The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Dive into an insightful discussion about sandwiches and the Oregon coast, where travel tales blend with political analysis. Jonah critiques GOP messaging failures, dissects Mitt Romney's authenticity, and defends aspects of Trump’s ad strategy. He also unpacks the complexities of partisan infighting and calls for a long-term conservative approach. Don’t miss his take on punditry, listener feedback, and the importance of authentic political communication. It’s a mix of humor, political critique, and personal anecdotes!

Aaron MacLean, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and host of the School of War podcast, dives deep into Trump's foreign policy coalition. He identifies four factions shaping his approach, from traditional Republicans to MAGA populists. Discussing the tension around support for Ukraine, he contrasts populist and isolationist views. MacLean also highlights the implications of modern defense technology and the U.S.'s engagements in the Caribbean, stressing the importance of historical memory amid current geopolitical strategies.

In this engaging discussion, political commentator Sarah Isgur shares insights from her book, Last Branch Standing. They dive into the impact of dating apps and the shifting norms around relationships, linking technology with rising trends of sexlessness among young people. Sarah critiques the influence of Chinese markets on wildlife extinction and suggests unconventional ideas for wildlife conservation in Texas. The duo also explores the role of celebrity in politics and reflects on historical political conventions for potential TV dramas.

Jonah Goldberg dives into the complexities behind the prospective peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, voicing concerns over its implications for Ukrainian security. He defends the necessity of dogma in society, emphasizing that some moral truths must remain nonnegotiable. The discussion also tackles the erosion of cultural taboos, the perils of excessive skepticism, and the impact of technology on communal institutions. Jonah urges a return to standards and moral clarity in education and parenting as bulwarks against extremism.

Jon Podhoretz, editor-in-chief of Commentary and a leading conservative voice, joins for a riveting discussion. They delve into the decline of cinema, highlighting how Hollywood’s reliance on reboots reflects a risk-averse culture. The duo critiques the Claremont Institute's turn toward extreme rhetoric and explore the nuances of modern conservatism as a flexible approach. They also share thoughts on child actors' challenges and the obscure history behind James Garfield’s story, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining conversation.

William Easterly, an economist and professor emeritus, discusses free trade and USAID’s impact on development. He challenges the notion of benevolent despots, asserting that true progress hinges on consent and human agency. The conversation delves into how colonial narratives justified violence, critiques aid's distortion of local markets, and laments the left's overshadowing of classical liberalism's anti-colonial arguments. Easterly also weighs in on China's economic reforms and their uncertain political implications, highlighting the allure of strongmen in development.

Jonah Goldberg shares reflections on Dick Cheney's memorial and examines Nixon's lasting influence on the Republican Party. He discusses Nixon’s pragmatic policies, the roots of Me-Too Republicanism, and critiques the Trump-era's echoes of Nixonian tactics. The conversation shifts to the implications of pardons, transparency in the Epstein files, and the unrealistic promises of tariffs. Finally, Jonah evaluates Elon Musk's bold claims about AI eradicating poverty and delves into the complexities of wealth and status in society.

Mark Clifford, a historian and president of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation, dives deep into the plight of Jimmy Lai, the Hong Kong media mogul turned dissident. He discusses Lai's 1,800-day imprisonment and the oppressive realities in Hong Kong vs. mainland China. Clifford critiques the 'two systems' promise as a deception from Beijing. He highlights Taiwan's democracy as a threat to the CCP's narrative and explores China's internal challenges, including economic strains and social cohesion. The conversation ends with a message of hope for activists like Lai.

George Weigel, a prominent Catholic theologian and author of a notable biography of Pope John Paul II, joins Jonah Goldberg to explore critical issues in American Catholicism. They dive into the dangers of postliberalism and integralism, connecting it to the disturbing rise of antisemitism. Weigel emphasizes the importance of doctrinal clarity for religious survival and discusses how social media fuels political demagoguery. Their conversation also touches on the Catholic Church’s relationship with liberal democracy and the implications of losing belief in objective truth.

Dive into the nuances of post-liberalism and the political dynamics of the government shutdown. Discover how misleading labels can obscure the real issues at play in extremist movements. Jonah critiques Tucker Carlson's controversial views on Japan, linking cultural trends to political realities. Explore the historical intertwining of socialism and nationalism, and learn about the moral implications of illiberal arguments. Join the engaging debate on how terms can dull critical thought in today's political landscape.