The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Virginia Postrel, a renowned journalist and author, discusses the intersection of technology and culture with Jonah Goldberg. They delve into the complexities of the H-1B visa debate, exploring the battle between innovation and populism. The conversation critiques nostalgic views of America while analyzing the influence of technocracy and the philosophical implications of technological progress. Postrel emphasizes the need for reforms in immigration and housing, advocating for community-driven solutions amidst the evolving landscape of American politics.

As the new year kicks off, there's a delightful mix of schadenfreude over MAGAworld's struggles with immigration. Tech influencers ponder whether they hold the key to solving deep-rooted issues. Intriguing debates arise within the MAGA community about skilled immigration, revealing cultural tensions. There's also a critical look at the contradictions in conservatism, particularly regarding labor policies. Finally, a spotlight on America's resilience highlights how immigrant contributions fuel economic growth, challenging narratives of decline.

In this episode, Richard Reinsch, Editor in Chief of the Civitas Outlook at the University of Texas, delves into the reimagining of conservatism. He discusses the importance of reforming institutions from within, especially in the face of progressive ideologies in higher education. The conversation explores the historical context of conservative thought, the impact of electoral outcomes, the nature of politics and free speech, and the pressing need to balance idealism and realism for the future of the Republican party.

Tevi Troy, a senior fellow at the Reagan Institute and author of "The Power and the Money," joins the conversation to discuss the lasting impacts of the Obama administration. They lament the chaos within the Democratic Party and brainstorm potential solutions. The duo also tackles the intertwining of technology and politics, highlighting figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Their lively debate includes touchpoints on political strategies, time travel, and reflections on the shifting landscape of American political discourse.

As political uncertainty looms, the speaker examines Elon Musk's congressional influence and the murky waters of voter motivations. A sharp distinction is drawn between being wrong and being evil while discussing the essence of free speech. Highlighting significant works by progressive historians, the importance of diverse perspectives in politics is emphasized. The conversation takes a thoughtful turn, reflecting on the shortcomings of capitalism and democracy in addressing the human soul's deeper needs.

In this discussion, sociologist Musa al-Gharbi, known for his book "We Have Never Been Woke," explores the pitfalls of the woke movement and the complexities of social justice. He argues that the desire for fairness often comes without individual sacrifice, revealing the flawed narratives surrounding wealth redistribution. The conversation also critiques elite hypocrisy, touches on historical roots of wokeness, and examines the disconnect between societal elites and the average citizen, highlighting the challenges of genuine social progress.

Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, dives into the erosion of free speech in America and its implications on college campuses. He discusses the tension between defamation and free expression amidst today’s disinformation challenges, while also reflecting on Elon Musk's Twitter takeover and its impact on discourse. The conversation highlights the essential role of competition in political discussion and the need for reforms in higher education to foster critical thinking. A must-listen for anyone passionate about free speech!

This week, the host dives into the quirky topic of drones over New Jersey, contrasting it with serious intelligence concerns. The conversation shifts to the fraught relationship between liberal ideologies and fascism, challenging conventional political narratives. A lighthearted recount of an elephant safari leads to reflections on ancient art and its misrepresentations. Additionally, there's a critique of Time Magazine's Person of the Year, questioning the criteria used in recognizing controversial figures amidst today's pressing political discourse.

Razib Khan, an American geneticist known for his insights on genetics and culture, joins the discussion to tackle some thought-provoking topics. They debate the theory of Christopher Columbus's potential Jewish ancestry, exposing the contrasts between genetic and cultural identities. Khan unpacks the hype around genetic ancestry tests and reveals the complexities behind them. The conversation also delves into human evolution, gene flow, and the societal impacts of marriage customs, while debunking some myths about genetics and history.

Amid a flurry of calls for Jonah Goldberg’s resignation as flagship podcaster lead by disgruntled Dispatch employee Sarah Isgur, our intrepid host has decided to dive into the question of impeachment power. Jonah is joined by Yale Law School professor Keith Whittington to discuss why the Founders included impeachment in the Constitution, what actually qualifies as high crimes and misdemeanors, and how presidential pardon power ought to be used.Show Notes:—Jonah calls for impeachment—Keith’s writing for The Dispatch—Keith’s latest book: The Impeachment Power: The Law, Politics, and Purpose of an Extraordinary Constitutional ToolThe 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, weekly livestreams, and other members-only content—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices