Goldberg's perspective on Iran's nuclear program, characterized by alarmism and fear-mongering, was heavily criticized for being based on unreliable sources and exaggeration. Despite his claims of Iran's imminent nuclear capability, his predictions based on 'Israeli policy makers' and 'Western intelligence agencies' were viewed as unsubstantiated and driven by a biased narrative. The portrayal of Iranian leaders as aggressive and expansionist, coupled with suggestions of preemptive military strikes by Israel or the US, was deemed speculative and lacking factual basis. Goldberg's advocacy for military action against Iran was interpreted as baseless fear-inducing tactics rather than a legitimate concern grounded in reality.
“Teachers Unions: Still a Huge Obstacle to Reform.” “Countering Iran’s Menacing Persian Gulf Navy.” “Open Everything: The time to end pandemic restrictions is now.” “The Good Republicans’ Last Stand”
Each of these headlines comes from the same magazine: The Atlantic. For 167 years, the publication has enjoyed elite stature in the American literary and journalistic worlds, publishing such luminaries as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Barack Obama, and serving as a coveted professional destination for writers throughout the country. Founded by a number of esteemed 19th century authors, the magazine has long prided itself on its cultural and political depth.
But beneath all of its high-minded rhetoric about democracy, free expression, fearlessness, and American ideals is a vehicle of center-right pablum, designed to launder reactionary opinions for a liberal-leaning audience. As the employer of warmongers like Jeffrey Goldberg, Anne Applebaum, and David Frum, under the ownership of a Silicon Valley-tied investment firm hellbent on destroying teachers’ unions, The Atlantic, time and time again, proves a far cry from the truth-pursuing, consensus-disrupting outlet it claims to be. On this episode, we dive into the history and ideology of The Atlantic, examining the currents of middlebrow conservatism, left-punching, and deference to boring business owners that have run through the magazine throughout its nearly 17 decades of operation.
Our guest is Jon Schwarz.