The Dispatch Podcast

Steve, Jonah, and Michael are joined by TMD editor Mary Trimble to discuss Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress and the subsequent protests. They also analyze Kamala Harris’ response, elite wagon-circling, Donald Trump’s scary unification of the Republican Party, and Joe Biden’s withdrawal. The Agenda: —Bipartisan moments: Iran and October 7 —Israel’s place in U.S. politics and its own domestic politics —Pro-Hamas protests —Why isn’t Kamala Harris having her “Sister Souljah moment?” —The mainstream media’s spin on “border czar” —How the assassination attempt changed nothing about Donald Trump —Was Biden’s speech worth our time? Show Notes: —Harris' statement on the D.C. protests, published after recording this episode —Video of the D.C. Palestinian Youth Movement releasing maggots —The Morning Dispatch —Axios article on “border czar” mistake —Montage of news anchors saying “border czar” —GovTrack scrubbing its rating of Kamala Harris as the “most liberal senator” —Politico’s “law and order” quotes from Kamala Harris —G-File on Jonah’s “Sigh of Relief” —Laura Loomer’s loony tweet —Nick Catoggio’s “Wishful Thinking” The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the first half of our Dispatch Live livestream from last night. If you’d like to watch or listen to the full episode (which we highly recommend!), please become a Dispatch member on https://thedispatch.com/join/ On yet another emergency edition of Dispatch Live, Sarah is joined by Steve, Jonah, and Mike to break down President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential election and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. The Agenda: —Should Biden resign? —What a Kamala Harris campaign might look like —The campaign finance question Show Notes: —Dispatch Politics: Biden Withdraws From the 2024 Election —Boiling Frogs: The Return of the Smoke-Filled Room —Cole Murphy: How Democrats Could Replace Joe Biden as Their Nominee, Explained —Dispatch Editorial: It’s Democrats’ Turn to Make the Hard Decision Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eliot Cohen, professor emeritus at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, thinks a second Trump term won’t have a dramatic effect on American foreign policy. He joins Jamie to debate this point, the risk of pulling out of NATO and abandoning allies, and whether America is bound to retreat from global affairs. NOTE: This episode was recorded on Friday, July 19, 2024—two days before President Joe Biden announced he wouldn’t be running for reelection. The Agenda: —Cohen’s piece in The Atlantic —Pulling out of NATO —The proliferation of nuclear weapons —Relationships with China and Taiwan —Concerns about J.D. Vance advising Trump Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

* This is the first half of our Dispatch Live livestream from last night. If you'd like to watch or listen to the full episode (which we highly recommend!), please become a Dispatch member on https://thedispatch.com/join/ * It's Dispatch After Hours. Our intrepid reporters stayed up till the wee hours to catch former President Trump's full speech on the last night at the Republican National Convention. In a manic edition of Dispatch Live, a sleep-deprived Sarah is joined by Jonah and Steve... as well as the entire Dispatch Politics team—David M. Drucker, Michael Warren, John McCormack, and Charles Hilu—reporting from the convention in Milwaukee. Was Trump able to stick the landing on his unity speech (or for that matter, to stick to the script)? Are Republicans going through an existentialist phase? Will Biden still be the nominee next week? Was the convention worth our time? What are we even doing here? You can watch or listen to the full episode here: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah, Steve, Jonah, and David French discuss the assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania rally over the weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NOTE: This episode was recorded last week July 10, before the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. French public intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy joins Jamie on today’s episode to discuss the surprise rise of the far-left in the French elections and its implications for Western foreign policy. Plus: why BHL’s glad he’s not American. Agenda: —French antisemitism —How extremism is devouring the center —Why Jews must stay in France —The “made-up” question of migrants —Broken economic schemes —Why America actually won in Afghanistan —“Ukraine and Israel are two front lines of the same war” Show Notes: —Nazi hunter Serge Klarsfeld’s remarks on voting —Jeffrey Goldberg’s “Is it time for Jews to leave