Podcast Summary: The Commentary Magazine Podcast – Episode: "Amsterdammerung" (Released November 8, 2024)

Host: John Podhoretz
Guests: Abe Greenwald, Seth Mandel, Matthew Continetti, Eliana Johnson
Duration: Approximately 78 minutes

1. Introduction

The episode "Amsterdammerung" delves into a series of alarming events related to antisemitism and political dynamics in Europe and the United States. Hosted by John Podhoretz, the podcast features insightful discussions with Executive Editor Abe Greenwald, Senior Editor Seth Mandel, Washington Commentary columnist Matthew Continetti, and Eliana Johnson, the editor of the Washington Free Beacon and co-host of the Ink Stained Wretches podcast.

2. Pogrom in Amsterdam and Historical Parallels

Description of the Incident: The core of the episode revolves around a violent pogrom in Amsterdam following a soccer match between the Tel Aviv Maccabee team and an Amsterdam-based team, which Tel Aviv won 5-0. John Podhoretz describes the chaos that ensued as "pre-positioned mobs of Muslim youths" attacked Israeli fans exiting the stadium. The violence, lasting five hours, resulted in 30-40 injuries, with three individuals still missing. Israel dispatched two planes to aid in the extraction of its citizens.

Historical Context: Podhoretz draws a chilling parallel between the Amsterdam incident and the 86th anniversary of Kristallnacht, the infamous 1938 pogrom that marked a significant escalation in the persecution of Jews leading up to the Holocaust. He remarks, “...the Anne Frank House is now off limits to Jews who want to protect themselves against the Muslim horde in Amsterdam that drove Ayaan Hirsi Ali into exile...” [00:50 – 26:31].

Organized Nature: Eliana Johnson highlights the premeditated and coordinated nature of the attacks, suggesting possible foreign involvement, potentially linked to Iran. She states, “...with that type of planning, you never can rule out foreign involvement. And I wonder whether the long arm of Iran is involved” [03:44 – 04:01].

3. Antisemitism in the Netherlands and Europe

Antisemitic Cohort: Podhoretz references the active antisemitism cohort in the Netherlands, led by Geert Wilders, emphasizing its impact on the current events: “...there is, of course, an active and very serious anti-antisemitism cohort in the Netherlands led by Geert Wilders...” [04:44].

Impact on Jewish Safety: Anecdotal evidence is provided, recounting how a friend's daughter felt unsafe visiting the Anne Frank House amid the violence, underscoring the erosion of perceived Jewish safety in Amsterdam.

Economic and Social Decline in Europe: Eliana Johnson comments on Europe’s economic downturn and societal issues exacerbated by immigration, suggesting a decline in national defense and increasing vulnerability to external threats: “...the divergence between America's economic growth and Europe's over the past decade... is incredible” [26:31 – 28:46].

4. Rise of Antisemitism in the United States

Recent Incidents: The podcast discusses a spike in antisemitic incidents across U.S. universities, including assaults in Brooklyn’s Borough Park, disruptions at Yale and Harvard, and attacks on Israeli reservists at DePaul University. Seth Mandel notes, “...there is a real reluctance to acknowledge what it is” regarding antisemitic hate crimes [06:51 – 09:58].

Community Responses: In Bergenfield, New Jersey, a protest outside a Jewish family's home turned violent, with notable incidents such as a woman holding both a Palestinian flag and an image of Hitler [09:58 – 11:42].

Critique of Media Coverage: Matthew Continetti criticizes major media outlets like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal for their hesitant language, avoiding direct labeling of the Amsterdam attacks as antisemitic: “...they have a real reluctance to acknowledge what it is” [11:42 – 13:44].

5. Media and Political Leadership Responses

Media Reluctance: Podhoretz and other guests express frustration with how media outlets frame antisemitic incidents, often downplaying the severity or the intent behind them. Effectively, this reluctance to label attacks as antisemitic undermines societal acknowledgment and response.

Political Leadership's Inaction: The discussion moves to critique political leaders, particularly in Chicago, where Mayor Brandon Johnson is accused of ignoring antisemitic violence: “...the mayor of Chicago has not used the word antisemitism” [18:11 – 19:52]. Abe Greenwald underscores the potential for such neglect to embolden further antisemitic actions.

Donald Trump's Role and Media Dynamics: The conversation shifts to Donald Trump’s influence, his strained relationship with mainstream media, and how the media's portrayal or lack thereof has impacted political outcomes. The hosts argue that Trump's media bypassing strategies, like using podcasts instead of traditional outlets, have contributed to shifts in public opinion, particularly among Jewish voters.

6. Shifts in Jewish Voter Allegiance Towards Trump

Change in Voting Patterns: Podhoretz references his own analysis indicating a significant swing in Jewish voter support towards Trump, ranging between 10-40%: “the delta in the Jewish change in Jewish support seems to be somewhere between 10 and 40% in Trump’s favor” [43:00 – 48:00]. This shift is attributed to perceptions of Trump as a pro-Israel figure contrasted with the Biden administration’s policies.

