The Pete Quiñones Show Episode 1298: **Throwback** Paul Gottfried on the Neo-Cons and What it Will Take to Defeat the Regime
Nov 27, 2025
Paul Gottfried, a historian and critic of modern conservatism, delves into the world of neoconservatism, tracing its roots and ideological shifts. He discusses the influence neocon ideas had during the Trump administration and explores their ties to leftist origins. Gottfried also critiques neoconservatives' impact on education and culture, emphasizing their quest for pro-Israel sentiment. He argues for the need to build a counter-elite to combat the growing power of woke totalitarianism, suggesting this moment poses greater dangers than past ideological threats.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Iraq War II Was Long Planned
- Gottfried states neocon plans for invading Iraq predated George W. Bush and were cultivated through the 1990s.
- He attributes the push partly to Israeli strategic priorities viewing Iraq as an existential threat.
Recognize Institutional Dominance First
- Gottfried warns the neoconservative ideology now runs the authorized right and will absorb any Republican leader.
- He advises recognizing their institutional dominance rather than assuming they are a fading faction.
Paleoconservatism's Formation And Purpose
- Paleoconservatism formed in the 1980s as a coalition resisting neoconservative takeover and global democratic foreign policy.
- Gottfried coined 'paleo' to signal continuity with older conservative traditions excluded by neocons.
