On today's interminable Ruminant, Jonah subjects listeners to musings about the death of Henry Kissinger and the gross reveling by some. He then turns to the shortcomings of realpolitik and realism, the debate between Gov. DeSantis and Gov. Newsom, the anticipated sequel to Suicide of the West, and the presence of post-liberalism on the right. Stick around to find out why Jonah doesn't write comedic columns anymore. Show Notes: -G-File: Elizabeth Warren, Countess of Sandwich, Schmears the Market -Henry Kissinger, War Criminal Beloved by America’s Ruling Class, Finally Dies -George Will: The Conservative Sensibility -Axios: The Trump job applications revealed -Donald Trump poses the biggest danger to the world in 2024 -Paul Wolfowitz’s interview with Vanity Fair -Tim Alberta on The Remnant -Danielle Pletka on The Remnant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah returns to distinctly Frenchian territory on today’s Remnant, which explores the state of evangelicalism in America. His guest is Tim Alberta, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism. Tim’s new book raises an exigent question: Why are so many interpreting faith through the lens of politics instead of the other way round? Tune in to learn all about Tim’s religious journey, how Donald Trump’s relationship with the evangelical movement is changing, and why Jonah feels both ideologically homeless and secure at the same time. Show Notes: -Tim’s webpage -Tim’s new book,The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism -Tim: “My Father, My Faith, and Donald Trump” -Tim: “Donald Trump Is on the Wrong Side of the Religious Right” -The Remnant with Russell Moore -Jonah: “No Movement That Embraces Trump Can Call Itself Conservative” Learn more about your ad choices. Vi

Today’s Remnant features the overdue first appearance of AEI senior fellow Danielle Pletka, who joins the program to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. What does the future hold for both countries? Why has antisemitism become so prevalent? How’s Benjamin Netanyahu doing? And does the U.N. have any reason to exist? Show Notes: - Danielle’s page at AEI - Danielle’s podcast, What the Hell Is Going On? - Ruth Wisse on the explosion of antisemitism - Mike Gallagher on TikTok’s propaganda - Danielle: “Iran Is the Problem” - Fred Kagan: “If the West Cuts Aid to Ukraine, Russia Will Win. If the West Leans In, Ukraine Can Win.” -Video version Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah delivers another ill-advised Ruminant full of his regular grievances such as: the lack of national gratitude, the moral equivalent of war, the antiquated concept of left and right, and of course the misuses of the term fascism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a Thanksgiving treat, Jonah invites Chris “Giblets” Stirewalt—his favorite Gen X nostalgist—back on The Remnant to dispense some ruthlessly rank punditry on the state of the 2024 election. With Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley now doing most of the fighting in the GOP primary, do either of them pose a viable threat to Donald Trump? And if the former president captures the nomination, what will that mean for an increasingly fragile-looking Joe Biden? You’ll also want to tune in to learn why men really think about the Roman Empire (yes, the issue is unresolved), and to learn some dark, turkey-related secrets. Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Chris interviews Mike Duncan on Ancient Rome - Chris: “Nikki Haley’s Unproven Reserves” - Ben Smith: “Why Nikki Haley is Ready for This Ugly Media Moment” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Twenty years ago, the Democratic Party seemed poised to dominate American politics. But having alienated many of their traditional working class voters, that dominance didn’t come to pass—and the party could be on the precipice of a political disaster. To understand how we got here, Jonah invites Ruy Teixeira—senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of The Liberal Patriot on Substack—back on The Remnant for some white hot wonkery on the shifting demographics of America’s major parties. In his new book, Where Have All the Democrats Gone? Ruy explores the Democratic Party’s evolution and what it should do to get back on track. Why did the working class turn on the Democrats in the first place? What will it take for the party to embrace a more moderate policy platform? And why is everyone so determined to make the perfect the enemy of the good? Show Notes: -Ruy’s page at AEI -Ruy’s Substack, The Liberal Patriot -Ruy’s new book, Where Have All the Democrats Gone? -Ruy’

Jonah begins today’s Ruminant by staring blankly into the ether, but he’s quickly jolted back to reality by the latest in political asininity. Recently, America has faced an upsurge in antisemitism across the political spectrum, and Jonah has plenty of thoughts about why this is happening and how we can stop it. In predictably slapdash fashion, he also explores the astonishingly dumb trend of young Americans sympathizing with Osama bin Laden, and what 2024’s political coalitions will look like. Also, tune in for an important dingo update. Show Notes: -Jonah: “Democrats Are Right to Worry About Biden in 2024” -Matt Lewis: “Ben Shapiro Astonished by Candace Owens Being Her Usual Self” -Isaac Schorr: “The Shameful Nods to Antisemitism From Candance Owens and Tucker Carlson” -Ian Haworth: “Tucker Carlson Sells ‘Just Asking Questions’ Antisemitism” -Charlie Cooke: “Wokesters for Osama bin Laden?” -The Economist’s Intelligence podcast on another Trump victory Learn more about your ad choice

Jonah’s even more sleep-deprived than usual on today’s Remnant due to dingo-related difficulties. Thankfully, however, his guest has more than enough rich insights on hand to keep him awake. He’s joined by Alexandra Hudson—writer, academic, and author of the new book, The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves. It’s clear that American society isn’t in a particularly civil state, and there’s plenty of appetite for improvement. But Alexandra thinks that we often fail to grasp what civility really means in the first place. Armed with an esoteric collection of historical references, she and Jonah explore what the distinction is between civility and politeness, how we can bring about a “civility renaissance,” and why civility is foundational to liberal democracy. Break out your bingo cards. Show Notes: - Alexandra’s webpage - Alexandra’s new book, The Soul of Civility - Defining the World: The Extraordinary History of Dr. Johnson’s Dictionary - Video versi

Jonah teams up with Mike Rothschild (who, shockingly enough, is not a member of the Rothschild family) to discuss conspiracy theories and the fallacies that undergird them on today's Remnant. In a conversation that touches on wackiness ranging from Pizzagate to the Rothschilds' supposed lease on Israel, Jonah and Mike try to understand why conspiracy theories formulate and what makes people subscribe to them. What do pro-Trump conspiracy theories indicate about the state of our institutions? Why is antisemitism such a pervasive evil? And  a general decline in in social media to connect crazy people to crazy ideas in ways that underground bookstores never could. Show Notes: -Mike’s new book, Jewish Space Lasers -Mike: “The Internet Never Met a Conspiracy Theory It Can’t Love” -Mike: “On the Rothschilds’ Myth in Literature and Film” -The Rothschilds and Waterloo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The close of another week brings another indulgent Ruminant, in which Jonah dedicates an inordinately long rant to the one subject he’s unquestionably an expert on: his own beliefs. Today’s topics include the latest Republican presidential debate, Joe Biden’s prospects for 2024, the ongoing conflict in Israel, and David Brooks’ recent suggestion that Jonah belongs on the “right edge of the left,” all of which raises important questions: How likely is it that someone other than Biden will be the Democratic nominee? Is there really a distinction between anti-Zionism and antisemitism? Why will Jonah never consider himself a leftist? And will the Fair Jessica’s efforts to end the solo podcast ever prove successful? Show Notes: - The Dispatch Podcast, recorded live from New York, on the latest GOP debate - An audience Q&A with Jonah and Steve, available exclusively for Dispatch subscribers - Jonah: “How Anti-Zionism Shrugs Off Antisemitism” - The Remnant with David Brooks - Jonah’s re

On today’s Remnant, Jonah welcomes Dan Senor, a prolific pundit, political adviser, and author of the new book, The Genius of Israel: The Surprising Resilience of a Divided Nation in a Turbulent World. As tragic as the unfolding situation in Israel may be, Dan joins the program to bring a welcome degree of optimism to our discourse on the subject. Israel, it turns out, has become one of the happiest societies in the world in recent years. But simultaneously, levels of fulfillment have plummeted in the United States. Dan’s book explores why this is the case, and what lessons Americans should take from Israel to strengthen our social fabric and build communities that emphasize the importance of each individual. Tune in for all of the uplifting details.Show Notes: - Dan’s new book, The Genius of Israel - Sebastian Junger’s Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging - The Remnant with Russ Roberts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in far too long, New York Times columnist David Brooks is on the Remnant to dispense some of the hottest political wisdom you’ll find this side of Lake Michigan. Lately, David’s been concerned with a serious challenge to America’s social fabric: It seems like most of us can’t really get to know other people. Our country is full of people who feel unseen or misunderstood, and this is fueling our loneliness epidemic and the broader collapse of community. In his new book, How to Know a Person, David offers some solutions to this crisis that largely begin on an interpersonal level. But what does it really mean for people to be seen? What common mistakes do we make in our interactions with others? And will those punk kids ever get off Jonah’s lawn? Show Notes: -Watch this episode on YouTube -David’s page at the New York Times -David’s page at The Atlantic -David’s new book, How to Know a Person -Richard Weaver’s Ideas Have Consequences -The Remnant with Jean Twenge -Ente

Jonah seldom discloses his fears, but on today’s Ruminant, he’s forced to reveal his greatest weakness: the common cold. Despite the large amount of travel he’s undertaken in recent weeks—which he begins the episode by describing in needless detail—he’s managed to avoid getting sick, but germs are closing in on him. If there’s one thing Jonah hates more than man flu, however, it’s young people (or, at least, society’s misguided worship of young people). Today’s episode is all about youthful opposition to Israel in America: what’s driving it, what it says about our culture, and why it seems to prove that the experiment with “safetyism” on college campuses has failed. Stick around until the end for a few thoughts on Donald Trump’s strange relationship with the law. Show Notes: - Jonah: “Settle This One for Me” - The Coddling of the American Mind - “Hip hip hooray” is fascist? - The Remnant with Jean Twenge - The Dispatch Podcast introduces Jamie Weinstein Learn more about your ad choice

Is Joe Biden a secret genius? Today’s Remnant guest—Atlantic staff writer Franklin Foer—wouldn’t quite go that far, but he does believe that the president is much more politically adept than you might think. Foer developed a newfound respect for the commander in chief while writing his new book, The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden’s White House and the Struggle for America’s Future, and he joins Jonah to explain why. Listeners are also encouraged to tune in to hear Jonah and Frank yearnfully reflect on their misspent youth and the joys of cross-partisan lunches. Show Notes: - Frank’s page at The Atlantic - Frank’s new book, The Last Politician -Jonah: “Advice for Biden: Be Like Ike” -Nate Cohn: “Why Less Engaged Voters Are Biden’s Biggest Problem” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s finally back from Europe after plotting world domination there for the last few months, and he’s ready to get the Remnant party started. Today’s episode features the overdue return of Greg Lukianoff, president and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. He’s written a new book, The Canceling of the American Mind, which digs into the rise of cancel culture in American life and what we can do to reverse it. But how should cancel culture be defined in the first place? Why does Greg see it as a crisis of historic proportions? How can colleges be fixed? And is Jonah the ultimate grifter? Show Notes: - Greg’s webpage - Greg’s new book, The Canceling of the American Mind - The Coddling of the American Mind - “Steven Salaita, the Media, and the Struggle for Academic Freedom” - Carole Hooven’s T: The Story of Testosterone - Greg is profiled in Politico Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah's never-ending vacation brings him to Prague on today’s worldly Ruminant, but fleeing deeper into Europe can’t help him escape his mid-life crisis. After a few brief musings on such intellectually stimulating subjects as toilet paper and Indonesian cuisine, he dives into less significant issues like the House speakership debacle, the ideological origins of left-wing opposition to Israel, and the ongoing dumbification of the GOP. Get your Che Guevara shirts ready for an interesting ride. Show Notes: - Eli Lake on Frantz Fanon - Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth - Edmund Burke on the East India Company  - Orwell on Gandhi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s Italian vision quest has nearly concluded, but he still has a few corners of his subconscious left to search. That leaves the Remnant in need of a guest host, and who better to captain the ship once again than Chris Stirewalt, America’s favorite country pundit? Chris has worn his egghead hat for his last few episodes, but today, he embraces his true nature as a political dirtbag driven solely by the pursuit of rank punditry. To that end, his guest is The Dispatch’s own David Drucker, who joins to discuss the 2024 election in all of its endless stupidity. Do any of the GOP candidates not named Donald Trump actually have a chance? How’s Biden been doing lately? And is going “all in on Iowa” a political death knell for Tim Scott and Ron DeSantis? Show Notes: - David’s page at The Dispatch - Chris’ Remnant with Amity Shlaes - Chris’ Roman Remnant with Mike Duncan - David’s Dispatch interview with Chris Christie - David: “Ron DeSantis Endorsements Keep Coming” - Ben Terris: “The Ma

The Remnant further affirms itself as America’s leading podcast in book promotion today, as journalist and NPR host Steve Inskeep brings his velvety tones to the program to discuss his new book, Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America. Though studies of Honest Abe aren’t exactly in short supply, Steve’s has a unique hook: It tells Lincoln’s life story by examining sixteen of his encounters with prominent figures, each of whom disagreed with him in some way. The questions raised are significant: Why is there an abiding fascination with Lincoln in the American consciousness? How did Lincoln become a Republican? And could a novel about Lincoln fighting Nazis with a pet poodle in tow become an all-time bestseller? Show Notes: -Watch this interview on YouTube - Steve’s page at NPR - Steve’s new book, Differ We Must: How Lincoln Succeeded in a Divided America Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After yet another week of chaotic travel, Jonah can’t resist recording a Ruminant to settle his addled mind. Coming to you from the seas of Southern Italy, today’s offering is marginally less excessive than usual, as Jonah focuses his ornery energy on the Israel-Gaza war and how America’s political parties are reacting to it. Other, equally grim topics include the limits of the United Nations, the state of the Ukraine conflict, and Russian collaboration with Iran. Show Notes: - The Wall Street Journal on potential Iran support for Hamas - The Trotskyite origins of postcolonial theory - President Biden's Oval Office address on Ukraine and Israel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a while since the Remnant featured some spirited kvetching about identity politics and wokeness in American life, but those issues haven’t exactly faded away. Today’s guest is Yascha Mounk, a prolific author and academic whose new book, The Identity Trap, examines where exactly woke ideology emerged from and how it became so influential. Yascha’s thesis is that an obsession with group identity is leading many progressives astray despite their good intentions, and that this is ultimately hindering progress toward true equality in American life. But why are so many people from across the political spectrum falling into the identity trap? What’s the appeal of populism and nationalism? And will Jonah’s growing crotchetiness soon cause him to completely give up on intellectual history? Show Notes: -Watch this interview on YouTube -Yascha’s webpage -Yascha’s new book, The Identity Trap -Yascha’s previous book, The Great Experiment -Yascha’s previous Remnant appearance -Calvin Cooli

Unable to secure an interesting guest or topic of conversation for today’s Remnant, Jonah is forced to invite Steve Hayes—his benevolent business partner and world-renowned cheese curd enthusiast—back to the program for their annual reflection on the state of The Dispatch. All of the obvious topics are addressed, including how The Dispatch is doing, what goals have been achieved, and what’s coming next as things continue to grow. But loyal listeners will also want to tune in for answers to some common questions. How has election coverage changed over time, and what will The Dispatch do in 2024 to set itself apart? What will it take for The Dispatch to attract new readers and continue to expand? And will a Corner-style blog ever surface on the site, or will Steve remain blinded to its usefulness by a haze of beer and Buffalo sauce? Show Notes: - The Dispatch’s manifesto - The Skiff, a new podcast feed exclusively for Dispatch members Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/

It’s not everyday that people show you who they are, but the terrorist attack in Israel gave us a glimpse into the soul of America's overeducated elite - and it wasn't a pretty sight. In a contempt-fueled rant, Jonah blasts the left for its wishy-washy response to the massacre and the right for losing the plot on America's foreign interests. Stay tuned for some rank punditry before Jonah takes a break from this darkening world and absconds to the Italian coast. Show Notes: -Jonah’s Remnant with Jay Cost -Law firm rescinds offer to Summer Associate for Palestine support -The incredibly tragic CNN report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is America a republic or a democracy? Jonah has forced many recent Remnant guests to answer this question, but only Jay Cost—a historian and senior fellow at AEI—has written a whole book on the subject. It’s called (creatively enough) Democracy or Republic? The People and the Constitution, and Jay joins the show today to flesh out its thesis. In an era of declining civic virtue and institutional trust, are the tools of government that the Founders developed strong enough to deal with today’s challenges? What are the pros and cons of the democratic process? And how can we help restore an understanding of the Constitution among America’s youth? Show Notes: - Jay’s page at AEI - Jay’s new book, Democracy or Republic? The People and the Constitution - Jay’s previous Remnant appearance - The Remnant with Jim Pethokoukis - Irving Kristol: “The American Revolution as a Successful Revolution” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Saturday Hamas militants invaded Israel, gunning down and abducting civilians, firing rockets on city centers, and holding entire villages hostage. In response, Israel has declared war on Gaza and things are only about to get uglier from here. A sleep-deprived Adaam James Levin-Areddy, senior multimedia producer at The Dispatch and host of Uncertain Things, joined Jonah to discuss the past 24 hours in Israel, Hamas' brutal reign in Gaza, Adaam's theory of peace privilege, Bibi's legacy, and what's coming next. By the way: This was also the inauguration of The Dispatch's members-only feed The Skiff, which will include all future impromptu chats and bone-picking arguments between Jonah and friends, as well as AMAs, emergency pods, and other random audio goodies. In his magnanimity, Jonah decided to share this debut episode with the freeloading masses. But if you want more Remnant, along with the moral ebullience of supporting The Dispatch, please join us. And to all our members who've

The end of another week brings another unfocused, ultra-rambling Ruminant, which finds Jonah aggravated by a fresh potpourri of political asininity. Featured topics today include the crisis at the border and Biden’s declining credibility, similarities between the radicalism of the young right and left, and the incoherence of arguments for student loan debt forgiveness. There’s even some brief criticism of the Clintons mixed in for anyone feeling nostalgic. Show Notes: - The Remnant, hosted by Brother Stirewalt, with toga community ambassador Mike Duncan - The Remnant with James Pethokoukis - NBC lists the “terrifying trade-offs” of student loan repayment - The Remnant with Beth Akers - The great climate conspiracy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The future has a lot of enemies these days, and most of them seem to agree that progress is behind us while nothing but disaster lies ahead. Today, AEI’s Jim Pethokoukis is back on the Remnant to challenge that idea. His new book, The Conservative Futurist, makes the case for a risk-taking, future-oriented American society driven by technological change. But what would such a society look like in practice? How could it come into being? And what makes futurism and conservatism compatible? Show Notes: - Jim’s page at AEI - Jim’s book, The Conservative Futurist: How to Create the Sci-Fi World We Were Promised - Jim’s Substack, Faster, Please! - Jim’s Political Economy podcast - Jim’s previous Remnant appearance - Virginia Postrel’s The Future and Its Enemies - Kim Stanley Robinson’s The Ministry for the Future - Half-Earth Socialism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do men really think about the Roman Empire? If that question has been keeping you up at night in recent weeks, you’ll want to tune in to the latest Remnant for some conclusive answers. Jonah’s away again on a wild expedition through the commonwealth, which means it’s up to Chris Stirewalt to host today’s crash course in Ancient Roman politics and history. His guest—making an eagerly anticipated return to the program—is Mike Duncan, host of the oft-plugged Revolutions podcast, bestselling historical author, and noted influencer for the toga community. If you don’t know your Caesar from your Caligula, their conversation will get you up to speed. And it’ll also help you appreciate what relevance Rome has to the contemporary United States. Show Notes: - Mike’s Revolutions podcast - The Storm Before the Storm, Mike’s history of the Roman Republic - Hero of Two Worlds, Mike’s biography of the Marquis de Lafayette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Though his wife and RA continue to plead for him to stop, Jonah can’t be deterred from following the self-destructive path of the weekly Ruminant, especially with a legion of overly eager wedding guests on his side. Today’s episode features a predictably peculiar melange of topics, among them the hideous second GOP debate, the misguided fondness for autocrats present on parts of the right, and the validity of the Biden impeachment inquiry. Remnant devotees should stick around until the end for further details on The Skiff, an exciting new podcast feature coming to The Dispatch that’s sure to consume far too much of your life. Show Notes: - The Dispatch Podcast on the second GOP debate - Philip Bump: “The Rise of ‘Chinese Communist Party’ as a Pejorative” - Jonah: “When the Stupid Futility Is the Point” - Do the facts speak for themselves? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get your bingo cards ready once again, because today’s Remnant offers a greatest hits of Goldbergian geekdom. Jonah’s joined today by libertarian writer Brink Lindsey, a senior vice president at the Niskanen Center and the author of The Permanent Problem on Substack. Together, they dig into urgent matters of social policy—institutional decay and the challenges of modern capitalism among them—libertarian philosophy, and Thailand’s problematic geography. Did the libertarian project fail? Do intellectuals really shape the world? And how can we make the mass affluence provided by capitalism sustainable? Show Notes: -Brink’s Substack, The Permanent Problem -The Captured Economy -The Age of Abundance -Liberaltarians -Brink: “Life Under ‘an Immense and Tutelary Power’” -Brink: “The Advance of the Monoculture” -Brink: “Libertarian Roots Revisited” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s travels have concluded and he’s back on the homefront, which can only be good news for holders on the Remnant bingo card. To celebrate his return, the ever-reliable Matthew Continetti is back on the program for some piping hot punditry on the latest in political dysfunction. Matt recently abandoned Jonah’s department at the American Enterprise Institute to become the director of its domestic policy division, and this betrayal won’t go unpunished. But when they aren’t viciously attacking one another’s office allegiances, the duo is able to provide incisive answers to a host of political questions. Is a government shutdown incoming? What’s going wrong with conservative institutions? How can populism be a good thing? And what will it take for politicians to stop beclowning themselves? Show Notes: - Matt’s page at AEI - National Review: “Pence’s Populism Speech Was Admirable, but It Misidentified the Target” - Jack Butler on Pence and populism - How much do voters trust both p

Frank Sinatra once observed that “you’ve either got or you haven’t got style,” but when you’re living out of an RV in the wilds of Iowa—or, for that matter, representing your state in the halls of the US Senate—that doesn’t really matter. Jonah’s still on the road today, but he can’t outrun his existential dread. To drown it out for a while instead, he delivers yet another unfocused, inordinately long Ruminant to end the week. This time, much of his irritation is directed toward the renewed jackassery of Matt Gaetz and the politics of a potential Biden impeachment, but plenty of righteous indignation is also reserved for the Senate’s new dress code and the increasingly shaky prospect of a second Biden term. Plus, tune in to hear Jonah elaborate on why men spend so much time thinking about Rome (almost as much, in fact, as they spend thinking about Nixon). Show Notes: - Jonah: “Why Rome?” - Mike Duncan’s Revolutions podcast - Jerry Muller’s The Mind and the Market Learn more about your

Jonah’s vision quest isn’t ending anytime soon, which means there’s an opening for a continuing stream of guest hosts to captain the lumbering vessel that is the Remnant. Today, Sarah Isgur takes the leading role, and her guest is fellow Texan Kevin Williamson, who joins primarily to discuss everything you could imagine about the Lone Star State. Topics include recent impeachment drama, Ted Cruz’s chronic case of annoying-itis, the strange state of local politics in the state, and the heresy that is sauce on Texas smoked ribs. Stick around until the end to hear what all of this has to do with Ken Paxton’s crusade against the mystical deep state. Show Notes: - Kevin and David French field listener questions - The Wall Street Journal on why Ken Paxton was acquitted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hurry up and pay your union dues, because today’s Remnant is all about labor. It’s been more than a week since his departure, but Jonah’s still lost in the wilds of the heartland, vainly attempting to overcome his mid-life crisis from an RV living room. In these desperate times, Chris Stirewalt reassumes control of the program to bend it to his West Virginian will, but thankfully, he’s joined by a special guest who brings some leaven to the Goldberg-less loaf. That guest is renowned historian Amity Shlaes, who’s here to discuss the origins of labor unions, Lyndon B. Johnson’s relationship with industry, and the elections of the 1960s and ‘70s. It’s a crash course in US history that’ll leave you significantly more pro-Coolidge. Show Notes: - Amity’s page at National Review - The Forgotten Man: A New History of the Great Depression - Coolidge - The Great Society: A New History - Chris’ book on populism, Every Man a King -Video version of this episode Learn more about your ad choic

In a brief respite from his latest cross country adventure, Jonah camps out beneath the Idaho mountains to record another rambling Ruminant. As usual, the questions raised cover a little of everything: How should we think about Mitt Romney’s legacy? Is Russia still a terrible country (spoiler alert: Jonah’s answer is yes)? What’s the difference between authoritarianism and totalitarianism? And will Jonah’s ignorance of music allow him to discuss Nicaraguan Sandinistas without once referencing the Clash? Show Notes: - Phil Klein: “Mitt Romney Was No Profile in Political Courage” - Nick Catoggio: “The Party’s Over” - McKay Coppins: “What Mitt Romney Saw in the Senate” - The Dispatch Podcast on Putin’s bromance - Mike Duncan’s podcast on the Russian Revolution - Claire Berlinski: “Dear Linda Yaccarino”  - The Remnant with Megan McArdle - The Remnant with Scott Lincicome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Having ascended from the proletariat to the ruling class in the hierarchy of the Cato Institute, Scott Lincicome returns to the Remnant not simply to flaunt his success, but to issue an urgent defense of an embattled concept: globalization. In these troubled times, many of the left and right alike have become hostile to the relatively free movement of people, goods, and ideas across national borders. But Scott maintains that globalization is an unequivocal force for good, and that the most common criticisms of it are rooted in myths. With that in mind, Cato has launched “Defending Globalization,” a new multimedia initiative dedicated to—shockingly enough—combating anti-globalization narratives. Can Scott make a compelling case for the project in the Remnant arena, or will he melt like nacho cheese under Jonah’s intense scrutiny? Show Notes: - Scott’s page at The Dispatch - Scott’s work at the Cato Institute - “Defending Globalization,” Cato’s new initiative - Cato’s Green Card Gam

Megan McArdle returns to the Remnant today for a discussion that has the luxury of being detached from current events. Things operate at a high level of abstraction throughout—even the rank punditry is more nerdishly academic than usual—as she and Jonah analyze and debate a handful of topics that seem to render him increasingly despondent. Can resentment among elites explain Donald Trump’s success? Do ideas actually matter, or have all intellectuals wasted their lives? Just how ugly should we expect 2024 to be? And can Jonah outrun his ongoing mid-life crisis in a ramshackle RV? Show Notes: -Megan’s page at the Washington Post -Fusion, a new magazine from the American Institute for Economic Research -The Remnant with Tom Nichols Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s in a distracted state of mind on today’s Ruminant, but that can’t stop him from rambling at a wholly unnecessary length. Springing haphazardly between subjects, he offers thoughts on the distinction between populism and conservatism, the brain-killing stupidity of our election, and the role ideologues should play in society. He also reflects on his discussion with Tom Nichols about the state of the right from earlier in the week, and clarifies a few key points. In these troubled times, you can’t keep a good pundit down. Show Notes: - Mike Pence attacks populism - The Dispatch Podcast on our stupid election - The Remnant with Tom Nichols - The Remnant with Jean Twenge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Stirewalt can be many things—caveman lawyer, Southern fried good old boy, etc.—but today, he’s a simple pundit from the backwoods who’s back on the Remnant to dispense some rank insights on the state of our parties and how the 2024 election is shaping up. The resulting conversation is exactly what you’d imagine: an onslaught of pop culture references tempered by a modicum of sobering political analysis. How clear is it that Biden can defeat Trump? What do the current Democratic and Republican coalitions look like? And should the Department of Energy move to West Virginia (Chris’ answer won’t surprise you)? Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Chris: “Five Known Unknowns for 2024” - The Remnant with Tom Nichols - Steven Teles and Robert Saldin: “The Future Is Faction” - Chris’ book on populism, Every Man a King - Michael Lind: “America’s Woke Elite Monoculture” - The Remnant with Robert P. George - Jonah: “Democrats Are Making a Risky Bet With Biden” - Mike Duncan

The Remnant’s streak of obvious guests who have inexplicably never appeared on the program continues today, as professor turned Atlantic staff writer Tom Nichols joins the show to provide some uncut, fiercely nerdy analysis of our current political malaise. Much of his conversation with Jonah concerns the ongoing conflict in Ukraine—namely, how America has handled it, and what’s really motivating Putin. But after that, the stage is set for an epic debate between the duo on what it means to be “Never Trump” in 2023, and where principled conservatives should go from here. Also, fans of Succession may recognize Tom from his appearances on the show; tune in to learn some behind the scenes secrets. Show Notes: - Tom’s page at The Atlantic - Tom’s latest book, Our Own Worst Enemy - Orlando Figes’ The Story of Russia - Tom: “The Ukrainian Counteroffensive Is Not an Action Movie” - Tom: “I Was a Pundit on Succession” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ignoring the desperate pleas of those closest to him, Jonah reaches new heights of excess on today’s needlessly long Ruminant. Still on a China kick, he begins by addressing the country’s spiraling economy and illiberal regime, but quickly becomes distracted by a handful of similarly grim topics, including the awfulness of Russia and the poisonous role of the coalitional instinct in American life. Stick around for musings on the Clarence Thomas controversy, Mitch McConnell’s health, and civic ignorance in American life. Oh, and to hear a few intimate details about the discomfort Jonah feels when staring at himself for an extended period. Show Notes: - Jonah: “China’s Economy Is Spiraling” - Jonah: “Xi’s Republic of China” - Jonah: “Czar Gazing” - The Remnant with Luke Coffey - The Prince, The Economist’s podcast on Xi Jinping - John Tooby on coalitional instincts - David French: “The Articulate Ignorance of Vivek Ramaswamy” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm

Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Luke Coffey returns after an appearance last October with esteemed Remnant guest host Klon Kitchen. In that time, a whole mess of insanity has gone on in Ukraine—some of it good, some of it worrying. Now that we’re a year and a half into the maelstrom, do Ukrainians still like Zelensky? How long can Russia keep its hand on this kind of a hot burner before wrenching it away? And above all, Luke gives us the reasons for optimism about the situation and why it’s not only desirable but important to keep that optimism alive for Ukraine’s sake. Show Notes: -Luke’s page at the Hudson Institute -Luke: “How the War Could Make Ukraine a Defense Powerhouse” -Luke: “Don’t Hold Your Breath for an End to the Ukraine War” -The Remnant with Leon Aron Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By popular demand, psychologist and author Jean Twenge joins the Remnant today to affirm Jonah’s status as America’s most arrogant Gen Xer. Dr. Twenge’s recent work has focused on generational differences, the challenges facing Generation Z, and how generational changes are influenced by developments in technology. All of these subjects and more are examined throughout, and many disturbing questions are answered: Why are Gen Zers living life at such a slow pace? What’s the real link between pornography and America’s sex recession? What determines generational happiness? And can anything shatter Jonah’s ‘70s-bred ego? Show Notes: -Dr. Twenge’s webpage -Dr. Twenge’s latest book, Generations: The Real Differences Between Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers, and Silents―and What They Mean for America's Future -The Remnant with Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff -William Strauss and Neil Howe’s Generations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Ruminant raises a predictably peculiar question within its opening moments: How can rodentology help us understand the first Republican debate? Jonah’s answer may surprise you, but what’s more surprising is that it connects quite naturally to another of the week’s hot topics: the debate over what America’s role should be in the war in Ukraine. With plenty of vim and slightly less vigor, he dedicates most of this episode to exploring what form American foreign policy should take, and why we must remember that Putin is the villain in this conflict. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Michael H. Parsons (rat guy) - The Dispatch Podcast on the debate that didn’t matter - A post-debate Dispatch Live  - Jonah breaks down the debate with Chuck Todd - Tevi Troy: “Moderators Have Ruined Presidential Debates. Let’s Get Rid of Them.” - The Remnant with Luke Coffey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If the Remnant has a failing, it’s that, in almost 700 episodes of relentlessly nerdy conversation, Robert P. George hasn’t once appeared on the program. Today, Jonah rectifies that mistake, inviting the beloved Princeton professor and director of the James Madison Program onto the show to discuss America’s fraying civic bonds, and what we can do to stem the tide of illiberalism. They also provide some uniquely sophisticated punditry on the 2024 election, examine what it takes to build a conservative institution, and clear up some confusion around Robby’s name. Brothers and sisters alike are encouraged to tune in. Show Notes: - Dr. George’s webpage - Dr. George: “Universities Shouldn’t Take Political Positions” - Dr. George: “How Universities Can Restore Academic Freedom and Free Speech” - Dr. George’s advice for incoming students - Julien Benda’s The Treason of the Intellectuals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s another round of intense national security wonkery on today’s Remnant, but this time, Jonah’s joined by an overdue first-timer rather than a returning favorite. His guest is Robert D. Kaplan, a prolific writer on foreign policy and author of the new book, The Loom of Time, which explores the state of politics in the Greater Middle East and makes the case for a realist approach to the region. But what does foreign policy realism look like in practice? What kind of shape is democracy in around the world? And what does the future hold for today’s great powers? Show Notes: - Robert’s webpage - Robert’s new book, The Loom of Time: Between Empire and Anarchy, from the Mediterranean to China - Robert: “Order After Empire: The Roots of Instability in the Middle East” - Robert: “Will America Share Rome’s Fate?” - Frederick Kagan: “Biden Could Have Stopped the Taliban. He Chose Not To.” - Orlando Figes’ The Story of Russia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s in an uncharacteristically effulgent and ebullient mood on today’s Ruminant, but don’t let his high spirits trick you into expecting a less ranty and discombobulated episode than usual. Jonah kicks things off with some extended thoughts on the problems with small dollar donors, before shifting, somehow, into a discussion of the coalition instinct among human beings. If that sounds a little too cerebral, rest assured that the latter half of this episode provides nothing but unfiltered punditry on the ongoing Hunter Biden scandal, the latest Trump controversies, and the state of conservative commentary. Show Notes: - Jonah’s problem with small dollar donors - This weekend’s Dispatch Podcast - The Remnant with Daniel Hannan - The Remnant with Ken Pollack - Advisory Opinions on the Georgia indictments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In keeping with the Remnant’s long tradition of providing edifying counter-programming, Jonah’s joined today by Ken Pollack—AEI senior fellow and expert on the Middle East—to discuss the latest on Iran and American policy toward the region. “Since the 1979 revolution,” Dr. Pollack writes in his latest piece for Foreign Policy, “Iran’s leadership has single-mindedly attempted to dominate the Middle East and drive the United States and Israel out.” But now, Tehran is shifting its approach, and Iranian grand strategy is placing a new emphasis on diplomacy. What does that mean for the United States? How will it affect other relationships between nations? And does Jonah’s general grouchiness stem from his political realism? Show Notes: - Dr. Pollack’s page at AEI - Dr. Pollack: “Iran’s Grand Strategy Has Fundamentally Shifted” - The Remnant with Frederick Kagan - The Remnant with Daniel Hannan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sleep-deprived and disoriented in his shrinking ghetto of the egghead-osphere, Jonah’s in desperate need of a euphonious English accent to help him collect his thoughts. Fortunately, prolific author Daniel Hannan is on hand to provide exactly that, and to offer some erudite insights into a wide range of political and philosophical topics. How should we define republican virtue, and what does that have to do with fighting wokeism? Is Britain’s conservative movement a stable force or a hot mess? Has Russia always been awful? And do Europeans think America has gone insane?  Show Notes: - Daniel’s webpage - Inventing Freedom, Daniel’s oft-plugged book - Kevin Carroll: “An Unthinkable Choice” - Orlando Figes’ The Story of Russia - Joseph Henrich’s The WEIRDest People in the World - George Orwell: “Second Thoughts on James Burnham” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s world is often defined by the things he hates, but just can’t resist talking about. Today’s Ruminant kicks off with an unrelenting rant against many of such subjects, including Trump; populism; and petty, meaningless Twitter feuds. After that, things drift in a more eggheady direction, as Jonah examines Israel’s governmental framework and provides a few musings on public morality. But even if none of those eclectic topics interest you, you’ll want to stick around until the end of this episode to answer an urgent call. The Remnant has received a nomination in the 2023 Podcast Awards, and we need you, our faithful listeners, to vote for the show right here.  Show Notes: - The Remnant with Andy McCarthy - The Dispatch Podcast on Israel’s constitutional moment - Politico on the online porn industry’s retreat - Vote for the Remnant in the 2023 Podcast Awards Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Remnant—which happens to be more than a year in the making—Jonah’s joined for the first time by Ian Rowe, a senior fellow at AEI and the author of Agency (2022), which explores how young people can build strong families and take control of their destiny. Much of their conversation focuses on one of Ian’s primary interests, the success sequence, and whether it’s still valid in modern America. But plenty of wonkish musings are also mixed in on the importance of stable marriages, the achievement gap in education, and the values we should impart to our children. Show Notes: -Ian’s page at AEI  -Ian’s book, Agency -AEI’s special forum on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington -The Remnant with Thomas Sowell -Ian: “The Game of Life” -Ian: “A Vision of Black Success” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you were hopelessly confused by Jonah’s recent conversation with Sarah Isgur on the Trump indictment, prepare to be even more bewildered by today’s follow-up, which features the overdue Remnant return of Andy McCarthy, National Review’s chief legal poobah. It’s an episode of relentless legal nerdery as they dig deep into the weeds on Trump’s latest legal woes, and whether the claims against him hold up to scrutiny. There’s also some less mind-melting discussion mixed in on the legacy of the Civil Rights Act, the madness of Sidney Powell, and whether the federal government was right to punish Al Capone for tax evasion (yes, really). Show Notes: - Andy’s page at National Review - Jonah and Sarah on the indictment - The McCarthy Report on the indictment - Andy: “Anti-Indictment and Pro-Editorial” - Andy: “The Civil-Rights Theory of Indicting Trump for Election Interference” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a mysterious fortress in the depths of the Adirondacks comes today’s Ruminant, which may be the most pointless in quite some time. Addled from weeks of often traumatic travel, Jonah can’t quite keep his thoughts in order, and the result is an episode that glides across the surface of a whole range of topics. Among these are English theater, the Trump indictment, and the evolving Hunter Biden saga. But thanks to the sublime landscape around him, he dedicates most of his time to climate change and the latest hysterics from Greta Thunberg. No, Soylent Green still isn’t reality. Show Notes: - The Economist: “Soylent Green Is an Eerie Prophecy” - Jonah: “Soylent Green Is Wrong, People” - Jonah: “Threat Level Midnight Forever” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in the USA—but sadly not back at chez dingo—Jonah’s in a particularly exhausted state on today’s Remnant. It doesn’t help that his original plan for this episode—a fun, substance-free conversation with Sarah Isgur—was thwarted by the latest Trump indictment news, which forces the duo to engage in some actual serious discussion on the subject. They explore whether the indictment holds up to scrutiny, how the field of GOP candidates should respond to it, and whether Trump could rightly be convicted under criminal law. Then, as a bonus feature, Jonah taps into another area of Sarah’s expertise—she’s both the mother and wife of a male—to examine how we can address the challenges facing men in civil society. It’s an episode so informative, you’ll wonder why that niche legal podcast even exists. Show Notes: - The Collision, Sarah and Mike Warren’s new newsletter - Sarah and Mike on the new Trump indictment - The Morning Dispatch, three strikes edition - Jonah: “Who Are the Real Kin