Biden Administration's Policies: The hosts critique President Biden's inconsistent stance on Israel and antisemitic incidents, arguing that his administration's fluctuating support for Israeli actions has alienated Jewish voters. Seth Mandel adds, “the only thing that can possibly move these people is the prime Minister of the state of Israel coming to your city and saying, you’ve messed up...” [36:30 – 50:35].

7. Upcoming Trump Administration's Staffing and Strategy

Susan Wiles as Chief of Staff: Eliana Johnson announces Trump’s appointment of Susie Wiles as his Chief of Staff, heralding her as a seasoned political operative with deep ties within the Republican Party: “...she is the most capable person to serve as Trump’s chief of staff since 2017” [53:00 – 54:27].

Cabinet Nominees: The discussion explores potential cabinet appointments, including figures like Elbridge Colby for National Security Advisor, whose hawkish and isolationist views raise concerns: “...he is a weird, hawkish isolationist who thinks that we should only do, you know, we should focus everything on China” [63:00 – 64:40].

Strategic Appointments: Matthew Continetti and Seth Mandel discuss the strategic nature of Trump’s nominations, emphasizing the selection of individuals who command respect across various factions of the right, such as Marco Rubio for Secretary of State and the potential inclusion of Robert C. O’Brien for other key roles.

Recommended Strategies: Eliana suggests following Reagan’s model for cabinet appointments, emphasizing the placement of real estate, defense, and hawkish figures in strategic departments to ensure effective governance: “If I were telling President Trump, you want your real estate defense and your hawk at State...” [68:04 – 69:16].

8. Future Political Implications

Impact on Democratic Party: The hosts express skepticism about the Democratic Party’s ability to respond effectively to Trump's resurgence, criticizing their lack of introspection following the election loss. Eliana Johnson mocks the New York Times' portrayal of Kamala Harris, highlighting the media's trivialization of serious political issues: “...here you have Israelis in Europe and what happens? They're violently attacked...” [70:17 – 76:02].

Media's Bias and Future Projections: Matthew Continetti points out the absence of media discourse on why the press "got it wrong" in the Trump elections, contrasting it with previous introspections after the 2016 election: “...unique. I was struck by the New York Times headline the day after the election...” [36:30 – 39:21].

Trump's Dominance and Administration's Direction: The podcast underscores Trump’s potential to shape his administration’s policies effectively, with a strong chief of staff like Susie Wiles acting as a gatekeeper: “She is going to gatekeep, which is what the chief of staff is supposed to do...” [57:42 – 59:43].

9. Cultural and Social Reflections

Documentary Recommendations: Concluding the episode, the hosts recommend a documentary about Martha Stewart on Netflix, contrasting it with previous, less substantial representations: “That is some rich, rich stuff...” [78:06 – 79:03].

Closing Remarks: John Podhoretz wraps up the episode by emphasizing the significance of the discussed topics and encouraging listeners to stay informed: “Keep the candle burning” [78:14 – End].

Notable Quotes

1. John Podhoretz on the Amsterdam Pogrom:

   • “If you want to get a sense of what Kristallnacht might have been like... you might get them from these GoPro videos of Jews being chased down in the streets of Europe.” [02:59 – 03:44]

2. Eliana Johnson on Antisemitism and Immigration:

   • “...with that type of planning, you never can rule out foreign involvement. And I wonder whether the long arm of Iran is involved.” [03:44 – 04:01]
   • “Europe is in a really bad way. Just take a step back and look." [26:31 – 28:46]

3. Seth Mandel on Media Reluctance:

   • “What is so interesting to me about the Times and the Journal being so careful to call this by its name is that in our domestic politics, we've been inundated with cries...” [12:00 – 13:44]

4. Matthew Continetti on Media Failure:

   • “...the Wall Street Journal's is a little bit better. There seems to be a real reluctance.” [11:42 – 13:44]

5. Eliana Johnson on Trump Administration Appointments:

   • “...she is the most capable person to serve as Trump's chief of staff since 2017.” [53:00 – 54:27]

6. John Podhoretz on Trump's Strategy:

   • “...the fact that it is now apparently unquestionable... that the decision to attack Israeli fans... was pre-planned and organized...” [15:54 – 16:20]

7. Podhoretz on Media Commentary:

   • “...Obama. Secretary of State John Kerry, who refused to characterize it as such for fear of being too incendiary.” [31:37 – 33:20]

Conclusions and Insights

The episode "Amsterdammerung" offers a critical examination of rising antisemitism in both Europe and the United States, underscoring the failure of media and political leadership to adequately address and label these incidents. The hosts express significant concern over the increasing alignment of Jewish voters with Donald Trump, driven by his perceived support for Israel, contrasted with the Biden administration’s inconsistent policies.

Furthermore, the discussion on Trump’s strategic appointments for his upcoming administration highlights a deliberate move towards creating a disciplined and effective governance structure, potentially altering the political landscape significantly. The podcast also emphasizes the media’s reluctance to introspect or correct their narratives, which has contributed to the current political dynamics.

Overall, the episode serves as a wake-up call regarding the dangers of unchecked antisemitism, the critical role of media accountability, and the evolving political affiliations within key communities.

Recommended Listening:

• Free Beacon Website: Matthew Continetti’s Column on Biden's Legacy
• Netflix Documentary on Martha Stewart

End of Summary