The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Latest Episodes:

State of the Jews Nov 09, 2026

Show notes

John is joined by 2026 Commentary roastee, former Israeli ambassador to the US Ron Dermer, to discuss the state of affairs for Israel in the current moment, the prospects of an anti-American US president, and the massive drawbacks of America rolling back its relationship with Israel due to the rising tide of anti-America and anti-Israel hatred in academia and politics. Plus, a breakdown of the coalition building efforts in Israel after Gadi Eisenkot was tasked with forming a new government, and how might that government differ from the Netanyahu government.

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Advance Notice Nov 06, 2026

Show notes

We are joined by our Washington commentary columnist Jamie Kirchick to discuss the rising tide against Jews on both sides of the political spectrum and JD Vance pinning republican problems on the relationship with Israel despite polling data to the contrary, and hanging his hopes on the radical podcast sphere of influence. Plus, can democrats build a case against Trump that could convince senate republicans to convict, or will they focus on flashier moves to satiate their more radical base?

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The Blame Game Nov 05, 2026

Show notes

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss the election postmortems and the Republican recriminations after their stunning defeat, how big a part did the Iran war play in voter dissatisfaction with the GOP, and the factional dispute within the right and its impact on JD Vance's chances in 2028. Plus, how can Jews respond to these negative trends?

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Wave Goodbye Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

Our friend Matt Continetti is back to discuss the massive GOP wipeout in the midterm elections, analyze the causes for the historic loss, look ahead to the next two years in Washington, and drill down on individual race results across the country. Plus, Matt recommends Fodor's Florida Travel guide.

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Wave Watch Nov 03, 2026

Show notes

It's election day and we are joined by our friend Chris Stirewalt to discuss the seemingly impending blue wave and all the ways in which Trump contributed to the expected loss of the senate, whether the polls might be historically wrong, Haley Stevens' statement on her endorsement of Mike Rogers, Ross Douthat's excellent interviewing skills, and a look ahead to the potential democratic nominee in 2028. Plus, Trump's statement on an agreement to end military aid to Israel and how it might undercut candidates who ran on ending it legislatively, and the crew recommends Michael Powell's Atlantic article on Adam Hamawy.

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Even Stevens Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

We are joined by JNS's Ruthie Blum from Tel Aviv to discuss tomorrow's impending midterm election and the hoopla in Michigan over Haley Stevens endorsing Mike Rogers and the ridiculous reactions from democrats. Plus, Israel's elections are over, and now the process of coalition-building begins with Avigdor Lieberman refusing to serve with Netanyahu, thus all but ensuring another round of elections. Finally, what the future holds for Trump with regards to Iran and the prospects of facing a democratic majority in the House and Senate, and John and Abe recommend the PBS Great Performances episode on the songwriter Jimmy Webb.

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Sub Parliament Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

We are joined by Dan Senor and Matt Continetti to discuss the final vote totals in Israel's elections and the prospects of forming a new government, and how will potential new coalitions deal with Israel's geopolitical challenges? Plus, the issue of rising antisemitism in the leadup to the midterms, the problem with polling rural conservatives, Haley Stevens' message to Abdul El-Sayed, and Matt honors the late Patrick Stewart by recommending the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode The Inner Light and his general body of work.

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The Antisemitism Horseshoe Oct 29, 2026

Show notes

Contributing editor Eli Lake joins us today to correct the record on Jon Lovett's comments on Michigan Jews and Abdul El-Sayed, and discuss the larger implications of centering Israel in US politics and the different flavors of antisemitism on the left and right as both parties struggle with their own cohorts in the approach to the midterms. Is there any cause for optimism going forward, or do even darker days lie ahead?

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Coalition Building Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

Ben Shapiro joins us today to discuss the results of the Israeli election, where the anti-Bibi coalition underperformed and likely denied Eisenkot the prime ministership. Can Netanyahu form a new type of coalition or rely on Smotrich, Ben Gvir, and the ultra orthodox parties, and what might another round of elections look like if he can't? Plus, the election results as viewed through the prism of American politics, and John recommends the movie Confession.

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Let it Bibi Oct 27, 2026

Show notes

The Israeli election is in full swing with the highest turnout in 50 years. What will this mean for the Arab parties, Netanyahu's chances of survival, and will an Eisenkot victory expose American leftists who claim to only be anti-Bibi? Plus, the midterms loom large with the Michigan race seemingly tied and reports that early voting turnout in the state is down.

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