There’s been no shortage of disgruntled commentary in conservative media about the state of New York City recently, but it’s important to remember how bad things used to be in comparison. Today, Jonah is joined by old friends Tevi Troy and Vincent Cannato to reflect on what the Big Apple was like in the ‘70s. They dig into urban politics, criminology, and what it takes to reverse social decay, while also providing a few nostalgic musings that could serve as the foundation for an Odd Couple reboot. Just as Rodgers and Hart intended, they’ll have Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island too. Show Notes: -Tevi’s webpage -Vin’s webpage -Broken windows theory, again -The Remnant with criminologist Shawn Bushway -The Remnant on Portland’s decline with Nancy Rommelmann -Tevi’s Intellectuals and the American Presidency -Tevi: “The Odd Couple Metric” -The Remnant with Matt Continetti on The Right Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Ruminant finds Jonah across the pond, indulging in greasy fish wrapped in newspaper while trying to forget about some of the less pleasant aspects of his recent trek through the Italian mountains. After recounting a few tales of that arduous expedition, he switches his brain into pundit mode, addressing some of the biggest political questions that have arisen during his absence. What’s going on with the Hunter Biden plea deal? Have the wheels fallen off the DeSantis bus? And what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps? Show Notes: -The Telegraph’s Ukraine podcast, which should really be sponsoring the show at this point  -The McCarthy Report on Hunter Biden’s plea deal -Kathryn Jean Lopez: “Jason Aldean Isn’t Helping” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thanks to David French’s treachery, Jonah is forced to step into the world of evangelicalism on today’s episode, which features the Remnant debut of Russell Moore, a theologian, pastor, and writer at Christianity Today. Dr. Moore’s new book, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, calls for an evangelical revival in the face of America’s contemporary challenges. Together, he and Jonah take a deep dive into what that revival should look like and what role religion should play in American life, while providing enough context to ensure heretical listeners won’t be lost at sea. This episode is sponsored by our friends at FIRE. FIRE's mission is to safeguard and uphold the right of all Americans to freedom of speech. Be a part of the front line of a growing movement by joining the FIRE Update. Show Notes: -Dr. Moore’s webpage -Dr. Moore’s new book, Losing Our Religion -C.S. Lewis’ The Weight of Glory -Christine Emba: “Men are lost. Here's a map out of the wilderness.” L

If you’re fearful of the future, you may not want to tune in to today’s terrifying Remnant. Jonah’s guest is Nita Farahany, a professor at Duke Law School and the author of The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology. The book explores the rise of neurotechnology—devices designed to track our brain signals to figure out exactly what we’re thinking and feeling and why. But would a world of mental surveillance and ubiquitous neural interfaces be exciting or dystopian? And what are the implications of this technology for our laws, behaviors, and liberties? This episode is sponsored by our friends at FIRE. FIRE's mission is to safeguard and uphold the right of all Americans to freedom of speech. Be a part of the front line of a growing movement by joining the FIRE Update. Show Notes: -Dr. Farahany’s webpage -Dr. Farahany’s new book, The Battle for Your Brain -The Remnant with Jonathan Adler -Dr. Farahany: “TikTok Is Part of China’s Cognitiv

Jonah performs a rare act of magnanimity on today’s Remnant, freeing Abe Greenwald, Commentary’s executive editor, from the verbal oppression of John Podhoretz. Abe’s first appearance on this program is long overdue, and he’s quick to dispense some dark secrets of the Commentary podcast that he’s clearly been bottling up. But when the political analysis begins, it’s as pure and wide-ranging as you’d expect. There’s an extended discussion of how America became a low-trust society, an exploration of conspiracy theories and whether those who peddle them are worth debating, and a round of obligatory kvetching about the state of conservatism. Whether Jonah and Abe are as seductive as many new right thinkers seem to be, however, is for you to decide. Show Notes: - Abe’s page at Commentary - The John Podhoretz Show, aka the Commentary podcast - Abe: “The Trust Crisis” - Abe: “Leave the Grandkids Out of It” - Jonah: “When Reality Is a Punch in the Face” - Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s mishap - Davi

Any malefactors of great wealth who also happen to be devoted Remnant listeners may wish to avoid today’s episode. Jonah’s guest is Matt Lewis, a senior columnist at The Daily Beast, who’s on the program to discuss his new book, Filthy Rich Politicians: The Swamp Creatures, Latte Liberals, and Ruling-Class Elites Cashing in on America. Together, they explore “how the rich get elected and the elected get rich,” and what that means for American politics. Some grouchy musings on the future of the GOP are also mixed in, as well as a few more wholesome reflections on Matt’s life in West Virginia. Show Notes: - Matt’s new book, Filthy Rich Politicians - Matt’s page at The Daily Beast - Mike Murphy on why Trump won’t win the primary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you thought the Ruminant was incoherent at the best of times, you may be completely unprepared for today’s unpredictable onslaught of twists and turns. Grappling with a serious hangover, Jonah begins with a reflection on the war in Ukraine and somehow ends by discussing his newfound love for The Bear, all the while emitting a distracting array of grunts and groans. Along the way, he also finds time for a few more substantial and vituperative rants, which primarily concern his disdain for Adam McKay and what we get wrong about college admissions. Show Notes: - The M*A*S*H Up GLoP - Scott Lincicome: “‘The Bear’ Is a Tribute to Dynamism—and What Blocks It” - Jonah on friends on the life and legacy of Paul Cantor (skip to 2:55:35 to hear Jonah’s most despised question) - Brown’s social contagion? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re obsessed with pop culture but can’t stand Rob Long and John Podhoretz, today’s Remnant may be the weird, wonderful, and interruption-free GLoP alternative you’ve been waiting for. Jonah’s joined for the first time by Christopher Scalia, former academic suit turned scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. Their paths recently crossed during an AEI panel on the legacy of cultural critic Paul Cantor, where they offered some exceptionally square-eyed geekery on TV shows both obvious and obscure. Jonah felt the event raised a number of urgent questions, so today, they provide answers: What happened to P.I. shows? Does The Godfather glamorize the mafia? How is wokeness influencing television? And is Chris really related to a famous justice? (Spoiler alert: Yes.) Show Notes: - Chris’ page at AEI - Jonah and Chris discuss the life and legacy of Paul Cantor - Joan Biskupic’s American Original: The Life and Constitution of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia - Chris: “‘Tom Jones

There’s been quite the media furore about rising crime rates in recent years. But now that COVID is behind us and cities are alive again, are the numbers on crime moving in a more positive direction? RAND Corporation criminologist Shawn Bushway is back on the Remnant today to answer this question, and to address a few other points of concern and uncertainty surrounding policing and criminal justice in modern America. What determines rates of recidivism? Are certain crimes becoming more common than in the past? Is there merit to broken windows theory? And have we finally got beyond defunding the police? Show Notes: - Dr. Bushway’s webpage - Dr. Bushway’s previous Remnant appearance - Dr. Bushway’s research on hiring people with criminal histories - “Ex-Prisoners Face Headwinds as Job Seekers, Even as Openings Abound” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Ruminant finds Jonah on an uncharacteristic high, and no, his good mood can’t be attributed to a certain substance that was recently discovered in the White House. He’s actually in elevated spirits because a recent AEI event prompted him to rediscover the work of Paul Cantor, a late scholar at the University of Virginia who analyzed pop culture through a conservative lens. He begins today’s program with a thorough exploration of Cantor’s work, before delivering similarly overlong rants on the American Founding and the purpose of the Supreme Court. Sometimes, the Remnant can feel like a wonderful drug. Show Notes: -Jonah and friends discuss Paul Cantor -“The Macbeth of Meth” -Vanity Fair: “America Has a Supreme Court Problem” -The Remnant celebrates the Fourth of July Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trapped on the island of Nantucket, a guestless Jonah uses today’s Remnant to provide an impromptu meditation on the Fourth of July. His musings explore the meaning of the Declaration of Independence, whether America is a nation or an idea, and why it’s vital to teach American history. Listen with a hot dog in one hand and a miniature flag in the other to feel like a true patriot. Show Notes: - Henry Fairlie: “The Shot Heard Round the World” - The Gettysburg Address and the meaning of the 4th - Irving Kristol: “The American Revolution as a Successful Revolution” - Calvin Coolidge on the Declaration of Independence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rather than dedicating today’s Ruminant to another interminable rant about the state of the GOP (although if you’re interested in one of those, you might want to read Wednesday's members-only G-File, hint-hint), Jonah focuses his attention on topics less likely to drive him utterly insane. These include some major recent Supreme Court decisions, his shrinking skepticism of horseshoe theory, and our tendency to overlook the meaningful distinctions between friends, family, and strangers. Tune in also to hear Jonah thoroughly dispel all rumors of his anti-Italian bigotry. Show Notes: - The GLoP Culture podcast  - The Dispatch Podcast on the end of affirmative action - The Remnant with Bret Devereaux - Guy is released from the pit for a Remnant AMA - Jonah: “Defending Conservatism—From the Right” - Gertrude Himmelfarb’s The Roads to Modernity: the British, French, and American Enlightenments - Violence and Social Orders: A Conceptual Framework for Interpreting Recorded Human History Lear

Unable to find a guest who’s willing to tolerate his ramblings, an anesthetized Jonah is forced to return to the AMA format on today’s distinctly messy Remnant. Temporarily freed from his pit, Guy, Jonah’s immigrant manservant, offers a fresh batch of listener questions that cover everything from the latest in Supreme Court controversies, to the prospect of a Dispatch blogging section, to the conservative underpinnings of popular movies and TV shows. But although their conversation contains a few nuggets of genuine substance, most of it proves to be so pointlessly indulgent that you may be better served by simply listening to the week’s first episode again. Show Notes: -The Remnant with Bret Devereaux -Advisory Opinions on Alito’s preemptive strike -Justice Alito’s Wall Street Journal op-ed -Jonah: “Stop Pining for the ‘Good Old Days’” - he Daniel J. Boorstin Reader -Jonah discusses Patrick Deneen on the Acton Institute podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm

Jonah’s unwashed historical nerdery is usually unparalleled, but on today’s Remnant, he may finally have met his match. His guest? Ancient historian Bret Devereaux, who joins to discuss all things Roman. With topics including war and peace, political philosophy, and the cruelty of Spartan society, their conversation is sure to eliminate any misguided nostalgia you may have for the past. Show Notes: - Bret’s pedantic blog - Bret talks Orc battle tactics on that niche legal podcast - Bret on Ancient Greece and Rome - Bret makes a correction on social conservatism - Steven Pinker’s The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined - Azar Gat’s War in Human Civilization  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Saddened by hate mail and addled by a dingo-related health scare, Jonah’s in an exceptionally frazzled state of mind on today’s predictably excessive Ruminant. He begins his ramblings by addressing a crude spat between Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Green in the middle of the House floor before pivoting to some recent Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Then, it’s nerdery all the way down as he revisits last week’s G-File, which inspires a rant on the philosophical origins of liberalism, what defines American culture, and why there really is nothing new under the sun. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Stephanie Slade - The Remnant with Robert Kagan - “Critical Trump Theory” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WARNING: The following episode contains multiple references to a certain American president who shall not be named. Due to the high volume of mentions, The Dispatch production team used discretion in playing the musical cue which normally follows all such mentions. We apologize in advance. On today’s Remnant, Jonah is joined by Robert Kagan—leading scholar of foreign policy and senior fellow at the reviled Brookings Institution, where the sweet taste of candy never gets old—to discuss his new beach read, a 700-page history of America’s role in the world in the first half of the 20th century. Their conversation covers everything from the origins of the League of Nations to the wackiness of Charles Beard, with some fiendishly nerdy musings on isolationism, nativism, and conservatism mixed in for good measure. Predictably, Jonah does not make good on his initial promise to “not get too deep into the weeds.” Show Notes: -Due to the insane amount of "Wilson" name drops in this episode, ther

Patrick Deneen has released a new book, and predictably, Jonah has some pointed opinions on it. To critique Deneen’s post-liberal vision for American society and the political right, Jonah is joined by a returning Stephanie Slade, senior editor at Reason and noted liberty-lover. With furious agreement and ornery hand-wringing, they take a deep dive into the strange world of the new right, analyzing how seriously we should take its vision for the conservative movement. They also provide a few thoughts on the state of Catholicism, what the Dobbs decision revealed about voters, and why nobody can agree about immigration. Show Notes: -Stephanie’s page at Reason -Jonah: “Patrick Deneen's Otherworldly Regime” - Stephanie: “Liberalism Isn't Rule by Elites” -Stephanie: “The New Right Isn't So New” -Stephanie: “The Rise of Right-Progressivism” -Adrian Vermeule: “Integration From Within” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite the desperate pleas of his wife, his RA, and his psychiatrist, Jonah insists on continuing to record the Ruminant, and his sanity may be steadily slipping away with each mumbled syllable. Today, he largely resists the temptation to discuss the Trump indictment, instead digging into Johns Hopkins’ baffling new classification of lesbians, California’s push to punish “non-affirming parents”, and the sheer lack of decorum we all must now endure. Things conclude on familiar ground with an ol’-fashioned, extra-curmudgeonly rant about the new right’s bizarre nostalgia for the Dark Ages. Show Notes: - The McCarthy Report on Trump’s indictment - Advisory Opinions, also on Trump’s indictment - The “non-men” of Johns Hopkins - Michael Knowles and the 1220s - Politico’s Patrick Deneen profile - Alcohol is woke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In what may be the most focused conversation in the history of this podcast, Jonah is joined by Rick Hess—AEI senior fellow and esteemed education policy wonk—to discuss his new book, The Great School Rethink. During COVID, it became clear that American schools could use an overhaul. But what should reform look like in practice? Rick has answers, and he also has thoughts on hot-button subjects ranging from the education-industrial complex (yes, it’s a thing) to the debate over school choice and standardized tests. Other topics addressed include the use of technology in schools, the role of parents in education, and the nature of choice. As usual, if it’s eggheadery you’re after, the Remnant will never give you up or let you down.  Show Notes:  -Rick’s new book, The Great School Rethink -Rick: “Schools Are Trying to Do Too Much” -Rick: “Moving from “Reform” to “Rethinking” -James Q. Wilson’s Bureaucracy: What Governments Do and Why They Do It -Arthur Bestor’s Educational Wastelands: Th

Live from the uncomfortably moist surroundings of Houston, Texas, Jonah’s joined by Jonathan Adler—Case Western University professor and trusted law-talking guy—for some scatterbrained political, legal, and economic geekery. Today’s topics include the Trump indictment, the full-spectrum crankery of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the slow decline of common good constitutionalism, and how free markets can help the environment. Throughout, the punditry is unfiltered, the policy talk is relentlessly eggheady, and the Hillary bashing is surprisingly pertinent.  Show Notes: - Jonathan: “Learning How to Fish” - Jonathan: “Senate Goes Nuclear, Expect Fallout” - Jonathan: “Markets and Dematerialization” - Matthew Scully’s defense of Robert F. Kennedy Jr… - …and Jonathan’s response - Samoa suffered a measles outbreak after anti-vaccine sentiment rose - Jonah: “Republicans wanted Clinton prosecuted for her emails. And now they defend Trump?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tired, disorganized, and intent on burdening listeners with his personal problems, Jonah nonetheless approaches today’s eclectic Ruminant with aplomb. Granted, it helps that the details of the most pressing item on the docket—namely, the indictment of one Donald J. Trump—aren’t particularly clear yet, which allows Jonah to rant without sliding into too deep of a depression. Afterward, he touches on Chris Licht’s departure from CNN, why misuse of the term “isolationism” is so rampant, and what it takes to build a fulfilling life.  Show Notes: - The Morning Dispatch breaks down Trump’s indictment - Tim Alberta: “Inside the Meltdown at CNN” - A special live Remnant on Jonah, Chris, and Steve’s departure from Fox - Jonah: “Your Life Portfolio—and Ours” - Jonah embraces Oakeshott - Robert Kagan’s The Ghost at the Feast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Klon Kitchen—former Dispatch national security extraordinaire turned private sector sellout—is back on the Remnant to take a deep dive into the exciting (read: terrifying) realm of artificial intelligence. With ChatGPT becoming ubiquitous, debate is raging over whether advancements in AI will bring forth an apocalyptic future or a brave new world. Klon’s prediction is that we’ll end up somewhere in the middle, and he has answers to all of the most intriguing questions of the moment: How exactly does AI work? Should we worry about machines replacing human workers? And will Jonah ever forgive David French for his treachery?  Show Notes: - Klon’s page at AEI - Advisory Opinions on an infelicitous use of ChatGPT - Marc Andreessen: “Why AI Will Save the World” - Nearly a third of adults under 30 support surveillance in their homes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Armed with a provocative assortment of inappropriate puns, Jonah invites AEI Senior Fellow Philip Wallach onto the Remnant for the first time to discuss the importance of Congress and what we can do to fix the legislative branch. As holders of the Remnant bingo card are well aware, reforming Congress by expanding its size and discouraging performative behavior within its ranks has been one of Jonah’s primary obsessions since the launch of this program. Today, he’s sure to indulge in as many nerdish lines of inquiry on the subject as possible, waxing Yuvalian from start to finish. What core functions is Congress failing to perform? When did the institution begin to decline? And are its deficiencies fueling broader cultural partisanship? Show Notes: - Phil’s page at AEI - Phil’s new book, Why Congress - Phil: “Time for Congress to Choose Deliberation Over Dysfunction” - Phil: “If We Give Up on Congress, What Will We Lose?” - Ben Sasse’s Kavanaugh hearing speech - Lyman Stone on expanding

Today’s predictably overlong Ruminant finds Jonah haunted by foreign language commercials, which seem to be infiltrating all of his favorite podcasts and TV shows. Fortunately, his terror provides a useful launching pad for a rant on the nature of language and its role in shaping (or, in most cases, degrading) public thought on nuanced political issues. Tune in also for some obscenely rank punditry on Donald Trump’s dishonesty, Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid, and monetary policy, a subject that Jonah can’t help but have thoughts on despite professing to know nothing about it. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Hal Brands - The Remnant with David Bahnsen - The Trump document saga continues - The Remnant with Matt Continetti - Rich Lowry: “How We Help People Like Megan Fox” - The Economist: “What America has got wrong about gender medicine” - The Wednesday G-File Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a spate of episodes crammed with mercilessly rank punditry and self-indulgent eggheadery, it’s time for the Remnant to get wonky once again. Jonah’s guest today is AEI’s Hal Brands, who’s back to discuss all things foreign policy. With the Ukraine conflict raging, tensions continuing to mount between the U.S. and China, and debates about America’s role in the world consuming the right, there’s no shortage of topics up for grabs. Does the United States actually have a strategic vision anymore? What’s the relationship between history and public policy? And will Chinese or American robots overthrow mankind first? Show Notes: - Hal’s page at AEI - Hal’s new book, The New Makers of Modern Strategy - Hal: “Biden Will Find That Breaking Up With China Is Hard to Do” - Hal: “How the American War Machine Ran Out of Gas” - Rank punditry and notes from Ukraine on Dispatch Live - Kevin Williamson: “The Burial of the Dead” - Orlando Figes’ The Story of Russia - Jonathan Kirshner’s An Unwritte

David Bahnsen, Jonah’s trusted economics guru, is back on the Remnant to provide some raw, unfiltered wonkery on the latest in financial disasters. From the debt ceiling deal to the persistence of inflation, no policy matter, however terrifying, can escape his wonky gaze. Tune in also for a few musings on the Japanification of America, the appeal of conspiracy theories, and the nuttiness of the new right (yes, again). Show Notes: - David’s webpage - David’s Capital Record podcast - The Morning Dispatch breaks down the end of the debt limit saga - Kevin Williamson: “The Burial of the Dead” - David: “How to Fight the Politicization of Business” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the verge of a full recovery from his schnozzle surgery (more ominously referred to as “the operation”), Jonah’s prepared to indulge in another needlessly long Ruminant that blends a generous helping of conservative dorkery with a smidgen of rank punditry. He gets things started with a few thoughts on Ron DeSantis’ glitch-ridden campaign announcement, but afterward, it’s time for a highfalutin geekout as he examines the failure of the new right to appeal to people who aren’t chronically online. Stick around until the end for a defense of a recent G-File. Show Notes: - The Morning Dispatch on DeSantis’ campaign launch - Answering listener questions with Guy on the Remnant - The Dispatch Podcast dispenses rank punditry - Wednesday’s G-File - Antonio Gramsci - Vanity Fair: “The American Conservative May Be on Its Last Legs” - Charlie Cooke: “Why Can’t Progressive Writers Defend the Law” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Remnant, Jonah’s brain is uniquely scrambled. He’s still disoriented after slipping into a near comatose state last week, and his nose hasn’t quite readjusted to the feeling of fresh air. Rather than forcing a guest to deal with his mental malaise, he brings Guy, his immigrant manservant, back onto the program to field another round of carefully cultivated listener questions. The resulting conversation—which touches on the 2024 election, the purpose of American conservatism, the shame of closeted Kiss fans, and Jonah’s deranged fondness for a blowtorch—is as peculiarly nerdish as you’d expect Show Notes: - The Remnant, hosted by Chris Stirewalt, with David Drucker - Jonah: “Does the GOP Deserve Tim Scott?” - Albert Jay Nock’s Memoirs of a Superfluous Man - David Pietrusza’s 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents - Jonah: “Goldberg’s Conservative Canon” - Keeping the Tablets: Modern American Conservative Thought - Death of a Beatle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap

While Jonah struggles with a nasal incident, Chris Stirewalt—more commonly recognized as Pooh Richardson’s number one fan—returns to the Remnant command chair. He’s joined by Dispatch Politics mastermind David Drucker to discuss a horrifying subject that’s inescapably consuming everything: the 2024 election. The punditry is uncut, the pop culture references are punchy, and the nudity is tasteful as they examine what we should expect from each GOP candidate. Can anyone match Donald Trump’s mastery of schmoozing? Can Tim Scott appeal to American families? And does Ron DeSantis qualify for carbon-based life? Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - David’s newsletter, Dispatch Politics - Dispatch Politics: “Tim Scott Takes His 2024 Shot” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s that time again: Chris “Lil’ Enos” Stirewalt is back on the Remnant to provide his signature blend of square-eyed pop culture nerdery and fiendishly rank punditry. What do the size of Congress, James Comey’s ego, and The Dispatch’s profit margin have to do with one another? Was the Durham report an explosive game-changer or a damp squib? How’s the Republican primary shaping up? And are we really about to endure a Trump-Biden rematch? Only Chris and Jonah possess the knowledge of Smokey and the Bandit necessary to answer these questions with maximum insight. Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Subscribe to The Dispatch and watch an exclusive live Remnant with Jonah, Chris, and Steve Hayes - The Remnant with Ben Smith - The Remnant with Elizabeth Nolan Brown - Chris: “The Republican Case for Lying Down for Trump Again” - Noah Rothman: “GOP Voters Are Making Impossible Demands of a Trump Alternative” - Jonah: “Our No-Win Scenario” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap

Last year, Remnant regular and AEI scholar Matt Continetti published The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism, a tome so nerdy that he and Jonah needed two full podcast episodes just to discuss the first half of it. Today, Matt returns to the program to continue working through the history of the right from the ‘80s to the present. Or, at least, that was the plan. Instead, the conversation ends up focusing on the nature of the new right, how Pat Buchanan changed conservatism, and what Donald Trump’s devotees actually want. Plus, listeners of the Commentary podcast will be delighted to find that Matt is actually allowed to speak. Show Notes: - Matt’s page at AEI - The Right, now available in paperback - Part one of Matt’s previous Remnant nerdfest… - …and part two - The Commentary podcast - Lionel Trilling’s The Liberal Imagination - Julius Krein: “I Voted for Trump. And I Sorely Regret It.” - Christopher Lasch’s The Revolt of the Elites - Tom Wolfe: “The Great Relearni

In what may be the most indulgent Ruminant ever recorded (which is really saying a lot), Jonah delivers a supremely curmudgeonly rant that encompasses everything from the formative years of Western civilization to the 2024 presidential election. After providing a pointless overview of his taste in political podcasts, he dives into the importance of taboos in society, and why throwing away centuries of inherited wisdom might not be the best idea. (Hint: Suicide of the West is still available from all good booksellers.) Then, it’s rank punditry all the way down, as Jonah offers musings on the Jordan Neely situation, rising crime in cities, the baby bust, and the continuing madness of Donald Trump. It’s as cheery an episode as you’d expect. Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - The Remnant with Elizabeth Nolan Brown - Julian Simon was right - The Dispatch Podcast on all things Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a twist on the standard Remnant formula that nobody asked for, Jonah is joined by noted chicken wing connoisseur Steve Hayes to co-host today’s episode. Their guest is Ben Smith, founder of Semafor, former editor in chief of BuzzFeed News, and author of the new book, Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral. The book takes us back to the early days of the internet to explore how the rivalry between Jonah Peretti of BuzzFeed and Nick Denton of Gawker paved the way for today's climate of disinformation, and naturally, it raises a number of questions. How has journalism changed since the dawn of the internet? Why does the young right tend to confuse social media with real life? What can we do to fix the media landscape? And will Jonah ever get over the golden age of blogging? Show Notes: - Ben’s new book, Traffic - Ben: “Confessions of a Media Chronicler” - Semafor - The Great Moon Hoax - Benjy Sarlin: “Take Donald Trump seriously, not literally, o

It’s been a while since the Remnant featured some pro-natal wonkery. To fill that void, Jonah’s joined today by Elizabeth Nolan Brown, a senior editor at Reason, to discuss her cover story for the latest issue of the magazine, “Storks Don't Take Orders From the State.” Together, they discuss the many burning questions surrounding baby-making in modern America: Why are fertility rates falling (spoiler: Elizabeth doesn’t think it’s because there’s a crippling sex recession)? Are pro-natalist policies working in other places? What are the main reasons to have children? And will Jonah ever explain his hatred of old people? Show Notes: -Subscribe to The Dispatch and watch an exclusive live Remnant with Jonah, Steve Hayes, and Chris Stirewalt - Elizabeth’s author page at Reason - Elizabeth’s cover story, “Storks Don't Take Orders From the State” - The vampire problem - Jonah: “The Worst Fang Club” - Yuval Levin: “The Changing Face of Social Breakdown” - Jonah: “I Think We’re Turning Japanes

Jonah finds himself alone with the quadrupeds on today’s Ruminant as the Fair Jessica embarks on a grand European adventure. Isolated and caffeine-deprived, he’s in especially indulgent form as he rambles through a handful of interrelated topics. First up on the docket is a Supreme Court case that could scale back American bureaucracy, which prompts an extended discussion of how most of the problems we face in modern society can be attributed to a lack of self-government (whatever that means). Afterward, Jonah touches on the importance of institutions in a hyper-technological world, the dumbness of Republican and Democratic rhetoric around crime, and the improbable link between soup kitchens and Call of Duty chat rooms. Brace yourself for an extra-crotchety ride.  Show Notes: - The Morning Dispatch: “SCOTUS Poised to Rein in the Administrative State” - Philip Hamburger’s Is Administrative Law Unlawful - Charles Murray’s By the People - Jonah: “Is the GOP Becoming a Dysfunctional Chatr

On today’s very special Remnant, recorded before a live audience of Dispatch devotees in the hallowed halls of the American Enterprise Institute, Jonah is joined by Steve Hayes and Chris Stirewalt for an in-depth discussion of their time at Fox News. For the first time, they explore what it was like to work at Fox before 2015, how things changed when the Trump era began, and why they resonated with the network’s original approach. They also touch on Tucker Carlson’s firing and how we can improve cable news in this fraught political moment. But only the first half of their conversation is presented here. To hear the whole thing, you’ll need to become a member of the Dispatch community (sign up here!). Members will be able to access the entire discussion in both audio and video form on the Dispatch website, in the Dispatch Live feed. We’re grateful to all of you for your support, and we can’t wait to organize some similar live tapings in the future. Stay tuned… Show Notes: - Become a Di

If you feel like making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve got, then take a break from all your worries with today’s Remnant, which features the overdue return of esteemed screenwriter and satirist Rob Long. Unrestrained by the ramblings of John Podhoretz, Rob and Jonah discuss the Hollywood writers’ strike, and what it means for the future of TV. They also touch on how AI could change creative professions, the qualities that define great shows, and whether Tucker Carlson’s departure from Fox is more gripping than any serialized drama. Oh, and tune in to hear Rob challenge Jonah’s polygamous approach to podcasting. Show Notes: -WATCH: Jonah Goldberg interviews Rob Long - GLoP, Jonah’s side podcast - Rob’s assorted scribblings - The Daily - Jonah on A Simple Plan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A week filled with enough stunningly incorrect predictions to conclusively prove he isn’t psychic has left Jonah in an especially pensive mood. Consequently, today’s Ruminant quickly transforms into a rundown of the greatest hits from a string of misses. Jonah kicks things off with a discussion of Tucker’s firing—has Fox really changed?—before moving into a mea culpa surrounding the debt ceiling bill that passed in the House. Afterward, he addresses a veritable feast of populist asinities on subjects ranging from the boneheaded response to a new Barbie to the cult of the Uniparty. Let the great beclowning commence. Show Notes: -Talking Fox on the Dispatch Podcast -Michael Brendan Dougherty and Noah Rothman on Megyn Kelley’s podcast -MTG makes the Randi Weingarten hearing about herself -Burke’s “Birds of Prey” speech -Rudyard Kipling’s If -MBD’s defense of Tucker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Braving the sweltering heat and practical limitations of the AEI podcasting studio, Jack Butler, the original Smithers to Jonah’s Monty Burns, makes his return to the Remnant to discuss the state of conservatism among young people. He and Jonah journey deep into the psyche of the hyper-online right, answering just about every question you could possibly have about the alt-right’s favorite thinkers and the appeal of pre-modern LARPing. What do national conservatives and integralists really want? Do any of them actually believe what they’re saying? And most importantly, can you argue with a Buick? Show Notes: - Jack’s author page at National Review - Jack explains Bronze Age Pervert - Jack: “9/11: An Atrocity Misused” - Lighten up, Francis… - Michael Anton’s review of Bronze Age Mindset - Burke’s “Birds of Prey” Speech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In spite of enough technical difficulties to make a grown man weep, today’s Remnant—featuring AEI senior fellow Tony Mills—delivers a thorough, punchy exploration of the COVID crisis and the cult of expertise in American politics. He and Jonah discuss increased specialization in liberal societies, the dreaded Dr. Fauci criticism, and how the idea of certainty colors our political discourse. How intertwined is the crisis of liberalism with our understanding of scientific authority? Show Notes - Tony’s page at AEI - Tony’s last Remnant appearance - Mike Duncan’s Revolutions podcast - Tony: “Saving Liberalism from Itself” - Tony: “Unmasking Scientific Expertise” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Animated by a week’s worth of pent-up rage—inspired by the nonsensical prattling of would-be authoritarians and the dupes who love them—Jonah brings a cantankerous energy to today’s Ruminant, which quickly devolves into a rant of titanic proportions. He begins with some brief thoughts on Joe Biden’s rumored plans to announce his re-election campaign, before diving into an obscure Edmund Burke speech and its implications for the modern conservative movement. Then, an exceedingly curmudgeonly rant ensues against the totalitarian instinct driving factions of the Republican Party. When will the grownups return to American politics? Show Notes: - Christine Rosen’s Remnant appearance - Edmund Burke’s “Speech in Commons on India, 1783” - Jonah: “The Ties That Blind” - Jonah rants about the New York Young Republican Club - Learning from Vlad the Impaler? - Noah Rothman’s piece on JD Vance - The Bull Moose Project’s director being a jackanape - Win a free Dispatch subscription! Learn more abou

Christine Rosen, senior fellow at AEI and—alleged—cohost of the Commentary podcast, makes an overdue Remnant return today. In this obstinate exercise in counter-programming, Christine and Jonah discuss just about every topic you could imagine besides Fox News’ settlement with Dominion. From the growing influence of the transgender debate on American politics to Ron DeSantis’ chances in the coming primaries, the two bounce between topics so controversial and toxic that poor David French might just get canceled by association.  Show Notes: -Christine’s page at AEI -The Commentary podcast -Christine: “How Trauma Became a Political Tool” -Christine: “The Mainstream Media Damaged Our Children” -The Remnant with A.B. Stoddard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yahoo News’ Jon Ward makes his Remnant debut to discuss his new book, Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation. The resulting conversation—which fuses highfalutin theology with just a dollop of rank punditry—touches on just about everything you could want to know about America’s crisis of Christianity. Topics range from spiritual abuse, to the history of American Christianity, to Trump’s effect on the integrity of evangelicalism, all of which are covered with the utmost nerdery. Show Notes: -Watch: Jonah interview Jon Ward - Testimony: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Failed a Generation - Jon: “Lead Us Not Into Temptation” - The Long Game, Jon’s podcast - Julien Benda’s The Treason of the Intellectuals Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s off like a herd of turtles in today’s rambling, self-indulgent behemoth of a Ruminant. After opening with a positively riveting description of The Dispatch’s approach to media training, he deftly transitions into a discussion of the Pentagon leak and the subsequent fecal festival that has consumed MAGA media. From there, listen—with all appropriate deference and awe—as Jonah delicately dances through such light-hearted topics as Russian war crimes, Nazis marching in Skokie (yes, again), and the controversy surrounding Harlan Crow and Clarence Thomas. This episode is sponsored by our friends at The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Head to thefire.org/update and subscribe to The FIRE Update today.  Show Notes: - The Dispatch Podcast covers the leak - MTG beclowns herself once again - Jonah’s Remnant free speech debate with Sarah - Jonah’s previous defense of Harlan Crow - Clarence Thomas failed to disclose the purchase of his old home Learn more about your ad choi

Fred Kagan, senior fellow at AEI and director of the Critical Threats Project, makes his long awaited Remnant debut in today’s delectably nerdish discussion of Ukraine and Taiwan. After kicking things off with a deep dive into the state of the war in Ukraine, Jonah and Fred explore Russia’s military disorder, the influence of Soviet history on Russia’s modern military, and the origins of Putin’s ideology (no, he doesn’t just hear voices in his head). Stay until the end to hear some thoughts on Taiwan’s importance to American interests and our position on the world stage. Hint: It’s a pretty big deal. Show Notes: - Fred’s page at AEI - AEI’s Critical Threats Project - AEI’s Coalition Defense of Taiwan - The Telegraph should really be sponsoring us at this point… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brace yourselves, it’s a long one. Due to popular demand, Jonah has—graciously—pulled Sarah out of the world of obscure legal nerdery and onto The Dispatch’s flagship podcast to discuss the famous Nazis-marching-in-Skokie case. After a period of extended throat clearing—featuring a list of proposed baby names from Sarah that may inspire calls to CPS—the two set the stage for their debate. Sarah believes that this case was one of the proudest moments in American history; Jonah is unconvinced. This episode is sponsored by our friends at The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Head to thefire.org/update and subscribe to The FIRE Update today.  Show Notes -WATCH: Jonah and Sarah debate free speech - Sarah (and only Sarah’s) niche legal podcast - John Mulaney at the Salt and Pepper Diner - The Brisket’s favorite song - Sarah brings David French onto Advisory Opinions to discuss Clarence Thomas - The Skokie case - George Will: “Nazis: Outside the Constitution” (found on page 13)

