The Dispatch Podcast - podcast cover

The Dispatch Podcast

Host Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle and guests for a thoughtful discussion on politics, policy and culture.
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Episodes

Should the U.S. Defend Taiwan? | Interview: Dan Negrea and Matthew Kroenig

Former Trump administration official Dan Negrea and national security strategist Matt Kroenig join Jamie to discuss their book We Win, They Lose . Jamie challenges their thesis that a Trump-Regan foreign policy fusion is possible. The Agenda: -The current international landscape -China’s aggressive military operations and Taiwan -Can Americans stomach backing Taiwan in war? -Trump’s switch on a TikTok ban -The Biden administration’s failure to deter Russia -Is there really a Trump-Regan policy f...

Mar 18, 202444 min

Welcoming the Stranger | Interview: Bishop Mark Seitz

Mark Seitz, a Catholic bishop from the Diocese of El Paso, joins Victoria to discuss his approach to immigration and response to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s lawsuit against a migrant house under his diocese. The Agenda: —Annunciation House and Paxton’s immigration lawsuit —Policy solutions —Addressing crime and fear of immigrations —Is the Church for open borders? —Biden and Trump’s recent border visits Show Notes: -Watch this episode on YouTube -Bishop Mark Seitz: Statement in Support o...

Mar 17, 202432 min

That's What Xi Said | Roundtable

Sarah, Steve, and Jonah discuss TikTok’s influence over the youth (See: Kids call Congress threatening suicide over TikTok ban). The Agenda: -TikTok’s Chinese ownership raises national security concerns -Klon Kitchen being cool on 60 minutes -Robert Hur’s testimony and partisan political narratives -Did anyone watch the Oscars? -Kate Middleton conspiracy theories Show Notes: -Jonah's Gfile: I'm With Hur Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Mar 15, 20241 hr 4 min

Democracy and Freedom | Interview: Natan Sharansky

Human rights activist and former Israeli politician Natan Sharansky joins Jamie to talk about his letters to the late Alexei Navalny, the current political mood in Israel, and the spread of anti-Israel sentiment on college campuses. The Agenda: -Navalny's murder -The threat of left-wing antisemitism -The future of Israeli-U.S. relations -Comparing Joe Biden and Donald Trump and their administration's work with Israel -Pressure against Israeli politicians -The likelihood of Arab countries helping...

Mar 11, 202452 min

Waiting for the NASCAR Crash | Roundtable

Sarah hosts a late-night State of the Union recap with Steve, Declan, David, and John to discuss the speech’s partisan nature and whether it will matter in November. This episode was aired Thursday night as part of The Dispatch Live, a members-only livestream. Join today to watch the video and gain access to more exclusive content. The Agenda: —A partisan speech —Biden meeting expectations —Katie Britt falling flat (and not mentioning Trump) —Where is No Labels? —Member Q&A Learn more about ...

Mar 08, 202453 min

Should the RNC Pay Trump’s Legal Bills? | Interview: Henry Barbour

Henry Barbour , Republican National Committeeman from Mississippi, discusses his proposed resolutions that would bar the RNC from spending money on Trump’s legal bills. The Agenda: —Getting back to the RNC’s roots —Electing Lara Trump —Did Ronna McDaniel get what she deserved? —Speaking out against Trump —Concerns about an RNC purge Show Notes: -Super Tuesday coverage from The Dispatch -Watch the interview on our YouTube channel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Mar 05, 202448 min

Nat Cons and Gen Z | Interview: David Brog

David Brog, executive director of the Maccabee Task Force , joins Jamie to discuss the October 7 attacks on Israel, anti-Israeli sentiment on college campuses, and his experience organizing national conservative conferences. The Agenda: —Young Americans increasingly support Palestinians —The impact of critical race theory —Brog’s time at the Edmund Burke Foundation —Debating America’s foreign involvement —The future of national conservatism Show Notes: -Reuters/Ipsos Poll: Israel-Hamas War and 2...

