The Mona Charen Show

In this podcast, they discuss Biden's response to the attacks on Palestinians, the challenges in avoiding a wider conflict, and the impact on his reelection campaign. They also delve into the partisan conflicts over Iran, government funding, and the new speaker. They touch on highlights and lowlights of the week, discuss challenges in reaching a common understanding, and mention positive news of economic growth and a lawsuit against Meta.

Yascha Mounk, expert on politics, discusses the press's credulity in reporting the Gaza hospital story and highlights the shift in media coverage. Other topics include the impact of identity politics on society, the challenges within the Republican Party, and the heroism of retired Israeli military officials during emergencies.

Prof. Gil Troy of McGill University joins from Jerusalem to talk about Hamas, Israel's response, the left's excusing of terrorists, and a silver lining in a horrible week. highlights / lowlights LINDA: After Hamas onslaught, Trump criticizes Israel, calls Gallant a ‘jerk’ GIL: Lowlight: The attack on Israel Highlight: The generosity of the world in response BILL: The continuing saga of Cornel West. DAMON: A hardcore advocate for "Greater Romania" could be the country's next president MONA: Who Runs the Best U.S. Schools? It May Be the Defense Department.

Discussion on the Speaker debacle; Blaming Democrats for McCarthy's downfall; Red State politics impacting American lives; John Kelly confirming disturbing stories about Trump; Public support for assistance to Ukraine waning; Rise of right wing intellectuals embracing tyrannical government; General John Kelly speaks out against Trump and the importance of preventing his re-election

Former GOP Congresswoman Barbara Comstock drops in to discuss the debate, the shutdown, the impeachment, and the general dysfunction. highlights/lowlights: Linda Chavez A New Cohort of Transgender Kids by Lisa Selin Davis at Persuasion. Damon Linker The re-release of Stop Making Sense. Barbara Comstock The recent testimony of Cassidy Hutchinson. Mona Charen Inside the Unfounded Claim That DeSantis Abused Guantánamo Detainees by Matthew Rosenberg and Carol Rosenberg (NYT).

Francis Fukuyama joins Damon Linker, Ben Wittes, and A.B. Stoddard to analyze the UAW strike, the attacks on the "Deep State," and whether Kristen Welker blew it with Trump. Plus, in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, A.B. really doesn’t like the new Senate dress code, but loves that Henry Winkler and Dolly Parton have forthcoming books.  highlights/lowlights: A.B.'s: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/21/style/senate-dress-code.html https://dollyparton.com/life-and-career/books/dolly-parton-announces-new-book-behind-the-seams-my-life-in-rhinestones/21344 https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250888099/beinghenry Frank's: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66793900 https://www.npr.org/2023/09/20/1200705608/senate-tuberville-hold-military-promotions Ben's: https://www.c-span.org/video/?530429-1/department-justice-oversight-hearing

David Frum joins the group for a wide ranging discussion including the impeachment investigation, Biden's trip to the G20, Hunter Biden's indictment, and Mitt Romney's lonely stand. Plus, in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Mona calls out Mike Pence for midwifing our Trumpian politics. show notes: McKay Coppins' piece: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/11/mitt-romney-retiring-senate-trump-mcconnell/675306/   David's highlight: https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2023-mexico-china-us-trade-opportunity/ Bill's lowlight: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-so-many-americans-are-unhappy-about-the-economy/ Linda’s highlights: https://thetriad.thebulwark.com/p/terry-eastland-rip-legend https://www.americanpurpose.com/articles/orbans-tainted-democracy/ Damon's highlight: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/09/18/ross-douthats-theories-of-persuasion

Kori Schake, head of defense and foreign policy studies at AEI, shares her views on China, Ukraine, and Tuberville's stunt. The panel then debates whether Biden should, even now, step aside. Plus, in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Bill sings the praises of Antony Blinken’s performance as secretary of state, and Linda sees hopeful signs of sanity among local GOP officials in very red Wyoming. show notes: Column that Kori referenced: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/interactive/2023/ukraine-war-maps-progress-aid/ Substack post Damon mentioned: https://josephklein.substack.com/p/hidin-biden?utm_source=profile&utm_medium=reader2 Linda's highlight: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/07/opinion/nationalization-politics-wyoming.html Mona's highlight: https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/buck-tells-colorado-gop-leaders-to-stop-spreading-misinformation-about-jan-6-defendants/ Damon's highlight: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2023/09/samuel-moyn-liberalism-against-itself-critical-review.html

Law professor and AEI scholar Adam White joins the show to answer legal questions about Trump's trials. The panel then discusses whether prosecuting a former (future?) president is wise or necessary. And in our Highlights and Lowlights segment, Adam celebrates the arrival of a new monograph about director Whit Stillman, whose films include ‘Metropolitan’ and ‘The Last Days of Disco.’ highlights/lowlights: Adam's: https://firefliespress.com/Whit_Stillman Linda's: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/26/nyregion/march-on-washington-harlem.html Bill's: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/china/end-china-economic-miracle-beijing-washington Damon's: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/08/trump-disqualified-president-14th-amendment/675163/ Mona's: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/29/free-trade-common-enemy-congress/

Debate analysis including the rise of 'RamaSMARMY', 14th Amendment argument for disqualifying Trump, disentangling the Hunter Biden story threads. Linda celebrates the election of anti-corruption crusader Bernardo Arévalo as president of Guatemala.