The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Matt Continetti is back to discuss the wave of democratic incumbent losses to insurgent DSA candidates and the party establishment's lack of pushback, and what this could mean for the next democratic administration. Plus, the revelation that Trump has made $2 billion as president, Nina Totenberg's false announcement of Justice Alito's retirement, and Matt recommends Michael Connelly's Ironwood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2026

Today we are joined by AEI's Adam White to try and make sense of the Supreme Court decisions striking down President Trump's executive order on Birthright Citizenship, upholding state bans on transgender athletes, and overturning limits on political party-coordinated spending. Plus, we celebrate Mel Brooks on his 100th birthday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 June 2026

Today we discuss the ongoing fallout from DSA candidate victories in NY primary elections and the shifting lines of acceptability in political discourse, the video of Scott Wiener being harassed at a pride event in San Francisco and the rise of the all-obliterating omnicause. Plus, putting to bed the leftist fantasy about the impending end of Israel, and John recommends Darcy O'Brien's A Way of Life, Like Any Other. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2026

Jewish Insider Editor-in-Chief Josh Kraushaar joins us to discuss the radicalism and antisemitism festering in New York's DSA circles, and the piling up of scandals that would have doomed political careers in the past. How did we get to this point, and how will both parties approach this trend in the lead up to the midterm elections? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2026

Our friend Noah Rothman joins us today to discuss the demographics of New York's primary election results, and how voting for socialists is an expression of perpetual childhood. Plus, The ongoing breakdown of relations between President Trump and the republican senate caucus, and a check-in on the situation in the Middle East. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2026

Contributing editor Eli Lake and FDD's John Schanzer join us today to mourn New York City in the wake of the string of radical left candidate victories in the democratic primaries. Plus, the latest on the Iran MOU and Israel's impossible position with regards to Hezbollah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2026

Today we discuss the antisemitic shooting in Montreal, and the controversy involving Dan Goldman and a Brooklyn coffee shop. Plus, Dan Schueftan, chairman of the National Security Studies Center at the University of Haifa, speaks on the current regional and international state of Israel, and the struggle to ensure the continuity of the Jewish way of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2026

Washington commentary columnist Jamie Kirchick joins us to discuss the unfurling disaster at the Iran talks in Switzerland and the establishment of a "deconfliction cell" that doesn't include Israel, and the looming specter of Israel's scapegoating for the inevitable failure of the agreement. Plus, Keir Starmer's resignation, the ongoing reflecting pool controversy, the DSA ascendancy in democratic politics, the passing of Alan Greenspan, and John recommends Voicemails for Isabelle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2026

Today we discuss reports on issues with the Iran MOU and the cancellation of JD Vance's trip to Switzerland, ostensibly over ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, and the scapegoating of Israel, Zionists, and neocons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2026

Matt Continetti is back to discuss the inauguration of the Obama presidential center in Chicago and president Obama's legacy. Plus, the ongoing unfolding Iran disaster with the signing of the MOU and Trump's press conference, Israel's precarious position in Lebanon, and Matt recommends The Infinity Machine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2026

Today we discuss the media blitz to sell the Iran MOU despite refusing to release its contents, as well as the contents of the agreement that were published in the media. Plus, Trump torpedoes Jay Clayton's nomination for DNI, JD Vance's appearance on Megyn Kelly, and the elections in Georgia and DC, a new FBI investigation of Gavin Newsom, and John recommends The Furious. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2026

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss the MOU with Iran, which has seemed to receive universal condemnation from everyone except vice president JD Vance, who is engaged in a widespread media tour to sell a deal whose details remain unknown. Plus, the indictments of Pro-Palestinian activists at the University of Michigan for their campaign of threats and intimidation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 June 2026

FDD's Jonathan Schanzer is back to discuss President Trump's terrible Iran deal and the ongoing uncertainty about its details, as well as America's position in the world in the aftermath of such a deal. Plus, the Bidens attempt a comeback, and Jay Clayton's nomination for DNI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2026

It's Friday, and time to discuss yet another round of "is there a deal with Iran?" after reports on the latest proposal that put a halt to a planned attack on Kharg Island. How much longer can this situation persist? Plus, Jodi Kantor defends Graham Platner and lays MeToo to rest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2026

Our friend Matt Continetti is back to discuss the central theory of Trump's second term, as well as the resumption of strikes on Iran and the threat to take Kharg Island. Is this a negotiating tactic, or have the Iranians finally pushed Trump too far? Plus, the expiration of FISA, the launch of the World Cup, the historic Knicks game, the inflation numbers, and Matt recommends the documentary Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That's the Weight of the World). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2026

Today we discuss Trump's ongoing pendulum swings on Iran and the contrast between his statements and American action, as well as revelations from Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman's upcoming book on the Trump admin's reaction to the Epstein scandal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2026

FDD's Jonathan Schanzer is back to discuss yesterday's chain of events involving Hezbollah, Israel, and Iran, and the stream of contradictory media reports and remarks from admin officials. Plus, more on the miscalculations in conducting the war and what the endgame might look like, and a check in on Graham Platner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 June 2026

Today we discuss Israel's retaliatory strikes on Iran and reports that Trump had instructed Netanyahu to not respond to the Iranian missile salvo. Was Israel's response indicative of a smoke screen or something more serious, and how does it relate to reports that the Pentagon is concerned about a rising espionage threat from Israel? Plus, Scott Pelley's post-firing media tour, and Seth recommends Legends on Netflix. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 8 June 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2026