Mar 04, 202443 min

Countdown Until Super Tuesday | Interview: Nikki Haley

Former South Carolina Gov. and GOP candidate Nikki Haley joins David Drucker to discuss why she's still in the race, why her voters aren't committed to voting for Trump if she drops out, and how the GOP has changed from its small government roots. The Agenda: - In what direction is the party going -Bloated government under Republicans -America's relationship with Putin -Why Trump won't win the primary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Mar 01, 202439 min

The Trials of Donald Trump, Explained | Roundtable x Collision

Donald Trump's trials represent an unprecedented clash of American politics and law. To make sense of the madness, The Dispatch launched The Collision newsletter, written by Sarah Isgur and Mike Warren. With the ex-president's multiple cases crawling through the courts, Sarah and Mike (and a spice-addled Jonah) compare the legal arguments of the different trials, break down the possible timelines, and consider the political ramifications of this mess we're in. The Agenda: —SCOTUS hearing Trump’s...

Mar 01, 20241 hr 11 min

The Future of the Conservative Movement | Live Roundtable

Sarah is joined by Steve, Jonah, and Mike for a live roundtable on the future of the Republican Party at the Principles First Summit in D.C.. The Agenda: —Why do we keep talking about the primary? —South Carolina's foreshadowing —Rebuilding the sane GOP faction —Advice for Joe Biden —Primary reform, viable third parties, or term limits —Live Q&A Show Notes: — Watch this episode on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 27, 202455 min

Is North Korea Preparing for War? | Interview: Nicholas Eberstadt

Jamie is joined by Nicholas Eberstadt , a political economist at the American Enterprise Institute, to explain the recent fear that North Korea is preparing for war. The Agenda: —The ideological shift in North Korea —Shifting American policy —China's power over North Korea —Giving Kim Jong-un credit —North Korea's prognosis —Where will we be in 25 years? Show Notes: — 38 North: Is Kim Jong Un Preparing for War ? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 26, 202435 min

What We're Paying for in Ukraine | Explainer: Mark Cancian

Mark Cancian, senior adviser with CSIS International Security Program, joins Mary to discuss the ongoing battle for aid to Ukraine and its intersection with U.S. defense capabilities and stockpiles. The Agenda: -Breaking down the quantity and quality of aid provided by the U.S. to Ukraine -Where Ukraine would be without the U.S. -Does the U.S. need to provide continuous aid? -Maintaining stockpiles -Is the stalled supplemental aid package DOA? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

Feb 24, 202435 min

Bring Back Political Factions | Roundtable

Mike is joined by Steve, Jonah, and Chris to set expectations for the primary in South Carolina. Become a Dispatch member to join Steve, Jonah, and others in a special live panel marking the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine. The Agenda: —Haley and Trump in South Carolina —We need more factionalism — Haley keeps on trucking —The Republican Party doesn’t want Reaganites —Kari Lake vs. McCain family —Did the “Biden crime family” narrative just implode? —Is CPAC worth our time? Show Notes: —...

Feb 23, 20241 hr 8 min

Is the Republican Party Worth It? | Interview: Rep. Dan Crenshaw

Jamie is joined by Rep. Dan Crenshaw to discuss the state of U.S. foreign policy and why he isn't overly concerned by a second Trump term. The Agenda: —Israel's move into southern Gaza —How we should view Qatar —Bipartisan support for Ukraine aid —Has Ukraine achieved a strategic victory? —The death of Alexei Navalny —The state of the GOP and Tucker Carlson —Concerns over a second Trump term Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 19, 202446 min

MAGA vs. NATO | Roundtable

Sarah, Steve, and Jonah break down the GOP’s divisions over Russia and the debate between interventionism versus isolationism. The Agenda: -Takeover of the MAGA youth -Realignment in parties - Replacing George Santos - Hur report and advising Biden - Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV -Super Bowl kayfabes Show Notes: -Stephen Hayes: Rand Paul, Russian Stooge -Kevin Williamson: The Full Duranty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 16, 20241 hr 3 min

