Podcast Summary: The Commentary Magazine Podcast - "Confirming the Unconfirmable"

Release Date: January 30, 2025
Host: John Podhoretz, Editor of Commentary Magazine
Guests: Abe Greenwald (Executive Editor), Matthew Continetti (Washington Commentary Columnist)

1. Tragic Air Accident and Social Media Response (02:21 - 04:33)

The episode opens with the hosts expressing their condolences regarding a devastating air accident near Reagan Airport in Washington, D.C., resulting in the loss of 64 lives. They critique the immediate polarization on social media, where individuals prematurely assign blame to ideological factions without waiting for factual information.

Notable Quote:

Matthew Continetti [03:07]: "Let the dead be buried. Let them, let the victims be mourned and, you know, don't just use them as playing cards in the political game."

2. Chinese AI Announcement and Skepticism (04:33 - 08:13)

The discussion shifts to the recent announcement of a Chinese AI technology named "Deep Seek." The hosts express skepticism about its legitimacy, suggesting it may be an information or disinformation operation coinciding with the U.S. crackdown on TikTok. They highlight concerns about data privacy and the timing of the AI's release amidst geopolitical tensions.

Notable Quotes:

Matthew Continetti [04:43]: "They're just rolling out the Apple Store download Deep. Once again, I can't remember the word Deep seek. Deep Seek."

John Podhoretz [07:48]: "It does have the feeling of an information operation, no matter how good the technology turns out to be."

3. RFK Jr.'s Nomination and Confirmation Hearings (08:13 - 32:52)

A significant portion of the podcast delves into Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The hosts critique Kennedy's stance on pharmaceuticals and vaccines, arguing that his appointment could undermine the American pharmaceutical industry's innovation and economic impact. They scrutinize his testimony before Senate committees, highlighting his perceived lack of understanding of HHS's complexities and his controversial positions.

Key Points:

• Economic Impact of Pharma: Emphasis on the pharmaceutical industry's role in the U.S. economy and global health advancements.
• Confirmation Hearing Dynamics: Kennedy faced intense questioning and opposition from Democratic senators, with comparisons made to past contentious hearings.
• Potential Senate Vote: Discussion on the likelihood of Kennedy securing the necessary votes, considering the Republican senators' positions and the influence of his independent political base.

Notable Quotes:

Matthew Continetti [12:22]: "We haven't really talked about the Chinese AI panic that began the week with the introduction of deep fake, whatever it's called."

John Podhoretz [16:03]: "You gave one. I'll give two more. One is his record as a pro-choice advocate... the second reason I'll offer to oppose the nomination, which is it's a huge agency."

Matthew Continetti [24:28]: "He was struggling to respond to the barrage as well."

4. Tulsi Gabbard's Nomination and Internal Republican Dynamics (32:52 - 45:00)

The hosts transition to discussing Tulsi Gabbard's nomination, outlining the challenges she faces in gaining Senate support. They analyze the internal conflicts within the Republican Party, particularly between MAGA supporters and more hawkish senators. The conversation highlights the strategic maneuvers necessary for nominees like Gabbard to secure confirmation amidst factional disputes.

Key Points:

• Senate Committee Votes: Gabbard's difficulty in securing unanimous committee support, especially from influential Republican senators.
• Republican Factions: Tension between MAGA proponents and hawkish senators who may oppose Gabbard's positions.
• Nomination Strategy: Potential consequences of failed confirmations and the strategic decisions within the Republican leadership.

Notable Quotes:

Matthew Continetti [37:28]: "We have a magazine, but it's like a magazine. They must be stopped. They must be just. I understand that the American conservative wants us destroyed because we're more successful than they are..."

John Podhoretz [35:26]: "Another play, too. And I think what you're saying there would mean that would be more Cassidy..."

5. Foreign Policy and Energy Strategy (45:00 - 60:03)

The discussion shifts to U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Iran and the broader Middle East. The hosts advocate for a robust stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions, emphasizing the strategic importance of alliances with Israel and Saudi Arabia. They critique internal political opposition and misinformation, arguing for a clear and forceful American presence to ensure regional stability and deter nuclear proliferation.

Key Points:

• Iranian Nuclear Threat: Urgency in addressing Iran's nuclear capabilities and its alliance with North Korea.
• Middle East Stability: Importance of supporting Israel and Saudi Arabia to counterbalance Iranian influence.
• Energy Policy: Endorsement of Trump's energy agenda to achieve American energy independence and reduce reliance on Middle Eastern oil.

Notable Quotes:

Matthew Continetti [51:10]: "It's a direct threat. That's not, that's a direct threat."

John Podhoretz [52:55]: "He doesn't want to start a war. He doesn't want to send Americans overseas. We know that."

Matthew Continetti [57:29]: "This is a way out. This is a way to change our posture there and not to feel as though we are on a knife's edge constantly..."

6. Education and Literacy Concerns (60:03 - 64:27)

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts briefly touch upon the declining literacy rates among American students, referencing the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) indicating that a third of eighth graders are functionally illiterate. They lament the educational shortcomings and humorously discuss the challenges faced by filmmakers like Christopher Nolan in engaging an increasingly illiterate audience.

Notable Quotes:

Matthew Continetti [61:00]: "It's awful, by the way. Achievements."

John Podhoretz [63:18]: "We’re in big trouble."

Matthew Continetti [61:01]: "Emily Wilson's translation of the Odyssey without the introduction. That's my, that's my recommendation today."

Conclusion

The episode "Confirming the Unconfirmable" provides a critical analysis of contemporary political nominations, foreign policy strategies, technological advancements, and educational challenges facing the United States. Through in-depth discussions and pointed critiques, the hosts underscore their concerns about ideological shifts, policy decisions, and the future trajectory of American leadership both domestically and internationally.

Final Notable Quote:

John Podhoretz [64:27]: "You don't have to read the introduction. Trust the tale, not the teller."

Note: This summary captures the primary themes and discussions from the podcast episode. For a more comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.