Europe?” —BHL’s “In The Footsteps of Tocqueville” —BHL’s “The Afghan Who Won’t Surrender to the Taliban” —Ernest Hemingway’s For Whom the Bell Tolls —Douglas Murray —Adam Gopnik The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah, Steve, and Jonah are joined by Axios’ national political correspondent Alex Thompson to analyze Joe Biden’s performance during Thursday’s press conference and where the president stands within his own party. The Agenda: —Vindication for Robert Hur —Criticizing media coverage of Biden —Vice President Kamala Harris’ electability —Tensions between former Barack Obama aides and the Biden campaign —Donald Trump’s campaign strategy Show Notes: —The Dispatch Podcast with Jonathan Martin and Alex Burns —George Clooney's New York Times op-ed The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve is joined by The Bulwark's Tim Miller to briefly rehash their disagreement from March and discuss the backlash Miller has received since calling for Biden to step down. The Agenda: —Not interested in circling the wagon —The spin isn’t working —The American People Should Demand Better —Trump and Biden are “categorically” different —Biden’s “MAGA” response —Who would Tim pick instead of Biden? —Credibility in opinion journalism Show Notes: —Tim Miller’s interview on his book, Why We Did It —“The Dispatch and the Bulwark walk into a bar…” —The Bulwark: “Stephen Hayes: Grading Biden” —Tim Miller: “The Bidens Need to Have a Talk” —Tim Miller: “Dear Dems: The Gaslighting Isn’t Helping Matters” —Reagan and Mondale’s 1984 debate —“It’s Democrats’ Turn to Make the Hard Decision” —The Bulwark: “Jon Lovett: Unprecedented Times” —Miss South Carolina answers a question The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Richer, the Maricopa County recorder—a public official responsible for recording public documents—joins Jamie to discuss the harassment campaign against him and his thoughts about the 2024 election. The Agenda: —What is a county recorder? —The “lynch” threat —Looking into 2020 fraud claims —Richer’s defamation lawsuit —Did Trump know the 2020 fraud claims were false? —What happens in 2024? —Being a part of Trump’s GOP The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a special Independence Day episode, Sarah, Jonah, and Steve share their Fourth of July traditions and try to figure out how Democrats can get out of this mess. The Agenda: —Calvin Coolidge’s Declaration of Independence speech —Centuries-old cherries found at Mt. Vernon —Why won’t Joe Biden leave the race? —Biden’s statement on the SCOTUS immunity ruling —What would Sarah do? —Harris has a problem —Did the media cover Biden’s age well? —What does all this mean for Trump’s VP pick? Show Notes: —A celebration of a free press —Jonah’s G-File on parties —Jake Tapper and Sen. Chris Coons —Steve on Tim Miller’s podcast —Matthew Dowd’s tweet  —Hadas Gold’s piece on White House reporters —New York Times editorial on Biden The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philippe Reines, a Democratic political consultant and former aide to Hillary Clinton, joins Jamie to discuss President Joe Biden’s performance in last week’s debate and where Democrats should go from here. The Agenda: —Comparing Biden and Donald Trump’s health —“Heaviest president since Taft” —Should Biden bow out? —Hillary Clinton 2024? —January 6 and a second Trump term —Biden’s stuttering problem —Will Trump target Hillary Clinton? —Project 2025 Show Notes: —Phillipe's debate prep role as Donald Trump —Democratic Sen. Chris Coons on Fox News —Former President Barack Obama's tweet about the debate The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah, Kevin, Steve and Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle discuss Joe Biden’s hard-to-watch debate performance. Is anyone really surprised? The Agenda: —Will Joe still the be Democratic nominee? —Who would let Biden step on that stage? —Trump’s veepstakes —Oh yeah, Trump was awful too —Looking forward to September Show Notes: —Cole Murphy's explainer on the residency issue —Our post-debate Dispatch Live —Today's Morning Dispatch The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie is joined by Dr. Shilo Brooks, executive director of Princeton’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions, to discuss how looking to the past can save the next generation. Agenda: — Five Thinkers: Xenophon, Niccolo Machiavelli, Theodore Roosevelt, Sandra Day O’Connor, Frederick Douglass — Restoring honorable ambition — Rebuffing criticisms of Western classical tradition — Getting ideology out of classrooms — Why pro-Hamas demonstrators are on elite campuses — Don’t be safe, don’t be boring — Is there a leader alive worth admiring? Show Notes: — James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions — Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince — Xenophon’s Education of Cyrus — Frederick Douglass’ “Self Made Men” — Friedrich Nietzsche’s Beyond Good and Evil — Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah, Mike, and Jonah analyze Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s debate strategies, or lack thereof. Plus: the futility of fighting political headwinds, executive overreach, and a new Dispatch newsletter. Agenda: — Why presidential debates don’t (and do) matter — Improving Biden’s comms strategy — Veepstakes for Trump — Politics of Biden’s immigration policy — Congress, do your job! — This weekend: the new Dispatch Faith Show Notes: — The Dispatch’s The Collision — Advisory Opinions’ Living Anachronism — Bump stocks decision — The Skiff’s Interview with David French The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why does one of the world’s wealthiest men want to fund a database full of U.S. facts and figures? Steve Ballmer, former Microsoft executive and founder of USAfacts.org, joins Jamie at Dispatch HQ to discuss his philanthropic efforts. The Agenda: —Saying no to Mitt Romney (back in the day) —Figures on immigration, healthcare, and debt —Data-based decision-making —The aftermath of Hamas’ October 7 attack —The impact of AI —Funding Harvard Show Notes: —The Atlantic: The Golden Age of American Jews is Ending The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah is joined by Jonah and Steve to discuss the Hunter Biden conviction and debate how much Biden’s age matters. The Agenda: —“This is what Joe Biden wanted.” —Hunter’s tax charges —Rep. Nancy Mace’s political evolution —Have Republicans set expectations too low for Biden? —IVF and political malpractice —The secret recording of Justices Samuel Alito and John Roberts Show Notes: —Dukakis' death penalty question —Yuval Levin’s new book: American Covenant: How the Constitution Unified Our Nation―and Could Again —Yuval Levin on The Remnant —Ryan Anderson’s piece about IVF —NYT: Alito’s ‘Godliness’ Comment Echoes a Broader Christian Movement The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie is joined by Andy Mills—host of Reflector and a co-creator of the New York Times’ “The Daily” podcast—to discuss why he left seminary for journalism and what’s gone wrong inside American newsrooms. The Agenda: —Andy’s background —Why is everyone in New York? —Policing curiosity —The outsized power of young journalists —Take them seriously, not literally —Woke McCarthyism —The Twitterization of journalists —What makes a great podcast? Show Notes: —The Dispatch Podcast with A.G. Sulzberger —Andy Mills and Matthew Boll’s Reflector —The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling —Nellie Bowles' book —Tom Cotton's op-ed in the NYT —Adam Rubenstein's Chick-fil-A story The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah, Jonah, and Mike discuss President Joe Biden’s immigration executive action and the coverage of his son Hunter Biden’s trial. The three also define “whataboutism” and “both-sidesism”, narrowly avoiding an existential crisis for Jonah. The Agenda: —Biden’s border crisis —Hunter’s gun trial begins —The debate over Biden’s age —The hostage crisis in Gaza —Returning grocery carts Show Notes: —Jonah’s Wednesday G-File —Ronald Reagan on Saturday Night Live —Advisory Opinions’ episode on Hunter Biden —Jonah’s Remnant with Mike Warren The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Washington Post columnist George Will joins Jamie to discuss the Trump verdict, the state of American politics, Israel’s predicament, the influence of college campuses, foreign policy, and the future of the Republican Party. Show Notes: —Will's Washington Post column on not voting in November —Will's Washington Post column on nuclear annihilation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A jury found Donald Trump guilty on all 34 counts in his New York criminal trial. Sarah is joined by Jonah, Mike, and Steve to break down the conviction and discuss where we all go from here. The Agenda: —Was this a Stalin show trial? —When law enforcement becomes personal —Trump’s defense failure —Shame on everybody —Did this change anyone's vote? —Trump raises $34.8 million —Will Trump receive prison time? —People you disagree with aren’t evil —Was this worth our time? Show Notes: —The Collision: What's next? —Last night's live Advisory Opinions —Rep. Susan Collins’ reaction to the conviction —NYT’s profile on Alvin Bragg —Advisory Opinions on the New York indictment —Elie Honig: Prosecutors Got Trump — But They Contorted the Law —Larry Hogan’s statement on the conviction —538 emergency pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices