The Editors Episode 863: Demo Day
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Apr 7, 2026 They dissect strikes on Iran’s infrastructure and the tactical, legal logic behind targeting bridges and transformers. A daring U.S. rescue operation inside Iran gets detailed attention. They debate Trump’s wartime rhetoric and a proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget along with tradeoffs for domestic spending. Lighter moments include robotics, Easter dinner plans, and theme-park talk.
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Rhetoric Can Undermine Military Success
- President Trump’s apocalyptic rhetoric about “annihilating a civilization” undermines a largely successful military campaign.
- Charles C. W. Cooke warns that talk of destroying Iranian civilization is politically dangerous and mismatches actual objectives and timing of the strikes on Iran.
Dual Use Infrastructure Changes Targeting Rules
- Strikes on bridges and transformers can be militarily rational as dual-use targets even if they cause civilian hardship.
- Noah Rothman explains transformers and local power infrastructure can be targeted to degrade IRGC communications and movement without hitting deep-generation assets.
Daring Rescue Deep Inside Iran
- The U.S. executed a high-risk rescue of downed aircrew deep inside Iran using deception, special operations, and a forward base.
- Jim Geraghty recounts pilots ejecting, climbing to crevices, CIA diversionary tactics, makeshift landings, and destroying equipment on exit.