
The Commentary Magazine Podcast Witkoff's Call, Mamdani's Transition
9 snips
Nov 26, 2025 Dive into the intriguing world of Trump-era negotiations as hosts dissect a leaked call between Steve Witkoff and Russian officials. They question whether Witkoff was coaching the Russians or just offering flattery tactics. The conversation also highlights troubling terms in potential deals and the impact of U.S. domestic politics on negotiations. Later, the hosts shift gears to analyze Zohran Mamdani's controversial transition team and how it could clash with Governor Hochul, raising questions about policing and political strategies in New York.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Negotiation As Performance
- The Witkoff call showed negotiation as performance rather than substantive diplomacy.
- Eliana Johnson and John Podhoretz argue it prioritized flattery to sway Trump over real Ukrainian interests.
Concessions That Reward Aggression
- The alleged 28-point plan contained concessions that heavily favored Russia.
- John Podhoretz warns caps on Ukraine's military and handing Donetsk territory would amount to rewarding aggression.
Domestic Politics Driving Foreign Policy
- Domestic political signaling within Trump's team may drive surrenderist negotiating stances.
- Podhoretz suggests figures like J.D. Vance push deals to satisfy isolationist supporters, not strategic U.S. interests.


