The Dispatch Podcast

Adam, the Editorial Director of The Dispatch and a native Israeli, shares powerful insights on the psychological impact of the October 7 attacks. Jonah Goldberg, a contributor, discusses how these events resonate with American Jews and the alarming rise of antisemitism. Charlotte offers a firsthand account from her reporting in Israel, capturing the emotional chaos that day. The panel reflects on the broader implications for Israeli society and the complex role of political leadership in navigating this tumultuous landscape.

Join Mike Pesca, host of The Gist and insightful commentator, as he dives into the intricacies of recent political debates. He discusses J.D. Vance's strategy of crafting a likable persona to attract voters and examines the skepticism surrounding expert advice in public discourse. The conversation shifts to the Supreme Court's future, probing how current political dynamics could influence judicial decisions. Amidst tensions, they reflect on the urgent call for clarity and credibility in expertise, especially in navigating complex international issues.

David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and author, joins Jamie to dive into presidential legacies from Lincoln to Biden. They explore the unpredictable paths to the presidency and ethical dilemmas, like Truman's atomic bomb decision. Topics also include the impact of Trump’s unique legacy, Biden's reflections, and the significance of Jewish identity amid rising anti-Semitism. Rubenstein sheds light on America’s debt crisis and the role of business leaders in governance, offering insights into the complexities of political narratives.

David French, an opinion columnist at The New York Times and a familiar voice on prominent political discussions, joins the conversation with Sarah Isgur and Jonah Goldberg. They tackle the fallout from Liz Cheney's stances amid the never-Trump Republicans and explore the future of conservatism. Delving into executive power, they discuss the misconceptions about presidential authority. The talk also turns to the escalating tensions in the Middle East and its implications for American politics, emphasizing the need for empathy in uncertain times.

Reuel Marc Gerecht, a former CIA Iranian-targets officer and currently a fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, dives into the complexities of Israel's military actions against Hezbollah. He discusses Iran's potential responses and questions whether Iran's leadership might be suicidal. The conversation highlights the effectiveness of Israeli intelligence operations, the internal struggles within Hezbollah, and the implications of U.S. engagement in Middle Eastern conflicts.

Heidi Heitkamp, former U.S. Senator from North Dakota and founder of the One Country Project, joins the conversation to delve into the current political landscape. She discusses the potential political realignment and the role of grassroots mobilization in swing states. The dialogue takes a serious turn as they address the alarming rise in political violence and the implications of rhetoric in shaping narratives. The discussion also touches on the intersection of foreign policy and domestic elections, highlighting the complexities of contemporary campaigning.

Olivia Nuzzi, Washington correspondent for New York Magazine and host of Bloomberg TV show Working Capital, digs into her fascinating profile of Donald Trump. She discusses the aftermath of a recent assassination attempt on him, revealing how it’s affected his persona. Nuzzi explores Trump’s childhood, his complicated self-image, and his interactions during a surreal portrait session. The conversation also touches on the important topic of humanizing controversial figures, and the dynamic relationships Trump maintains in politics.

The discussion dives into the high-stakes debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, questioning its significance on voter opinion. Amidst playful banter, they critique media biases and fact-checking discrepancies. The conversation highlights the rise of independent voters and their unpredictable choices, while humorously exploring topics like dog perfume versus cologne. They also reflect on the challenges within journalism and the ongoing misinformation that shapes political narratives.

Jonathan Martin, Politico’s politics bureau chief and senior political columnist, joins Jamie to explain why the GOP needs to lose big in order to hasten a post-Trump Republican Party.The Agenda:—Martin’s POLITICO piece on a Post-Trump party—Unapologetic book plug—Is Steve Hayes a RINO?—If Trump loses 2024, will he run again?—J.D. Vance as a VP candidate—Was Joe Biden’s ousting planned months ago?The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Nick Gillespie, Editor-at-large at Reason Magazine, as he teams up with Sarah, Steve, and Jonah for a lively discussion around the upcoming presidential election. They dissect whether conservatives and libertarians might benefit more from a Trump loss or a Harris win. The conversation dives into the shifting dynamics of the two-party system, the relevance of third parties, and how the saga of wokeness plays a significant role in liberal politics today. Gillespie offers a fresh libertarian perspective amid a polarized landscape.