The Commentary Magazine Podcast

They unpack a New York Times intelligence claim about Iran's remaining military strength and debate how to read unnamed intel. Contributors argue over bombing effectiveness, munitions limits, and whether leaks shape the winning-or-losing narrative. The discussion also covers a congressional primary scandal and worrying signs about antisemitism reshaping a major party.

They dissect three New York Times pieces that the panel argues show biased coverage of Israel. Topics include the omission of Israeli restaurants from a best-of list, a claim about Israeli manipulation of Eurovision, and a controversial column alleging abuses in Israeli prisons. The conversation also covers doctored videos, leaked phones, and how media narratives affect public opinion and Jewish safety.

Jonathan Schanzer, a national-security expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, breaks down Iran’s strategy and U.S. stalemate. He discusses munitions shortages, limits of precision strikes, and the case for economic warfare. Regional dynamics with Gulf states and China’s role also come into focus.

They debate comparisons between Iran and Ukraine and whether calling conflicts 'wars of choice' is fair. The conversation examines US goals in confronting Iran and the politics behind criticism. They probe historical lessons on intervention and concern over erasing Jewish and Israeli particularity in culture and media. A contested Pulitzer-winning photograph and omissions on a book jacket also come up.

Jonathan Schanzer, FDD senior fellow and Middle East policy expert, explains Iran’s resistance to deals and the regional balance after recent strikes. He unpacks Gulf state hedging, limits on military escalation, munitions shortages, economic pressure tactics, Israel’s calibrated campaign, and suspicious insider activity on betting markets.

They unpack a reported chemical attack at George Washington University and rising campus antisemitism. They debate shifting U.S. moves in the Strait of Hormuz and reports of a tentative deal with Iran. They examine Project Freedom’s pause and what securing Hormuz could mean. They cover controversies over Penn State Law’s institutional anti-racism plan and reflect on the legacy of Ted Turner.

They shift from tense Iran developments to a deep dive on last night’s Met Gala and the craze for intentional ugliness as fashion. Conversation covers inflated celebrity culture, influencers blurring ads and authenticity, and how fame has been flattened by new media economics. There is also a recommendation for Jonathan Moore’s The Night Market.

Christine Rosen, cultural commentator who connects events to history. Eliana Johnson, political reporter covering elections and institutions. Seth Mandel, columnist known for sharp takes on policy. They unpack what naval "escorts" likely mean, insurance and shadow‑fleet economics, domestic political fallout for midterm maps, and rising tensions on campuses and party dynamics.

Eli Lake, contributing editor and columnist (and host of a history podcast), joins to tackle AI and its economic ripple effects. Short takes on Bernie Sanders' AI conference and China ties. A heated discussion about Graham Plattner's controversy and political fallout. Analysis of the Iran standoff, military strategy, and geopolitical consequences.

Matt Continetti, columnist and political commentator, unpacks the Maine Senate shakeup and the rise of Graham Plattner. He analyzes the Supreme Court’s Louisiana redistricting ruling and its voting-rights implications. He debates blockade strategy against Iran and legal questions about naval enforcement. Plus a quirky book recommendation about Stephen King.