The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Pardon Us" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: December 2, 2024

Introduction

In the December 2, 2024 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast titled "Pardon Us," hosts Abe Greenwald, along with regular contributors John Podhoretz, Matthew Continetti, Christine Rosen, and Seth Mandel, delve into the significant political developments surrounding President Joe Biden's recent presidential pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. The discussion also touches upon former President Donald Trump's nomination of Cash Patel for FBI Director and broader implications for American politics and international affairs.

Biden's Pardon of Hunter Biden

The episode opens with Abe Greenwald introducing the primary topic: President Joe Biden's decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Despite multiple assurances to the contrary, Biden granted a broad pardon covering all crimes Hunter may have committed between 2014 and the pardon date.

John Podhoretz (00:58) expresses his lack of surprise but critiques the breadth and timing of the pardon:

"Instead, he went for the full pardon, which, while not surprising, is pretty brazen considering all the times that the White House has said that he wasn't going to issue such a pardon."

Christine Rosen (03:24) adds historical context, comparing Biden's pardon to past presidential pardons of relatives:

"Bill Clinton pardoned his half-brother for an old cocaine charge... Joe Biden's statement really bothered me because he rolled out the playbook that he has been using for Hunter Biden, the empathy playbook, and tried to play that song one more time, and I found it egregious."

Seth Mandel (N/A) highlights the unprecedented nature of a full pardon without sentencing, noting its potential to set a controversial precedent.

Reactions and Analysis

The panel discusses the varied reactions to the pardon, noting that many on the political right were unsurprised given prior statements. However, the breadth of the pardon raises questions about its legal and ethical implications.

Matthew Continetti (03:28) sarcastically remarks:

"Our national nightmare is over."

Contrastingly, Christine Rosen (05:49) criticizes Biden's tone, suggesting it portrays a two-tier justice system and undermines public trust:

"The tone of his pardon was very much, we are all aggrieved victims of our own justice system. This is a two tier justice system."

Speculations on Political Playbook and Timing

The discussion shifts to the timing of the pardon, speculating it may be a strategic move ahead of the potential Trump presidency. The panel suggests Biden’s swift pardon could preempt possible investigations into the Biden family's dealings should Trump regain the White House.

John Podhoretz (05:49) posits:

"This may have been not just a preemptive pardon in light of the upcoming sentencing for Hunter's trial, but a preemptive pardon in light of the Trump presidency."

The conversation underscores concerns about possible retaliatory investigations and the broader implications for political accountability.

Trump's Nomination of Cash Patel for FBI Director

Amid Biden's pardon, the podcast addresses Former President Donald Trump's nomination of Cash Patel as the new FBI Director. The nomination comes shortly after the pardon, creating a juxtaposition of significant political appointments.

Matthew Continetti (19:12) discusses Patel's background and potential impact:

"Cash Patel is an expression of what everybody thinks Trump wants to do. It's much harder to vote down somebody who is, you know, a blunt instrument of the guy nominating him, rather than, as we said, you know, something comes out that shows he's not qualified."

Christine Rosen (27:29) expresses initial skepticism about Patel but acknowledges the pardon’s role in possibly necessitating his nomination:

"But this pardon has radicalized me because I feel like maybe we do need someone who wasn't a former agent who did."

The panel debates Patel's qualifications, his alignment with Trump’s agenda, and the challenges he may face during the confirmation process.

Other Trump Appointments and Political Maneuvering

The hosts briefly explore additional Trump appointments, including Charles Kushner as Ambassador to France and Massad Boulos as Special Envoy to the Middle East. These appointments are viewed as extensions of Trump's strategy to place loyalists in key positions, potentially influencing international relations and domestic policy.

John Podhoretz (40:52) remarks humorously on the familial connections in Trump's appointments:

"So Ivanka's father-in-law, Charles Kushner, who Trump pardoned at the end of his first term, will be the ambassador designate to France."

The discussion touches on concerns regarding nepotism and the potential impact of these appointments on U.S. diplomacy.

Middle East Developments: Ceasefire and Syrian Civil War

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing recent developments in the Middle East, particularly the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, and the resurgence of Islamist factions in Syria amidst Iran's declining influence.

John Podhoretz (49:28) assesses the ceasefire's significance:

"Hezbollah agreed to this again, ceasefire, which is very tenuous, but it's significant in two respects. One is it has separated the northern sector from Gaza... Now that Hezbollah is no longer in the fight with Hamas against Israel, this isolates Hamas."

Matthew Continetti (53:20) and John Podhoretz (55:15) discuss the roles of Iran, Turkey, and Russia in destabilizing the region, emphasizing the complexities introduced by shifting alliances and ongoing conflicts.

Abe Greenwald (55:37) laments the historical missteps:

"That's right for Obama. Introducing Russia into the Syrian, welcoming Syria."

The conversation underscores the precarious balance in the region and anticipates further instability as global powers recalibrate their strategies.

Conclusion and Recommendations

As the episode nears its end, the hosts move away from political analysis to share a book recommendation. John Podhoretz introduces Barry Sonnenfeld's memoir, "Best Possible Place, Worst Possible True Stories from a Career in Hollywood," highlighting its engaging anecdotes and behind-the-scenes insights into Hollywood.

John Podhoretz (59:18) summarizes:

"It's a very enjoyable read that I had over the weekend."

Abe Greenwald (62:01) provides his endorsement, while the panel briefly discusses memorable aspects of Sonnenfeld's career featured in the book.

Final Remarks

In wrapping up the episode, Abe Greenwald encourages listeners to stay engaged and anticipates John Podhoretz’s return once he regains full health. The panel emphasizes the ongoing significance of the discussed political maneuvers and their potential long-term effects on both domestic and international stages.

Abe Greenwald (62:01):

"So that's our recommends that's our show without John. He's on the mend. ... For today this is what you got for Christine, Seth and Matt and the absent John. I'm Abe saying keep the candle burning."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Podhoretz (00:58):

  "Instead, he went for the full pardon, which, while not surprising, is pretty brazen considering all the times that the White House has said that he wasn't going to issue such a pardon."

• Christine Rosen (05:49):

  "This is a two tier justice system. He was unfairly prosecuted."

• John Podhoretz (19:12):

  "This might have been not just a preemptive pardon in light of the upcoming sentencing for Hunter's trial, but a preemptive pardon in light of the Trump presidency."

• Christine Rosen (27:29):

  "Now, he does need to be vetted. He does need to be subjected to all the scrutiny for such a powerful position."

• John Podhoretz (55:37):

  "Introducing Russia into the Syrian, welcoming Syria."

• Matthew Continetti (53:20):

  "Turkey is taking advantage of that, willing to ally with any bad actor in Syria in the rebellion as long as he can crush the Kurds."

• John Podhoretz (59:18):

  "It's a very enjoyable read that I had over the weekend."

This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of President Biden's controversial pardon of his son, the strategic implications of Trump's FBI nomination, and the intricate dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Through incisive commentary and critical discussion, the panel offers listeners a deep dive into the current state of American and international politics.