How Drudge Broke the News | Interview: Chris Moody

Jamie is joined by Chris Moody, a journalism professor at Appalachian State University and the host of the Finding Matt Drudge podcast, to explore the career of Matt Drudge and the imprint he's left on American news media. The Agenda: —The birth of a rumor —Who runs the Drudge Report? —Drudge's betrayal of Trump —Getting that Drudge link —The vanishing Show Notes: -Watch this episode on YouTube — Finding Matt Drudge on Apple Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 12, 202433 min

Lankford Hates His Job | Roundtable

Steve rejoins the Dispatch Podcast roundtable with Sarah, Mike, and John to discuss the behind-the-scenes discussions that killed the border deal and the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals’ rejection of Donald Trump’s claims of presidential immunity. The Agenda : —Does the GOP want to solve the border crisis? —Nikki Haley is having fun out there —How SCOTUS will treat Trump’s case —Quasi Moon Named Zuzvi —“Conservative curious” writer and Sarah’s New Yorker piece Show Notes: - Kelefa Sanneh's piece o...

Feb 09, 20241 hr 1 min

A Libertarian's Journey to Trump | Interview: J.W. Verret

J.W. Verret, an associate professor at George Mason University, joins Jamie to discuss his recent Wall Street Journal op-ed—entitled "From ‘Never Trump’ to ‘Encore’ "—which details how he went from endorsing Joe Biden in 2020, supporting Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in this year’s GOP primary, and ultimately backing Donald Trump’s reelection. The Agenda: —DEI in the military —Anti-cryptocurrency on the left —Inflation and a ballooning national debt —The crisis at the border —Trump's threat to our i...

Feb 05, 202437 min

The Taylor Swift Grift | Roundtable

Jonah and Mike join Sarah for an episode-long digression about Taylor Swift. The Agenda: —Tech CEOs at Congress —Regulating children's access to social media —Performance vs. results at the border —Trump says the quiet part out loud —Immigration in psychological terms —The Taylor Swift conspiracy theories —The issue with Benny Johnson —Why Trump should demonize Taylor Swift —Not Worth Your Time Extended Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Feb 02, 20241 hr 9 min

Escaping the Victim Pyramid | Interview: AG Hamilton

Pseudonymous commentator and writer AG Hamilton joins Jamie to discuss the cultural issues in the Republican Party and the media-hungry politicians making everything worse. The Agenda: -In memoriam of Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid -Left-wing agendas -Media bias -What would AG do to fix everything -Worst pundits -AG’s favorite author is Jonah Goldberg Show Notes : -AG Hamilton on X (formerly known as Twitter) -AG Hamilton on Substack -RNC Moving to Declare Trump Its Presumptive Nominee -Trump Ba...

Jan 29, 202441 min

Can We Call It Quits? | Roundtable

Donald Trump has won Iowa and New Hampshire, but is Nikki Haley waiting until Super Tuesday before calling it quits? Sarah, Jonah, John, Steve, and David (Drucker) discuss the Haley campaign’s game plan heading into South Carolina: The Agenda: — RNC Moving to Declare Trump Its Presumptive Nominee — Trump’s veepstakes — Cui bono? Trump. — Coalition building and the politics of subtraction — The loyalty of the Trump base — Imagining a post-liberal and post-constitutional world — Voting by gut desi...

Jan 26, 20241 hr 12 min

Dispatch Live Unlocked: Nikki's Night in New Hampshire

Nikki didn’t pull an upset Tuesday night but what’s next for her campaign? Mike Warren joins Declan Garvey and Steve Hayes from Haley HQ to discuss her remarks through primary night. John McCormac k reports from South Carolina on what voters are saying in the former governor’s home state while Andrew Egger gives an update from a Biden/Harris campaign event. David Drucker joins us from Trump HQ with the expected celebratory fanfare from that event, and Chris Stirewalt joins in the end to give his...

