The Dispatch Podcast The New Three Legs of Conservatism | Interview: Matt Lewis
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Aug 25, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Matt Lewis, a prominent podcaster and columnist for The Daily Beast, dives deep into the shifting landscape of conservatism. He explores the influence of Trumpism on various policies, critiques Donald Trump's foreign policy successes, and assesses the implications of Governor Gavin Newsom's social media strategy as he gears up for 2028. The conversation also covers the contentious crime situation in D.C. and the potential use of the National Guard, balancing public safety with the risks of authoritarianism.
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Public Safety Drives Political Shifts
- Lewis agrees crime is a potent political issue and failing cities fuel support for illiberal leaders.
- He urges liberals to focus on basic public safety tasks to avoid ceding voters to authoritarian solutions.
Limited Troop Surges Can Be Legitimate
- Lewis supports limited, negotiated surges to make DC safer but fears Trump's motives given January 6th.
- He says a lawful, temporary federal surge could be defensible if locally coordinated and time-limited.
Federal Forces Could Depress Turnout
- Legally Trump can federalize the National Guard but cannot seize local police outside DC for long periods.
- Lewis warns that presence of federal forces at polls or precincts could reduce turnout and skew close races.