The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Running Government as a Business" Release Date: March 28, 2025

Host/Author: Commentary Magazine

Introduction

In the March 28, 2025 episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, hosts John Podhoritz and Abe Greenwald, alongside panelists Christine Rosen and Seth Mandel, delve into the intricate dynamics of running the U.S. government with a business-like approach. The discussion navigates through internal Republican Party challenges, administrative inefficiencies, the impact of special elections, and the interplay between government operations and public perception.

Republican Party Dynamics and Special Elections

The episode opens with Abe Greenwald addressing recent turmoil within the Republican Party, particularly focusing on the withdrawal of Representative Elise Stefanik's nomination for the U.N. ambassadorship.

Abe Greenwald [01:46]: "The withdrawal of Representative Elise Stefanik from the U.N. ambassadorship is a significant blow, reflecting internal Republican anxieties over impending special elections."

Greenwald explains that the GOP House leadership's concern stems from unfavorable polling data in districts previously secured by Republicans, jeopardizing their slim majority. Stefanik's decision to remain in the House until 2026 aims to preserve this majority amidst mounting electoral pressures.

John Podhoritz [06:43]: "The messaging from the administration about saving $800 per taxpayer feels disconnected from the everyday struggles of Americans still feeling economic strain."

Christine Rosen offers a counterpoint, suggesting that Stefanik's withdrawal may not be part of a broader conspiracy to marginalize neoconservatives but rather a strategic move born out of administrative oversight.

Christine Rosen [08:37]: "This might be another example of the administration not taking sufficient precautions before making significant appointments."

Administrative State and Bureaucracy Challenges

Abe Greenwald critiques the entrenched bureaucratic systems within the federal government, tracing their origins to policies introduced during Robert McNamara's tenure.

Abe Greenwald [20:34]: "The administrative state's layers were built using private sector principles that don't align with the government's unique responsibilities, leading to inefficiencies and systemic issues."

He highlights the complexities of managing vast federal programs like the IRS, Social Security, and Medicaid, arguing that these cannot be streamlined solely through business-like approaches without compromising essential services.

John Podhoritz [26:30]: "The slash-and-burn tactics employed by administration appointees are destructive, particularly when they overlook the human elements essential to these bureaucracies."

Seth Mandel echoes concerns about the administration's overestimation of savings from administrative cuts, suggesting that the promised financial efficiencies are either exaggerated or mismanaged.

Seth Mandel [35:08]: "The disproportionate chaos caused by these administrative overhauls doesn't translate into tangible benefits for the public."

The Elon Musk Influence and Government Efficiency

The podcast delves into the involvement of figures like Elon Musk and the Doge Guys in government operations, questioning the feasibility of running the federal government with private sector methodologies.

Abe Greenwald [21:57]: "Elon Musk's critique of the government's single checking account system overlooks the unique financial obligations of a national government."

John Podhoritz reflects on Musk's comments, emphasizing the importance of secure and efficient communication systems in governmental operations.

John Podhoritz [46:38]: "Building a government system that's actually secure and mobile is essential, yet it's a longstanding structural problem that remains unresolved."

National Security, Deportations, and Media Perception

The discussion shifts to national security concerns, particularly focusing on deportations and their portrayal in the media. Abe Greenwald expresses skepticism towards reports alleging wrongful deportations tied to executive orders.

Abe Greenwald [52:35]: "We all witnessed these deportations, and it's not a matter of competing narratives—there's a clear truth about the administration's actions."

Christine Rosen underscores the media's role in shaping public perception, often portraying deportations as authoritarian without acknowledging the legal frameworks involved.

Christine Rosen [52:24]: "This is not about choosing who to believe; the facts are evident to all witnesses involved."

John Podhoritz provides examples of media misrepresentation, illustrating how initial reports can paint deportations in a misleadingly negative light until deeper facts emerge.

John Podhoritz [55:27]: "Many deportation stories initially seem like authoritarian overreach until you uncover the procedural justifications behind them."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts emphasize the complexities of managing government operations with business efficiency while maintaining accountability and safeguarding national interests. They advocate for a nuanced understanding of administrative challenges and caution against oversimplified solutions that ignore the government's multifaceted roles.

Abe Greenwald [74:45]: "Running government as a business isn't just about cutting costs; it's about effectively managing a system that serves millions with diverse needs."

The panelists conclude by inviting listeners to engage with future episodes, promising continued exploration of pressing political and administrative issues.

Notable Quotes

• Abe Greenwald [01:46]: "The withdrawal of Representative Elise Stefanik from the U.N. ambassadorship is a significant blow, reflecting internal Republican anxieties over impending special elections."

• John Podhoritz [06:43]: "The messaging from the administration about saving $800 per taxpayer feels disconnected from the everyday struggles of Americans still feeling economic strain."

• Christine Rosen [08:37]: "This might be another example of the administration not taking sufficient precautions before making significant appointments."

• Abe Greenwald [20:34]: "The administrative state's layers were built using private sector principles that don't align with the government's unique responsibilities, leading to inefficiencies and systemic issues."

• John Podhoritz [26:30]: "The slash-and-burn tactics employed by administration appointees are destructive, particularly when they overlook the human elements essential to these bureaucracies."

• Seth Mandel [35:08]: "The disproportionate chaos caused by these administrative overhauls doesn't translate into tangible benefits for the public."

• Abe Greenwald [52:35]: "We all witnessed these deportations, and it's not a matter of competing narratives—there's a clear truth about the administration's actions."

• Christine Rosen [52:24]: "This is not about choosing who to believe; the facts are evident to all witnesses involved."

• John Podhoritz [55:27]: "Many deportation stories initially seem like authoritarian overreach until you uncover the procedural justifications behind them."

• Abe Greenwald [74:45]: "Running government as a business isn't just about cutting costs; it's about effectively managing a system that serves millions with diverse needs."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the podcast's exploration of governmental management through a business lens, highlighting the tensions between administrative efficiency, political maneuvering, and public perception.