The Commentary Magazine Podcast: Episode Summary Episode Title: Post Changes and the Book on Biden
Release Date: February 27, 2025
Hosts: Jon Podhoretz, Abe Greenwald, Christine Rosen, Matthew Continetti

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, hosts Jon Podhoretz, Abe Greenwald, Christine Rosen, and Matthew Continetti delve into significant shifts within major media institutions and explore the implications of a forthcoming book addressing President Joe Biden's administration. The discussion intertwines critiques of media practices, ownership influence, and the evolving landscape of political journalism.

Washington Post: Ownership and Editorial Shifts

The conversation opens with Abe Greenwald highlighting dramatic changes at The Washington Post. Jeff Bezos, the newspaper's owner, has announced a redirection of the publication's opinion policies to emphasize free markets and personal liberties. This decision has stirred considerable unrest among the staff, leading to the departure of prominent figures like the current opinion editor, David Shipley.

“Jeff Bezos has lost $300 million in the last three years on the Washington Post... They have the temerity to whine and complain that he is, you know, becoming a monster...”
— Abe Greenwald [03:42]

Jon Podhoretz provides context on Bezos's motivations, suggesting his disillusionment with the Biden administration's policies on regulation and taxation has driven this editorial pivot. The hosts express optimism about The Washington Post aligning more closely with conservative values, akin to The Wall Street Journal.

Bezos’s Investment and Media Landscape

The hosts critique Bezos's substantial financial commitment to sustaining The Washington Post, despite its operational losses. Abe emphasizes the irony of Bezos funding a publication at a loss solely to influence public opinion and push for ideological shifts.

“And he is doing this kind of out of the goodness of his heart.”
— Abe Greenwald [05:30]

Matthew Continetti adds that Bezos's realignment is part of a broader discontent within the corporate world, where progressive policies have been increasingly viewed as detrimental to business interests. This sentiment has led to numerous companies eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) departments.

Media Evolution: Rise of Independent Platforms

Christine Rosen and Matthew Continetti discuss the transformation of journalism in the digital age. With platforms like Substack and YouTube lowering barriers to entry, traditional journalists who depart from mainstream outlets can now independently sustain their voices without relying on legacy media support.

“The barrier to entry, to try to make your own business out of yourself is now almost zero.”
— Abe Greenwald [17:16]

This democratization of media allows former staffers from institutions like The Washington Post to continue their commentary without corporate constraints, fostering a more diverse range of opinions in public discourse.

The Book on Biden: “Original Sin”

A significant portion of the episode centers on the upcoming book by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson titled “Original Sin”, which scrutinizes President Joe Biden’s administration and allegations of media complicity in concealing Biden’s declining cognitive and physical health.

“It is going to be a hinge moment for media... I think it is going to be a hinge moment for media.”
— Matthew Continetti [28:04]

The hosts anticipate that the book will reveal intricate details about how Biden's team and certain media outlets may have collaborated to obscure his vulnerabilities from the public. They express skepticism about the book’s potential honesty, given the intertwined relationships between journalists and political figures.

White House Correspondents Association and Press Pools

Jon Podhoretz raises concerns about the White House Correspondents Association and its evolving relationship with the administration, particularly under President Trump. The discussion highlights how the administration is now exerting more control over which reporters gain access to the press room, potentially limiting press freedom.

“The White House is choosing what reporters will be allowed to be in the press room...”
— Abe Greenwald [45:12]

This shift contrasts sharply with Biden’s more open and direct engagement with the press, leading to a debate on journalistic integrity and the future role of the press corps in political accountability.

Biden vs. Trump: Media Strategies and Public Perception

The hosts compare the media strategies of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. They argue that Trump's approach—directly addressing the press without suppression—stands in stark contrast to Biden’s administration, which they claim has manipulated media narratives to portray the President positively despite purported declines.

“Jeff Bezos is changing the editorial policy of the Washington Post, and Joe and Mika have half the audience that they had on November 4th.”
— Jon Podhoretz [52:56]

This segment underscores the tension between different presidential administrations and their influence over media narratives, highlighting the ongoing struggle for control over public perception.

Supreme Court Ruling and Administrative Powers

Towards the episode's end, the hosts briefly touch upon a recent Supreme Court ruling that supports the executive branch's authority, limiting judicial interference in administrative decisions. Jon Podhoretz interprets this as a strategic win for the Trump administration, signaling broader implications for future executive actions and judicial oversight.

“The Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to overturn that decision as well as the decision on the presidential impoundment power from the 1970s.”
— Jon Podhoretz [56:11]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with light-hearted recommendations and final thoughts on the state of media and politics. Abe Greenwald recommends Fountains of Wayne’s album Welcome Interstate Managers, blending cultural commentary with political analysis. The hosts sign off with a reaffirmation of their commitment to free market principles and individual liberties, anticipating further developments in the media landscape and political arena.

“That's going to be today's Commentary recommend.”
— Abe Greenwald [58:54]

The hosts express optimism that the shifts in media ownership and journalistic independence will foster a more balanced and truthful public discourse, free from ideological constraints and corporate influence.

Notable Quotes with Attributions:

• Abe Greenwald [03:42]: “Jeff Bezos has lost $300 million in the last three years on the Washington Post... They have the temerity to whine and complain that he is, you know, becoming a monster...”

• Abe Greenwald [05:30]: “And he is doing this kind of out of the goodness of his heart.”

• Abe Greenwald [17:16]: “The barrier to entry, to try to make your own business out of yourself is now almost zero.”

• Matthew Continetti [28:04]: “It is going to be a hinge moment for media... I think it is going to be a hinge moment for media.”

• Abe Greenwald [45:12]: “The White House is choosing what reporters will be allowed to be in the press room...”

• Jon Podhoretz [52:56]: “Jeff Bezos is changing the editorial policy of the Washington Post, and Joe and Mika have half the audience that they had on November 4th.”

• Jon Podhoretz [56:11]: “The Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to overturn that decision as well as the decision on the presidential impoundment power from the 1970s.”

• Abe Greenwald [58:54]: “That's going to be today's Commentary recommend.”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the podcast's critical analysis of media ownership changes, the dynamics between political administrations and the press, and anticipates significant shifts in journalistic integrity and public discourse.