Jonah’s back from New York and ready to participate in his weekly therapy session, otherwise known as the Ruminant. After beginning with a look under the hood of the G-File, he moves on to the week’s various annoyances, kvetching about everything from the expulsions in Tennessee’s House of Representatives to the fallout from Biden’s brainless Afghanistan withdrawal. Stick around until the end to hear Jonah’s thoughts on the recent controversy surrounding Harlan Crow and Clarence Thomas. Show Notes: - Rebekah Jones claims her son is a political prisoner - The depressing reality behind his arrest - The White House’s report on the Afghanistan withdrawal - The Editors on Trump’s arraignment - The Remnant with A.B. Stoddard - ProPublica on Clarence Thomas and Harlan Crow - Wednesday’s G-File, featuring an invitation to a special live Remnant taping - Ufology on the Remnant with Jazz Shaw - One, two, three, four, five… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unable to resist the allure of rank punditry any longer, Jonah brings his trusted election sherpa, A.B. Stoddard, back to the Remnant for a journey through the depths of human depravity (or, more specifically, the burgeoning 2024 election). They kick things off with a discussion of Trump’s arraignment—and what it means for the primaries—before delving into the logistics of a Biden reelection campaign. Afterward, they touch on a variety of subjects, including the prospect of a Kamala Harris presidency, the Wisconsin Supreme Court election result, and Trump’s deadly habit of juggling chainsaws. Show Notes: - Trump’s speech at Mar-a-Lago - A.B.: “Why (and How) Biden Should Decline to Run Again” - A.B.: “Will DeSantis Rescue Republicans or Let Them Down?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump’s indictment has left serious journalists everywhere scrambling to cover the developing story, so of course, Jonah’s response is to arrange some radical counter-programming. He’s joined today by Jazz Shaw, a Navy veteran and Hot Air’s weekend editor, for an out-of-this-world discussion of UFOs. In this eagerly anticipated follow-up to last week’s episode with Avi Loeb, Jonah and Jazz tackle all of the most pressing questions facing the ufology community. Why do pilots keep spotting UFOs? Is the government competent enough to hide big secrets? And what’s so special about cows? Show Notes: -Spacing out with the New York Times -Pentagon receives more than 350 new reports of UFO sightings -2022 Annual Report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena -The National UFO Reporting Center -Jazz’s YouTube channel - The Remnant with Avi Loeb - Skinwalker Ranch? - Ball lightning? - The Roswell Report: Case Closed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a week spent navigating enough scheduling problems to make the Fyre Festival look like a masterclass in logistics, Jonah’s ready to relieve his frustrations with a particularly ranty Ruminant. Things get off to a fiery start thanks to a recent post from the New York Young Republican Club—whose members have apparently decided that boot-licking sycophancy is the mark of an “authentic” American. Evidently, they picked a bad week to display their clownishness so publicly, as Jonah spends nearly the entire episode tearing them to shreds. Stick around to the end to hear some brief thoughts on an especially buffoonish Ibram X. Kendi article and the potential for adding a “Corner”-style blog to The Dispatch. Show Notes: -Jonah joins Sarah and Kevin on the Dispatch Podcast -The tomfoolery of the New York Young Republican Club -Wednesday’s G-File -Ibram X. Kendi’s self-aggrandizing piece in The Atlantic -Have you heard? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charles C.W. Cooke, Jonah’s go-to Remnant cheap date, makes an unplanned return to the program today due to a scheduling snafu. (No interns were harmed for their incompetence in the making of this episode.) With another tragic mass shooting in the headlines, Jonah and Charlie take the opportunity to discuss how such incidents can be deterred and whether it’s possible to stop them through legislation. In light of recent controversies, they also offer a few philosophical musings on free speech. And no, Charlie doesn’t have a cough drop lodged in his throat. Show Notes: -The Editors on the Nashville shooting -Charles: “Therefore What?” -Is the juice worth the squeeze? Episode sponsor: -The Foundation for Civil Rights and Expression... follow FIRE at: thefire.org/update Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The truth is out there, and Jonah may uncover it on today’s Remnant. To boldly go where no pundit has gone before, he’s joined by Avi Loeb—Harvard astrophysicist and author of the recent book, Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars—to discuss UFOs and our place in the universe. Together, they endeavor to answer all of the most pressing questions about alien life: How should we approach the study of interstellar objects? What role does the government play in scientific inquiry? And most importantly, when can we expect the sweet meteor of death to strike? Show Notes: -Avi’s webpage -The Galileo Project -Interstellar: The Search for Extraterrestrial Life and Our Future in the Stars -Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth -Paper claiming ‘Oumuamua is a “water iceberg” -Avi’s response Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from the mean streets of midtown Manhattan, Jonah delivers a fiery and excessive—but mostly peaceful—Ruminant. After opening with a discussion of how—much like the government—Donald Trump will never love you back, he turns to the outrage provoked by the cancelation of a West Texas A&M drag show. From there, he gracefully dances between topics ranging from the ridiculous “cult of youth” to Ron DeSantis’ tepid approach to foreign policy, before finally settling into a deep discussion of what patriotism really means.  Show Notes: - Our niche legal podcast discusses the Trump indictment… - …and so does the Dispatch Podcast - Wednesday’s LA Times column - The Skokie case - West Texas A&M president cancels a campus drag show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unprepared, scatterbrained, and guestless, Jonah returns to the AMA format on today’s program, releasing Guy, his immigrant majordomo, from the grimy basement where he normally resides to field an unusual assortment of listener questions. Things get off to an innocuous start: There’s some shameless plugging of Jonah’s books, a hefty digression into the various strands of conservatism, and a rambly assessment of the recent controversy at Stanford Law. But though the latter half of this episode features no discussion of cruises, it still offers its fair share of bizarre images, one of which may forever change Jonah and John Podhoretz’s friendship. Show Notes: - Wolfram & Hart - David Oshinsky: “Heil Woodrow” - Yuval Levin: “Redeeming the Miracle” - Sarah Isgur interrogates Jonah on Dispatch Live - The Remnant with Philip K. Howard - Skijoring Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philip K. Howard, a prolific author and advocate for simplifying American government, joins the Remnant for the first time to discuss his new book, Not Accountable: Rethinking the Constitutionality of Public Employee Unions. The resulting conversation plays out like a Remnant greatest hits, offering insights on subjects as well-trodden as institutions, our dysfunctional parties, and the banging of spoons on high chairs. Come for some fiendishly nerdy ramblings on the nature of public sector unions, but stay for some hopeful thoughts on how America’s legal and legislative systems could be improved.  Show Notes: - Philip’s website - Philip’s new book, Not Accountable: Rethinking the Constitutionality of Public Employee Unions - Philip previews the book in National Review… - …and in Reason - Rachel Maddow’s “Lean Forward” ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Ruminant has been recorded in video form for your viewing pleasure, which raises a terrifying question: Does this spell the end for “No you won’t, this is a podcast”? In response to having been so rudely dragged into the future, Jonah delivers an outright curmudgeonly diatribe on just about every topic under the sun. From Kamala Harris saying her stage directions out loud, to the dangerous mirage of “new” ideas, no subject is safe from his ire. What’s going on with Silicon Valley Bank? What’s the difference between an explanation and an excuse? And does Jonah wear a toupee? (He does not.) Show Notes: - Kamala Harris’ Late Show Appearance - The Remnant with Paul Bloom - The Remnant with Jim Meigs - Friday’s Dispatch Podcast - The (underrated) Tyranny of Clichés Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Meigs, Manhattan Institute senior fellow and contributing editor at City Journal, makes his Remnant debut in today’s wildly wonky exploration of clean energy, tech policy, and environmentalism. He and Jonah kick things off by talking about the elephant(‘s foot) in the room––nuclear power––before seamlessly transitioning to the terrifying subject of artificial intelligence. Come for the well deserved nuclear boosterism; stay for the existential dread provoked by the idea of malevolent chatbots ruling the meatspace. Show Notes: - James’s podcast, How Do We Fix It? - James’ page at the Manhattan Institute - David Blackman: “The Death of Manchin’s Permitting Reform Effort Is A Loss For Everyone - The Remnant with Paul Bloom - The Remnant with Michael H. Parsons - James: “Elite Panic vs. the Resilient Populace” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Bloom—Jonah’s favorite psychologist and author of the new book Psych: The Story of the Human Mind—returns to the Remnant for some intensely eggheady conversation on the workings of the human brain (a three-pound wrinkly mass, as Paul puts it). The two spend the episode leapfrogging between different controversies in the field of psychology, each more complex than the last, with enough speed to make your head spin. From the nature of consciousness, to René Girard’s understanding of identity, to controversial conceptions of the mind, there’s something to delight—and confuse—everyone, least of all our future AI overlords. Show Notes: - Paul’s website - Just Babies: The Origins of Good and Evil - Psych: The Story of the Human Mind - The Remnant with Joseph Uscinski Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s dyspeptic Ruminant finds Jonah wading through the swampy wreckage of the Republican intellectual movement in an attempt to give new meaning to the phrase “crushing morosity.” From the GOP’s weakness in the face of populism to the loss of objective standards, Jonah tackles all the most important questions facing the right. Why do Fox viewers need safe spaces? What made Trump’s ineffectual trollishness so appealing to so many? And how much screaming of “I told you so” is too much? Show Notes: - Jonah: “Donald Trump’s Megaphone” - Jonah: “In a Slow-Motion Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Media Figures Embrace Trump One by One” - Jenna Ellis further beclowning herself on Twitter - Conch shells and the Fibonacci sequence or something - Jonah: “How Fox News Created a ‘Safe Space’ for Its Audience” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After therapy and court ordered anger management training, Jonah is finally prepared to have David French—newly minted New York Times columnist and noted treacherous misanthrope—back on the Remnant. What follows is an especially freewheeling conversation that begins with a deep dive into the Dominion case against Fox News, then bounces back and forth between a range of topics so controversial you’d swear Jonah wants David to get canceled. From student loans to drag queens, he could be back at The Dispatch before you know it… Show Notes: -Watch Jonah interview NYT columnist David French - David’s page at the New York Times - David’s page at the superior Dispatch - Christianity Today exposes its own scandal - David: “Why Fox Lied to the Viewers It ‘Respects’” - The Economist: “Russia’s Vaunted Second Offensive Is a Damp Squib” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remnant regular Tevi Troy returns for some of the rankest punditry you’ll find this side of the Mississippi. It’s a freewheeling kind of episode that begins with a shameless plug for Tevi’s new leadership program, transitions into a discussion of the GOP presidential primary, and ends with a few musings on how AI could change the world of writing. Tune in also for ruminations on how politics became so childish, whether CPAC can be redeemed, and why Trump can’t find a good nickname for Ron DeSantis. Show Notes: - Tevi’s webpage - Tevi’s course: “1600 Lessons: Leadership Lessons from Our Nation’s Chief Executives” - Trump’s CPAC speech - Tevi: “How Writers Make It Work Now” -Matthew Hennessey’s Visible Hand -America is Sick of Presidents Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s rank wonkishness reaches a new extreme on today’s rantin’, ravin’, ramblin’ Ruminant. After beginning with a diatribe on the Dominion voting lawsuit, he redirects his ire toward cancel culture and the irritating endurance of both-sidesism. Without regard for time (or the suffering of his RA), he closes with some nerdtastic thoughts on the nature of liberalism, the irresponsibility of student loan relief, and the terrifying world of estate law. Show Notes: - Jonah: “Donald Trump’s Megaphone” - Jonah’s Goucher reunion on CNN - The “truth” about Trump’s support for cancel culture - Wednesday’s G-File - Justice Thomas’ dissent in Hudson v. McMillian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from Tel Aviv, author Oren Kessler joins the Remnant to discuss his new book, Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict. The result is a deep dish slice of eggheady conversation, which mixes rank punditry with historical nerdery and a negligible amount of technical glitches. Things kick off with a history of the Arab-Israeli conflict from the 1930s to the present. Afterward, Jonah and Oren explore some pressing questions surrounding the conflict today. How should we regard the ongoing judicial reforms in Israel? Where does nationalism fit into Arab and Israeli intellectual history? And does Israel need to develop a written constitution? Show Notes: -Oren’s new book, Palestine 1936: The Great Revolt and the Roots of the Middle East Conflict -Oren’s webpage -Oren's book preview on Military History Now -George Antonius’ The Arab Awakening Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back from the Caribbean with a radiant glow, Jonah is joined by Stephen Eide—senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute—for an outrageously wonky discussion of homelessness in America. The two kick things off by exploring the history of transient labor and the categorical distinctions between hobos, tramps, and bums, before turning to the root causes of the growing homeless populations in big cities. They also explore the relationship between homelessness and changes to psychiatric health care, the loss of affordable housing in big cities, and the idea that homelessness is a natural outgrowth of late-stage capitalism. Show Notes: -Stephen’s page at the Manhattan Institute -Stephen’s recent book, Homelessness in America: The History and Tragedy of an Intractable Social Problem -Stephen: “Housing First’s Imperial Overreach” -Stephen: “The Adams Homeless Deluge” -Madness in the Streets: How Psychiatry and the Law Abandoned the Mentally Ill -Sebastian Junger’s Tribe: On Homecoming and Belong

As Jonah continues his search for Spanish gold, Sarah Isgur assumes control of the Remnant once again for some predictably eclectic conversation. She’s joined by former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, who’s also a security expert and national park enthusiast. After briefly discussing the ravages of age, they turn to America’s immense beauty, the terrors of AI, the challenges of immigration reform, and everything in between. Are we in a new Cold War? Could Will be preparing for a shocking announcement? And most importantly, where in San Antonio should you get your taco fix? Show Notes: - Sign up for The Brief - Will: “Would China & Russia Attack Hawaii?” - Will’s questionable national park tier list… - The nēnē - Eric S. Raymond’s The Cathedral and the Bazaar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Jonah shirks his podcasting duties to star in a one-man production of Pirates of the Caribbean, Chris Stirewalt takes his place at the helm of the Remnant for a characteristically wonky discussion of the coming presidential primary. He’s joined by Harry Enten, senior data reporter at CNN and host of the Margins of Error podcast, for a conversation that touches on all of the most pressing questions of the day. Is the GOP unifying behind Ron DeSantis? When is the best time for a candidate to jump into the race? And should we declare Harry the chief diet soft drink expert in the United States? Show Notes: - CNN’s Margins of Error Podcast - Harry: “Why it’s better to start a presidential campaign early” - Harry: “Why Biden shouldn't dismiss his negative poll numbers” - Harry: “Why a historically small presidential primary field is possible in 2024” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Jonah prepares to drop off the grid for a week, he brings Guy, his immigrant majordomo, back on the Remnant to ask an eclectic selection of listener questions. Predictably, things start innocently enough with some hyper-rank punditry on 2024 and a brief canine update, but afterward, they quickly get weird. From talk of ChatGPT and zombies overthrowing the established world order to musings on scotch, wrestling, and pretentious foreign movies, the second half of this episode is a unique ride. By the end, Jonah’s perception of Guy may have been permanently altered. Show Notes: - Tuesday’s Ruminant - David Drucker breaks down Nikki Haley’s announcement - The Dispatch Podcast on Haley, Harris, and helium - Kurt Schlichter: “No to Nikki Harris” - The Bing chatbot’s freakouts - The Remnant with Jim Pethokoukis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back from his sojourn in the Land of Lincoln, Jonah invites Coleman Hughes–host of the Conversations with Coleman podcast–onto the Remnant for a lively discussion of race and religion (everyone’s favorite topics). What’s the relationship between authenticity and identity? Is it possible to completely root out racism in American society? And what danger does audience capture pose to responsible journalism? Show Notes: - Coleman’s webpage - Conversations with Coleman - The Panic in Needle Park - Coleman: “Actually, Color-Blindness Isn’t Racist” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stranded without a guest in beautiful Springfield, Illinois, Jonah is forced to record another Ruminant, and the result finds his mind drifting from place to place like a wayward spy balloon. After a brief foray into dirigible-based punditry, he quickly turns to protectionism and Biden’s “Buy American” mantra, providing some extended thoughts on why both are so annoying. From there, his ramblings fall into an uncontrolled tailspin, covering everything from NIMBianism to René Girard and, finally, the incomparable Cronut. Show Notes: - Real life Up - Dominic Pino: “Biden Promises to Spend Your Money Poorly” - Phil Klein: “The Story Construction Tells About America’s Economy Is Disturbing” - George McGovern: “A Politician's Dream Is a Businessman's Nightmare” - Neal Stephenson’s  -The Diamond Age Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, Jonah once again finds himself agitated by a veritable cornucopia of asininities. From the idea that every problem in San Francisco can be blamed on COVID to our embarrassing balloon response, no topic is safe from his ire. Can every problem be blamed on late-stage capitalism? What is the difference between good politics and good policy? And how should the Remnant advertise itself to the outside world? Show Notes: - The Daily’s episode on San Francisco - Anastasia Tsioulcasa: “An artist's 'Healing Project,' focused on incarceration and violence, wins $1 million” - The Commentary Podcast - What the heck is F Troop? - “It is balloon” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of 2023’s raucous State of the Union address, Jonah invites Noah Rothman back to the Remnant for some obscenely rank punditry on a host of hot topics. They begin by exploring what we should make of Biden’s speech, and whether the rowdy atmosphere that accompanied it was actually a good thing, before turning to issues foreign and domestic. How does Biden look as a 2024 candidate given his age? Does the GOP have anything to offer the electorate? Why did it take so long to pop China’s pesky balloon? And could that floating middle finger be the Sputnik moment America needs? Show Notes: - Noah’s page at Commentary - Noah’s latest book, The Rise of the New Puritans - Noah’s previous book, Unjust - Noah’s previous Remnant appearance - Kevin Williamson: “Joe Biden as Priest-King” - Jonah: “Advice for Biden: Be Like Ike” -  A deflated Commentary Podcast - The Remnant with Dalibor Rohac Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AEI Senior Fellow Dalibor Rohac makes his Remnant debut in today’s outrageously wonky discussion of Eastern Europe. In light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the conversation covers America’s foreign policy debate, Germany’s continued weirdness, and the European Union’s role in modern geopolitics. Will peace require a resounding Russian defeat? Can more can be done to support Ukraine’s defense? And what will a postwar Europe look like? Show Notes: - AEI’s The Eastern Front podcast - Dr. Rohac’s page at AEI - Dr. Rohac: “Dnipro Slaughter Shows Depths of Putin’s Depravity Against Ukraine” - Dr. Rohac: “Fuss over Ukraine Tanks Shows the World Has No Substitute for America’s Defense Industry” - Dr. Rohac: “How We Get Europe to Ensure Ukraine’s Post-War Success” -The Telegraph’s Ukraine: The Latest podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, unencumbered by any pretension to organization, Jonah waxes eloquent on everything from the spy balloon over Montana to the breakdown of organized religion. After beginning with a dive into the rhetoric surrounding the war in Ukraine, he directs his ire towards the cult of victimhood that seems to dominate public life. Stick around for a particularly eggheadish discussion on the nature of policing, American racial progress, and why individual choice matters. Show Notes: -Telegraph’s Ukraine: The Latest podcast -The Guardian: Burning of Qur’an in Stockholm funded by journalist with Kremlin ties -Jonah’s 1995 Public Interest article -James Burnham’s Suicide of the West -Jonah: “The Race to Racism” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Podhoretz makes his triumphant return to the Remnant for a characteristically freewheeling discussion covering everything from Israeli politics to the classified document scandals. Who isn’t hoarding a classified document or two nowadays? What’s going on with Israel’s judiciary? How is the GOP doing? Will Joe Biden run in 2024? And is it ever appropriate to sing the Felix the Cat theme song? Be prepared to have it lodged in your brain.  Show Notes: - GLoP, the pop culture podcast America deserves - John’s author page at Commentary - FBI search of Biden’s beach house - The Felix the Cat theme song - The Remnant with A.B. Stoddard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In an attempt to overcome the trauma that developed after his recent visit to Portland, Jonah invites the prolific author and journalist Nancy Rommelmann onto the Remnant for the first time to explore how the city descended into something resembling Escape from New York. They discuss when Portland’s decline began, whether it can fairly be compared to the New York of the 1970s and ‘80s, and whether these problems will be fixed anytime soon. And shockingly enough, no references to The Warriors are included. Show Notes: - Nancy’s Substack, Make More Pie - Nancy’s page at Reason - Nancy’s podcast, Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em - Jonah: “A Pox Upon Portland” - Nancy: “The Dream of the ‘90s Died in Portland” - Nancy: “Is Portland the new Neverland?” - Nancy: “A Murder in Portland” - Nancy: “You’re Not Allowed to Film” - Tom Wolfe: “The Great Relearning” - An exhibitionistic GLoP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s eggheadery reaches a new extreme on today’s rambly Ruminant, which may leave you dreaming of the end times. After beginning with some brief thoughts on Biden’s document escapade and when it’s appropriate for the government to declassify information, he turns to a melange of nerdishly complicated questions. Is it the end of the world as we know it? How did the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists blind us with science? Do Irving Kristol’s objections to capitalism have merit? And are Cheez-Its the ultimate snack food? Show Notes: - Jonah “moderates” the Dispatch Podcast - The Economist’s The Intelligence podcast - Daniel Patrick Moynihan’s Secrecy - The Remnant with Bruce Caldwell - Irving Kristol: “When Virtue Loses All Her Loveliness” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah makes an unexpected return to the AEI studio for another in-person Remnant, this time featuring Keith Whittington, beloved egghead and Princeton political scientist. A deep dive ensues into America’s unique preoccupation with free speech and the nature of academic freedom, which raises a number of pertinent questions. How concerned should we be about the state of free speech on college campuses? What are some common misconceptions about academic freedom? And what should we make of Ron DeSantis’ approach to these issues? Those feeling free and expressive are particularly encouraged to tune in. Show Notes: - Keith’s page at Princeton - Keith: “Hamline Takes Quashing Academic Freedom to a Whole New Level” - Keith: “Academic Freedom for Whom?” - Nathan Glazer: “What Happened at Berkeley” - From the New College of Florida to DeSantis U? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In what may be one of the most brazenly nerdy Remnant episodes ever recorded (which is really saying a lot) Duke University’s Bruce Caldwell joins the program to discuss the life and work of Friedrich Hayek. Dr. Caldwell, the pope of Hayekian geekdom, recently published the first installment of a two volume biography of the famed economist. Guided by Jonah’s gleeful prompting, he explores how Hayek rose to international prominence, what he was like as a man, and how we should view his great works today. If you woke up feeling all Austrian this morning, it’s a must listen. Show Notes: - Dr. Caldwell’s page at Duke - Dr. Caldwell’s new book, Hayek: A Life, 1899–1950  - Dr. Caldwell’s intellectual biography of Hayek, Hayek’s Challenge - Hayek: “The Intellectuals and Socialism” - Hayek: “The Use of Knowledge in Society” - Dr. Caldwell on  -Political Economy with Jim Pethokoukis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s annoyingly whispered Ruminant comes to you live from Portland, where Jonah’s on a clandestine mission with his wife. Unfortunately, the city doesn’t seem to be doing so well, which prompts him to begin with a lengthy diatribe on urban decay, the crisis of homelessness in America’s cities, and what’s specifically wrong with Portland. Stick around afterward for some thoughts on Davos and the economic elite, and a rambling digression about the enduring relevance of Liberal Fascism. Show Notes: - Jonah: “One, Maybe Two, Cheers for Partisanship” - The LA Times on Portland’s homeless problem - The Remnant with Jim Pethokoukis - Philip Coupland: “H.G. Wells's 'Liberal Fascism'” - Jonah: “Bellamy’s Children” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brian Riedl, also known as the “balanced budget good government guy,” is back on the Remnant to answer a pertinent question: Should we believe that the GOP suddenly cares about fiscal responsibility? He and Jonah also provide some wonkified commentary on a whole host of other economic issues. What’s to be done about the national debt? How should conservatives approach the IRS? And is it possible to reform the tax system? Show Notes: - Jonah: “The GOP’s Spending Fight Is More About Fighting Than Spending” - Brian Riedl: “How Republicans Can Get Serious on Spending” - The Remnant with A.B. Stoddard - Byron Donalds spars with Joy Reid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Remnant gets back to basics today, as A.B. Stoddard returns to the show for some deeply rank punditry on (what else?) the dysfunctional state of our parties and the prospect of a second term for Biden. With insurgents rising among both Republicans and Democrats, how long will it take for the parties to get healthy again? For that matter, how concerned should Democrats be about the loss of black and Hispanic voters? Will the GOP actually raise the debt limit? And is there any way of excusing Biden’s document blunder? Show Notes: - A.B.’s page at RealClearPolitics - Jonah: “GOP’s deficit reduction is a cynical performative gesture” - A.B.: “Kevin McCarthy Is Already a Gift to Democrats” - Jonah: “McCarthy’s Misery” - A.B.: “Yes, He Will Burn It All Down” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Ruminant, a self-described “rambling, weird, incoherent hot mess,” can perhaps be taken as a reflection of Jonah’s addled brain. With his wife and daughter on a road trip, his mind has regressed into bachelor mode, and he’s begun to subsist on chicken eaten over the kitchen sink. Thankfully, he still has opinions on the biggest stories of the day, including the Biden administration’s potential ban of gas stoves, how Biden’s classified document scandal compares with Trump’s, and technological developments that could counteract climate change. Come for the punditry, but stay for the strange digression about the mating habits of deer.  Show Notes: - The Dispatch breaks down the battle over gas stoves - NPR: “We need to talk about your gas stove, your health and climate change” - Jonah: “The Hypocritic Oath” - The Dispatch Podcast on Biden’s classified document scandal - Wall Street Journal: “Climate Startup Removes Carbon From Open Air in Industry First” - The Remnant with Jim Pet

Cass Sunstein, the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard and Jonah’s fellow disciple of the dingo, makes an overdue return to the Remnant to discuss his recent book, Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment. Noise, the book argues, is a deadly flaw in human judgment that clouds many of our decisions and produces errors in fields such as medicine, law, and public health. Dr. Sunstein and Jonah examine how noise should be defined, what separates it from bias, and what we can do to fight it. They also explore whether the phenomenon varies across the world, and how terrifying changes in AI and algorithms may affect it. Show Notes: - Dr. Sunstein’s recent book, Noise - Dr. Sunstein’s other recent book, Sludge - Dr. Sunstein: “Governing by Algorithm? No Noise and (Potentially) Less Bias” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For no particular reason, the Remnant returns to an in-person format today, as Jonah drops by the AEI offices to chat about what the future holds for humans and technology with James “Jimmy P” Pethokoukis. Together, they explore why we still haven’t achieved some of the major advancements that wonks were predicting in the ‘70s, occasionally stopping to ponder the merits of popular sci-fi television shows. AI, fusion power, and space elevators are all discussed, but by the end of it all, an important question still hasn’t received enough attention: Will highly intelligent, taxi-driving super-apes eventually overthrow mankind? Show Notes: - Jim’s Substack, Faster, Please! - Ezra Klein: “The Dystopia We Fear Is Keeping Us From the Utopia We Deserve” - Jim: “Who taught us to fear Dystopia? Who taught us we didn't deserve Utopia?” - Jim: “Paul Ehrlich interview on '60 Minutes' shows the need to finally defeat degrowth environmentalism” - Our World in Data - Jonah’s review of The Reactionary

Jonah’s in especially ranty form on today’s Ruminant as he explores the continuing war over the House speakership and where most commentators are going wrong in their analysis of it. He also examines the broader prevalence of annoying misconceptions about Congress, what media bias really looks like, and how conservatism should be measured. Plus, tune in for discussion of a controversial Daily Beast story, the Damar Hamlin incident, and the political proclivities of big corporations. Show Notes: - Wednesday’s (members only) “news”letter - Jonah: “McCarthy’s Misery” - The Daily Beast's Matt Schlapp story - Joshua Green: “Can Ron DeSantis replace Donald Trump as the Face of the GOP?” - Philip Bump: “Can Ron DeSantis Ride an Anti-Business Message to the White House?” - Tim Carney’s  - The Big Ripoff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In what is sure to be the first of many appearances in 2023, Chris Stirewalt joins the Remnant to discuss the ongoing debacle that is Kevin McCarthy’s bid for House speaker. He and Jonah explore what McCarthy’s opponents hope to gain, whether it’s true that opposing him makes you more conservative, and why all of this actually may not matter very much. They also touch on whether wokeism has passed its peak, why scripted comedy is in such a strange position, and what’s irritating about generational generalizations. Plus, tune in for a few obligatory shots at the New York Times’ newest columnist. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Megan McCardle - Chris: “The Agonizingly Low Stakes of Today’s Vote for House Speaker” - This week’s Dispatch Live - Josh Kraushaar: “The Return of the Moral Majority” - David Halberstram’s  - The Coldest Winter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Remnant kicks off 2023 in appropriately rank fashion today, as Megan McArdle returns to the program for some eggheady musings on what the new year could bring for our legislative branch, parties, and broader political culture. She and Jonah begin by examining the state of Congress and what we can do to fix it, before turning to some pressing questions. Will cryptocurrency conquer the world? How does transparency harm institutions? And will the Republican Party start inching back toward sanity anytime soon? Show Notes: - Megan’s page at the Washington Post - Jonah: “So Congress is a mess. It’s supposed to be messy” - The Economist: “How Is Ukraine Using Crypto to Fund the War?” - Matt Levine: “The Crypto Story” - The Remnant with Russ Roberts - Jonah: “The Worst Fang Club” - The Remnant with Yuval Levin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah brings 2022 to a close in typically freewheeling fashion on today’s Ruminant, which aims to provide a minimal amount of crushing morosity. He kicks things off by exploring the Southwest Airlines meltdown and why airline disasters are uniquely infuriating, before turning to the inefficiency of big government, how pandemics and other crises can affect economies, and what can go wrong when we mix up our gemeinschafts. Plus, stick around for a discussion of how fusion power could solve our environmental problems, some obligatory Marx bashing, and a few words about the state of The Dispatch. Happy New Year! Show Notes: - Ezekiel Emanuel: “Covid Isn’t the Only Reason Children’s Vaccination Rates Are Falling” - The Remnant with Scott Lincicome - The Economist: “The great inflation of the 1500s is echoing eerily today” - Jerry Muller’s The Mind and the Market - Wednesday’s “news”letter - David Bahnsen: “Put Not Your Trust in Princes” - Jim Pethokoukis on the state of nuclear fusion Lear

As 2022 winds down, Kevin Williamson returns to the Remnant for some wide-ranging sociopolitical nerdery. He and Jonah explore what characterizes effective social policy, why it pays to be skeptical of new ideas, and what makes no sense about the American tax system. They also provide a modicum of more lighthearted punditry on the George Santos debacle and indulge in a lengthy discussion of the gun debate. Tune in for explanation, but stick around for obfuscation. Show Notes: - Kevin’s page at The Dispatch - Kevin: “A Guide to Guns” - Nick Catoggio: “The Talented Mr. Santos” - Jonah: “Something Short of Tragic” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Christmas Eve, and what’s more germane to the holiday season than some lengthy rambling about authoritarianism? Of course, today’s Ruminant is a little more nuanced than that. It also digs into how political states emerge in the first place, why Russia is becoming a “really crappy” country, and how to distinguish between valid criticism of American foreign policy toward Ukraine and toadying to Vladimir Putin. On the lighter side, Jonah also answers a few questions that arose after the week’s earlier episode with the Fair Jessica. We wish you all a wonderful holiday! Show Notes: - The Fair Jessica’s Remnant return - Zelensky’s speech to Congress - Julia Davis’ Russian Media Monitor - Jonah: “Authoritarianism’s Bad Year” - Francis Fukuyama’s The Origins of Political Order - How Putin’s war became a catastrophe for Russia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Remnant, Jonah’s esteemed wife and bear skeptic, Jessica Gavora (aka the Fair Jessica), makes her highly anticipated return. The two JGs explore some more nerdish topics than last time, including what it takes to be a successful ghostwriter, how the right changed during the Trump years, and what it’s like writing speeches for prominent politicians. They also touch on a few personal subjects, including memories of Jonah’s mom, the recent trip to Istanbul, and Jessica’s current book project (she needs your help!). Plus, stick around until the end to hear Jessica make her best case against human-bear interaction. Show Notes: - The Fair Jessica’s first Remnant appearance - Betsy DeVos’ Hostages No More - Hugh Hewitt: “The ‘Agnew Option’ could be a way out for Trump — and America” - The Fair Jessica’s Tilting the Playing Field: Schools, Sports, Sex and Title IX Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

During his wild European vacation last week, Jonah didn’t follow the news too closely. To catch himself up, he invites The Dispatch’s own Andrew Egger back to the Remnant for some intensely rank punditry. Together, they explore the biggest and strangest stories currently unfolding in politics, including Kevin McCarthy’s bid for House speaker, Ron DeSantis’ attack on vaccines, and Donald Trump’s criminal referral. Plus, they offer some musings on the 2024 election and the horrors of Trump trading cards.  Show Notes: - Andrew: “Trump 2024’s Terrible Start” - Andrew: “Ron DeSantis Gambles on Vaccine Grievance” - The Morning Dispatch: “The January 6th Committee’s Last Hurrah” - Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene go to war - Trump NFTs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Jonah off on a clandestine mission to Turkey, Chris Stirewalt takes his place in the Remnant captain’s chair for a wonktastic dive into American demography. His guest is Dr. Richard Alba, a sociologist and the author of The Great Demographic Illusion: Majority, Minority, and the Expanding American Mainstream, which explores America’s changing racial makeup and the increasing prevalence of Americans born from mixed families. Their discussion touches on a number of pressing questions. Can we rely on Census data? What does assimilation mean in America today? And how can we create more opportunities for young Americans to move into?  Show Notes: - Dr. Alba’s page at CUNY - Dr. Alba’s The Great Demographic Illusion - Chris: “America’s No-Majority Future Is Going to be Delicious” - Dr. Alba: “The Truth About White America” - Dr. Alba: “The Myth of a Majority-Minority America” - The Remnant with Ruy Teixeira Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dedicated Remnant listeners may recall that in 2019, Jonah stopped by the headquarters of the Illinois Policy Institute to record a special, Chicago-centric episode. On his recent voyage to the Windy City, Jonah returned to the institute to record a follow-up with its president, Matt Paprocki. Together, they discuss the challenges facing Chicago, how conservatives can win Illinois, and what policies should be pursued to lift people out of poverty. Tune in for the wonkery, but stick around to find out how many obscure nicknames for Chicago are lodged in Jonah’s brain. Show Notes: - The Illinois Policy Institute - Matt’s page at IPI - Matt’s Substack - Michael Madigan’s scandals - The Remnant with Arthur Brooks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Ruminant, recorded live from an undisclosed hotel in the depths of Chicago, finds Jonah even more scatterbrained than usual. Although he begins by discussing the nature of the First Amendment and why Twitter isn’t at the heart and soul of American democracy, he quickly abandons rank punditry and veers in a radically different direction. With a vacation in Istanbul coming up, Jonah tells the long, strange tale of his first visit to the city, which may or may not evoke comparisons to Midnight Express. It’s an unconventional episode, but don’t say you weren’t warned.  Show Notes: - Bari Weiss’ “Twitter Files” - David French: “Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson Don’t Understand the First Amendment” - Christian Schneider: “Does Nobody Understand How the First Amendment Works?” - The Remnant with Scott Lincicome - The Remnant with Jonathan Rauch - Charlie Cooke and Michael Brendan Dougherty debate Republican electability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Rauch, beloved scholar at the otherwise hated Brookings Institution, returns to the Remnant for some spirited kvetching about primaries, polarization, and the state of democracy. He and Jonah also mix in some ruminations on the Republican Party’s dysfunction, the nature of racism in contemporary American society, and how identity politics radicalizes people. Be ready with your bingo cards. Show Notes: - Jonathan’s page at Brookings - Jonathan’s previous Remnant appearance - Jonathan’s latest book, The Constitution of Knowledge - Jonathan and Ray La Raja: “Too Much Democracy Is Bad for Democracy” - “Toward a More Responsible Two Party System” - Elaine Kamarck: “Is democracy failing and putting our economic system at risk?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heroic wonksplainer Scott Lincicome is back on the Remnant to discuss his new book, Empowering the American Worker: Market‐​Based Solutions for Today’s Workforce, which examines what effective pro-worker policies should look like in today’s political climate. Predictably, things get nerdy, as the conversation explores education policy, the demands of urban living, and the great vampire-werewolf debate (tune in for clarification). Where is the government going wrong in its approach to the workforce? Can relying on the free market ever create problems? And how bullish should we be about remote work? Show Notes: - Scott’s newsletter, Capitolism - Scott’s new book, Empowering the American Worker - Scott previews the book in The Dispatch - The Remnant with Russ Roberts - Ryan Streeter: “Place and the Pursuit of Happiness, Upward Mobility and the American Dream” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finally on the verge of overcoming his lingering COVID symptoms, Jonah approaches today’s rambly Ruminant with renewed verve. After tackling the strangeness of Elon Musk’s Twitter reign and the freakishness of Kanye West, he explores how Trumpification has changed the right and what sane Republicans can do to move forward. From there, things get philosophical, as Jonah examines the nature of ethical universals and what specifically is immoral about authoritarian regimes. Finally, things conclude with some sweet, nourishing dog content. Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - Election denial in Cochise County - Newt Gingrich: “Quit Underestimating President Biden” - The Economist’s Drum Tower podcast - The Remnant with Alexandra Horowitz - Jonah: “Mau-Mauing the Dogcatcher” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a while since the Remnant featured a dog expert, but today, Dr. Alexandra Horowitz—a professor at Barnard College of Columbia University—joins the program to fill that void. Some seriously rank cynology ensues, as Jonah and Alexandra explore everything you could ever want to know about canine cognition. Do dogs have a unique friendship with humans, or are they just social parasites? Why do dogs react in different ways to different people? And are dog shows a stain on mankind? Show Notes: - Alexandra’s webpage - Alexandra’s new book, The Year of the Puppy - Alexandra’s previous books: Inside of a Dog - Being a Dog - And Our Dogs, Ourselves - Alexandra: “What Does it Feel Like to Be a Dog?” - The Remnant with Michael H. Parsons (rat guy) - The world’s smartest dog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Revitalized after his latest struggle with COVID, Jonah invites AEI senior fellow and foreign policy expert Michael Rubin back to the Remnant to discuss how America should respond to challenges posed by China, Russia, and the Middle East. Should the U.S. government embrace regime change? What’s at stake for the West in Taiwan and Ukraine? And should we be optimistic about liberalism in China and Iran? Show Notes: - Michael’s page at AEI - Michael: “Why Is the US Never Prepared for Regime Change?” - The Chicken Kiev speech - Paul Kennedy’s The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers - Lin Wells’ memo to Donald Rumsfeld Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year, Remnant regular Matt Ridley published Viral: The Search for the Origin of COVID-19, which explored the theory that the virus leaked from a laboratory. Today, he’s back on the program to discuss how things have changed since the book’s publication with a suitably COVID-addled Jonah. Has the lab-leak theory become more persuasive? Did the pandemic fuel a backslide in vaccinations? And can Britons and Americans ever resolve their linguistic differences? Show Notes: - Matt’s latest book, Viral - Matt’s previous Remnant appearance - Matt: “COVID origin case reopened: A lab leak is a legitimate question”- John Barry’s The Great Influenza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a long and draining week of speeches, fancy dinners, and finally acknowledging the existence of his intern, Jonah phones in the beginning of today’s Ruminant by simply reading through the stories in Friday’s Morning Dispatch. Luckily, things quickly pick up speed when Jonah turns to a wacky article by the mother of the recently disgraced CEO of FTX on why we should abandon the concept of personal responsibility. A lengthy philosophical discussion follows on the problems inherent in critical analysis, the necessity of pricing signals, and why bad ideas must be taken seriously. Following some thoughts on judicial activism and the future of the Federalist Society, Jonah wraps things up by discussing hope, optimism, and the nature of despair. Show Notes: - Barbara H. Fried: “Beyond Blame”- “A Moment of Truth for the Federalist Society” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recovery mode from a hectic period of midterm punditry, Jonah invites his immigrant amanuensis Guy back to the Remnant to spend some time answering listener questions. A strange and broad conversation ensues, as Jonah provides some rank predictions for the 2024 election cycle, reflects on his career in blogging, and indulges in a few fiendishly nerdy asides about Marvel and Star Trek. And of course, he can’t resist interrogating Guy about his recent voyage on a Kiss-themed cruise. Show Notes: - Jonah and Guy’s previous AMA extravaganza - Haley Byrd Wilt: “The Freedom Caucus’ Reform Opportunity” - “Florida man makes announcement” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With demand for rank election punditry at historically high levels, Chris Stirewalt captains today’s Remnant voyage through the convoluted current of midterm results. He’s joined by trusted wonk Ruy Teixeira to discuss the 2022 turnout numbers, the nature of “normie” voters, and the inevitable overinterpreting of Democrats’ success in grasping only a small defeat out of the jaws of a much larger one. Demography-galore abounds in the second half of the show, as Chris and Ruy analyze future trends, crackpot electoral theories, and how Democrats should approach the Lovecraftian maw of the 2024 election. Show Notes: -Ruy’s page at AEI -Chris’ page at The Dispatch -Ruy: “Democrats Can’t Count on Trump in 2024” -Chris: “The Wave Against Weirdness” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trapped in the urban prison popularly referred to as Manhattan, Jonah surrenders to the call of rank punditry and discusses the midterm results on today’s Ruminant. How did the Republicans squander such an obviously winnable election, and what role did Trump play in the disaster? Furthermore, could Biden really win again in 2024? Have Jonah’s views on Ron DeSantis shifted? And should these results inspire hope that conservatism can right itself? Show Notes: - The Remnant with Ken Pollack - Wednesday’s “news”letter - The Dispatch Podcast provides a midterm postmortem - Jonah on 2016’s slow-motion Invasion of the Body Snatchers - George Orwell: “Second Thoughts on James Burnham” - Charlie Cooke: “Did Republicans Pick the Right Time to Lose?” - The Remnant with Yuval Levin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AEI Senior Fellow Ken Pollack returns to the Remnant for a wonktastic discussion of the Middle East. With continued Iranian protests dominating international headlines, the conversation centers on the stability of the Iranian regime, the goals of the Iranian people, and how the United States should respond. Why do continued mass demonstrations in Iran seem to be an intellectual afterthought in the West? What will happen to Iran’s nuclear program if its government collapses? And what are the best things the Biden administration could do to help the Iranian people?  Show Notes: - Ken’s page at AEI - Ken: “A Stronger But Less Ambitious NATO” -  Ken: “The Middle East Abhors a Vacuum” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shadi Hamid of the hated Brookings Institution returns to the Remnant to discuss his new book, The Problem of Democracy: America, the Middle East, and the Rise and Fall of an Idea. He and Jonah engage in a nerdtastic exploration of democracy—its strengths, its weaknesses, and how it should be understood in the American context. What is “democratic minimalism,” and should we embrace it? Why is democracy particularly well suited to a society as large and diverse as the United States? And what should primary elections be replaced with? Show Notes: - Shadi’s page at The Atlantic - Shadi’s new book, The Problem of Democracy - Shadi: “Can Democracy Exist Without Liberalism?” - Biden’s befuddled speech - Jonah: “The Cult of Unity Is a Poison” - Jonah on the “Life of Julia” - Pajama Boy - Jonah on Making Sense with Sam Harris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah finds himself unable to resist the allure of rank punditry on today’s Ruminant. He begins by describing how little he cares about the upcoming midterms before diving into a lengthy rant on that very matter. Next, he tackles the state of Trump’s continued influence on the Republican Party, the ills of the modern legislative process, and the undermining of confidence in elections by both parties. After a brief foray into John Dewey’s “screwed up” view of democracy, Jonah finishes the show with commentary on Putin’s rejection of liberal democratic capitalism, the hypocrisy of his attacks on America, and why Francis Fukuyama was right all along (again). Show Notes: - Richard Rorty’s Achieving Our Country - Jonah: “Putin’s Dangerous Blend of Propaganda and Hypocrisy” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Addicted to the sensation of power that the Remnant command chair provides, Sarah Isgur takes control of the program once again. She’s joined by famed pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson to discuss the reliability of polls and the future of the polling industry, as well as the midterms and the 2024 presidential election. Tune in also to learn about Sarah’s spindrift habit, Kristen’s exceptional canine companion, and what really appeals to young voters. Show Notes: -Kristen’s webpage -The Fetterman-Oz debate -Kristen’s The Selfie Vote -Kristen: “Democrats Just Can’t Seal the Deal with Young Americans” - Sean Trende’s  The Lost Majority Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Remnant returns to normalcy today as Chris Stirewalt joins Jonah to provide a preview of the midterms. With only a week remaining until election day, what level of turnout should we expect? For that matter, will the Republicans enjoy a red tsunami? How will Dobbs influence the results? And what does the attack on Paul Pelosi reveal about our political climate? Show Notes: -Chris’ page at The Dispatch -Last weekend’s Ruminant -Last Friday’s G-File -Chris' book 'Broken News' -Wall Street Journal: “Republican Election Prospects Rise as Inflation Overshadows Abortion” -Kari Lake mocks the Paul Pelosi attack -The Remnant with Yuval Levin -The Paul Lynde Halloween Special -Never been KISSed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jonah on today’s solo episode as he remembers his mother, Lucianne Goldberg, who died peacefully this week surrounded by her people –– and pets! –– who loved her. Links: -John Podhoretz’s moving tribute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s eclectic episode of The Remnant, Sarah is joined by Mo Elleithee, executive director of the Institute of Politics and Public Service at Georgetown University, to discus elections, tribalism, and Halloween. The two explore the shrinking acceptability of bipartisan friendships, the effects of campaign finance reform on polarization, and the importance of understanding the arguments of the other side. Stick around until the end for a heart-wrenching tale of unrequited avian love and to hear Sarah publicly debut her much anticipated screech owl call. Show Notes: -Mo on The Dispatch Podcast -The New York Times on the new campaign press aides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David takes the reins on today's recording where he hosts GQ correspondent and New York Times Magazine contributor Robert Draper to discuss his new book Weapons of Mass Delusion: When the Republican Party Lost its Mind. Why has the Republican party gone crazy? What’s up with Marjorie Taylor Greene? And what might a Republican House majority look like after the midterms? Stay tuned as David and Robert explore all of this and more on today’s action-packed episode of The Remnant. Show Notes: -Robert: “The Problem of Marjorie Taylor Greene” -Robert’s new book, Weapons of Mass Delusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s gripping Ruminant, Jonah waxes philosophical about topics far and wide. Things kick off with further thoughts on Wednesday’s episode with Yuval Levin, where Jonah explores an additional aspect of Burke’s philosophy and its applicability to todays’ insular political factions. Next, he delves into Oakeshott’s theory of civil and enterprise associations and the tendency of despotic regimes to view the structure of society through the wrong lens. Finally, Jonah discusses the origins of modern American Conservatism, Progressivism’s roots in the New Deal, and William James’ conception of the moral equivalent of war. Show Notes: -Wednesday’s The Remnant with Yuval Levin -We Need to Stop Calling Ourselves Conservatives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Snowbound in the depths of Pennsylvania, Jonah invites the inimitable Yuval Levin back to the Remnant for a philosophical yet accessible conversation on the responsibilities we face as members of a free society. What’s the best way to approach political and civic life in the United States, and how should we treat our institutions? For that matter, why is cynicism harmful? Can higher education be fixed? And is the internet damaging democracy? Show Notes: - Yuval’s page at AEI - A Time to Build, still available from all good booksellers - Yuval: “The Constitution and National Unity” - Yuval’s ideas for repairing democracy - Mark Leibovich’s This Town - “You are all individuals” - Robert Nisbet’s The Quest for Community - Arnold Kling: “How the Internet Turned Bad” - Yuval: “Politics After the Internet” - Megan McArdle: “It’s time for major institutions to make their employees get off of Twitter” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s that time again: We’ve reached The Dispatch’s third birthday, and to celebrate, Jonah invites Steve Hayes back to the Remnant to discuss the state of the institution. With water in hand rather than alcohol, they reflect on The Dispatch’s internal growth, its departure from Substack, and some of the most memorable events of the past year. Then, they preview some exciting plans for the future while addressing a few important questions: What sets The Dispatch apart? Will the fabled Dispatch app ever be invented? And how optimistic should we be about American political life? Show Notes: - The Dispatch’s manifesto - The Morning Dispatch walks you through the new Dispatch website - Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death - James Stewart’s Follow the Story - David Freedlander: “Why Republicans Stopped Talking to the Press” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In yet another self-indulgent extravaganza, Jonah tackles political topics both old and new in today's Ruminant. Leading off with current events, Jonah gives his thoughts on the final January 6th hearings and inflation’s tendency to make all other ills hurt worse. Next, in a fit of righteous indignation, Jonah dives deeply into his seemingly bottomless pit of Woodrow Wilson hatred to discuss the historic memory-holing of Wilson’s transgressions and their growing appreciation among the mainstream. Things are finally capped off with a lengthy discussion of tribalism, urban politics, and the failures of universities. Producer’s note: This episode contains an abundance of Woodrow Wilson references. Out of concern for listeners’ sanity, the musical cue was reserved for only the most poignant of mentions. Show Notes: - Rick Perlstein: “When America Had a Moral Panic Over Inflation” - The New York Times reviews American Midnight - Jonah: “Of Memory Holes and Memory Buriers” - The New York Tim

