The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast

On episode 88, Charles talks to Ross Benes about his new book, 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times. Among the topics they discuss are how Jerry Springer helps explain Donald Trump, how 'kayfabe' took over the world, how porn explains much of Internet, how video games became respectable, and whether it matters that the elite class watches completely different television than most voters.

Ross Douthat, a columnist for the New York Times and author of 'Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious', joins the discussion on the importance of faith. He presents compelling arguments for why embracing religion can provide a deeper understanding of reality. The conversation dives into the philosophical and scientific perspectives supporting God's existence, explores personal faith struggles, and critiques agnosticism. Douthat navigates religious pluralism and reflects on the future of belief in a secularizing world.

Michael Jahr, producer and director of the documentary Liberty at Stake, discusses Joshua Glover's daring escape from slavery and the bold abolitionist movements in Wisconsin. He emphasizes Glover's significance and the community's rallying efforts against the Fugitive Slave Act. Dan McLaughlin brings in-depth insights into the historical complexities of the law and its role in shaping early Republican ideals. Together, they explore how Glover’s story not only resonates in American history but also reflects ongoing battles for liberty and justice.

Scott Lincicome, Vice President of General Economics and Trade at the Cato Institute, joins the discussion to dissect Donald Trump's tariff policies. He explains what tariffs are and why they often do more harm than good. Lincicome debunks the myth of a lost manufacturing base, showing that the U.S. still leads in production. He argues against broad tariffs on China, emphasizing their unintended consequences on global supply chains and costs. The conversation ends on a hopeful note about the future of free trade amid rising political challenges.

Michael Vorenberg, an associate professor of history at Brown University and author of "Lincoln's Peace," dives into the nuances of the Civil War's conclusion. He explores the complexities of defining when a war truly ends and the evolving nature of war goals. Vorenberg discusses Lincoln's assassination and its significant impact on Reconstruction, as well as connections between the Civil War and the American West. They tackle modern warfare challenges and the 'forever war' concept, emphasizing the need for nuanced historical narratives that resonate today.

In this engaging discussion, Mary Katherine Ham, a savvy podcaster known for her political insights, dives into how the UFC reflects the shifting political landscape towards Trump. She examines the unique coalition that supports both Trump and UFC, emphasizing themes like showmanship and working-class engagement. Ham also explores how podcasts influence political discourse, especially among young bilingual voters, highlighting the UFC's evolution into a cultural powerhouse while suggesting ways to bridge the gap with male voters.

Senator Tom Cotton, a U.S. Senator from Arkansas and chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, lays bare the threats posed by Communist China in his latest discussion. He argues that the Chinese Communist Party is 'evil' and preparing for war, emphasizing its aggressive global tactics like economic warfare and the Belt and Road Initiative. The conversation also dives into China's influence on American culture, the dangers of TikTok regarding data privacy, and the pressing need for the U.S. to reassess its economic dependencies on China.

Andrew Heaton, a comedian and host of The Political Orphanage, dives into his new book, *Tribalism is Dumb*. He examines the dual nature of tribalism, highlighting its community benefits versus its divisive political threats. He argues that technology plays a significant role in escalating political tribalism, creating more intense divisions. The conversation also touches on effective polarization and how social media influences confrontational behavior, all while suggesting ways to foster respectful political dialogues to bridge divides.

Molly Nixon, a separation of powers attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation, dives into the constitutional intricacies of tariff powers. She questions why Congress can delegate tariff authority but holds tight on tax rates. The discussion unpacks the historical origins of this practice and its implications on trade policy. Nixon examines the power struggle between Congress and the president, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines to prevent overreach. The conversation also critiques the role of the Supreme Court in balancing powers regarding foreign affairs.

Justin Shubow, President of the National Civic Art Society and former chairman of the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts, dives into the world of classical architecture. He passionately advocates for its humanistic values and critiques modern art, particularly brutalism and deconstructivism. The conversation touches on the tragic demolition of Penn Station and the desire to see classic designs revived in today's landscape. Shubow also discusses the potential for a renaissance in architecture under a new administration, blending tradition with contemporary aesthetics.