The American Mind Podcast

As war continues between Israel and Hamas, antisemitism flares up across the West in response to a jihadist attack on a hospital, falsely attributed in the press to Israel. Meanwhile, the House continues on without a new Speaker, though it increasingly looks as if when all the shouting is over, business as usual will resume. It's a masks-off moment all around--but are average Americans waking up, and can they ultimately be saved? In closing, the editors provide recommendations to remind you to read the damn site. Media mentioned in this episode: The Mother’s Gauntlet Facing Up to Immigration A Tale of Two Crimes, Part I Righting the Right Patrisse Cullors' "Art" This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Hamas launched a series of devastating attacks against Israel over the last few days using everything from rockets to hang gliders, with a civilian death toll in the hundreds at the time of recording, including at least eleven Americans. Israel is at war for the first time in over 50 years. The editors explore how Hamas’s attacks fit into the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, how regional dynamics are likely to unfold in the coming months, and what's motivating the radical pro-Palestinian movements in the West. Episode Links: Hamas and the American Left When Worlds Collide What Is Christian Nationalism? Obama’s Coming Fourth Term Lone Star: A History Of Texas And The Texans Mike Benz: Bidenworld's War On Israel, Explained This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Florida Representative Matt Gaetz took advantage of a new procedural rule to orchestrate the ouster of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, hoping to force more movement on the debate over congressional spending. But what's the plan? Meanwhile, on the subject of Things You are Not Allowed to Notice, a raft of horrific murders in cities across the country highlights the wages of bad philosophy and bad policy. In closing, the editors provide reading recommendations so you'll be reminded to read the damn site! American Mind articles mentioned in this episode: How to Turn a Cold War Hot A Swing and a Miss Irregular Order, Part I This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Gavin Newsom has been making national headlines lately, causing some to wonder whether he's got designs on the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. The crew discuss whether Claremont Fellows Armen Tooloe and Andrew Beck are right to fear that Gavin will sweep to power as a "Blue Sulla." Meanwhile, it's shutdown season once again, and House Republicans are not interested in playing nice. What do they stand to gain? Joined by special guest Jeremy Carl, Spencer and Ryan survey the rocky territory ahead, assess the trajectory of our republic, and remind you to read the damn site! American Mind articles mentioned in this episode: Truth and Politics The East and the Rest This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Oversized hoodie or tailored masters jacket--which way, Western man? As the Senate is terraformed into a mosh pit for the least common denominator, one must wonder whether it’s a microcosm for the West more generally. Take, for example, the meek inaction of the European nations as migrants from Africa stream through the island of Lampedusa and onto the continent. Meanwhile, back at home, Donald Trump aggravates internal tensions among Republicans by criticizing Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week abortion ban. Plus: the editors tease upcoming features while reminding you to read the damn site. Articles and books mentioned in this episode: Slavery, Abortion, and the Politics of Constitutional Meaning Crisis of the House Divided: An Interpretation of the Issues in the Lincoln-Douglas Debates Eating the Young to Save the Old Country Club Nationalism Merit in the Armed Forces The War for the Military Brilliance Isn’t Enough This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

This week the editors are off, but Ryan has pulled in activist and Manhattan Institute Fellow Chris Rufo for a special interview on his new book, America's Cultural Revolution: How the Radical Left Conquered Everything. Rufo's book covers the history of America's neo-Marxist woke takeover and the counter-revolution that has risen up to reverse it. The two discuss what still needs to be done, what conservative philanthropists should be focusing on, and how aspiring young journalists should aim to make their mark on the field. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Elon Musk is threatening to sue the Anti-Defamation League for...well, defamation. Musk claims that Twitter/X has lost ad revenue as a result of ADL accusations against the platform for hosting antisemitism on Musk's watch. But does the charge of "antisemitism" carry any weight anymore, coming from the ADL? Meanwhile, Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot (despite not having been at the Capitol) and there are rumors in the air about a return of COVID lockdowns. Finally, our editors remind you to read the damn site! Articles mentioned in this episode: Cracks in the Rainbow Between Suicide and Murder, Part One This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

As Donald Trump was hauled in and photographed in Fulton County, GA this week, his mug shot took the internet by storm with how unique and powerful it is while sparking discussion about chipping away at the monolith of certain voting cleavages. Meanwhile, the GOP primary debate took place without Trump's presence or wind in its sails, leading to many bemoaning it as auditions for VP. But the medium itself is showing its age and how little it serves voters. Plus: as splits and subdividing factions take over the Right, Americans should take note and react accordingly. Suggested reading: The Cold Civil War Our Revolution’s Logic The tired attack on the new Right This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

