The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Five For Bombing" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 20, 2025
Host: Jon Pod Horowitz
Guest: John Andrassic (Five for Fighting)
Co-hosts: Abe Greenwald, Seth Mandel, Christine Rosen

Introduction and Geopolitical Context

The episode begins with the hosts welcoming John Andrassic, renowned musician and philanthropist known by his stage name, Five for Fighting. Jon Pod Horowitz introduces John as an activist for Israeli hostages in Gaza, highlighting his adaptation of the song "Superman" as an anthem for the "bring them home" movement.

Jon Pod Horowitz (00:43):
"Your song Superman has become a kind of unofficial anthem of the bring them home movement."

The conversation quickly shifts to the unpredictable nature of former President Donald Trump's foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program. Jon compares Trump's indecisiveness to the fluctuating performances of the Brooklyn Dodgers, emphasizing the uncertainty it brings to geopolitical stability.

Jon Pod Horowitz (02:15):
"It's like Trump's two-week time frame is his default for everything, whether it's tariffs or nuclear negotiations."

Seth Mandel's Newsletter: "A Lesson in Victory for the West"

Seth Mandel presents a compelling analysis from Abe Greenwald’s newsletter, "A Lesson in Victory for the West," focusing on the likely destruction of Iran's Fordo nuclear facility. Mandel outlines the probable scenarios, emphasizing the overwhelming success of Israel and the United States in neutralizing existential threats from Iran and its proxies.

Seth Mandel (03:45 – 11:21):
"The most likely scenario is that Israel, the US, or both will bomb the Fordo facility. The improbability lies in Ayatollah Khamenei agreeing to halt nuclear enrichment, thereby avoiding military confrontation."

Mandel further elaborates on Israel's strategic victories against Hezbollah and Hamas, portraying the nation as a beacon of resilience and military prowess. He underscores the importance of clear moral objectives in Western foreign policy, contrasting it with perceived ambivalence in recent American leaders.

John Andrassic on Activism and the Music Industry

John Andrassic shares his journey from musician to activist, emphasizing his commitment to moral messaging through music. He criticizes the decline of overt political and social advocacy in the contemporary music industry, lamenting the silence of major artists on critical issues like human rights and geopolitical conflicts.

John Andrassic (12:43 – 20:39):
"These are really moral messages. I look at them as not political, but ethical imperatives. The fact that I am a lone voice shows how broken our culture is. But what can you do? You stand up and try to make the world better."

He discusses the challenges of advocating for Israel amidst a culture increasingly influenced by "wokeness," noting the backlash he faces even from unexpected quarters. John highlights the importance of maintaining moral clarity in activism, especially when addressing issues of terrorism and national security.

Discussion on Military Morale and Recruitment

The conversation transitions to the state of military morale and recruitment in the United States. Abe Greenwald reflects on recent improvements in recruitment numbers following Trump's reelection, attributing this trend to a renewed sense of purpose and national pride among younger generations.

Abe Greenwald (26:52):
"The military is finally meeting its recruiting goals since Trump was reelected, signaling a hunger for purpose and meaning among the youth."

John Andrassic contributes by sharing experiences from his interactions with military personnel, noting a mix of relief and renewed enthusiasm. He attributes this shift to a clearer moral framework and effective leadership that inspires service members to commit to their roles with honor and dedication.

John Andrassic (48:02):
"There is a growing disgust towards top leaders dishonoring their service. Military folks I’ve spoken to feel both anger at policy and a deep sense of duty to uphold their honor."

Media Objectivity and the "Woke" Culture

Christine Rosen and Seth Mandel delve into the erosion of journalistic objectivity, critiquing the rise of moral equivalency in mainstream media. They argue that this shift has facilitated the spread of misinformation and undermined factual reporting, particularly concerning Israel and Iran.

Christine Rosen (64:36):
"The battle over objectivity first erupted in major newspapers like the Washington Post and the New York Times, fundamentally altering how news is presented."

Seth Mandel adds that the current media landscape allows for the amplification of false narratives, often perpetuated for attention and engagement, thereby distorting public perception.

Seth Mandel (57:32):
"Performative misinformation for attention is rampant, especially as social media becomes the battleground for these narratives."

John Andrassic echoes these sentiments, lamenting the prevalence of falsehoods and the challenge of countering them in a post-truth society.

Personal Anecdotes and Optimism for Israel

John Andrassic shares a poignant personal story from a concert in Israel during an unexpected missile attack. He highlights the resilience and unwavering spirit of the Israeli people, drawing parallels to the solidarity witnessed during the 9/11 Concert for New York.

John Andrassic (68:51 – 72:37):
"Despite the chaos of the missile attack, not a single person left the concert. People remained steadfast, embodying resilience and joy even in the darkest times. It reminded me of the Concert for New York after 9/11 and filled me with hope and pride."

He concludes the episode on an optimistic note, expressing confidence in Israel's ability to overcome existential threats and the positive impact of unwavering support from allies like the United States.

Conclusion

The episode "Five For Bombing" weaves together discussions on geopolitical tensions, military morale, media integrity, and the role of activism in shaping public discourse. Through insightful dialogues and personal narratives, the hosts and guest underscore the importance of moral clarity and steadfastness in the face of global challenges. John's heartfelt reflections provide a hopeful outlook, emphasizing that collective resilience and ethical leadership can drive meaningful victories.

Notable Quotes:

• Jon Pod Horowitz (00:43):
  "Your song Superman has become a kind of unofficial anthem of the bring them home movement."

• Seth Mandel (03:45):
  "The most likely scenario is that Israel, the US, or both will bomb the Fordo facility."

• John Andrassic (12:43):
  "These are really moral messages. I look at them as not political, but ethical imperatives."

• Abe Greenwald (26:52):
  "The military is finally meeting its recruiting goals since Trump was reelected, signaling a hunger for purpose and meaning among the youth."

• Christine Rosen (64:36):
  "The battle over objectivity first erupted in major newspapers like the Washington Post and the New York Times, fundamentally altering how news is presented."

• John Andrassic (68:51):
  "People remained steadfast, embodying resilience and joy even in the darkest times."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key themes and discussions from the "Five For Bombing" episode, providing readers with a clear understanding of the episode's content and insights.