The World and Everything In It 3.18.26 Politics of the Iran war, Haiti’s next election, and astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore
13 snips
Mar 18, 2026 
Janie B. Cheaney, commentator reflecting on work, purpose, and retirement. Barry “Butch” Wilmore, retired NASA astronaut and Navy test pilot who spent long stretches on the ISS and wrote Stuck in Space. Hunter Baker, political scientist who analyzes Washington. They discuss the Iran war’s political stakes, Haiti’s fraught next election, and life and faith while orbiting Earth.
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Victory Is Degrading Iran Not Occupation
- Victory is defined politically not by quick conquest but by degrading Iran's military, missile and nuclear capabilities.
- Baker cautions that a full ground invasion would be open-ended, so campaigns aim to cripple export hubs and finances instead.
Partisan Media Shapes Terror Coverage After Iran Strikes
- The Iran war is producing domestic security incidents that appear connected to U.S. actions, yet partisan media dynamics mute bipartisan political responses.
- Baker attributes muted coverage to concerns about Islamophobia and media narratives on the left.
Resignation Reveals Growing Israel Skepticism In GOP
- Joe Kent's resignation spotlights an Israel-skeptical minority rising in GOP circles and among younger conservative Christians.
- Baker traces this strain through figures like Pat Buchanan and notes it complicates Trump's coalition.
