Podcast Summary: There Are Nations in Crisis—Just Not Ours
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Commentary Magazine Podcast
- Host/Author: Commentary Magazine
- Episode Title: There Are Nations in Crisis—Just Not Ours
- Release Date: December 4, 2024
Introduction
In this episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz, along with colleagues Abe Greenwald, Christine Rosen, Matthew Continetti, and Seth Mandel, delves into the notion of constitutional crises both internationally and within the United States. The discussion spans events in South Korea, France, the United Kingdom, and significant debates within American politics, including transgender issues and high-profile political nominations.
International Constitutional Crises
South Korea's Martial Law Incident
John Podhoretz opens the discussion by highlighting a startling event in South Korea where President Yoon, lacking a strong parliamentary majority, declared martial law—a first in decades for a democracy. This move, intended to suppress opposition and halt free press, was met with immediate public backlash and parliamentary opposition. As Podhoretz states:
"The people of South Korea... said, nah, sorry." (05:00)
Abe Greenwald commends South Korea's democratic resilience, noting:
"This actually is, to me, kind of inspiring because... democracy has taken roots so that he was not allowed to." (12:53)
The swift reversal and imminent impeachment of President Yoon underscore the strength of South Korean institutions.
France's Political Deadlock
Moving to France, Podhoretz discusses President Emmanuel Macron's failed attempt to secure a parliamentary majority through a snap election. The resulting deadlock sees both ultra-left and national populist parties gaining ground, leading to an unstable government unable to pass budgets without extraordinary measures. Abe Greenwald adds:
"These two parties now are going to call for no confidence in the Prime Minister collapsing the government." (17:47)
This scenario presents a constitutional dilemma, as Macron cannot call another election for a year, leaving the government in a caretaker state.
United Kingdom's Political Turmoil
The conversation shifts to the UK, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces declining support despite a significant parliamentary majority. Concerns are raised about rising anti-Jewish sentiments linked to populist movements, as Matthew Continetti references Stephen Pollard's commentary:
"The increasingly outrageous, dangerous, horrifying behavior... is designed... to create a mass migration." (22:38)
Claims of an American Constitutional Crisis
Podhoretz addresses the alarming rhetoric from some colleagues, who believe the U.S. is amid a constitutional crisis exacerbated by President Trump's actions, such as pardoning his son. However, the panel largely disputes this view, emphasizing that American institutions remain robust. Christine Rosen notes the lack of genuine crisis:
"It's a bad, though. I think they deliberately made it bad." (07:46)
Seth Mandel likens Trump’s unpredictable behavior to a basketball foul, suggesting:
"Trump is Trump. You want to see a Trump foul? You're going to get a Trump foul." (09:14)
The panel suggests that fears of a constitutional crisis are amplified by media and partisan narratives rather than stemming from actual institutional weaknesses.
Transgender Issues and the Supreme Court Case
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the contentious debate over transgender rights, particularly focusing on a Supreme Court case from Tennessee that challenges gender-affirming care for minors.
Tennessee's Transgender Care Law
John Podhoretz criticizes the Tennessee law, arguing it unlawfully extends adult-approved treatments to minors without appropriate safeguards. He asserts:
"There's no limiting principle to that idea." (38:38)
Abe Greenwald breaks down the legal argument, explaining that the case hinges on whether gender-affirming treatments violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. He remarks:
"This is an equal protection claim. And it strikes me as a ludicrous one." (36:09)
Matthew Continetti highlights the potential long-term implications, referencing Abigail Schreier's book Irreversible Damage and emphasizing the irreversible nature of some gender-affirming procedures.
Judicial Overreach Concerns
The panel expresses concerns over judicial overreach, fearing that a Supreme Court ruling favoring the ACLU could invalidate similar laws in 25 states, akin to the impact of Roe v. Wade. Podhoretz warns:
"This will be a very interesting case to watch." (37:00)
Christine Rosen and Seth Mandel discuss the broader cultural and ethical implications, suggesting that the legal debates are entangled with deep-seated societal changes regarding gender identity.
Defense Nomination: Pete Hegseth
The discussion shifts to U.S. domestic politics, focusing on the controversial nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.
Controversies Surrounding Hegseth
Podhoretz criticizes Hegseth's nomination, particularly referencing a leaked email from Hegseth’s mother that marred his public image:
"Publishing that was an act of infamy. It was disgusting." (54:43)
Christine Rosen adds that Hegseth's public appearances have been lackluster, citing his inability to effectively handle interviews on key defense issues.
Potential Alternatives
The panel considers alternative candidates, notably Florida Governor Ron DeSantis:
"He checks a lot of boxes and he breaks plates." (60:09)
Abe Greenwald praises DeSantis’ qualifications and leadership, suggesting he would be a more favorable choice for the role.
Lighthearted Segment: Yacht Rock Documentary
In a departure from the serious topics, the podcast concludes with a lighthearted discussion about the documentary Yacht Rock on Netflix. John Podhoretz shares personal anecdotes, including his humorous interactions with Chuck Mangione and experiences at Elaine's in New York. Christine Rosen recounts a playful encounter involving Chuck Mangione's performance of “Feels So Good,” highlighting the delightful absurdity of defining musical genres.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Podhoretz expressing anticipation for future political developments and recommending the Yacht Rock documentary as an engaging watch. The panel underscores the resilience of American democracy amidst internal and external challenges while critically examining current cultural and political debates.
Notable Quotes
- John Podhoretz (00:22): "Hope for the best. Expect the worst."
- Abe Greenwald (12:53): "This actually is, to me, kind of inspiring because... democracy has taken roots so that he was not allowed to."
- Seth Mandel (09:14): "Trump is Trump. You want to see a Trump foul? You're going to get a Trump foul."
- John Podhoretz (07:46): "Jill Biden shouldn't be sitting at the president's desk. She's his wife. She has no constitutional authority."
- Matthew Continetti (22:38): "...British Jews... is really nothing short of terrifying..."
- Christine Rosen (44:33): "It's gonna be another socially radical, politically radical, institutional-failure moment."
Timestamp References:
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