The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Musk, Stefanik, Liberation from What?" Release Date: April 2, 2025
Host/Authors: John Podhoretz, Noah Rothman, Abe Greenwald, Seth Mandel, Matthew Continetti

1. Special Elections and Elon Musk’s Political Influence

00:36 – 07:28

The episode opens with a discussion on the recent special elections in Florida and Wisconsin, emphasizing the significant financial involvement of Elon Musk. Noah Rothman highlights Musk’s approach, stating:

"Elon Musk has now learned... you can take a gigantic pot of money and overturn it on a state... and you will lose if the public decides it wants to go in another direction."
[04:25] - Noah Rothman

John Podhoretz elaborates on Musk’s political maneuvers, referencing his endorsement of Donald Trump and his unsuccessful campaign efforts in Wisconsin:

"He really got into politics last year... but it wasn't enough. The liberal candidate won handily by double digits."
[04:29] - John Podhoretz

The hosts discuss the broader implications of wealthy individuals like George Soros and J.B. Pritzker participating in elections, framing the contest as a "battle of billionaires." Podhoretz critiques the notion that money alone can secure electoral victories, arguing that grassroots support remains paramount.

2. Republican Party Dynamics and House Majority Worries

07:28 – 14:41

John Podhoretz shifts focus to the internal dynamics of the Republican Party, particularly concerning Elise Stefanik’s potential UN Ambassador nomination. He warns that:

"The Republicans might see Musk as a net negative... Stefanik’s reputation as a warrior against universities could make her more valuable in the House."
[07:28] - John Podhoretz

Abe Greenwald concurs, emphasizing Stefanik’s effectiveness in Congress over a diplomatic role:

"She would be more valuable... being the lead prosecutor against universities in Congress."
[16:48] - Abe Greenwald

The conversation highlights the strategic importance of maintaining a narrow House majority and the fears surrounding potential losses that could jeopardize Republican legislative agendas.

3. Democratic Strategies and Cory Booker’s Filibuster

14:41 – 41:35

The discussion transitions to Democratic maneuvers, notably Senator Cory Booker’s 25-hour filibuster on Senate floor:

"Cory Booker... stood for 25 hours... protesting Trump’s tax policies and Elon Musk."
[35:32] - John Podhoretz

Podhoretz criticizes the effectiveness of such political stunts, likening them to performative acts that fail to achieve substantive policy changes. Seth Mandel adds:

"Maybe Franklin said it was a great messaging tool, but the messenger is the problem."
[40:19] - Seth Mandel

The hosts debate whether these actions genuinely advance Democratic causes or merely serve as high-profile distractions.

4. Anticipated Tariff Policy Announcement by President Trump

41:35 – 61:31

A significant portion of the episode builds anticipation for President Trump’s upcoming tariff policy announcement scheduled for 4 PM. Podhoretz underscores its potential impact:

"4:00 is the most important moment... Trump’s tariff policy could have unprecedented economic consequences."
[43:06] - John Podhoretz

Noah Rothman expresses skepticism about the efficacy of tariffs, predicting negative effects on the American economy:

"It’s going to harm the American economy, make things more expensive, hurt consumers."
[45:16] - Noah Rothman

The hosts analyze possible motivations behind the tariff policy, including leveraging economic pain to rebuild domestic manufacturing, while debating its alignment with the U.S.’s status as the world’s reserve currency.

5. Israel-Hamas Conflict and U.S. Involvement

61:31 – 66:55

The conversation shifts to the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. Noah Rothman explains Israel’s intensified military offensive in Gaza:

"Israel is moving the offensive down from Khan Yunis into Rafah... aiming to compel Hamas to release hostages."
[61:31] - Noah Rothman

Podhoretz connects these actions to broader U.S. foreign policy concerns, including tensions with Iran:

"Renewed offensive in Gaza is part of a larger story... pushing towards decisions on Iran's nuclear program."
[63:41] - John Podhoretz

Seth Mandel adds context about internal pressures within Gaza, noting the complex interplay of local and external forces shaping the conflict's trajectory.

6. Tribute to Val Kilmer and Movie Recommendations

69:30 – 77:27

Concluding the episode, the hosts pay homage to the late actor Val Kilmer. John Podhoretz reflects on Kilmer’s legacy and recommends his notable films:

"In memory of the great Val Kilmer, watch Maverick, Top Secret, Real Genius, and Tombstone."
[70:00] - John Podhoretz

Seth Mandel echoes the sentiment, praising Kilmer’s versatility and memorable performances:

"Genius performances in Top Secret and Tombstone showcased his incredible range."
[72:07] - Seth Mandel

Abe Greenwald adds personal recommendations, highlighting the comedic brilliance of Kilmer’s roles:

"Top Secret is a great Cold War comedy... Tombstone features one of his most legendary performances."
[72:57] - Abe Greenwald

The segment serves as a heartfelt farewell, celebrating Kilmer’s contributions to cinema and his lasting impact on audiences.

Notable Quotes

• Noah Rothman [04:25]: "Elon Musk has now learned... you can take a gigantic pot of money and overturn it on a state... and you will lose if the public decides it wants to go in another direction."

• John Podhoretz [04:29]: "He really got into politics last year... but it wasn't enough. The liberal candidate won handily by double digits."

• Abe Greenwald [16:48]: "She would be more valuable... being the lead prosecutor against universities in Congress."

• John Podhoretz [35:32]: "Cory Booker... stood for 25 hours... protesting Trump’s tax policies and Elon Musk."

• John Podhoretz [43:06]: "4:00 is the most important moment... Trump’s tariff policy could have unprecedented economic consequences."

• Noah Rothman [61:31]: "Israel is moving the offensive down from Khan Yunis into Rafah... aiming to compel Hamas to release hostages."

• John Podhoretz [70:00]: "In memory of the great Val Kilmer, watch Maverick, Top Secret, Real Genius, and Tombstone."

Conclusion

The episode "Musk, Stefanik, Liberation from What?" provides an in-depth analysis of recent political events, highlighting the interplay between wealth, politics, and party dynamics. From Elon Musk’s electoral strategies to the precarious Republican House majority and the complexities of international conflicts, the hosts offer a nuanced perspective on the challenges facing American politics. The heartfelt tribute to Val Kilmer caps off the discussion, blending political discourse with cultural acknowledgment.

For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of contemporary political maneuvers and their broader implications, this episode serves as a valuable resource.