Byron York, political journalist and author of 'Obsession', shares insights on the shifting dynamics in American conservatism. He examines the evolution of the GOP, especially in the South, and the impact of figures like Trump and Clinton on political discourse. York discusses Trump’s unorthodox challenges to Republican norms, his handling of immigration, and the long shadow of Russiagate. He also reflects on his personal journey from academic roots to the frontlines of political journalism, providing a rich context to contemporary issues.
Byron York reflects on his upbringing in a television-focused family, influencing his career trajectory in political journalism.
The podcast discusses the evolving landscape of conservative media, particularly in response to the populism brought by Trump.
Listener engagement is significant, with nearly 21,000 paid subscribers indicating the show's ongoing relevance and audience support.
Deep dives
Growth of Subscriber Base
The discussion highlights the growth of the subscriber base, reaching nearly 21,000 paid subscribers and 200,000 total subscribers. This milestone is significant as it approaches the show's five-year anniversary, marking a successful trend in listener engagement. The speaker expresses appreciation for this growth, indicating that it reflects the audience's interest and support for the show's content and discussions. This growth suggests a favorable reception of the show and its ongoing relevance in the media landscape.
Upcoming Guests and Topics
A range of notable guests is set to appear in future episodes, bringing diverse insights and expert commentary on various subjects. The guests include Claire Lehman, Robert Merry, and Walter Isaacson, each contributing expertise in areas such as political history and American culture. Additionally, the podcast intends to delve into the themes of American identity through discussions about historical figures like Benjamin Franklin. This lineup indicates a commitment to exploring pertinent and thought-provoking topics relevant to contemporary issues.
Byron York's Insights on Journalism
The conversation features Byron York, a seasoned political journalist with an extensive background in media, sharing personal anecdotes about his upbringing in a television-centric family. York discusses his father's pioneering role in local television, which influenced his path into journalism. His experiences shape his perspectives on political reporting and the evolution of media. This background offers valuable insights into how familial influences can impact career choices and professional trajectories in journalism.
The Evolution of Political Reporting
York's transition from television to journalism illustrates the dynamic nature of media and the evolution of political reporting over the decades. He reflects on his experiences working for CNN and local news stations, highlighting challenges and changes in reporting standards and audience expectations. His candid reflections on the news landscape underscore the complexities journalists face in a rapidly evolving environment. This evolution has been particularly pronounced with the rise of digital media and changing viewer habits influencing traditional reporting formats.
Conservative Media Landscape
The conversation examines the transformation within conservative media, particularly highlighting National Review's response to shifting political tides. York notes the challenges faced by traditional conservative publications in an age dominated by more sensational media outlets, including the rise of populism exemplified by Donald Trump's candidacy. He discusses how the dynamics within the Republican Party have shifted, leading to a more fragmented media landscape. This shift poses questions about the future of conservative media and its ability to adapt to new political realities and audience preferences.
Byron is a political journalist. He was a news producer for CNN in the early years, a reporter for The American Spectator, and the White House correspondent for National Review. He’s currently the chief political correspondent for Washington Examiner and a contributor to Fox News. His most recent book is the 2020 bestseller, Obsession: Inside the Washington Establishment’s Never-Ending War on Trump. We chewed over the recent political past and then got on to Trump, where things got stickier but still friendly.
For two clips of our convo — on Clinton Derangement Syndrome in the ‘90s, and Trump bungling his gains on immigration — pop over to our YouTube page.
Other topics: raised in Alabama; his dad a pioneer star in local TV news; the GOP takeover of the South; George Wallace; the Nation of Islam and AIDS; GOP fusionism in the Cold War; Mickey Kaus’ courage; David Brock’s war on the Clintons; Bill’s triangulation and the DLC; Vince Foster; Lewinsky and impeachment; Ken Starr; Iraq and WMD; covering Dubya for National Review; that mag marginalized since Trump; Birtherism and demonizing Obama; McCain and the market crash; Obamacare; the Santorum candidacy; Pat Buchanan; Trump vs Jeb on 9/11; Trump blowing up GOP orthodoxies; Hillary in 2016; Russiagate; pardoning all January 6-ers; Trump’s impeachments and McConnell; open borders under Biden; CHIPS and IRA; Trump hypocrisy on E-Verify; authoritarianism and self-deportation; Tom Homan; Bukele; the Alien Enemies Act; the SCOTUS standoff; judge shopping; DEI; Musk and DOGE; USAID and PEPFAR; Zelensky in the Oval; NATO; Chris Krebs; the tariff war; Trump’s yips; and the looming empty shelves.
Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Claire Lehmann on the woke right, David Graham on Project 2025, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson on the Biden years, Robert Merry on President McKinley, Sam Tanenhaus on Bill Buckley, Walter Isaacson on Ben Franklin, and Paul Elie on his book The Last Supper: Art, Faith, Sex, and Controversy in the 1980s. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.
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