In this conversation, Frank Bruni, a New York Times columnist and bestselling author, shares insights on the turbulent intersection of culture and politics. He and Kevin D. Williamson explore the haunting themes of The Exorcist and how they resonate with today's political grievances. They discuss the toxic obsession with resentment in American discourse, the challenges posed by economic divides, and the rise of victimization narratives. Bruni also critiques the disconnect within elite institutions and reflects on empathy's role in fostering connections in a fragmented society.
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Frank Bruni's Exorcist Obsession
Frank Bruni has seen The Exorcist over ten times and owns several books about the film.
He lived in Georgetown, frequently running up the "Exorcist Steps".
insights INSIGHT
2020 Election Outcome
Kevin Williamson and Frank Bruni discuss the unexpected outcome of the 2020 US Presidential election.
Bruni admits to feeling momentarily hopeful for a different result despite predicting Trump's win.
insights INSIGHT
Agents of Stasis
Most Americans don't actually desire radical social change, despite the rhetoric.
A sense of being uniquely wronged permeates political discourse.
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Published in 1939, 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a powerful and poignant novel by John Steinbeck. It tells the story of the Joad family, Oklahoma tenant farmers who are forced to leave their home after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. The novel follows their arduous journey along Route 66 to California, where they face numerous hardships, including poverty, exploitation, and the loss of family members. The book explores themes of family, survival, and the struggle for human dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity. It also delves into the broader social and economic issues of the time, highlighting the conflict between the powerful and the powerless. Steinbeck's work is known for its vivid portrayal of the human condition and its impact on American literature and society[2][4][5].
Hillbilly Elegy
A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
JD Vance
In 'Hillbilly Elegy,' J.D. Vance recounts his life growing up in a dysfunctional family in Middletown, Ohio, with roots in Kentucky's Appalachia. The book details his experiences with poverty, addiction, and family violence, as well as his journey to joining the marines and eventually graduating from Yale Law School. Vance provides a personal and insightful look into the decline of the white working class in America, exploring themes of family, culture, and the loss of the American dream. The memoir also touches on the political swing of the region, particularly in relation to the 2016 presidential election and the appeal of Donald Trump to this demographic.
Where you go is not who you'll be
Frank Bruni
In this book, Frank Bruni challenges the prevailing mindset that the college admissions process is a definitive predictor of future success. He argues that the obsession with elite colleges is misguided and that what truly matters is the effort and experiences students have during their college years, regardless of the institution. Bruni uses statistics, surveys, and stories of successful individuals who attended a variety of colleges to support his argument. He also critiques the college ranking systems, such as those by U.S. News and World Report, for their flaws and for creating unnecessary anxiety among students and parents.
The Age of Grievance
Frank Bruni
In 'The Age of Grievance,' Frank Bruni explores the pervasive culture of grievance in American politics and society. He argues that while grievance has historically driven morally urgent change, its current manifestation is detrimental, fostering divisiveness, victimhood, and a lack of civility. Bruni examines how both the left and the right contribute to this culture, citing examples such as the storming of the US Capitol, the spread of conspiracy theories, and the erosion of common ground in higher education. He offers a call for humility, kindness, and openness as potential antidotes to this grievance overload, providing a hopeful and insightful perspective on how to redeem and heal American society.
The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty
The Exorcist, written by William Peter Blatty, tells the story of Regan MacNeil, a 12-year-old girl who becomes possessed by an evil spirit. Her mother, Chris MacNeil, a successful actress, seeks help from two priests: Father Damien Karras, a Jesuit priest and psychiatrist struggling with his faith, and Father Lankester Merrin, an elderly priest with experience in exorcisms. The novel explores themes of faith, redemption, and the battle between good and evil as the priests perform an exorcism to save Regan. The story is intense and graphic, delving into the psychological and supernatural aspects of the possession and the exorcism process. It was inspired by a real-life case of demonic possession in the 1940s and has become a classic in the horror genre[1][3][5].
Earlier this week, Jonah took a visit to a sacred temple in India, where he engaged in several hours of deep meditation that eventually resulted in his ascension to nirvana. Those who have reached the highest plane of enlightenment tend to reject earthly concerns like podcasts, so the helm of The Remnant has been passed to a former theater critic operating under the alias of Kevin D. Williamson.
Kevin is joined by Frank Bruni of the New York Times, primarily to discuss The Exorcist, which happens to have a lot of crossover with the current state of American politics. The two dig in to the absence of gratitude and obsession with grievances plaguing political discourse, the roots of mounting resentment between economic classes, and the woes of commercial air travel.
The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including Jonah’s G-File newsletter, weekly livestreams, and other members-only content—click here.
The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg 
