The Charles C. W. Cooke Podcast

On episode 95, Charles takes his last chance to talk to Dominic Pino as a colleague before Dominic heads to the Washington Post. Among the topics they discuss are whether free markets are superior to the alternatives; whether tariffs are a good or a bad idea—and what the exceptions should be; whether industrial policy can work; what to do about America's massive national debt; whether it's a bad move to keep cutting taxes; and whether Dominic is optimistic about our economic future.The dial-up tone in the introduction was recorded by lintphishx and is used under a CC 3.0 License. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On episode 94, Charles talks to Peter Just about his book on the post-premiership career of Margaret Thatcher: Margaret Thatcher: Life After Downing Street. Was she happy? Did she think she could do a better job than her successors? Was she aware how ill she was? Was she "playing a role"? Why did she mostly stay away from Parliament? Would today's British public vote for someone like Thatcher now?The dial-up tone in the introduction was recorded by lintphishx and is used under a CC 3.0 License. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On episode 93, Charles talks to Luther Ray Abel about his trip to Pigeon Forge, TN, which is supposedly the "tackiest place on Earth," but which is actually a lot of fun.The dial-up tone in the introduction was recorded by lintphishx and is used under a CC 3.0 License. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On episode 92, Charles talks to Marcus Gadson about his book, Sedition: How America's Constitutional Order Emerged from Violent Crisis. Among the topics they discuss are: What is a constitution? What is a constitutional crisis? What are some good examples of constitutional crises throughout American history? Who gets to decide when it's time for a new constitution, and by what process ought it to be adopted? Are Americans stable enough now that they don't need to worry about this—or are we always close to going off the rails?The dial-up tone in the introduction was recorded by lintphishx and is used under a CC 3.0 License. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Luther Ray Abel, a passionate advocate for American culture, dives into the delightful quirks of the U.S., from the joys of riding lawnmowers as symbols of freedom to the cherished tradition of Adirondack chairs for relaxation. The dialogue shifts to the vibrant beer culture of Wisconsin, featuring the famous Spotted Cow brew, and the thrill of roller coasters representing American creativity. With humor and insight, Abel celebrates the unique identity and values that define the American experience.

Episode 90 contains the audio of the debate between Charles and Andy McCarthy, on the topic, "Does President Trump need Congress's permission to attack Iran?" If you'd rather watch the debate, click here.The dial-up tone in the introduction was recorded by lintphishx and is used under a CC 3.0 License. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christopher J. Scalia, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author, discusses his book on overlooked novels for conservatives. He examines why conservatives shy away from certain books and argues for the value of fiction in understanding humanity. The conversation touches on the importance of a shared literary canon in bridging societal divides and delves into Zora Neale Hurston's views on race and identity. They also explore the evolution of dystopian literature and reflect on contemporary reading habits amidst changing academic landscapes.

Ross Benes, author of '1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times', discusses the profound influence of 90s pop culture on today's society. He reveals how Jerry Springer's antics laid the groundwork for Trump's appeal and how kayfabe has permeated public life. The conversation delves into the impact of video games and pornography on norms and politics, and how contemporary TV viewing habits reflect a divide between the elite and everyday voters. A nostalgic exploration of cultural shifts and censorship makes this a fascinating dive into our bizarre times.

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.