This week, esteemed UC Berkeley professor John Yoo joins the editors to take a deep dive into the multiple indictments and charges being brought against Trump. Drawing on comparison cases from throughout American history, Professor Yoo analyzes the unprecedented charges, assesses Trump’s prospects, and voices his concerns about the criminalization of politics. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

As fires ravage Maui and "takes" proliferate off the back of the tragedy, the editors discuss which interpretations and predictions--if any--have some heft to them. Meanwhile, a viral new song is upsetting people on the Left and drawing quibbles from the Right, as both factions seem perfectly willing to clothesline any sort of populist spokesman who gets up a little momentum. But the song cuts through all that and continues to draw in download after download. The gang's all here this week to analyze the field before reminding you to read the damn site. Plus: a teaser for next week’s episode! American Mind articles mentioned in this episode: Western Civilization, Chinese Style Pity the Poor Trans Man Debunking Jack Smith’s Latest Indictment Against President Trump Class, Nation, and the Future This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Seth and Spencer examine the spiritual subtext of the Trump Indictment saga. Moreover, it seems Hillary Clinton has noticed (about five years late) that men in the country seem dissatisfied with current gender politics, but her prescription seems as out of touch as ever. Plus: a secret Chinese-owned COVID lab was discovered almost by chance in California. All this, plus your customary reminder to read the damn site. Articles referenced in this episode: Why Affirmative Action Won’t Die | American Mind In Tate We Trust | American Mind The Weaponization of Loneliness | The Atlantic How two trans women ran a legendary underground surgical clinic in a rural tractor barn | The Independent This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

New testimony paints the Biden family in an even worse light than usual, Trump has been indicted yet again, and climate alarmists are gearing up to put you under house arrest because it was warm in July. What, if anything, can be done to recover agency and divert the course of this runaway freight train? Our editors weigh in before reminding you to read the damn site! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Revelations and accusations are swarming around Hunter Biden. A foreign informant has alleged that the Bidens received $10 million in bribes from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, and Hunter's plea deal on tax evasion charges has fallen apart. Will anything come of it—and would impeachment play right into the Democrats' hands? Meanwhile, from Greta Gerwig's Barbie to Jason Aldean's "Small Town," a new round of culture war salvos is heating up. The editors reflect on the tangled relationship between art and politics, then they remind you to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Banks both at home and abroad have been increasingly partaking in a troubling bout of digital warfare against their customers, some of whom are suspiciously guilty of wrongthink. Have you been engaging in suspicious transactions, citizen? Meanwhile, states like California are trying to prevent people from getting their hands on the tools to fight back. Plus: the future of the Democrat Party looks increasingly anti-Israel, while the US Army continues sliding into the cult of D.I.E. Is there even a vision of the US for tomorrow? The editors take a closer look at the situation before reminding you to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Moms for Liberty has drawn online ire by quoting Hitler in a newsletter as an attempt to raise the alarm about school indoctrination. But is apology the right way to go when there's no forgiveness on offer? Even private messages can lead to public scapegoating, raising the question whether there's any such thing as private thoughts anymore. Plus: Mark Zuckerberg has created a Twitter clone, causing everyone to wonder if Zuck’s model will be viable going forward, and where we’re likely going. Finally as ever, the editors issue reading recommendations so you'll read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

French police shot and killed Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old immigrant of Algerian and Moroccan descent with a long history of criminal activity, sparking violent protest across the country. Is this France’s George Floyd moment—or something darker still? Stateside, the courts have been on a roll, preliminarily blocking the Biden administration from overtly colluding with social media companies and banning explicit race-based affirmative action in university admissions. The editors discuss the rolling civilizational crisis and, of course, remind you to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

As Pride month has come and mostly gone, Spencer and Seth consider whether the Ts have dragged the LGBs by the nose into a carnival too extravagant to go on. Meanwhile, Hunter Biden is pleading guilty to a gun possession charge. Is this the end of the Biden investigation, or just a stop on the way to more dire revelations? Plus: the OceanGate submersible has lost contact on its way down to the Titanic, leaving everyone waiting in horror to find out the fate of the five passengers. In closing, Spencer and Seth remind you to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Trump has been indicted again. The Left feels sure they’ve got him this time, but the poll numbers haven’t moved at all. Time will tell who is right. Meanwhile, Ryan and James sit us down for a highly condensed, yet immensely informative, peek under the hood of America’s foreign policy philosophy. In closing, the editors recount their favorite essays of the week and Ryan reminds you to read another damn site (just this once). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Armenians take to the streets to brawl with Antifa over provocative pride activities at schools in Glendale, CA, the Freedom Caucus is causing Kevin McCarthy headaches as they obstruct the debt “deal” before the House, and the editors remind you to read the damn site by providing reading recommendations! All this and more from the editors in this episode of The Roundtable. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