To mark the arrival of The Dispatch’s new website, Jonah invites Kevin Williamson back to the Remnant for another nerdishly random conversation. They begin by discussing the oppression of the QWERTY keyboard, strange quirks of the free market, and the benefits of democracy, before turning to the legacy of the New Deal and pressing matters of rank punditry. Will the Remnant ever become the majority? Have Kevin’s anarchic instincts mellowed? And what does the future hold for The Dispatch?  Show Notes: - Kevin’s page at The Dispatch - The story of QWERTY - The horseshoe crab: same as it ever was? - Jonah: “Slouching Towards the Old World” - Robert Higgs’ Crisis and Leviathan - Amity Shlaes' The Forgotten Man - Kevin’s The End Is Near and It’s Going to Be Awesome - Kevin: “‘A Normal Politician’” -  The Remnant (hosted by Sarah Isgur) with Jonathan Swan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Jonah flees the oppressive heat of Texas, Sarah Isgur takes control of the Remnant with weird and wonderful results. She’s joined by Jonathan Swan of Axios, and her uncomfortably personal lines of questioning—which cover kangaroo meat, childhood crushes, and the pains of immigration—may discourage him from ever returning. Serious conversation is also mixed in on the midterm elections, which raises a number of questions: How are Trump’s picks likely to perform in November? What will our parties look like in 10 years? And are campaign staffers dragging Democratic politicians to the cultural left? Show Notes: - Sarah’s page at The Dispatch - Jonathan’s page at Axios - The Herschel Walker situation - Jonathan: “Trumpier Than Trump” - Jonathan: “Team Trump Sees Special Masters as Deep FBI Skeptic” - The Remnant with Ruy Teixeira Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a defiant act against the forces that seek to make his recordings shorter, Jonah delivers an especially self-indulgent Ruminant that covers an eclectic range of topics. Following a lengthy period of proverbial throat-clearing, Jonah begins by discussing news of Ben Sasse’s departure from the Senate and tensions within the “Never Trump” wing of conservative politics. Things then take a philosophical turn as Jonah explores the narcissism of small differences, arrogance of intellect, and why Republicans and Democrats irrationally undermine electoral institutions at their own peril. Stick around until the end for some thoughts on Mitch McConnell and a touch of much needed housekeeping. Show Notes: -Jonah’s Breaking Bad cover story for National Review -This week’s French Press -American Greatness on Jonah and Covfefe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Klon Kitchen, The Dispatch’s resident foreign policy maestro, takes control of the Remnant today with predictably wonky results. His guest is Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute who shares his expertise on national security. Together, they take a deep dive into the ongoing Ukraine conflict, exploring how things have changed since it began and what we can expect in the coming months. What tactics have the Ukrainians been employing? At this point, what is Putin’s goal? And could Russia use a nuclear weapon? Show Notes: - Luke’s Hudson Institute webpage - Klon’s page at The Dispatch - Luke: “Prepare Ukraine for Victory in a Long War” - Klon: “Putin’s Petulance” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the mend from a hectic book tour, the ever-reliable Chris Stirewalt returns to the Remnant for some old fashioned rank punditry on partisanship, the midterms, and America’s changing demographics. After discussing the Herschel Walker situation, MAGA’s hatred of Mitch McConnell, and the allure of strange aspects of Japanese culture, Chris and Jonah answer some of the most pressing questions of the moment. Will the Dobbs decision have much influence on the midterms? Is there anything good about primaries? And why can’t politicians talk about how great it is to be alive right now? Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Chris’ new book, Broken News - GLoP enters the Uberverse - GLoP does cornhole - Herschel Walker’s bad night - Nick Catoggio: “Forget the Polls. Let’s Talk About Vibes.” - Sean Trende: “Setting Expectations for the House in 2022 Midterms” - The Remnant with Ruy Teixeira - The Remnant with Elaine Kamarck - David Frum: “If Liberals Won’t Enforce Borders, Fascists Will”

On today’s characteristically rambly Ruminant, Jonah seeks to weave a web between current events, history, and philosophy. After briefly theorizing about the identity of the Nord Stream pipeline’s saboteur, Jonah returns to his Liberal Fascism roots to explore the differences between German and Italian fascism and their shared reliance on hyper-nationalism. Next, he addresses the conservative movement’s roots in American exceptionalism and the new right’s embrace of European-style populism. Then, in a contemplative end to the episode, Jonah reflects on his newfound knowledge of rodentology by considering the potential consequences of incestuous rat relationships. Show Notes: - The Dispatch Podcast on the Nord Stream sabotage - Wednesday’s G-File: “Slouching Towards the Old World” - The Remnant with rat expert Michael H. Parsons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Reeves of the hated Brookings Institution joins the Remnant for the first time to discuss his new book, Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It. In a moment where the family unit is collapsing, gender differences in education are becoming more pronounced, and large numbers of men are withdrawing entirely from the workforce, it’s vital to explore what’s driving these trends and whether they can be reversed. Why is fatherhood important? What defines true masculinity? And how have young men changed psychologically in recent years? Show Notes: - The Remnant (on rats!) with Dr. Michael Parsons - Richard’s page at Brookings  - Richard’s new book, Of Boys and Men - Richard: “No, the Boys Are Not Doing Just Fine” - Richard: “Why Boys Should Start School a Year Later Than Girls” - The Remnant with Nick Eberstadt - Jonathan Haidt: “Facebook’s Dangerous Experiment on Teen Girls” - Richard joins Coleman Hughes’ podcast - Richard and Jonat

For years, Jonah roamed the moors of the internet in search of a particular kind of expert to host on the Remnant, but his efforts seemed in vain. At last, however, his sacrifices to Baal have been answered. Today, Dr. Michael H. Parsons, an expert on rodentology at Fordham University, joins the program to discuss everything you could possibly want to know about rats, their behavior, and why controlling them in urban areas is so difficult. What does rat culture look like? How do rats really feel about people? Why are certain cities plagued by them while others seem untainted? And should you be concerned by Jonah’s exceptionally good mood? Show Notes: - Dr. Parsons: “Better rat control in cities starts by changing human behavior” - Dr. Parsons: “Revealing the secret lives of urban rats” - The Norway rat - Dr. Kelly Lambert’s rat research - Rats vs. feral cats - Does New York have more rats than people? -  The Remnant with Matt Ridley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm

Coming to you from a thunderous Sioux Falls, today’s Ruminant features a distinctly Goldbergian potpourri of rank punditry and eggheadery. Jonah begins by discussing the merits of the Letitia James lawsuit, his general distaste for enthusiasm, and Trump’s cavalier treatment of classified materials. After a not-so-brief foray into the consequences of the left’s pro-truth hypocrisy, things end on an esoteric note as Jonah contemplates pragmatism and the philosophical differences between the New Deal and the Great Society. Show Notes: - Eli Lake: “Framed and Guilty” - The Atlantic: “Separating Sports by Sex Doesn’t Make Sense” - The Fair Jessica’s review of The Frailty Myth - Chelsea Conaboy: “Maternal Instinct Is a Myth That Men Created” - Jonah: “Both Parties Are to Blame for the Immigration Crisis” - The Remnant with Nick Eberstadt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicholas Eberstadt, AEI’s Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy, makes an overdue Remnant return to discuss his new book, Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic Edition, an expanded version of his 2016 release which examined the collapse of work for men in modern America. Why are increasingly large numbers of men abandoning the workforce? Is something similar going on with women? And what will be the social, cultural, and economic effects of this trend? Tune in to hear these questions answered, and to hear some reflections on why work is valuable in the first place. Show Notes: - Dr. Eberstadt’s page at AEI - Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic Edition - Dr. Eberstadt: “What’s Behind the Flight from Work in Post-Pandemic America” - The Remnant with Michael Strain - Charles Murray’s Coming Apart - The Remnant with Marian Tupy - Keynes: “Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren” - China, unquarantined - Allahpundit, unmasked - Dispatch Live introduces Kevin D. Williamson Learn more about your

Michael Strain, Remnant regular and beloved economic policy wonk at AEI, returns to the program to explore the state of inflation and kvetch about the Federal Reserve. He and Jonah also provide some unwashed commentary on House of the Dragon, discuss whether economics really is a dismal science, and mix in some thoughts on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Can inflation be fought at the state level? When should economics and politics mix? And is it possible for a Remnant episode to be too long and nerdy? Show Notes: - Michael’s page at AEI - Jonah: “Not Everything Is a Morality Tale” - Russia’s oil riches - Celebrate Kevin D. Williamson’s arrival at The Dispatch with a 30-day free trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live and under-caffeinated from a mysterious compound buried deep in the Adirondacks, Jonah focuses today’s Ruminant on nationalism, liberalism, and the American tradition. After providing an update on the state of The Dispatch and a few thoughts on integrity in politics, he launches into an epic rant on the recent National Conservatism Conference in Miami and the movement behind it. Throughout, he’s keen to stress a particular point: Our constitutional order still works. Show Notes: - Peter Thiel, losing Arizona - Jonah: “Mugged by Fallacy” - The Ahmari-French debate - National conservatism: a primer - Jonah: “Bellamy’s Children” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Determined to reclaim his Remnant throne from Chris Stirewalt, Jim Geraghty returns to the program to discuss his new thriller, Gathering Five Storms. The novel also provides a launch pad for some exceedingly rank punditry on Russia, the midterms, and the state of the Republican Party. Earlier in the year, it seemed certain that the GOP would make significant gains in November, but is that still the case? For that matter, why does the foreign policy establishment seem to get so many things wrong? How does writing fiction compare to writing about politics? And can any pundit match Jim’s Trump impression? Show Notes: - Jim’s page at National Review - Jim’s new novel, Gathering Five Storms - Jonah and Yuval Levin’s first Remnant encounter - Jim: “Control of the Senate Is Still a Jump Ball” - Jim: “Does AOC Want to Be Anything More Than a Celebrity?” - Jonah: “Principles vs. Partisanship” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, Jonah provides a distinctly Goldbergian fusion of punditry and nerdery. After evaluating Joe Biden’s use of the phrase “MAGA Republicans” and offering a few further thoughts on the Philadelphia speech, he discusses Steve Bannon’s arrest, the ongoing fallout from the Mar-a-Lago raid, and Gov. Greg Abbott’s migrant busing policy. It all ends on a philosophical note, as Jonah reflects on the distinction between conservatism and radicalism. Show Notes: - Last weekend’s Remnant - Last Friday’s G-File - Texas’ migrant bussing - Muriel Bowser declares a public emergency - Steve Bannon’s arrest - Andy McCarthy on Bannon’s indictment - The Dispatch Podcast on the Mar-a-Lago investigation - Greta Van Awful - The pandemic erased two years of progress in math and reading - The Remnant with Matt Continetti - Leo Ribuffo’s The Old Christian Right - Ukraine lures Russian missiles with fake HIMARs - Attend The Dispatch’s What’s Next summit in Naples Learn more about your ad choic

It’s been a while since the Remnant featured an expert on crime, but today, Manhattan Institute fellow Rafael Mangual joins the program to fill that void. Recently, Rafael published Criminal (In)Justice, in which he argues against decarceration and depolicing. Using that book as a launch pad, he and Jonah discuss the sociological factors behind criminality, how crime can be deterred, and why the U.S. is an outlier in its incarceration rate. Plenty of policy wonkery is also mixed in.   Show Notes: - Rafael’s Manhattan Institute webpage - Rafael’s new book, Criminal (In)Justice - Rafael: “The Cost of Decarceration” - The D.C. sniper attacks - Jonah: “Abolishing Police Departments Is Insane” - Stanton Samenow’s Inside the Criminal Mind - Rafael: “Are Democrats Serious About Gun Crime?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cato Institute uberwonk Marian Tupy returns to the Remnant to discuss his new book, Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet. For some time, the idea that overpopulation will deplete the world of its resources has been popular in sociology. In this extra-long, extra-nerdy outing, Marian explains why its proponents are mistaken. He and Jonah also explore how nations become prosperous, the problem of collapsing fertility rates, and the appeal of apocalyptic predictions.   Show Notes: - Marian’s page at the Cato Institute - Marian and Gale L. Pooley’s new book, Superabundance - HumanProgress.org - The Simon-Ehrlich wager - Jane Goodall and Prince Harry on sustainability - Nick Eberstadt: “The Americans Who Never Went Back to Work After the Pandemic” - Jonah’s review of The Reactionary Mind - The Morning Dispatch breaks big news Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With no preparation and last minute coordination, the drive-time Remnant format returns. Today’s pointlessly random audio adventure covers Biden’s polarizing speech in Philadelphia, Jonah’s unique theory of what happened at Mar-a-Lago, and the dark connection between fast food magnates and conservative think tanks. Musings on TV, movies, and the strange nature of the solo Ruminant are also mixed in. Plus, stick around until the end for some breaking news about The Dispatch.   Show Notes: - Biden’s Philadelphia speech - Marc Thiessen: “Biden is disgracing the institution of the prime-time presidential address” - Jimmy Carter’s malaise speech - The gap between Trump and his lawyers - Michael D. Higgins… - …and his dogs - The Thailand cave rescue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katherine Mangu-Ward is back on the Remnant, and although Jonah had planned on hosting her for an episode of rank punditry, their conversation takes a more philosophical turn instead. After digging into the weeds of libertarian philosophy, the nature of the social good, and the relationship between libertarianism and feminism, they explore a potpourri of topics ranging from drug liberalization to the transgender debate. Be prepared for unfettered nerdery.   Show Notes: - Katherine’s page at Reason - The Remnant with Sarah Isgur - David Friedman on medieval Iceland - The Remnant with Megan McArdle - Nate Cohn: “How Educational Differences Are Widening America’s Political Rift” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a Dispatch crossover on today’s Remnant, as Sarah Isgur returns to the program to explore the aftermath of the Mar-a-Lago raid, the meaning of executive privilege, and whether this situation can be compared with the Hillary Clinton email controversy. There’s also an extended discussion of child-rearing and the neuroscience of motherhood prompted by a recent New York Times op-ed. Oh, and a look at Sarah’s strange relationship with spiders.   Show Notes: - Who gets to classify (and declassify) government secrets? - Chelsea Conaboy: “Maternal Instinct Is a Myth That Men Created” - Caroline Criado-Perez’ Invisible Women - Radiolab’s “The Unsilencing” - The Remnant with Paul Bloom - Paul Bloom’s Just Babies - James Q. Wilson’s The Moral Sense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Poised to return from Maine, Jonah’s in especially scatterbrained form on today’s eclectic Ruminant. He begins the program by expanding on Wednesday’s “news”letter and offering some further thoughts on the problematic relationship between data and audiences in today’s media space. Afterward, he addresses Biden’s “morally and politically indefensible” student loan forgiveness plan, the foolishness of politicians who don’t know what they believe, and the nature of a life well lived. Stick around until the end for ruminations on nationalism and fulfillment. Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - James C. Scott’s Seeing Like a State - The Remnant with Klon Kitchen - The Remnant with Chris Stirewalt - Jason Furman’s critique of Biden’s student loan plan - The Washington Post editorial page blasts Biden - The Remnant with Beth Akers - Blake Masters backtracks on abortion - The Remnant with Russ Roberts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Remnant offers two guests in one today, as AEI scholars Hal Brands and Michael Beckley join the program to discuss their new book, Danger Zone: The Coming Conflict with China. With the United States and China running a “superpower marathon,” how can we expect the competition to resolve, and is there an appropriate historical analogy for China’s current state? Furthermore, what foreign policy should we pursue toward China? Can China make a stable transition to democracy? And will Michael go down in Remnant history as the only guest to join from the back of an Uber?   Show Notes: - Hal and Michael’s new book, Danger Zone - Hal and Michael: “What Does China Want?” - Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson’s Why Nations Fail - Hal: “The Dangers of China’s Decline” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Stirewalt makes his long-awaited twentieth Remnant appearance today to discuss his new book, Broken News: Why the Media Rage Machine Divides America and How to Fight Back. It’s a giant-sized extravaganza of an episode, which covers the evolution of America’s major news networks, the need for journalism to be vocational rather than professional, and the nature of “fair and balanced” media coverage. Ultimately, Chris is keen to stress a particular point: Americanism is central to American journalism.   Show Notes: - Chris’ new book, Broken News - Chris previews Broken News in The Dispatch - Yuval Levin’s The Fractured Republic - Andrey Mir: “How the Media Polarized Us” - William Raspberry: “In Praise of Hypocrisy” - The New York Times on Chris’ book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entering the final week of his sojourn in Maine, Jonah begins today’s Ruminant with an account of a drive he recently took to Chautauqua, New York and a reflection on the joys of travel. He also offers a few thoughts on free speech and the stabbing of Salman Rushdie, as well as the nature of patriotism and the importance of gratitude for the things we’ve inherited. The episode concludes with some especially ranty punditry on Liz Cheney’s defeat and ludicrous explanations for why Trump took classified documents to Mar-a-Lago. Plus, there’s an appeal for you, our listeners, to suggest future guests for the program, provided they meet certain strange criteria. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Russ Roberts - Yuval Levin: “Conservatism is Gratitude” - “The jerk store called…” - Jonah on “fundamentally transforming” America - Bananification - Duke’s bipartisanship leaderboard - The Remnant with Carlos Lozada - The Dispatch Podcast on Liz Cheney’s defeat - Jonah: “The Only Adult in the Room” -

What constitutes a life well lived, and what does it mean to truly flourish? Noted economist Russ Roberts provides answers to these pressing questions on today’s Remnant, which concerns his new book, Wild Problems: A Guide to the Decisions That Define Us. In life, we’re faced with many big decisions that can’t be solved by calculation, like when to marry, what career to choose, and whether to have children. Russ is here to explain how we should approach these problems, and to reassure us that it’s okay to make mistakes. Plus, he explores how it feels to be a “recovering economist.”   Show Notes: - Russ’ podcast, EconTalk - Russ’ new book, Wild Problems - Russ: “How to Make a Decision When There’s No ‘Right’ One” - Jonah’s hatred of new ideas - An inefficient Christmas - Sebastian Junger’s Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah continues to swelter in Maine on today’s Ruminant, as he examines the aftermath of the FBI’s raid on Mar-a-Lago and how we should interpret Merrick Garland’s response. There’s also an extended discussion of Trump’s psychology, the allure of conspiracy theories, and the nature of American exceptionalism, as Jonah explains how he made peace with being part of the Remnant.  Show Notes: - The latest Dispatch Podcast - Jonah: “Did the GOP Peak Too Soon?” - Wednesday’s bananified G-File - The Remnant with Kevin Williamson - First Things: “Abortion and a Nation at War” - Andrew McCarthy: “Thoughts on AG Garland’s Remarks” - Kevin Williamson: “Big Lies Matter” - Advisory Opinions on the Mar-a-Lago raid - Greatest country in the world? - Trump’s “a nation in decline” video Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With his faithful canine in tow, Kevin Williamson saddles up for another Remnant escapade. This time, he and Jonah explore the Mar-a-Lago raid, the problem with new ideas in politics, and the Texas midterm elections. Plus, there’s plenty of dingo discussion mixed in for your edification. Is the president above the law? Should dog shows be banned? And can Kevin’s neighbors convince him to vote for Beto O’Rourke?   Show Notes: - Kevin’s page at National Review - The Remnant: AMA edition - Jonah: “Westminster Eugenics Show” - Kevin: “Do We Believe Our Own Dogma?” - An emergency Advisory Opinions on the Mar-a-Lago raid - Mike Huckabee’s crazy argument - This week’s Dispatch Live - Kevin: “Big Lies Matter” - Jonah: “Bonfire of the Asininities” - Jonah: “The Descent of Men” - Kevin: “Thanks For the ‘Memory’” - Jonah: “All Quiet on the Black-Ops Front” - The Remnant with David Bernstein - Hillary’s cows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s aversion to preparation catches up with him on today’s sweaty Remnant. Stuck without a guest, he’s forced to spend an hour answering listener questions selected by Guy, his AEI research assistant. The result is an eclectic throwback to the Remnant AMAs of old, which covers everything from the disappearance of “The Couch” in the G-File to the prospect of a Ron DeSantis presidential bid. How do Liberal Fascism and The Tyranny of Cliches hold up? Did Jonah enjoy his time at Goucher College? And can Jonah and Guy discuss episode 11 without turning to ash?   Show Notes: - Dingos in Maine - The Remnant with Tom Sowell - Guy and Jonah’s first encounter - Jonah: “What I Got Wrong About Fascism” - Jonah’s recent G-File adapted from The Tyranny of Cliches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live from an undisclosed location in heat-struck Maine, Jonah gets ranty on today’s vigorous yet thoughtful Ruminant. In light of his surroundings, he begins with a few reflections on Ted Kennedy’s incident at Chappaquiddick before launching into a passionate tirade against the foolishness of the new right. In distinctly nerdy fashion, Jonah leaves no room for interpretation: There is no place on the right for racist politics, and white supremacist and anti-semitic ideas must necessarily be treated with moral outrage.   Show Notes: -The Cover-Up podcast on Chappaquiddick -The Ted Kennedy incident -Leo Damore’s Senatorial Privilege -The July jobs report -Jonah’s column on the Inflation Reduction Act -The Dispatch: The New Right Finds a Home at the Intersection of Populism and Elitism -The Economist on the new right -Kevin WIlliamson on Trump the manly man -Last Friday’s G-File on the descent of men -Rockefeller’s diet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in the Remnant driver’s seat, Jonah invites newly minted AEI fellow Joshua Katz onto the program for a nerdtastic discussion of language and how free we are to use it. Inevitably, their conversation touches on Joshua’s departure from Princeton, cancel culture, and broader illiberalism in American life. But it also explores current issues in linguistics, how much we can really know about classical civilizations, and what “literally” actually means. Tune in to find out whether Socrates had it coming.   Show Notes: - Joshua’s page at AEI - Joshua: “Status and ‘Virtue’ at the Dalton School” - Philology - Socrates deserved it? - Joshua on his departure from Princeton - Joshua’s Declaration of Independence - College essay prompts get absurd - The latest issue of Sapir - Adrian Goldsworthy’s Caesar: Life of a Colossus - Barry Strauss’ The Spartacus War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Filling in for an absentee Jonah, Chris Stirewalt is joined by A.B. Stoddard to provide some overpoweringly rank punditry on the state of the midterms. They begin by analyzing how current trends may affect the election results, before turning to the prospect of a political realignment in 2024 and the fear that the Inflation Reduction Act might fail to reduce inflation. Could a third party candidate win the next presidential election? Is Nancy Pelosi ready to step down? And is August an appropriate time to eat roast pork?   Show Notes: - A.B.’s page at RealClearPolitics - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - NewsNation’s recent election poll - Joe Manchin on Bret Baier - A.B.: “Biden Should Announce in 2023 That He Will Not Run Again” - Hakeem Jeffries: The next face of the Democratic Party? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a man’s, man’s world—or so Josh Hawley would have you believe. On today’s Ruminant, Jonah takes a deep dive into the new right’s obsession with masculinity and what it really means to be manly. He also assesses the pros and cons of codifying gay marriage into law, rants about Joe Manchin’s deal with Chuck Schumer, and gives some further thoughts on whether it’s right to launch criminal prosecution against a former president. It’s a radioactive episode. Show Notes: - Wednesday’s “news”letter - The Remnant with Charles C.W. Cooke - Chuck Schumer and Joe Manchin make a deal - Josh Hawley’s book announcement - Tom Klingenstein: “Trump is a manly man” - Kevin Williamson: “The Virile Style” - Madeline Kearns: “Marital Clash” - The Editors on Congress’ gay marriage bill - Andrew Sullivan’s case for gay marriage Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With inflation increasing and the prospect of recession making headlines, David Bahnsen returns to the Remnant to answer a pressing question: How should conservatives approach economic policy? It’s an ultra-wonky conversation that also touches on common errors made by media outlets in their economic coverage and the relationship between moral and economic well being. Plus, tune in to find out which nefarious supervillain organization David secretly funds.   Show Notes: - David’s webpage - David’s Capital Record podcast - The New York Times headline that ruined Jonah’s morning - Bastiat’s parable of the broken window - The Remnant with Robert Sirico Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Klon Kitchen returns to the Remnant for another round of vigorous wonkery on all things national security. This time, he’s primarily concerned with the threat of Chinese espionage and the prospect of a geopolitical confrontation between China and the U.S. But he also has thoughts on the Ukraine conflict, the morality of Edward Snowden and Julian Assange, and the nature of quantum computing. Plus, tune in to hear his case for why you should delete TikTok.   Show Notes: - Klon’s page at AEI - The Current, Klon’s Dispatch newsletter - CNN’s Huawei exclusive - Klon: “Ban TikTok Now” - China’s “thousand grains of sand” approach to intelligence collection - Klon: “When the Chips Are Down” - Last weekend’s Ruminant - Klon: “Quantum Q&A” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Refreshed from his Adirondack vacation, Jonah begins today’s Ruminant with an update on the January 6 hearings and a rant on the strange phenomenon of “capture the flag” media coverage. He also explores the merits of the MAGA republicans testifying in Congress, the silliness of the idea that there’s a “right side of history,” and the general awfulness of Steve Bannon. Stick around until the end to hear why you should subscribe to The Dispatch if you haven’t already. Show Notes: - The Remnant with David Bernstein - The Remnant with Brent Orrell - Adam Davidson’s podcast advice - Jan 6 and Secret Service agents - Pence refused to get in car - Cassidy Hutchinson stands by her testimony - The Holy War over Hunter Biden’s laptop - The Rolling Stone UVA story - Jonah on Honestly with Bari Weiss - Steve Bannon’s trial - Steve Bannon’s leaked audio - “The right side of history” - What a second Trump administration would mean - Join The Dispatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon

AEI Senior Fellow Brent Orrell joins the Remnant for a cheerfully wonky exploration of the modern workplace. With institutions and communities collapsing, Americans are increasingly looking to work as their main source of fulfillment, but is this a healthy development? For that matter, how does immigration alter the workforce? Will artificial intelligence have a positive or negative effect on the American economy? And what should we make of the “Great Resignation?”   Show Notes: - Brent’s page at AEI - Brent’s podcast, Hardly Working - Arthur Brooks on earned success - Brent: “The Great Resignation Shows It’s Time to Rethink Worker Dignity” - Brent’s “Dignity at Work” report - Brent: “How AI Is Being Transformed by ‘Foundation Models’” - The Remnant with Jim Pethokoukis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Remnant’s wonky streak continues as David Bernstein, professor at Antonin Scalia Law School, joins the program to discuss his new book, Classified: The Untold Story of Racial Classification in America. Racial classifications are ubiquitous in American life, but David believes they are becoming increasingly arbitrary and incoherent. His solution is to abolish official racial classification altogether and replace it with a separation of race and state. But what would this look like in practice, and how did terms of racial classification originate in the first place?   Show Notes: - David’s webpage - David’s new book, Classified - David: “How Well Do You Know America's Racial Classification System?” - Sean Trende’s The Lost Majority - The Remnant with Noah Phillips - The Remnant with Ruy Teixeira Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

July’s drive-time Remnant extravaganza is here, and it’s as deprived of substance as you’d expect. Wedding proposals, cruises, road trips, and other offbeat subjects are all discussed at unnecessary length, but a modicum of serious punditry is also mixed in on the upcoming midterms and the potential for a Trump re-election campaign announcement. Plus, tune in to hear Jonah detail his bygone days as an opera supernumerary and the rebranding of Bloggingheads.tv. Show Notes: - What’s Next Summit Tickets - Last month’s drive-time - Guy’s Kiss trip - Breezewood, PA - The Daily on the James Webb Space Telescope - Bad strategy - Nonzero, formerly Bloggingheads.tv - The SmartLess podcast - The Dispatch Podcast on the James Webb Space Telescope - Ruy Teixeira joins AEI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Miller, Georgetown professor and regular contributor to The Dispatch, returns to The Remnant to discuss his new book, The Religion of American Greatness: What’s Wrong with Christian Nationalism. In formidably highfalutin fashion, he and Jonah explore what drives mankind’s nationalistic impulse, why Christianity and nationalism have historically been intertwined in America, and what should hold our country together beyond the creed outlined in the Declaration of Independence. Stick around to hear Paul turn the tables on Jonah and ask him a few questions about the legacy of Suicide of the West. Show Notes: - Paul’s page at The Dispatch - Paul’s new book, The Religion of American Greatness - Paul’s appearance on Dispatch Live - Jonah: “The Dangers of Unchecked Nationalism” - Chris Hedges’ American Fascists - Arlie Russell Hochschild’s Strangers in Their Own Land - Rich Lowry’s The Case for Nationalism - Michael Burleigh’s The Third Reich - Yuval Levin’s The Great Debate - The Remnant

An unwashed Charles C.W. Cooke returns to the Remnant for a predictably rank exploration of gun rights, criminal law, and electoral politics. There’s also a deep dive into linguistics prompted by Jill Biden’s taco gaffe, an discussion of America’s fondness for elderly political figures, and an examination of whether stop and frisk policies are constitutional. How is the 2024 presidential race shaping up? Should Trump be prosecuted for his actions on January 6? And what can we do about mass shootings?   Show Notes: - Last weekend’s Ruminant - Jill Biden’s taco blunder - Charlie: “Jill Biden’s ‘LatinX IncluXion Luncheon’ FiaXco” - Bill Bryson’s Mother Tongue - Jonah: “Where Did Biden Go Wrong?” - Charlie: “Democrats Prepare to Throw Biden Overboard” - Charlie on dismal polling for Trump and Biden - Brandenburg v Ohio - The Editors on prosecuting Trump - James Q. Wilson: “What To Do About Crime” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After kicking off today’s Ruminant with a few reflections on his pesky first name, Jonah soon embarks on a thorough analysis of Joe Biden’s rise to the presidency and the intellectual insecurities that often come packaged with the Oval Office. An eclectic potpourri follows as Jonah explores the distinction between assassination and murder, his relationship with a top British cabinet official, and the hypocrisy of European nations regarding the abortion debate. It all ends with a more lighthearted assessment of the differences between Hollywood movies and real life. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Noah Phillips - The Remnant with Noah Rothman - David Bernstein’s work for Reason - Dana Milbank: “Give Biden a Break” - Mitt Romney: “America is in Denial” - Vice presidents who became presidents themselves - The Shinzo Abe assassination - Boris Johnson’s resignation - Assasination versus murder - Michael Gove - The EU condemns Dobbs - The Remnant with Megan McArdle - Jonah’s twitter thread on

Commentary ‘s Noah Rothman makes an overdue return to the Remnant to discuss his new book, The Rise of the New Puritans, which compares today’s woke progressives with their pious ancestors. Alternating between vigorous agreement and spirited debate, Noah and Jonah explore the morality of wokeism, the state of sex and comedy, and what’s behind mankind’s puritanical impulse. They also touch on the importance of staying in your lane, the future of safetyism in American life, and whether Mike Pence should be disqualified from pursuing another presidential bid.   Show Notes: - Noah’s page at Commentary - Noah’s new book, The Rise of the New Puritans - Noah: “Joyless on the Fourth” - Josh Barro on Elon Musk - George McKenna’s The Puritan Origins of American Patriotism - Noah: “The January 6 Commission’s Biggest Reveal” - The Remnant with FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips - The latest Dispatch Live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Noah Phillips of the Federal Trade Commission brings his expertise to the Remnant today for an exceedingly wonky discussion of American law and bureaucracy. The debate over Big Tech has whipped up plenty of discussion about antitrust reforms recently, but how effective could such reforms actually be? For that matter, how problematic are monopolies? Is the FTC in good shape? And how can the harmful effects of social media be mitigated?   Show Notes: - Noah’s FTC webpage - Sen. John Cornyn booed at Texas GOP convention - Amy Klobuchar’s self-preferencing bill - Hipster antitrust - Scott Lincicome on the Jones Act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re hitting the road this weekend, today’s extra-long, extra-patriotic Ruminant should be a perfect accompaniment for your travels. Jonah begins by looking at the Dobbs decision, the relationship between the judiciary and the legislature, and why conservatives believe in originalism. Then, after offering some additional thoughts on consequentialism and a generous helping of rank punditry, he turns to the Fourth of July. In a moment where pride in America is particularly low, Jonah believes we should still be bullish about this country, and he has enough philosophical insights on hand to explain why.   Show Notes: - Last weekend’s Ruminant - Last Friday’s G-File - Joshua Zeitz: “The Supreme Court’s Faux ‘Originalism’” - Wednesday’s “news”letter - David French: “Roe Is Reversed, and the Right Isn’t Ready” - The Remnant with Megan McArdle - Only 38% say they’re extremely proud to be American - Calvin Coolidge on patriotism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi

Megan McArdle is back on the Remnant to explore the Dobbs decision, the culture war over sex and gender, and America’s rising crime. Dingos and the innocence of childhood are also discussed, though you’ll have to tune in to see whether Jonah is willing to divulge more information about his youthful exploits as a supernumerary actor. How should the legislative and judicial branches balance their responsibilities? What does the future hold for the transgender movement? And what would Megan’s criminal justice reform agenda look like?   Show Notes: - Megan’s page at the Washington Post - The Remnant with Jay Nordlinger - Jonah: “How Dobbs Might Shape the Future of Conservatism in Unexpected Ways” - GLoP: “Occasionally Masculine” - Megan: “The Left is Counting on an Abortion Backlash That May Never Come” - Megan: “Don’t Forget the Other Women in the Pool” - Megan: “A Better Way for Democrats to Talk About Rising Crime” - Bill James’ Popular Crime - Jon Ronson’s So You’ve Been Publicly Shame

Jay Nordlinger, Jonah’s conservative colleague and a senior editor at National Review, joins the Remnant for the first time to provide his uniquely measured blend of rank punditry and linguistic insight. Brace yourself for an eclectic potpourri of topics, including an exploration of the Dobbs decision and the future of abortion in America, a thorough discussion of what it means to be a conservative, and a few etymological asides. Also, tune in to find out whether conservatism’s three-legged stool is still standing.   Show Notes: - Jay’s page at National Review - Jay’s podcast, Q&A - Jay: “The Saudi Golf Tour Is Blatant ‘Sportswashing’” - Jay: “Roe, gone, &c.” - Jay: “What is Conservatism?” - Frank Meyer’s What is Conservatism? - The Remnant with John McWhorter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s jet-lagged Ruminant finds Jonah haunted by uncomfortable memories of John Dean as he tries to make sense of what the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision means for gun laws in America. Afterward, he offers philosophical musings on an array of topics, including consequentialist ethics, stoplights, and religious edicts. It all ends with a brief reflection on why Jonah is a conservative in the first place. Also, please note that this episode was recorded before the Supreme Court released its decision on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. Jonah will have plenty to say on the subject very soon. Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - John Dean’s Worse than Watergate - The Bruen decision - The Fairbanks Midnight Sun Run - Consequentialism - Trump: “I whine until I win” - Rationalia? - Why stoplights use red - The Remnant (guest hosted by Chris Stirewalt) with Josh Kraushaar - The Remnant with Christine Rosen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Jonah back from the harsh wilds of Alaska, Commentary’s Christine Rosen makes her long-awaited Remnant return. The duo explores the harmful effects of social media on young people, how pornography should be regulated, and what’s led to the rapid spread of transgender ideology. Why has trauma become a political tool? How can epigenetics explain political problems? And will this episode officially bring an end to Jonah’s friendship with John Podhoretz?   Show Notes: - Christine’s page at Commentary - The Commentary podcast - The Remnant (hosted by Jonah’s vocal doppelganger) with Josh Kraushaar - Christine: “Ban Kids From Social Media” - Christine: “The Mainstream Media Damaged our Children” - Jonah and Nick Schulz: “Gated or X-Rated?” - Christine: “How Trauma Became a Political Tool” - Jonah: “Who’s Oppressing Whom?” - The Remnant with Jonathan Rauch - The Fair Jessica: “Ms. Myths” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Jonah scrambles to escape the wilds of Alaska, Chris Stirewalt takes control of the Remnant to provide some exceedingly rank punditry. His guest is Josh Kraushaar, who joins to explore whether the Democrats really are doomed in the upcoming midterms and what we can expect from Republicans in the remaining primaries. Josh and Chris also consider some of the most pressing questions about the 2024 presidential election: Will Joe Biden run again? How will Trump affect the race? And have the January 6 hearings been helpful to Republicans?   Show Notes: - Josh’s page at National Journal - Josh’s podcast, Against the Grain - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Democrats attack Mehmet Oz and David McCormick - Josh on the building Republican wave - How Brian Kemp crushed Trump in Georgia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does The Godfather relate to the January 6 hearings? Jonah has the answer on today’s early-morning Ruminant, which also features disquisitions on the Democrats’ economic malpractice, the asinine argument that those who didn’t vote for Trump are responsible for Biden’s failures, and the future of American democracy. Did January 6 create a constitutional crisis? Will the hearings embolden sane Republicans to speak honestly about Trump? And is it time to say buona sera to American life as we know it? Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - How Jonah learned to stop worrying and love the January 6 committee - The Remnant with Chris Stirewalt - The Editors on the January 6 hearings - A criminal referral of Trump? - Andy McCarthy on how Trump should have been impeached - Noah Rothman: “The January 6 Commission’s Biggest Reveal” - Newt Gingrich: “Pelosi’s Stalinist Show Trial” - Jonah: “What I Got Wrong About Fascism” - The Remnant with Fr. Robert Sirico - The 500th Remnant-palooza Learn mo

