Summary of "Broken Job Numbers, Friends Now Enemies" – The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Release Date: August 4, 2025
Host/Author: Commentary Magazine
Podcast Description: Commentary is America's premier monthly magazine of opinion: General, yet Jewish. Highly variegated, with a unifying perspective. Listen to The Commentary Magazine Podcast, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.
Introduction and Announcements [00:00 - 05:00]
John Podhoretz opens the episode by discussing Shopify, highlighting its role as a pivotal commerce platform for millions of businesses in the U.S. He emphasizes Shopify's tools that assist entrepreneurs in building and managing their online stores efficiently.
At [02:25], Matt Continetti interjects briefly, and John transitions to announce the upcoming 15th annual roast event of Commentary, Inc., scheduled for October 19th in New York. He describes it as a unique fundraising event filled with comedy and hijinks, inviting listeners to learn more on the Commentary website.
YouTube Channel Promotion [03:37 - 06:58]
Noah Rothman takes over at [03:37], reminding listeners to subscribe to their YouTube channel, aiming to reach 20,000 subscribers by Labor Day. He shares personal anecdotes about engaging with listeners and underscores the importance of growing their online presence.
Discussion on Air Travel Practices [06:58 - 09:49]
John initiates a conversation about checked versus carry-on luggage, sharing his personal experiment of occasionally checking bags to assess practicality. Noah Rothman and Abe Greenwald join in, discussing the evolving norms and cultural shifts regarding luggage handling in air travel.
Notable Quote:
John Podhoretz at [06:58]: "Do you check the bag or do you carry on the bag?"
Critique of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Job Numbers [09:49 - 37:45]
John Podhoretz delves into a critical analysis of the recent actions by the Trump administration, particularly focusing on the dismissal of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) following disappointing job numbers. He presents a detailed examination of the numerous revisions made to job statistics over the past 30 months, highlighting a significant downward trend in job growth figures.
Notable Quotes:
- John at [15:46]: "This conversation has reminded me of something that Erwin Stelzer once said. Macroeconomics is nonsense."
- Christine Rosen at [17:09]: "I believe you don't read Catholic theology when you're in Vegas, Matt."
The discussion further explores the reliability of economic indicators like GDP and unemployment rates, questioning the methodologies and suggesting that constant revisions undermine their credibility. Noah Rothman references economist Irwin Stelzer's skepticism about macroeconomic statistics, supporting the argument that these numbers often lack accuracy and reliability.
Key Points:
- Revisions in Job Numbers: Over 30 revisions in 30 months, with 25 downward and 5 upward.
- Methodological Concerns: Critique of how job numbers and GDP are calculated, drawing parallels to flawed inflation measures from the past.
- Political Implications: Examination of Trump's reaction to unfavorable job data, comparing it to authoritarian responses in other countries.
- Structural Issues: Acknowledgment of long-standing problems in measuring the U.S. economy accurately, beyond individual administration actions.
Impact of AI and Economic Shifts [37:45 - 41:12]
John discusses the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on various economic sectors, particularly highlighting a surge in the insulation industry due to the increased need for cooling in AI facilities. This segment underscores the unpredictable nature of job creation in emerging industries and the challenges in measuring such shifts accurately.
Notable Quote:
Noah Rothman at [34:57]: "The job numbers are interesting because the growth in the job market is all private sector, which typically as a conservative you would champion."
Controversies and Political Critique [41:12 - 57:23]
The conversation shifts to political controversies involving Donald Trump, including his plans to build a new ballroom at the White House and the ensuing criticism from historians and preservationists. The hosts debate the aesthetics and political motivations behind Trump's initiatives, critiquing perceived authoritarian tendencies.
A significant portion of the discussion centers around John Podhoretz's strong criticism of David French, a columnist for The New York Times. John accuses David French of making defamatory remarks regarding the situation in Gaza, specifically challenging the portrayal of starvation among Gazans. This segment is emotionally charged, highlighting deep disagreements over media narratives and political stances.
Notable Quotes:
- John Podhoretz at [57:23]: "I do not believe the Gazans are starving. I think that there are two people we know are starving..."
- Christine Rosen at [53:52]: "Any performer... should never be compelled to reveal their political preferences..."
Recommendations and Closing Remarks [57:23 - End]
Christine Rosen offers literary recommendations, highlighting Leonard Gardner's novel Fat City and Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom. She praises Gardner's nuanced portrayal of boxing and laborers, while John adds that the novel inspired a poignant film adaptation.
The podcast concludes with light-hearted banter and reminders about upcoming episodes, maintaining an engaging and conversational tone.
Notable Quote:
Christine Rosen at [67:27]: "It's pitched set in Stockton, California, where Gardner himself was raised."
Conclusion
This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast navigates through a range of topics, from economic statistics and their political implications to the impact of technological advancements on job markets. The hosts provide critical perspectives on governmental actions, media narratives, and current political controversies, all while engaging in dynamic and sometimes heated discussions. Additionally, they balance serious debates with cultural recommendations, offering listeners a comprehensive and thought-provoking experience.
Highlighted Quotes:
- John Podhoretz: "Every single death, injury, second of suffering that has taken place in Gaza since October 7th is morally on the hands and in the head and on the souls and on the shoulders of Hamas." [66:59]
- Christine Rosen: "Any performer, any celebrity who, particularly the ones who don't do political work of any kind, are certainly not. Should never be compelled to reveal their political preferences." [53:54]
Note: This summary aims to provide an objective overview of the podcast episode's content. It is essential to engage with the original material for a complete understanding of the discussions and viewpoints presented.