Know Your Enemy

Topics discussed include the crisis in Israel and Palestine, the influence of postliberal thinkers on the right, polarization and our political future, the state of the GOP, Willie Nelson, conservative art (and artists), and more!

Expert on anti-Semitism and right-wing intellectuals, John Ganz, joins the podcast to discuss William F. Buckley Jr.'s book 'In Search of Anti-Semitism.' The podcast explores the controversy surrounding anti-Semitic sentiments within the conservative movement, the division between paleo-conservatives and neoconservatives, and the presence of anti-Semitism in conservative circles. It also delves into the impact of anti-Semitic views on anti-Israel sentiments and critiques of Buckley's book, as well as incidents related to anti-Semitism and its emergence as a political ideology on the right.

This podcast episode discusses the ousting of Republican congressman Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House. It explores the motion to vacate and the events that led to McCarthy's fall from grace. The episode also examines the deranged state of the Republican caucus in the House and the reasons behind it. The chapter highlights the decentralization of authority in the Republican party due to social media and conservative media outlets, leading to conflicts within the party.

Analyzing the recent Republican debate and its implications on worker rights and populism, the chapter questions the party's commitment to the working class and criticizes Trump's stance on job protection.

Mari Cohen, Alex Kane, and Peter Beinart join the host to discuss the conflict between Elon Musk and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), exploring the ADL's history and its complicated politics. They delve into the ADL's involvement in civil rights issues, its relationship with Israel, and its surveillance activities. They also highlight the tensions within the organization and the challenges it faces. The podcast explores the contradictions of the ADL's stance on ethno-nationalism and its role in combating hate speech.

Former president Donald Trump, currently facing 91 criminal charges, discussed his efforts to steal the 2020 election. The indictments reveal the deranged attempts made by Trump and his team to overturn the election, along with the complicity of the Republican Party. The podcast explores the risks and rewards of criminally charging a former president and how Trump's legal problems may impact the 2024 race.

Historian Samuel Moyn discusses how liberalism shifted during the Cold War, its connection to the conservative movement, and the rise of neo-liberalism and neo-conservatism. The podcast explores the impact of teleological historicism and Christian theology on Cold War liberalism, as well as the influence of Freudianism. They also address the concept of hope in liberalism and leftism.

Matt and Sam stayed up late to record just minutes after the first GOP presidential debate ended on Wednesday night; we did this for you, our beloved subscribers, because we care. This episode (full of blistering insights) is the result of that decision. "Enjoy."Subscribe to Know Your Enemy on Patreon to listen to this bonus episode, and all of our bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/knowyourenemy

The podcast explores the controversial firing of Nate Hochman from Ron DeSantis's campaign due to his involvement in offensive videos featuring a Nazi symbol. It reflects on the podcast's previous interview with Hochman and questions the state of young conservatives today. The episode also addresses the rise of anti-Semitism, racism, and misogyny within right-wing movements, as well as the influence of online alt-right and their proximity to mainstream conservatives.

Subscribe to Know Your Enemy on Patreon to listen to this bonus episode, and all of our bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/knowyourenemyThe Grateful Dead Conservative (w/ Sophie Haigney)Another fun summer-y episode for you, our beloved subscribers: This time, we talked to writer, Paris Review editor, and Grateful Dead super-fan Sophie Haigney about a topic we've long pondered: the phenomenon of the "Grateful Dead conservative."Why is it that right-wing figures including Tucker Carlson, Ann Coulter, and Paul Ryan count the Grateful Dead among their favorite bands? Isn't there something odd about these social conservative luminaries loving the Dead, such avatars of 1960s psychedelia, libertinism, and hippie counterculture? Or else, have we misunderstood something essential about the band — their Americana roots, their individualist ethos, their reverence for transcendent experiences — which makes them particularly suitable to conservative sensibilities?And also why do we all love them so much — this band that tests our patience, produces largely forgettable studio records, and often sounds, in concert, as if they're playing their own songs for the first time? The mind reels...Strap in for a long, strange, improvisational trip to the heart of these bewildering matters.Further Reading:Sophie Haigney, "Those of Us Who Love the Dead," Gawker, Dec 3, 2021.— "The Final Dead Shows: Part One," The Paris Review, Jul 17, 2023.— "The Final Dead Shows: Part Two," The Paris Review, July 18, 2023.— "The Final Dead Shows: Part Three," The Paris Review, Jul 19, 2023.Ann Coulter, "I’m A Grateful Dead Fan For Life," Billboard, Jun 24, 2016.Noah Eckstein, "'Wave That Flag': Meet the Deadheads Who Stump for Trump," Variety, Nov 2, 2020.Zachary D. Carter and Arthur Delaney, "Why Do Conservatives Love The Grateful Dead? We Ask Tucker Carlson," Huffington Post, Jul 15, 2015.Dean Budnick, "Behind The Scene: Jake Sherman on Phish, the Grateful Dead and Covering 535 Class Presidents at Punchbowl News," Relix, May 12, 2021.Martin Longman, "Why Do Republicans Love the Grateful Dead?" Washington Monthly, July 3, 2015Nick Paumgarten, "Dead Head," The New Yorker, Nov 18, 2012.Hunter Schwartz, "Grateful Dead fans: Surprisingly Republican," Washington Post, Jul 1, 2015.Marc Tracy, "Saying Goodbye to the Dead. (Again.)" NYTimes, Jul 14, 2023.Andy Kroll, "Jon Huntsman: We Need a 'Grateful Dead Tour' to Save America," Mother Jones, Jan 8, 2012.