The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Fred Kagan, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a strategic military analysis expert, joins the discussion to delve into the complexities of modern warfare. He shares insights on Ukraine's military strategies and how the U.S. can navigate future conflicts with Russia. The conversation highlights the shifting dynamics of the Ukraine war, contrasting Russian and Ukrainian tactics, and touches on Putin's conflicted narrative on conscription. Kagan also addresses the implications of drone technology and the ongoing situation in Israel, connecting these geopolitical issues with historical contexts.

Mike Pesca, known for his sharp political and cultural commentary, joins to unpack current Democratic dynamics. They tackle antisemitism and the overuse of terms like "genocide" while contrasting perceptions of Tim Walz's candidacy against reality. The conversation weighs Kamala Harris's media strategy and riffs on Joe Biden's presidency. With a blend of humor and insight, they explore how political discourse evolves in the media landscape and what it means for upcoming elections.

The host hilariously battles a hangover while reminiscing about vintage political commentary. A deep dive into price gouging reveals the complexities of economic decisions and their impacts. The discussion sheds light on how divorce metaphors reflect political divides and personal dynamics. Trump’s unique campaigning style is scrutinized, raising questions about its sustainability. Lastly, the podcast critiques media biases and the distortion of political rhetoric in today’s landscape.

Tevi Troy, an accomplished author known for his insights on the interplay between government and business, joins for a lively discussion about his new book. The conversation dives into the intricate dance between CEOs and political figures throughout history, including FDR’s fraught ties with corporate moguls. Troy shares fascinating anecdotes about key players like Henry Luce and reflects on how woke corporatism is reshaping today’s landscape. The episode also touches on right-wing identity evolution and the ongoing influence of corporate America on presidential power.

The hosts dive into Donald Trump's intriguing remarks about Kamala Harris, dissecting his distortion of facts for political gain. They explore voter perceptions and how charisma trumps policy in modern campaigns. The changing landscape of the 'blue wall' and its implications for elections are examined, alongside the contrasting strategies of current candidates. A lighthearted segment on sandwiches provides comic relief, featuring tales from New York City delis, blending culinary joy with political discussion.

Join vice presidential candidate Tim Walz and renowned actor Willem Dafoe as they dive into the murky waters of today's political landscape. They discuss the erosion of acceptable behavior in presidential candidates and the rise of scripted rhetoric, examining its impact on authenticity. Walz reflects on the nuances of patriotism versus nationalism while Dafoe critiques cultural criticism in the age of identity politics. The duo ponders the intersection of religion and politics, exploring how secular ideologies shape contemporary discourse.

Walter Russell Mead, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, engages in a rich discussion about the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasizes the need for peace efforts to prioritize Palestinian governance and economic viability. The conversation shifts to the evolving nature of nationalism and its implications for American identity. Mead also reflects on how ideologies like liberalism and Marxism mirror Abrahamic faiths, exploring their roles as modern religions and their impact on today's geopolitical fears and societal beliefs.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, dives deep into party politics with Jonah. They tackle the shift from elite-controlled nominations to a primary system that amplifies charismatic figures over true governance. The duo discusses the impact of populism on both sides of the aisle and the complexities surrounding anti-Zionism versus anti-Semitism. They also explore the potential benefits of ranked-choice voting for fostering moderation and ensuring a more representative political landscape.

Jonah drives over nails while contemplating the complexities of social Darwinism and the legacy of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. He dissects contemporary political emotions versus substantial policy, particularly within the Republican Party, critiquing flip-flopping behaviors. Diving into identity politics, he challenges voting based on gender and satirizes its absurdities. The discussion navigates the perplexities of loyalty in Trump’s political landscape and calls for conservatives to elevate their discourse amidst the current emotional climate.

In this lively discussion, John Podhoretz, a prominent political commentator known for his sharp insights, joins Jonah to explore the joys of intellectual schadenfreude. They dissect Kamala Harris's political strategy and the peculiar definition of 'weird' in today's politics. The conversation includes a critique of the lack of outrage over antisemitism within the Democrats and wraps up with a deep dive into the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, connecting it to broader U.S. foreign policy concerns in the Middle East.