Dan Crenshaw, a Texas Congressman and former Navy SEAL, shares riveting insights from his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. He recalls the lessons learned amid chaos and the challenges of losing an eye in combat. The conversation takes a sharp turn to foreign policy dilemmas, discussing the complexities of the Taliban's resurgence and Trump's influence on the Republican Party. Crenshaw thoughtfully examines the evolving dynamics of political engagement in social media, highlighting the urgency for thoughtful discourse within Congress.
Dan Crenshaw shares insights from his military experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding local dynamics in foreign policy interventions.
Crenshaw critiques the growing isolationist sentiment within the Republican Party, arguing it threatens national security and effective management of foreign threats.
He reflects on the challenges of maintaining conservative values in Congress amidst rising populism, advocating for a pragmatic approach to policymaking.
Deep dives
Military Experience and Recovery
Dan Crenshaw, a former Navy SEAL, shares details about his extensive military experience, including his journey through various deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. He describes the rigorous selection process for SEAL Team 6 and how injuries sustained from an IED in Afghanistan altered his career trajectory. After being wounded, Crenshaw faced challenges related to his vision, which ultimately led him to transition into intelligence roles. Despite his injuries, he emphasizes his commitment to serving in different capacities and adapting to the changes in his physical abilities.
Insight on Iraq and Afghanistan Wars
Crenshaw provides an analysis of the U.S. military efforts in Iraq, challenging the narrative that the war was an unmitigated disaster. He argues that while mistakes were made, progress was evident by 2011 compared to earlier years, particularly in terms of stability. He points out the importance of building local capacity for governance and security in Iraq rather than abandoning the region too early. Crenshaw also emphasizes that understanding the local dynamics and pace of development is essential for the success of foreign policy interventions.
Political Climate and Foreign Policy
Addressing contemporary political sentiments, Crenshaw discusses the shifting views within the Republican Party regarding foreign policy, particularly with respect to military interventions. He expresses concern over a growing isolationist sentiment among some Republicans, which he sees as detrimental for national security. The conversation reflects on the necessity for strategic presence abroad to manage threats effectively and to prevent future conflicts. Crenshaw reiterates the lessons learned from past conflicts and advocates for a balanced approach to foreign involvement.
Social Media Influence on Public Opinion
The podcast delves into the impact of social media on public discourse and its role in shaping political views. Crenshaw highlights how social media amplifies extreme voices and creates a distorted sense of consensus, affecting perspectives, especially among younger audiences. He argues that while free speech is critical, there should be considerations regarding the exposure of children to harmful content online. The discourse emphasizes the need for parents to take proactive measures in regulating social media use among their children.
Navigating the Political Landscape
Crenshaw shares his experiences within Congress, addressing the balance between personal principles and the realities of partisan politics. He notes the challenge of maintaining conservative values in an environment increasingly influenced by populism and emotional rhetoric. Despite facing criticism from various factions, he maintains that a conservative framework is essential for effective governance and policy-making. He advocates for a pragmatic approach to legislation that aligns with core conservative principles while also recognizing the necessity of bipartisanship on critical issues like security and infrastructure.
Rep. Crenshaw joined Michael Moynihan and Matt Welch for their weekly podcast series The Fifth Column. Really fun conversation covering a lot of ground. Topics include:
· How to be a Navy SEAL
· Losing an eye in Afghanistan
· Dan can’t find his glasses / “I can’t see shit”
· Lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan
· A case study in intelligence failure and confirmation bias
· On leaving the Taliban in power
· Has Trump been good on foreign policy?
· The Republican Party post-Trump
· Tucker "is best friends with Hunter Biden!”
· Why are you even in Congress?
· On the mechanics of Congress
· Maybe a hundred normal congressmen
· What has Dan accomplished for Texas?
· Is populism winning?
· On banning TikTok
Michael Moynihan is a former contributor for Daily Beast and Vice on HBO. Follow him on X at @mcmoynihan.
Matt Welch is the Editor at Large of Reason. Follow him on X at @MattWelch.