The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan

Jake Tapper, CNN's lead DC anchor, and Alex Thompson, Axios' national political correspondent, dive deep into the tumultuous world of the Biden family. They discuss Joe Biden's apparent cognitive decline and the dynamic between him and Hunter, marked by addiction and secrecy. The conversation touches on the cover-up of Biden's struggles, his political decisions influenced by personal crises, and the loyalty issues among his aides. They also explore how these family dynamics could impact Biden's re-election campaign and the media's role in shaping public perception.

In this enlightening discussion, Sam Tanenhaus, a biographer and historian renowned for his work on conservative thought, delves into the life of Bill Buckley. Tanenhaus uncovers how Buckley’s elite yet turbulent upbringing shaped his views and political ideologies. They explore Buckley's isolationism even post-Pearly Harbor, his conflict with Gore Vidal, and the striking parallels between Buckleyism and modern Trumpism. With captivating anecdotes about Buckley’s personality, education, and family dynamics, this conversation offers rich insights into American conservatism.

David Graham, a political journalist at The Atlantic and author of 'The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America', discusses the deep roots and implications of Project 2025. He delves into the rise of executive power and how it shapes contemporary governance. Amidst the political turmoil, Graham critiques the impacts of Christian nationalism and faith-based policies on civil rights. He also examines Trump's legal challenges and their polarizing effects on American politics, raising important questions about the future of governance and accountability.

Claire Lehmann, a journalist and the founder of Quillette, shares her journey from a modest upbringing in Adelaide to becoming a significant voice in media. She delves into the challenges of postmodernism in literature and her transition from academia to forensic psychology. Lehmann discusses her advocacy for marriage equality and the unexpected backlash from the left. She also reflects on the complexities of identity politics and societal changes, all while emphasizing the importance of fostering diverse perspectives in contemporary discourse.

Byron York, political journalist and author of 'Obsession', shares insights on the shifting dynamics in American conservatism. He examines the evolution of the GOP, especially in the South, and the impact of figures like Trump and Clinton on political discourse. York discusses Trump’s unorthodox challenges to Republican norms, his handling of immigration, and the long shadow of Russiagate. He also reflects on his personal journey from academic roots to the frontlines of political journalism, providing a rich context to contemporary issues.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comFrances Lee is Professor of Politics and Public Affairs at Princeton, and her books include The Limits of Party: Congress and Lawmaking in a Polarized Age. Steve Macedo —an old friend from Harvard — is the Laurance S. Rockefeller Professor of Politics and the University Center for Human Values at Princeton, and his books include Just Married: Same-Sex Couples, Monogamy, and the Future of Marriage. The book they just co-wrote is called In Covid’s Wake: How Our Politics Failed Us.For two clips of our convo — on the demonization of dissent during Covid, and where the right went wrong on the pandemic — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: Frances raised in the Deep South; Steve from a family of educators in Massachusetts; his Jesuit schooling as a gay Catholic; how both were natural contrarians; the pre-pandemic plans for Covid; their personal reactions to the outbreak; the emergency after 9/11; the Spanish flu; the cost/benefit of lockdowns; the different reactions in red and blue states; the Sweden model; the trillions of dollars in Covid relief; Fauci’s appeal to authority; Partygate and Newsom’s French Laundry; the remote work enjoyed by elites; how blue-collar workers bore the brunt; the generational injustice suffered by kids; Operation Warp Speed; the early myths of the vaccine; the Ptown vaccinated outbreak; censorship on social media; the moralizing of the MSM; the public-health hypocrisy on BLM protests; the mask mandates after the vaccines; how boosters weren’t backed by good evidence; the Great Barrington Declaration; the Ebright testimony; the “Proximal Origin” paper; gain of function and the short-lived moratorium; the illiberal mistakes of Francis Collins; addressing his claims on lab leak; and the alarming current risks of viral escape.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Byron York on Trump 2.0, Claire Lehmann on the woke right, Robert Merry on President McKinley, Sam Tanenhaus on Bill Buckley, Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson on the Biden years, and Paul Elie on his book The Last Supper: Art, Faith, Sex, and Controversy in the 1980s. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.

Francis Collins, a physician and geneticist known for leading the Human Genome Project, discusses his remarkable journey from a rustic farm to groundbreaking scientific achievements. He recounts his transition from atheism to faith, sparked by profound personal experiences. The conversation intensifies as he addresses the controversial lab-leak theory regarding COVID-19, reflecting on trust issues in science and society. He also delves into his reflections on life, sacrifice, and the intersection of belief and scientific inquiry.

Evan Wolfson, a trailblazing attorney and gay rights pioneer, founded Freedom to Marry, leading the charge for marriage equality. He shares captivating insights about the fierce resistance within the gay community during early activism and the monumental breakthrough in Hawaii. Reflecting on his personal journey, he discusses his formative experiences, the impact of the AIDS crisis, and the evolving landscape of public support for marriage equality. Wolfson highlights coalition-building strategies that turned the tide in favor of love and legal recognition.

Douglas Murray, a prominent writer and commentator, dives into hot-button topics like the political landscape under Trump, his frontline experiences in Ukraine, and the intricate dynamics of Israel's actions in Gaza. He passionately debates the implications of anti-Semitism on campuses and the challenges of deportation laws, stressing the balance between free speech and safety. Their lively discussion also touches on the psychological toll of violence, exploring the mindset behind the October 7th attack and the tragic human cost of conflict.

Nick Denton, entrepreneur and founder of Gawker Media, shares his insights on the shifting power dynamics in technology. He discusses how China is outpacing rivals like Elon Musk and explores the implications of Chinese pragmatism on global competition. Denton reflects on his unique early experiences in journalism, contrasting Eastern Europe's transformations with current tech narratives. He also highlights the burgeoning Chinese automotive industry and challenges American misconceptions about technological advancement.