Podcast Summary: The Autopen Scandal Is a Very Big Deal
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Commentary Magazine Podcast
- Host/Author: Commentary Magazine
- Description: Commentary is America's premier monthly magazine of opinion: General, yet Jewish. Highly variegated, with a unifying perspective. Listen to The Commentary Magazine Podcast, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.
- Episode: The Autopen Scandal Is a Very Big Deal
- Release Date: July 14, 2025
1. Introduction
The episode, titled "The Autopen Scandal Is a Very Big Deal," delves into significant political developments involving Israel, the Trump administration, the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, and a controversial pardon initiative by President Joe Biden. Hosted by John Podhoretz, the panel includes Executive Editor Abe Greenwald, Senior Editor Seth Mandel, and Social Commentary Columnist Christine Rosen.
2. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Negotiations
The discussion begins with the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Seth Mandel notes the complexity and futility of these talks:
“...Israel has agreed to the ceasefire, and it is pretty clear that Hamas is not agreeing to the ceasefire, so there will be no ceasefire.” [01:18]
Mandel compares the repetitive and unproductive nature of these negotiations to Sartre's play "No Exit," emphasizing the cyclical frustration.
3. Israeli Political Dynamics and Netanyahu
The panel analyzes Israeli internal politics, focusing on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's reluctance to agree to a ceasefire. Podhoretz argues that Netanyahu's actions are driven by both international and domestic pressures, particularly public opinion:
“If you ask Israelis the question, would you like there to be a ceasefire and all the hostages returned home at once, more than 70% of the country says yes. And if you say, would you like to stop the war with Hamas still in power, 65% say no.” [03:00]
Abe Greenwald adds that the stability of Netanyahu's government is crucial, warning against undermining it without understanding the potential chaos:
“He's the elected prime minister. He's doing what he thinks, you know, the country needs to do in this war.” [04:53]
4. Trump and Internal Republican Dynamics
The conversation shifts to the Republican Party's alignment with Trump and the impact of the Epstein scandal. Mandel highlights a shift from the earlier internal conflicts within the GOP to a unified support for Trump:
“Now, the party basically fell in line behind Trump. So now everybody, every Republican, loves Trump.” [16:10]
Christine Rosen notes that while influential voices like Candace Owens remain vocal, the broader MAGA base continues to support Trump steadfastly.
5. Jeffrey Epstein Scandal and Its Impacts
The Epstein scandal is dissected, focusing on the internal turmoil it has caused within the pro-Trump coalition. Greenwald draws parallels to the Harvey Weinstein situation, emphasizing the role of conspiracies in maintaining group cohesion:
“Conspiracy theories are kind of a glue. And when you give some of the top voices and top conspiracy theorists advocates a position of power... it acts as a solvent.” [16:15]
Mandel elaborates on how Epstein serves as a rallying point for MAGA supporters to unite against perceived systemic corruption:
“The Epstein story also has this weird quality which is everybody knows that it stinks to high heaven...” [32:49]
6. MAGA Movement Responses
The panel discusses the fragmented responses within the MAGA movement regarding Epstein and broader conspiracies. Mandel criticizes figures like Tucker Carlson for alienating parts of their base with extremist views:
“Tucker Carlson... signed a speech where he said... IDF American citizens... should have their citizenship revoked.” [28:16]
Christine Rosen counters that the main MAGA base remains pro-Israel and supportive of Trump's policies, despite some extremist elements:
“the self-identified MAGA people are very pro Israel, very pro close ties with the US And Israel.” [31:48]
7. Biden's Pardon Controversy
A significant portion of the episode focuses on President Biden's use of the autopen for issuing pardons, raising constitutional and procedural concerns. Mandel presents the core issue:
“Mr. Biden did not individually approve each name for the categorical pardons that applied to large numbers of people,” [59:12]
Podhoretz and Mandel argue that the use of an autopen undermines the legitimacy of the pardon process, equating it to a breach of constitutional norms. They highlight specific instances where the autopen was used, suggesting a lack of presidential oversight and potential for abuse:
“...this could flip on a dime. And what you just said, Christine, is.” [19:54]
Notable Quotes:
- Seth Mandel [04:02]: “...the only deal that Hamas will make is a deal that Israel actually cannot accept that will tank Bibi Netanyahu's government and that the public does not want.”
- John Podhoretz [67:26]: “...it cannot be allowed to continue. And I think the reform that Christine is talking about is relatively simple.”
- Christine Rosen [25:47]: “...to a certain contingent of MAGA, who's very into this, to them, the Epstein list is of utmost importance...”
8. Concluding Thoughts
The panel underscores the urgency of addressing the autopen scandal to preserve the integrity of the presidential pardon power. They advocate for legislative reforms to ensure transparency and prevent misuse, emphasizing bipartisan support for such measures.
Key Takeaways:
- The Israeli-Palestinian ceasefire negotiations remain stagnant due to conflicting public opinions and political pressures.
- Netanyahu's leadership is both a stabilizing factor and a point of contention within Israeli politics.
- The Republican Party remains largely unified in its support for Trump, despite internal scandals like Epstein.
- The use of the autopen by President Biden for issuing pardons poses significant constitutional concerns, necessitating immediate legislative attention.
Conclusion: "The Autopen Scandal Is a Very Big Deal" provides an in-depth analysis of current political crises, highlighting the intricate interplay between international relations, internal party dynamics, and constitutional integrity. The panel's insights offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing both Israeli politics and the broader American political landscape, particularly concerning executive overreach and the safeguarding of democratic institutions.