Podcast Summary: Part Of The Problem – Episode: They Can't Fight
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Host/Author: GaS Digital Network
Host: Dave Smith
Co-hosts: Robbie the Fire Bernstein & Michael Moynihan
Guest Mentioned: Jonah Goldberg
1. Introduction & Episode Overview
In the episode titled "They Can't Fight," Dave Smith, along with co-hosts Robbie the Fire Bernstein and Michael Moynihan, delve into a critical analysis of contemporary conservative media figures, particularly focusing on Jonah Goldberg. The discussion intertwines themes of foreign policy, libertarian ideology, and the evolving landscape of media influence.
2. The Critique of Conservative Media and Jonah Goldberg's Podcast
The episode kicks off with Robbie Bernstein addressing an incident where a podcast episode indirectly criticized him without naming him, reminiscent of Ben Shapiro's tactics. Bernstein expresses frustration over being labeled unfairly, emphasizing the importance of accountability and direct criticism.
Notable Quote:
Robbie Bernstein [03:06]: "Listen, there has to be a punishment for refusing to say my name, okay? Say my name when you call me out."
Michael Moynihan echoes this sentiment, highlighting a tradition within their circle to dedicate episodes responding to even minor critiques on platforms like Twitter.
Notable Quote:
Michael Moynihan [02:36]: "It's an honor tradition that no matter how small the platform calls you out on Twitter, we have to dedicate full episodes to it."
3. Analyzing Jonah Goldberg's Stance on Libertarianism and Foreign Policy
Bernstein provides a comprehensive background on Jonah Goldberg, tracing his evolution from the esteemed editor at National Review to his current position, which Bernstein views skeptically. The discussion critiques Goldberg's stance on libertarian issues, particularly his focus on foreign policy over economic discussions—a cornerstone of libertarian ideology.
Notable Quote:
Robbie Bernstein [08:03]: "These people are without. And it's our job to help them. So let's get some eyeballs on Jonah."
The hosts argue that Goldberg and similar figures have failed to adapt to the competitive media landscape, relying instead on outdated tactics that lack substantive argumentation.
4. The UFC Analogy: Old Media vs. New Media
To illustrate their point, Bernstein draws an analogy between ineffective pundits and UFC fighters who lack real fighting skills. He argues that just as these fighters could only pretend to fight, so too can certain media figures only simulate meaningful debate without substantial backing.
Notable Quote:
Robbie Bernstein [35:27]: "That's like, it's just like one of those goddamn karate videos where they just, they don't even touch you. And everyone falls."
This metaphor underscores the perceived superficiality of contemporary conservative media discourse, suggesting a disconnect between rhetoric and actionable debate.
5. Intersecting Foreign Policy with Economic Libertarianism
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the interplay between foreign policy and economic principles within libertarian thought. The hosts critique the emphasis on international conflicts over domestic economic issues, arguing that true libertarianism should prioritize economic freedoms and policies that directly impact citizens' lives.
Notable Quote:
Dave Smith [24:30]: "It's all about foreign policy. It's all about Israel. They're literally more interested in having conversations about how bad Churchill was than they are about, you know, our trade barriers."
Moynihan adds that persistent foreign engagements, funded through inflationary practices, distract from addressing domestic economic challenges.
Notable Quote:
Michael Moynihan [24:21]: "Also, I think war is one of the harshest consequences of having a Federal Reserve."
6. The Consequences of Prioritizing War Over Domestic Welfare
Bernstein and Smith argue that substantial financial resources allocated to foreign wars detract from essential domestic needs such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. They advocate for a reallocation of funds to bolster American citizens' welfare rather than engaging in overseas conflicts.
Notable Quote:
Dave Smith [47:21]: "We've spent trillions and trillions and trillions of dollars following your clean break strategy of toppling governments all throughout the Arab world, and that's money that could have been spent here at home."
Moynihan supports this viewpoint by highlighting the inefficiencies and human costs associated with perpetual military engagements.
7. The Ideological Disconnect and the Need for Substantive Debate
The hosts criticize the ideological rigidity of certain conservative media figures, suggesting that their unwillingness to engage in nuanced economic debates undermines their credibility. They call for a return to foundational libertarian principles that prioritize economic policy and personal freedoms over sensationalist foreign policy discussions.
Notable Quote:
Robbie Bernstein [70:07]: "Choices, right. And so you can celebrate the money that the window maker is getting from the broken window, but that's taking money that would have been spent for other things."
8. Conclusion: The Call for a More Balanced Discourse
As the episode wraps up, Bernstein and Moynihan emphasize the necessity for libertarian media to balance foreign policy discussions with economic issues. They argue that focusing solely on international affairs without addressing domestic economic policies dilutes the movement's core objectives and alienates potential supporters.
Final Notable Quote:
Robbie Bernstein [75:58]: "We're the guy with the sledgehammer. So now I'm just sitting here looking at this sledgehammer in my hand, going like, oh, well, if you want to get into a game of hitting people with hammer, like, if you want to get into a game of shitting on each other on our podcasts, or I'll just do that to way more people than you do it to."
This metaphor encapsulates their frustration with what they perceive as ineffective and superficial debate strategies employed by contemporary conservative media figures.
Closing Thoughts
"They Can't Fight" offers a scathing critique of current conservative media tactics, advocating for a return to substantive economic discussions within the libertarian framework. By juxtaposing media strategies with ineffective fighting analogies, the hosts underscore the importance of meaningful debate and policy-focused discourse in shaping a truly free and economically robust nation.