In Bed With The Right Episode 65 -- "So Long, Pamela Paul" with Michael Hobbes and Peter Shamshiri
Mar 25, 2025
Michael Hobbes and Peter Shamshiri, co-hosts of If Books Could Kill, dive into the life and impact of journalist Pamela Paul. They tackle the rise of 'reactionary centrism' and the evolving challenges in media commentary, unpacking the flaws in contemporary discourse. The duo critiques Paul's anti-woke stance and its effects on political narratives, while also humorously discussing the art of blending humor with serious journalism. Their wit shines as they navigate the absurdities of op-eds and the complexities of identity in today's polarized environment.
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Episode notes
End of an Era
- Pamela Paul's exit from the New York Times signifies the end of an era of reactionary centrism.
- This era focused on shallow critiques of "wokeness" rather than addressing substantial issues like Trump's rise.
Elite Meltdown
- Intellectual elites struggled with the rise of social media, losing their gatekeeper status.
- This led to meltdowns and careers dedicated to complaining about online criticism.
Unqualified Pundit?
- Pamela Paul was the head of the NYT Book Review for 10 years before moving to the opinion section.
- This transition was questioned due to her lack of specialized expertise, unlike other opinion writers.
