The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Talk Tough, Act Soft Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

Washington commentary columnist Jamie Kirchick joins us to discuss the unfurling disaster at the Iran talks in Switzerland and the establishment of a "deconfliction cell" that doesn't include Israel, and the looming specter of Israel's scapegoating for the inevitable failure of the agreement. Plus, Keir Starmer's resignation, the ongoing reflecting pool controversy, the DSA ascendancy in democratic politics, the passing of Alan Greenspan, and John recommends Voicemails for Isabelle.

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Lebanon Sequitur Jun 19, 2026

Show notes

Today we discuss reports on issues with the Iran MOU and the cancellation of JD Vance's trip to Switzerland, ostensibly over ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, and the scapegoating of Israel, Zionists, and neocons.

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Mullah Moolah Jun 18, 2026

Show notes

Matt Continetti is back to discuss the inauguration of the Obama presidential center in Chicago and president Obama's legacy. Plus, the ongoing unfolding Iran disaster with the signing of the MOU and Trump's press conference, Israel's precarious position in Lebanon, and Matt recommends The Infinity Machine.

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What's In The MOU? Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

Today we discuss the media blitz to sell the Iran MOU despite refusing to release its contents, as well as the contents of the agreement that were published in the media. Plus, Trump torpedoes Jay Clayton's nomination for DNI, JD Vance's appearance on Megyn Kelly, and the elections in Georgia and DC, a new FBI investigation of Gavin Newsom, and John recommends The Furious.

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Vance Macabre Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss the MOU with Iran, which has seemed to receive universal condemnation from everyone except vice president JD Vance, who is engaged in a widespread media tour to sell a deal whose details remain unknown. Plus, the indictments of Pro-Palestinian activists at the University of Michigan for their campaign of threats and intimidation.

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My Kingdom For A Deal Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

FDD's Jonathan Schanzer is back to discuss President Trump's terrible Iran deal and the ongoing uncertainty about its details, as well as America's position in the world in the aftermath of such a deal. Plus, the Bidens attempt a comeback, and Jay Clayton's nomination for DNI.

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Stall Tales Jun 12, 2026

Show notes

It's Friday, and time to discuss yet another round of "is there a deal with Iran?" after reports on the latest proposal that put a halt to a planned attack on Kharg Island. How much longer can this situation persist? Plus, Jodi Kantor defends Graham Platner and lays MeToo to rest.

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Drive My Kharg Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Our friend Matt Continetti is back to discuss the central theory of Trump's second term, as well as the resumption of strikes on Iran and the threat to take Kharg Island. Is this a negotiating tactic, or have the Iranians finally pushed Trump too far? Plus, the expiration of FISA, the launch of the World Cup, the historic Knicks game, the inflation numbers, and Matt recommends the documentary Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs That's the Weight of the World).

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The Epstein Boomerang Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

Today we discuss Trump's ongoing pendulum swings on Iran and the contrast between his statements and American action, as well as revelations from Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman's upcoming book on the Trump admin's reaction to the Epstein scandal.

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Multipolar Disorder Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

FDD's Jonathan Schanzer is back to discuss yesterday's chain of events involving Hezbollah, Israel, and Iran, and the stream of contradictory media reports and remarks from admin officials. Plus, more on the miscalculations in conducting the war and what the endgame might look like, and a check in on Graham Platner.

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