The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

In a thought-provoking conversation, Yuval Levin, a policy scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, shares insights on Dick Cheney's complex legacy and the importance of institutional roles. They explore the recent rise of antisemitism, contrasting leftist and right-wing perspectives. Levin argues for the need for less populism in politics, highlighting how boring politicians can better represent median voters. Their discussion also touches on the impact of media on political extremes and the shifting dynamics of leadership and coalitions.

Jonah Goldberg critiques the political implications of Trump's East Wing demolition and applies C.S. Lewis's trilemma to evaluate Trump’s honesty. He calls out Kevin Roberts for enabling right-wing extremists like Nick Fuentes and emphasizes the need for accountability in political affiliations. The discussion also includes reflections on the historical misinterpretation of the left-right spectrum and personal insights on the costs of life insurance. Ultimately, Jonah stresses the importance of moral responsibility in political coalitions.

Erick Erickson, a conservative radio host and founder of RedState, dives into the gritty world of political punditry. He discusses the implications of the midterms and evaluates 2028 presidential candidates like Brian Kemp. The conversation touches on the shifting definitions of conservatism and the dangers of the GOP catering to social media trends. They also explore rising anti-Zionism, the media's obsession with Trump, and how online isolation fuels radicalization. Erick's insights on principled conservatism and accountability are particularly thought-provoking.

In this discussion, Mike Bird, Wall Street editor at The Economist and author of 'The Land Trap,' delves into the tangled history of land finance and the legacy of Henry George. He explains how urbanization impacts land value and examines the complexities of freehold and leasehold systems. Bird sheds light on how China's local governments finance through land sales and discusses the concept of Georgism, advocating for a single land tax. The conversation also touches on why communal experiments tend to fail and the enduring necessity of physical space in an increasingly digital world.

Dive into a whirlwind of thoughts as Jonah explores the political optics surrounding Trump's East Wing renovation, questioning authority and voter perception. He critiques how media narratives often miss the mark on direct political action. The podcast delves into the controversial 'Great Feminization' thesis, examining its implications on institutions and gender dynamics. Additionally, Jonah enthusiastically recounts the allure of heist stories, capped with an intriguing glimpse into a famous Louvre theft. Tune in for a mix of sharp analysis and engaging anecdotes!

Charles Murray, an Emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and author, delves into profound topics from his book, *Taking Religion Seriously*. He discusses his spiritual journey influenced by his wife, explores the existence of God, and shares thoughts on life after death. Murray explains near-death experiences and their implications on consciousness and materialism. He also touches on the historicity of the Gospels and the moral arguments from C.S. Lewis. Their keen debates navigate belief and evidence, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

In this engaging discussion, Kori Schake, a foreign and defense policy expert at AEI and author of The State and the Soldier, analyzes the evolution of American civil-military relations. She critiques traditional theories about military democracy, highlighting significant historical events like Andrew Jackson's invasion of Florida and the implications of the Insurrection Act. Kori also discusses the current state of the military amid partisan pressures, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism in political contexts and the challenges facing Ukraine.

A recent indictment of John Bolton leads to a deep dive into sovereigntism and its implications for foreign policy. Jonah critiques the allure of selective prosecution while addressing elite accountability in politics. The conversation also touches on troubling remarks from young Republicans, revealing an alarming rise of intolerance and antisemitism in certain circles. He condemns moral cowardice among leaders who excuse extremist behavior and warns against the erosion of institutional trust. The podcast explores these pressing issues with sharp insights and a keen sense of humor.

Father Gregory Pine, a Dominican friar and theologian, dives deep into intriguing questions about faith and doctrine. He discusses the essence of Christian identity as relational and communal, and addresses whether prayer influences God's plans. The conversation explores the fate of souls before Christ, the complexities of salvation across denominations, and the Catholic perspective on other Abrahamic faiths. Pine also tackles women in the clergy and the reasoning behind priestly celibacy, making for a thoughtful and enlightening dialogue.

Steve Hayes, co-founder and CEO of The Dispatch and a seasoned political journalist, joins to discuss the growth and goals of The Dispatch. He shares insights on their recent SCOTUSblog acquisition and how they aim to maintain editorial integrity. The conversation delves into the nuanced debate between 'center-right' and 'conservative' branding, the importance of trust and intellectual honesty, and strategies for audience engagement. Hayes also expresses concerns over political corruption and violence while advocating for robust, daily-impact reporting.