The Opinions

A sharp discussion of U.S. strategy and rhetoric around the Iran conflict, weighing tactical wins against unclear long-term goals. They debate how control of the Strait of Hormuz could reshape global deterrence. Conversation shifts to the Supreme Court battle over birthright citizenship and why conservative jurists are wary of the administration's approach. Short cultural recommendations close out the show.

Harriet Clark, author and daughter of Judy Clark who served 37 years in prison, reflects on growing up with an incarcerated parent. She recounts weekly prison visits, how rituals kept her mother present, and the differences between facilities. Conversations cover shielding children from trauma, sustaining ties safely, collective care versus carceral logic, and reentry and accountability.

E.J. Dionne Jr., a veteran political columnist, warns we'll deeply regret the war with Iran. Mona Charen, conservative policy commentator, argues the conflict exposes U.S. foreign policy strains. They discuss NATO tensions, U.S.-Israel military coordination, shifting American sympathy for Israel, and how the war could reshape partisan politics and 2026 electoral dynamics.

General Stanley McChrystal, retired four-star Army general known for leading U.S. special operations in Afghanistan, reflects on U.S.-Iran history and how long-standing grievances shape conflict. He challenges faith in air power and covert raids, examines risks of escalation around the Strait of Hormuz, and criticizes militarized bravado while advocating smarter leadership and broader civic service.

David French, conservative columnist known for political analysis, and Jamelle Bouie, New York Times columnist on politics and policy, debate Trump’s handling of Iran, allied reluctance, and how mercurial leadership strains NATO. They also unpack the controversial SAVE Act, its voter-impact mechanics, and the political risks of prioritizing spectacles over long-term strategy.

Michelle Goldberg, New York Times opinion columnist and culture reporter, profiles James Fishback and the surge of far-right antisemitic sentiment among young conservatives. She describes his trollish rhetoric and nationalist policy stances. She traces how anti-Israel fury blends into explicit antisemitic tropes and how youth radicalization and influencer battles normalize these views.

E.J. Dionne Jr., veteran political writer offering historical perspective, and Kristen Soltis Anderson, Republican pollster focused on voter behavior, unpack rising public skepticism about Trump’s war in Iran. They discuss shrinking war support, independent and youth isolationism, rising gas prices, and the political risks for Republicans heading into midterms. The conversation highlights swing-voter shifts and electoral implications.

Catherine Rampell, economics editor and MSNBC anchor known for sharp analysis of inflation and energy, joins to unpack how conflict in the Strait of Hormuz can ripple through global trade and drive up food and consumer costs. She connects shipping choke points to supply-chain strain. She also explains why U.S. energy output offers limited protection and how policy tools have constrained effects.

Kendall Werts, former modeling agent and brand strategist, and Jessica Grose, culture and opinion writer, unpack a Netflix doc about America's Next Top Model. They revisit youthful fandom, industry staging and makeovers, exploitation of young models, race and blackface controversies, social media’s harms, and whether Tyra Banks was the mastermind or part of a larger problem.

David French, conservative columnist and legal commentator. Jamelle Bouie, New York Times columnist on politics and race. They spar over a sudden U.S. military strike on Iran, unclear war aims, and the risk of a drawn-out conflict. They debate whether goals are regime change or limited strikes, consider regional escalation, and weigh political checks and consequences.