Rev. Robert Sirico, co-founder and president of the Acton Institute, joins the Remnant to discuss his new book, The Economics of the Parables, which uses Biblical stories to offer economic advice. With many on the right now embracing theocracy, it’s tempting to argue that the Catholic intellectual tradition is inherently at odds with capitalism. But Rev. Sirico disagrees, and he also isn’t convinced by the common left-wing argument that Jesus was a socialist. How can we heal the American heart? Should religion influence politics? And which of Rev. Sirico’s relatives might have Jonah whacked for the end of this podcast? Show Notes: - The Economics of the Parables, Rev. Sirico’s new book - Rev. Sirico’s column - Jonah on the microcosm and the macrocosm - Understanding Voegelin - Arthur Brooks’ Who Really Cares? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Stirewalt, America’s favorite rodeo expert, is back on the Remnant to provide an inside view of the January 6 hearings. He and Jonah explore how the hearings have played out so far and what we can expect the outcome to be, occasionally stopping for a few strange existential digressions. Will the hearings influence the midterms? What happened on election night when Fox decided to call Arizona? And how well does Chris know his Hume from his Haidt?   Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Chris: “The January 6 Committee and Me” - Chris: “Trump’s Faction of One” - The Hangover with Steve Kornacki - Greta Van Awful - Jonah: “This Was Always the Plan” - Charles Krauthammer: “Bungled Collusion is Still Collusion” - The Remnant 500th episode extravaganza - Jonah: “The Parliamentary-Election Problem” - Jonah: “How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Jan. 6 Committee” - Tim Miller on team normal - Earth’s greatest tweet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic

Weird, overlong, and predictably devoid of substance, the drive-time Remnant format returns for another broadcast. Although today’s program begins with analysis of the January 6 hearings, it swiftly takes a turn for the eclectically surreal, as Jonah describes his obsession with pharmaceutical fine print, Ryan ponders the greatness of American dining halls, and Guy provides an account of his visit to a Kiss convention (yes, really). Oh, and to prevent things from becoming too pointless and indulgent (yeah, right) a few thoughts are also sprinkled in on the weakening of institutions and our fragile culture.   Show Notes: - The Dispatch breaks down the Jan 6 hearing - Jonah: “What I Got Wrong About Fascism” - The New York Times’ Jan 6 reconstruction - Stanford’s problematic dining halls - Jonathan Haidt on our uniquely stupid decade - Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park - Marvel’s Kiss comic book - Damnation Alley - The Remnant with Mike Gallagher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

It’s been a while since a recovering Marxist joined the Remnant, but Ruy Teixeira, political demographer and senior fellow at American Progress, is here to fill that void. In predictably wonky fashion, he and Jonah examine the future of the Democratic Party and how the progressive movement has changed in recent years. They also explore racism in American life, wokeism in universities, and Jonah’s renowned distaste for primaries. Whatever happened to the FDR coalition? Is Maoism back in style? And should we still be optimistic about America?  Show Notes: - Ruy’s newsletter, The Liberal Patriot - Ruy and John B. Judis’ The Emerging Democratic Majority - Ruy’s The Optimistic Leftist - Ruy: “Eyes Wide Shut” - Ruy: “How to Fix the Democratic Brand” - The Remnant with Francis Fukuyama - David Shor and the Democrats - Jonah: “That Shor Sounds Good” - Tyler Cowen on the Turing test - The Remnant with Elaine Kamarck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Armed with a smorgasbord of booze, Jonah reunites with Rep. Mike Gallagher for another half-baked extravaganza, in which the duo’s efforts to annex Greenland may finally come to fruition. Trap doors beneath escalators, dad-centric dating apps, and various bovine innovations are among the undercooked ideas proposed for your listening enjoyment, as well as a few novel solutions for the domestic crises sweeping our nation. Tune in also for excessive pop culture discussion, ruminations on the existence of extraterrestrials, and a possible new name for the Remnant.   Show Notes: - Jonah and Rep. Mike’s previous career-ruining encounter - Leonard E. Read’s “I, Pencil” - Fully baked - Jonathan Haidt: “Facebook’s Dangerous Experiment on Teen Girls” - Yuval Levin on why we’re still governed by baby boomers - Jonah on capes - Don’t F- with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer - Tupac’s hologram - Is Al Gore an alien? - The David Weigel suspension - Yuval Levin: “The Changing Face of Social Breakdown

Jonah plunges into the danger zone on today’s Ruminant, covering topics ranging from the somber to the downright bizarre. After offering a few thoughts on Wednesday’s indulgent “news”letter and the nature of writer’s block, he turns to television, republicanism, and superstition, providing exceptionally nerdy disquisitions on each. Does the djinn genie live on his back? How does Jonah really feel about the Second Amendment? And after the success of the 500th Remnant-palooza, could further live events be coming soon? Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special - Justin Fenton’s We Own This City - The Remnant with Yuval Levin - The Remnant with Tony Mills - The Remnant with Francis Fukuyama - When market failure is government failure - The Remnant with Stephen Gutowski - David French on red flag laws - The Ayn Rand poster saga continues - The 500th Remnant-palooza - Have a minute to share The Dispatch? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic

Tony Mills, a senior fellow at AEI whose work focuses on science policy and political theory, joins the Remnant for an ultra-nerdy exploration of the American political tradition. He and Jonah examine whether liberalism alone can sustain the United States and why our experts have fallen into such low repute. Is free market capitalism corrosive? Why is civic republicanism important? And what are the advantages and disadvantages of bureaucracy?   Show Notes: - Tony’s page at AEI - The Remnant with Yuval Levin - Tony: “Liberalism is Not Enough” - Tony: “Illiberalism’s True Colors” - Russell Kirk and Lionel Trilling - The Remnant with Daniel Hannan - Daniel Burns: “Liberal Practice vs. Liberal Theory” - Schumpeter’s Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy - Daniel Bell’s The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism - James Burnham’s The Managerial Revolution - Orwell: “Second Thoughts on James Burnham” - Jonah on beastly bureaucracy - Tony: “Unmasking Scientific Expertise” Learn more about your

At long last, the Remnant-palooza celebrating Jonah’s 500th episode is here for your listening pleasure. Recorded live at the American Enterprise Institute before a crowd of Dispatch devotees, the episode features two panel discussions featuring three of the program’s most cherished guests. To begin, Sen. Ben Sasse joins Jonah for an hour of high-minded eggheadery, covering the merits of Bigfoot erotica, the loss of a common American culture, and how we can heal the political wounds caused by populism and negative polarization. Then, Chris Stirewalt and A.B. Stoddard take the stage for rank punditry on the midterm elections and what we can expect from the next presidential election. Finally, Jonah fields questions from the audience, greets a special guest, and offers a few words of appreciation for those who’ve made The Remnant so successful. It’s been a weird and wonderful journey to 500 episodes, and we’re grateful to you all for sharing it with us.   Show Notes: - The Remnant’s firs

It’s another very, very early morning Ruminant today, yet somehow Jonah is annoyingly bombarded with texts at the start of the podcast. After figuring out how to stop the interruptions, he delves into what he thinks are the essential books for all conservatives to read. Then, sadly, he shares his thoughts on shootings, guns, body armor, and more. Stick around to hear Jonah’s thoughts on the latest iterations of Star Trek. Finally, a potpourri of topics: Is Jonah actually optimistic about the future of the GOP? Why are we obsessed with “having an honest conversation?”  Show Notes: - Road to Serfdom by F. A. Hayek - The Fatal Conceit: The Errors of Socialism by F. A. Hayek - The Use of Knowledge in Society by F.A. Hayek - Why I Am Not a Conservative by F. A. Hayek - Keeping the Tablets: Modern American Conservative Thought by William F. Buckley Jr. (Contributor), Charles R. Kesler (Editor) - The Portable Conservative Reader by Russell Kirk - Irving Kristol Essays - The Remnant with Steph

Jonah is both excited and sad for today’s Remnant guest because Stephen Gutowski might just be the smartest person in the media today to talk about guns and mass shootings, but that means there was another mass shooting to talk about. Gutowski, founder of The Reload, comes on to talk about guns, gun laws, and the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. What even is an AR-15? Should they be banned? What does the “media” get wrong every time something like this happens? What is a “mass shooting?” What, if anything, can be done to help prevent these events? Show Notes: - The Reload: Sober, Serious Firearms Reporting and Analysis - Sign up for The Reload’s free newsletter - The Reload Podcast - The Reload Podcast with David French - National Institue of Justice study Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James “Jimmy P” Pethokoukis makes his long-awaited Remnant return to assure us that life really is better than it used to be. Alternating between gratuitous sci-fi references and shameless wonkery, he and Jonah explore dynamism in American life, the potential for a new Roaring ‘20s, and the future of technology. Is there a case for universal basic income? Will Elon Musk become the next Howard Hughes? And what can we expect from the new space age?   Show Notes: - Jim’s page at AEI - Jim’s Substack, Faster, Please! - Jonah reviews The Reactionary Mind - Jim’s idea of a “post-modern” U.S. economy - America’s new space age - Jim on Musk’s Twitter takeover - Kevin Williamson on the strange case of billionaires - Jim explores Americans’ views on trade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s in especially ranty form on today’s Ruminant, which finds him once again deprived of sleep thanks to the wailings of a local fox. He begins by offering a few further thoughts on the relationship between religion and politics following Tim Alberta’s Remnant appearance. Afterward, rank punditry ensues, as Jonah explores how both parties are harming the United States through their concern for short-term power above all else. Stick around for lengthy disquisitions on the Great Replacement theory, immigration, and pluralism. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Tim Alberta - Tim: “How Politics Poisoned the Evangelical Church” - Jonah ruminates on abortion - National Review’s “Editors” podcast on the Pennsylvania race - Last Friday’s G-File - Jonah: “Never Trump Nevermore” - The Remnant with Yascha Mounk - Wednesday’s “news”letter - The Dispatch Podcast on the Buffalo tragedy - The Remnant with Paul Bloom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Alberta of The Atlantic joins Jonah to talk about his latest piece How Politics Poisoned the Evangelical Church. The story and the evangelical church is personal to Alberta, as he grew up a “pastor’s kid” in Brighton, Michigan, and has witnessed a changing of the church from the frontlines. What surprised him about writing this piece? Why is he “angry”? Plus, stick around to the end for some rank, 2024 GOP presidential punditry.  Show Notes: How Politics Poisoned the Evangelical Church by Tim Alberta Tim’s Twitter Tim’s Atlantic page The Dispatch Podcast episode mentioning Tim’s piece Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yascha Mounk makes his second appearance on The Remnant, this time to discuss his new book, The Great Experiment: Why Diverse Democracies Fall Apart and How They Can Endure. In a conversation tailor-made for holders of the Remnant bingo card, Yascha and Jonah discuss the dangers of tribalism and populism, America’s crisis of community, and what patriotism should look like. They also examine America’s shifting demographics and take a deep dive into the nuances of liberal philosophy.   Show Notes: - Yascha’s web page - The Great Experiment - Yascha’s previous Remnant appearance - The coalitional instinct - The cult of unity - The Remnant with Yuval Levin - The Remnant with Francis Fukuyama Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Haunted by the wailings of a local fox, Jonah brings an elevated degree of curmudgeonliness to today’s wide-ranging Ruminant. After offering some further thoughts on the hyper-politicization of American society and the erosion of institutions, Jonah turns to abortion, dispelling a few common myths and outlining what post-Roe law should look like. He also explores inflation, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and what separates a eulogy from a resume. Plus, tune in for more details on the Remnant’s upcoming 500th episode extravaganza. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Yuval Levin - WeRateDogs - Washington Post journalists prove Yuval and Jonah’s point - Jonah explains his abortion views - The New Republic blasts Justice Alito - The Wednesday G-File - Midge Decter, R.I.P. - Biden’s recent inflation speech - The Wall Street Journal on the looming battle in eastern Ukraine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yuval Levin returns to the Remnant to provide his signature brand of edifying eggheadery. Institutions, the culture war, and the necessity of staying in your lane are all covered in this high minded conversation. Jonah and Yuval also discuss America’s unique fusion of liberalism and republicanism and what we can expect from abortion law if Roe v. Wade is overturned. Plus, tune in for an update on the Remnant’s special 500th episode live event.   Show Notes: - Yuval’s page at AEI - Yuval: “How to Curb the Culture War” - The Wednesday G-File - Francis Fukuyama’s Liberalism and its Discontents - The Remnant with Francis Fukuyama - Daniel E. Burns: “Liberal Practice v. Liberal Theory” - Carl Eric Scott: “The Five Conceptions of Liberty” - Yuval on Obama’s second inaugural - Yuval: “Family Policy After Roe” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beth Akers, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, joins The Remnant for extreme wonkery on student debt and the economics of higher education. Why have the Democrats become so fixated on the issue of forgiving student loan debt, and can a moral argument be made for forgiveness? Furthermore, are most graduate programs pointless? How can we fix America’s universities? And can anyone match Jonah’s raw disdain for journalism schools?   Show Notes: - Beth’s page at AEI - Beth’s first book, Game of Loans - Beth’s latest book, Making College Pay - Beth on why student loan cancellation will backfire - Jonah ruminates on student debt - The Remnant with Alex Tabarrok  - Bryan Caplan’s The Case Against Education - Bryan on Beth’s podcast, “An Economist Goes to College” - Bryan on the Remnant - WSJ: “The Elite Master’s Degrees That Don’t Pay Off” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The drive-time Remnant format returns for another eclectic broadcast that, initially at least, comes dangerously close to providing actual substance. In predictably freewheeling fashion, Jonah, Guy, and Ryan explore the abortion debate and how the culture war manifests in various cultures, evaluate the merits of The Batman, and ponder when China’s influence on Hollywood will decrease. They also make an exciting announcement: On May 24th, the Remnant’s 500th episode will be recorded live at the American Enterprise Institute, and Dispatch subscribers are invited to attend. Tune in to hear all the juicy details, and keep a close eye on the site over the coming days for more information. Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - The Remnant with Chris Stirewalt - Yascha Mounk’s The Great Experiment - Last week’s nerdtastic GLoP - Lady Liberty stands tall - Jonah: “A Slow Kowtow to China” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fairy tales can come true, and it may happen to you on today’s Remnant, which sees Jonah reunite with Chris Stirewalt for more rank punditry, dated pop culture references, and gratuitous Clinton bashing. They begin by exploring the Roe leak, digging into what it means for abortion law and how Biden should handle the situation, before turning to J.D. Vance’s victory in Ohio and what we can expect from the Pennsylvania Senate primary. Tune in for political insight, but stick around to see whether Jonah and Chris can resist discussing testicle tanning. Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - The Remnant with Francis Fukuyama - The Remnant with H.R. McMaster - The Remnant with Thomas Chatterton Williams - The Brimley/Cocoon Line - The Wednesday G-File - The Dispatch breaks down J.D. Vance’s win Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retired Gen. H.R. McMaster—Hoover Institution senior fellow, former national security adviser, and foreign policy expert—makes his first appearance on the Remnant to discuss China, Russia, and Afghanistan. He and Jonah examine what led to the war in Ukraine, the likelihood of Xi Jinping invading Taiwan, and whether institutional failures were to blame for the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal. They also dig into America’s shifting role on the world stage and what our defense budget should look like. By the end, one question remains unanswered: What’s the best war movie ever made?   Show Notes: - McMaster’s page at the Hoover Institution - “GoodFellows,” McMaster’s group video show at Hoover - “Battlegrounds,” McMaster’s interview program - Battlegrounds, McMaster’s latest book - Dereliction of Duty, McMaster’s first book - Putin’s case for invading Ukraine - The Remnant with Klon Kitchen - Sergei Lavrov compares Zelensky to Hitler - The Remnant with Hal Brands on Cold War history - The Ec

On the mend from his sudden bout of illness, Jonah approaches today’s Ruminant with his standard level of nerdy panache. After offering a few thoughts on how The Tyranny of Clichés holds up today, he commences a lengthy rant on why canceling student debt would be a serious moral and political blunder, before turning to Francis Fukuyama’s work on liberalism. What does the relationship between virtue and responsibility look like? When is grad school worthwhile? And is John Rawls one of history’s greatest monsters? Show Notes: - The Remnant with David French  - The Remnant with Francis Fukuyama - Wednesday’s totally uncontroversial G-File - Game of Loans, by Beth Akers and Matthew M. Chingos - Puppet Master - Shoshana Weissman on occupational licensing - WSJ: “The Elite Master’s Degrees That Don’t Pay Off” - Jonah reviews Nine Days - The Moynihan Report - Charles A. Reich’s The Greening of America - Jonah’s notes on nationalism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic

On today’s Remnant, Francis Fukuyama finally stops by to discuss his new book, Liberalism and its Discontents, and Jonah can barely contain his enthusiasm. The resulting conversation is a feast of philosophical nerdery, which explores the origins of the liberal tradition, the state of liberalism in contemporary America, and the future of the free world. How did “neoliberal” become such a popular pejorative? What are the limits of federalism? And should we be optimistic about the political trajectory of the United States?   Show Notes: - Liberalism and its Discontents - The End of History and the Last Man - Our Posthuman Future - The Origins of Political Order - Dr. Fukuyama previews Liberalism and its Discontents in American Purpose - Justice Scalia’s commencement speech - Jonathan Haidt and Greg Lukianoff’s The Coddling of the American Mind Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sick with a nasty fever, Jonah approaches today’s Remnant not as an emergency podcast, but a podcast imbued with a sense of emergency. His guest is David French, who returns for a lengthy discussion of Ron DeSantis’ feud with Disney and what it reveals about American polarization. Also on the docket is what we can expect from Elon Musk’s purchase of Twitter and how Jonah and David would change the site if they were given control. Stick around until the end for obligatory discussion of TV, movies, and other items of nerdy miscellanea.   Show Notes: - David’s page at The Dispatch - The Morning Dispatch breaks down Florida’s plan to annex Disney World - Charlie Cooke: “Ron DeSantis’s Misguided Attack on Disney’s Legal Status” - An extra-feisty Charlie Cooke on National Review’s “Editors” podcast - Jonah’s latest column on the Disney saga - David: “How Twitter Beclowns the American Elite” - Nate Cohn and Kevin Quealy on the Democratic electorate - Francis Fukuyama’s Liberalism and its Disc

On today’s Ruminant, Jonah serves up a typically eclectic potpourri of rank punditry and historical nerdery. After exploring how, in almost literary fashion, Kevin McCarthy’s hidden normalcy has proved to be his undoing, Jonah turns to the origins of socialism, and what the Soviet approach to collectivism can tell us about Putin’s ambitions for Russia today. He also shares his thoughts on Florida’s Disney kerfuffle, modern architecture, and what we can expect from the upcoming midterms.  Show Notes: - The Remnant with Thomas Chatterton Williams - Kevin McCarthy’s political malpractice - Jonah: “Karl Marx’s Jew-Hating Conspiracy Theory” - The Remnant on Marx and antisemitism - The Remnant with Klon Kitchen - Elizabeth Warren’s midterm proposal - Jonah: “More Sandwiches, Less Kale Foam” - Ruy Texiera: “Eyes Wide Shut” - Charlie Cooke: “Ron DeSantis’s Misguided Attack on Disney’s Legal Status” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thomas Chatterton Williams, nonresident AEI fellow and writer at The Atlantic, joins the Remnant for the first time to discuss race and ethnicity in America. Thomas, who describes himself as “ex-black,” believes we need to “unlearn race” to fulfill the promise of the Declaration of Independence. But what would that entail in practice, and how can we move away from racial categories while preserving a diverse culture? Moreover, why is it beneficial to spend time residing in a foreign country? What are “American values?” And will France soon annex the United States?   Show Notes: - Thomas’ page at AEI - Thomas’ latest book, Self-Portrait in Black and White - Thomas: “My Family’s Life Inside and Outside America’s Racial Categories” - Thomas: “Saving Classics From Identity Politics” - Albert Murray’s The Omni-Americans - The Remnant with John McWhorter - Emmanuel Macron rejects wokeism - Jonah: “What if we Ran Our Elections Like France?” - James Baldwin: “The Discovery of What it Means to

Jonah and Matt Continetti continue their tremendously nerdy adventure through the history of American conservatism today, taking us from the 1970s to the present. In a conversation tailor-made for holders of the Remnant bingo card, they discuss the Reagan Revolution, the Clinton years, the future of the conservative movement, and much more. Can the contemporary right hold off resurgent anti-Americanism? Could fascism happen here? And how many more times will Matt need to appear for Jonah to ask everything that’s on his mind? Show Notes: - Matt’s page at AEI - The Right, available now - Part 1 of Jonah and Matt’s shameless nerdfest - Buckley’s The Unmaking of a Mayor - Barry Goldwater’s The Conscience of a Conservative - Milton and Rose Friedman’s Two Lucky People - Kevin Phillips’ The Emerging Republican Majority - John Patrick Diggins’ Ronald Reagan: Fate, Freedom, and the Making of History - Stephen F. Hayward’s The Age of Reagan - Jonah: “Appetite for Power” Learn more about your a

After providing an update on his absence this week, Jonah begins today’s Ruminant on a note of uncertainty: He hasn’t decided whether an Elon Musk Twitter takeover is something we should welcome or fear. His mind is also occupied by the idea raised by Megan McArdle that Americans are increasingly “sidestepping institutions” in their daily lives, as well as Matt Continetti’s perspective on the term “right-winger.” Plus, tune in for a predictably nerdy disquisition on populism and why an old-fashioned liberal ethos is what separates conservatism from statism.   Show Notes: - The Remnant with Megan McCardle - Martin Kramer’s The War on Error - The Remnant with Michael Brendan Dougherty - Part 1 of the Remnant’s Matt Continetti nerdapalooza - Father Coughlin: Man of the left - Louis Hartz’s The Liberal Tradition in America - Seymour Martin Lipsett’s American Exceptionalism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Remnant ascends to a higher plane of nerdom today, as Matthew Continetti returns to discuss his new book, The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism. This episode presents the first half of a two-hour conversation between Jonah and Matt, which takes us on a freewheeling journey from the ‘20s to the ‘70s. They begin by exploring whether it’s possible to provide a simple definition of conservatism before digging deeply into the evolution of the movement. What did conservatism look like before the New Deal? How did William F. Buckley Jr. shape modern politics? Is fusionism still relevant? And how should we remember figures like Richard Nixon, Calvin Coolidge, and George Wallace? All of these questions and more are addressed within. But to learn about the Reagan era onward, and to hear some of Jonah’s quibbles with the book, you’ll have to tune in next week.  Show Notes: - Matthew’s page at AEI - The Right, available now - George Nash’s The Conservative Intellectual Move

The Remnant gets wonky today as Klon Kitchen, AEI senior fellow and author of The Current newsletter for The Dispatch, returns to discuss Russia’s information war in Ukraine. With no end in sight for the conflict, Jonah and Klon explore what America’s intelligence support for Ukraine looks like and what other measures we could take to assist the country. They also touch on the veracity of Russia and China’s COVID statistics, what Putin’s war will mean for Taiwan, and how Klon would advise Joe Biden if he were summoned to the White House. Stick around until the end for obligatory dog discourse.   Show Notes: - Klon’s page at The Dispatch - Klon: “Why Russia’s Cyber Warriors Haven't Crippled Ukraine” - Daniel Hannan: “Vladimir Putin's kleptocracy will be his own undoing” - Mike Duncan on the Russian Revolution - The Remnant with Mike Duncan - Klon on semiconductors and the “splinternet” - The Remnant with Lyman Stone - Jonah: “Vladimir Putin, Brittle Oak” - The Remnant with Edward Carr -

Jonah’s still in Chicago for today’s Ruminant, and he isn’t terribly comfortable with the pre-summer weather. Still, severe cold in spring is less frustrating than our political dysfunction, and Jonah has plenty to discuss on that front. After exploring the distinction between disinformation and misinformation and the state of American media bias, he turns to the Hunter Biden laptop scandal, Florida’s controversial education bill, and why misusing the term “groomer” is both immoral and tactically foolish for Republicans. Ready your bingo cards for a predictably freewheeling ride. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Megan McCardle - Jonah on disinformation at the UChicago Institute of Politics - Soviet disinformation - The paradoxes of media bias - Jonah on the Kavanaugh allegations - Anne Applebaum’s UChicago panel - Anne Applebaum on Hunter Biden’s laptop - David French: “Against the ‘Groomer’ Smear” - The Remnant with Adam White - How Title IX became a political weapon Learn more about y

Live from the Windy City, Jonah returns to the Remnant driver’s seat. He’s joined by Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle, who has plenty of thoughts on America’s strange plague of mobocratic thinking and workplace safetyism. The pair also explore Jonah’s distaste for public sector unions, Megan’s opposition to student loan forgiveness, and the circumstances in which populism can be put to good use. Plus, for all you bingo cardholders, there’s plenty of dingo discussion and kvetching about primaries mixed in. Show Notes: - Megan’s page at the Washington Post - Megan: “It’s time for major institutions to make their employees get off of Twitter” - Grace Metalious’ Peyton Place - Sleeping with the fishes - The New Yorker “flyover country” cover - Jonah and Elaine Kamarck talk primaries - Megan on student loans - The Remnant with David French and Jonathan Rauch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Jonah traverses the Virginia woodlands, David French assumes control of the Remnant. His guest is Jonathan Rauch, who returns to provide a refreshingly calm perspective on our debates over gender and inclusion. After breaking down the history of the LGBTQ movement, Jonathan and David evaluate the Lia Thomas situation, Florida’s controversial education bill, and how conservatives should approach radical gender ideology. They also discuss a potential academic pushback against cancel culture, and the dangers of misusing the term “groomer” for political gain.   Show Notes: - Jonathan’s previous Remnant appearance - Jonathan’s latest book, The Constitution of Knowledge - The French Press - Jonathan: “Walking the Transgender Movement Away from the Extremists” - Jonathan: “What’s Happening on the Left Is No Excuse for What’s Happening on the Right” - David reviews Andrew Sullivan’s Out on a Limb - David and Nancy’s Kanakuk Kamps exposé - Does the anti-woke right pose a threat? - Scott A

The drive-time Remnant format returns for another predictably eclectic broadcast. Today’s episode finds Jonah, Guy, and Ryan perplexed by Madison Cawthorn’s claims about D.C. debauchery, amused by conspiracy theories about Will Smith’s Oscar's slap, and fascinated by the lowest moments of otherwise great TV shows. They also touch on Jonah’s latent arachnophobia, Guy’s animated obsessions, and Ryan’s fondness for Lucky Charms. By the end of it all, the Remnant may have conclusively jumped the shark. Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - Hungary eyes - GLoP, slap edition - The Dispatch’s guide to Oscar nominees - The Remnant with Chris Stirewalt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Stirewalt, the Remnant’s official “break glass in case of emergency” guest, returns to explain why there actually is such a thing as a free lunch. Over a sumptuous breakfast of granola and omelettes, he and Jonah discuss Joe Biden’s dismal approval numbers and the state of the Democratic Party heading into the midterms. They also examine Madison Cawthorn’s wild claims about the GOP establishment, Ginni Thomas’ unfortunate texts, and the decline and fall of great TV shows. Stick around until the end to decide if “key bump” should be added to the Remnant bingo card. Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Jonah: “When Gaffes Become Policy” - Could Trump blow the midterms for the GOP? - Ohio’s Senate brawl - The Wednesday G-File - The Remnant with John Podhoretz - The Remnant with Adam White Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam White, AEI senior fellow and Jonah’s trusted law-talkin’ guy, makes his long-awaited Remnant return. The pair take a deep dive into the Ketanji Brown Jackson hearings and assess what we can expect from her jurisprudence before turning to the state of legal conservatism. With originalism under attack, will common good constitutionalism soon consume legal academia? Is “insurrection” an appropriate term for January 6? And can Jonah suppress his disdain for Adam’s profession and all it represents?   Show Notes: - Adam’s page at AEI - Adam on the Ketanji Brown Jackson hearings - Ketanji Brown Jackson, closet originalist? - Adam: “Mueller Agnoistes” - AEI’s nerdtastic event on Justice Alito - The Remnant with Cass Sunstein - Jonah: “Appetite for Power” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, Jonah, now recovered from Monday’s birthday revelry, has thoughts on everything from hamburger conspiracies to the history of great societies. After beginning with another deep dive into the evolution of media bias, he turns to the Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings, which have turned out to be surprisingly boring despite a few moments of painful stupidity. Stick around to hear Jonah evaluate Nikole Hannah-Jones’ argument that tipping is a product of slavery, and to find out why truth is currently winning the day in American politics.   Show Notes: - The Remnant with Brian Riedl - Michael Barone’s Our Country - Wednesday’s “news”letter - The media bias paradox - The Cornell “guns on campus” crisis - The Remnant with Kevin Williamson - Mayor Quimby - Noah Rothman on “credible accusation” - The Economist on the siege of Mariupol - Why Nations Fail - Last Friday’s G-File Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Williamson, the Remnant’s cheeriest regular, is back for another voyage through the strange realm of contemporary America. A free society is messy, and life is all about contradictions, inconsistencies, and trade-offs. But this can be an uncomfortable truth for many to face. In a conversation that will send you scrambling for your bingo cards, Kevin and Jonah explore the problem with social homogeneity. They also touch on the weaknesses of autocratic regimes, realistic climate change solutions, and Kevin’s hatred of Ohio. Plus, tune in to hear Kevin give a rousing reading of “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.”  Show Notes: - Kevin’s page at National Review - Kevin: “Autocracy’s Fatal Flaws” - Kevin: “Make Putin Pay” - Hayek: “Why the Worst Get on Top” - Christopher Caldwell’s The Age of Entitlement - Yuval Levin’s The Great Debate - Kevin’s The Smallest Minority - The Remnant with Brian Rield - Jonah and Deirdre McCloskey at the Cato Institute - The Books of Jacob, by Olga Tok

Brian Riedl, the Remnant’s “unofficial budget guy,” returns to discuss our economic woes. After kvetching about inflation, the deficit, and supply chains, he and Jonah dig into the mistaken idea that the president can control every needle of the economy. Brian has noticed an interesting trend: Since Reagan, we’ve consistently elected Republican presidents during booms and Democratic presidents during recessions. But what are the implications of that for the economy? Furthermore, did the New Deal make the Great Depression worse? Is Build Back Better dead? And should anyone take Rick Scott seriously?   Show Notes: - Brian’s webpage - Brian: “Presidents as Economic Managers” - Jonah: “The Raw Deal” - The forgotten depression of 1920 - Scott Lincicome on fixing our supply chains - Velocity of Bahnsen - Rick Scott’s “Rescue America” plan - Last Friday’s G-File Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After plotting world domination at AEI’s World Forum, Jonah is back in the D.C. swampland for today’s Ruminant. He begins by elaborating on the strange metaphysical ideas discussed in last week’s episode before turning to the war in Ukraine, and the baffling idea peddled by some on the right that Zelensky is trying to incite a global thermonuclear war. From there, things get nerdy, as Jonah explores whether populism may be falling out of style and indulges in a lengthy rant on Woodrow Wilson. Tune in for the cherished sound effects, but stick around to hear a few ideas for the Remnant’s 500th episode. Show Notes:  - Last weekend’s bizarre Ruminant - Metaxy - The Wednesday G-File - The Remnant with Shadi Hamid - Ross Douthat: “Will the Ukraine War End the Age of Populism?” - Michael Brendan Dougherty: “Wartime’s Macabre Predictions of a Populist Defeat” - The Remnant with Vin Cannato - The hater’s guide to Woodrow Wilson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vincent Cannato, noted historian and Jonah’s fellow deracinated New Yorker, returns to the Remnant for a nerdily random discussion of cops, neoliberalism, and latent Russophobia. With tensions rising between East and West, Vin believes we are in the midst of an “ideological Cold War,” but Jonah (whose pronunciation of “Pokémon” may distract from any serious points he raises) is less convinced. How will America’s conflict with Russia and China unfold, and what strategy should the United States pursue? For that matter, is New York heading back to the ‘70s? What’s fueling America’s crime wave? And will safetyism soon destroy Vin’s university from within?   Show Notes: - Vin’s webpage - “The Editors” podcast on Russophobia - Jonah: “A Tale of Two Cold Wars” - Elliott Abrams: “The New Cold War” - The Wild Man of 96th St. - Biden’s New York crime speech - Jonah: “The Problem With Claiming That Policing Evolved From Slave Patrols” - Amazon’s Seattle relocation - Jeff Jacoby: “Pushing Back Aga

Shadi Hamid returns to the Remnant to discuss America’s role in maintaining a safe global order. For years, many on the far left and isolationist right alike have argued that the United States should withdraw from the world stage and take a self-limiting approach to foreign policy. But Shadi believes Russia’s aggression has proved that Western power is essential. Will we soon see renewed support for Pax Americana? Should a no-fly zone be imposed over Ukraine? And how many bingo card items can Jonah insert into such an inappropriate conversation?   Show Notes: - Shadi’s page at The Atlantic - Wisdom of Crowds - Shadi: “There Are Many Things Worse Than American Power” - Jeane Kirkpatrick: “Dictatorships and Double Standards” - Jonah on the idea of a new Cold War - Lindsey Graham calls for Putin’s assassination - Is the Muslim world ignoring the plight of the Uyghurs? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah gets metaphysical on today’s mumbly Ruminant, recorded live in a chaotic hotel room not far from Stonecutter world headquarters. Unsurprisingly, his under-caffeinated mind is awash with thoughts on conservative intellectual history. Be prepared for an exceedingly nerdy disquisition on the philosophical differences between left and right and the importance of understanding that life is about trade offs. Plus, tune in to permanently change your perception of the theme from Jeopardy!   Show Notes: - The Right, Matt Continetti’s upcoming book - Jonah on the cult of unity - Jonah on the complexities of life and conservatism - Alan Wolfe’s The Future of Liberalism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Podhoretz, the Remnant’s self-professed Paul Lynde, returns to the program to play a game of “Name that Crank.” Throughout history, many brilliant people have also been extremely bizarre. Murray Rothbard hated elevators, Arthur Conan Doyle believed in fairies, and Gandhi was obsessed with bowel movements. John and Jonah dedicate today’s episode to exploring the harmless and not-so-harmless quirks of such figures, before turning to rank punditry on American power, Biden’s floundering presidency, and the awfulness of the ‘70s. Tune in for shameless GLoP-plugging, but stick around to find out which Academy Award nominees are actually worth watching.   Show Notes: - GLoP, America’s favorite pop culture podcast - The Commentary Podcast: Live in Palm Beach - Pythagoreanism - Shakespeare conspiracy theories - Jonah: “Karl Marx’s Jew-Hating Conspiracy” - Pure reason - Thomas Edison’s spirit phone - Chris Stirewalt on misplaced ‘90s nostalgia - Only Yesterday, by Frederick Lewis Allen - Th

Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy at the American Enterprise Institute, joins the Remnant for the first time to discuss the state of the liberal international order. As Putin’s invasion of Ukraine continues, what will the next year hold in store for the conflict and his leadership? For that matter, should Ukraine join NATO? What have been the Biden administration’s biggest foreign policy mistakes? And is America’s role in the world in doubt? Tune in to hear these questions answered, and to find out what most people get wrong about Francis Fukuyama.   Show Notes: - Kori’s page at AEI - Kori: “Putin Accidentally Revitalized the West’s Liberal Order” - Kori’s latest book, America vs the West - Biden’s oil import ban - Mike Duncan on the Russian Revolution - Gradually, then suddenly - Biden’s new Iran Deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The drive-time Remnant format returns for another freewheeling broadcast, one that finds Jonah, Guy, and Ryan preoccupied with questions of loneliness and fulfillment following Arthur Brooks’ recent appearance on the program. Together, they explore the malign effects of social media, whether internet access should be regulated, and how the “Japanification” of America’s youth can be reversed. Plenty of nerdish tomfoolery is also mixed in on the nightmares of American bureaucracy, the threat of World War III, and a recent congressional embarrassment. But at the end of it all, one question remains: What movie should win Best Picture at the upcoming Academy Awards? Show Notes: - The Remnant with Charles C.W. Cooke - Social media goes to war - The Remnant with Arthur Brooks - The Federalist on bagel-snarfing warmongers - The Remnant with Paul Miller - Bari Weiss on America’s sex recession - Caught in the act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

True happiness can feel elusive, especially in our chaotic age. Thankfully, former AEI president and current Harvard professor Arthur Brooks seems to have cracked the code for achieving it. On today’s Remnant, he joins Jonah to explore common mistakes people make in the pursuit of fulfillment, lies the world tells us about satisfaction, the “fear-based cultural polarity” consuming Western society, and what we can do to address America’s alarming loneliness problem. Be prepared to revise your bucket list. Show Notes: - Arthur’s webpage - Arthur’s Atlantic column - Arthur’s new book, From Strength to Strength - Family formation in post-COVID America - Yuval Levin: “The Changing Face of Social Breakdown” - Jonah: “I Think We’re Turning Japanese … I Really Think So” - Arthur: “The Kind of Love That Makes People Happiest” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paul Miller, regular Dispatch contributor and professor of international affairs at Georgetown, joins the Remnant to discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the difference between patriotism and nationalism. With a new Cold War looking increasingly likely, how should America prepare itself for what may be a major global conflict? For that matter, what does it mean to be a “foreign policy realist?” Has Putin always been this crazy? And what should unify all Americans?   Show Notes: - Paul’s work at The Dispatch - Paul’s upcoming book, The Religion of American Greatness - Paul: “How to fight the new Cold War” - Jonah on Putin and the West - Last weekend’s Ruminant - The return of Dispatch Live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No babies were harmed in the making of today’s Ruminant, which features puppy parades, obscure German philosophers, and an appropriately large supply of bagels. Putin’s use of Nazi rhetoric to demonize the Ukrainian government has reminded Jonah that we don’t talk enough about the importance of language in public life. The invasion has also prompted him to think about the relationship between language and nationalism, and how national interests should influence foreign policy. Are babies born as blank slates? How would isolationism change America? And will the end of this episode cost Jonah most of his long-term friendships? Show Notes: - The return of Dispatch Live - Johann Fichte’s “Addresses to the German Nation” - Johann Herder - The Remnant with Paul Bloom - Paul Bloom’s Just Babies - The Remnant with John McWhorter - Jonah’s Twitter thread on nationalism - Jonah debates Rich Lowry on nationalism - The Morning Dispatch breaks down the Ukraine invasion Learn more about your ad cho

Katherine Mangu-Ward, editor in chief of Reason magazine, joins the Remnant for the first time today to explore whether America’s libertarian spirit is still intact. In a moment where Americans are losing faith in authority, the right is succumbing to power worship, and pluralism is becoming increasingly unpopular, how can we avoid a “squishy apocalypse?” Moreover, is hypocrisy really a problem? Why can’t the government love you? And would the United States be a better place if dog catchers were defunded? Show Notes: - Katherine’s page at Reason - The Remnant with Peter Suderman - The Remnant with Leon Aron - Katherine on why you almost certainly shouldn’t vote - The Declaration of Independents, by Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch - The Libertarian Mind, by David Boaz - Obama’s second inaugural address - The Remnant with Mike Gallagher - Leon Aron: “The Invasion of Ukraine, and Regime Change” - Dispatch Live on the Ukraine situation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/ad

While Jonah traverses the sunny wilds of California, Chris Stirewalt steps in to host today’s Remnant. He’s joined by Amy Walter, publisher and editor in chief of the Cook Political Report, for exceptionally rank punditry on what we can expect from this year’s midterms and the 2024 presidential race. Would the American people accept a second Trump presidency? Why do certain states stay purple while others become firmly partisan? And could peace and goodwill soon be restored in Congress?   Show Notes: - The Cook Political Report - Amy’s previous Remnant appearance - Amy on Biden’s empathy problem - The Democratic Party’s “new politics of evasion” - What do the midterms hold in store for the Senate? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sleep-deprived and bracing for a lengthy flight, Jonah begins today’s Ruminant with an insatiable thirst for coffee. Conveniently, he has plenty of topics to ramble about while enjoying his morning brew. First on the docket is the San Francisco school board recall, which prompts Jonah to ponder why Democrats keep getting the culture war so wrong. From there, a potpourri of nerdery begins, as Jonah explores the origins of rights and freedoms, Russia’s potential invasion of Ukraine, and the importance of distinguishing between “liberal” and “progressive.” Plus, stick around for a tribute to the late, great P.J. O’Rourke. Show Notes: - Try a free 30-day Dispatch membership - Peggy Noonan: “Republicans, Stand Against Excess” - “Alarmingly potent” - Jonah: “It Takes Two Sides to Fight a War” - The San Francisco school board recall - Ruy Texiera’s Substack - “Ugly freedoms” - Jonah on the Ottawa freedom convoy - The “Revolutions” podcast covers the English Civil War - The Remnant with Mike D

New developments in John Durham’s investigation into the origins of the Trump-Russia probe are electrifying conservative media and dominating the headlines. But for those who haven’t kept up with the story, it may be difficult to fully understand what’s going on. Thankfully, Dispatch associate editor Andrew Egger is on The Remnant to break things down. Together, he and Jonah discuss everything you could ever want to know about the Durham probe. Plus, they indulge in some obligatory kvetching about media bias and share a few tears over the joys of fatherhood. The whole thing may leave you feeling just a little verklempt. Show Notes: - Andrew’s page at The Dispatch - Andrew breaks down the Durham probe - Jonah’s fondness for Sidney Blumenthal - Furorstarter - Philip Bump on Durham and Trump - The return of Dispatch Live Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tevi Troy is back on The Remnant to explore the strange state of the American presidency. In recent years, presidents have used the power of the executive branch to profoundly alter our system of government—indeed, the presidency Joe Biden inhabits is far removed from that which Bill Clinton left behind. But could the increased importance of the presidency to American life actually be a good thing? Furthermore, why have our recent presidents failed to become figures of national unity? What went wrong with the government’s COVID response? And will the American Egg Board soon seize control of The Dispatch?   Show Notes: -Tevi’s previous Remnant appearance -Tevi’s conference on the 21st century presidency -Jonathan Rauch on how Trump changed government -The Kennedy-Hatch alliance -Kevin D. Williamson: “Against Presidential Idolatry” -Tevi: “Barking at the Press” -The unmockable Mr. Obama -Jim Geraghty: “The Omicron Wave Subsides” -The Eric Lander controversy -Jonah on Canada’s trucker pro

Haunted by a certain infectious Swedish pop song, Jonah begins today’s Ruminant by expanding substantially on a recent point from the G-File: Americans are addicted to despair even though life has never been better. In a moment where anger merchants dominate the media and environmental pessimism is spreading rapidly, how can the optimistic spirit on which our country was founded be restored? And what responsibilities do prominent figures in journalism and politics have in this regard? Also, stick around until the end to hear Jonah elaborate on his departure from Fox and his new contributor agreement with CNN.   Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - The latest Dispatch Podcast - Climate change enters the therapy room - The Remnant with Lyman Stone - Manhattan bird alert - The Progress Paradox, by Gregg Easterbrook - Jonah: “It Takes Two Sides to Fight a War” - Turning Japanese - Yuval Levin: “The Changing Face of Social Breakdown” - The Remnant with Shawn Bushway - Stacey Abrams’ mask hy

Demographer and Institute for Family Studies research fellow Lyman Stone returns to The Remnant to make the case for having more babies. With America’s birth rate in decline and increasingly large numbers of people living lives devoid of real connections, Lyman believes that we urgently need more pro-family policies. But though Jonah agrees completely that babies are good, he’s less sure about Lyman’s proposal of lowering the voting age to zero. Tune in for distinctly nerdy debate, but stick around to learn about the many varieties of natalist philosophy.   Show Notes: - Lyman’s page at AEI - Lyman’s previous Remnant appearance - Lyman: “The Minimum Voting Age Should Be Zero” - Ben Sasse’s The Vanishing American Adult - Pro-natal pontification - Marriage and childbearing in the time of COVID - Jonah on how we’re turning Japanese - The Remnant with Edward Carr - Jonah on Terry Schiavo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remnant regular A.B. Stoddard is back for more exceedingly rank punditry on our dysfunctional state of affairs. In light of the RNC’s decision to censure Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, is the GOP now committed to normalizing January 6? For that matter, why are major Republican figures continuing to suggest that the election was stolen? Does anyone want Mike Pence to be president besides his wife? And why can’t President Biden celebrate America’s recovering economy? Also, be sure to stick around for discussion of A.B.’s two favorite topics: canine companions and Nancy Pelosi’s reelection bid.   Show Notes: - A.B.’s page at RealClearPolitics - Jonah on the RNC’s impeccable statecraft - Marc Short’s Meet the Press appearance - Marc Short can’t make up his mind - Commentary: “What Democrats Can’t Say About the Jobs Numbers” - Jonah: “Let It Go” - Jonah on “Sway” with Kara Swisher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump, Whoopi Goldberg, Young Frankenstein, and dentistry - all unrelated in ordinary circumstances, but strangely intertwined on the latest drive-time Remnant. Today’s episode begins with Jonah, Guy, and Ryan exploring the juvenile group chats of esteemed scholars and reacting insensitively to a tragic news story. Afterward, the gang turns to rank punditry, rambling nerdily about current events while stopping occasionally to discuss Yiddish slang, extreme skiing, and whether all animals really do taste like chicken. When should you give up on a political party? What would a film adaptation of Trump’s attempted election theft look like? And should Mel Brooks do us all a favor and run for president in 2024?  Show Notes: - China’s continued respect for human rights  - The New York Post’s unapologetically craven news item - The Wednesday G-File, released to the masses - John Podhoretz blasts Whoopi Goldberg - Trump doubles down on January 6  - Mel Brooks’ bad drive Learn more abou

Are we living through a new Cold War? Possibly. But we’re certainly in a new era of great-power competition between China and Russia and the United States. In a Remnant surprisingly lacking in ‘80s references, historian and American Enterprise Institute scholar Hal Brands joins Jonah to explore what America’s victory over the Soviet Union can teach us about how it should prosecute today’s global conflicts. Hal and Jonah also take a deep, extra-nerdy dive into Cold War history and the nature of American foreign policy during that strange era. Was the Cold War just about economics? Should Joe Biden pursue a modern version of Harry Truman’s containment strategy? And was China’s authoritarian turn inevitable? Show Notes: - Hal’s page at AEI - Hal’s new book, The Twilight Struggle - Hal Brands and John Lewis Gaddis: “The New Cold War” - Charles Krauthammer: “The Greatest Cold War Myth of All” - The Truman Doctrine speech - Henry Wallace’s divided mind - Jonah on the perils of our virtual re

In a brief respite from the horrors of book writing, Chris Stirewalt returns to The Remnant for another round of overpoweringly rank punditry. Mixing shameless self-promotion with nicotine-fueled insight, he and Jonah explore some pertinent political questions. Why do Americans frequently change their party alignment? Are hardcore progressives crazier than members of the House Freedom Caucus? And what is Joe Biden’s biggest weakness? There’s also a lengthy aside about what life in America was like when Jonah and Chris were young and horse drawn carriages had yet to be replaced by cars, but you’ll need to stick around until the end.   Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Chris’ newsletter, Stirewaltisms - Last weekend’s Ruminant - Michael Moore on the “SmartLess” podcast - Could the GOP expel Cheney and Kinzinger? - The Remnant with Leon Aron - The latest Gallup poll on shifting political party preferences - The poll discussed on the FiveThirtyEight Politics podcast Learn more a

Jonah’s in a professorial mood on today’s nerdtastic Ruminant, which features disquisitions on censorship, pragmatism, and vestigial partisanship (be sure you tune in to find out what the latter actually means). Also included in this weekend’s potpourri is a lengthy discussion of Stephen Breyer’s retirement and Joe Biden’s pledge to appoint an African American woman to the Supreme Court. Plus, for those still confused by Jonah and Charlie Cooke’s argument about Congress during the Anglo-Floridian’s appearance on the program this week, there’s a detailed explanation of how the two disagree.  Show Notes:  - The Wednesday G-File - Adam J. White on the Commentary podcast - Jonathan Chait on affirmative action for the Supreme Court - John Podhoretz still likes Ike - The Remnant with Charles C.W. Cooke - The Remnant with Yuval Levin - The Remnant with Leon Aron - Charles Sanders Peirce - Richard Rorty and William James - Bertrand Russell’s critique of pragmatism - Jonah: “Banned Books Week i

Charles C.W. Cooke, senior writer at National Review and Anglo-Floridian golf cart enthusiast, returns to The Remnant for another round of exceptionally rank punditry on Joe Biden’s dismal first year in office. Before assuming the presidency, Biden made some big promises that he hasn’t been able to keep. But is his problem that he refuses to adjust to political circumstances, or that he’s simply a hack who was never qualified for the job in the first place? Mixing hearty debate with vigorous agreement, Jonah and Charlie discuss this question at length, while also touching on mandatory voting, the perils of public opinion, and how thrilled we should be to live in a moment where journalists and politicians can regularly insult each other. Oh, and Charlie also can’t resist rambling about firearms. Show Notes: - Charlie’s page at National Review - Charlie on Biden’s year of failure - Jonah’s uncontroversial third-party proposal - Jonah’s words with friends - Biden’s first-year report card

As Sting once sang, “in Europe and America, there’s a growing feeling of hysteria.” With war in Ukraine looking increasingly likely and tensions mounting between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin, it feels an awful lot like we’re back in 1987. To explore how Russia’s bellicosity might affect the global stage, Jonah is joined by Leon Aron, director of Russian studies at the American Enterprise Institute. Together, they address heady questions on Russia and narrowly resist performing a duet of “99 Red Balloons.” Would the Russian people support an invasion of Ukraine? How is Russia influencing European politics? And is there any chance of Russia becoming a quasi-democratic country in the near future?   Show Notes: - Leon’s page at AEI - Leon’s contributions to The Dispatch - Leon on what lies ahead for Putin - The Morning Dispatch gives the latest on Ukraine - Alexei Navalny profiled in Time - Jonah on the dangers of conceding to Putin - Putin on the nukes - The Gerard Schröder controversy L

Jonah returns to the solo Ruminant format to end the week, reflecting on Joe Biden’s dismal first year in office and contemplating what the next three years might hold in store for the country. After what John Podhoretz labeled the “worst press conference in presidential history,” can Biden recover, or will his poll numbers continue to sink to increasingly humiliating lows? For that matter, is unity its own virtue? How would the Russian people and the global community react if Vladimir Putin conquered Ukraine? And do negative comments on his writing hurt Jonah’s feelings?   Show Notes: - GLoP’s latest grand aventure - Chris Stirewalt’s latest newsletter on Biden’s political flailing - The Morning Dispatch on the threat of war in Ukraine - Jonah on Biden’s Georgia speech - Be like Ike - Literally - The Dispatch Podcast reflects on Biden’s first year - Bob Driscoll on the Voting R ights Act - The Remnant with Michael Shellenberger - The Remnant with Edward Carr Learn more about your ad

The Remnant’s British invasion continues as Economist deputy editor Edward Carr joins to provide a perspective on how the pandemic has affected nations beyond the United States. Together, he and Jonah examine how issues such as vaccine skepticism, excess deaths, and pandemic-related insanity vary between countries, all while kvetching vigorously about teachers’ unions and the politics of marmite. Can we trust China’s COVID statistics? Are things as weird in Russia and the U.K. as they are in America? And are we in the early stages of a new Roaring ‘20s?  Show Notes: - England prepares to drop COVID restrictions - Boris Johnson’s latest scandal - “There’s no such thing as learning loss” - Steven Brill: “The Rubber Room” - The Remnant with Paul Bloom - Jonah: “Fear and Loathing in the Time of COVID” - Apollo’s Arrow, Nicholas Christakis’ book on pandemic madness - The Remnant with Matt Ridley - The Remnant with Michael Shellenberger Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a

As a young man, Jonah left his heart in San Francisco. But after today’s conversation with Remnant first-timer Michael Shellenberger, he probably won’t be going back for it any time soon. Michael joins the show for an exceedingly wonky discussion of his new book, San Fransicko, which explores how progressive policies are enabling an addiction and mental health crisis in America’s cities. Together, they explore the causes of urban decay and what conservatives can do to reverse the trend in places like New York and San Francisco. Tune in for ruminations on nuclear power, Nietzschean philosophy, and criminology, but stick around to hear Jonah and Michael compare notes on what it’s really like to be mugged by reality.   Show Notes: - Michael’s Substack on cities, energy, and the environment - Michael’s new book, San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities - Michael’s previous book, Apocalypse Never - Tom Wolfe’s “The Great Relearning” - San Fransicko reviewed in the New York Times - Madnes

We’ll do it live! 2022’s first drive-time Remnant is here, and it’s predictably lacking in substance. With Guy and Ryan currently starring in their own production of The Odd Couple, Jonah invites them both into The Dispatch studio for a freewheeling discussion of vocabulary, D.C. geography, and movies ranging from The French Dispatch to Howard the Duck. There’s also plenty of serious punditry mixed in on America’s nightmarish immigration process, the awfulness of Biden’s Georgia speech, and the difficulty of finding purpose in modern society. Tune in and be led to glory! Show Notes: - Bill Buckley on the art of big words - Advisory Opinions on the Supreme Court’s vaccine mandate dismissal - Make my funk the P-Funk - Bill Oakley’s fast food reviews - The Remnant with Ross Douthat, featuring generous Don’t Look Up criticism - The Remnant with Ryan Bourne - “It’s not a comedy” - Spider-Man: No Way Home reviewed in The Dispatch - Howard the Duck and the evil of George Lucas - The Wednesday

Ross Douthat takes his place in the Remnant five-timers club today, joining Jonah for a discussion of (what else?) the dysfunctional state of American politics. Unlike last time, however, the nudity is tasteful, the Exorcist references are sparse, and the tone is (slightly) more optimistic. Is the United States on the cusp of a new civil war, and what would that look like in practice? For that matter, why is Biden a less effective president than Bill Clinton? Can a case be made for mandatory voting? And is there anything worthwhile about Don’t Look Up? Show Notes: - Ross’ previous Remnant appearance - Ross: “Let’s Not Invent a Civil War” - Ross on the Remnant discussing The Decadent Society - Jonah’s latest G-File on Biden’s Georgia speech - David Brooks: “How the Bobos Broke America” - Jason Stanley, How Fascism Works - The Remnant with Yuval Levin - Jonah’s distaste for Don’t Look Up - Ross on why the movie needs a second cut - Eric Levitz dissects Don’t Look Up - The latest Dispatch

Cato Institute economist Ryan Bourne joins The Remnant for the first time to discuss his new book, Economics in One Virus, which offers a crash course in economics using the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. Over the last two years, many questions have been raised about America’s preparedness (or lack thereof) for the pandemic, and Ryan has answers. Did any country get COVID right? Why is testing still a mess? And is the libertarian movement as divided as the conservative movement?   Show Notes: - Ryan’s page at Cato - Ryan’s new book, Economics in One Virus - Ryan: “A Cure Worse Than the Disease?” - Scott Gottlieb: “A Second Major Seasonal Virus Won’t Leave Us Any Choice” - Strife in the fast lane with John Nestor - Biden’s Pandemic Preparedness Plan - Peter Nicholas: “There Are No Libertarians in an Epidemic” - Jonah: “When Narrative Trumps the Facts” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A still Covid-brained Jonah does his first Ruminant of the new year today. Assuming most listeners are over the January 6th coverage, a brief point on the politics of that day leads the pod. Then, let’s talk about Fascism, baby. Then a potpourri of topics for you to enjoy this weekend. Why is the GOP so uncomfortable with January 6? What’s the deal with Fascism? How accurate was Ted Cruz’s impression from John Belushi in The Blues Brothers? What do pizza and sushi have to do with the role of the federal government?  Show Notes: Wednesday G-File January 6 piece for Bari Weiss’ site The Dispatch Podcast on January 6 Jonah on MTP Daily Sen. Ted Cruz grovels to Tucker Carlson like John Belushi to Carrie Fischer in The Blues Brothers The Remnant with Yuval Levin Pod’s niche podcast with Matthew Continetti  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liquor connoisseur and noted Wisconsinite Christian Schneider joins The Remnant for the first time to discuss America’s strange plague of misinformation. In an age where politicians are incentivized to embrace ludicrous positions and all facts are negotiable, how can sanity be restored? For that matter, what’s wrong with modern political campaigns? Did God create Listerine? And what does the future hold for college education? Show Notes: - Christian's page at The Dispatch - Christian’s page at The College Fix - Christian’s new book, Anti-Knowledge - Christian: “Our Elected Officials Are a Threat to Civic Knowledge” - The (ostensible) madness of Ron Johnson - Critical Path, by Buckminster Fuller - Institutional comedy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On 2022’s first Remnant, a COVID-addled Jonah is joined by fan-favorite guest Yuval Levin for a discussion of voting rights in America. Voting, Yuval argues, has never been easier, despite claims to the contrary made by progressive and conservative commentators alike. The real problem is that both parties are fueling a loss of public confidence in elections, and trust must be restored for American democracy to continue to function. Jonah also quizzes Yuval on his case for expanding the House of Representatives and what it means to be a “recovering political scientist.” Grab your bingo cards for a thoroughly wonky beginning to the year.   Show Notes: - Yuval: “Democrats, Voting Rights Are Not the Problem” - Does high voter turnout help one party? - A war on democracy? - The Policy State, by Karen Orren and Stephen Skowronek - Ben Sasse’s Schoolhouse Rock moment - Yuval: “One way to reform the House of Representatives? Expand it.” - Jonah, Yuval, and an expert panel discuss expanding Con

With 2021 drawing to a close, Jonah invites his vocal doppelganger, Chris Stirewalt, back to The Remnant for a recap of this bizarre year. The show begins with a small but satisfying amount of rank punditry on the fate of Build Back Better and the state of voting rights in America. After that, Jonah and Chris look back at the last 12 months by conducting a mock award ceremony, naming winners in various categories. Who was 2021’s biggest loser? What was the year’s most delightful pop culture surprise? And in which category will Chris select “America” as a surprise answer? Tune in for all of this and more, and remember: There’s no harm in revisiting and sharing some of your favorite Remnant episodes from earlier this year over the holiday season. See you in 2022!   Show Notes: -Give someone a Dispatch subscription this Christmas -Jonah on Joe Manchin and Build Back Better -Jen Psaki slams Manchin -Chris on #FreeBritney -The nerdiest Remnant ever on the new Dune movie -Neil Postman’s Amus

Today’s Ruminant is all about privilege, and Jonah has many nerdy thoughts on the subject. He also offers plenty of anecdotes about day drinking, a few meditations on Build Back Better hitting a brick wall, and a disquisition on the nature of consumerism. How many varieties of privilege are there in America today? Why do certain people tend toward conservatism? And why has Jonah finally decided to open up about Fox News? Brace your bingo cards, too, because Jonah still can’t stop complaining about Theodor Adorno and his mythical authoritarian personality. Show Notes: - The Morning Dispatch breaks down the Build Back Better stalemate - Let’s talk about privilege - The Remnant with Sally Satel - Sumptuary laws - Veblen goods - Huntington’s “Conservatism as an Ideology” - Sally Satel: “The Experts Somehow Overlooked Authoritarians on the Left” - Politics and Prose lawyers up - Harvard stops requiring SAT scores - Jonah opens up about Fox - Matthew Mehan’s new children’s book - AEI Today -

Sally Satel, a psychiatrist and lecturer at Yale, makes a long-awaited return to the Remnant to discuss the influence of woke culture on medical science. In our woke moment, Sally argues, doctors are at the mercy of “indoctrinologists” who want them to become more concerned with social activism than healing the sick. What’s driving this trend, and should we fear for the future of science? Furthermore, how has psychotherapy changed over the years? What can be done to address the opioid epidemic? And will people only get crazier as the COVID-19 pandemic refuses to end? Show Notes: - Sally’s page at AEI - Sally’s previous Remnant appearance - Sally: “What is Happening to My Profession?” - Sally: “Taking on the Scourge of Opioids” -Sally: "Keep Social-Justice Indoctrination Out of the Therapist’s Office" - Critical race theory and medicine - The cardiologist suing the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine - False advertising - Political religions - Barry Goldwater’s mental fitness -

Brush up on your legalese, because Keith Whittington is back on the Remnant to poke plenty of fun at Advisory Opinions. Over the course of an exceptionally nerdy hour, he and Jonah explore the pros and cons of court packing and judicial term limits, occasionally stopping to discuss what would happen if the world were taken over by giant, hyper-intelligent ants. Are Supreme Court justices all partisan hacks? Why did Joe Biden establish the Supreme Court reform commission? And is there any real difference between lawyers and vampires?   Show Notes: -Keith’s scholar page on Princeton’s website -Keith’s previous Remnant appearance -The Supreme Court commission’s final report -Inside the Supreme Court commission -The Constitution in exile? -Keith: “Court Packing is Discreditable as Ever” -The genius of Mark Meadows -The Soldier and the State, by Samuel P. Huntington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Broadcasting live from Fargo (the movie is still better than the TV series), Jonah can’t help but spend most of today’s Ruminant gloating about how he’s been correct on recent issues ranging from the silliness of “Latinx” to the craziness of Tucker Carlson. Political demographics, the Omicron variant, and the future of conservatism are also discussed, but at the end of it all, one question remains: Is “I informed you thusly” a more satisfying phrase than “I told you so?”   Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - No one uses “Latinx” - Are Hispanics evenly split between the parties? - The Commentary podcast on Democrats and Hispanics - Rich Lowry on the WSJ poll - Sean Trende on what motivates Hispanic voters - Whitelash, by Terry Smith - Can’t hold it back anymore - Jim Geraghty on good news regarding Omicron - Well-known progressive Mitch McConnell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah reopens the emergency punditry supply on today’s Remnant, recorded live from the Bozeman Public Library. His guest is A.B. Stoddard, who believes the Democratic Party is poised to implode thanks to poor governance and the strange influence of wokeism. Together, they explore why both parties have alienated ordinary voters, why Nancy Pelosi stepping down could send the legislative branch into further disarray, and why Trump could win re-election in 2024 if Biden’s poll numbers don’t improve. Optimism, who needs it!   Show Notes: -A.B.’s page at RealClearPolitics -A.B.’s previous Remnant appearance -A.B. on congressional decline -A coming Democratic crack up? -Tom Wolfe: “The Intelligent Co-ed’s Guide to America” -The Remnant with Chris Stirewalt -Jonah on superspreaders of asininity -Kamala Harris’ disastrous vice presidency -Bill Clinton and Ricky Ray Rector -The Morning Dispatch on reforming the Electoral Count Act Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Strain, economist at the American Enterprise Institute, returns to the Remnant today to explore the strange state of the American economy. Consumer demand for goods has skyrocketed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and supply chain chaos is dominating the headlines. In these unusual times, should conservatives embrace common good capitalism, or does zombie Reaganism still have plenty to offer? For that matter, which industries have been permanently changed by the pandemic? Have our lives actually improved since March 2020? And can even the most devoted Remnant listener tolerate more than 30 minutes of Jonah and Michael rambling about Battlestar Galactica? Show Notes: - Michael’s page at AEI - Michael’s previous Remnant appearance - Jonah and Scott Lincicome kvetch about the supply chain - Michael on the need for an economic cooldown - Michael: “Republicans Battle Over ‘Socialism-Lite’” - Hungary eyes - Jonah on how politics destroyed Battlestar Galactica Learn more about y

The Remnant returns to the drive-time format to end the week, and the results are predictably unusual. Feast your ears on the eighth installment of this curio, in which Guy discusses the end of America’s “Remain in England” policy, Jonah ponders the appeal of cow brains and potted meat, and Ryan recounts his time as a Celtic warrior in the Irish mountains. Plenty of serious punditry is also included on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, the appeal of right-wing grifters, and the rise of victimhood culture on college campuses. Tune in for a celebration of the legendary Tom Wolfe, but stick around to learn about some of the most depressing movies ever made. Show Notes: - George Costanza’s prison girlfriend - Apu Nahasapeemapetilon’s citizenship test - The Commentary podcast on COVID panic - Tom Wolfe’s “The Great Relearning” - Oakland reverses its plan to defund the police - Thursday’s shameful solo Remnant - Wednesday’s weird G-File of weirdness - Tom Wolfe’s brilliant Brown speech - J

Isolated and sleep-deprived in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest, Jonah once again attempts to fuse the classic Ruminant format with that of a supplemental episode. With the possibility that Supreme Court could overturn Roe v. Wade, a sea change could soon occur in American politics. Using an extract from The Tyranny of Clichés (still available wherever books are sold!), Jonah explores some of the most challenging questions surrounding the jurisprudence of abortion. When does life truly begin? Why are taboos so important? And are dogmas, religious and otherwise, fundamental to the health of a civilized society? Show Notes: - The Morning Dispatch breaks down Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization - Jonah’s previous ruminations on abortion - The Remnant with Will Saletan - The (eternally underrated) Tyranny of Clichés - Barbara Boxer’s blunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a Thanksgiving hiatus, Jonah is back and ready to break open the strategic rank punditry reserve. His guest today is Chris Stirewalt, who’s concerned with only the most important questions of the political moment: Why are Americans terrified of clowns? Is there a better parent than television? And was Pete Buttigieg raised in a refrigerator box? Serious discussion is also mixed in on what we can expect in 2024 and why Build Back Better is the “kitchen junk drawer” of policy proposals. Recent events surrounding a certain cable news network might even be mentioned.   Show Notes: -Profit, the most important show you’ve never seen -Build Back Better’s hypocritical tax cut -Malapropisms -Schoolhouse blues -Chris on subsidizing local news -Blind and toothless -Woke Racism, by John McWhorter -The Remnant with Josh Kraushaar -The most interesting man in politics -Why Jonah left Fox News -Chris on digital depredations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Bahnsen, managing partner and chief investment officer at the Bahnsen Group, is back on The Remnant to explain why there really is no such thing as a free lunch, and to explore why some on the right now think we’d all be better off as serfs. With shameless book-plugging, David and Jonah also discuss the moral case for capitalism, the differences between cost-push and demand-pull inflation, and why the Japanification of the American economy won’t bode well for anyone. Zombie Reagan urges you to tune in! Show Notes: - David’s new book, There’s No Free Lunch - David’s previous Remnant appearance - David: “Sound Economics Enables Human Flourishing” - The (still underrated) Tyranny of Clichés - Robert Nisbet’s Prejudices - Hayek’s “The Use of Knowledge in Society” - Yuval Levin’s case for capitalism - J.D. Vance’s serious nonsense - Tucker Carlson debates Ben Shapiro on free markets - The algebra of inflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s Ruminant finds Jonah preparing for an epic journey to the Pacific Northwest, and he’d appreciate podcast recommendations for the long and lonely trip. With Thanksgiving approaching, he’s feeling grateful, but he’s also concerned about the conservative movement’s gradual shift away from the classical liberalism embedded in American culture. How do societies emerge? Will mankind ever learn not to immanentize the eschaton? And has American life officially become crazier than a late night Japanese game show?  Show Notes: - Wednesday’s regrettable G-File, released to the masses - The Remnant with Will Saletan - Nockian nerdery - Nine Days and the making of an existential crisis - Fukuyama’s The Origins of Political Order - That time Bernie Sanders got kicked out of a commune - I, Pencil - The ultimate throwdown - Paul Gosar gets censured Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In preparation for Thanksgiving, Jonah invites the latest gold jacket-wearer Will Saletan back on The Remnant to consider what, if anything, is so uniquely great about America. Their conversation quickly develops into a discussion of nationalism, universal principles, and whether America is simply an idea, with a generous amount of rank punditry mixed in for good measure. Is the COVID-19 pandemic over? What does the Virginia result mean for both parties? And can Biden’s presidency recover after a disastrous few months? Show Notes: - Will’s page at Slate - Will’s previous Remnant appearance - Paxlovid Americana - Will on critical race theory and the Virginia result - Jonah: “What Inflation and CRT Have in Common” - Rich Lowry: “Don’t Rewrite Mark Twain” - Paul Gosar gets censured - Jonah: “Mugged By Fallacy” - Seymour Martin Lipset on American exceptionalism - Jonah’s fondness for Thanksgiving Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remnant regular Matt Ridley is back to discuss the origins of COVID-19. Did the virus emerge from a lab? What would that mean for virological research? And how can we prepare ourselves for future pandemic? Broader scientific discussion is also mixed in on subjects ranging from climate change to mask-wearing. Lukewarm listeners are in for a treat. Show Notes: - Matt’s previous Remnant appearance - Matt’s new book, Viral - Matt previews the book in the Wall Street Journal - Trapped in Disneyland - The lab leak and the Lancet - Gain of function research - Matt the lukewarmer - Jonah goes nuclear - Jonah on getting past the pandemic Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, Jonah is back in good health and high spirits, so much so that he can’t resist boasting about a meeting he enjoyed this week with former President Bush. He’s also concerned about the prospect of a second Trump presidency, intrigued by the debate over whether America was right to bomb Hiroshima, and fixated on George Will’s idea that history is shaped by “small, compact, idea-driven minorities.” Members of the ambivalent right will find much to appreciate. Show Notes: - The Remnant with George Will - Jonah on elites and Pareto distribution - The Remnant with Steve Teles - Shor thing - The Remnant with Jay Cost - The Remnant with Brian Riedl - Frankenstein revisited - American prohibition, colorized - Pew’s political typology test - Nikole Hannah-Jones on Hiroshima - Dan McLaughlin on the Meuse-Argonne Offensive - Trump sours on DeSantis - The Remnant with David Drucker - Cognitive limitations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho

Historian and AEI fellow Jay Cost is back on The Remnant to discuss his new biography of James Madison, which focuses on the political theory of Jonah’s favorite Founding Father. Jay and Jonah fuse rank punditry with historical nerdery to explore how a little Madisonian wisdom could go a long way toward solving our most pressing institutional challenges. What are the greatest misconceptions about Madison and the founding? How should the Declaration of Independence be understood? And could American politics use more smoke-filled rooms? Show Notes: -Jay’s page at AEI -Jay’s previous Remnant appearance -Jonah and Jay on AEI’s Viewpoint -James Madison: America’s First Politician -Jay previews the book in the Wall Street Journal -Jay’s previous book, The Price of Greatness -Federalist 10 -Polybius (the historian, not the mythical video game) -Jefferson and Madison on Malthus -Why Nations Fail -Inventing Freedom, by Daniel Hannan -The Remnant with Steve Teles -Jonah: “That S

David French takes control of The Remnant once again while Jonah is off to the long prairies of Texas. His guest is Curtis Chang, a theologian at Duke Divinity School and former Evangelical pastor. Together, David and Curtis explore the nature of vaccine skepticism among Evangelicals and the compatibility of Christianity and classical liberalism. They also preview a new podcast focused on the challenges facing American Christianity, Good Faith, which will premiere on The Dispatch later this month. Despite Jonah’s absence, make sure you tune in with bingo cards at the ready! Show Notes: -Christians and the Vaccine -Curtis: “Our Fellow Evangelicals Need to Get Vaccinated” -David on Evangelical vaccine rejection -Curtis and David’s previous vaccine discussion -David Leonhardt on COVID’s partisan death toll -Classical liberalism and Christianity -David’s recent book, Divided We Fall -The conflict between Evangelical elites Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/a

The drive-time Remnant format returns today for a deep dive into the horrors of social media and book promotion. Though Jonah is on the mend after yesterday’s brush with an unfortunate stomach ailment, he still isn’t back to 100 percent. Thankfully, Guy and Ryan have been prepared to provide him with medical assistance and ensure his rants remain coherent. Will the Lincoln Project ever cease to irritate? Is Blade still the best comic book movie? And will Jonah soon follow his secret dream of becoming a bestselling sci-fi author? Tune in to hear these vital questions answered, and to learn why Spider-Man was the world’s first neoconservative. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Matt Continetti - Dog whistling - The Lincoln Project’s tiki torch hoax - Jonah on “let’s go Brandon” - Online discourse - Facebook’s timely rebrand - The Remnant with Paul Bloom - “I just feel lost” - Eyes wide open - Heretics of Dune - Jonah debates Cenk Uygur - Jonah on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah

Glenn Youngkin’s victory in Virginia has raised plenty of questions: Will Republican candidates in 2022 emulate his style? Has Trump’s grip on the GOP loosened? And where exactly did Terry McAuliffe go wrong? Remnant stalwart Matt Continetti returns today to provide answers and engage in punditry so rank your head may spin. Tune in also for discussion of critical race theory, the future of the conservative movement, and Biden’s faltering presidency. And make sure you have your bingo cards on hand. Show Notes: - Matt’s page at the Washington Free Beacon - Matt’s previous Remnant appearance - Matt’s upcoming book, The Right - The Morning Dispatch breaks down Youngkin’s win - Frederick Hess: “The Right Way to Reject Critical Race Theory” - A smile and a fleece vest - The Wall Street Journal’s editorial on Youngkin’s victory - The Sean Parnell scandal - The Remnant with George Will - Jonah on the right’s Hungary obsession - “Nobody elected him to be FDR” - Democrats want anoth

Ross Douthat is back on The Remnant to discuss his new book, The Deep Places, a memoir of his six-year struggle with chronic illness. With numerous references to The Exorcist, Jonah and Ross take a deep dive into his ordeal, and even manage to mix in a generous amount of rank punditry on political tribalism and the conservative movement in the COVID era. Did Ross’ sickness cause him to reconsider his views on health care policy? How did he cope while enduring a period of prolonged suffering and isolation? And how has Donald Trump changed Republican politics? Show Notes: - Ross’ new book, The Deep Places - Ross’ page at National Review - Ross’ page at the New York Times - Ross is profiled in The Dispatch - Ross: “How I became a sick person” - The Invisible Kingdom, by Meghan O’Rourke - The Remnant with Paul Bloom - Mom Genes, by Abigail Tucker - John Tooby on coalitional instincts - R.R. Reno: “Say ‘No’ to Death’s Dominion” - Jonah: “The Treason of Epidemiologists” - The C

On today’s special Ruminant, Jonah assembles a Mount Rushmore of geekdom (David French, Haley Byrd Wilt, and Jack “Butlerian jihad” Butler) to review Denis Vileneuve’s movie adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Be prepared for perhaps the nerdiest episode ever, as the quartet explores why it took so long for a Dune movie to be produced (David Lynch’s doesn’t count), what the film got right, and whether any elements of the book were unjustly left out. There’s also broader discussion mixed in on the awfulness of the Star Wars prequels, the best movie adaptations of great sci-fi novels, and why sci-fi as a genre is inherently conservative. Muad’dib! Show Notes: - Frank Herbert’s Dune novels, for the uninitiated - David Lynch’s Dune adaptation, best left forgotten? - Haley’s Dune-filled Twitter feed - Jack’s Dune review - National Review now has a Dune tag - The Chung Kuo series - The Three-Body Problem, by Cixin Liu - The Time Traveler’s Almanac Learn more about your ad choices.

