Campuses are wrestling with the politics of war. So are we.
May 1, 2024
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Columnists Dana Milbank and Shadi Hamid discuss evolving views on politics and war, campus protests on Israel-Gaza, free speech double standards, and the impact on U.S. politics. They explore potential implications for the upcoming presidential election, particularly among young people.
Campus protests show complex mix of Jewish and non-Jewish participants advocating for divestment from Israel.
Evolution of political perspectives post-October 7th attack has led to shifting stances towards progressive causes.
Deep dives
Impact of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict on American Campuses
The episode delves into the clashes on American college campuses regarding Israel, Palestine, and free speech. Pro-Palestinian students are protesting against the war in Gaza, advocating for divestment from Israel-related investments. While some incidents of anti-Semitism have occurred, there is a mix of Jewish and non-Jewish participants. The discussion highlights the complexities of aligning with Israel's right to exist while criticizing the current Israeli government's actions.
Shifting Political Perspectives on Israel and Gaza
The evolution of political perspectives post-October 7th attack is explored. While some have moved rightwards, others, like Shadi, have shifted leftwards towards progressive causes. Criticism of Israel's actions post-attack and support for the Palestinian cause have influenced changing stances. There is a growing alignment with progressive views, emphasizing the oppressor-oppressed dynamic in the conflict.
Navigating Free Speech and Political Divides
The podcast discusses the evolving dialogue on free speech, particularly concerning pro-Palestinian speech on campuses. Traditional political divides around free speech have been challenged, with conservatives now opposing anti-Semitic speech and pressuring universities to restrict pro-Palestinian protests. The conversation points out the blurry line between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, emphasizing the importance of nuanced understanding in addressing campus tensions.
Campus protests across the country have renewed Americans' attention on the Israel-Gaza war and are scrambling U.S. politics, particularly on the left. Senior Opinions Editor Amanda Katz speaks with columnists Dana Milbank and Shadi Hamid about how their views have evolved since Oct. 7, whether there’s a double standard on free speech, and what the protests could foreshadow for the upcoming presidential election, particularly among young people.
(Note: This episode was recorded Monday, April 29 and does not reference events that took place after)
Read some of the columns referenced in this episode. Dana Milbank wrote on what it felt like for him in the weeks following the Oct. 7 attacks: “It’s a lonely time to be a Jew in America”