The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "The Wrath of Rothman" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: January 15, 2025

Introduction

In the "The Wrath of Rothman" episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz welcomes Noah Rothman, a senior writer at National Review and the author of the thought-provoking February cover story in Commentary Magazine titled "A Clockwork Blue: How the Left Came to Excuse, Advocate, and Embrace Political Violence." Joined by executive editor Abe Greenwald, senior editor Seth Mandel, and contributor Christine Rosen, the episode delves deep into the themes of political violence, the recent Israeli-Hamas hostage deal, Senate hearings on Defense Secretary nominations, and corporate stances on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

1. Israeli-Hamas Hostage Deal

The conversation opens with a detailed analysis of a recently struck deal between Israel and Hamas concerning the release of hostages.

• Deal Terms: Israel has agreed to release 33 of the 98 hostages currently held by Hamas. These hostages will be freed over a period of six weeks, with only six or seven expected to be released within the first two weeks, including the Bibas family members (Noah Rothman, [04:24]).

• Implications: In exchange, thousands of Palestinian prisoners will be released, Gazans will be allowed to move north, and Israel retains the right to re-enter Gaza if the ceasefire fails. Additionally, a buffer zone known as the "Philadelphia Corridor" will be established to separate Israeli and Gazan territories ([07:00]).

• Political Context: Rothman criticizes the involvement of Steve Witkoff, a negotiator sent by Donald Trump, describing his approach as "very bullying" towards Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu ([07:30]). Seth Mandel adds that former Ambassador David Friedman's cautious stance on the deal ("a call for understanding and patience") reflects uncertainty about its long-term benefits ([08:57]).

• Concerns: Christine Rosen expresses apprehension about the deal's emotional and political ramifications for Israel, questioning how it will affect families of hostages not released early and the overall national spirit during the negotiation period ([13:11]).

• US Political Dynamics: Rothman highlights the Trump administration's contradictory positions—celebrating the deal while maintaining a hardline stance against Hamas' future role in Gaza. He points out the challenge of reconciling diplomatic success with rhetoric aimed at the complete demilitarization of Hamas ([17:07]).

Notable Quote:
John Podhoretz ([03:49]): "But in exchange, thousands of Palestinian Prisoners are gonna be released. Gazans are gonna be allowed to move north."

2. Senate Armed Services Hearing on Pete Hegseth

The podcast shifts focus to the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing for Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defense.

• Hegseth's Performance: John Podhoretz praises Hegseth's composure during the hearing, noting his ability to handle criticism from female senators effectively without being derailed by the questioning ([26:17]).

• Key Issues Discussed:

  • Women in Combat Roles: Hegseth defended the need for maintaining high combat standards, asserting that women should meet the same physical requirements as men ([28:30]).
  • Ethics and Conduct: Christine Rosen mentions allegations of Hegseth's severe drunkenness in professional settings. Seth Mandel criticizes the opposition's focus on these personal issues rather than his qualifications ([28:47], [37:11]).

• Political Dynamics: The hosts discuss the broader implications of Trump's influence on Republican nominees, suggesting that many of Trump's picks, including Hegseth, are likely to be confirmed despite controversies ([38:52]).

Notable Quote:
Christine Rosen ([28:47]): "He said, yes, there's a role for women in combat, but we should never lower our standards for combat."

3. Corporate Stances on DEI and Consumer Reactions

Abe Greenwald introduces a commercial segment for Quince, which is subsequently skipped as per instructions. The discussion returns to corporate policies impacting consumer behavior.

• Costco's DEI Policies: John Podhoretz criticizes Costco for not abandoning DEI initiatives, expressing his intention to switch to competitors like Sam's Club or BJ's. Seth Mandel shares a personal anecdote about enduring long lines at Costco, humorously comparing the experience to Soviet-style inefficiency ([49:36]).

• Implications for Consumers: The hosts debate the influence of corporate DEI policies on consumer loyalty and the broader cultural implications of businesses aligning with political agendas ([49:38]).

Notable Quote:
John Podhoretz ([49:38]): "I'm going to Sam's Club. I've had it. Or BJ. I am not doing Costco anymore."

4. Noah Rothman's Analysis of Left-Wing Political Violence

The centerpiece of the episode is Rothman's comprehensive exploration of how left-wing factions in America have increasingly tolerated and even embraced political violence over the past 25 years.

• Historical Context: Rothman traces the evolution from 1999's anti-WTO protests in Seattle to the Occupy Wall Street movement post-2008. He highlights the shift in progressive rhetoric that romanticizes street action while downplaying or excusing violent outcomes ([63:22]).

• Media and Intellectual Support: Christine Rosen and Seth Mandel discuss how mainstream media outlets and progressive intellectuals have historically supported or failed to adequately condemn leftist violence, contributing to a culture that legitimizes such actions ([57:34], [68:33]).

• Current Implications: Rothman warns of the dangerous trajectory towards normalized political violence, emphasizing the lack of accountability for right-wing violence compared to left-wing counterparts. He argues for consistency in addressing all forms of political extremism to prevent escalating cycles of vengeance and reprisal ([72:54]).

Notable Quote:
Noah Rothman ([60:04]): "And we all know that what the preposition is a perfunctory exercise. You know, it just reveals how perfunctory the previous, whatever sentiment was expressed before."

5. Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Podhoretz reiterates Rothman's significant contributions through his article "A Clockwork Blue," urging listeners to engage with the content to understand the deep-seated issues of political violence and its acceptance within progressive circles. The hosts exchange light-hearted banter, reflecting on cultural references and personal anecdotes, before signing off with a nod to continued conversations on Jewish practices and societal observations.

Notable Quote:
John Podhoretz ([75:22]): "Noah Rothman's extraordinary piece, currently available@comMENTARY.org and will be in your mailbox if you are a Commentary magazine subscriber next week."

Key Takeaways

• Complexity of Hostage Negotiations: The Israeli-Hamas deal illustrates the intricate balance between immediate humanitarian concerns and long-term geopolitical strategies.

• Political Polarization: The Senate hearing on Pete Hegseth underscores the deep divisions within American politics, especially concerning defense and ethical conduct.

• Corporate Influence on Culture: Companies' stances on DEI reflect broader societal debates, influencing consumer behavior and cultural norms.

• Normalization of Political Violence: Rothman's analysis highlights a troubling trend of progressive factions increasingly accepting political violence, raising concerns about future societal stability.

This episode provides a multifaceted examination of contemporary political and social issues, blending in-depth analysis with candid discussions among seasoned commentators.