The American Mind Podcast

Ted Cruz grills the FBI on its potential participation in January 6, as Insurrection Hearing: The Musical Showtime Extravaganza drags on. Meanwhile, Google’s AI chatbot has some things to say about the soul that sound suspiciously like a Silicon Valley guru’s wish fulfillment fantasy. Plus: Matt Peterson joins the show to talk about so-called “blue locusts” and how to keep red states red. 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 is a God-shaped hole in the American soul. We’re not going to fill it with tech, or entertainment, or drugs, or violence--but lots of people might try. Big Tech wants the bots to whisper sweet nothings at you, others are on a quest to worship the ultimate superdrug, and still others would simply burn the system down just to feel something. Our editors discuss how we can come back down to reality. 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

Social media has proven unsustainable as a digital way of life, plunging many internet moguls into an identity crisis. As we enter the age of Web3, it seems some regimes are doubling down on managed decline…but will others find a better way forward? Meanwhile, the verdict is in on Depp v. Heard, but the important takeaway is how far celebrity cachet—much like the cachet of every other special identity marker—has fallen in the Digital Age. 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

Eighteen-year-old Salvador Ramos opened fire in an Uvalde, TX elementary school in a horrific act of violence. Naturally the political firefighting began within minutes, and Congressional Democrats made gun control the order of the day. But is there really a political solution to the evil we’re up against? Meanwhile, is humor the antidote to the woke revolution, or just a temporary escape valve? And what on earth is going on with monkeypox? Our editors, joined by Matt Peterson, break it down. 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, a deranged young man killed ten people in Buffalo, New York. While pointing fingers at Tucker Carlson and the Right, the legacy media is actively feeding the public disinformation. Speaking of disinformation, the Dept. of Homeland Security's Ministry of Truth is being put on the backburner, but it's unlikely we've heard the last of federal censorship. Plus: is Claremont behind... everything?! Spoiler alert: no. But we are having fun. 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

Inflation hovers near record highs at 8.3%, the debt skyrockets out of control, and even talking about it can feel like it’s making the problem worse. It gets harder every day even to conceptualize the extent of the economy itself, let alone make moves to counteract its myriad dysfunctions. Meanwhile, Trump is emerging as GOP kingmaker…and more? Spencer and James discuss the failures of central planning from financial markets to digital media platforms, and the hope for a new kind of federalism to set the country on a better course. 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 leak unprecedented in modern history, Justice Samuel Alito’s draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade has been published by Politico. But the leak is only part of the story. If Roe really is overruled, the political landscape of America’s states will be more important than ever. Our editors, joined by both Matt Peterson and Helen Roy, have thoughts on the logic of the draft decision, as well as where we go from here. 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 Know Your Enemy podcast recently accused Claremont of misunderstanding the old civil war, and irresponsibly predicting--or perhaps yearning for--a new one. The editors respond with the help of special guest Glenn Ellmers, Claremont Scholar and author of The Soul of Politics, a book on Claremont’s intellectual godfather Harry V. Jaffa. Plus: Elon Musk officially bought Twitter and conservatives are noticing that they’re being unshackled from shadow suppression. But who is Elon Musk and does the Right want to make him its champion? 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

Disney is at risk of losing its self-governing fiefdom in Florida after coming for Ron DeSantis over his Parents’ Rights bill. Meanwhile, Taylor Lorenz doxxed the owner of the Libs of TikTok account for the crime of doing journalism and showing parents what radical teachers are saying. Plus: Tucker Carlson is bringing right-wing digital vitalism to the older 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

Wouldn't it be great if a nameless technocrat could force you to starve inside your home because they support the current thing and you don't? Oh, and they can both monitor and preach at you with drones. It's happening in Shanghai right now over COVID and a developing online hivemind is drooling at the prospect for the West. But is a hive inevitable? Meanwhile, a horrendous shooting in New York has grim implications for the public’s collective psyche, and Elon Musk is seemingly gearing up to buy a controlling share of Twitter. Is it too late to make a difference? Our editors 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

Won't somebody, please, anybody, shake hands with Joe Biden? Apparently not, as Obama's visit to the White House focuses all the attention immediately back on Barack. One wonders who is in control, and what the regime's endgame is. Meanwhile the effort to crush the ruble doesn't seem to be working very well. Plus: the editors discuss the merits of "OK, groomer." 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 Left isn’t trying to groom your six-year-old in school, you conspiracy theorist. On an unrelated note, Disney has created a task force to do exactly that as an end run around Florida’s explicit ban on discussing sex with kindergarteners. How can and should the Right respond? Meanwhile, California is seemingly trying to legalize killing newborns. The editors discuss whether to take a white or black pill as the culture war accelerates apace. 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

What is a woman? Whatever Joe Biden says it is, bigot. Even Supreme Court nominees can no longer state the painfully obvious: the fog of woke religion obscures all. Meanwhile, the Hunter Biden laptop story is now officially real news. It’s a little late, but oh well--water under the bridge! The editors discus transhumanist tecnho-fervor at home, and liberal imperialism abroad. 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 are no biolabs in Ukraine, and it’s good that there are. Also, it is apparently treason to discuss the issue--even though we’re not at war. How much of this is really about Ukraine, and how much has to do with punishing enemies at home? Plus: the feds have written a fascinating report about an incel shooting. Seth and Spencer 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

Biden bans Russian oil imports, driving already-high gas prices to their highest point ever and aggravating America’s existing inflation crisis. But Biden, Buttigieg, and prominent Democrats have a solution: just don’t be such a gas-guzzling pleb. Thanks, Joe! Meanwhile, the feds are looking into a centralized cryptocurrency that they could use to trace every transaction—and shut you out of if they don’t like you. Plus: the gender madness continues--but the Right can win. Our editors 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

In this edition of The Stakes, Michael Anton, lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center, and a Claremont senior fellow, is joined by Charles Haywood of The Worthy House. The two analyze the situation in Ukraine from both sides, ultimately siding with Ukraine. Plus: between Australia’s ruthless police crackdown on its citizens and Canada’s violent crackdown on the Freedom Convoy, the West is in a bleak state. Is there any reason to hope for a brighter 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

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is intensifying. Ukraine’s freedom and millions of lives hang in the balance as the West implements increasingly punitive measures against Russia and its officials. Back in the States, Biden gave his first State of the Union Address. Through stammered speech, he said the US will stay out of the Ukraine invasion—for now. The editors examine the potential geopolitical consequences of both Biden’s policies and Russia’s aggression. 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 time of recording, Vladimir Putin had ordered soldiers into two separatist regions of Ukraine—he had not yet launched what is now a full-scale war. The European order looks precarious, and our political establishment looks all too eager to throw American lives into the maelstrom. To what end? Seth and Spencer discuss the internal decay of America and Canada as authoritarianism advances across the globe. 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 Canada, truckers protesting a vaccine mandate have been denied funds from online crowdsourcing platforms in two different ways, raising the question: what is it going to take to preserve our natural rights on the new digital frontier? Meanwhile, democrats change their tune on mask mandates just in time for an election year, and our editors discuss the fight for truth against CRT in the Christian church and university. 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

In this edition of The Stakes, Michael Anton, lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center, and a Claremont senior fellow, is joined by Michael Millerman, founder of the Millerman School. The two discuss Strauss' complicated yet rewarding book, Thoughts on Machiavelli. Other topics include: whether and to what extent Machiavelli is a philosopher, how to read Machiavelli's writings effectively, and what wisdom Machiavelli had to offer that is still helpful in our current political climate. 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, truckers in Ottowa took to the streets in protest of Trudeau’s newest vaccine mandates. Trudeau responded by promptly catching COVID himself, and accusing the truckers of every imaginable evil. Meanwhile, stateside, Whoopi Goldberg thinks Jews are just white, which got her suspended by ABC--should we care? Plus: Peachy Keenan joins the show throughout and answers your mailbag questions! 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

Jordan Peterson announces his resignation from his tenured academic post, and Justice Breyer’s retirement is leaked. The reverse renaissance in the West accelerates with deadly speed in the arts and sciences marked by the destruction of merit and high art and the celebration of deceitful propaganda. Will the ruthless and world historic Lady MacBeth finally will her way to power? Our editors make their predictions about a possible Breyer-Kamala-Hillary parlay and encourage the creativity of a pirate radio approach in this new world. 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 the World Economic Forum, led by International Supervillain Klaus Schwab, Moderna has announced its plans to get absolutely everyone vaccinated against everything (or else) with its new omni-jab. While the big pharma CEOs bathe in their piles of cash, Biden is trying, poorly, to brag about his supposed “accomplishments”—all while skirting foreign policy issues like Russia’s moves to annex Ukraine. Our editors have thoughts. 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

