The Commentary Magazine Podcast

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Washington Commentary Columnist Jamie Kirchick joins us to discuss Trump's firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and his new pick for the position, Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin. Plus, Tucker Carlson's newest antisemitic conspiracy theory involving Chabad, and the Russian connection to the Iran war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss 2028 democratic hopefuls Gavin Newsom and Ruben Gallego ratcheting up their anti-Israel rhetoric. JNS's Ruthie Blum then joins us from Tel-Aviv to discuss the reality of bomb shelters and life under the shadow of Iranian attacks and the battle for American public opinion. Plus, John recommends the movie Sovereign. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we break down the results of the Texas primaries and the upcoming runoff election between John Cornyn and Ken Paxton, as well as today's briefing on the progress of the Iran War. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our ongoing coverage of the Iran war continues with comments made by Marco Rubio and Mike Johnson on the justification for war, the historical comparisons to George W. Bush and the Iraq War, and the Trump administration's deficiencies in maintaining coherent messaging. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We continue our ongoing coverage of the Iran War by discussing this morning's press conference with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, and the implications of American strategy on the day after. Plus Christine recommends People in Glass Houses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eli Lake of the Free Press joins us for another emergency update on the ongoing American and Israeli military operations against Iran. What aces might Iran still have up its sleeve, and what does the future hold for the future of the region? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by FDD's Jonathan Schanzer and JNS's Ruthie Blum from Tel-Aviv to discuss the Israeli and American attacks on Iran, the news that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed, and what this means for the future of the country and the region. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss Paramount Skydance's seemingly successful outbidding of Netflix in the race to purchase Warner Bros. and the grim reality of a media that refuses to adapt to the shifting digital landscape. Plus, the massive American military buildup in the Middle East as war with Iran inches closer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we reminisce about pre-internet money culture and the dangers of the new digital paradigm, particularly for children, on the backdrop of ongoing lawsuits against social media companies. How can children navigate this new world, will tech companies be held accountable, and how does all this connect to the Epstein files? Plus John recommends Allegra Goodman's This is Not About Us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss all aspects of President Trump's State of the Union Address: The television spectacle, the outbursts, the guests of honor, and more. Will the speech help Republicans close the enthusiasm gap in advance of the midterm elections? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss Gavin Newsom's SAT scores on the backdrop of his 2028 presidential ambitions, and John recommends Splitsville. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AEI's Adam White joins us on this snowy Monday to discuss the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision striking down Trump's IEEPA tariffs, particularly Justice Gorsuch's concurrence, as well as possible replacements for the potentially retiring Justice Alito. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the breaking news that SCOTUS has ruled Trump's tariffs unconstitutional, as well as the 2025 economic numbers and the ongoing creep towards an attack on Iran. Plus, Trump's plan to release government files on aliens, and John recommends Your Pro-Israel Bookshelf. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss Tucker Carlson's concocted controversy surrounding his airport interview with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, the growing anticipation of a potential American attack on Iran, the U.S. hockey victory at the Winter Olympics, and Prince Andrew's arrest. Plus, John recommends Marty Supreme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The buildup of American forces in the Middle East as the Iran talks falter has us asking: is war coming, or is it all just negotiating bluster? Plus, republicans brace for the midterms, and Washington DC's historic sewage spill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss the legacies of the recently-deceased Robert Duvall and Jesse Jackson, AOC's blunders and Marco Rubio's triumph at the Munich Security Conference, and John recommends You've Got Mail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we discuss a worrisome new Wall Street Journal piece on Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski's conduct at the Department of Homeland Security. Plus, early signs that Trump's iron grip on the Republican party starting to slip, the alarmism surrounding the revocation of the EPA's regulation of CO2, the HHS's assault on medical advancements, and Christine recommends Magda Szabó's The Fawn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we continue to dig into the ongoing Epstein controversy. The unprecedented release of millions of documents has led to broad brush allegations and partisan mud flinging, culminating in Pam Bondi's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. Will we ever experience responsible governance again? Plus Carrie Prejean Boller's stunt at the Religious Liberty Commission meeting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by Commentary's new Washington commentary