The hosts dive into Donald Trump's intriguing remarks about Kamala Harris, dissecting his distortion of facts for political gain. They explore voter perceptions and how charisma trumps policy in modern campaigns. The changing landscape of the 'blue wall' and its implications for elections are examined, alongside the contrasting strategies of current candidates. A lighthearted segment on sandwiches provides comic relief, featuring tales from New York City delis, blending culinary joy with political discussion.

Join vice presidential candidate Tim Walz and renowned actor Willem Dafoe as they dive into the murky waters of today's political landscape. They discuss the erosion of acceptable behavior in presidential candidates and the rise of scripted rhetoric, examining its impact on authenticity. Walz reflects on the nuances of patriotism versus nationalism while Dafoe critiques cultural criticism in the age of identity politics. The duo ponders the intersection of religion and politics, exploring how secular ideologies shape contemporary discourse.

Walter Russell Mead, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, engages in a rich discussion about the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasizes the need for peace efforts to prioritize Palestinian governance and economic viability. The conversation shifts to the evolving nature of nationalism and its implications for American identity. Mead also reflects on how ideologies like liberalism and Marxism mirror Abrahamic faiths, exploring their roles as modern religions and their impact on today's geopolitical fears and societal beliefs.

Jonathan Rauch, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, dives deep into party politics with Jonah. They tackle the shift from elite-controlled nominations to a primary system that amplifies charismatic figures over true governance. The duo discusses the impact of populism on both sides of the aisle and the complexities surrounding anti-Zionism versus anti-Semitism. They also explore the potential benefits of ranked-choice voting for fostering moderation and ensuring a more representative political landscape.

Jonah drives over nails while contemplating the complexities of social Darwinism and the legacy of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. He dissects contemporary political emotions versus substantial policy, particularly within the Republican Party, critiquing flip-flopping behaviors. Diving into identity politics, he challenges voting based on gender and satirizes its absurdities. The discussion navigates the perplexities of loyalty in Trump’s political landscape and calls for conservatives to elevate their discourse amidst the current emotional climate.

In this lively discussion, John Podhoretz, a prominent political commentator known for his sharp insights, joins Jonah to explore the joys of intellectual schadenfreude. They dissect Kamala Harris's political strategy and the peculiar definition of 'weird' in today's politics. The conversation includes a critique of the lack of outrage over antisemitism within the Democrats and wraps up with a deep dive into the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, connecting it to broader U.S. foreign policy concerns in the Middle East.

Dr. Will Inboden, the director of the Alexander Hamilton Center at the University of Florida, joins Jonah for an insightful discussion. They tackle higher education reform, emphasizing accountability and inclusivity amidst a crisis of trust. Inboden reflects on Reagan's political legacy and the need for adapting his principles to today’s challenges, particularly in foreign policy concerning China. The conversation also highlights the Hamilton Center’s successes, including its mission to promote conservative values in academia.

Dive into a captivating exploration of the New Right and the media's portrayal of it, as Jonah critiques the disconnect in voter perceptions. He reveals insights about Joe Biden's character and the skepticism around potential candidates like Pete Buttigieg. The discussion touches on the cultural implications of the term 'Latinx' and its condescension. Jonah advocates for uplifting narratives in publishing and reflects on the unpredictable nature of creativity and independent reporting, all while encouraging community engagement.

Steve Hayes, CEO of Dispatch, joins Jonah for classic punditry on Biden's withdrawal, Kamala Harris, 2024 race predictions, DEI-hire hypocrisy, and flip-flopping politicians.

A.B. Stoddard discusses her prediction of Biden not making the ballot, comparing Jill Biden to Eva Perón and Pelosi to a bene gesserit. They talk about Harris' coronation, potential running mates, Vance's growth, and conspiracy causes.