The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg The States and Federal Government are Coequal | Interview: Matt Franck
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Jan 28, 2026 Matt Franck, constitutional scholar and teacher of law and the presidency, discusses federalism, executive power, and institutional reform. They debate why the right fractured and the psychology of following flawed leaders. Conversation covers the unitary executive, limits on removal and pardons, territorial authority, and ideas like repealing the 17th Amendment to revive state-centered politics.
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Right-Wing Cohesion Has Fractured
- The right has moved from harmony to sharp division driven partly by Trump as cause and effect.
- Practical frustrations (wars, immigration) and opportunism interacted with genuine intellectual ferment.
Why Former Critics End Up Defending Leaders
- People change views for varied reasons: sincere reassessment, opportunism, or to avoid admitting error.
- Personal psychology and political incentives explain why supporters double down rather than reverse course.
Cognitive Dissonance Shapes Political Loyalty
- Followers often reshape moral judgments to align with their chosen leader to avoid cognitive dissonance.
- Embarrassing character flaws in a leader trigger overcompensation by supporters who then praise every action.
