The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Bad Deal" – January 14, 2025

Hosted by John Podhoretz and featuring Commentary Magazine's senior editors Abe Greenwald, Seth Mandel, and Christine Rosen, the "Bad Deal" episode delves into pressing geopolitical and domestic issues, offering a critical analysis of recent developments in U.S. foreign policy and legal investigations surrounding prominent political figures.

1. Biden’s Valedictory Address and U.S. Foreign Policy

The episode opens with a discussion of President Joe Biden's first valedictory address at the State Department. John Podhoretz critiques Biden’s portrayal of U.S. strength, stating, “He was taking credit for things. He was claiming that the US is in a much stronger position than it was when we took office...” ([00:55]).

Abe Greenwald counters Biden’s assertions by highlighting the administration's defense spending cuts and the resulting vulnerabilities in the military. He remarks, “We actually do need to spend some money rebuilding our defense...” ([08:01]).

2. The Hostage Deal Between Israel and Hamas

Christine Rosen introduces the central topic of the episode: a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. She vehemently opposes the agreement, describing it as “a horror and it's an unambiguous horror” ([06:18]). The deal involves the release of 33 out of 98 hostages over 16 days, predominantly women and children, leaving the majority in captivity.

Podhoretz expresses his disapproval, noting, “I hate the deal” ([14:55]). The panelists discuss the implications of leaving two-thirds of the hostages behind and the potential for continued instability in the region.

3. Implications for Israeli Politics and Security

Seth Mandel elaborates on the strategic setbacks of the deal, particularly the Israeli military’s withdrawal from the Natzarim Corridor—a critical security zone. He explains, “It's just named after a settlement that is no longer in existence... pulling out of this corridor” ([17:06]).

Christine Rosen warns of the potential for renewed conflict, stating, “They're going to start dropping 2,000 pound bombs on Gazan civilians...” ([20:28]). The discussion highlights the precarious balance Israel faces in maintaining security while negotiating hostage releases.

4. Prospects of Trump's Role in Future Negotiations

The conversation shifts to former President Donald Trump’s involvement in the negotiations through his associate Steve Witkoff. Rosen criticizes the approach, arguing, “What a great deal, what a terrific deal that is...” ([14:55]).

Mandel speculates on Trump’s possible stance if the deal falters, suggesting, “He is not going to want this... he is doing the devil's work, not the Lord's work” ([27:01]). The panelists express skepticism about Trump's ability to secure all hostages, questioning his commitment to the deal’s follow-through.

5. Special Prosecutor Reports: Jack Smith vs. David Weiss

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing reports from Special Prosecutors Jack Smith and David Weiss. Podhoretz reads excerpts from Smith’s report, which alleges that the investigation into former President Trump was expedited to influence the presidential election: “The office had no interest in affecting the presidential election...” ([61:28]).

Greenwald contrasts this with Weiss’s report on Hunter Biden, highlighting perceived biases: “He [Weiss] issued a report that was extremely striking in its scolding of the Biden administration...” ([62:47]). The panelists argue that these reports demonstrate a partisan imbalance within the Justice Department, undermining public trust.

Christine Rosen argues that Trump’s actions should have been addressed through impeachment rather than prosecution, stating, “He was impeached by the House in 2021. He just wasn't convicted... There shouldn't have been a prosecution of him for this” ([66:03]).

6. Conclusion: The Path Forward

As the episode concludes, the hosts emphasize the complexities and potential repercussions of the hostage deal and the ongoing legal battles involving high-profile political figures. Podhoretz advises listeners to “keep the candle burning” amid the turbulent political landscape ([74:45]).

Notable Quotes:

• “He was taking credit for things. He was claiming that the US is in a much stronger position than it was when we took office...” – John Podhoretz ([00:55])

• “I hate the deal.” – John Podhoretz ([14:55])

• “It's a horror and it's an unambiguous horror.” – Christine Rosen ([06:18])

• “We actually do need to spend some money rebuilding our defense...” – Abe Greenwald ([08:01])

• “He is doing the devil's work, not the Lord's work.” – Christine Rosen ([27:01])

• “The office had no interest in affecting the presidential election...” – Jack Smith (Excerpt via John Podhoretz) ([61:28])

• “There shouldn't have been a prosecution of him for this.” – Christine Rosen ([66:03])

Summary:

In "Bad Deal," Commentary Magazine's panelists critically examine President Biden's recent address, a controversial hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, and contentious legal reports involving former President Trump and Hunter Biden. The discussion underscores concerns about U.S. foreign policy's effectiveness, the strategic integrity of Israeli security measures, and perceived partisan biases within the Justice Department. Through incisive analysis and pointed critiques, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the intricate interplay between domestic politics and international relations as of early 2025.