The Commentary Magazine Podcast: Episode Summary – "100% Colombian Cofevfe!"

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Commentary Magazine
Participants: John Potwor (Editor), Abe Greenwald (Executive Editor), Seth Mandel (Senior Editor), Matthew Continetti (Washington Commentary Columnist)

Overview

In the milestone episode titled "100% Colombian Cofevfe!," the Commentary Magazine team delves deep into the shifting landscape of U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, contrasting it with previous administrations. The discussion spans a range of topics, including the handling of Colombian deportations, Middle Eastern tensions, internal U.S. political maneuvers, and critiques of liberal foreign policy approaches.

U.S. Foreign Policy Shifts Under Trump

Abe Greenwald initiates the conversation by highlighting the unprecedented assertiveness of Trump's foreign policy. Unlike his predecessors, Trump employs direct economic leverage, such as tariffs, to achieve specific objectives.

Abe Greenwald [07:07]: “Trump uses America's economic leverage in order to obtain these micro objectives in a very successful way.”

Matthew Continetti underscores Trump's aggressive stance, noting his willingness to engage in trade wars to influence other nations' policies.

Matthew Continetti [08:40]: “Trump uses America's economic leverage in order to obtain these micro objectives in a very successful way.”

Seth Mandel adds that Trump's approach signifies a departure from the softer diplomatic methods of earlier administrations, positioning the U.S. as a dominant global force willing to assert its interests unequivocally.

Handling of Colombian Deportations

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the recent deportation of Colombian drug traffickers back to Colombia and the subsequent reactions from both U.S. and Colombian leadership.

Abe Greenwald expresses his disapproval of Colombia's leftist leadership, which he believes is moving the country in a detrimental direction.

Abe Greenwald [06:52]: “I am saddened to know that Colombia, which was 15 years ago a very close ally of the United States, is now being ruled by a leftist populist who seems to be going in the wrong direction.”

Matthew Continetti elaborates on the immediate threat posed by these deportations, highlighting Trump's swift declaration of a trade war in response.

Matthew Continetti [07:07]: “Donald Trump immediately said, okay, we’re gonna basically declare a trade war on your country.”

This incident exemplifies Trump's strategy of using economic sanctions to compel foreign governments to comply with U.S. demands, contrasting sharply with the more measured responses typical of previous administrations.

Middle East Dynamics

The podcast transitions to discuss the volatile situation in the Middle East, particularly the fluctuating ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Matthew Continetti outlines the recent developments, including the release of hostages and the fragile stability of the ceasefire.

Matthew Continetti [32:36]: “We had the release of four hostages this weekend... Israel stood firm and Hamas caved.”

Abe Greenwald critiques the liberal portrayal of these events, arguing that media narratives often undermine the gravity of the conflict.

Abe Greenwald [44:46]: “It’s a terror rally. That’s what somebody’s home.”

The discussion emphasizes the enduring hostility between Israel and Hamas, with both camps showing little inclination towards lasting peace. The participants express concern over the potential for renewed hostilities and the role of U.S. administration in either mitigating or exacerbating the situation.

Internal U.S. Political Maneuvers

The episode delves into recent internal political events, notably the confirmation of Hegseth as Secretary and the role of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Matthew Continetti describes the contentious confirmation process, highlighting McConnell's pivotal vote and the implications for GOP dynamics.

Matthew Continetti [55:02]: “McConnell is going to be a bit less of a honey badger.”

Abe Greenwald and Seth Mandel discuss the broader impact of these internal maneuvers, suggesting that they reflect the ongoing tensions within the Republican Party between establishment figures and Trump's loyalists.

Critique of Liberal Foreign Policies

A recurring theme in the discussion is the critique of liberal approaches to foreign policy, particularly those exemplified by former President Barack Obama.

Abe Greenwald contrasts Trump's direct and assertive strategies with Obama's more conciliatory and cooperative methods, which he argues have led to stagnation and ineffectiveness.

Abe Greenwald [20:44]: “Obama’s tone... like, you’re such a nice puppy... We are a great power. We can't just sit here and not respond.”

Matthew Continetti agrees, pointing out that liberal policies often prioritize process over results, leading to missed opportunities to assert U.S. interests effectively on the global stage.

Trump’s Engagement with Domestic Issues

The conversation shifts to Trump's recent actions within the United States, particularly his handling of disaster-stricken areas and interactions with local officials.

Matthew Continetti recounts Trump's combative visits to North Carolina and California, where he directly confronted insurance companies and criticized local government officials.

Matthew Continetti [59:41]: “He was just like, no, no, you stink. You’re lousy. What’s the matter with you?”

Abe Greenwald praises Trump's approach as refreshing and effective, contrasting it with the more diplomatic and often ineffective strategies of previous presidents.

Media Portrayal of Israel-Gaza Events

The hosts critique how mainstream media outlets, such as The New York Times, report on the Israel-Gaza conflict, arguing that they downplay the severity and intent behind Hamas's actions.

Abe Greenwald highlights a specific incident where Israeli soldiers disrupted a celebration for a released Hamas member, criticizing the media's portrayal as overly sympathetic to Palestinians.

Abe Greenwald [44:33]: “Making the girls appear at a rally. Another round of hostages... everybody's like, we're at war.”

This segment underscores the hosts' belief that media narratives often misconstrue the realities of Middle Eastern conflicts, fostering misguided sympathies.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the transformative impact of Trump's presidency on both foreign and domestic policies. They emphasize the importance of assertive leadership and the willingness to leverage economic and military power to protect national interests.

Abe Greenwald [62:24]: “Trump is willing to do things in foreign policy that almost no one was willing to do in the post-war period.”

The discussion serves as a compelling argument for re-evaluating traditional foreign policy approaches and recognizing the potential benefits of Trump's unorthodox strategies.

Notable Quotes:

• Abe Greenwald [07:07]: “Trump uses America's economic leverage in order to obtain these micro objectives in a very successful way.”

• Matthew Continetti [07:07]: “Donald Trump immediately said, okay, we’re gonna basically declare a trade war on your country.”

• Abe Greenwald [20:44]: “Obama’s tone... like, you’re such a nice puppy... We are a great power. We can't just sit here and not respond.”

• Matthew Continetti [59:41]: “He was just like, no, no, you stink. You’re lousy. What’s the matter with you?”

Final Note:

While the episode predominantly focuses on serious geopolitical discussions, it briefly touches upon lighter content, such as a recommendation for the Amazon police procedural "On Call." However, the core of the episode remains a critical analysis of Trump's foreign policy and its implications for the United States and the broader international community.