It's time once again for debt crisis theater as House republicans agree with Democrats on a proposed deal, acquiescing to massive debt in exchange for minor concessions. Meanwhile, in an effort to drive a wedge between white and nonwhite people, the Left indulges in truly comedic arguments about race in America. Behind the absurdism there are important trends that deserve a closer look. And the Ron vs. Don showdown is official now that DeSantis has announced a run for the presidency. The editors discuss it all before commanding you to read the damn site (by issuing their recommendations to guide your reading). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Conservatives are finally building up a head of steam when it comes to boycotts, making an example of Anheuser-Busch after their unholy union with Dylan Mulvaney. Now Target and the Dodgers have attracted this same newly quickened ire by pushing overtly Satanic and trans-forward messaging onto shoppers—and their children. Meanwhile the trajectory of Christian nationalism is up for hot debate, as is that of wokeness. Plus: the editors, joined by Helen Roy, name their favorite TAM articles of the week as a reminder to read the damn site! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Dr. Hadley Arkes joins the editors this week to offer advice to the pro-life movement and discuss the precepts of common sense that must underlie sound legal reasoning. The editors then turn to an analysis of the Durham Report and how it plays for 2024, as well as a brief discussion of Article 42 and Trump's CNN town hall. And of course: read the damn site! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

As Mother's Day rolls around, the editors take a moment to analyze an increasingly troubling movement: anti-natalism. To help with the analysis, Helen Roy joins the cast. Meanwhile, Tucker Carlson has announced that his show will be coming back natively to Twitter, drawing millions of views and prompting speculations about the future of the news industry. Trump was found liable for sexual assault to the tune of $5 million, in a perplexing jury decision that raises troubling questions about justice and crime. In closing, the editors recount their favorite articles of the week before reminding you to read the damn site! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

The full cast is back this week to analyze the continuing deterioration of blue cities and states as middle-class Republicans flee coastal areas at accelerating rates. Is immiseration the goal? Then the editors then turn to discussion of 2024 as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. throws his name in the ring to challenge Biden in the primaries. Is RFK tapping into Boomer energy? And of course, the editors remind you to read the damn site! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Tucker Carlson is out at Fox News following a defamation case between Fox and Dominion, coinciding with other ousters in like Don Lemon's at CNN. In New York, Trump is being sued civilly over rape accusations, but is also being sued by the accuser for denying the claims. Meanwhile, mortgage changes are coming to take from the responsible and give to the irresponsible. Seth and Spencer analyze defamation by design and woke mortgages before recounting their favorite TAM articles of the week and reminding you to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

When Anheuser-Busch inked a deal with Dylan Mulvaney to wokeify their subpar beer, Americans turned on the brand. The company’s stock price has sunk sunk by over $7 billion so far, as executives mouth empty platitudes and shift the blame. Will this controversy serve as a cautionary tale to businesses looking to alienate their core consumer base? Meanwhile, media apparatchiks rush to spin a preposterous narrative out of a tragic shooting. Plus: Elon Musk provides occasion to discuss AI and the end times. Seth and Spencer analyze the news before, of course, reminding you to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

In record time, Democrats have managed to turn the massacre of Christian children by a transgender woman into a Civil Rights LARP. Two state representatives were expelled from the TN legislature for participating in a riot, allowing them to pose absurdly as victims and freedom fighters. Meanwhile the Wisconsin Supreme Court flips to the left, raising questions about Republicans’ rhetorical strategy on abortion. Plus: the editors recount their favorite articles this week before reminding you to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Whatever your personal opinion of Trump, his indictment is a somber moment for the trajectory of democracy in America. Ryan and Spencer discuss the dogged pursuit of Trump at any cost, including some hilarious speculation about how the headlines on this topic are getting written. The two then expand the discussion to the selective weaponization of the legal system using the case of Ricky Vaughn as a starting point. Plus: Peachy Keenan set the internet alight when she committed the crime of noticing that college admissions are tilting in a very noticeably woke direction—but of course she was right. Spencer closes by asking Ryan for his favorite TAM article before reminding you to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