Steve Teles joins The Remnant for a second time to explore what can be done to fix our dysfunctional parties. Like many of Jonah’s closest friends, Steve disagrees with his idea that a third party could cure what ails the GOP, and instead argues that we should build moderate factions within it. Brace yourself for an exceptionally wonky discussion, which covers Jonah’s distaste for primaries, why we need a better class of political moderate, and whether Joe Biden should be considered a centrist. There’s also plenty of gratuitous complaining about Congress and the Clintons, so prepare your bingo cards. Show Notes: - Steve’s page at the Niskanen Center - Never Trump, Steve and Rob Saldin’s latest book - The Captured Economy, Steve’s previous book with Brink Lindsey - Steve’s previous Remnant appearance - Jonah: “A Third Party Could Cure What Ails the GOP” - Jonah: “Words with Friends” - Steve and Rob: “The Future is Faction” - “Cost Disease Socialism” - Matt Yglesias: “Congressi

If you thought Jonah turned into an excited fanboy when he interviewed Mike Duncan, just wait until you hear today’s Remnant, in which acclaimed psychologist Dr. Paul Bloom joins the program for the first time to discuss man’s search for meaning. Human beings are strange creatures: We often deliberately seek out things that cause us pain or discomfort, like horror movies and spicy foods. What is the cause of this “benign masochism,” and what does it really mean to be happy? Additionally, how should human nature be defined? Could video games and virtual reality destroy the world as we know it? And how can Jonah tie all of this in with neoconservatism? Show Notes: -The Sweet Spot, Dr. Bloom’s new book -Jonah: “Democracy in the Tobacconist’s” -Dr. Bloom’s Google Scholar archive -Conservatives are more easily disgusted than liberals -Arthur Brooks on earned success -Dr. Bloom: “Being in Time” -“Benign masochism” -Jonah: “Fear and Loathing in the Time of COVID” -Political Blood

Today’s Ruminant finds Jonah irritated by back pain, enamored with California roller coasters, and concerned for the health of his loyal spaniel (send her your love!). It also features a lengthy exploration of whether China can still be politically liberalized, why the terms and conditions of Trump’s new social media network are so funny, and how executive privilege actually functions. Stick around until the end for updates about new features on The Dispatch, and a preview of upcoming guests. Show Notes: - The House votes to hold Steve Bannon in contempt - Advisory Opinions explores January 6 - Jonah’s brief history of executive privilege - Gimme some truth - Fresh craziness from J.D. Vance - Klon Kitchen on the dangers of China’s missile tests - Lipset’s modernization theory - Mike Pompeo on Special Report - “We welcome stiff competition” - Visions of China on The Dispatch Podcast - The moral equivalent of war - The Friday G-File Learn more about your ad choices. Visit m

Presidential historian and Remnant fan-favorite Tevi Troy returns today for more seriously rank punditry. As you may have noticed, we’re living through a strange moment in which it’s becoming shocking to suggest that saying things people want to hear is an effective political strategy. How did we get here, and how can we prevent our institutions from succumbing to the cult of wokeness? For that matter, how can ordinary Americans resist cancel culture? Should conservatives build alternative institutions? And has Joe Biden replaced Jimmy Carter as history’s greatest monster? Show Notes: - Tevi’s page at National Affairs - Tevi’s previous Remnant appearance - Tevi on the Commentary podcast - The GLoP podcast, for all your pop culture needs - Tevi: “How to Defend Free Speech” - Tevi: “Wokeness M.D.” - Bob Woodward pays tribute to Colin Powell - Michael Powell on Dorian Abbot’s cancelation - The Morning Dispatch breaks down the Netflix protests - The Wednesday G-File - Bari Wei

David Drucker, senior political correspondent at the Washington Examiner, joins The Remnant for the first time to discuss the state of the Republican Party post-Trump and what the 2024 election cycle will bring. Why do so many Republicans choose to minimize Trump’s destructive tendencies? What can we expect from Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, and other major players going forward? And will the next presidential candidate redefine the GOP’s image? Show Notes: -David’s new book, In Trump’s Shadow -David’s page at the Washington Examiner -David previews his new book in Vanity Fair -Nikki Haley and the confederate flag -John Eastman’s plan for Pence to overturn the election -Peril, by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa -Peril on Trump and Pence -David: “Mike Pence’s Moment of Truth” -Steve Bannon’s war on Mitch McConnell -Chris Christie 2024? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, a predictably sleep-deprived Jonah is haunted by distant memories of his time in Prague and the alluring restaurants that refused his custom. Thankfully, he’s able to process the pain by embarking on a lengthy rant about democracy, capitalism, and the charming brilliance of Irving Kristol. There’s also a disquisition on the philosophy of hit TV shows and the legacy of The Wire, which will delight Breaking Bad partisans. Tune in to find out if Jonah has adjusted to life as an empty nester, but stick around to see if he can get through the whole episode without mentioning third parties. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Michael Brendan Dougherty - The Wednesday G-File - Jonah and Steve Hayes on The Dispatch’s two-year anniversary - “Opposing views” - Jonah’s love of Breaking Bad - Conservatism and The Wire - Biden’s living on a prayer - Scott Lincicome on America’s ports problem - The Morning Dispatch - The birth of The Remnant - Broken windows - James Q. W

In light of the reaction to his call for anti-Trump conservatives to form a third party, Jonah invites Michael Brendan Dougherty onto The Remnant to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of such an approach. Things don’t entirely go as planned, as their conversation swiftly moves beyond that into the broader strangeness of contemporary politics and the conservative movement. With the American people increasingly defecting from the norms of constitutional government, what can be done to prevent our institutions from collapsing? Show Notes: - Michael’s author page at National Review - My Father Left Me Ireland, Michael’s recent book - Jonah’s uncontroversial column - Michael’s response - Charlie Cooke’s response - Dan McLaughlin’s response - The Wednesday G-File - Trump urges Republicans not to vote - Bill Kristol: “What About Joe?” - The Remnant with George Will - Remember the Obamacons? - Yuval Levin on nationalism and exceptionalism - Stalin’s War, by Sean McMeek

Dust off your calculators, because beloved economic policy wonk Brian Riedl is back on The Remnant to discuss everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the federal budget, spending, taxes, and deficits. He also touches on the right’s curious lurch toward industrial policy and common good capitalism, and why conservatives and progressives alike can’t resist the prospect of a free lunch. Is the Laffer Curve a force for evil? How progressive is the U.S. tax code? And why is Joe Biden so determined to outspend Mack the Knife? Show Notes: -Brian’s page at the Manhattan Institute -Brian’s previous Remnant appearance -Brian’s latest chart book -Simpson-Bowles and the art of budget negotiations -Brian in The Dispatch on taxing the rich -How does the U.S. tax code compare with other countries? -The great Nordic myth -Jack Kemp and tax reform -Al Gore and class warfare Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, Jonah aims to set the record straight on a matter of international significance: Despite what the producers of American Crime Story would have you believe, he has never owned an oversized poster of Atlas Shrugged. Thankfully, this misunderstanding gives him an excuse to indulge in a nerdtastic exploration of the differences between objectivism and conservatism, the significance of religion to conservative belief, and the differences between conservatives and “men of the right.” There’s also a disquisition on social anxiety and Theodor Adorno’s idea of the “authoritarian personality,” as well as a rant on those who continue to minimize January 6. Plus, as a special treat for The Dispatch’s two-year anniversary, tune in to learn the intimate details of Jonah and Steve Hayes’ late night telephone conversations. Show Notes: -The Dispatch manifesto from two years ago -Today’s underwhelming job numbers -Whittaker Chambers’ review of Atlas Shrugged -The Remnant wi

Former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb joins The Remnant for the first time to explore the state of the COVID-19 pandemic and what went wrong with America’s response last year. With cases falling nationally, Scott believes that the “pandemic phase” of the virus is drawing to a close. But we’re still remarkably unprepared for whatever the next pandemic might be. What were the successes and failures of Operation Warp Speed? How do natural immunity and vaccine immunity compare? And is Scott too deep in the pocket of Big Dairy to be trusted on the validity of yogurt expiration dates? Show Notes: -Scott’s new book, Uncontrolled Spread -Scott’s page at AEI -Alex Tabarrok (also known as Jack McKee) reviews Uncontrolled Spread -Scott on our failed pandemic prep -GOP officials and natural immunity -Jonah on the great pandemic freakout Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The incomparable George Will makes his long-awaited return to The Remnant to discuss his latest book, American Happiness and Discontents. As George writes in its introduction, “happiness has been elusive for this dyspeptic nation” in recent years. Together, he and Jonah examine why Americans have become so restless and what can be done to address the causes of their disaffection. They also discuss how populism should be understood, what it means to be a “faint-hearted originalist,” and how the degradation of America’s elite institutions can be reversed. Happy warriors and scowling primitives alike are encouraged to tune in. Show Notes: -The Dispatch manifesto from two years ago -George’s previous Remnant appearance -George’s new book, American Happiness and Discontents -George’s previous book, The Conservative Sensibility -George debates Oren Cass on creative destruction -Jonah on status anxiety -Charles Murray’s Coming Apart -Walter Berns on democracy -Graeme Wood on our

If there’s one group Jonah has less patience for than post-liberal Catholic integralists, it’s progressives who want to replace Madisonian democracy with a parliamentary system. On today’s ranty Ruminant, he explores why America’s system of government is exceptional, why the Electoral College should stand, and why the Germans don’t always do it better. There’s also a disquisition on historicism and relativism, obligatory kvetching about Democrats spending money they don’t have, and an aside about conservative intellectuals turning their backs on light. Tune in for nerdy references to Leo Strauss, but stick around to see if Jonah can actually make it to the end without mentioning Woodrow Wilson. Show Notes: - Wednesday’s “news”letter - Ben Sasse’s rant at the Kavanaugh hearing - George W. Plunkitt, no relation to Harry S. Plinkett - Jonah defends the Electoral College - The Morning Dispatch breaks down Germany’s election - Biden can’t read the room - The Remnant with Mike Duncan

Scott Lincicome, The Dispatch’s resident expert on all things free and economic, returns to The Remnant for a distinctly wonky discussion of tariffs, taxes, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Jonah and Scott tackle our most pressing regulatory questions. Is corporate personhood a legitimate concept? Has Biden undone any of Trump’s protectionist measures? And will supply chain shortages deprive us all of Tickle Me Elmos this Christmas? There’s also a bit about boar-cobra hybrids enslaving humanity, but you’ll have to listen to fully understand. Show Notes: -Scott’s Capitolism newsletter -“Unfair and absurd” -Scott on the exciting world of corporate tax rates -Econ 101 with Peter Suderman -“Human beings, my friend.” -China’s energy crisis -Christmas who? -Britain braces for the end times -Scott on America’s ports problem -Scott’s love affair with the Jones Act -The parley in Pittsburgh -We need to talk about tariffs -Wild boars reclaim the Roman Empire -Otters annex Ala

The revolution won’t be televised, but it will be broadcast to the world on today’s long-awaited Remnant, in which Jonah is joined by Revolutions podcast host and fellow history obsessive Mike Duncan. Over an exceptionally nerdy hour, they explore how Mike prepares for his podcast, whether America’s ghastly political situation really does resemble the decline of the Roman Republic, and why even Hamilton can’t convince the French to love the Marquis de Lafayette. They also dig as deeply into revolutionary history as you’d expect, comparing the French and American revolutions and discussing how studying the Haitian revolution transformed Mike’s outlook. Stay tuned for the references to Burke, Marx, and Yuval Levin sprinkled throughout. Show Notes: -Revolutions -Mike’s new book on Lafayette, Hero of Two Worlds -Smith’s Theory of Moral Sentiments -Samuel Rawson Gardner’s history of the English Civil War -Christopher Hill on the English Revolution -The great man theory of history

As if experiencing the Monica Lewinsky saga first-hand wasn’t strange enough, Impeachment: American Crime Story is now subjecting Jonah to it all over again. How did we get here? And when exactly did American politics stop making sense? Unable to answer those questions alone and with David Byrne ignoring his calls, Jonah summons Guy and Ryan for a journey into the world of book royalties, internet comment sections, and broadcasting secrets best left in the green room. Their ramblings also address the passing of Norm Macdonald, dark behind the scenes secrets of The Dispatch, and why political provocateurs usually don’t enjoy more than 15 minutes of fame. Plus, tune in to hear Jonah tell an epic story of identity theft. Show Notes: - Wednesday’s G-File, released to the masses - The Remnant’s super-spectacular 400th episode - Conan’s tribute to Norm Macdonald - Guy’s Bret Stephens profile, shamelessly plugged - Jonah’s return to National Review - The Remnant with Will Saletan - F

To distinguish The Remnant’s 400th episode, Jonah thought it would be refreshing to bring on a guest renowned among fans for his cheerfulness: Kevin Williamson, National Review’s roving correspondent. Together, they take an extra long, extra nerdy voyage through the morass that is modern American politics to determine whether the end times will really be as awesome as Kevin predicted several years ago. Why are young men so dispossessed? Is there any harm in grifting to earn a living? And will January 6 be remembered for presaging the death of American democracy? It’s a conversation that covers everything from cattle trading to Satan’s balls, and we’re grateful to you all for listening. Show Notes: - Kevin’s previous Remnant appearance - Kevin on the never-ending coup - John Eastman’s plan to overturn the election - Jonah: “This Was Always the Plan” - Jim Glassman on Hillary’s cows - Make bureaucracy great again - Sidney Powell’s latest insanity - Kevin’s time among the flat-e

Chris Stirewalt returns to The Remnant for punditry so intense it could rival the summer heat of New Orleans. Religious definitions are first on the docket, as Jonah and Chris explore the voting habits of Catholics, whether “Evangelical” is an outdated term, and the relationship between political beliefs and church attendance. Afterward, a deep dive into party politics commences, covering the GOP’s embrace of working-class men, the right’s broader commitment to bogus election fraud narratives, and how the return of radical chic could spark a new class war. Ultimately, only German words are sufficient to express Chris’ horror at our current situation. Show Notes: - Trash of the titans - Chris on dumping “Evangelical” - Making the church great again - Catholics and politics - The New York Times on Harvard’s atheist chaplain - Jim Banks’ push for a working-class GOP - Jerry Seib on the California recall - The Emerging Democratic Majority - An excuse for whenever you break the la

On today’s Ruminant, an addled and isolated Jonah is haunted by Muppets and their irresistibly catchy songs. He’s also fascinated by the Mark Milley affair, irritated by political figures who disregard the importance of rules, and amused by elites who’ve clearly never read “Radical Chic.” Why are politicians more interested in trolling the opposition than actually doing their jobs? Was the Cigarette Smoking Man really behind the Kennedy assassination? And how many people had to sample poison berries before mankind perfected the art of cooking? Show Notes: - The ultimate tweet - You’re welcome - Wednesday’s Dispatch Podcast - Musings of a cigarette smoking man - Griffin on Milley - Wednesday’s “news”letter - The hidden law - That gala at Anna’s - It’s unputdownable! - Inside Tom Wolfe’s apartment, and more… - The Remnant with Will Saletan on elite overproduction - We already tax the rich - Do CEOs make less than doctors? - Politico annoys Jennifer Rubin Learn more about

Remnant fan favorite and National Review stalwart Ramesh Ponnuru returns today for a thorough discussion of the jurisprudence of abortion and state of the pro-life movement. Although it’s easy to talk about overturning Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey in the abstract, the real-world consequences can be difficult to envision. Jonah and Ramesh explore what a post-Roe United States could look like, touching on laws, the two parties, and public opinion. Along the way, they also examine the horrors of inflation and rise of common good originalism. Plus, all of this happens to remind Jonah of a certain Star Trek episode. Show Notes: - Ramesh’s author page at National Review - Ramesh on overturning Roe v. Wade - The latest polling on Roe - Barack Obama’s record on abortion - The Remnant with David French - Return of the eco-Wilsonians - Rick Perlstein’s “moral panic” - Why Ramesh isn’t worried about inflation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Accomplished attorney and longtime Jonah associate Shannen Coffin joins The Remnant for a deep dive into the constitutionality of Biden’s vaccine mandate and the dysfunctional state of our federal government. Together, they explore the role each branch of government should play in enforcing such a mandate, Biden’s failure to diminish the COVID culture war, and whether the conservative legal movement could fall victim to the ideology of owning the libs. Obligatory references to Robert Bork are also included. To paraphrase Lionel Hutz, can you imagine a podcast without lawyers? Show Notes: -Shannen on partial-birth abortion -Andy McCarthy on Biden’s vaccine mandate -Charlie Cooke responds to Jonah -Jonah responds to Charlie and Andy -The latest Ruminant -An Act Relative to Quarantine -The Remnant with Kevin Kosar on congressional dysfunction -David French on partisanship and the Supreme Court -Never Trump, by Robert Saldin and Steve Tenis Learn more about your ad choices. V

Jonah begins today’s Ruminant on a reflective note, recalling where he was on 9/11 and how the tragedy affected him personally and professionally. Afterward, things get ranty, as Jonah digs into the constitutionality of federal vaccine mandates, the pervasive myth that he doesn’t criticize Joe Biden, and the question of whether America should export democracy to illiberal countries. Why is neoconservatism still so misunderstood? Is Biden really a Clinton in disguise? And how have we reached the point where the classic “Sideshow Bob Roberts” episode of The Simpsons seems more like real life than a cartoon satire? Show Notes: - Jonah reflects on 9/11 - The Dispatch Podcast on 9/11 and Biden’s grim summer - John Podhoretz blasts Biden’s vaccine mandate speech - Biden flip flops on vaccine mandates - Ben Domenech arguing for vaccine mandates in 2015 - The Remnant with Graeme Wood - “Dictatorships and Double Standards” - Jonah breaks down neoconservatism - The Wednesday G-File -

Slate’s Will Saletan returns to The Remnant to discuss the anniversary of 9/11, the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, and oligarchs who can’t resist the sweet taste of candy. With America’s vaccine rollout gaining steam once again, Jonah and Will explore how calamity-ending miracle drugs became the subject of partisan debate, and whether any side truly got the pandemic right. They also touch on the deliciousness of GMOs and how political life may only get crazier in the coming decade. Tune in for violent agreement, but stick around for vigorous debate. Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - Will’s author page at Slate - Will: “Why the Party of 9/11 Couldn’t Handle COVID-19” - The 2001 anthrax attacks - Jonah: “The Treason of Epidemiologists” - The pandemic freakout and the psychology of disgust - Will on paranoia around GMOs - The Dispatch Podcast reflects on 9/11 - What would the experts do? - The Remnant with Peter Suderman - So much for the new Taliban - The Remnant with G

Get your black robes, white wigs, and legal dictionaries ready, because David French is back on The Remnant to evaluate Texas’ controversial new abortion ruling. He and Jonah also explore the Supreme Court’s history of inventing doctrines that can’t be found in written law, before turning to the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and what America’s response to such a tragedy would look like in today’s hyperpolarized moment. Does the Second Amendment protect ownership of surface-to-air missiles? What changes have occured in the pro-life movement? And will Spider-Man: No Way Home destroy the Marvel Universe as we know it? Show Notes: -Advisory Opinions, for all Remnant listeners fluent in legalese -David breaks down the Texas abortion ruling -David and Sarah on abortion in America -David on the state of the pro-life movement -David’s love of qualified immunity -Would reversing Roe have a destabilizing effect? -Jonah on the anniversary of 9/11 -David’s latest book, Divided We Fall -Dav

Jonah’s sailed the seas and seen the world over, but everything always draws him back to good ol’ New York, New York. Still, although today’s Ruminant ends with a discussion of the Big Apple’s terrifying floods (which may or may not have dealt a blow to the local rodent population), it also covers the Supreme Court’s controversial abortion ruling, the pervasive myth that big corporations are right-wing, and “closet normals” in the GOP who pretend to hold crazy views. With shameless book-plugging, Jonah also digs into how the definitions of left and right in politics have changed over time. If you’re a loyal listener, stick around until the end for a proposition you won’t be able to refuse. Show Notes: - David French breaks down the Texas abortion ruling - Jonah’s previous ruminations on abortion - Virginia’s late-term abortion bill - Advisory Opinions takes a deep dive into abortion law - Matt Continetti on the politics of abortion - A disappointing August jobs report - Richar

Graeme Wood, staff writer for The Atlantic, joins The Remnant for the first time to discuss the future of the Taliban, the psychology of extremists, and why, depressingly, America’s political situation may only get crazier. For the sake of levity, Jonah is also sure to ask about Graeme’s experiences hitchhiking across Afghanistan and bootlegging liquor in Iraq, as well as the quirks of being bilingual. Tune in additionally for an update on Jonah’s book collection, but stick around for your periodical reminder not to immanentize the eschaton. Show Notes: - Graeme’s author page at The Atlantic - Graeme on the future of ISIS - Graeme on understanding the Taliban - The overrepresentation of converts among jihadists - Evangelicals who don’t go to church - Eric Voegelin’s New Science of Politics - Is the Muslim world ignoring the plight of the Uyghurs? - Graeme’s profile of Peter Turchin - The great man theory of history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoic

Peter Suderman, Reason magazine’s features editor and cocktail connoisseur, makes his first appearance on The Remnant today to preach the gospel of Kanye West. He also gives his thoughts on the Afghanistan withdrawal, the potential of Bitcoin to replace currency as we know it, and the government’s propensity to, as Jonah puts it, “spend like a pimp with a week to live.” Is it finally time to buy gold? Does anyone still believe that Spider-Man: No Way Home won’t be a crossover movie? And will Jonah’s rendition of “Rapper’s Delight” become the new Remnant theme song? Show Notes: -Peter’s author page at Reason -Cocktails with Suderman -Macheath spends like a sailor -Stein’s law -Money Mischief, by Milton Friedman -Peter on the GOP’s lack of a clear economic policy -The sweet taste of power -Eco-Wilsonians -The Parents Music Resource Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the last few years, the conservative movement has gone through a number of obvious changes. But Jonah believes he’s stayed consistent in his views, and uses today’s Ruminant to explain why. He also touches on the end of Biden’s eviction moratorium, the legacy of the “intellectual dark web,” and how hyperpolarization is rotting peoples’ brains. Tune in to hear Jonah’s final thoughts on the Afghanistan tragedy, but stick around to see if he can refrain from giggling at Sidney Powell’s potential disbarment. Show Notes: - The Dispatch’s Afghanistan editorial - The Dispatch Podcast on the Afghanistan evacuation - The Economist on Afghanistan’s consequences - Supreme Court ends Biden’s eviction moratorium - Robert Reich, Jonah’s BFF - “Right-wing extremists” - The sweet taste of vaccines - Just deserts - “Leave the rest to me” - Penetrating analysis from Bret Weinstein - Jonah on the “intellectual dark web” - Last week’s ranty-yet-sentimental Ruminant - “Our people hate the

On today’s episode, Jonah, now back in his empty nest in D.C., desperately requires a distraction from the oppressive August heat. Fortunately, RealClearPolitics associate editor and fan-favorite guest A.B. Stoddard has just the topic: infrastructure. Exceedingly rank punditry ensues, as they explore divisions within the Democratic Party, racial progress in America, and why moderate Democrats find it difficult to be loud about their moderation. Along the way, they also discuss whether COVID or the Afghanistan tragedy can be blamed for President Biden’s declining approval ratings. Brace your bingo cards. Show Notes: - A.B.’s author page at RealClearPolitics - The Wednesday G-File - Uphill breaks down the latest infrastructure developments - Hakeem Jefferies and Josh Gottheimer launch a PAC to defend incumbents - Drive-thru voting in Houston - The Remnant with Tim Carney - Suicide bombings in Kabul - Biden’s plummeting approval ratings - Jonah on invisible but deadly entities

David French guest-hosts The Remnant today while Jonah returns home from his western voyage. He’s joined by Klon Kitchen, expert on national security and defense technology at the American Enterprise Institute. Together, they explore the state of the Afghanistan withdrawal, deficiencies in American cybersecurity, and social media censorship at the hands of Big Tech. Should the Taliban be understood as a unified or factional entity? Can we expect meaningful Big Tech legislation to be implemented anytime soon? And will David’s DC Comics bias preclude any discussion of Tobey Maguire’s inevitable appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home? Show Notes: -The Kitchen Sync -David reflects on the War in Afghanistan -The state of the Afghanistan evacuation -2034: A Novel of the Next World War -Klon on rethinking government access to consumer data -Klon’s report on Section 230 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, recorded live from the pungent parking lot of a California West Marine, Yiddish terms are required to describe Jonah’s emotional state. With his daughter Lucy leaving home, he processes his grief by exploring John Rawls’ original position, existentialist movie-making, and why American popular culture is much more conservative than most people realize. Afterward, all sentimentality fades away as an epic rant on the situation in Afghanistan and the dismal state of American politics commences. Animated by unprecedented annoyance, Jonah argues that President Biden has revealed himself to be plainly unfit for office. But that doesn’t make Trump look any more appealing. Show Notes: -Nine Days, which plunged Jonah into an existential crisis -Philosophy 101 -Jonah’s pro-life ruminations -Sweet victory -The Remnant with Eli Lake -The Dispatch Podcast on Afghanistan -Jonah’s uncontroversial tweet which provoked nothing but love and praise Learn more about your ad

Bloomberg Opinion columnist Eli Lake joins Jonah for a thorough discussion of the tragic situation in Afghanistan. Is President Biden’s leadership to blame for the catastrophe? Did Biden ignore warnings that withdrawal would result in a Taliban takeover? And how did the Afghanistan war go from being celebrated on Saturday Night Live to such a tragic conclusion? Things aren’t all doom and gloom, however, as Eli is sure to end on a note of optimism. The American experiment has endured challenges on the global stage in the past, but rejuvenation has also been accomplished. Besides, America’s adversaries have plenty of their own problems to contend with. Show Notes: -Eli’s page at Bloomberg Opinion -Eli’s review of Jonathan Rauch’s The Constitution of Knowledge -It happened -David Sanger: “For Biden, Images of Defeat He Wanted to Avoid” -Jonah: “Dishonor in Afghanistan” -Well this is awkward -Eli: “Framed and Guilty” -Murphyism -“Suckers and losers” -The great debate -Eli j

Today’s Ruminant finds Jonah deprived of air conditioning in the middle of brutal D.C. heat, baffled by inexplicable decisions made by figures across the political spectrum. With the Taliban advancing in Afghanistan, progressives arguing that ACTUALLY, kids don’t need to master math and reading, and President Biden considering vaccine mandates for interstate travel, there’s plenty to be annoyed about. Tune in also to hear Jonah’s thoughts on liberal nostalgia, socioeconomic divisions, and the propensity of the politically-obsessed to freak out about minor things. Oh, and bring a squeegee. Show Notes: - The Morning Dispatch breaks down the Afghanistan situation - An emergency Dispatch Podcast on Afghanistan - The Ethics and Public Policy Center’s Honor Among Nations - International community, eh? - Trump’s enduring delusions - Frederick M. Hess on Oregon’s “soft bigotry of low expectations” - David Brooks reflects on Bobos in Paradise - The Wednesday G-File - Sombart on social

Charles C.W. Cooke, National Review’s Anglo-American purveyor of liberty and golf carts, returns to The Remnant for a spirited discussion of accents, constitutionalism, and all things Floridian. Although Ron DeSantis has faced persistent criticism, Charlie believes he got COVID right, and explains why. With many references to James Madison. Meanwhile, Jonah remains puzzled by the right’s fondness for Hungary, the increasingly imperialistic nature of the presidency, and Charles’ blissful ignorance of foreign policy. At the end of it all, a fundamental question remains that only listeners can answer: What’s the best theme song in TV history? Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - The great debate - Bill Maher defends Ron DeSantis - Rabbit season - Charlie’s takedown of Rebekah Jones - Hungary eyes - “The Salazar Option” - Achieving our Country, by Richard Rorty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Case Western University professor Jonathan Adler brings his fluency in legalese to The Remnant today for a conversation that would make Milton Hershey proud. In freewheeling fashion, he and Jonah explore the constitutional implications of the eviction moratorium, whether The Suicide Squad is worth watching, and how mitigating the threat of climate change through nuclear power won’t produce an abundance of three-eyed fish. Stick around for a thorough discussion of the principles on which the conservative movement should be based, which causes Jonah and Jonathan to rapidly age into a pair of ornery octogenarians. Show Notes: -Jonathan’s first Remnant appearance -Jonathan’s unique take on the peanut butter cup -Laurence Tribe defends the eviction moratorium -“A rare act of presidential civil disobedience” -Is the Supreme Court the Guardian of the Constitution? by Robert A. Licht -The Constitution in Congress, by David P. Currie -The latest IPCC report -“I didn’t get rich by wr

The drive-time Remnant format returns today to prelude a new era for The Dispatch. With Nick Pompella now off to the wilds of Indiana, Jonah, Ryan, and Guy are left to explore the mad world of D.C. living and marmite advertising as a trio. Brace your bingo cards for a wild ride, as Jonah reflects on his conversation with Steak-umm social media guru Nathan Allebach, Ryan ponders the origin of “Republicans pounce,” and Guy previews an epic oral history of The Simpsons. Was Marbury v. Madison wrongly decided? What’s so funny about the sweet taste of candy? And who will succeed Nick as the Alfred to Jonah’s Batman? Show Notes: - The Remnant with Nathan Allebach - Joe Isuzu - Advertising reaches its peak - Guy and Ryan on The Comments Section podcast - Salty campaigning - “These Superbowl commercials are weird” - The Dispatch Podcast on the eviction moratorium extension - Republicans pounce on Cori Bush - Vindication for Jonah on “Latinx” - The Wednesday G-File - Jonah’s hatred

In the past, The Remnant has hosted prominent politicians, scholars, and media personalities. But none of them have made Jonah as excited as today’s guest: Nathan Allebach, manager of the Steak-umm Twitter account. In a conversation laden with meat-related puns, Jonah and Nathan take a deep dive into the bizarre world of social media, where fast food brands often offer greater intellectual nuance than most political commentators. Neil deGrasse Tyson, online abuse, and the origins of Nathan’s glorious enterprise are all discussed, as Jonah examines whether we’d be better off without the internet. At the end of it all, one vital hot-button question remains unanswered: Are hot dogs sandwiches? Show Notes: - Wednesday’s “news”letter - Where the magic happens - The Joe Rogan episode that changed everything - The Twitter verification saga - Major beef with Neil deGrasse Tyson - Rationalia, eh? - Vindication for the Baconator - What a time to be alive Learn more about your ad choice

Chris Stirewalt is back on The Remnant to discuss how we can make politics boring again. As Chris observes, we’ve entered a “wilderness of grifts,” where opportunistic nationalism and Lincoln Project-style chicanery are all the rage. Meanwhile, a new group is trying to turn Joe Biden into FDR, factions on the right are embracing the progressive vision of government, and rage clicks are poisoning the political well. What can we learn from Lincoln in this bizarre moment? How do Americans really feel about abortion? And will Chris finally make a pious man out of Jonah? Show Notes: -The Morning Dispatch breaks down the infrastructure negotiations -The Jane Mayer piece that made Jonah’s morning -Jonah explores Trump’s grip on the GOP -Ave, true to Trump -Trump’s endorsement goes awry in Texas -The Remnant with Dan McLaughlin -Biden’s team of rivals -The Great Debate, by Yuval Levin -Jonah’s decadent dysfunction -Jonah on the implications of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health -Th

Today’s ranty Ruminant finds Jonah alternately perplexed and irritated by the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, illiberalism in politics, and folks who think Twitter is real life. He begins by digging into the CDC’s revised guidance on masks and the possible implications of America’s stalling vaccine campaign. From there, things get nerdy, as Jonah explores the state of conservative institutions and weirdness of internet culture. Any cartoonists listening should stick around until the end for some striking inspiration. Show Notes: - Christian Schneider on anti-racism - Jonah on the new mask mandates - Wednesday’s “news”letter - Last year’s kooky Washington Times piece on masks - Crisis and Leviathan, by Robert Higgs - The Dispatch Podcast on the CDC and January 6 - The Remnant with Tim Carney - Marty Makary on the push to vaccinate children - Laura K. Field’s essay on the Claremont Institute - The Remnant with Dan McLaughlin - Scarlett Johansson sues Disney Learn more about

American Enterprise Institute scholar and fan-favorite Remnant guest Tim Carney joins Jonah for a wide-ranging discussion of obscure political philosophy, the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, and why babies are good. In these strange, often distressing times, it can be easy to take a pessimistic view of the conservative movement and America more broadly. Tim, however, believes we should be hopeful on both of these fronts. What does it mean to be an old individualist? Will new mask mandates presage a return to lockdowns? And does it really take a village to raise a child? Show Notes: - Tim’s page at the Washington Examiner - Khaya Himmelman’s profile of Mike Lindell - The Remnant with Dan McLaughlin - “Crisis actors” - Laura Ingraham’s oscars - “Pelosi Republicans” - Patriotic cuisine - The CDC revises its mask guidance - The Wednesday G-File - Washington Examiner: “Vaccinate India” - Making the U.S. more family-friendly - David Brooks: “The Nuclear Family was a Mistake” Le

Unlike Ozzie Smith on his visit to Springfield, Jonah didn’t fall off the face of the Earth during his northeastern excursion last week. Today, he’s back in control of The Remnant, and invites National Review’s Dan McLaughlin onto the show for a discussion of what the future holds for the Republican Party. Together, they explore the creation of the January 6 select committee, how the role of a political commentator differs from that of a political operative, and whether fusionism will survive the challenges currently facing the right. It’s an episode dedicated to the common good. Show Notes: -Dan’s page at National Review -Dan’s call for Trump’s impeachment -The Morning Dispatch breaks down the January 6 committee -Trump profits from false election fraud claims -Ali Alexander and the Capitol riot -Liz Cheney and Kevin McCarthy’s ongoing feud -NR’s “Against Trump” issue -Dan’s views on fusionism and Republican history -Jonah’s views on fusionism -Dan responds to Adrian Ver

Chris Stirewalt is back in the driver’s seat on today’s Remnant in place of Jonah. This time, his guest is Robert Pondiscio, a newly minted fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and expert on education policy. Together, they explore how various deficiencies in American schooling can be overcome. Can patriotic civics and history be taught without indoctrinating pupils? How significant of a threat is critical race theory? And will discussing their own high school experiences force Chris and Robert to confront painful repressed memories? Show Notes: - Robert’s page at AEI - The National Assessment of Educational Progress - Robert: “How U.S. Schools Became Obsessed with Race” - The influence of Horace Mann - Robert on what the critical race theory debate overlooks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s vocal double Chris Stirewalt seizes control of The Remnant today in Dostoyevskian fashion. His guest? CNN’s Harry Enten, who shares Chris’ obsession with polling data. The two explore why polling in 2020 was so inaccurate, the quirks of online polling, and why Republicans who answer polls tend not to represent Republicans at large. They also dig into demographic divisions over vaccine uptake and how vaccine skeptics can be swayed. Tune in for incisive political analysis, but stick around for a considered discussion of which diet cola is America’s finest. Show Notes: - Harry’s author page at CNN - Jeff Bezos casually visits outer space - 2020’s major polling blunders - Inaccurate polling in 1980 and 2012 - How the polls did in 2018 - Max Boot complains about vaccination rates in Republican states - Demographic trends in the vaccine rollout - The vaccine rollout’s partisan divide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get your bingo cards ready, because Yuval Levin is back on The Remnant today to counteract Alex Tabarrok’s libertarian influence. Which side is the aggressor in the culture war? How will history remember the Trump era? And why is the left substituting relativism for absolutism? Tune in for answers to these vital questions (which include plenty of ostentatious references to Leo Strauss), but stick around to hear Yuval deliver a heartening affirmation of American exceptionalism. The United States is facing challenges, and we have much to fix, but we have even more to be proud of. As any immigrant would tell you, there really is no greater country than America today. Show Notes: - The week’s first Remnant with Alex Tabarrok - Kevin Drum: “If You Hate the Culture Wars, Blame Liberals” - Tim Miller: “Who’s Actually Responsible for the ‘Culture War?’” - Jonah’s G-File responding to both Drum and Miller - Yuval’s third book, The Great Debate - CPAC attendees applaud Biden’s missed vacc

Alex Tabarrok, perhaps the world’s sole Canadian libertarian, joins The Remnant today for the first time. Inflation is on the rise, the vaccine rollout is stalling, and illiberalism is resurgent. In other words, there are plenty of demanding issues for Americans to be concerned about. Thankfully, Tabarrok has a range of considered policy solutions for Jonah to explore. How can we revitalize democracy? Would open borders work? And should we abandon advanced civilization now before the machines destroy us all? Show Notes: -Alex’s website -“Inflation, no chance …” -Jonah on the wackiness of vaccine paranoia -Newsmax outcrazies itself -The Mayor Quimby of anti-vaxxers -Jonah on the importance of character -Ezra Klein on the good old days -Alex’s case for open borders -“Born American, but in the Wrong Place” -The Baumol effect -Home Economics, by Nick Shulz -The elite master’s degrees that don’t pay off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, Jonah discusses everything from obscure existentialist philosophy to the realism of zombie TV. Rank punditry is first on the docket, as Jonah examines Biden’s poor handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and Republican efforts to whitewash the events of January 6. Afterward, Jonah defends his recent comments about Tucker Carlson and explores the world’s progress on vaccinations. Is Western civilization buckling under the weight of liberal guilt? Should America be the world’s policeman? And will Ramesh Ponnuru ever persuade Jonah to change his mind about the death penalty? Show Notes: - Biden brings the Afghanistan withdrawal date forward - The New York Times’ devastating January 6 video - The latest Dispatch Podcast - Jonah’s debate with Joshua Tait - Jonah’s final word on critical race theory - The week’s second Remnant with Will Saletan - “I’m not getting anything…” - Jonah’s Tucker tweet, which caused no controversy - Trouble in Tokyo - Republican cr

Slate’s Will Saletan joins The Remnant once again to discuss Trump’s lunatic lawsuit against big tech, Biden’s first six months, and the endless debate over critical race theory in education. Plus, in a shocking turn of events, Will challenges Jonah on his oft-repeated line that America has two minority parties, instead arguing that both Democrats and Republicans are engaging in a war on reality fueled by the strangeness of the internet. Be ready with your bingo cards, because Jonah’s references to defunding the police, the term “Latinx,” and the annoyingness of teachers’ unions arrive at an unprecedented rate. Show Notes: - Will’s page at Slate - Will on Trump’s crusade against democracy - Trump’s insane press conference - Jonah: “Yes, progressives. You really do need Joe Manchin” - Yesterday’s “news”letter - Tourism in 2021 - “The American Mythology of Racial Progress” - Trigger warnings are triggering - Facebook’s astonishing list of genders Learn more about your ad choic

Only Remnant listeners fluent in legalese should subject themselves to today’s discussion of Supreme Court jurisprudence, in which fan-favorite classical liberal Ilya Shapiro returns to claim his coveted gold jacket. Jonah and Ilya explore what the court’s conservative majority will mean for future cases and whether the conservative legal movement should adapt its philosophy in the wake of Bostock v. Clayton County. They also touch on some of the most controversial issues raised by recent Supreme Court decisions, including Arizona’s voting laws and free speech in public schools. David and Sarah, eat your heart out! Show Notes: - Ilya’s latest book, Supreme Disorder - The mysterious shadow docket - Fulton v. City of Philadelphia - “After Bostock, We’re All Textualists Now” - Walter Olson in The Dispatch on HIPAA - The Supreme Court upholds Arizona voting restrictions - Ilya: “The Voter Suppression Lie” - Advisory Opinions on the Supreme Court’s cheerleader case - Ilya’s campai

Today’s ranty Ruminant features killer whales, hunter-gatherers, and a special appearance by Jonah’s importunate dingo. It also includes as much kvetching about partisan craziness and misunderstood aspects of intellectual history as you’d expect. Jonah begins by discussing the latest Trump tax scandal, the root cause of Tucker Carlson’s apparent insanity, and the GOP brouhaha over the January 6 commission. He then reflects on Donald Rumsfeld’s time in the White House. The show concludes with a mini-commercial for Suicide of the West, gratuitous shots at Rousseau and Marx, and reflections on the Fourth of July. It’s a veritable Goldbergian greatest hits. Show Notes: - Andy McCarthy on Manhattan’s Ahab - Scott Gottleib’s new book, Uncontrolled Spread - Encouraging job news - Kevin McCarthy’s response to the January 6 commission - Paul Gosar and Nick Fuentes, BFFs - Thursday’s Twitter-bashing Remnant with Mo Elleithee - Somebody’s (still) watching me… - Tucker blames the FBI for

The Hangover has now concluded, and Chris Stirewalt thought it appropriate to provide an epilogue to the series. If the last four years have taught us anything, Chris observes, it’s that “people are terrible at predicting the future.” After the GOP’s victory in 2016, nobody could have guessed that the party would be swept out of power four years later, or that our lives would be upended by a pandemic. Going forward, there’s no way of knowing whether the GOP will overcome its current craziness or completely self-destruct, but the rot within the party reveals as much about America itself as it does Republican politicians. Making our republic healthier and stronger is a job for all of us, and we can accomplish it by engaging with our institutions and communities. This series has been a pleasure to put together, and we at The Dispatch send our thanks not only to all of Chris’ guests, but to all of you for listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fan-favorite political strategist Mo Elleithee returns to The Remnant today for a discussion of Joe Biden’s first six months in office, America’s deepening polarization, and how we should understand the results of the 2020 election. With debates over issues like critical race theory and police reform continuing to intensify, has the Democratic Party really shifted as far to the left as conservatives believe? For that matter, what can Mo’s latest Battleground Poll tell us about the challenges America faces, and why is the political side of Twitter so inexpressibly hideous? It’s a dream come true for lovers of statistics and infrastructure. Show Notes: - Mo’s work at the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service - Mo’s recent appearance on The Dispatch Podcast - Nate Cohn on the statistics behind the 2020 election - Chris Wallace accuses Republicans of defunding the police - The Bill Clinton/Lani Guinier episode - Abigail Spanberger blasts progressive sloganeering - Sea

The Hangover concludes on a unique note, as David Glade, rector of Virginia’s Christ the King Anglican Church, joins Chris Stirewalt to discuss what the future holds for religion in a divided America. Politics, the pair note, can be an especially alluring idol. Today, even shopping at Home Depot is seen as a political act, and the forces of populism and wokery have supplanted real faiths in the lives of many Americans. Committed Christians, meanwhile, increasingly focus on relatively trivial political issues rather than deeper ethical matters. With politics, David observes, “a little more disinterestedness may not be a bad thing” when true religion can offer so much more to human beings. He and Chris also reflect on the evolution of American Christianity and how the relationship between evangelicals and the GOP changed in the age of Trump. Show Notes: -David’s work at Christ the King -The Falls Church split -The Great Awakening and the American Revolution -Mircea Eliade on what

Start spreading the news: Esteemed historian Vincent Cannato is back on The Remnant to discuss all things New York City. After digging into the ongoing mayoral election, Curtis Sliwa’s rescue cats, and Rudy Giuliani’s descent into madness, Jonah and Vin explore what the Big Apple’s partisan divisions reveal about America’s broader political shenanigans. From there, they consider how the paranoid style in American politics can explain the right’s embrace of post-liberal Catholic integralism. At the end of it all, one question remains: Who will be the third man in Jonah and Vin’s upcoming production of On the Town? Show Notes: -The New York Post backs Eric Adams -Brad Lander’s comptroller campaign -Curtis Sliwa’s colorful discussion with Eric Shawn -Vincent: “Same Old, Same Old, Same Old” -Did Fred Trump attend a KKK rally? -“I’m no FDR, but …” -Jonah on the latest infrastructure fracas -Bingo -OAN’s remarkable craziness -Mamma mia! -Somebody’s watching me... Learn more a

Sleep-deprived following his return from Oklahoma and haunted by visions of Nick, Jonah begins today’s Ruminant with the mother of all rants. Why, when there are so many urgent issues for Americans to be concerned with, is the New York Times more interested in denying objective reality and attacking the concept of motherhood? For that matter, why is the fight over critical race theory only getting crazier, and why is Sheldon Whitehouse seemingly sowing the seeds for a new Tyler Perry script? Tune in to hear these bizarre questions answered, and to learn of Jonah’s vehicular writing habits. Show Notes: -The Wednesday “news”letter -The New York Times piece that ruined Jonah’s morning -Facebook’s list of many genders -Insane people who think “covfefe” was Arabic code -Birthing people in Biden’s budget -Trigger warnings are now triggering -Jonah on the war over CRT -Gen. Mark Milley defends teaching CRT at West Point -Tucker Carlson’s charming response to Milley’s comments -M

On today’s Remnant, recorded in the wilds of Oklahoma, Jonah once again attempts to fuse the weekend Ruminant format with that of a supplemental episode. He begins by elaborating on his pro-life views and what abortion law would look like if he were made czar for a day. Afterward, a nerdtastic dive into the morass of intellectual history begins, as Jonah uses an extract from The Tyranny of Clichés (which is still available from all good book sellers, hint-hint) to explore what separation of church and state really means in American life. Tune in not just to hear Jonah’s patented progressive-bashing, but to either commend or correct his pronunciation of a certain troublesome name. Show Notes: -The Wednesday “news”letter -Biden’s Catholic quandary -Moynihan on partial-birth abortion -Locke’s “A Letter Concerning Toleration” -Don’t burn the witch -JFK (or possibly Mayor Quimby) and Catholicism -Mario Cuomo’s Notre Dame speech -Jonah’s deep affection for Richard Ely -Barack Ob

Conservative journalism has changed markedly since John Podhoretz began his career at the Washington Times in the early 1980s. When Matt Drudge broke the Monica Lewinsky story in 1998, it was clear that things would never be the same. On today’s episode of The Hangover, John joins Chris Stirewalt to explore how the changing media ecosystem contributed to Donald Trump’s election in 2016. The pair reflect on the creation of The Weekly Standard, electoral politics in the Clinton and Obama years, and how Trump’s victory affected the conservative movement. Even though Trump is no longer president, will his presence in conservative media continue to be felt for the foreseeable future? Show Notes: -John’s page at Commentary -John on the history of The Weekly Standard -Bill Clinton’s 1996 State of the Union address -Matt Drudge breaks the Lewinsky scandal -Josh Marshall: “The Digital News Industry Was Built on Lies” -Glenn Beck and Roger Ailes -Obama’s birth certificate coffee mugs

Scott Winship, director of poverty studies at the American Enterprise Institute, joins Jonah to discuss the history of poverty in the United States. The pair begin by digging into a new report from Scott and four of his peers that explores issues of black vs. white inequality, before they turn to examining potential solutions to these disparities. Is the success sequence outdated? Should America be based on bourgeois morality? And will Jonah ever forgive Scott for collaborating with scholars at the hated Brookings Institution? Show Notes: -“Long Shadows,” Scott’s report on the black-white gap in multigenerational poverty -Scott joins the candy eaters on the Brookings Cafeteria Podcast -The Moynihan Report -LBJ (Jonah’s second favorite president) on affirmative action -Baby bonds -The success sequence -Nigerians have the highest level of education in the U.S. -Black Identities, by Mary Waters -Scott: “Is it Really too Expensive to Raise a Family?” -Scott’s case against

Fair warning: Eating styrofoam may prove more constructive than listening to today’s drive-time Remnant, which contains even less substance than your average Seinfeld episode. Jonah (scourge of baggage agents across America), Ryan (softball hero of the think-tank league and true retainer to The Remnant’s legacy), Guy (who contributed nothing to this episode because “Talkin’ Softball” was stuck in his head), and Nick (full-time Renfield to Jonah’s Dracula) reunite to explore the pointlessness of various government departments, kooky conservative reactions to making Juneteenth a federal holiday, and political blogging in the dark ages of the internet. The quartet also has sad news to impart: Beginning next week, Nick will no longer be serving as Jonah’s research assistant. To mark his departure and celebrate his legacy, the guys talk about absolute guff for about an hour, and then retroactively stick some newsy things onto the front of the show. Show Notes: - The enduring strangeness o

After several years worth of appearances, David Bahnsen (managing partner and chief investment officer at the Bahnsen Group) finally comes on to talk about his main gig: how money works. It only took five whole shows for Jonah to stop asking him about the postmillenial view about how the world’s going to end. But what better time to start asking about the economy than now, as the national conversation turns to taxing the rich, reopening the economy after a year and a half, and whether or not we’re entering an inflationary spiral? Oh, and David’s in the Five-Timer’s Club now. Show Notes: - That time that David Bahnsen started COVID - David sub-hosts for Jonah, talks to David (the other one) - Remember “flattening” the curve? - David recognized a COVID/obesity connection in May 2020 - Jonah on the ProPublica story - David’s somewhat mistimed book on Elizabeth Warren’s campaign - David in Commentary on wealth tax proposals - Larry Summers doesn’t like wealth taxes - “Sticky wage

While it’s true that Chris Stirewalt came to perform an autopsy on the GOP’s 2020 election strategy and results, it’s worth pointing out that “the GOP” as a rule didn’t do all that badly in 2020 – the real problem was Donald Trump. Given this state of affairs, Chris decided to reverse course momentarily by speaking to Parker Poling, the 2019-2020 executive director of the National Republican Congressional Committee and one of the primary architects of the GOP strategy for congressional elections in 2020. Parker helps to give us a better sense of why Republicans entering the party without Trumpian baggage were able to outperform the president in their own state and local elections and what it was like to make such strides in diversifying the GOP cohort to include more women and racial minorities at a time of revanchist populism. Parker even gives us her advice for freshman members of Congress (Hint: Most of them don’t follow it, even though they should). Show Notes: -Parker’s time

Recorded in anticipation of the change of government that Israel has undergone, Jonah brought back one of his oldest friends Tevi Troy, now a fresh face at the Bipartisan Policy Center. The pair discusses the differences between our chaos-filled presidential system and Israel’s chaos-filled parliamentary system, Bibi Netanyahu’s legacy, and why, in a world filled with limitless technological delights, Hollywood’s blockbuster movies are just so bad. Show Notes: -Tevi’s new gig -How do different democracies pick their head of state/government? -“Jimmy’s my Jewish friend” -Tevi describes what to expect from a Democratic White House’s relationship with Israel -New coalition government ousts Netanyahu -Recent antisemitic attacks look like images from Europe, not America -Bari Weiss’ book, How to Fight Anti-Semitism -Jonah on structural antisemitism -Tevi’s case for optimism -The Fish of Monte Cristo -Tevi’s book, Shall We Wake the President? Learn more about your ad choices.

