WSJ Opinion: Free Expression

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.

For the first time, voters got to see the major candidates for the Republican nomination for President on the same stage, with one glaring exception. On this episode of the Free Expression Podcast, GOP strategist and columnist Karl Rove tells WSJ editor at large Gerry Baker why he thinks Vivek Ramaswamy had the worst moment of the night in Milwaukee, how Nikki Haley and Mike Pence advanced their cause and says Ron DeSantis just managed to survive, albeit with a couple of difficult moments. And he argues that Donald Trump's absence exposed his vulnerabilities as the frontrunner and insists the former president can still be beaten.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former Attorney General William Barr discusses the legal troubles of Donald Trump and the Biden family. He criticizes the excessive indictment of Trump while the federal charges he faces are stronger. Barr also shares why he believes neither Biden nor Trump will be their party's nominees and suggests Hunter Biden would already be in an orange jumpsuit if he was a member of the Trump family.

On this week’s Free Expression podcast John Bolton, who served as national security adviser to President Donald Trump tells Wall Street Journal editor at Large Gerry Baker there’s a good chance Trump will be convicted of criminal offenses ahead of the 2024 presidential election and if he is nominated by the Republican Party it will lead to unenviable defeat. He also argues the US needs to be doing much more to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine and to deter potential Chinese aggression in Taiwan.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices