The Commentary Magazine Podcast

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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FDD's Jonathan Schanzer joins us again today to discuss the non-ceasefire in the Iran war, the gap between the American proposal and Iranian demands, who is even in charge of the Iranian government right now, and is JD Vance out of his depth as a negotiator, Pakistan's role as mediator. Plus, the Lebanon factor, Netanyahu's political future in Israel, and Christine recommends Damien Valdez's essay Chokepoints are the true crossroads of history.

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Contributing editor Eli Lake is back along with National Review's Noah Rothman to discuss the newly announced ceasefire in the Iran War, and debate whether the United States has the upper hand in negotiations, and what the future of the region might look like. Plus, John recommends Daniel Okrent's Stephen Sondheim biography Art Isn't Easy.

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Contributing editor Eli Lake joins a full house today to discuss the American and Israeli attacks on Kharg Island and president Trump's escalating online threats towards Iran. Is this just bluster and negotiating tactics, or will the president follow through and attack Iranian power plants? Plus, the incredible Artemis 2 moon mission, the podcast learns about Clavicular and mogging, and Eli recommends Menachem Begin's memoir White Nights.

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We are back to cover everything that happened over Passover: The firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi, presidential libraries, Trump's Truth Social post threatening Iran on Easter, the Artemis II mission, and the stunning rescue operation of the downed American airmen. Plus, Seth recommends Kat Rosenfield's new novel, How to Survive in the Woods.

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On our last show before Passover we discuss Michigan senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed's comments on the death of Ayatollah Khamenei published by the Free Beacon, and the democratic dilemma regarding more radical candidates. Plus, the absurd Dark Money accusations against AIPAC, and Eliana and Christine recommend the movie Nuremberg. 

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Contributing editor Jonathan Schanzer joins us for another update on the Iran war and Trump's comments on the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian oil, what type of ground operations might be launched, and how can the president sell his plans to the public? Plus, John recommends the new streaming sitcom American Classic.

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Today we discuss the lingering questions regarding Trump's Iran strategy - is he still pursuing a definitive end to the war, or searching for an exit ramp due to rising oil prices and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz? We also touch on the historical context of American losses of life and equipment, and the consequences of American treatment of its international allies. Plus, the fight over TSA funding reaches the boiling point, and the emerging danger of prediction market abuse by insiders.

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Today we discuss social media companies losing lawsuits in California and New Mexico over child safety and addictive practices and the shifting public perception on these ubiquitous platforms. Will the growing realization of the dangers of these services lead to a substantial change in legislation or regulation, or will the change come from shifting social acceptability? Plus, Chrstine recommends Ruth Wisse's NEH Jefferson Lecture.

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Today we discuss democrats flipping the Florida house seat that includes Mar-a-Lago and the importance of attractiveness and normalcy to political candidacy, as well as the uncertainty surrounding Trump's 15 point plan to end the Iran war and the inconsistent communication with the American public, and a new lawsuit against UCLA. Plus, John and our producer Noam recommend the new film Project Hail Mary.

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Today we conduct a brief review of the things that make us feel like we're taking crazy pills: The reactions to Trump deploying ICE to help assist with TSA logjams, Stanley McChrystal's interview on Iran, Mike Mullen's farcical recounting of the Bin Laden raid, the upcoming hagiographical Michael Jackson biopic, Claudine Gay's new teaching career, and Tucker Carlson's praise of Islamic culture and Sharia law.

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FDD's Jonathan Schanzer joins us to discuss the prospect of an Iranian uprising, as well as negative media reports on the progress of the war after two major strikes on Israeli population centers and an American ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, the current state of Iran's missile arsenal, and what potential steps can the U.S. take next?

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Contributing editor Eli Lake joins us on this Friday to discuss the media's emerging quagmire narrative a mere 20 days into the war with Iran and what an American victory will look like, and how the attempts to mollify Iran in the past have led to the current unlikely regional coalition. Plus, how the Middle East conflict impacts the Indo-Pacific region and the Ukraine war.

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Today we discuss the torrent of right wing podcast commentary regarding the war in Iran and the importance of a victory in the conflict to combating their narratives, as well as more revelations on Zohran Mamdani's wife, and the aftermath of Joe Kent's resignation and appearance on Tucker Carlson's show. Plus, the new sexual misconduct allegations against Cesar Chavez.

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Our old friend Noah Rothman joins us today to discuss Joe Kent's resignation letter and reinvention as a Tuckerite - the strange new respect by anti-Trump pundits, the true purpose of the career Israel-bashers, and will others follow his lead? Plus, the latest developments on the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz.

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FDD's Jonathan Schanzer joins us on this St. Patrick's Day to discuss Israel degrading Iran's missile capabilities, as well as the developing Lebanese front. We also discuss the killing of Ali Larijani, the reports that Iran's new supreme leader is gay, and the open questions of whether Iranian proxies in Iraq and Yemen might join the fray.

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Today we dive into the declining relevance of movies and movie theaters in the modern era, as well as the meager highlights from last night's Oscars ceremony: The snubs, the politics, and the tributes. Plus, more updates on the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz.

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Commentary contributing editor Eli Lake joins us today to discuss the two terrorist attacks in a Michigan synagogue and Old Dominion University, the reality of security for Jewish institutions in America, and the media's obsessive focus on the impact of antisemitism on Muslim Americans. Plus, is the U.S. military prepared to enforce passage in the Strait of Hormuz?

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FDD's Jonathan Schanzer joins a full house to discuss the developments in the Iran war - Hezbollah's desperate rocket volley against Israel, Iranian attempts to mine the Strait of Hormuz, Hamas receiving a breather as focus shifts away from Gaza, and the debate surrounding regime change.

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The indelible Chris Stirewalt joins us to discuss the overwhelming power disparity in the Iran war in contrast to its negative coverage in the media, and how the perverse incentives for partisan nastiness prevent progress on broadly popular policy measures. Plus, what Zohran Mamdani hosting Mahmoud Khalil says about the real intentions of those claiming to merely be "pro-Palestine," and the modern relevance of the 1933 novel The Oppermanns.

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Today we discuss conflicting statements regarding the end of the Iran war, the progress of the American and Israeli attacks, reports that the new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has already been eliminated, fluctuating oil prices surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and the debate around "boots on the ground." Plus, CNN's awful tweet on the attempted IED attack outside Gracie Mansion in NYC, and the Mamdanis hosting Mahmoud Khalil for Ramadan.

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Today we discuss the media's eagerness to declare the Iran war a failure a mere eight days into the conflict, the failed IED attack on protesters in New York City, and Zohran Mamdani's wife's online support for the October 7 attack. Plus, John recommends the film It Was Just An Accident by Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi.

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