The Commentary Magazine Podcast Cultural Honors and the Culture War
25 snips
Aug 14, 2025 The podcast explores the intriguing intersection of politics and the arts, specifically how the Trump administration has influenced cultural honors like the Kennedy Center's. It discusses the surprising choices in honorees and the impact of political affiliations on these selections. Nostalgia for Broadway and its cultural significance is examined, along with reflections on iconic figures like Gloria Gaynor and their relevance today. Finally, it critiques how museums are navigating complex narratives while grappling with identity politics and historical integrity.
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Trump's Kennedy Center Takeover
- John Podhoretz recounts Trump's takeover of the Kennedy Center and his appointment of Rick Grinnell to run it.
- He describes Trump's dramatic reveal of honorees with portraits under red shrouds and claims Trump was 98% involved in selections.
Woke Rejection And Bigger Audience
- Matt Continetti and John Podhoretz note Trump said he turned down nominees for being "too woke."
- They argue Trump's selections and his hosting will make the Kennedy Center Honors far more watched and politically loaded.
Michael Crawford: Phantom Pick
- John and Matt walk through Michael Crawford's career from Hello, Dolly to Phantom of the Opera and Trump's taste for 1980s musicals.
- They note Crawford's Phantom role is decades old and that Trump publicly mused about Broadway favorites like Cats and Phantom.