Project Veritas has released documents suggesting that COVID-19 is the product of U.S. taxpayer funds through EcoHealth Alliance. If true, this would confirm what the editors have been thinking out loud on The Roundtable for months. Realizing that now is the time to pivot away from COVID hysteria, the regime now faces the monumental task of talking down the very people it spent three years traumatizing. Plus: President Biden’s voting rights demagoguery is both amusing and horrifying at once—is there a quantum pill to be had? 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 year, same old headlines. Legacy media figures, desperate for ratings, haven’t stopped talking about January 6 since it happened. But the polls are damning for the media’s narrative. Democrats, quietly aware of the president’s unpopularity, are flailing about for alternative options. Plus: progressive men are getting vasectomies for an amusing reason. 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 the end of a long and frankly, a surreal year. After one hundred episodes of the Round Table, our editors look back on a cascade of demoralizing events and articles to ask: is there cause for optimism? Through all the inflation, the gender madness, and the school board wars, one theme emerges—the ruling class wants you feeling hopeless. But you’re not: the editors look ahead to a future of based local action in pursuit of virtue. 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

America’s economy continues to crumble, but don’t worry! the ruling class is here to fix everything by spending trillions of dollars we don’t have. Inflation is only the newest symptom of their long train of abuses. COVID politics roll endlessly on as the US fights its cold civil war online and off. 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

California is making noise about becoming a “sanctuary state” for abortions. Everything that hurts Democrats is “voter suppression.” And Ron DeSantis wants 200 people to help him with vaccinations and natural disasters, which is insurrection or tyranny or something. Our editors spend some time in bizarro world parsing the woke lies. 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

Populist and nationalist Éric Zemmour has announced his candidacy for president of France with a stirring anti-woke speech reminiscent of Charles de Gaulle’s speech from exile in WWII. Meanwhile, on the home front, Fauci has declared that he is the science. Plus: a murder in Beverly Hills shows the alarming deterioration of law and order in blue states. Our editors examine the battles over wokeness on two continents. 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 editors open the show with a look at Thanksgiving proclamation excerpts by several presidents, from George Washington to Obama. This provokes meditations on fatherhood, God, and the meaning of gratitude. Then: Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted of all charges, but dozens are injured and several are dead in a terror attack in Waukesha. Our editors analyze the situation. 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

From exploiting the DOJ and FBI, to vaccine mandates, the federal government seeks to exert ever-tighter control over your life. Meanwhile, congressmen are either asleep at the wheel or cheering it on. But are the courts even a viable option to slow the spread? Our editors discuss three under-appreciated news stories and the state of our three branches of government. 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

Kyle Rittenhouse has testified in his own defense at the trial which will determine his future after he stood up against rioters in Kenosha, WI. The editors discuss Kyle’s remarkable composure in the face of a ruling class mob that is howling for his imprisonment. Ryan and Matt also give a brief recap of NatCon2. Plus: is there any parallel between today’s events and Dune? 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

Republicans Glenn Youngkin, Winsome Sears, and Jason Miyares have turned Virginia red, and everyone is closely scrutinizing what this might signal for other elections in 2022 and 2024. Or at least, sensible people are scrutinizing it, while the Left screeches absurdly about racism and refuses to even consider introspection. Our editors consider what conservatives could do to capitalize on this initial victory. 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

Since people don’t really believe left-wing “fact checking” sites in the age of petty tyranny, a few billionaires had a truly innovative idea: just make another one. But this time, it’ll be bigger and better. Meanwhile, the CDC continues to expand vaccine dose and booster recommendations, all while hinting that they will soon change what constitutes “fully vaccinated”. Our editors put everything into context. 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 the US adopts wokeness as its grand strategy and promotes its first trans four-star admiral, China is embracing masculinity and testing a hypersonic missile that the US, according to military brass, cannot stop. Will reality ever set in and put an end to our desperate fantasies? Plus: Facebook’s most recent whistleblower is being funded by Pierre Omidyar. Our editors discuss the shadowy web of organizations seeking to deconstruct humanity. 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 US is currently facing unprecedented logistical shortcomings brought on by government restrictions. Meanwhile, inflation has been steadily skyrocketing as the feds continue to print obscene amounts money. In other words, the time is just right for the steady creep of a new social credit system into the limelight. Plus: Loudoun County has been covering up sexual assaults to keep its talking points in order. 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