Jan 24, 20241 hr 5 min

The Far Left vs. Biden | Interview: David Axelrod

Democratic strategist David Axelrod joins Jamie to discuss Donald Trump’s seemingly secured GOP victory and what Biden’s strategy should be moving forward. The Agenda: -DeSantis’ future -Waiting on New Hampshire -Biden alternatives -Activist base voting for “Genocide Joe” -Axelrod on natural politicians Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 22, 202427 min

Did Americans Ever Really Care About Policy? | Roundtable

Sarah, Steve, Jonah, John, and Mike Warren look ahead to the New Hampshire primary and the chances for a Haley-DeSantis upset. The Agenda: -Why people still vote for Donald Trump -The appetite for No Labels (McConaughey/Hanks ticket?) -The geriatric rematch -The Houthis, Pakistan, and Iran -The Jewish ripples -Beer brats redux: definitely worth your time Show Notes: - New Hampshire live event Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jan 19, 20241 hr 7 min

Dispatch Live Unlocked: On the Ground in Iowa and New Hampshire

Steve Hayes and Sarah Isgur kicked off our Iowa conversation with Republican strategist and Iowa guru David Kochel. The three give a play-by-play of the issues plaguing the American people before diving into the GOP candidates’ helpless caucus attempts. Andrew, Chris and Kevin join the stream to answer the question we’re all wondering: Do the Iowa results even matter? Jonah joins for a hot second to give his take on the voters having too much power and David (Drucker) and Mike join in the last h...

Jan 16, 20241 hr 11 min

The Bubba Vote | Interview: David "Mudcat" Saunders

Self-described rural advocate and Democratic strategist David “Mudcat” Saunders joins Jamie to discuss the issues concerning bubba voters. The Agenda: —Who would Mudcat vote for? —Haley as a uniter? —Evangelicals —Calls from Paul Manafort and Steve Bannon —Bring manufacturing back? —Mudcat’s thoughts on Rich Men of North of Richmond —Democratic conventions and all hell breaking loose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jan 15, 202437 min

The Iowa Chill | Roundtable

A bundled-up and quivering Andrew joins Sarah, Steve, and Jonah from freezing Iowa. The Agenda: —It’s really friggin’ cold in Iowa —Trumpworld turning its attention to Haley —Does the U.S. have a strategy for Yemen? —Trump’s political yays and legal woes —We almost made it to 250 years of self government... —Can the president give an illegal order? —Sarah’s trap Show Notes: – Jonah's G-File – Join The Dispatch to catch up on Sarah and Steve's high steaks bet Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Jan 12, 20241 hr 18 min

Welcome to the 2024 Elections | Interview: Ben Jacobs

Political reporter Ben Jacobs examines the state of the Republican primary and explains the different strategies that Donald Trump’s opponents have embraced in hopes of dethroning him. Also: —Why caucuses are unfair; —Jamie’s caucus speech ; and —The idiosyncratic choices of Iowa voters . Show Notes: -Watch this episode on our YouTube channel -Nature of Trump's campaign broadly -Article about Speech for Jim Gilmore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jan 08, 202434 min

Blame the Voters? | Roundtable

It’s officially an election year, and Donald Trump seems to be running away with the Republican nomination. Morose and resigned, Sarah, Steve, and Jonah discuss: —Steve and Sarah’s ‘high steaks’ 2024 election bet; —Jonah’s campaign advice to GOP candidates; —Claudine Gay’s plagiarism ; and —What a certain former Trump administration official thinks isn’t worth your time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...

Jan 05, 20241 hr 4 min

Going After Harvard Corp. | Interview: Harvey Mansfield

Political philosopher and former Harvard professor Harvey Mansfield joins Jamie to trace the academic roots of wokeness. Also: —The plagiarism accusations against Harvard President Claudine Gay; —Trump, Biden, or the alternatives; and —Campaigns against grade inflation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 02, 202436 min
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