The Dispatch Podcast

Spinning Out of Control | Roundtable

46 snips
Sep 19, 2025
Megan McArdle, a columnist at the Washington Post, joins a lively roundtable discussion on free speech, media regulation, and TikTok. They dissect the government’s attempts to influence speech post-Charlie Kirk's assassination, questioning the implications for the First Amendment. The conversation also delves into a proposed TikTok deal that addresses privacy but leaves algorithm control with ByteDance, raising national-security concerns. To lighten things up, the group debates whether fall truly is the best season or if it’s just overrated.
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INSIGHT

Government Pressure On Broadcasters Is Dangerous

  • Kevin warns that government pressure on broadcasters is illiberal and unhealthy.
  • He says political excitement and abuse of power make this moment feel like a crisis.
INSIGHT

Cracking Down On 'Hate Speech' Backfires

  • Megan argues hate speech is legally protected and government action would backfire politically.
  • She warns wielding power now harms future occupants of that power, including conservatives.
ANECDOTE

Conservatives Forced A Walk‑Back

  • Megan recalls conservatives pushing back after Bondi's comments, forcing a walk-back.
  • She recounts that legal conservatives reminded the public the First Amendment protects hateful expression.
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