

The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Commentary Magazine
Commentary is America's premier monthly magazine of opinion: General, yet Jewish. Highly variegated, with a unifying perspective.Listen to The Commentary Magazine Podcast, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.
Episodes
Mentioned books

13 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 10min
DOGE Soldiers
Delve into the chaotic intersection of Elon Musk and DOGE, questioning whether swift innovation leads to reckless fallout. Explore New York's political drama with Kathy Hochul contemplating the removal of the mayor and what it means for leadership dynamics. The conversation buzzes with themes of accountability in times of crisis, highlighting the struggles between personal responsibility and societal blame. Discover contrasting leadership styles affecting policy and governance in a politically tumultuous climate.

10 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 27min
Gallant: Not a Goofus
Dan Senor, an author and podcast host, shares insights from his thought-provoking dialogue with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. They dive into the complexities of Israel's military decisions post-October 7 attacks, highlighting internal disagreements over strategies against Hamas and Hezbollah. The conversation also touches on the political climate in Washington, including controversies surrounding the Justice Department and the implications of recent resignations. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on the intertwined nature of military strategies and global politics.

16 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Adams Case
The conversation dives deep into the resignation of an interim U.S. attorney in New York, revealing the ethical conflict between legal obligations and political pressure. Discussions highlight the ongoing indictment of Mayor Eric Adams, critiquing the political motivations behind dismissing charges against him. The hosts reflect on the significance of integrity in the legal system and explore the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party, emphasizing the need for intellectual honesty in today’s polarized landscape.

23 snips
Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 9min
Dark Times for Ukraine
The conversation dives into Donald Trump's unconventional foreign policy approach regarding the Ukraine conflict, reminiscent of the 1920s. It probes the geopolitical ramifications of military support amid NATO's evolving role. The moral obligation to aid Ukraine is emphasized, alongside parallels to historical interventions. Hostage negotiations in the Israel-Hamas crisis are also discussed, revealing the political dynamics at play and the emotional toll on families involved.

18 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 1h 14min
The Man Who Sat in the Oval
The podcast dives into Donald Trump's Gaza clearance plan, highlighting it as a unique proposal amidst criticism. It contrasts Trump's assertive approach to hostage diplomacy with Netanyahu's measured stance. Discussions explore the political climate within the Oval Office, including the complexities of Middle East diplomacy and media narratives. A recent military school protest against Trump policies reflects broader discontent, while social media dynamics and AI's influence on politics are examined. A meeting between Trump and Musk showcases power dynamics and legacy implications.

20 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 8min
Trump's Hostage Deadline
Ruthie Blum, host of the Israel Undiplomatic podcast and former advisor to Netanyahu, dives into the complex dynamics surrounding Trump's demand for Hamas to release hostages. She analyzes the emotional narratives of hostage releases and public sentiment in Israel. The discussion also touches on Netanyahu's balancing act between military strategy and humanitarian needs, the evolving U.S. foreign policy towards the Israel-Gaza conflict, and the geopolitical ramifications this all has for the region.

13 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 10min
Trump at the Super Bowl
The podcast dives into the unexpected connections between a President's Super Bowl appearance and the federal government's overspending strategies. It discusses the public's mixed reactions and critiques of the Super Bowl entertainment. There's a deep look at the financial implications of federal research funding for universities, as well as a critique of government spending practices. The conversation also touches on Trump's approval ratings amidst political challenges and the troubling rise of anti-Semitism among American youth, paired with a recommendation of a captivating Japanese crime novel.

14 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 11min
Mark His Words
Mark Halperin, a veteran journalist and bestselling author, shares his insights on the unfolding Trump 2 era. He argues that Trump's political savvy is often underestimated by his opposition. The conversation delves into the rapidly changing political landscape, emphasizing how traditional campaign expectations have shifted. Halperin critiques the media's role in political decision-making and explores civil liberties and the chaos of social media. He also compares narrative manipulation tactics used by Trump and Clinton, revealing new perspectives on governance and public perception.

13 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 16min
Common Sense and the Liberals
The discussion kicks off with Donald Trump's controversial sports ban and its cultural ramifications for the 2024 election. A deep dive into the shifting liberal ideals reveals how modern policies have leaned towards conservatism, especially regarding identity discussions. The vulnerabilities of mainstream liberalism amid radical movements like Black Lives Matter are explored. The critique of government accountability highlights the complexities of maintaining transparency while facing political challenges. There’s also a light-hearted look at the merits of sleep quality and the pitfalls of contemporary TV narratives.

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 30min
Eyeful in Gaza
The podcast dives into Donald Trump's unexpected proposal for U.S. ownership in a rebuilt Gaza, stirring political shockwaves. It examines historical tensions from the Six-Day War and critiques radical solutions versus traditional approaches. Leadership language is unpacked, revealing political ramifications tied to foreign policy. The discussion also navigates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the idea of Palestinians as refugees, and the complexities in U.S. and Israeli relations, all while reflecting on the unpredictable nature of Trump's policies.