The Commentary Magazine Podcast: Hunter Pardon, Day 2 – Detailed Summary
Release Date: December 3, 2024
Title: Hunter Pardon, Day 2
Host/Author: Commentary Magazine
Platform: Ricochet.com
Introduction
In the December 3rd episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host Matt Continetti engages in a robust discussion with Abe Greenwald, Christine Rosen, and Seth Mandel. The primary focus centers on the fallout from President Joe Biden’s decision to pardon Hunter Biden, exploring the media's reaction, Democratic Party dynamics, and contrasting Biden's actions with potential moves by former President Donald Trump.
Hunter Biden Pardon: Reactions and Media Coverage
The episode opens with Continetti highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding Hunter Biden’s pardon and the ensuing media scrutiny.
Matt Continetti [00:10]:
"Hunter Biden is still pardoned. Joe Biden is still in Angola."
Abe Greenwald [00:57]:
"The media doesn't like the decision because they liken it to something that Trump would do whenever Biden does something bad in the media's eyes."
Greenwald criticizes the media for drawing parallels between Biden's pardon and actions typically associated with Trump, suggesting a bias in media portrayal. He also points out the absence of President Biden's direct commentary on the pardon, attributing the silence to his extended visit in Angola.
White House Press Conference Analysis
The panel delves into the effectiveness of White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre’s handling of the pardon announcement.
Abe Greenwald [01:08]:
"She couldn't answer a single question. She kept saying, these are his words. This is what he said."
Greenwald describes the press conference as a failure, noting that Jean Pierre repeatedly defers to Biden’s statement without providing substantive answers, thereby prolonging media attention on the pardon.
Christine Rosen [04:35]:
"The press response to add on to the administration flail... the mainstream media... finally caught up to them."
Rosen argues that the inadequate media coverage of Biden’s prior actions has now backfired, leaving Democrats without a coherent defense strategy for the pardon.
Media’s Historical Omissions and Current Criticism
Christine Rosen elaborates on the media’s long-term oversight regarding Joe Biden’s policies and personal conduct.
Christine Rosen [04:36]:
"... the mainstream media over the past four years, actually I would say 12 years with Joe Biden has finally caught up to them..."
Rosen criticizes the media for previously glossing over incidents that portrayed Biden in a favorable light, thus exacerbating the current scandal surrounding his son’s pardon.
Kamala Harris and Democratic Leadership Gap
The conversation shifts to the visible absence of Vice President Kamala Harris in key political activities.
Christine Rosen [37:37]:
"But if you hear... who in the Democratic Party is actually responding in real time to most of these things?"
Rosen highlights a leadership vacuum within the Democratic Party, emphasizing Harris’s limited public engagement and the lack of proactive responses to ongoing political challenges.
President Biden’s Public Appearances and Critique
A substantial portion of the discussion critiques President Biden’s actions outside of policy-making, particularly his public appearances that appear disconnected from pressing issues.
Abe Greenwald [16:34]:
"... Bibi I think the feeling is mutual... yet he comes out with this book after they've signed this peace agreement..."
Greenwald scrutinizes Biden’s choice to publicly endorse a controversial book by Rashid Khalidi, suggesting it undermines his administration’s diplomatic efforts and contributes to negative perceptions.
Comparisons with Donald Trump’s Foreign Policy Stance
The panel contrasts Biden’s actions with those of former President Donald Trump, especially regarding foreign policy and crisis management.
Abe Greenwald [28:40]:
"... Trump pulled out of the Iran deal in his first term... He did sanction the International Criminal Court."
Greenwald asserts that Trump’s decisive actions in foreign policy lend him credibility, especially in matters pertaining to national security and international diplomacy.
Matt Continetti [30:16]:
"It's very simple language. He's going to have to do something to back this up if he doesn't get the outcome he's talking about here."
Continetti emphasizes the straightforward and threatening nature of Trump’s statements regarding hostages, suggesting a more aggressive approach compared to Biden’s perceived indecisiveness.
Trump’s Visit to France and Remarks to Justin Trudeau
The discussion transitions to Donald Trump’s recent diplomatic activities, including his visit to France and interactions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Abe Greenwald [36:10]:
"He said,... 'we could just make Canada the 51st state and you can be governor.'"
Greenwald recounts Trump’s audacious suggestion to annex Canada, highlighting the unconventional and provocative nature of Trump’s diplomatic rhetoric.
Christine Rosen [36:25]:
"... this makes me, it's a reminder that this transition period has been very odd for the country..."
Rosen reflects on the unusual dynamics of the current political climate, noting the lack of traditional leadership and coherent strategies from both Democratic and Republican fronts.
Predictions for Upcoming Political Developments and Constitutional Crisis
The panel forecasts potential political turbulence, including a constitutional crisis, as Trump gears up for a possible second term.
Abe Greenwald [45:17]:
"... we're heading. It's going to be four years of a constitutional crisis. The constitutional crisis has already started because of Trump's appointments."
Greenwald warns of impending constitutional confrontations spurred by Trump’s administrative decisions and potential Republican challenges in Congress.
Christine Rosen [43:44]:
"... there's a feeble Attempt to revive a strain of that argument... but I don't think anyone's buying it anymore."
Rosen critiques the weakened arguments surrounding the potential end of democracy, suggesting that partisan rhetoric around the presidency is losing credibility.
Foreign Affairs: Ukrainian Policy Shifts
The conversation also touches upon changes in Ukrainian policy proposals, reflecting shifting strategies amidst ongoing conflicts.
Matt Continetti [47:34]:
"Ukrainian policy is changing... Volodymyr Zelensky is now floating this proposal whereby if Ukraine gets some sort of quick acceptance into NATO, he would be willing to freeze the state of affairs of the war."
Continetti notes a significant shift in Ukraine’s stance towards NATO, indicating a potential move towards negotiating peace under new conditions, which marks a departure from previous calls for total victory.
Abe Greenwald [48:56]:
"... this could actually boost Ukrainian defenses in the short term if he feels as though Russia is the one who has slapped him down when he attempts to make a deal."
Greenwald speculates that Trump’s approach may inadvertently strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities, depending on Russia’s response to any proposed peace deals.
Recommendations and Final Remarks
Towards the episode’s end, the panelists share personal recommendations and conclude with reflections on the current political landscape.
Seth Mandel [52:34]:
"There's a show on FX called Say Nothing. It's an adaptation of Patrick Rad Keefe's book... it's really, truly excellent."
Mandel recommends the FX series Say Nothing, praising its portrayal of the Irish Troubles and its strong character development.
Abe Greenwald [59:28]:
"Patrick Rad Keefe day."
Greenwald emphasizes the value of Seth Mandel’s recommendation, highlighting the significance of Keefe’s work in understanding complex political and social issues.
Conclusion
The episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the ramifications stemming from Hunter Biden’s pardon, scrutinizing media biases, Democratic leadership shortcomings, and contrasting Biden’s administration with Trump’s potential policies. The panelists provide insightful critiques and forecast significant political upheavals ahead, underscoring the turbulent nature of contemporary American politics.
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