Podcast Summary: The Opinions – "How to Survive in Politically Volatile Times"

Introduction

In the April 7, 2025 episode of The Opinions, hosted by The New York Times Opinion section, columnist David French engages in a profound discussion with Rory Stewart, a prominent British politician and former member of the Conservative Party. Titled "How to Survive in Politically Volatile Times," the episode delves into the tumultuous shifts within conservatism, the rise of populism, and the personal and societal challenges faced by those striving to uphold democratic values in increasingly polarized environments.

1. The Shifting Landscape of Conservatism in the UK

David French opens the conversation by addressing the transformation of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom. He seeks insight from Rory Stewart on when and how Stewart perceived the party’s evolution into something unrecognizable.

• Rory Stewart on Ideological Changes:
  • "[...] Deeply, we can now see the ways in which what happened in the 2000s as part of the story, the financial crisis, the rise of social media, the catastrophes of Iraq and Afghanistan." ([02:22])

Stewart reflects that the changes within the Conservative Party were not abrupt but evolved under the surface, influenced by significant global and national events. The Brexit referendum in 2016 served as a critical turning point, exposing deep societal divisions and mirroring the extreme polarization seen in the United States.

• Impact of Brexit:
  • "We were suddenly beginning to feel a little bit more like the United States, this sense of extreme polarization, almost civil war, which in the US Context had been around longer." ([03:34])

2. Recognizing Early Indicators of Political Realignment

French probes whether Stewart identified earlier signs indicating the Conservative Party's drift towards populism and away from traditional conservatism.

• Stewart on Parliamentary Shifts:
  • "Fellow members of Parliament were voting to leave the European Union without understanding what any of the detailed implications of Brexit were." ([04:35])

Stewart notes a move away from rational, technocratic decision-making towards actions driven solely by voter sentiment, disregarding the complexities involved.

• Boris Johnson’s Leadership as a Symptom:
  • "I imagined that whatever else the British would do, they would not vote for Boris Johnson." ([05:00])
  • "The whole swing of public opinion in his direction was devastating for me." ([05:00])

Stewart discusses his surprise and disappointment at the electorate’s support for Boris Johnson, whom he viewed as unsuitable for the role of Prime Minister, highlighting a profound disconnect between his expectations and voter behavior.

3. The Personal Cost of Standing Against Populism

The conversation delves into the personal repercussions Stewart has faced due to his stance against the populist shift within his party.

• Social Media Attacks and Public Denigration:
  • "I'm perceived as a traitor, an elitist, completely out of touch." ([07:47])
  • "I'm responsible for destroying national identity." ([07:47])

Stewart recounts the barrage of attacks from right-wing media and figures, which brand him with unfounded accusations ranging from elitism to threats against national identity.

• Physical and Personal Attacks:
  • "I have an IQ of 110." ([07:47])
  • "I get attacked as a man, questioning my fundamental identity." ([10:24])

The hostility extends beyond political critiques to personal insults undermining his intelligence and masculinity, reflecting a broader trend of ad hominem attacks prevalent in current political discourse.

4. Resilience and Maintaining Hope Amidst Hostility

French challenges Stewart on how he manages to stay motivated and encourage others to remain engaged despite facing significant social and personal backlash.

• Stewart on the Existential Nature of His Fight:
  • "I saw it as existential [...] I thought that Boris Johnson posed a kind of catastrophic impact on the British economy, but also standards in public life." ([11:04])

Stewart frames his resistance against populism as a fight for the survival of democratic and constitutional standards, emphasizing the high stakes involved.

• Acknowledging the Personal Toll:
  • "It's not easy. There have been moments where I have been tempted to give up." ([12:05])

He candidly shares the emotional and psychological challenges of resisting the tide of populism, including moments of doubt and the desire to retreat from hostile environments.

• Encouraging Moral Engagement:
  • "Put morality at the heart of our role as citizens." ([15:49])
  • "Never allowing your moral intuitions to be silenced." ([15:49])

Stewart advocates for grounding political engagement in moral principles, asserting that upholding values like truth, equality, and justice is essential for sustaining democracy against populist threats.

5. The Role of Morality in Political Engagement

A significant portion of the discussion is devoted to the intersection of morality and politics, with Stewart emphasizing the foundational role that ethical principles play in combating populism.

• Defining the Moral Underpinnings of Democracy:
  • "The idea of truth is central to our ability to think, relate to each other, form relationships." ([15:49])
  • "Ideas of equality and justice... what duties do we have to each other." ([15:49])

Stewart argues that democracy is sustained not just by policies and communication but by a shared commitment to moral values that foster genuine human connections and responsibilities.

• Practical Implications of Moral Foundations:
  • "It translates into how you speak to other people, what you're prepared to accept and not accept." ([15:49])
  • "Whether you boycott, join demonstrations, write, vote, stand for office." ([15:49])

He links moral convictions to various forms of civic participation, suggesting that ethical considerations guide actions ranging from personal interactions to collective political movements.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Stewart and French reflecting on the pervasive influence of populism and the necessity of moral steadfastness in political engagement. Stewart underscores the importance of maintaining ethical integrity and resisting the erosion of democratic principles despite personal and societal challenges.

• Stewart’s Final Thoughts:
  • "You cannot allow the degradation and the coarsening of our democratic and moral life." ([15:49])
  • "You cannot allow this orange buffoon to become the symbol of your nation." ([15:49])

In his closing remarks, Stewart encapsulates the urgency of defending democratic values against the degrading forces of populism, urging listeners to uphold their moral imperatives as a bulwark against political volatility.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rory Stewart on Brexit’s Polarizing Impact:

  • "[...] we were suddenly beginning to feel a little bit more like the United States, this sense of extreme polarization, almost civil war." ([03:34])

• Stewart on the Personal Devastation of Political Shifts:

  • "It was devastating for me, obviously, personally." ([05:00])

• On Facing Ad Hominem Attacks:

  • "I'm perceived as a traitor, an elitist, completely out of touch." ([07:47])

• Emphasizing Moral Engagement:

  • "Put morality at the heart of our role as citizens." ([15:49])

• Defending Democratic Values:

  • "You cannot allow the degradation and the coarsening of our democratic and moral life." ([15:49])

Final Remarks

This episode of The Opinions offers a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by centrist and moderate voices in today's polarized political climate. Through Rory Stewart’s experiences, listeners gain insight into the personal and ideological struggles inherent in resisting populist movements and maintaining democratic integrity. The discussion serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, emphasizing the critical role of moral conviction in navigating and surviving politically volatile times.