The Commentary Magazine Podcast

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

Tablet Magazine's Liel Liebovitz joins us to discuss the newest allegations against Graham Platner published by the New York Times and the paper's misconduct in handling the story, and how politics supplanting culture in America has led to the current state. Plus, a look back at the worst moments for public health officials during COVID. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to help us beat back the crushing morosity with an extra long show all about how America is actually a great country that affords infinite opportunities for those who wish to thrive there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our friend Matt Continetti is back to discuss Adam Hamawy's victory in the NJ democratic primary and what it means for other extremist democrats on the ballot, the various California races. Plus, the slog of war continues with more uncertainty and indecisiveness in the Iran war, and Bill Pulte's appointment as acting DNI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FDD's Jonathan Schanzer is back to discuss a litany of bad news: a disputed report on an aggressive phone call between president Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's planned offensive on Beirut, the regional obstacles to a resolution in Iran, and the multi-pronged approach necessary to achieve it. Plus, the California primary vote, and John recommends Obsession. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributing editor Eli Lake joins us today to discuss Iran pulling out of talks with the US over Israel's expanding offensive in Lebanon, the American fear of utilizing ground troops, and Trump's only way out of the deadlock. Plus, Graham Platner's latest controversy and the aggressive attempts to tamp it down. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, and we are back to discuss reports that Iran has used the ongoing ceasefire to extract missiles and launchers from destroyed sites and how losing countries can exploit breaks in fighting to their advantage, as well as Trump's anti-weaponization fund and his other corrupt practices. Plus, John recommends Faulkner's Light in August. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss Jill Biden's comments on her reaction to her husband's disastrous debate performance and how they differ from her public statements at the time, and how this could help Kamala Harris in 2028. Plus, the rise of Marco Rubio and what direction will the republican party take, and another check-in on the Iran ceasefire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our friend Matt Continetti is back to discuss John Cornyn's loss to Ken Paxton in the Texas primary and the republican chances to defeat James Talarico, the Park Slope coop voting to boycott Israeli products, New Jersey candidate Adam Hamawy's terrorism ties, and the cultivation of anti-Israel sentiment in American society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back to discuss the long weekend's rollercoaster news cycle regarding a forming peace deal with Iran that has yet to materialize, culminating in American strikes on Iranian assets in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, the leveraging of social media for political advertising, and John recommends the movie Tuner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Thursday, and our friend Matt Continetti is back to discuss the ongoing fight over funding for the White House ballroom and the never-ending Iran ceasefire. Plus, Matt recommends the documentary Marty, Life is Short, and John recommends the Broadway play Becky Shaw. Check out our sponsor over at https://strawberry.me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss Thomas Massie's loss in the Kentucky primary and Trump prioritizing loyalty at the potential cost of election defeats. Plus, actor Javier Bardem and director Laszlo Nemes trading comments on being pro-Palestinian in entertainment, the Islamic Center shooting in San Diego, and what it will take to rout out the disease of antisemitism. Check out our sponsor over at https://strawberry.me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National Review's Noah Rothman is back to celebrate the publication of his new book Blood and Progress and to discuss the press-credentialed Luigi Mangione fans outside his court proceedings and the underlying philosophy behind left wing support for violence. Check out our sponsor at https://strawberry.me Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Monday, and we are joined by our friend Dan Senor to discuss the looming election in Israel and the prospects of an Israeli government without Bibi Netanyahu, the signs that hostility might resume in Iran in light of ongoing Iranian intransigence, and Senator Bill Cassidy's loss in the Louisiana primary. Check out our new sponsor at https://strawberry.me/commentary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, and contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss the historical context of the Trump-Xi summit, the false air of permanence that surrounds authoritarian regimes, are Trump's potential geopolitical successes worth his domestic policy issues, and Eli recommends Whiplash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Continetti is back to discuss President Trump's summit with Xi Jinping and the topics of Taiwan, Iran, EVs, and AI. Plus, JD Vance's Maine visit on the backdrop of Marco Rubio's rising favorables, the importance of winning the Iran war to republican chances in 2028, and Matt recommends the movie Biloxi Blues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss an intelligence assessment cited by the New York Times claiming Iran's military capabilities were not substantially damaged by the war, Thomas Massie's primary woes, and the risks of a major American party centering its identity on antisemitism. Plus, John remembers Abe Foxman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JNS's Ruthie Blum joins us today to discuss three New York Times articles that point to a disturbing trend with regards to the paper's coverage of Israel - Israel's absence from a list of New York's best restaurants, a piece on supposed Israeli manipulation of the Eurovision Song Contest, and Nicholas Kristof's piece alleging Israel trained dogs to rape Palestinians. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Monday, and FDD's Jonathan Schanzer is back to discuss another confusing weekend in the Iran war with the trading of proposals for a deal, Senator Mark Kelly's statement on the depletion of US munitions, the controversy over Trump's gold statue at Doral, and the passing of longtime ADL director Abe Foxman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Friday, and we still don't understand exactly what is going on with Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, so instead we discuss unfair comparisons between this conflict and Putin's war in Ukraine, the historical context of so-called "wars of choice," the strange absences from the jacket of Rachel Goldberg-Polin's book, and the Pulitzer prize awarded to photographs from a since-retracted New York Times story. Plus, Seth recommends Ulrich Boschwitz's The Passenger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

FDD's Jonathan Schanzer joins us today to try and make sense of the latest developments in the Iran war and the implications to the larger global balance of power in advance of Trump's summit with Xi Jinping, and how all this impacts Israel's efforts in the region. Plus, the disturbing trend of insider trading on betting markets, and John recommends Nicholas Lemann's Returning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Wednesday and time to panic over the attack on Jewish students at George Washington University using an unknown substance, the supposed deal brewing with Iran despite the announcement of Operation Epic Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, antiracism programs at Penn State Law School, and the death of Ted Turner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While signs that hostilities with Iran might renew despite statements from Pete Hegseth to the contrary, we pivot to discussing last night's Met Gala and the current obsession with ugly as beauty, and the expansive world of modern celebrity. Plus, John recommends Jonathan Moore's The Night Market. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the president announcing American escorts for ships in the Strait of Hormuz and the negative reaction by shipping companies and insurers, and how the ongoing war might impact the midterm elections with the rise of radical democratic candidates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's May Day, and contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss Bernie Sanders' AI conference and the economic cold war with China, the mounting defenses of Graham Platner, and the ongoing standoff with Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Continetti is back to discuss Janet Mills dropping out of the Maine senate primary and the potential rise of candidates like Graham Platner in the democratic party, the Supreme Court's ruling on the Louisiana racial gerrymander case, Pete Hegseth's appearance before congress, and the American blockade strategy against Iran. Plus, Matt recommends the book Monsters in the Archives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by Judge Roy Altman to discuss his new book, Israel on Trial, which addresses claims against Israel from a legal standpoint. Plus, the indictments against Anthony Fauci's deputy and James Comey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the controversy over Trump's call to fire Jimmy Kimmel and the history of political controversies in the entertainment industry and more on would-be presidential assassin Cole Allen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

National Review's Noah Rothman joins us from his vacation to discuss the attempted assassination of Trump and the media coverage of the incident and the shooter Cole Allen's manifesto. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined this Sunday by contributing editor Eli Lake, who attended the White House Correspondents Dinner, to discuss the latest assassination attempt on President Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles Fain Lehman of the Manhattan Institute joins us this Friday to discuss the New York Times interview with Hasan Piker and Jia Tolentino and his lead article in Commentary's May issue, Anti-Americanism Is a Disease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Thursday, and Matt Continetti is back to discuss Trump's comments on the fractured leadership structure in Iran, the maritime standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, the removal of the Secretary of the Navy, and what current races herald for the future of democratic governance. Plus, Matt recommends tonight's NFL draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the frustrating uncertainty in the Iran war - who is negotiating on Iran's behalf, what will happen when the extended ceasefire ends, and who is in control of the Strait of Hormuz? Plus, the Virginia redistricting vote and Trump's deficiencies in securing republican victories in congress, and Christine recommends This Vast Enterprise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we take a break from Iran news to discuss the recent surge in antisemitic attacks in the US and UK, and what the rise of democratic radicals in Michigan and elsewhere means for pro-Israel democrats going forward. Plus, more on the debate surrounding military aid to Israel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AEI senior fellow Fred Kagan joins us today to discuss the internal power struggle in the Iranian regime, and who might be calling the shots right now. Plus, how the ongoing uncertainty about the conflict is impacting the American public, whether the only real way to end the Iranian nuclear program is regime change, and John recommends the musical 1776. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributing editor Jonathan Schanzer joins us on this episode (recorded Thursday night) to discuss whether the announced ceasefire in Lebanon heralds a positive outcome for the region or holds Israel back on the brink of a victory over Hezbollah, and how this connects to the ongoing Iran conflict. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Continetti is back to discuss the proposed triumphal arch in DC, whether the proposed design is appropriate for our nation's capital, and compare the state of America at 250 with the 1976 bicentennial. Plus, more on Iran and their alleged nuclear materials, the democratic turn against aid to Israel, and Matt recommends James S.A. Corey's The Faith of Beasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Tax Day we discuss the IMF's prediction of a global recession, Trump's threats to withdraw from NATO and his feud with the Pope, JD's Vance's comments at a Turning Point USA event and his political future, and the April Fools controversy at UNC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss dubious reports on the Americans offering Iran to suspend uranium enrichment for 20 years, and how the ongoing naval crisis might affect Trump's upcoming summit with Xi Jinping. Plus, Eric Swalwell resigns from congress over sexual misconduct allegations, the Israeli-Lebanese talks in DC, and the online feud between the White House and the Vatican. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss the collapse of the Islamabad talks and the announced American blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump picking a fight with the pope, the collapse of Eric Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign, and the emerging troubles for Republicans in the midterm elections. Plus, John recommends The Audacity on AMC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the upcoming Iran negotiations in Pakistan, what Trump's plan might be considering the nonexistent ceasefire and ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel's shifting focus to Hezbollah. Plus, Trump's scathing assault on the right wing podcast sphere, and John recommends Goodfellas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices