The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "A Mixed Bag" – April 30, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, hosts John Podhoretz, Abe Greenwald, Matthew Continetti, and Seth Mandel delve into a variety of pressing topics, ranging from historical reflections to contemporary political analyses. The discussion is rich with insights, critical evaluations, and notable opinions that provide a comprehensive understanding of the current political and social landscape in the United States.

1. Reflections on Historical Milestones

A. The Fall of Saigon: A Half-Century Later

Abe Greenwald opens the episode by commemorating the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon, marking the end of the Vietnam War. He emphasizes the profound impact this event had on American politics and society over the ensuing decades.

• Greenwald: “One of the most important events of our lifetime took place today, 50 years ago today. That was the conclusion of the war in Vietnam…” [00:49]

Greenwald asserts that the fall of Saigon reshaped American views on power and foreign policy, fostering a lasting skepticism toward military engagements abroad.

2. The Trump Administration's 100-Day Mark

A. Evaluating Trump's First 100 Days

The conversation shifts to the centennial day of the Trump administration, with a critical examination of President Trump's initial 100 days in office.

• Podhoretz: “It's a completely arbitrary number. The historical roots of this benchmark are back in the FDR presidency…” [02:09]

Podhoretz draws parallels between Trump's extensive use of executive orders and Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal strategies, suggesting that Trump's policies could rival FDR's impact on the nation.

B. The Significance of the 658-Day Midterm Milestone

Greenwald counters the emphasis on the 100-day mark by highlighting the importance of the upcoming 658-day mark, coinciding with the 2026 midterm elections.

• Greenwald: “The hundredth day doesn't matter. The 658th day matters… that will be the day of the 2026 midterm election.” [02:27]

He underscores that the administration's long-term policies and their reception by the electorate will ultimately determine Trump's political fate.

3. Trump’s Policy Impact and Approval Ratings

A. Immigration and Economic Policies

Matthew Continetti discusses Trump's aggressive immigration stance, noting the unprecedented closure of the U.S. border.

• Continetti: “Trump has closed the border. He's the only president in the 21st century to do this.” [02:29]

He also touches upon Trump's efforts to combat inflation, pointing to declining inflation rates as a positive outcome of his economic policies.

B. Declining Approval Ratings and Trade War Concerns

Podhoretz highlights the administration's declining approval ratings, attributing it to potential economic downturns resulting from the ongoing trade war.

• Podhoretz: “If the trade war does result in a recession… then the numbers are. Would go down further, and that would make day 652, election day 2026, go very badly for Republicans.” [06:52]

4. Foreign Policy Under Trump

A. Ukraine, Iran, and NATO Relations

Greenwald criticizes Trump's handling of international alliances and conflicts, including perceived favoritism towards Russia and ineffective negotiations with Iran.

• Greenwald: “We have effectively sided with Putin in the war in Ukraine, and we are negotiating a second JCPOA with Iran.” [07:52]

He argues that Trump's actions have strained NATO alliances and left the U.S. vulnerable on the global stage.

B. Contrasting First and Second Administrations

Podhoretz contrasts Trump's first and second terms, particularly in foreign policy, suggesting that his recent strategies deviate from successful past practices.

• Podhoretz: “Foreign policy in particular, I think is one where he has not followed the successful lessons of his first term.” [11:27]

5. Harvard's Joint Report on Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia

A. Examination of the Report's Findings

The hosts delve into a controversial joint report released by Harvard University addressing anti-Semitism and Islamophobia on campus.

• Greenwald: “Harvard had to report on anti Semitism… it has finally been released after, you know. … it's very detailed, and it's pretty shocking.” [26:15]

They critique the report's admission of inadequate oversight and the proliferation of unsupervised programs fostering discrimination.

B. Implications for Higher Education

The discussion highlights the Trump administration's efforts to reform higher education by targeting progressive ideologies and enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

• Greenwald: “Trump is using the federal government to kind of bash the heads of these universities.” [43:50]

Mandel adds that Trump's administration is pushing for disciplinary measures against law firms and academic institutions seen as perpetuating leftist agendas.

6. The Administration's War on DEI and Academic Standards

A. Critique of DEI Initiatives

The hosts vehemently oppose Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, arguing that they undermine academic excellence and promote ideological conformity.

• Continetti: “We need to stop the corruption of the university at an earlier point.” [42:57]

Mandel echoes this sentiment, advocating for stricter disciplinary actions to maintain academic integrity.

B. The Role of Admissions and Academic Achievement

Podhoretz criticizes the shift in college admissions criteria from academic performance to political activism, suggesting it dilutes the quality of education.

• Podhoretz: “The new path is political activism and conforming to this woke ideology.” [43:50]

7. Economic Indicators and Future Outlook

A. Current Economic Trends

The hosts review recent economic data, noting a contraction in GDP and a decline in consumer spending, raising concerns about the administration's economic policies.

• Podhoretz: “Consumer spending crashed… that's the danger sign because that is engine going.” [55:16]

B. Potential Recession Risks

Greenwald warns that policies like Liberation Day could trigger a recession, further diminishing Trump's approval ratings and weakening Republican prospects in the midterms.

• Greenwald: “It could in fact be laid entirely because of the emergency created by Liberation Day.” [54:56]

8. Cultural and Literary Recommendations

A. Isaac Basheva Singer's Collected Stories

As the episode winds down, Podhoretz recommends Isaiah Basheva Singer's "Collected Stories," praising its emotional depth and storytelling prowess.

• Podhoretz: “Each one of them moved me in a way that it's. I find very rare in my experience for writing to move me.” [55:37]

Greenwald and Mandel also reminisce about Singer's influence and cultural significance, underscoring the importance of literature in shaping societal values.

Conclusion

In "A Mixed Bag," the Commentary Magazine Podcast provides a thorough analysis of the Trump administration's early tenure, its impact on foreign and domestic policies, and the ongoing struggles within higher education. The hosts offer a critical perspective on current events, backed by historical context and economic data, making the episode a compelling listen for those seeking an in-depth understanding of America's political and social dynamics.

Notable Quotes:

• John Podhoretz [02:09]: “It's a completely arbitrary number. The historical roots of this benchmark are back in the FDR presidency…”

• Abe Greenwald [07:52]: “We have effectively sided with Putin in the war in Ukraine, and we are negotiating a second JCPOA with Iran.”

• Matthew Continetti [42:57]: “We need to stop the corruption of the university at an earlier point.”

• Seth Mandel [55:16]: “Consumer spending crashed… that's the danger sign because that is engine going.”

• John Podhoretz [55:37]: “Each one of them moved me in a way that it's. I find very rare in my experience for writing to move me.”

This summary encapsulates the multifaceted discussions of the episode, providing listeners with a clear and comprehensive overview of the key themes and insights presented by the hosts.