The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Jonah critiques popular fronts within conservatism while exploring the ideological shifts in American political identity. He discusses the backlash over a former FBI director's social media post and critiques mainstream media biases. The conversation dives into the complexities of executive power, revealing the public's contradictory expectations. Additionally, it highlights the impact of foreign policy on domestic perceptions, debunking economic myths about trade and globalization, ultimately calling for a renewed understanding of media and narrative in politics.

Phil Tinline, an author and former BBC journalist, dives into his book, 'Ghosts of Iron Mountain,' exploring America's obsession with hoaxes and conspiracy theories. He shares the origins of a Vietnam-era satirical hoax that sparked intense political debate. The discussion also unveils how left and right ideologies intersect, reflecting on paranoia in politics today. Tinline traces conspiracy theories from moral panics to their current prevalence, stressing the importance of critical thinking amidst emotional narratives shaping public discourse.

Phil Gramm, former U.S. Senator and economist, teams up with Jonah Goldberg to delve into his new book on economic myths. They highlight the Industrial Revolution's impact on modern capitalism and dissect misconceptions about income inequality. The discussion critiques protectionist policies and emphasizes the importance of free trade, drawing parallels to Reagan's views. Gramm also addresses the evolving landscape of the Republican Party post-Trump, urging a reassessment of tariffs and the role of Congress in trade authority.

Dive into discussions about the new papal appointment and its implications for the Catholic Church. Explore the tensions between nationalism and faith, punctuated by humor and personal anecdotes. The complexities of institutional responses to protests at Columbia University are scrutinized, raising questions about cultural roles in society. Identity politics and gender dynamics within electoral strategies are analyzed, including unexpected critiques of tariffs on foreign films. Finally, reflect on the transformation of historical prisons and their cultural relevance today.

Christine Emba, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the chaotic realm of modern dating and its societal implications. She discusses the growing distrust between genders fueled by political tensions and the rise of dating apps. Emba critiques the clash between traditional masculinity and evolving gender narratives in politics, while also reflecting on the detrimental effects of online culture on self-esteem. Throughout, she emphasizes the importance of individual happiness and diverse aspirations in redefining feminism.

Dive into a whirlwind of discussions ranging from the reopening of Alcatraz to the future of the MAGA movement sans Trump. The hosts examine the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party and the internal challenges stemming from Trump's influence. They also reflect on public perceptions of political rhetoric and the complexities of fiscal policies. Plus, indulge in a delicious detour as they celebrate comfort food nostalgia with a culinary homage to fried bologna sandwiches and Alcatraz-themed pop culture moments!

The discussion delves into how Donald Trump's economic agenda aligns with left-wing ideologies and explores its Rousseauian roots. The host critiques the Republican Party's shift towards this rhetoric, emphasizing a need to return to traditional conservative principles. Personal anecdotes add a light-hearted tone, while the complexities of political identities are examined through examples of Sanders and Trump. The impact of social media on political discourse is also explored, revealing how online behavior shapes perceptions significantly.

Manic and frazzled, Jonah Goldberg turned for help from in-house Remnant psychologist Paul Bloom. They explore intellectual esoterica, check what Noam Chomsky got wrong, explore Large Language Models, and fret over the age of artificial consciousness and AI girlfriends. Show Notes:—Paul’s Substack—Paul on Substack "Is it nature or is it nurture?" is a damn good question” The Remnant is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including Jonah’s G-File newsletter, regular livestreams, and other members-only content—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Moynihan, co-host of The Fifth Column and creator of The Moynihan Report, dives into the complexities of contemporary political discourse. He and Jonah Goldberg tackle provocative comparisons of Donald Trump to historical figures like Hitler and Chavistas. The two explore how media shapes perceptions of America abroad and the nuances of authoritarianism today. They also dissect the MAGA phenomenon as a personality cult and its implications for the Republican Party, along with voter disillusionment and the ever-shifting political landscape.

Dive into a whirlwind of acquisitions and political commentary, featuring the recent SCOTUSblog acquisition and its implications for legal coverage. Explore the quirks of national honor amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the moral complexities of international negotiations involving Zelensky and Putin. Unpack the intricate power dynamics in diplomacy and the cultural undercurrents influencing governance. Reflect on trust in leadership post-Afghanistan and the impact of personality politics in today's polarized landscape.