Matthew Continetti, director of domestic policy division at the American Enterprise Institute, joins Jonah Goldberg to discuss topics such as a potential government shutdown, the nature of populism, and the dangers of excessive populism addiction. They explore the mindset of Republican politicians and the implications of populism on intellectual conservatism.
Populism can be both beneficial and detrimental, with the need to redirect it towards productive ends.
Encouraging mob actions like the storming of the Capitol can be seen as inherently populist and pose a risk of devolving into conspiratorial thinking.
The rise of school choice programs has fueled the conservative policy agenda and informed public policy in other areas.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Populism and Conservatism
The podcast discusses the intersection of populism and conservatism. The speaker analyzes Mike Pence's populism speech and critiques his approach to treating populism as a distinct ideological program rather than an approach to politics. They highlight the potential benefits and downsides of populism, emphasizing the importance of redirecting it towards productive ends and avoiding its devolution into conspiracy thinking, support for strongmen, and anti-nomianism. The speaker acknowledges the challenges of reconciling populism with conservative principles and leadership as well as the impact of populism on the Republican Party.
The Inherent Populism of Trump's Actions on January 6
The podcast examines the inherent populist nature of Trump's actions on January 6. It highlights how encouraging a mob to storm a branch of government engaged in a constitutional duty is an inherently populist act. The speaker emphasizes that encouraging such acts poses a risk of devolving into conspiratorial thinking and a rejection of the rule of law. They counter the claim that there was nothing inherently populist about Trump's actions on January 6 and explain the need to distinguish between productive and non-productive forms of populism.
Debating Neoconservatism and Foreign Policy
The podcast enters into a debate about neoconservatism and foreign policy. The speaker addresses the erasure of historical Republican positions and the conservative movement's commitment to assertive internationalism and hawkish foreign policy. They critique the assumption that neoconservatism is solely focused on foreign policy, mentioning its broader origins and discourses. The speaker points out the misapplication and expanding use of the term 'neocon' and discusses the recent repudiation of Reagan-era policies and the support for anti-communist resistance overseas.
The rise of populism in school board politics
The podcast discusses the rise of school choice programs throughout the country and how this has fueled the conservative policy agenda. Popular sentiment and the outrage of parents after COVID has driven the push for educational choice, which is being used to inform public policy in other areas. The speaker also mentions the negative impact of leaders like Trump and Matt Gates, who prioritize their own self-interests over the well-being of the country.
The challenges of conservatism in the face of populism
The podcast explores the tension between populism and conservatism within the right-wing movement. It discusses new institutions and factions that have emerged, with leaders who prioritize their own agendas rather than adhering to traditional conservative principles. The speaker raises concerns about how these new factions are rejecting competition, choice, and constitutional rule of law in favor of a populist approach. They emphasize the importance of remaining true to conservative principles and finding effective ways to address current challenges while avoiding the pitfalls of populism.
Jonah’s travels have concluded and he’s back on the homefront, which can only be good news for holders on the Remnant bingo card. To celebrate his return, the ever-reliable Matthew Continetti is back on the program for some piping hot punditry on the latest in political dysfunction. Matt recently abandoned Jonah’s department at the American Enterprise Institute to become the director of its domestic policy division, and this betrayal won’t go unpunished. But when they aren’t viciously attacking one another’s office allegiances, the duo is able to provide incisive answers to a host of political questions. Is a government shutdown incoming? What’s going wrong with conservative institutions? How can populism be a good thing? And what will it take for politicians to stop beclowning themselves?
