The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "15 Things Just That Happened" – March 17, 2025

Host: Jon Podhoretz
Guests: Abe Greenwald (Executive Editor), Matthew Continetti (Washington Commentary Columnist), Christine Rosen (Social Commentary Columnist)
Release Date: March 17, 2025

Overview

In this episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host Jon Podhoretz, along with guests Abe Greenwald, Matthew Continetti, and Christine Rosen, delves into a whirlwind of recent political events and developments both within the United States and internationally. The discussion spans legislative maneuvers, judicial interventions, international relations, and public opinion, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the current state of affairs as of March 2025.

US Political Landscape

Continuing Resolution and Chuck Schumer ([01:11] - [02:17])

Jon Podhoretz initiates the conversation by outlining thirteen significant events that transpired since their last podcast. The first major topic is the narrow passage of a continuing resolution (CR) in Congress, supported primarily by Chuck Schumer, leading to Democratic frustration and debates about Schumer's leadership. Podhoretz notes, “[...] Chuck Schumer announces that he will support the continuing resolution. Ten Democrats, nine Democrats join him. The continuing resolution. The dirty CR is passed. Democratic Party goes nuts. People are now talking about replacing Chuck Schumer.”

Judicial Orders and the Enemies Act ([02:17] - [10:16])

The discussion shifts to a controversial judicial order involving the Enemies Act of 1798. A judge named Boasberg issued an order to return a plane mid-flight carrying Trend Uragua members, sparking debates about separation of powers and executive authority. Podhoretz explains, “... Judge Boasberg didn't really say the plane had to be turned back mid-flight. It's that his ruling was issued while one of the three planes had yet not yet turned back...” This situation raises questions about the judiciary's role in foreign policy enforcement.

Hamas Hostage Release Ruse ([10:16] - [15:09])

Hamas announced the release of hostages as a PR maneuver, which ultimately did not materialize. The hosts discuss the implications of this failed strategy to isolate the United States from Israel in hostage negotiations.

International Criminal Court and Rodrigo Duterte ([15:09] - [18:22])

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's arrest and transfer to The Hague mark a significant escalation in ICC involvement, with potential repercussions for Israel and other nations. Abe Greenwald underscores the gravity, stating, “This is a major escalation of the powers of the International Criminal Court and this international effort to hold leaders accountable under international law.”

Expulsion of South Africa's Ambassador and Strikes on Houthis ([18:22] - [23:54])

The US expelled South Africa's ambassador amid claims of mistreatment of the white minority. Simultaneously, military strikes were conducted against the Houthis in Yemen, with intentions to pressure them into ceasing attacks on shipping lanes. Podhoretz remarks, “So that's a very important story that has been a little undercovered.”

Netanyahu and Shin Bet Crisis ([23:54] - [29:57])

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces internal turmoil as he attempts to dismiss the head of Shin Bet amid allegations of intelligence failures related to Hamas. Podhoretz comments, “...the Prime Minister's office, the powers of the prime minister's office are very vague because there is no constitution.”

Legislative and Judicial Controversies

USAID Cuts and NYT Op-Ed ([29:57] - [34:22])

The hosts discuss alarming claims that USAID cuts could result in hundreds of thousands of deaths, referencing a New York Times op-ed by Nicholas Kristof. This leads to broader conversations about the role of government agencies and their funding amidst political strife.

Trump's Invalidation of Biden's Pardons ([34:22] - [42:26])

A contentious issue arises as former President Donald Trump announces the invalidation of pardons issued by President Joe Biden, citing the use of an autopen. Podhoretz expresses skepticism: “If he wants to say that pardons can be invalidated in this fashion, I would be very, very careful about going down that route.”

Christine Rosen adds, “There have been these scandals where... different cabinet members have used their own autopen to sign... [e.g.,] condolence letters... they have decided to do this thing where they are turning him into a positive figure.”

ICE Detentions and Columbia University Funding ([42:26] - [53:14])

The podcast addresses increased ICE detentions, including notable cases such as a doctor at Brown and a woman from Puerto Rico. Additionally, Trump cancels substantial funding to Columbia University, criticizing its affiliations and actions. Podhoretz reflects, “The federal government is going to kind of... with all of the crashes and the... says, 'Look, we're not disregarding the judicial order.'”

Media, Public Opinion, and Polls

Voice of America Shutdown and Wilson Center Closure ([53:14] - [58:09])

The shutdown of Voice of America and the Wilson Center, a renowned think tank, is criticized as government overreach. Abe Greenwald opines, “The government has absolutely no business funding a think tank like the Wilson Center.”

Trump's Approval Ratings and Polls ([58:09] - [64:05])

A pivotal moment in the discussion centers on recent polls indicating Trump’s highest approval ratings since his candidacy years. Matthew Continetti and Abe Greenwald analyze the data, noting a significant Republican-leaning electorate that could benefit Trump’s political strategies. Continetti observes, “[...] people who are supporting ambulances or trying not to scream at the government.”

Christine Rosen cautions, “I think he risks making the same mistake that we criticized the Biden administration for in the first term. His victory was still kind of narrow compared to previous presidential elections...”

International Relations and Military Actions

Strike on Houthis and Implications for Iran ([64:05] - [69:12])

Abe Greenwald praises Trump's decision to target the Houthi leadership in Yemen, linking it directly to Iran’s influence in the region. He declares, “If Trump is trying to do these things with the blunt force instrument to see what sticks, so are the district judges.”

Jon Podhoretz elaborates on the strategic significance, stating, “Trump is right to apply pressure at this moment,” highlighting the broader implications for US-Iran relations and regional stability.

Closing Remarks and Recommendations

Book Recommendation ([65:33] - [69:12])

The episode concludes with Jon Podhoretz recommending "Sucker Punch" by Scotchy Kool—an incisive critique of Western societal decay through the lens of divorce and personal upheaval. Although he admits to hating every page, he acknowledges the book’s relevance in illustrating the crumbling values of the articulate class.

Podhoretz remarks, “If you are the sort of person who spent some time in the first two decades of the 20th century hate reading blogs. This is sort of like that...”

Notable Quotes

• Jon Podhoretz ([01:11]): “Chuck Schumer announces that he will support the continuing resolution. Ten Democrats, nine Democrats join him. The continuing resolution. The dirty CR is passed. Democratic Party goes nuts.”

• Abe Greenwald ([15:44]): “The administration's moves, whether they're strategic or not, has put the Democrats and the left in an ideological tailspin.”

• Christine Rosen ([29:57]): “None of this matters in terms of his status. It is a privilege to be in this country as a visitor with a visa or even a green card. It is not a right.”

• Jon Podhoretz ([54:45]): “The presiding irony is she didn't have kids. This is like a marriage blogger and a divorce blogger.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast offers a dynamic and thorough examination of the tumultuous political climate as of early 2025. From legislative battles and judicial overreach to international military actions and shifting public opinions, the hosts provide listeners with a multifaceted perspective on the challenges facing the United States and its role on the global stage. Through incisive commentary and strategic insights, the podcast underscores the complexities and interdependencies shaping contemporary politics.

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