columnist Jamie Kirchick to discuss his new piece on Yoram Hazony. Plus the positive job report, Trump's deal-making obsession on the backdrop on Netanyahu's visit to Washington, and John once again recommends Natan Sharansky's Fear No Evil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democrats are pushing a hard line on DHS funding. Will the administration blink, and how will it influence ongoing immigration enforcement? Plus Gallop's optimism poll, the ongoing Epstein revelations, and Seth recommends the Netflix documentary Miracle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was Robert Kraft's antisemitism ad at Superbowl LX a waste of time and money? Plus Bad Bunny's halftime show, bizarre AI ads, and John recommends the new movie Send Help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recent reports on the advances of AI in computer coding could spell a major shift in the software sector and cause substantial shifts in society. Is the AI singularity upon us, and how do we handle this emerging future? Plus John and Eliana recommend the Mel Brooks documentary The 99 Year Old Man! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A major shift, it seems, in the Trump administration's approach to illegal aliens is taking place; what does this mean for Stephen Miller's hyper-aggressive approach and the White House's efforts to find a way to forestall a blue wave in November? Also, what is the purpose of these Iran negotiations? Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The layoffs at the Washington Post are the source of bitter media tears today, but the Post's staff did it to themselves, and we explain why—and why it's failed where the New York Times and the New York Post have both succeeded. Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eli Lake joins us today to discuss the question of what might come after the mullahs in Iran, and we ask: What is the president doing, calling for Republicans to nationalize elections? Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The shocking result of a special election in Texas marks yet another political bungle by the GOP and the Trump White House. Can they stop self-owning and get themselves back on track? Also, landmark events relating to transgenderism, Epstein files horrors, and the wondrous career of Catherine O'Hara. Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A quiet revolution is underway on the Temple Mount, where for six decades Jews have been forbidden to pray due to the rules established by a Muslim authority with dominion over the Dome of the Rock mosque—rules allowed to stand by the Israeli government. What changed and why is this so important? And why are the grounds for arresting former CNN anchor Don Lemon for participating in the disruption of a church service in Minneapolis stronger than you might think? Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The least isolationist president of our time—despite the neo-isolationists who seem to think he's on their side—may be poised to hit the mullahs as early as this weekend. How to explain the decision to do so? We give it a go. And we look at the new video of the tragically killed Alex Pretti and what it says about the events in Minneapolis. Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The political fallout in Minnesota has had a boomerang effect on the Trump administration because of its predisposition to take the hardest-line position on every matter and be provocative rather than resolute and calm. Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The president's decision to try and get himself out of the Minneapolis mess offers us a chance to assess just how much trouble he's in, and who's responsible for the trouble—is it his advisers, is it the media-Democratic complex, or is it Trump alone? Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The behavior of the administration's mouthpieces in the wake of the tragic shooting in Minneapolis this weekend cannot be overlooked or forgotten—unless Trump wants to. The return of the final Israeli hostage ends a period far longer than the time since October 7. Will Iran pay for its monstrous crimes against its own people? Today's Recommends: HBO Max's "Mel Brooks: The 99 Year-Old Man." Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Stirewalt joins us to today to discuss how good economic numbers suggest the Fed's behavior over the past year has been pretty effective—so why is Trump so obsessed with turning it upside down. And we take note of the horrifying op-ed in the Wall Street Journal on how "American studies" is really "anti-American studies." Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we ask whether a proposal by Rahm Emanuel for a mandatory retirement age for politicians and judges makes sense and whether it might be a populist issue that could really gain traction—along with, maybe, pardon reform. Also, why do people who work at CBS News think their dumpster fire of an organization should be run the way it was being run when it was being run into the ground? Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we try to figure out why Donald Trump wants to start a fight with Europe over Greenland, to what extent his Justice Department is going after the right and wrong targets in Minnesota, whether some Supreme Court judges will soon be stepping down, and what went on when protesters in New York canceled a show by a Jewish comedian. Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The cascade of frenetic actions on the part of the Trump administration over the past week—even as Trump seemed to blink on acting when it came to Iran—is unnerving. Is there good news? Can someone cheer us up? And what about the Harris campaign going full-on dual-loyalty accuser in interviewing Josh Shapiro? Meanwhile, a recommendation for a remarkable novel called Foster Dade Explores the Cosmos, by Nash Jenkins. Give a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices