WSJ Opinion: Free Expression

Nikki Haley, potential main challenger to Trump, is gaining momentum in the race. Ron DeSantis is losing ground. Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict is critical to his reelection chances. A strong third-party candidate may emerge if it's Trump v. Biden.

Is Joe Biden prepared to back up his rhetorical support for Israel? On the latest episode of the Free Expression Podcast, Middle East scholar Reuel Marc Gerecht tells Wall Street Journal editor at large Gerry Baker why Israel's promise of the destruction of Hamas may not be possible without the reoccupation of Gaza, why the Biden Administration needs to to draw a red line on Iran's involvement in the conflict, how the escalation of attacks by Hezbollah is inevitable, and why a two-state solution was never viable, and seems even less so now.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the Free Expression Podcast, BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink tells Wall Street Journal editor at large Gerry Baker about why he thinks ESG investing has become so controversial but also misunderstood. He outlines his concerns about embedded inflation in the economy and how it will change investing and says he thinks cryptocurrency could represent a viable hedge against inflation and other risks. He expresses his concern about the state of free speech on university campuses and the wider decline in the quality of American public discourse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Israeli ambassador and Middle East historian Michael Oren discusses the Israeli military strategy and objectives in the war with Hamas. They explore the potential escalation and spread of the conflict, Iran's role, and the potential influence of a second term for Donald Trump. The chapter also covers the grim situation in Israel, including rocket launches and preparations for a ground incursion into Gaza, as well as domestic political pressure and shifting public opinion.

What led eight Republicans to vote against Kevin McCarthy and end his time as Speaker of the House? On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, Wall Street Journal editor at large Gerry Baker speaks with one of the eight, Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), about how this historic vote was months in the making. Good and Baker also discuss whether the upheaval was done in part with working with Democrats, the future of the continuing resolution in the House on spending, and some of the names being mentioned to be the next Speaker, including Donald Trump.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After another Trump-less presidential debate seemed to make few waves in the Republican primary race , what can we now expect from the contest? Is the field about to consolidate to just a handful of candidates vying to be the alternative to Trump?  How could the frontrunner be defeated? On this week's episode  of the Free Expression, conservative author and commentator Matthew Continetti talks with Gerry Baker about the state of the GOP, the future of conservatism and why he thinks the populist wing of the party is firmly in the ascendant for the foreseeable future.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Scott entered the 2024 GOP presidential primary with a message of positivity that was in stark contrast to Donald Trump's dark critique of contemporary America. But is it a winning strategy? On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, the South Carolina Senator tells Wall Street Journal editor Gerry Baker of his faith in the goodness of America, but also why he fears a government shutdown is imminent, why the patience of some Americans with the funding of Ukraine is running out, and why he advocates the adoption by states of a 15 week - or less - limit on abortion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From government to business to the media, millions of citizens have experienced a steep fall in public trust and confidence in its key institutions. So how did it happen? On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, editor at large Gerry Baker talks about his new book, "American Breakdown: Why We No Longer Trust Our Leaders and Institutions and How We Can Rebuild Confidence," with Wall Street Journal editorial page editor Paul Gigot about how faith can be returned to these pillars of society.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An economist discusses the economic troubles facing China, including real estate crisis, youth unemployment, and local government debts. The podcast explores whether China is headed towards collapse like the Soviet Union and the consequences for the world economy. It also touches on China's weak economy despite lifted COVID restrictions, demographic challenges, and the implications of China's growth as a challenge to the United States and the rest of the world.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie discusses his strategy to unify the Republican Party despite Donald Trump's influence. They explore disqualifying Trump from running for president and the Republican party's stance on trade and entitlements. Christie shares his view on supporting a convicted Trump as the nominee and the importance of defeating him in the primary to avoid a constitutional crisis.