#305 A Conversation w/ Jonah Goldberg – Recorded Live at Word of South Festival 2024
Apr 29, 2024
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Jonah Goldberg, a prominent conservative intellectual, discusses the history and politics of the Supreme Court, the Constitutional Convention, and the changing definition of conservatism in American politics. He also shares insights on leaving Fox News, founding The Dispatch, and joining CNN, urging journalists to avoid befriending politicians.
Historical impact of third-party candidates on political parties since 1824 election.
Media narratives influence public opinion and reinforce echo chambers.
Challenges of trust in media outlets and the importance of diverse perspectives for healthy dialogue.
Deep dives
The Changing Landscape of Political Parties and Third-Party Candidates
The podcast delves into the historical significance of third-party candidates and the evolution of political parties in the United States, starting from the 1824 election featuring notable figures like John Quincy Adams, Henry Clay, and Andrew Jackson. It highlights the current rise of RFK Jr. as a third-party candidate and the potential impact on the upcoming election.
Media's Role in Shaping Political Narratives
The episode explores how media narratives are constructed, focusing on the strategies employed by figures such as Steve Bannon to influence public opinion and divide audiences along political lines. It touches on the reinforcement of echo chambers within media outlets and the impact on audience perceptions of the other side.
Challenges of Trust in Media Outlets
The discussion extends to the challenges of trust in media outlets, with a spotlight on how agendas can shape reporting and analysis. It sheds light on the impact of diminishing trust in media on public discourse and the importance of diverse perspectives for a healthy democratic dialogue.
Erosion of Norms in Political Discourse
The episode addresses the erosion of norms in political discourse, emphasizing the breakdown of established rules and expectations within the political system. It reflects on the stresses facing the current political landscape and the implications of norm violations on governance and public trust.
Role of Conservatism and Gratitude in American Politics
The conversation highlights the role of conservatism as rooted in gratitude for preserving cherished values while adapting to modern challenges. It underscores the need for ideological consistency and respectful dialogue within the political realm to navigate complex issues and safeguard democratic principles.
Jonah Goldberg is one of America’s most well-known conservative intellectuals, with a resume that includes more than two decades at The National Review, twelve years as a commentator on Fox News, and two New York Times Bestsellers. In recent years, however, the changing definition of “conservative” in American politics has put Jonah at odds with the party that they once called home. In this episode, recorded live at Word of South Festival in Tallahassee, Florida, Jonah joins Ben & Bob for a discussion that ranges from the history and politics of the Supreme Court, to the Constitutional Convention, to the reasons that Jonah thinks that journalists should avoid becoming friends with politicians. We also discuss Jonah’s reasons for leaving Fox News after more than a decade as a Fox contributor, as well as his decisions to co-found The Dispatch and join the team at CNN.
This episode was recorded live at Word of South Festival on April 27, 2024. Ben & Bob would like to give special thanks to WOS founder Mark Mustian and the other WOS organizers for the invitation, to Rick & Linda Hyson for the hospitality during our stay in Tallahassee, and to Florida State University for sponsoring the event!
An extended version of this conversation, which includes more than 20 minutes of additional conversation is available to our supporters on Patreon. Click here to listen to the extended episode! Thanks to our Patrons for keeping the show going!
This episode was edited by Gary Fletcher.
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