Summary of "Epstein's Book and Colbert's Cancellation" Episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Release Date: July 18, 2025

In this episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, hosts Jon Podhorowitz, Abe Greenwald, Seth Mandel, and Matthew Continetti delve into two major topics: the enigmatic connections between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, and the controversial cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show. The discussion navigates through media credibility, political maneuvering, and the evolving landscape of late-night television.

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode opens with a brief introduction by Jon Podhorowitz, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation rather than superficial commentary. The hosts aim to "go deep down into the muck," focusing on substantial issues rather than trivial matters.

2. The Epstein Tribute Book Controversy

Jon Podhorowitz introduces the central topic: a tribute book compiled for Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday, reportedly containing contributions from notable figures, including Donald J. Trump.

• Description of the Controversy:

  • The Wall Street Journal reported on a page from the book where Trump's signature allegedly resembles pubic hair, raising eyebrows about its authenticity and implications. Podhorowitz expresses skepticism:

    "[03:43] Jon Podhoretz: ...it sounds like Trump. So it sounds like, you know, anyway, we could read it or we could not read it. It doesn't sound like Trump. So it sounds like, you know, anyway, we could read it or we could not read it."

• Skepticism About the Authenticity:

  • Abe Greenwald adds:

    "[05:29] Abe Greenwald: Well, we should at least. Let's provide some context."

  • Matthew Continetti emphasizes the suggestive nature of the alleged playlist between Trump and Epstein:

    "[06:00] Matthew Continetti: ...it is luridly suggestive of the two of them, of Epstein and Trump sharing dark secrets forever."

3. Media Coverage and Credibility Issues

The hosts discuss the reliability of the Wall Street Journal's report, highlighting the lack of direct evidence and the absence of released images of the controversial page.

• Dubious Reporting:

  "[05:29] Abe Greenwald: Well, we should at least. Let's provide some context."

  "[07:11] Jon Podhoretz: I'm just in terms of one's bold detector... the description in the story is very baffling."

• Speculation on Media Motives:

  • Podhorowitz suggests the Wall Street Journal might be holding the page for a second-day story:

    "[12:08] Jon Podhoretz: ...maybe they're doing a second day story. In other words, they wanted to smoke Trump out..."

4. Political Reactions and MAGA's Support for Trump

The discussion shifts to the political ramifications, noting that MAGA and Trump supporters are rallying in defense against what they perceive as mainstream media attacks.

• MAGA Unity:

  "[06:00] Jon Podhoretz: ...MAGA and Trump have reunited after splitting for the past two weeks over the Epstein scandal..."

• Calls for DOJ Transparency:

  • They mention Trump's demands for the Department of Justice to release grand jury material:

    "[05:41] Matthew Continetti: ...he's attacking the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch, who he's planning to sue the paper..."

5. Historical Context of Sexual Scandals in Politics

Jon Podhorowitz draws parallels between the current situation and past political scandals, such as Bill Clinton's sexual indiscretions during his presidency.

• Comparative Analysis:

  "[21:05] Jon Podhoretz: ...in 2015, the issue of whether Donald Trump was a sleazeball in relation to women was the final question of the campaign in which he was eventually elected president."

6. The Epstein Files and Legal Proceedings

The conversation delves into the complexities surrounding the Epstein case, including the statute of limitations and the challenges in prosecuting alleged accomplices.

• Statute of Limitations:

  "[26:11] Jon Podhoretz: ...there was a statute of limitations issue that nothing happened."

• Challenges in Prosecution:

  "[26:50] Abe Greenwald: Secondly, evident evidence as well. Probably might be hard to bring cases."

7. Trump's Justice Department and Epstein's Death

Abe Greenwald criticizes the handling of the Epstein case by the Trump administration's Department of Justice, particularly Epstein's suicide in custody.

• Critique of DOJ:

  "[32:37] Abe Greenwald: ...yesterday evening was a turning point in the Epstein scandal... defending the president against what they see as a mainstream media attack."

8. Cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Show

Transitioning to the second major topic, the hosts discuss the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's show, analyzing both business and political motivations.

• Late Night TV Decline:

  "[40:11] Jon Podhoretz: ...the late night landscape has changed drastically... Colbert's show was canceled due to declining viewership and political pressures."

• Political and Ownership Influences:

  • Podhorowitz links the show's cancellation to the influence of Jewish owners, citing dissatisfaction with Colbert's alleged anti-Zionist stance:

    "[40:48] Jon Podhoretz: ...due to the network ownership by Larry Ellison and his son David, who are strong Zionists, Colbert's anti-Zionist content was untenable."

• Criticism of Colbert:

  "[40:46] Jon Podhoretz: ...Stephen Colbert and his show is anti-Zionist filth."

9. The Future of Late-Night Television

The hosts lament the decline of late-night shows, attributing it to political polarization, shifting viewer habits, and the rise of new media platforms.

• Declining Viewership:

  "[46:57] Jon Podhoretz: ...these shows are not earning their high production costs and are losing their audiences."

• Shift to New Media:

  "[50:06] Seth Mandel: ...actual funny guys are exploring new media, like John Mulaney's show on Netflix..."

10. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

In their concluding segments, the hosts reflect on the enduring nature of the Epstein scandal in Washington and anticipate ongoing media and political battles.

• Enduring Scandal:

  "[36:40] Abe Greenwald: The story will go on forever... we're going to be talking about this."

• Media Strategies and Political Implications:

  "[34:24] Abe Greenwald: ...some Democrats have even tried to connect the Epstein case to Medicaid cuts..."

Notable Quotes

• Jon Podhoretz on Media Motives:

  "[12:08] Jon Podhoretz: ...maybe they're doing a second day story. In other words, they wanted to smoke Trump out..."

• Abe Greenwald on Media Campaigns:

  "[11:43] Abe Greenwald: ...NBC News investigative team has been very antagonistic toward Trump stretching back to the 2016 campaign."

• Jon Podhoretz on Political Fallout:

  "[37:02] Jon Podhoretz: ...yesterday evening was a turning point in the Epstein scandal that has been rocking Washington for the past two weeks or so."

• Abe Greenwald on Late-Night TV:

  "[49:22] Abe Greenwald: ...comedy shows is boring."

Conclusion

This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast offers a provocative examination of the intersection between politics, media, and celebrity influence. By dissecting the murky connections between Trump and Epstein and analyzing the tumultuous landscape of late-night television, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of current socio-political dynamics.

For more insights and discussions, listen to The Commentary Magazine Podcast available on Ricochet.com.