The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Jonah Goldberg reflects on the legacy of Norman Podhoretz, diving into the complexities of his influential essay on race. He tackles Megan McArdle's thought-provoking piece on abortion, emphasizing moral intricacies. The discussion flows to the dichotomy of Burkeanism versus rigorous originalism in constitutional interpretation, with a critique of Trump's egocentric politics. Jonah highlights the importance of insulating institutions for stability, while also celebrating the ethos of The Dispatch team and the value of trust in media.

Jesse Arm, Vice President for External Operations at the Manhattan Institute and a notable pollster, dives into the evolving landscape of the GOP. He discusses the split between the traditional conservative base and a younger, diverse faction. The conversation tackles the challenges of replicating Trump's unique coalition and examines how new entrants often lack a cohesive ideology. They also explore the cultural impact of technology, the future of social conservatism, and the importance of community and religious revival in shaping Republican values.

Jonah Goldberg hosts Rahm Emanuel, a prominent former U.S. congressman and Chicago mayor, for a riveting discussion. They explore the culinary delights and cultural nuances of Japan, where Emanuel served as ambassador. The conversation takes a turn to politics, with Emanuel advocating for centrist policies and a ban on social media for youth, citing mental health concerns. He addresses income inequality and the dangers of wealth concentration, while also reflecting on his own experiences and the role of national service in fostering civic trust.

Jonah dives into Indiana's surprising redistricting defiance, hinting at a shift in GOP independence. He critiques misleading Trump claims from Heritage Action, touches on gerrymandering, and discusses the implications of political drug policies. Jonah warns against overly simplistic national security strategies while exploring the tricky relationship between process and outcomes in governance. The conversation also covers AI's pitfalls, and he playfully introduces his annual D-bag of the year tradition. A lively mix of politics and thought-provoking commentary!

James M. Bradley, a historian and biographer of Martin Van Buren, dives into the intricate world of 19th-century American politics. He discusses Van Buren's embrace of political parties as vital democratic institutions and reflects on the chaos of the 1824 election. Bradley elaborates on Van Buren's uneasy alliance with Andrew Jackson and examines how his caution on issues like Texas annexation shaped his legacy. Additionally, they explore the Free Soil Movement and assess the modern weaknesses of political parties, pondering how Van Buren might respond to today's political landscape.

Colin Woodard, a journalist and author known for his cultural and regional histories of North America, joins Kevin Williamson to delve into America’s complex cultural divides. They explore how unique regional identities shape political affiliations, tracing these influences back to colonial roots. Woodard discusses Texas’s varied cultural zones, the impact of the Scots-Irish in Appalachia, and the role of civic institutions in assimilating immigrants. The conversation highlights the challenges of creating a unifying national narrative amidst rising ethno-nationalism.

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.