Jonah returns to the classic Ruminant format for the end of the week, which turned out to be a rather newsy, strange sequence of days. From Jeffrey Toobin’s seminal moment (not the one you’re thinking of), to Kamala Harris’ Skeletor-like tactic for dodging questions, all the way to a story about taxation that Jonah thinks has more going on in it than most people think (it may even break “one of the most sacred compacts of government”), this episode brings us reeling back through the mists of time all the way to… last summer, when Jonah was doing this every Friday. Show notes: Jeffrey Toobin continues to help himself on CNN, in spite of our protestations Politico’s Playbook, and their analysis of Kamala’s Guatemala visit “Her greatest hypocrisy is in her pretense that she is a woman.” The painfully awkward Lester Holt/Kamala Harris interview “Some of his sentences give me the same sensation as falling backward in one of those ‘trust’ exercises, in which you just have to hope thin

The Remnant gets rank today as Josh Kraushaar, one of Jonah’s favorite party-obsessive pundits, returns to discuss everything electoral. As Jonah has mentioned more than a few times in recent months, America now has two minority parties, both of which seem to be trying to out-crazy the other. In distinctly wonky fashion, Josh explores why this is the case, and what the future holds for a country with two moons and no sun. Will the GOP ever be rid of Trump’s influence? Why do Democrats keep using “Latinx”? And will Jonah finally learn to stop worrying and love primaries? Show Notes: - Josh’s page at National Journal - Josh’s podcast, Against the Grain - North Carolina’s Senate race gets Trumped - Josh Mandel burns a face mask - Trump’s gun control flip-flopping - “Please clap.” - Josh: “Trump is Sabotaging the GOP’s Senate Prospects” - April’s career-ruining Remnant with Mike Gallagher - No one uses Latinx ... - … except Elizabeth Warren - Jonah: “Abolishing Police Departmen

NBC’s Steve Kornacki saw his star shine a little brighter on November 3rd, 2020 and the succeeding weeks as he walked Americans through the results of a long, arduous, and oftentimes confusing election. But Kornacki has been providing that kind of astute analysis for a long time, and he’s bringing it to this episode of The Hangover to discuss how our changing electorate has contributed to the sense of political chaos from the 90s until now. In a political culture where polling seems less and less accurate, and where the weak parties contribute to strong partisanship, how can the GOP claw its way back to a sensible-but-popular agenda? Show Notes: -Steve Kornacki’s The Red and the Blue: The 1990s and the Birth of Political Tribalism -Republicans were not enthusiastic for Romney -“The Growth and Opportunity Project,” or, the 2012 GOP autopsy -Ohio is much more Republican now than it was four years ago -Wisconsin’s “WOW” counties Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.

In a world increasingly subjected to discussions of Jewish space lasers, fake birth certificates, and luciferian pedophile cabals, the truth could use a spirited defense. Jonathan Rauch, whose work Jonah has cited on countless occasions, finally appears on The Remnant today to offer exactly that. The two discuss Jonathan’s new book, The Constitution of Knowledge, which explores how all Americans can defend free inquiry and objective reality. Are trolling and propaganda as American as apple pie? Do Marxists run a monopoly on disinformation? And should loyal listeners abandon all hope of Jonah ever publishing that “Liberal Fascism Reconsidered” essay? Show Notes: - Jonathan’s page at Brookings, where they’re always eating candy - The Constitution of Knowledge, Jonathan’s new book - Kindly Inquisitors, Jonathan’s second book and a Jonah favorite - “You didn’t build that.” - Jonathan in defense of free speech - That other time Trump ran for president - Michael Flynn’s call for a M

You wanted the best and you got the best: the hottest FM radio imitation in the world, Friday’s drive-time Ruminant. Feast your ears on the third installment of this curio, as Jonah (unquestioned ruler of the fun side of The Dispatch), Ryan (cicada sous chef and alien aficionado), Guy (unofficial American and classic Simpsons obsessive), and Nick (as good a Straussian as Michael Jordan was a baseball player) join forces to save America from Michael Moore’s invasive telescope. Some serious punditry is mixed in, too, as the quartet explores Donald Trump’s latest antics, memories of Bush-era conservatism, and the possible existence of little green men. As always, please share your feedback on this format, positive, negative, and otherwise. If enough people don’t like these episodes, we can say they were also released during the Chinese lab-leak. Show Notes: - Ryan and Alec’s early summer feast - Jonah’s eulogy to his dad - Charlie Cooke’s report on Trump’s delusions of reinstatement

In his younger and more vulnerable years, Jonah had a minor obsession with criminology (for no reason in particular, he says). Today, he rekindles that old passion by talking to Shawn Bushway, a scholar at the University at Albany and the RAND Corporation, about the history of crime in America. The pair begins by exploring whether crime is currently on the rise, before launching into a supremely wonky discussion of cities, statistics, and the root causes of criminal behavior. Is the broken windows theory on its way out? Has America made any real progress on race? And why are Democrats still talking about defunding the police? Show Notes: - Shawn’s page at RAND - Racial disparities in criminal justice - Is racial progress a myth? - Trends and patterns in interracial marriage - Marvin Wolfgang - LBJ’s crime commission - “The Racist Roots of Campus Policing” - Only 25 percent of Americans favor decreased police spending Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho

Chris Stirewalt’s third guest is AEI Fellow and Washington Free Beacon founder Matthew Continetti, who gives voice to the story of the GOP’s ascendant populism from the historical perspective of the American right and the conservative movement. As Matt says, while Trump may have proved the usefulness of populism as a last-ditch electoral strategy, the long-form history of right-wing populism shows that “apocalypticism is a feature, or even the dark side, of populist movements.” By Matt’s lights, conservative politicians in Washington had a vastly different understanding of what “constitutional conservatism” meant compared to the grassroots, but they kept in lockstep regardless. These contradictions simmered under the surface for years, only to explode into the Trump campaign. “For the Tea Partiers, [it meant] that the current government in Washington D.C. was something of an alien, invasive presence. And radical measures were necessary to beat it back.” Additionally, tune in for an ana

Has conservatism always been a grift? Not according to Jonah and today’s guest, the illustrious David French. The pair ascend through various levels of wonkery, beginning with an assessment of critical race theory’s philosophical origins and ending with an exploration of superhero morality. Along the way, they discuss First Amendment jurisprudence, crippling video game addictions, and the ongoing debate over whether Army of the Dead is actually worth watching. To learn if David is secretly a supreme being, however, you’ll have to tune in again next Tuesday … Show Notes: - David’s French Press - Advisory Opinions, for all of you who speak legalese - David debates Christopher Rufo on critical race theory in public schools - Jonah still disagrees with Joshua Tait - Michael Flynn calls for a Myanmar-style coup in the U.S. Yes, really - Jonah on bridge-and-tunnel populism - Last Friday’s G-File - Jonah’s ancient disagreement with David on the zombie apocalypse Learn more about yo

Only those who own ties imprinted with portraits of Burke and Hayek should tune in for today’s Ruminant, which sees Jonah’s philosophical rumination reach dangerous instability. After assessing the increasingly credible COVID-19 lab-leak theory (and remembering the time Trump suggested using “the heat and the light” to cure the virus), Jonah examines what the debate over woke corporations reveals about the state of the conservative movement. He then dives headfirst into the morass of intellectual history, to explore how conservatives really feel about democracy. It’s an episode Albert Jay Nock couldn’t resist. Show Notes: - Young Guns, the greatest book ever written - Jonah: “How the Media Botched the Lab-Leak Story” - Vindication for Mr. Geraghty - Memories of disinfectant - Matt Gaetz delivers a fresh dose of crazy - Phil Klein: “Woke Capitalism and its Threat to Fusionism” - Dullest headline contest - Jonah: “Pro-Business or Pro-Market” - If Jonah ran the zo

With a country split practically down the middle when it comes to politics, it’s a truism that the GOP needs to broaden its base if it wants to win elections. But it’s hard to make progress when the party’s leadership is struggling to make heads or tails of its own voters, let alone outsiders. Republicans could stand to take a few lessons from former Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, who was the House Majority Leader for the 112th Congress. Cantor tells The Dispatch’s Chris Stirewalt that he developed a necessary trait for a Republican coming to political consciousness in a deeply suburbanizing, ever-more purple Virginia: It was “a vision [to] add more people to the armies and champions of liberty,” and he makes the case that this should still be the priority for elected Republicans. Show Notes: -Richard Obenshain -Virginia’s population boom -Young Guns: A New Generation of Conservative Leaders -Boehner’s “Dollar-for-dollar” plans -Eric Cantor talks about a refusal to tell the truth

The Hangover begins with Richard Brookhiser (American historian and longtime editor at National Review) making a statement that is both clear and simple and yet seems like a revolutionary point to be made among Republicans: “Trump had his day, but it passed.” The question remains, why aren’t they acting like it? Furthermore, how did the Republican grassroots go from Tea Partiers tidying up after themselves on the National Mall to rioters breaking into the Capitol in the space of just over a decade? Brookhiser explains this populist overthrow within the tradition of political factionalism stretching all the way back to Madison. Show Notes: -Founder’s Son by Richard Brookhiser -I Love You, but I Hate Your Politics, by Jeanne Safer -The Tea Party was notoriously clean -Some U.S. cities are semi-permanently wrecked from 20th-century rioting -Democrats have become the party of the rich -The “anti-elitist” Democratic-Republican Party was made up of rich guys -A giant list of Israe

The GOP went from total control of the White House and Congress to being swept out of power in just four years—the shortest time span in almost 70 years. What the heck happened to the GOP? We can think of a few things. No matter where you land on policy issues, or what your personal feelings about the Republican Party are, it would be a great benefit to the GOP to have a post-election autopsy to understand what went wrong in the party’s last four punch-drunk years. But in their current hangover, Republicans don’t seem so capable of doing that kind of analysis. The Dispatch’s Chris Stirewalt will just have to do it for them. Show Notes: -Trump’s historic loss -The Arizona Bamboo-galoo -Weak parties, strong partisanship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fan-favorite Jonah soundalike Chris Stirewalt is back for a Remnant so nerdtastic that even Joe Biden could mock its lack of coolness. With antisemitic attacks on the rise, the GOP resisting a January 6 commission, and primaries continuing to exist, there’s plenty for Dr. Stirewalt to kvetch about, and Jonah has enough Hayek references on hand to join him. Yet Chris has more to reveal than his disdain for the common good. Starting this week, he’ll be hosting a new podcast focused on the history of modern conservatism that will (briefly!) replace the Thursday Remnant. Have no fear, however, because the change comes with Jonah’s sacred blessing. Stick around until the end of the episode to hear all the boozy details. (it’s called The Hangover, and don’t worry: It will also have its own podcast feed.) Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Last Thursday’s Remnant on Jonah’s Old Testament heritage - Michelle Goldberg: “Attacks on Jews Over Israel are a Gift to the Right” - Hivemi

This weekend’s Ruminant sees Jonah “feeling particularly Remnant-y,” which means he’s leaned out of the punditry and into the historical eggheadery. That includes the history of the term “Jewish,” (why don’t we just say that someone is “a Jew,” and if you do, why does it sound like a slur?) the history of The Remnant’s title, and more. But at the end of it all, one question remains: Is Jonah a superfluous man? Show notes: - Joe Scarborough was very angry - DarkSide is at least somewhat honest - Fredo and The Don play footsy - Witless ape calls Lou Dobbs - Jonah on Guy Benson’s show, about the January 6th commission - Jonah talks Marx and antisemitism - Wilhelm Marr was yucky (the technical term) - Did Hillary Clinton use a Jewish slur? Who even knows? - “Isaiah’s Job” by Albert Jay Nock, the origin of The Remnant - The “superfluous man” - Father Coughlin: anti-Semite, leftist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg

Today’s Remnant combines features of both a weekend Ruminant and a “supplemental” episode, like the program’s recent incursion into social Darwinism. Jonah begins with further ruminations from his Wednesday “news”letter, replete with the observations that certain opponents of Israel veer into weirdly anti-Semitic territory when given the opportunity. Speaking of anti-Semites: Marx! After the rumination, Jonah reads from a great Commentary piece on the anti-capitalist tendencies of medieval antisemitism, and how such sentiments then transition into a more modern communistic ideology that nonetheless retained the suspicion of Jews, usury, and labor economics. Show notes: - The Wednesday “news”letter on antisemitism - Hamas’ Iron Dome: “Don’t Fire Rockets at Israel” - Baseball, fatherhood, and racial disparity - AOC seeks to block arms sales to Israel - “If only the Czar knew!” - Jonah in Commentary on Marx, Jews, and capital - Jerry Muller’s

Jim Geraghty, National Review’s esteemed purveyor of punditry and “Morning Jolt” mastermind, joins Jonah today to become the Remnant’s first 11-time visitor (his very own Episode 11, if you will…). The pair explore the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic, including recent rumblings that the virus might have originated in a Wuhan lab after all, before examining the Republican Party post-Cheney and ongoing confusion over masks. Should bats be anally swabbed? Are beets toxic? And will the Irish and English ever get along? Listen closely to hear these vital questions answered. Show Notes: -Jim’s page at National Review -An eerily prescient pandemic piece from 2017 -Jim: “The Taboo on the COVID Lab-Leak Theory Lifts” -That time a fire at a Russian lab released smallpox -Jim: “The Wuhan Lab-Leak Hypothesis Goes Mainstream” -Last week’s first Remnant with Klon Kitchen -Last week’s second Remnant with Niall Ferguson -Jim: “No, Really, Why Is Joe Biden Wearing His Mask Around Oth

Watch out, Howard Stern, because the FM radio Remnant format is back for another nerdtastic broadcast. Jonah is joined once again by Ryan, a covert NBC operative working to undermine The Dispatch from within, Guy, resident Anglophobe and Mark Steyn impersonator who will soon be releasing his own album of old standards, and Nick, Jonah’s long-suffering research assistant who might be America’s only involuntary Hoosier. The quartet explores pertinent topics of the moment, including Israel, mask mandates, all-American conspiracy theories, and the travails of Liz Cheney. But they also indulge in some less substantial discussion, and read some of their favorite listener reviews from recent months. How do you feel about the drive-time format? Enthusiastic, antipathetic, or indifferent? Whatever the case, let us know, because as this episode demonstrates, we pay attention to all of your feedback. Show Notes: - Liz Cheney clashes with Bret Baier - The National Review editors discuss Cheney

Historian Niall Ferguson returns to talk about his new book (with a glorious, darkly comic cover), Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe. As Sven from SNL might say, this episode has it all: monkey’s paw swag-bags, the phrase “Hunnish data,” and the frighteningly named “three-body problem.” Allow Niall to explain the human tendency to prepare for one disaster scenario while another hits us square in the jaw, the reason why “we may be forced by companies to do Zoom” even after the pandemic ends, and why book tours are still delirium-inducing even when done from the comfort of one’s home. Oh, and stick around for a particularly fantastic celebrity impression in the show’s final moments. Show notes: Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe Some incredible science fiction that has crossed over from China, The Three-Body Problem Neal Stephenson’s Snowcrash, which is life-changingly good Nick Bloom, “Why working from home will stick” Feynman and the Challenger disaster One of Niall’s previous

Newly minted AEI fellow Klon Kitchen joins Jonah today for an uber-wonky discussion of foreign policy and cybersecurity. The pair explore how the U.S. should respond to recent cyber attacks, the merits of Section 230, and the distinction between dumb and smart hawkishness in national security. Should we revive letters of marque? Can Jonah ever discuss China without cursing Tom Friedman? And will Klon’s love of all things canine lead him to join the fabled pantheon of Remnant regulars? Show Notes: -The Kitchen Sync -The colonial pipeline hack -Letters of marque and the Constitution -Defending forward -Jonah: “We’re not ‘competing’ with China. But politicians love to make that claim.” -Jonah’s dear friend Tom Friedman on overpopulation -The SolarWinds hack -Section 230 explained -Klon explains quantum computing -Hillary Clinton defines progressivism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ruminant returns to its usual format today after last week’s drive-time diversion, as Jonah is once again placed under the unsettling eyes of several silent spectators. After exploring the history of American censorship and the current state of free speech, Jonah dives headfirst into the ongoing Liz Cheney controversy and lingering nuttiness of Donald Trump within the GOP. Will Josh Hawley ever cease to irritate? Is morality hardwired into babies? And why do the women in Jonah’s life all have awkwardly positioned birthdays? Show Notes: - Jonah’s latest column - Jonah on political religions - Ross Douthat: “When Wokeness Becomes Weakness” - Banned in Boston - “The movie's over, it's four o'clock, and we're in trouble deep” - Charlie Kirk, political genius - Josh Hawley rants about free speech - Just Babies, by Paul Bloom - National Review: “Liz Cheney is Not the Problem” - The Wednesday G-File - The Paul Wolfowitz/Sam Tanenhaus controversy Learn more about your ad choic

The Remnant returns to normalcy today with one of Jonah’s favorite guests: the illustrious Chris Stirewalt. The pair engage in pop culture-infused punditry, focusing on the GOP’s internal war between MAGA advocates and Liz Cheney supporters and America’s supposed entry into a new Progressive Era under President Biden. Prepare to be bedazzled by Chris’ peerless Sebastian Gorka impression, the raw craziness of Donald Trump, and Jonah’s secret history as an adolescent ice cream vendor. Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Cheneypalooza - Trump backs Elise Stefanik - Mike Pence trudges toward 2024 - What the heck is going on in Maricopa County? - The members-only Wednesday G-File - The road to Kenya - Chris: “The era of big government is here” - The Election Integrity Alliance, yeesh - Dr. Gorka - Jonah’s cordial, not-at-all controversial disagreement with Bill Kristol - “If the paper turns clear, it’s your window to weight gain!

Jonah flies solo on the week’s first Remnant, as he tries out a format that seeks to provide the footnotes to some of the most commonly landed-on items from the program’s bingo card. On this first explainer, Jonah tackles the straw man and frequent leftist punching bag called social Darwinism, and whether or not such an ideology ever even existed in the first place. Do any conservatives actually believe this stuff? And how did the tables turn on libertarians to such a degree that the most laissez-faire political ideology possible ended up facing accusations of eugenic sympathies? (You can also tune in to learn why you should never trust Wisconsinites.) Show Notes: -The (underrated) Tyranny of Clichés -Obama calls the GOP budget “social Darwinism” -Schoenwald has some strange opinions on Herbert Spencer -The University of Wisconsin and progressivism -Hofstadter’s book on social Darwinism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the words of a great album, “How are we feeling out there? How’s your drive-time commute? I need a saga - what’s the saga?” This weekend’s Remnant is less Ruminant-y than usual, as the Greek chorus that has silently watched Jonah during these recordings for the last few episodes finally speaks up. That group includes Ryan, the newest addition to The Dispatch; Guy, noted Mark Steyn impersonator; and Nick, Jonah’s long-suffering research assistant. In this imitation of a kinda-crude FM radio show, the four talk about the latest Gaetzian nonsense, Biden’s joint congressional address, and Chez Goldberg’s interesting history with Newt Gingrich—in addition to Jonah telling some jokes which will get his three companions canceled before they even exit their 20s. Show Notes: The Daily Beast reports on Gaetz’ grossness The Remnant with Asawin Suebsaeng and Lachlan Markay #JonahforConan Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene on tour Congressional Caligula Jonah: “Watergaetz”

Jonah and a brand new guest, Robert Draper of the New York Times, engage in punditry ranker than even the most devoted Remnant listener could imagine before gushing over Draper’s adorable canine companion. If that sounds like a retread of the week’s previous episode with A.B. Stoddard, fear not! Today’s dog talk is entirely spontaneous. The pair have Biden’s joint congressional address to dissect, and Draper has a fascinating new piece on Republican turmoil that stimulates plenty of conversation on internecine party warfare. Will partisanship destroy us all? Can the GOP be saved from insanity? And why do Jonah and Robert both recall Watergate with fondness? Show Notes: - Robert’s page at the New York Times - Robert’s latest piece, “Liz Cheney vs. MAGA” - “I’m a conservative, but I’m not angry about it” - “I am a gaffe machine” - Dispatch Live reacts to Biden’s first joint congressional address - Ross Douthat: “Biden Should Go Big, and Then Brag About It” - Ross Douthat: “What B

Remnant favorite A.B. Stoddard joins Jonah today for an episode of exceedingly rank punditry. The pair discuss how President Biden has fared in his first 100 days, Donald Trump’s lingering presence within the GOP, and why both parties can’t help but be nutty. Tune in for political eggheadery, but stick around for uplifting dog discussion. A.B. has just taken in a new puppy (Chief!), and Jonah is as excited as he can be. Show Notes: -A.B.’s page at RealClearPolitics -Dispatch Live gears up for Biden’s first joint address to Congress -A.B.’s last Remnant appearance -Ramesh Ponnuru: “Biden’s Stalled Revolution” -Joe Biden talks to Hunter “at least every night” -Biden: GOP used “defund the police” to “beat the living hell out of Democrats” -Robert Draper: “Liz Cheney vs. MAGA” -Mark Leibovich: “Kevin McCarthy Still on Defensive Over Trump” -The McCarthy-Cheney Trump divide deepens -Mick Mulvaney on The Dispatch Podcast -Lindsey Graham gave up on Trump, then embraced him agai

In distinctly Goldbergian fashion, Jonah manages to combine musings on Home Depot, climate change, the Chauvin trial, and the classic “Deep Space Homer” episode of The Simpsons into a single, coherent Ruminant, which includes as many references to infrastructure as you’d expect at this point. Tune in not just for Jonah’s eggheadery, but to hear him face his greatest challenge yet: pronouncing the name “Greta Thunberg.” Show Notes: - Ben Shapiro gets wood - “It’s an inanimate carbon rod!” - Jonah on Thanksgiving - The Wednesday G-File - Cornel West: “Howard University’s Removal of Classics is a Spiritual Catastrophe” - Rep. Karen Bass: “It’s open season on black folks” - David Brooks: “The GOP is Getting Even Worse” - Rep. Katie Porter’s daughter thinks we’re all going to die - “How dare you!” - GOP senators release their infrastructure plan - Greg Gutfeld on the Chauvin verdict - The week’s first, ultra-nerdy Remnant with Brian Riedl - The week’s second, Kissinger-loving

On today’s episode, Vital Interests author and national security extraordinaire Thomas Joscelyn makes his first Remnant appearance. With a healthy supply of Hayek references on hand, Jonah seems determined to outdo the wonkiness of Brian Riedl’s visit earlier this week. Al-Qaeda, Afghanistan, China, and the meaning of necrocracy are all discussed peacefully by the pair, until a certain name is mentioned; If you thought Jonah’s contempt for Woodrow Wilson was unparalleled, just wait until you hear the disdain that overtakes Tom at the mere mention of Henry Kissinger. Show Notes: - Tom’s journal, Long War - Vital Interests at The Dispatch - Just in case you happen to know Siraj Haqqani - The history of the institutionalized form of al-Qaeda, the AQAP - Bin Laden’s files - Tom: “The Flawed Reasoning Behind Biden’s Afghanistan Withdrawal” - Jonah: “Biden Citing the Wrong Reasons for Afghanistan Withdrawal” - The Remnant with Bing West - Kissinger ma

Senior Manhattan Institute fellow Brian Riedl joins Jonah on The Remnant for an uber-wonky discussion of economic policy. Fresh from testifying before the House Committee on Financial Services on President Biden’s madcap “infrastructure” plan, Brian provides insight on all manner of economic fallacies peddled by Republicans and Democrats alike. What’s to be done about infrastructure? Are inflation and debt really a big deal? And why is everyone turning on free markets? Also, take a shot of your favorite alcoholic beverage every time the words “infrastructure” and “buy gold” are uttered. You’ll soon realize how Jonah felt at the end of last week’s Mike Gallagher episode. Show Notes: -Brian Riedl - The Manhattan Institute -Brian’s recent House testimony -Last week’s astonishing Remnant with Rep. Mike Gallagher -Jonah shakes his fist in the direction of infrastructure -The good old days of complaining about Obama’s stimulus -“That’s a shark” -The GOP is more concerned with

Today’s refreshingly (or regrettably, depending on your perspective) sober Ruminant finds Jonah surrounded by boxes of books so nerdy that even Goodwill won’t take them. Preoccupied with thoughts on the strange state of the right, and the equally strange state of Joe Biden, he swiftly reaches levels of wonkiness so high that they could cure sleep deprivation. What’s the matter with the Claremont Institute? Will the oft-discussed “Liberal Fascism Revisited” piece ever be completed? And what new euphemism for a mild hangover will soon be sweeping the nation? Show Notes: - Jonah’s pre-coffee reproval of Ryan Williams - The Wednesday G-File - J.D. Vance’s Democrat-esque response to David French - The decline of the Lincoln Fellowship - The week’s first Remnant with Andy Smarick - The week’s second Remnant with Mike Gallagher, which must be heard to be believed - Horseshoe theory - Last Friday’s G-File - Jerry Nadler: “We are not packing the Supreme Court, we are unpacking it.” -

On today’s career-ruining episode, recorded deep within the headquarters of Half-Baked DARPA, Jonah is joined by frequent guest Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Packers) for a jaunt through the land of new and creative ideas that still need some more time in the oven. The show sees the guys return to the idea of annexing Greenland while also bringing new life to half-baked concepts such as spray-painted meteors, an $800 quadrillion infrastructure plan for salvaging the experience of the midpriced American hotel, and the joys of director commentaries when combined with drinking games. Emphasis on the drinking part. Also, find out what masterful modern novel Gallagher thought “sucked.” Show Notes: -Rep. Gallagher’s webpage -Rep. Gallagher’s appearance on the Remnant’s super-spectacular 200th episode -Trump’s hand on the Ohio Senate primary -“We’re gonna have… tryouts” -Jonah shakes his fist in the direction of infrastructure -Jonah: “Greenland Should Be Ours” -Obi-Wan v. Darth Vader, glor

Only those in the wonky 1 percent should subject themselves to today’s nerdtastic Remnant, in which Jonah is joined for a third time by the Manhattan Institute’s Andy Smarick. The pair use Andy’s recent Dispatch piece on the folly of never-ending school closures to launch a wide-ranging discussion of the pandemic culture war and divisions among conservatives. Should you be friends with politicians? Why are some Americans desperate for normalcy to never return? And is it wise for so many right-wing whippersnappers to reject the so-called “dead consensus”? Unsurprisingly, Jonah thinks Hayek has the answer to at least one of those questions. Show Notes: -Andy Smarick - the Manhattan Institute -Jim Geraghty on opening with the 10th step of a 10-step argument -Last week’s Remnant with Dan Crenshaw -Jonah: “Giuliani's Sorry Path from Law-and-Order Mayor to Villainous Clown” -Giuliani: “My attitude to my legacy is …” -Andy: “What the Narrative on School Reopenings Has Missed” -Rand

On this freewheeling Ruminant, Jonah is accompanied by a smaller cast of off-putting onlookers than last time. Still on a high after the week’s earlier discussion of Bigfoot’s messianic powers, he approaches the questions of the day with extra verve. Is recycling a load of garbage? Is President Biden’s rhetoric on race any better? And, of course, has politics supplanted religion? Tune in to find out and, in case you missed it, to learn of the Sasquatch’s alien origins. Show Notes: - The great plastic recycling lie - ”Do you kids want to be like the real UN? Or do you just want to squabble and waste time?” - John Tierny: “Recycling is Garbage” - The week’s second Remnant with Dan Crenshaw - “She just dislikes me so much… it’s irresistible!” - The Suicidal Corporation, by Paul Weaver - Jonah: “No, Georgia’s Election Law is Not ‘Jim Crow 2.0’" - The week’s first Dispatch Podcast - Biden gets four Pinocchios - Minneapolis newspap

Jonah collaborates with Texas Rep. Dan Crenshaw on their second Remnant together in an attempt to hash out their differences of opinion regarding why Congress doesn’t work. (Or does it?) Come listen, and discover why members of Congress feel the need to have such robust media teams on staff all the time, why Marjorie Taylor Greene is actually a swamp creature nowadays, and walk through Dan’s “favorite moment of 2021,” which features a shockingly bad instance of Spanglish. Show Notes: -Dan’s podcast, Hold These Truths -Dan’s article on fighting, not performing -Jonathan Rauch: Is Congress broken? -Jonathan Haidt’s political Turing test -Jonah’s article on Antony Blinken and China -Dan’s Conservative Guide to the Culture Wars -Almost nobody uses “Latinx” -“Si, se pwadway!” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Denver Riggleman, former congressman for Virginia’s 5th District and noted Bigfoot enthusiast, joins Jonah on today’s episode for a colorful discussion of Americans’ freedom to believe anything they want. Sometimes, the consequences can be tragic, as in the case of January 6. But they can also be truly spectacular, and for proof, look no further than those who believe Bigfoot is an interdimensional traveler, psychedelic prophet, and alien scout. Before diving headfirst into Sasquatch lore, the pair also explore fine liquor, what it’s really like inside the House Freedom Caucus, and Denver’s experiences running for office. It’s a Remnant André the Giant wouldn’t want you to miss. Show Notes: -Denver’s website -Denver, QAnon, and Bigfoot erotica -"The QAnon Conspiracy: Destroying Families, Dividing Communities, Undermining Democracy" - a report co-authored by Denver -Denver’s new book, Bigfoot… It’s Complicated -The Patterson-Gimlin Bigfoot film -9/11 truthers -NYT: “One Repub

Today’s Ruminant features Jonah amid a group of silent watchers, staring at him while on mute in a Zoom meeting as he speaks to himself for an hour in the basement of an undisclosed location. On the docket today: Jonah returns to one of the most interesting political conundrums of our moment. Was our class of political nutjobs always crazy, or did they only get crazy in the last few years? On a completely unrelated note, why is Matt Gaetz the way he is? And, of course, Jonah speaks to the dangers of “thinking about politics like you’re watching a movie.” Show Notes: - The ongoing Matt Gaetz scandal - Politico’s summary of John Boehner’s new book, On the House: A Washington Memoir - Boehner unloads on the GOP’s “crazy caucus” - Jonah: “I’m Not Going to Say I Told You So… But” - Last month’s Remnant with Elaine Kamarck - Steve Bannon and the “Island of Misfit Toys” - Kevin Williamson: “Peter Navarro: Trump’s Nutty Economics Professor” - Peter

On today’s episode, first-time guest of The Remnant, Shadi Hamid joins Jonah for a comprehensive discussion on religion, identity, and the bizarre wokespeak favored by Twitter’s blue checkmark crowd. Have wokeism and ethno-nationalism superseded religion on the left and right respectively? Are Islam and classical liberalism compatible? And, crucially, can Jonah contain the annoyance that consumes him at the mere mention of Adrian Vermeule? Show Notes: - Shadi Hamid - Brookings Institution - Shadi: “America Without God” - Shadi’s podcast, Wisdom of Crowds - They’re always eating candy at Brookings… - Jonathan Haidt on moral psychology and religion - Shadi on the “Church of Woke” - Jonah: “The Definition of Dogma” - Trump’s improved Muslim support in 2020 - Just 3% of Hispanics use Latinx - 25% of black Democrats identify as conservative - Shadi’s latest book, Islamic Exceptionalism - Catholics vs. Libertarians in the 1960s - Muslim views on morality - Reopening Muslim Mi

On this episode, it’s déjà vu all over again as Chris Stirewalt returns - this time in the guest seat. What do Georgia’s new voter laws, Arlen Specter, mandatory voting, The World According to Garp’s infamous “tongue scene,” Henry VIII, and Robin Williams’ illustrious career in drag have to do with one another? Well, the guys talk about all of it and more in this edition, and hopefully it puts you in a mood to believe that the living will not, in fact, envy the dead - “at least at the margins.” Show Notes: -Chris’ page at The Dispatch -Chiller Theater -New voting laws in Georgia -Chris’ recent Remnant with Daron Shaw -Jonah: “Voter Apathy Isn’t a Crime” -Obama: the filibuster is a “Jim Crow relic” -Jonah’s love of Arlen Specter -Was the 1960 election stolen? -Jonah “The Center is a Lonely Place to Be” -Jonah: “We Have Two Moon Parties, No Sun Party” -Patriotic Grace, by Peggy Noonan -Boehner and Obama’s bad bromance -Jonah: Congress is a “parliament of pundits” -Revo

For this weekend’s Ruminant, hop into Jonah’s somewhat underwhelming time machine that goes only to the past – because, after all, “the future doesn’t exist.” Why is Jonah driving through the setting of a Mark Twain story? Why do conservatives look to the past for better times (even when the past is largely worse), and why do liberals look to a nonexistent future? Why are both left- and right-wing kids trying to make the entire world like a college campus? And who is Gabriel Kolko, and why does Jonah find him “useful”? Show notes: - Jonah’s desert adventures - The week’s first Remnant with Tevi Troy - The week’s second Remnant, with David French and Greg Lukianoff - Jonah reviews Wendy Shalit’s book - Jonah’s filibuster column - Gabriel Kolko’s bibliography Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David French graciously guest-hosts in Jonah’s place on today’s program, wherein he has a long-ranging conversation with a longtime friend , Greg Lukianoff, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education. David and Greg discuss some of the silliest and most sinister examples of censorship regimes on college campuses from recent history, the history of the campus free speech movement stretching back to the 1950s, David’s memories of being a conservative at Harvard Law School, and the moment that Greg realized that “the students themselves had become the main proponents of censorship.” By coincidence, it’s our second Remnant in a row that is largely about modern cancel culture and censorship, rounded out by a conversation about the Snyder Cut. The only difference, really, is that David and Greg seriously dig it. Show Notes: - Greg Lukianoff of FIRE - The Coddling of the American Mind, by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt - Herbert Marcuse and campus free speech - Gre

Tevi Troy—presidential historian and all-around smart person—joins the program to talk about the mechanics of cancel culture, and what might be done to prevent it from taking hold in the future. Key to Tevi’s point is that “cancel culture is actually a distinct phenomenon from political correctness, which everyone largely disliked in the ‘90s.” They also talk about the larger culture of censorship in America before moving into the most vitally important topics of our time: Marvel vs. DC, in both their cinematic and comic book forms (Reminder: Sonny Bunch is always right), and the Snyder Cut—including methods for getting through the whole thing without falling asleep. Show Notes: -Tevi’s page at National Affairs -Biden’s July 4 speech -Jonah: “The Treason of the Epidemiologists” -Lindsey J. Leininger and Harold Pollack: “We’re public health experts. We need to do a better job of talking to conservatives.” -Tevi: “Presidents and Public Health Crises” -Jake Sullivan and Anthony

In the midst of carving a path to Yosemite, Jonah has graced us with a Ruminant that provides a weekly roundup of his writing – from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to an example from his past that indicates why our radicals should Czech their privilege. He moves into a rumination on subconscious conservative messages embedded within Hollywood entertainment before discussing the unintended consequences of the Senate re-embrace of earmarks as well as the perks of sleeping in Walmart parking lots. It suffices to say that this Ruminant has a positively buckshot-like spread in terms of topics, so have fun with it. Show notes: - The Remnant with Professional Jonah Impersonator Chris Stirewalt - The member’s only Wednesday “news”letter from The Cleve - One of rock’s wildest singers has a permanent Vegas residency - Jonah’s Czech-cellent Adventure - Chekov’s Gun - “We made a person!” - The virtues of The Walking Dead - The w