Detailed Summary of "Feel the Burn" Episode - The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Release Date: June 9, 2025

1. Introduction to Current Events in Los Angeles County

The episode opens with host Jon Podhoretz delving into the recent deployment of 2,000 National Guardsmen to Los Angeles County. This decision, made by the Trump administration despite objections from Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to quell disturbances that have erupted in various jurisdictions within the sprawling LA County. Podhoretz emphasizes the vastness of LA County, noting its resemblance to an "empire" due to its coverage of multiple jurisdictions spanning 50 miles west and 30 miles north and south.

2. Conflict of Visions on Law Enforcement

Podhoretz presents a theory that underpins the federal and local responses to the unrest:

• Acceptance of Violence: When officials like Governor Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass assert that they can control the situation, they implicitly accept a certain level of violence as a part of maintaining national order.

• Demonstrations as a National Compact: These leaders view protests and demonstrations, even when they escalate into violence, as fundamental expressions of the popular will, harkening back to historical movements like the civil rights era and anti-Vietnam War protests.

Notable Quote:

"They are willing to accept...that when people get angry or upset about things, they're going to have demonstrations that are going to turn violent...the certain level of violence is acceptable for the preservation of our national order."
— Jon Podhoretz [03:49]

3. Historical Context and Comparison to Past Movements

Matthew Continetti draws parallels between current events and previous protest movements:

• Major Movements Discussed:
  • Anti-Globalization Movement: Began in Seattle at the tail end of the last century.
  • Anti-Iraq War Movement
  • George Floyd Protests
  • Omni Cause: Emerging around October 7, 2023, it appears to be evolving into anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) actions in Los Angeles.

Continetti notes that, unlike the largely peaceful anti-war movement, the other protests have experienced significant violence, highlighting a shift in the nature of activism and its acceptance among mainstream liberals.

Notable Quote:

"And the inability of the left to stop, or rather the inability of mainstream liberals to stop it, is really striking."
— Matthew Continetti [07:22]

4. Democratic Narrative on Law and Order

The discussion critiques the Democratic Party's handling of law enforcement and their narrative around protests:

• Selective Historical Understanding: Democrats draw on selective historical events to justify current stances, often downplaying or ignoring instances where their actions may have contributed to disorder.

• Blame on Trump Administration: There's a recurring theme where Democratic leaders blame the Trump administration for escalating situations, such as deploying the National Guard, thereby positioning themselves as upholders of peace and order.

Notable Quote:

"Critically, the public is behind deporting people who are here illegally... But enforcing federal law and having elected Democratic officials blatantly claim and hold themselves up as honorable for not allowing that enforcement."
— Christine Rosen [13:39]

5. California's Longstanding Governance Issues

Continetti and Rosen highlight California's enduring challenges, attributing them to over-the-top liberal governance:

• Illegal Immigration: Described as a "30-year problem," California's sanctuary policies have allegedly led to increased violence and disorder.

• Wildfires and Rebuilding Efforts: Recent wildfires have devastated parts of Los Angeles, with minimal progress in rebuilding, exacerbating public frustration.

• Homelessness and Crime: Persistent issues in managing homelessness and rising crime rates further undermine the state's reputation as a progressive stronghold.

Notable Quote:

"California has had this issue for 30 plus years. There was a brief period...net zero illegal migration...since then it's continued."
— Matthew Continetti [29:19]

6. The Role of Celebrity Activism and the Omni Cause

The podcast transitions to discuss the influence of celebrities like Greta Thunberg in political activism:

• Greta Thunberg’s Flotilla to Gaza: Thunberg and her group attempted to deliver aid to Gaza, only to be intercepted by Israeli forces. The episode criticizes her actions as misguided and lacking understanding of the complexities involved.

• Normalization of Political Violence: Rosen and Continetti argue that such celebrity-led initiatives contribute to the normalization of political violence, undermining legitimate forms of protest and exacerbating public resentment.

Notable Quote:

"Greta Thunberg has become the embodiment, the human embodiment of the leftist radical pathology."
— Abe Greenwald [46:06]

7. Impact on the Democratic Party and Future Implications

The hosts express concern over the Democratic Party's trajectory:

• Erosion of Public Trust: By associating with or failing to curb violent protests, Democrats risk alienating centrist voters who prioritize law and order.

• Political Suicide Risk: Continuing the current path could lead to significant losses in elections, as voters may no longer support a party that appears to condone lawbreaking in pursuit of ideological goals.

Notable Quote:

"It is an act of political suicide for one of the two major parties in the United States."
— Jon Podhoretz [63:03]

8. Law Enforcement and Executive Powers

Rosen emphasizes the necessity of enforcing law through the executive branch to maintain social order:

• Equal Application of the Law: Demonstrating that unlawful protests are met with appropriate legal consequences ensures citizens feel protected and that rules are applied uniformly.

• Emergency Powers Justification: The use of National Guard and other emergency measures is portrayed as essential to prevent vigilante justice and maintain civic coherence.

Notable Quote:

"Seeing that behavior punish with the full force of the law...breeds a sense of resentment about the fact that the rule of law is not applied equally."
— Christine Rosen [58:06]

9. Conclusion and Final Remarks

In wrapping up, Podhoretz and Continetti reiterate the dangers of prioritizing ideological agendas over public safety and the rule of law. They warn of increasing public frustration leading to more extreme measures by ordinary citizens and potential backlash against the Democratic Party's current strategies.

Notable Quote:

"The Democratic Party...have become ideologically committed to the idea that law breaking is morally superior to law keeping."
— Matthew Continetti [63:04]

10. Additional Discussions and Recommendations

Towards the episode's end, although primarily focused on advertisement segments, there are brief mentions of cultural figures and media, including a critique of Bono and praise for his daughter Eve Hewson's acting career, further underscoring the hosts' stance on celebrity influence in politics.

Notable Quote:

"I am about to disrecommend a work... Bono Stories of Surrender...it's just boring."
— Matthew Continetti [64:53]

This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast presents a critical examination of contemporary political unrest, law enforcement responses, and the broader implications for the Democratic Party in the United States. Through detailed analysis and pointed critiques, the hosts argue that current liberal approaches to managing protests and upholding law and order may lead to significant political and social repercussions.