Podcast Summary: The Opinions – ‘We Are Going to Deeply Regret This War’

Host: Robert Siegel (The New York Times Opinion)
Guests: E.J. Dionne (Political Writer/Author), Mona Charen (Policy Editor at the Bulwark, Host of the Mona Charen Show)
Date: March 28, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of The Opinions focuses on the wide-reaching consequences of the U.S.-Iran war, particularly its impact on America's global standing, its relationships with NATO and Israel, and the domestic political fallout, especially regarding Trump’s leadership. The discussion is timely, incisive, and full of regret—and warnings—about the direction of American foreign and domestic policy in the Trump era.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The U.S.-Iran War and Trump’s Leadership

• E.J. Dionne: Opened with a strong critique, warning of lasting regret:

  “I think we are going to deeply regret this war precisely because of how he handled it.” (01:46)

  • Trump’s inconsistency and decision-making are causing international confusion, weakening U.S. influence, and sidelining the Ukraine crisis.
• Mona Charen:
  • Called Iran a genuine threat—“a vicious, expansionist, revolutionary regime bent on getting nuclear weapons”—but lamented having “such an unserious leader who seems to act on whim, on impulse, on feelings in his bones” at the helm. (02:40)

2. U.S. Relations with NATO

• Alliance in Trouble: Dionne declared NATO “in deep trouble,” highlighting eroded trust and support among European allies due to Trump's unilateralism and transactional approach. (04:05)
• European Strain:

  “How to Lose Influence with Friends is the title of, I think, the president's memoir about this period.” – E.J. Dionne (05:10)

• Charen’s Perspective:
  • Cited Trump’s unprecedented threats, such as threatening a NATO member (Denmark over Greenland), pointing out his lack of consultation and disregard for allies’ needs, especially those more dependent on regional stability (oil, fertilizer).

  “He simply acted in a way that affects them far more than it affects us…” (05:25)

• NATO’s Durability: Siegel noted historical precedent for overcoming alliance crises, but Charen responded:

  “It depended for its durability on the strength of its premier member, and that was the United States.” (07:49)

3. The U.S.–Israel Relationship and Shifting Public Opinion

• Closer Military Coordination, Waning Support: Siegel highlighted unprecedented military alignment but noted Gallup data showing greater American sympathy for Palestinians for the first time. (08:39)
• Charen on Domestic Factions:
  • Noted Israel faces opposition from both the “progressive left” and the “hard right” in the U.S., with declining bipartisan support fueling Netanyahu’s urgency with Trump in office. (09:32)

  “The hatred for Israel is coming from both sides.”

• Dionne:
  • Described historical shifts: bipartisan pro-Israel sentiment splintering since Netanyahu’s U.S. address was arranged by Republicans only, further dividing U.S. politics.
  • Noted policy inconsistencies:

    “The administration itself has made it more awkward…” (11:50)

  • Observed emerging distinctions in Mideast alliances (e.g., Israel vs. Saudi interests in war outcomes).

4. The Israel/Palestine Debate among Progressives

• Charen: Argued that anti-Israel sentiment among progressives existed before the Gaza war, referencing pro-Hamas reactions after October 7 attacks on campuses. (13:36)
• Dionne: Contested the scale, seeing it as initially a “very small piece of the left” but widening as the war in Gaza continued. (14:03)

5. Domestic Political Repercussions: Parties & the 2026 Election

• Erosion of GOP Support:
  • Dionne: Trump’s unpopularity is shifting local election results, even in strongholds—citing Democratic wins in Florida. (17:28)
  • GOP loyalty is driven by fear of Trump’s base and primary challenges.

  “In a normal world, some Republicans...would start backing away from Trump. But we don’t live in a normal world.” – E.J. Dionne (18:36)

• Personalized, Polarized Politics:
  • Charen:

    “We live in an era of this personalized politics...vastly exacerbated by our system of partisan primaries.” (19:16)

  • General elections are often foregone conclusions due to gerrymandering and polarized primaries, further entrenching extremes.
• Shrinkage of Moderate Republicans:
  • Dionne: Continuing exodus of moderates has “reduced this party to a party of Trump.” (20:51)
  • Charen noted Trump’s circular logic in touting 100% approval among MAGA identifiers, while overall support declines (21:17).
• MAGA Base and National Challenges:
  • Dionne: Noted historic low approval for Trump on economy and cost of living. Criticized how “MAGA Trump obsessions drive substance out of politics.” (22:47)

6. 2028 Republican Presidential Prospects

• Candidates: Siegel asked if the Republican field was limited to Vance and Rubio. Charen and Dionne agreed it depends on the administration’s perceived success or failure; otherwise, an outsider or a yet-unknown candidate could emerge.
  • Dionne referenced GOP pollster Whit Ayres:

    “There is a possibility of someone we never heard of.”

  • Charen strongly asserted:

    “He cannot run again. It's in the goddamn Constitution.” (25:12)

  • Dionne added, “The Constitution doesn't seem to bother Trump very much on anything else...” (25:17)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Regret & Irony:

  “How to Lose Influence with Friends is the title of, I think, the president's memoir about this period.” – E.J. Dionne (05:10)

• On the state of the GOP:

  “We live in the world of Republican politics that President Trump has created.” – E.J. Dionne (18:36)

• On Trump running again:

  “He cannot run again. It's in the goddamn Constitution.” – Mona Charen (25:12)

• On public joy:

  • Mona Charen, on the No Kings rally:

    “I found the last no Kings rally to be very inspiring. I was struck by the cleverness of some of the signs, by the spirit, by the patriotism.” (26:06)

  • EJ Dionne, on interfaith social work:

    “All these people in the country who in the midst of all this political chaos are out there working to help other people...” (27:27)

  • Siegel, on baseball:

    “The return of baseball simply brings joy to my life.” (28:07)

Important Timestamps

• Trump’s handling of Iran war: 01:46–03:37
• NATO alliance critique: 04:05–07:49
• US–Israel relationship & public opinion: 08:39–13:36
• Progressive vs. hard right Israel debate: 13:36–14:19
• Domestic politics: GOP loyalty & primary system: 16:44–22:54
• Potential 2028 Republican candidates: 22:58–25:39
• Joyful, nonpolitical moments: 26:06–28:49

Tone and Language

The conversation is urgently critical, with moments of wry humor, historical reflection, and frustration at the current political dynamic under Trump. Mona Charen adopts a tone that is dismayed yet determined; E.J. Dionne balances analysis with regret and dry wit. Robert Siegel’s hosting is factual, questioning, and occasionally nostalgic.

Conclusion

The episode provides a deep dive into the strategic, diplomatic, and domestic pitfalls of the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, the breakdown of old alliances, intensifying polarization over Israel, and the transformation of American political parties. The conversation ends with reminders of hope: civic activism, communal service, and the enduring spirit of sport.