Our predatory federal bureaucracy has its eye on Facebook. The ruling classes will settle for nothing less than full transhumanism and total control. Meanwhile, as if trying to prove the point, the FBI this week announced its plan to treat parents who are upset at critical race theory in schools as domestic terrorists. Plus: Matt has an idea for a darkly humorous music video. 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

Self-styled “democracy advocates” are up in arms over the mere prospect of a Trump 2024 run. So they’re doing what they always do: writing overlong essays about the end of democracy. Ruling class gonna ruling class. Meanwhile, APSA has removed Claremont from its lineup this year fearing protests. Does it even matter? Our editors break it down. 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 convene with heavy hearts to reminisce about the life and work of Claremont Senior Fellow Angelo Codevilla. The group recall entertaining stories about Codevilla's life and return to some of his many enduring books and essays. Rest in peace, Dr. Codevilla. 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

Last week the Biden administration unveiled its ghastly plan to effectively force vaccines into people’s arms unless they’re willing to risk unemployment. Meanwhile, other elites like George W. Bush mouth the platitudes of the uniparty establishment. Plus: Gavin Newsom clings to power in California—and no points for guessing LA County’s first order of business after the news dropped. 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 this edition of The Stakes, Michael Anton, lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center, and a Claremont senior fellow, is joined by Matt Peterson, founding editor of The American Mind. The two discuss the massive and widening rift between California and Texas, both as individual states and as standard-bearers for their respective sides of the aisle. In the coming “big sort,” the question will be: which state is better for everyday Americans? 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 a week off due to technical issues, the editors are back in the saddle. The woke Left is becoming ever more open about the religious nature of its commitment to abortion—they even sought out an oddly fitting alliance with the literal Satanic Temple. From Texas’s new abortion law to George Floyd murals in Afghanistan, the question is increasingly one of whose gods will survive the digital age. 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

What will happen to the tens of thousands of refugees fleeing Afghanistan? Will we ever be allowed to know? Does Europe's experience with Afghan refugees leave us with any useful lessons? If so, will we be permitted to learn them? Plus: Andrew Cuomo vanishes into obscurity, lobbing a political grenade on the way out, while Australia and the rest of the Anglosphere are careening into perpetual COVID despotism. Our editors 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

In just 11 short days, the US-backed government in Afghanistan utterly imploded and the Taliban seized control of the country, even managing to get their hands on billions of dollars’ worth of US war gear. Could it have been done better? Yep. Does the regime care? Nope. They’re just blaming Americans and making them pay the cost. All the while, the Delta variant gives them the perfect chance to seize even greater powers. Our editors pop a few black pills and 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

Left-wing and fake-conservative Twitter had one of their trademark meltdowns when Tucker Carlson visited with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. At home, Governor Newsom is feeling the heat from the upcoming recall efforts and Governor Cuomo put in his two weeks under the continued pressure of sexual harassment allegations. Really, though, it’s all just froth on the surface of deeper currents: as the digital age renders our ruling classes obsolete, they are scrambling to eat one another alive. 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

Against a backdrop of complete and utter disarray, progressive autocrats are attempting to snatch up as much power as they can using the Delta Variant as their excuse—though really they’ve created a beast even they can’t control. From a damning AG report on Governor Cuomo’s sexual escapades, to California’s recall election, to figuring out who the real enemies are, our editors have thoughts and analysis. 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 this special edition of The American Mind Podcast, Michael Anton, lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College's Kirby Center, and a Claremont senior fellow, is joined by James Poulos, executive editor of The American Mind. The two discuss the applications of Machiavelli’s political philosophy to the modern day. Topics covered include priestly authority, political corruption, regime decay, and the progression of technology. 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 one looks around America today, it's easy to fall into a state of deep despair. But there's also much to be hopeful for. Today, The American Mind editors are holding both states of mind at once: they have taken the quantum pill. Our editors apply this attitude to the January 6 Commission, Big Tech surveillance, lockdown part 2, and another amusing hit piece against Claremont. 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

Who runs America? Is it the surveillance state that aims to strangle the life out of regular citizens? The billionaires racing to space? Or the people? As the Borg gathers power, the editors gather to discuss what may come. Plus: in Michigan, the feds are caught out in a sting operation. 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