The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Jonah Goldberg responds to Christopher Rufo and his fight to "to recapture the regime and entrench our ideas in the public sphere," using 20th-century Marxist Antonio Gramsci's ideas. This is a bonus Ruminant –– expect your regular Saturday Goldberg variation to arrive at the normal time. Show Notes:—Meet MAGA’s Favorite Communist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Stirewalt, a contributing editor at National Review and a well-known political commentator, brings his sharp insights to a conversation ranging from the ethics of Tom Selleck's career to the peculiarities of marmot behavior. The duo delves into the challenges of political corruption, especially in the context of 'The Gay Place,' and tackles the complex implications of Trump's immigration policies. They also explore shifting alliances in American politics and offer humorous takes on sports culture, making for an engaging mix of levity and serious discourse.

Adam Kirsch, author of 'On Settler Colonialism' and Wall Street Journal Weekend Review editor, dives into the complexities of settler colonialism, especially in the Israeli context. He explores its historical roots and ideological motivations, challenging traditional narratives surrounding American history. Kirsch discusses the moral legacies influencing contemporary politics and critiques the effectiveness of radical activism in relation to pro-Palestinian movements. His insights shed light on the ongoing struggles surrounding identity politics and collective responsibility.

In this engaging discussion, intriguing concepts like the division of labor are explored through relatable anecdotes about teenagers mowing lawns. The complexities of political ideologies, particularly the clash between traditional conservatism and modern populism, are dissected. The podcast also critiques the pervasive paranoia surrounding the 'deep state.' Listeners are treated to insights on Trump's communication strategies and a nostalgic look at the original 'Alien' film, connecting its storytelling to societal perceptions.

Join John McWhorter, a renowned linguist and New York Times opinion writer, as he delves into his book, 'Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words.' He explores the rise of gender-neutral pronouns and the historical significance of traditional ones like 'thou.' The discussion highlights how language rules are often imposed, critiques elite dialects that exclude, and reveals how pronouns shape our identities and social hierarchies. McWhorter also touches on the limits of language in enacting real change.

Scott Lincicome, vice president of general economics at the Cato Institute and a trade expert, joins the conversation to unravel the complexities of tariffs and trade deficits. He challenges the myth that trade deficits are a loss, emphasizing the importance of free trade in economic health. The discussion dives into the geopolitical fallout from U.S. trade policies, the intricate links between tariffs and inflation, and the risks of protectionism. Lincicome's insights shed light on how these issues are reshaping global alliances and domestic industries.

Dive into the clash of trade policy and public choice theory as the complexities of global economics are laid bare. Discover how annoyance can fuel creativity, alongside humorous takes on navigation mishaps and political rants. The discussion critiques economic misconceptions, the heritage of trade policies, and the striking wealth disparities shaping consumer behavior. With a focus on the imbalance of presidential power versus judicial oversight, the conversation explores the urgent need for a cooperative economic approach.

Marc J. Dunkelman, a visiting fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works," joins Jonah Goldberg to tackle America’s governance problems. They discuss the transformation of progressive policies and how NIMBYism impacts infrastructure projects. Dunkelman argues for the need for more institutions to foster effective governance. They reflect on the complexities of family decision-making as a microcosm of larger societal dynamics, and highlight the historical significance of NYC's urban planning debates.

Jonah Goldberg chats with Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute specializing in Ukraine and European security. They dive into the current state of the Ukraine-Russia war following Coffey's recent trip to the region. The conversation tackles Ukrainian morale after a notable political debacle and reveals cracks within the Russian army. They also discuss the critical importance of U.S.-European alliances amidst rising skepticism and the profound implications of NATO's role in global stability.

Dive into a compelling discussion about the tyranny of intellectual mobs and the dangers of mob mentality in politics. Explore the flawed due process that undermines justice and the implications of AI-generated art on societal narratives, especially regarding immigration. Reflect on the emotional over rational discourse in today's political divide, and consider the consequences of media sensationalism. The talk also critiques the lapse of constitutional integrity in favor of party loyalty, advocating for independent journalism as a remedy.