There's no sugarcoating the horror of what happened in Nashville this week as a disturbed young woman murdered six people, three of them aged 9 years old. The shooter was wrapped up in transgender extremism, a fact which has unveiled a ghoulish relish for the death of Christians in contemporary culture. Meanwhile, as megacorporations charge forth with reckless abandon in an AI arms race, some interesting characters are calling for a national pause on the unproven technology. But is that just a makeshift bandage over a much deeper, festering wound? The editors, with special guest Helen Roy, deconstruct the social contagions at work in the US as well as the potential threat of AI before reminding you, as always, to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Sufferers of advanced Trump Derangement Syndrome are frothing at the mouth to think of Trump being indicted by a grand jury in Manhattan. Meanwhile, Republicans are watching intently to see whether the political winds will blow in favor of Don or Ron as we approach primary season. Then the editors take a moment to define the word "woke” and to ask whether doing so is even worth the effort. Finally, in an effort to get you to read the damn site(s), Ryan uses his extraordinary power to take a CRB essay out from behind the paywall just for you! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

In a first for The Roundtable, Seth and James alone take the stage. They discuss the stunning righteous indignation displayed by the nobody Democratic Reps. that “interviewed” Matt Taibbi and other journalists who participated in The Twitter Files releases. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley Bank fell victim to a classic run on the bank and has gone under, triggering a chain reaction at other banks. Plus: the editors’ takes on this year’s Oscars. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

As warring factions grapple for power behind an increasingly transparent veneer of control and serenity, everyday Americans find themselves subject to a chaotic and unhinged form of anarcho-tyrannical rule. Our editors analyze newly released footage that challenges the continuing hysteria regarding the events of January 6, 2021, and the rise and fall of both New York and Chicago’s Lori Lightfoot. Is anyone in charge of it all? If not, what is to be done? Plus: the editors remind you to read the damn site, recounting their favorite articles on TAM this week. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Peachy Keenan joins the editors to discuss the tweet that broke the internet: an anecdote about the effects of racial preferences in admission turned into a Rorschach test and a celebration parallax. It’s not happening, and it’s good that it is! Then, a close reading of the new TikTok filter that confronts users with a vision of their younger selves, forcing many of them to confront the reality of passing time and human mortality. Plus: our editors pick their favorite pieces from the site this week. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

In a two-man episode of the Round Table (the linear table?), Seth Barron and Spencer Klavan conduct a close reading of Puffin’s changes to the works of Roald Dahl. In collaboration with “Inclusive Minds, a collective for people who are passionate about inclusion and accessibility in children’s literature,” the publishers have decided to tweak Dahl’s work and bring it up to speed with the latest woke nostrums. What could possibly go wrong? Plus: read the damn site! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

As extremely dangerous chemical spills are happening across America, and as UFOs get shot down day after day, our editors (joined by Helen Roy!) discuss whether malice or incompetence predominates in our present climate. Meanwhile, the cult of D.I.E. continues to install itself in our educational institutions, as demonstrated by Columbia University's recent CRT chant for medical students, complete with bowed heads and silent reverence. Plus: our editors recount their favorite essays of the week and implore you to read the damn site. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Turning from Biden’s gasbaggery to the real issues at stake, our editors discuss what is needed for a digital revival, how the US left a Chinese spy balloon in our airspace for nearly a week without doing anything, and the disastrous situation at the border. Black pills abound, but hope is never lost. Plus: the editors share their favorite articles of the week. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

This week's edition of "This is Fine" kicks off with a close analysis of an increasingly common phenomenon in mainstream media: supplanting objectivity with personal experience and identity. From Watergate to a recent viral WaPo op-ed, they uncover the fables the press tells itself as copium. Plus: the editors discuss where they turn to for reliable news, the tragic killing of Tyre Nichols, and their favorite stories on TAM this week. For a list of articles referenced in this episode, visit americanmind.org/audio/. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

After ripping Trump for having classified documents on his property for months, the mainstream media has done an about face and are now running damage control for Biden as his own caches of documents continue to emerge. Meanwhile, the highest of high society have taken their private jets to gather at the 50th annual World Economic Forum meeting, where they are discussing how to frame regulating your life in flowery language so you won’t notice. Plus: for supposedly wanting us to stop paying attention to them, Harry the Spare and Meghan the Succubus sure do leap into the spotlight at every opportunity. Our editors, joined by Helen Roy, discuss. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

As flights are grounded across America and federal officials float—then retract—a ban on gas stoves, the editors gather to discuss the gradual dissolution of American competence, and what if anything can be done about it. Plus: Ron DeSantis has made a bold series of appointments to the New College of Florida's Board of Trustees. Is this a hopeful first step, or a meaningless drop in the ocean? The editors chose between white, black, and quantum pills on the state of education. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Representative Kevin McCarthy has failed multiple times to win election as Speaker of the House. Is this a wake-up call for GOP leadership, or the wrong outlet for populist outrage? Meanwhile, the infamous social media influencer and former kickboxer, Andrew Tate, has been arrested under suspicion of rape and human trafficking. Plus: David French has joined the New York Times--almost too fitting an outcome after years of realignment on the intellectual Right. Spencer and Seth discuss. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

As Christmas rapidly approaches, our editors gather to reflect on the whole of 2022. From the mobilization of the social media swarm in support of The Current Thing™, to the elevation of sexual deviancy among the top brass, to the proliferation of tech idolatry, our editors only wish they could be shocked. Plus: preliminary thoughts on 2023 and a teaser for upcoming content. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

At long last interracial marriage has been legalized at the federal level in the US! In reality, of course, the law Biden signed this week is more about political maneuvering around gay marriage. Concurrently, Sam Bankman-Fried has been arrested in the Bahamas on charges of fraud as it appears FTX is effectively a multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme. Does this event shed a new light on the factions vying for power in the financial space? Plus: it’s a tripledemic—time to mask back up. Our editors contemplate the machinations of The Borg™. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

AI-generated images have taken the internet by storm over the last week. Are AI profile pics the cute veneer over a coming existential threat to human self-worth? Meanwhile, Matt Taibbi and Elon Musk released a Twitter thread with the first fruits of what Taibbi dubbed "The Twitter Files." The thread confirmed suspicions that Twitter and the government were tightly aligned with one another in censoring inconvenient information. Plus: Warnock defeated Walker in Georgia's runoff race for a hotly contested Senate seat, giving ultimate control of the Senate to Democrats. Our editors analyze the boring dystopia we find ourselves in. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

This week has offered a veritable clown car of obnoxious and distasteful weirdos. Nick Fuentes wormed his way into a dinner with Trump via Kanye West. Sam Brinton, the non-binary, crossdressing, doggie-roleplaying member of the Biden administration’s Department of Energy, has been charged with felony theft after being caught on video snatching a woman’s suitcase. Plus: Balenciaga’s new ad features kids in BDSM-themed outfits. Our editors discuss the shocking freakishness on display and whether there’s any coherent thread that would allow us to make sense of it all. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover carries on apace, and reports of implosion seem to be greatly exaggerated. Is Musk’s aggressive firing policy proof of concept for the elimination of BS jobs? The editors, joined by Helen Roy and Charles Haywood, take a look at some back-of-the-napkin calculations of how profitable Twitter might be under Elon Musk overnight, as well as his hazy policies on freedom of speech vs. freedom of reach on the platform. Plus: the crew discuss what they’re thankful for. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

FTX CEO SBF is SOL--and if that sentence doesn’t make sense to you, fear not. The TAM editors are here to chart the aftershocks of the crypto crash heard round the world, and to discuss its implications for the future of America. Plus: Trump announces (shocking few) that he will run for re-election, and Canada plans to legalize euthanasia for the mentally ill. In this dire landscape, who will chart a pro-human path forward? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

“Election month” is here, and it looks like the much-anticipated red wave is more of a drizzle. The House looks like it’ll be narrowly red, and the Senate is likely in the hands of a tossup election in Georgia—again. Meanwhile, the growing rift between DeSantis and Trump presages a potentially rocky road ahead for the Right. And what about the Biden of it all? Our editors convene to analyze the implications of the midterms. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

Having been mocked and roundly criticized for its plans to found a “Disinformation Governance Board,” DHS decided not that it should reevaluate its goals, but that it should keep doing the same thing—just without telling you. Meanwhile, Paul Pelosi was beaten in his home by a crazed lunatic, leaving him with a fractured skull and everyone else wondering what the hell happened. Plus: New York Governor Kathy Hochul is unexpectedly in danger of being voted out of office by those pesky extremists who want to ride the subway without getting mugged. Our editors, joined by Matt Peterson, take a closer look. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe

This week on live TV, to the utter shock and chagrin of the legacy media hosts, average voters from across the so-called political spectrum were united—in their dissatisfaction with leftist policies. Meanwhile, Joe Biden continues his very public and visible decline, and John Fetterman whiffs it on the debate stage against Mehmet Öz. Plus: Republicans are under fire for *checks notes* supporting Democrat policies? The editors gather in full complement to discuss the current state of the American mind. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com/subscribe