The Fifth Column Ten Years of The Fifth Column (#551)
23 snips
Apr 2, 2026 
Nancy Rommelmann, writer and raconteur, shares anecdotes. Nick Gillespie, editor-at-large, offers sharp cultural and historical takes. Olivia Reingold, journalist, reflects on reporting and tough field stories. Pete Meijer, former congressman, discusses politics and military affairs. Thor Halvorssen, human rights advocate, weighs in on Venezuela and international issues. They riff on Venezuela, culture wars, identity, foreign policy, and wild live moments.
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Seeing Rod Stewart In Public
- Camille describes unexpectedly seeing Rod Stewart at dinner and recognizing how celebrities can appear ordinary in public.
- He recounts his daughter pointing out Rod Stewart and their awkward, amused reaction as an example of celebrity encounters turning mundane.
Two Paths For Venezuela After A Transition
- Thor Halvorssen explains two plausible outcomes after Delcy Rodríguez leads a U.S.-backed transition in Venezuela: genuine democratization or a managed reinstallation of authoritarianism.
- He compares possible outcomes to historical Soviet power plays, warning that controlled transitions can entrench new authoritarian forms.
America's Self Critique Spurs Reform
- Thor argues America uniquely studies and criticizes its own problems publicly, which can drive corrective action unlike many European systems.
- He contrasts U.S. self-scrutiny with European reluctance to confront national scandals, citing media attention and institutional responses.
