Podcast Summary: The Commentary Magazine Podcast – "Progressive Failures, Media Failures"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Commentary Magazine Podcast
• Episode: Progressive Failures, Media Failures
• Release Date: January 13, 2025
• Host/Authors: John Podhoretz, Abe Greenwald, Christine Rosen, Matthew Continetti

1. Introduction

In the January 13, 2025 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz engages in a robust discussion with Executive Editor Abe Greenwald, social commentator Christine Rosen, and Washington columnist Matthew Continetti. The panel delves into the intersection of media dynamics and progressive governance, examining recent events and their broader implications on American society and politics.

2. Transition from Media to Social Commentary

John Podhoretz announces the retirement of the magazine’s media commentary column, transitioning to a broader social commentary focus starting in the February issue. Matthew Continetti explains the rationale behind this shift:

“[01:44] Matt: We made the change as an act of mercy because being a media columnist on the right side of the aisle is just, you know, it just wears you down over time.”

Continetti emphasizes the need to explore wider cultural themes beyond mere media critique, aiming to trace historical and cultural developments influencing current societal trends.

3. Media Criticism and Progressive Media Influence

Podhoretz reflects on the evolution of conservative media as a response to mainstream media dominance since the 1960s and 1970s:

“[03:05] John: ...the conversion of a victory in the Tet Offensive into a defeat that was so pronounced... that punched the heart out of this increasingly difficult candidacy for reelection.”

Abe Greenwald extends this critique by highlighting the liberal media's role in enabling political adversaries like Donald Trump:

“[04:35] Abe: ...the liberal media, the Politico, New York Times... gave us Trump's incredible comeback.”

The discussion underscores the symbiotic and often adversarial relationship between media narratives and political fortunes.

4. California Wildfires: Governance and Media Coverage

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, critiquing the state's progressive leadership and media portrayal. Abe Greenwald criticizes the Politico Playbook headline:

“[05:22] Abe: ...Politico Playbook headline yesterday was California Dreads Trump's Return. And the out of touch nature...”

The panel debates the competency of California's administration, particularly Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass, in handling the crisis, attributing failures to progressive policies and mismanagement of resources.

5. Progressive Administration Competence Issues

John Podhoretz articulates a broader critique of the progressive era, suggesting its foundational belief in technocratic efficiency has backfired:

“[35:14] John: ...the idea that government could be made to run more efficiently according to scientific principles... now what we see is almost exactly the opposite.”

Abe Greenwald adds that the collision of rational administration with the New Age radical movement led to ineffective governance:

“[36:43] Abe: ...the movement of the 1960s and the New Age radical movement ate up rational administration.”

The hosts argue that progressive leaders prioritize ideological goals over practical governance, resulting in systemic failures.

6. Future of Mainstream Media and Fact-Checking

The panel discusses the transformation of the media landscape, highlighting the decline of traditional media's authoritative voice and the rise of citizen journalism and fact-checking:

“[15:27] Christine: ...the downside of this explosion in sort of fact checking, public fact checking, is that while there are this proliferation of important correctives, there's also a lot of noise.”

John Podhoretz critiques social media companies' reliance on speech as a remedy to misinformation:

“[16:02] John: ...the only solution to bad speech is more speech... that's not how a free society works.”

The conversation suggests that the fragmentation and politicization of media have undermined its role as a reliable information source.

7. Presidential Transition: Biden's Farewell and Trump's Return

As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office, the discussion shifts to his upcoming farewell speeches and the imminent return of Donald Trump. John Podhoretz outlines Biden’s busy schedule:

“[44:32] John: ...tomorrow, Tuesday, Wednesday... five speeches or appear at ceremonies...”

Abe Greenwald expresses skepticism about Biden's ability to positively influence his legacy:

“[47:02] Abe: ...Gallup had a survey last week showing that a majority of the country says this is a failed presidency and will be remembered as such.”

The hosts anticipate that Biden's farewell addresses will fail to significantly alter public perception of his administration's shortcomings, paving the way for Trump's potential policies and leadership approach.

8. Foreign Policy and International Issues

The panel touches on international relations, particularly focusing on hostage negotiations and Iran’s nuclear ambitions. John Podhoretz discusses the complexities of the ongoing hostage situation:

“[64:13] Abe: ...the negotiation with Hamas... what an utter disgrace and stain on our conscience here.”

Abe Greenwald condemns Hamas and questions the effectiveness of current negotiation strategies:

“[66:44] John: ...the need to finish off Hamas. Like that's not finishing. It's like we're calling off the war.”

The conversation underscores the administration's challenges in addressing terrorism and maintaining international stability amidst internal governance failures.

9. Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating their concerns about progressive governance and media failures, forecasting continued political and societal turmoil. They emphasize the diminishing role of traditional media as authoritative voices and the increasing polarization within American politics.

Matthew Continetti encapsulates the overarching theme:

“[38:51] Matt: ...the conservative ideas, even in this very moment of great churning...”

The panel expresses pessimism about the future trajectory of American governance and media, suggesting that without significant changes, the nation faces ongoing challenges rooted in progressive and media-driven failures.

Notable Quotes:

• Matthew Continetti [01:44]: "We made the change as an act of mercy because being a media columnist on the right side of the aisle is just, you know, it just wears you down over time."

• John Podhoretz [03:05]: "...the conversion of a victory in the Tet Offensive into a defeat that was so pronounced..."

• Abe Greenwald [04:35]: "...the liberal media, the Politico, New York Times... gave us Trump's incredible comeback."

• Abe Greenwald [36:43]: "...the movement of the 1960s and the New Age radical movement ate up rational administration."

• Christine Rosen [15:27]: "...there's a lot of noise... it's also a sort of golden age for bad info..."

• John Podhoretz [16:02]: "...the only solution to bad speech is more speech... that's not how a free society works."

• Abe Greenwald [47:02]: "...a majority of the country says this is a failed presidency and will be remembered as such."

• Abe Greenwald [66:44]: "...the honest administration or, you know, effective administration thing, that's where it really does come into this weird semi religious world..."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting the critical perspectives on media dynamics and progressive governance, enriched with direct quotes and timestamps to provide clarity and depth for those who have not listened to the podcast.