Diet Soap - a podcast Episode 664: Chris Cutrone on Jared Kushner and Gaza
Oct 31, 2025
Chris Cutrone, a member of the Platypus Affiliated Society and a sharp commentator on Marxist theory, dives into the complexities of Jared Kushner's role in the recent peace deal in Gaza. He contrasts mob-style politics with bureaucratic diplomacy, analyzing how personalities influenced negotiations. The discussion shifts to the impact on Israeli sovereignty and Palestinian identity, questioning the relevance of national liberation in a post-oil landscape. Cutrone also explores the potential for Gaza's transformation into a capitalist hub, considering economic integration versus sectarian politics.
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Episode notes
Opening Banter Frames Protest Skepticism
- Douglas jokes about wearing a pussy hat and Chris jokes that a bra is too constraining, using humor to introduce political protest topics.
- This banter frames their skepticism about performative protest culture and symbolic gestures.
Presidency As Elected Monarchy
- The U.S. presidential system functions as an elected monarchy with an evolving imperial presidency.
- The key tension is whether the executive or bureaucracy controls decision-making and policy direction.
Informal Delegates Over Bureaucracy
- Kushner and Witkoff operated as informal personal delegates outside official bureaucracy to negotiate with Hamas.
- Their closeness to Trump gave them leverage that bureaucrats lacked in making deals happen.
