The Dispatch Podcast

David French, an opinion columnist at The New York Times and a familiar voice on prominent political discussions, joins the conversation with Sarah Isgur and Jonah Goldberg. They tackle the fallout from Liz Cheney's stances amid the never-Trump Republicans and explore the future of conservatism. Delving into executive power, they discuss the misconceptions about presidential authority. The talk also turns to the escalating tensions in the Middle East and its implications for American politics, emphasizing the need for empathy in uncertain times.

Reuel Marc Gerecht, a former CIA Iranian-targets officer and currently a fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, dives into the complexities of Israel's military actions against Hezbollah. He discusses Iran's potential responses and questions whether Iran's leadership might be suicidal. The conversation highlights the effectiveness of Israeli intelligence operations, the internal struggles within Hezbollah, and the implications of U.S. engagement in Middle Eastern conflicts.

Heidi Heitkamp, former U.S. Senator from North Dakota and founder of the One Country Project, joins the conversation to delve into the current political landscape. She discusses the potential political realignment and the role of grassroots mobilization in swing states. The dialogue takes a serious turn as they address the alarming rise in political violence and the implications of rhetoric in shaping narratives. The discussion also touches on the intersection of foreign policy and domestic elections, highlighting the complexities of contemporary campaigning.

Olivia Nuzzi, Washington correspondent for New York Magazine and host of Bloomberg TV show Working Capital, digs into her fascinating profile of Donald Trump. She discusses the aftermath of a recent assassination attempt on him, revealing how it’s affected his persona. Nuzzi explores Trump’s childhood, his complicated self-image, and his interactions during a surreal portrait session. The conversation also touches on the important topic of humanizing controversial figures, and the dynamic relationships Trump maintains in politics.

The discussion dives into the high-stakes debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, questioning its significance on voter opinion. Amidst playful banter, they critique media biases and fact-checking discrepancies. The conversation highlights the rise of independent voters and their unpredictable choices, while humorously exploring topics like dog perfume versus cologne. They also reflect on the challenges within journalism and the ongoing misinformation that shapes political narratives.

Jonathan Martin, Politico’s politics bureau chief and senior political columnist, joins Jamie to explain why the GOP needs to lose big in order to hasten a post-Trump Republican Party.The Agenda:—Martin’s POLITICO piece on a Post-Trump party—Unapologetic book plug—Is Steve Hayes a RINO?—If Trump loses 2024, will he run again?—J.D. Vance as a VP candidate—Was Joe Biden’s ousting planned months ago?The Dispatch Podcast 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 members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-large at Reason Magazine, as he teams up with Sarah, Steve, and Jonah for a lively discussion around the upcoming presidential election. They dissect whether conservatives and libertarians might benefit more from a Trump loss or a Harris win. The conversation dives into the shifting dynamics of the two-party system, the relevance of third parties, and how the saga of wokeness plays a significant role in liberal politics today. Gillespie offers a fresh libertarian perspective amid a polarized landscape.

Retired General H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor under Trump and author of "At War With Ourselves," shares gripping insights from his tenure. He discusses the chaotic decision-making processes within the Trump administration and his proudest moments amid controversy. McMaster reflects on Russia's influence, the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, and the challenges of reporting on Trump. The conversation delves into pressing issues like Israel and Hamas and the nuances of military strategy in today's world.

Megan McArdle, a keen economic and political commentator, joins Steve, Jonah, and Sarah to dissect the quirks of modern political dynamics. They humorously tackle the significance of Kamala Harris's potential presidency on the primary system and the evolving strategies of political figures. The discussion also navigates the chaotic world of endorsements and social media, while emphasizing the importance of honesty in political dialogue. From the complexities of campaigning to the intricate abortion debate, the conversation is both insightful and entertaining.

Ben Dreyfuss, former editorial director at Mother Jones and now author of the Calm Down Substack, shares his experiences from the Democratic National Convention. He analyzes Kamala Harris's role and the growing influence of the left within the party. Dreyfuss dives into the decline of woke politics and its impact on voter perceptions. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of journalism, emphasizing the shift toward platforms like Substack and how they're reshaping media dynamics in the era of complex political narratives.