The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "We Can't Let Down Our Guard"

Release Date: January 3, 2025
Host: Jon Podhoretz
Guests: Abe Greenwald (Executive Editor), Christine Rosen (Media Commentary Columnist), Seth Mandel (Senior Editor), Matthew Continetti (Washington Commentary Columnist)

1. Opening Remarks and Light Banter

The episode begins with light-hearted discussions about the dwindling use of physical checks, highlighting generational and technological shifts in financial transactions. Jon Podhoretz jokes about writing checks with a nod to Christine Rosen's continued use of them.

Jon Podhoretz [00:24]: "When was the last time anybody has written a physical check?"

2. Analyzing Recent Terrorist Incidents

The hosts delve into two significant events: a car-ramming attack in New Orleans resulting in over a hundred casualties and a Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Jon Podhoretz emphasizes the complexity of these incidents, questioning their classification and underlying motivations.

Jon Podhoretz [04:15]: "This may never be clear. The story about Sham Jabbar... is a domestic terrorism or homegrown terrorism story."

3. The Persistence and Evolution of ISIS Ideology

Abe Greenwald discusses the misconception surrounding the term "homegrown terrorism," arguing that the ideology behind these acts is deeply connected to global jihadist movements like ISIS, which remain potent and evolving despite previous US efforts to dismantle them.

Abe Greenwald [05:41]: "The terrorist who committed the atrocity... had pledged fealty to the Islamic State."

He attributes the resurgence of such ideologies to the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, which weakened oversight and allowed ISIS to regain strength.

4. Critique of US Counter-Terrorism Strategies

The panel critiques the Biden administration’s approach to foreign policy, particularly the withdrawal from Afghanistan and its impact on ISIS's resurgence. They contrast this with Israel's proactive and aggressive counter-terrorism measures.

Jon Podhoretz [09:51]: "The Biden pull out from Afghanistan was nonsensical... the cost to us of remaining in Afghanistan was extraordinarily low."

Abe Greenwald further emphasizes the need for sustained military presence to counteract terrorist threats effectively.

Abe Greenwald [17:08]: "When you look at the broader picture... Islamism in its jihadist form... doesn't go away on its own."

5. Radicalization and the Role of Domestic Networks

Seth Mandel raises concerns about how individuals like the New Orleans attacker are radicalized, questioning whether they are influenced by international networks or internal adoption of extremist ideologies. He criticizes political figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for normalizing radicalization without addressing terrorism.

Seth Mandel [14:25]: "Alexandria Ocasio Cortez... wants to normalize... involved with terrorism."

Christine Rosen expresses worries about the potential pipeline from academic environments to terrorist actions, noting the presence of radical ideologies on campuses.

Christine Rosen [22:59]: "What happens when... you start speaking in the terms of Hamas and Hezbollah?"

6. The Current Political Climate and House Speaker Vote

The discussion shifts to the internal dynamics of the Republican Party amidst the 119th Congress's swearing-in. Jon Podhoretz outlines the challenges in electing a Speaker of the House, highlighting the potential for continued chaos if consensus isn't reached.

Abe Greenwald [45:02]: "This is a real challenge... If you sink Johnson, there will be other people who will be nominated, but none of them have."

They discuss figures like Thomas Massie, whom Podhoretz criticizes for his stance on Israel, and the broader implications for party unity and legislative effectiveness.

Jon Podhoretz [48:19]: "Thomas Massie... is extraordinarily bad on Israel."

7. Commentary on Biden Administration’s Last Actions

The hosts critique President Biden's final moves, particularly his decision to block Nippon Steel's acquisition of US Steel, framing it as a detrimental act against both economic interests and international alliances.

Jon Podhoretz [60:05]: "Biden is screwing the workers of U.S. steel... an incredibly stupid move."

Abe Greenwald adds that Biden's actions undermine America's strategic alliances, especially with Japan, and questions the long-term repercussions of such decisions.

Abe Greenwald [63:17]: "This is an incredibly stupid move, period."

8. Closing Remarks and Recommendations

The episode concludes with Jon Podhoretz offering a personal recommendation to watch the classic film "Roman Holiday," highlighting its timeless appeal and cinematic beauty.

Jon Podhoretz [60:51]: "Roman Holiday... You should rent it. You will thank me."

Christine Rosen and Matthew Continetti lightheartedly engage in banter about the show's content, emphasizing their commitment to anti-Stalinist sentiments and overall thematic focus.

Christine Rosen [70:32]: "We could do recommends and then an astolinist."

Jon Podhoretz [70:40]: "Keep the candle burning down. Stalinism."

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Jon Podhoretz [00:24]: On the decline of writing physical checks.
• Abe Greenwald [05:41]: On the persistence of ISIS ideology.
• Seth Mandel [14:25]: Critique of political figures normalizing radicalization.
• Jon Podhoretz [48:19]: On Thomas Massie's stance on Israel.
• Jon Podhoretz [60:05]: On Biden's blocking of Nippon Steel’s acquisition of US Steel.
• Christine Rosen [70:32]: Commitment to anti-Stalinist themes.

This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast provides a thorough examination of contemporary threats related to domestic terrorism, critiques of current US foreign and domestic policies, and an insightful look into the fracturing dynamics within the Republican Party. The hosts employ a blend of analysis and personal anecdotes to engage listeners, underscored by a consistent focus on the challenges posed by persistent extremist ideologies and political instability.