolution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John is joined by author Nicholas Lemann to discuss his new memoir Returning and the story of the American Jewish immigrant family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the latest explosive allegations against Graham Platner, leading to a string of endorsement withdrawals and a likely withdrawal from the Maine senate race, and how the New York Times tried to bury serious charges against Platner in their June story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back to discuss the July 4th weekend and the Great America Fair, the upcoming democratic primary election in Michigan between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens, the new Free Beacon poll on republican primary voters, and The NYT editorial on standardized testing for college admissions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John is joined by Professor Ruth Wisse for a discussion on her book If I Am Not for Myself: The Liberal Betrayal of the Jews, the challenges Jews face in an era of converging hatreds, and the need for American Jews to leverage their position in society for their own self-defense. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Continetti is back to discuss the wave of democratic incumbent losses to insurgent DSA candidates and the party establishment's lack of pushback, and what this could mean for the next democratic administration. Plus, the revelation that Trump has made $2 billion as president, Nina Totenberg's false announcement of Justice Alito's retirement, and Matt recommends Michael Connelly's Ironwood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by AEI's Adam White to try and make sense of the Supreme Court decisions striking down President Trump's executive order on Birthright Citizenship, upholding state bans on transgender athletes, and overturning limits on political party-coordinated spending. Plus, we celebrate Mel Brooks on his 100th birthday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the ongoing fallout from DSA candidate victories in NY primary elections and the shifting lines of acceptability in political discourse, the video of Scott Wiener being harassed at a pride event in San Francisco and the rise of the all-obliterating omnicause. Plus, putting to bed the leftist fantasy about the impending end of Israel, and John recommends Darcy O'Brien's A Way of Life, Like Any Other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jewish Insider Editor-in-Chief Josh Kraushaar joins us to discuss the radicalism and antisemitism festering in New York's DSA circles, and the piling up of scandals that would have doomed political careers in the past. How did we get to this point, and how will both parties approach this trend in the lead up to the midterm elections? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our friend Noah Rothman joins us today to discuss the demographics of New York's primary election results, and how voting for socialists is an expression of perpetual childhood. Plus, The ongoing breakdown of relations between President Trump and the republican senate caucus, and a check-in on the situation in the Middle East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributing editor Eli Lake and FDD's John Schanzer join us today to mourn New York City in the wake of the string of radical left candidate victories in the democratic primaries. Plus, the latest on the Iran MOU and Israel's impossible position with regards to Hezbollah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the antisemitic shooting in Montreal, and the controversy involving Dan Goldman and a Brooklyn coffee shop. Plus, Dan Schueftan, chairman of the National Security Studies Center at the University of Haifa, speaks on the current regional and international state of Israel, and the struggle to ensure the continuity of the Jewish way of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Washington commentary columnist Jamie Kirchick joins us to discuss the unfurling disaster at the Iran talks in Switzerland and the establishment of a "deconfliction cell" that doesn't include Israel, and the looming specter of Israel's scapegoating for the inevitable failure of the agreement. Plus, Keir Starmer's resignation, the ongoing reflecting pool controversy, the DSA ascendancy in democratic politics, the passing of Alan Greenspan, and John recommends Voicemails for Isabelle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss reports on issues with the Iran MOU and the cancellation of JD Vance's trip to Switzerland, ostensibly over ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, and the scapegoating of Israel, Zionists, and neocons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Continetti is back to discuss the inauguration of the Obama presidential center in Chicago and president Obama's legacy. Plus, the ongoing unfolding Iran disaster with the signing of the MOU and Trump's press conference, Israel's precarious position in Lebanon, and Matt recommends The Infinity Machine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the media blitz to sell the Iran MOU despite refusing to release its contents, as well as the contents of the agreement that were published in the media. Plus, Trump torpedoes Jay Clayton's nomination for DNI, JD Vance's appearance on Megyn Kelly, and the elections in Georgia and DC, a new FBI investigation of Gavin Newsom, and John recommends The Furious. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss the MOU with Iran, which has seemed to receive universal condemnation from everyone except vice president JD Vance, who is engaged in a widespread media tour to sell a deal whose details remain unknown. Plus, the indictments of Pro-Palestinian activists at the University of Michigan for their campaign of threats and intimidation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FDD's Jonathan Schanzer is back to discuss President Trump's terrible Iran deal and the ongoing uncertainty about its details, as well as America's position in the world in the aftermath of such a deal. Plus, the Bidens attempt a comeback, and Jay Clayton's nomination for DNI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, and time to discuss yet another round of "is there a deal with Iran?" after reports on the latest proposal that put a halt to a planned attack on Kharg Island. How much longer can this situation persist? Plus, Jodi Kantor defends Graham Platner and lays MeToo to rest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our friend Matt Continetti is back to discuss the central theory of Trump's second term, as well as the resumption of strikes on Iran and the threat to take Kharg Island. Is this a negotiating tactic, or have the Iranians finally pushed Trump too far? Plus, the expiration of FISA, the launch of the World Cup, the historic Knicks game, the inflation numbers, and Matt recommends the documentary Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That's the Weight of the World). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss Trump's ongoing pendulum swings on Iran and the contrast between his statements and American action, as well as revelations from Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman's upcoming book on the Trump admin's reaction to the Epstein scandal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FDD's Jonathan Schanzer is back to discuss yesterday's chain of events involving Hezbollah, Israel, and Iran, and the stream of contradictory media reports and remarks from admin officials. Plus, more on the miscalculations in conducting the war and what the endgame might look like, and a check in on Graham Platner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss Israel's retaliatory strikes on Iran and reports that Trump had instructed Netanyahu to not respond to the Iranian missile salvo. Was Israel's response indicative of a smoke screen or something more serious, and how does it relate to reports that the Pentagon is concerned about a rising espionage threat from Israel? Plus, Scott Pelley's post-firing media tour, and Seth recommends Legends on Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices