The Commentary Magazine Podcast: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Terrorism, Islamism, and the Democrats
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Host/Participants: John Podhoretz (Editor), Abe Greenwald (Executive Editor), Christine Rosen (Media Commentary Columnist), Seth Mandel (Senior Editor), Matthew Continetti (Washington Commentary Columnist), Noah Rothman
I. Introduction: Recent Terrorist Attacks
The episode opens with the discussion of two recent terrorist attacks that occurred within the last 24 hours: one in New Orleans and another in Las Vegas. John Podhoretz emphasizes the seriousness of the New Orleans attack, noting significant casualties and confusion surrounding the perpetrator's background.
Notable Quote:
"The one in New Orleans, obviously vastly more serious. 80 to 100 people injured, 10 to 20 people dead."
— John Podhoretz [00:51]
II. Shamsud Jabbar: A Complex Profile
John Podhoretz delves into the puzzling details of the New Orleans attacker, Shamsud Jabbar. Despite initial reports suggesting he was an American-born Christian who converted to Islam, contradictions arise from testimonies of his brother and ex-wife's second husband. The presence of an ISIS flag and his military background add layers of complexity.
Notable Quote:
"His ex wife's second husband says he only recently converted to Islam and... they have a brother who's like 20 years younger, says they were raised Christian, but he's been Muslim for a very long time."
— John Podhoretz [03:20]
III. Political Responses: Trump’s Impulsivity vs. Biden’s Caution
The panel contrasts former President Trump's immediate and often impulsive reactions to crises with President Biden's more measured and sometimes perceived as lackluster responses. Noah Rothman criticizes Trump's quick statements based on potentially faulty information, while Christine Rosen lambasts the Biden administration for downplaying the threat of Islamist terrorism.
Notable Quotes:
"Trump, we get a report that says... that he owns the issue of the border because of the incredible ideological capture of The Democratic Party establishment."
— Noah Rothman [05:34]
"We're still very much in the age, I guess, heralded by 9/11, in which Islamist terrorism is still a very active threat to the US."
— Christine Rosen [06:59]
IV. Institutional Coordination and FBI Challenges
Seth Mandel highlights the lack of coordination within the FBI's response to the New Orleans attack, noting conflicting statements from FBI spokespersons. The absence of a coherent message exacerbates public fear and confusion.
Notable Quote:
"There was definitely a lack of institutional coordination about law enforcement should be a priority of whoever ends up running the FBI under Trump."
— Seth Mandel [05:34]
V. Homegrown Terrorism vs. Foreign Threats
Abe Greenwald and Seth Mandel discuss the dual threats of homegrown terrorism, including right-wing extremism, and foreign-inspired acts like those from Islamist groups. They emphasize the difficulty in addressing threats that emanate from within American borders versus external sources.
Notable Quote:
"So at the same time, we're sort of like, what should we be thinking?"
— Abe Greenwald [06:28]
VI. Democratic Party’s National Security Stance
The panel criticizes the Democratic Party for what they perceive as a lack of seriousness regarding national security threats. They argue that the party's focus on issues like white nationalism overshadows other dangers, including Islamist terrorism.
Notable Quote:
"If Democrats are looking to get back in the game... they better be part of the conversation about threats to the United States from Islamic terrorism."
— John Podhoretz [24:07]
VII. Left-Wing Political Violence and Public Endangerment
Christine Rosen raises concerns about the resurgence of left-wing political violence, citing instances like chanting "Globalize the Intifada" near the White House. This phenomenon, she argues, poses a significant national security threat by aligning American citizens with external terrorist agendas.
Notable Quote:
"The very phenomenon itself, the fact that there are thousands of people out there chanting Americans chanting Globalize the Intifada and holding up jihad signs outside of the White House..."
— Christine Rosen [15:39]
VIII. Historical Comparisons and Scandals
John Podhoretz draws parallels between current administrations and past presidents, particularly focusing on perceived failures like Obama's handling of terrorism and Biden's ongoing scandals. The discussion touches on the suppression of information and institutional biases that favor the Democratic Party.
Notable Quotes:
"We were being gaslighted about Islamic terrorism."
— John Podhoretz [24:07]
"And I've told the story about meeting him [Biden] in 1986... I never Thought he was a crook."
— John Podhoretz [70:56]
IX. Jimmy Carter’s Legacy and Media Portrayal
The panel discusses the recent death of Jimmy Carter, criticizing his presidency and post-presidency actions, particularly his stance on Israel. They argue that media portrayals have been overly positive, ignoring his anti-Semitic sentiments and policy failures.
Notable Quote:
"Jimmy Carter was an enemy of the Jewish people. He blamed Jews for his defeat in 1980."
— John Podhoretz [81:18]
X. Bob Dylan Biopic and Cultural Commentary
In a lighter segment, the hosts review the Bob Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet. While Seth Mandel and Noah Rothman praise the film for its portrayal of Dylan's complex character, John Podhoretz offers a critical perspective on Dylan's legacy and the film's narrative choices.
Notable Quotes:
"A complete unknown in the theater, come home and watch Inside Llewyn Davis..."
— Noah Rothman [88:07]
"But the movie as a. It's not all of it."
— John Podhoretz [92:36]
Conclusion: Concerns for 2025 and Beyond
The episode wraps up with reflections on the current political climate, expressing concerns over increasing domestic terrorism, institutional failures, and the Democratic Party's waning influence. The hosts hope for better days but remain wary of the challenges ahead.
Notable Quote:
"Let us hope that 2025 is a better year than 2024, though it has not started out well because of what happened in New Orleans and in Las Vegas."
— John Podhoretz [93:52]
Key Themes and Insights:
- Complex Identity of Terrorists: The confusion surrounding Shamsud Jabbar's background illustrates the intricate nature of identifying and understanding modern terrorists.
- Political Implications: The contrasting leadership styles of Trump and Biden highlight ongoing debates about effective crisis management.
- Institutional Trust: There is a pervasive distrust in institutional responses, particularly within the FBI and Democratic leadership.
- Homegrown vs. Foreign Threats: Addressing terrorism requires a balanced approach to both domestic and international threats.
- Democratic Party's Strategic Failures: The critique centers on the party's inability to adequately address or prioritize certain national security issues.
- Media and Information Suppression: Accusations of media bias and information suppression play a significant role in shaping public perception.
- Cultural Reflections: The discussion of the Bob Dylan biopic serves as a metaphor for broader cultural and political disillusionments.
Overall Conclusion: The podcast episode presents a critical examination of the current state of national security, political leadership, and institutional integrity in the United States. It underscores the complexities of combating terrorism in a rapidly evolving landscape and questions the efficacy of the Democratic Party's strategies in addressing these multifaceted challenges.