The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Michael Moynihan, co-host of the Fifth Column podcast and political commentator, joins Jonah Goldberg to dive deep into the Los Angeles riots and their repercussions for political parties. They reflect on the chaos of modern protests and the disconnect between radical sentiments and community realities. The conversation touches on the media's role in shaping perceptions of political violence and critiques the idolization of youth figures like Greta Thunberg, pondering the implications of such adoration for societal discourse.

The host dives into the challenges of pre-recording amidst a busy schedule, revealing the complexities involved. They dissect how public figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump shape society through their motivations. A discussion on the urgent need for entitlement reform highlights national debt concerns. The critique of Top Chef raises questions about capitalism and sustainability in cooking. Historical views on frugality and political coalitions are examined, linking past practices to modern trends. Finally, the dangers of apocalyptic rhetoric on the right are explored, stressing the importance of reality over fear.

Bret Devereaux, a passionate ancient history expert from NC State, dives into fascinating historical hypotheticals and their modern implications. He explores what might have happened if Alexander the Great had reached Rome, reshaping not just military strategies but national identity. The conversation shifts to the challenges of sourcing reliable ancient texts, as well as the transformative impact of drones in today’s warfare. Devereaux provocatively contrasts Roman honor with contemporary American foreign policy, emphasizing how declining values affect international relations.

Steven Smith, a Yale professor and expert on Leo Strauss, joins for an enlightening discussion on Strauss’s impact on political philosophy. They dive into the East vs. West Coast Straussians debate and explore fusionism's potential. The conversation delves into the complexities of the Great Man Theory, while also dishing out some intriguing gossip about 20th-century intellectuals. Smith clarifies Strauss's key philosophies, examining the balance of faith and skepticism, and the ideological shifts within modern conservatism.

Dive into the intriguing discussions around Elon Musk and the fallout from DOGE. Tune in as the host navigates the moral decline of traditional conservatism and the rise of a winning culture on the right. Explore the complexities of governance and the impact of Trump's influence on conservative values. The conversation critiques corporate power in politics, while also shedding light on the emotional undertones of political commentary. Expect candid reflections on political pardons and their implications for today’s leadership.

Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and co-author of "Original Sin," along with political reporter Alex Thompson, dive into Biden's leadership challenges and cognitive decline. They reveal insights about what Democrats knew before his re-election bid. Discussions touch on the media's role in covering these issues, how perceptions of Biden have shifted, and the implications for his presidency. They also critique the lack of transparency regarding presidential health and reflect on how his age influences political dynamics, comparing Biden’s governance style to historical figures.

Phil Magness, a historian and economist at the Independent Institute, dives into the corrupting effects of tariffs on the economy and critiques the rising influence of Karl Marx posthumously. He discusses how Marx's obscurity during his lifetime contrasts sharply with his later prominence, influenced by the Soviet Union. The conversation also touches on classical liberal principles and how historical narratives can be distorted by political agendas, especially regarding issues like the 1619 Project and the complexities of American political history.

The host humorously reflects on solitude while juggling family dynamics. Political discourse is explored, highlighting hypocrisy across party lines and critiquing media coverage of Biden. The fluctuating outrage tied to party loyalty gets examined, pushing for consistent ideological commitments. The discussion critiques national debt and calls for fiscal responsibility. Recent Supreme Court rulings raise questions about partisanship and justice. Higher education policies also come under scrutiny, particularly regarding foreign students and their implications.

Jonah Goldberg welcomes Sarah Isgur, a legal expert and commentator known for her work with SCOTUSblog and the Advisory Opinions podcast. They dive into hilarious tales of horrible bosses and discuss the intricate balance of job titles versus meaningful mentorship. The conversation shifts to critical issues like due process and habeas corpus, unraveling common misconceptions tied to American politics. Additionally, they explore marriage dynamics, parental philosophies, and the importance of genuine connections, adding a sprinkle of humor to their thoughtful insights.

Jonah Goldberg hosts Dr. Leon Aron, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and an expert on Russian politics. They dive into the intricate dynamics of Putin and Trump's relationship and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Discussion highlights include the motivations behind Putin's war strategy and the precarious position of Russian military leadership. Aron also explores the future of Russia without Putin and the implications for democracy, revealing how history influences current nationalist narratives and the challenges facing Ukraine and NATO.