The American Mind Podcast

Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics

The editors open with an analysis of the killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska by a repeat violent offender, and discuss what it reveals about crime, media spin, and a legacy media more fixated on “Republicans pouncing” than the literally pouncing criminal himself. Follow-up discussion ranges from Europe’s disappearing crime stats to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’s downward revision of nearly a million jobs during the Biden presidency, probing whether institutions still merit public trust and what a reality-based politics on immigration, safety, and the economy might look like. The editors also touch on an immigration sweep at a Georgia battery plant and the gap between GDP and lived experience before closing with fresh culture picks.

Culture recommendations:

* The Name of the Rose

* Last Summer Boys

* Alien: Earth

* How to Be a Better Drinker: Cocktail Recipes and Boozy Etiquette

A Grade of AI

At a Catholic school in Minneapolis, two children were killed, and many others injured, in a recent shooting at the hands of a transgender individual. The city's mayor Jacob Frey and California governor Newsom took the somber moment to sneer at prayer. This week, the hosts discuss the impact of leftist indoctrination on mental health crises; the misuse of AI hollowing young minds in the academy and worsening grade inflation; and Trump’s move of US Space Command to Alabama. Plus: media recommendations and experience reports from the NatCon Conference!

Chips Ahoy

Trump has reached a deal with semiconductor chip maker Intel to land the government a 10% stake in the firm. It’s a potential safeguard against China in an uncertain age but also a potentially troubling intervention into the market. There are also rumblings about sending the National Guard into Chicago, which would really be an error—but maybe it’s all just lib-baiting. Meanwhile in the UK, a teen girl was arrested after allegedly brandishing a knife and hatchet at an immigrant man by whom she felt threatened, aggravating tensions over the country’s influx of culturally disconnected and often violent immigrants. The guys sit down this week to discuss the happenings in Trump-world and beyond—plus more media recommendations!

Pax Donaldiana

This week, the legacy media allowed their hatred for Trump to overrule any desire they may once have had for peace in Ukraine. The president held meetings with Putin, Zelensky, and European leaders, apparently making serious headway toward a conclusion to the war. Meanwhile in Florida this week, illegal immigrant Harjinder Singh allegedly killed three people after losing control of his semi-truck in the course of an illegal U-turn. Despite failing English and road sign tests, Singh—who crossed from Mexico into California—was able to obtain a commercial driver's license thanks to Gavin Newsom’s governance in CA. Matthew Peterson joins the guys to discuss the tragic outcomes of Leftist policy and the Democrats' ongoing efforts to rehabilitate their image. Plus, are movies dead? And other media recs.

The Crooks in DC

Trump invokes the Home Rule Act of 1973 to clean up the nation’s crime-ridden capital, temporarily wresting control of the DC Metropolitan Police from local authorities. He's fed up with the crooks in DC, though what to do with the ones in Congress is anybody's guess. Meanwhile in Canada, medically assisted suicide has spiraled out of control just as its critics said it would, becoming a major driver of demographic change and underscoring a culture of despair. This week, the guys are joined by Andrew Beck to discuss troubles in DC and the Great White North, as well as the uncovering of now-Senator Adam Schiff’s authorization for a baseless 2017 Russiagate intel leak aimed at dragging Trump’s reputation. Plus: media recommendations!

Hardball and Big Balls

As Texas attempts to redraw districts in Republicans’ favor before the midterms, Democrats skip town to Illinois and threaten nationwide retaliation. But, oops, their states are all already gerrymandered! Meanwhile, in another installment of “men according to women according to the New York Times,” feminists are shocked—shocked!—to meet with the consequences of their own actions. Where are all the chivalrous men at? One is in DC: DOGE team member Edward “Big Balls” Coristine, in defending his date from a crowd of aggressive youths, took a battering—and opened also a debate over bringing the capital back under federal control. Plus: the guys share more media recommendations!

Jeanetic Lottery

Sydney Sweeney’s latest, mildly provocative ad for American Eagle has prompted a tidal wave of complaints that the campaign is racist for flaunting not just jeans but her (white) genes. Meanwhile, terminally online feminists open another front in their social war, this time against “mankeeping,” a new euphemism for...being nice to men. This week Matthew Peterson joins the guys to discuss the Left’s loosened grip on culture and young men, the payoff of the Trump tariffs against pessimistic “expert” predictions, and to media recommendations!

Too Little, Too Late Show (ft. Giancarlo Sopo)

Hosts Spencer Klavan and Mike Sabo revisit the 2016 RussiaGate hoax, prompted by new documents just declassified by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Despite assessments that Russia lacked the capacity to sway elections, Obama and top staffers seem to have directed US intelligence to sabotage then-president Trump. Meanwhile, the Left has found its new Joe Rogan: Hunter Biden, of course! Plus: Giancarlo Sopo of the National Review joins the guys to discuss the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s tedious “Late Show” and the political rot of similar programming, followed by media recommendations. 

Art of the Arms Deal

As Joe Biden shuffled toward the finish line of his presidency, he and his staff let off a final volley of pardons—but who was really holding the (virtual) pen? This week, the guys sit down to weigh in on the renewed discussion of autopens as the New York Times reports on a cache of emails that may reveal the truth. Trump, meanwhile, caused a stir by agreeing to sell military supplies to NATO, which will then be passed to Ukraine. In the U.K. and Europe, technocrats crack down as triple crises fester: unchecked immigration, rampant crime, and youth radicalization. Plus: book and movie recommendations!

Big Bill, Big Win (ft. Eric Teetsel)

The hosts are joined this week by Claremont's Vice President of Communications and Beck & Stone co-founder Andrew Beck to recount Vice President JD Vance’s speech at Claremont’s 2025 Statesmanship Award dinner, shining a light on the contradictions of liberals—wealthy, yet vehemently anti-billionaire; white, yet self-deprecating—and discussing the conservative mission to build and unify. Roiling also beneath the surface of the Left is an incendiary concoction of mental illness, confused gender ideology, and a propensity toward violence, most recently exposed in a series of attacks on ICE agents in Texas. Plus: Center for Renewing America CEO and Lincoln alumni Eric Teetsel drops in to discuss the passing of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, noting its successes and reactions to it from within and without the Right’s coalition—and joins the media recommendation wrap-up!

New York, New Left (ft. Inez Stepman)

New York assemblyman (and amateur rapper) Zohran Mamdani has hit upon a distilled blend of socialism, anticolonialism, and woke omnicausery  to secure a Democratic primary win in New York City’s mayoral race. Does his victory signal the party's new direction after months of post-election flailing? Legal policy analyst and friend of the Institute Inez Stepman joins the hosts to discuss Mamdani’s rise and chances of victory. Then: the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Trump v. Casa doesn't end the birthright citizenship debate, but it does free up the executive from judicial overreach and could do a lot to restore constitutional order. Plus: listener feedback, fellowship insights, and Fourth of July food and reading recommendations!

Bunker Busted

The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee's right—and by extension, the right of other states—to regulate or ban trans medical procedures for children. Meanwhile, Trump’s precision strike against Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities has succeeded in extracting a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The possibility of diplomacy and peace now exists—but will it materialize? The hosts are joined this week by regulars Seth Barron and Matthew Peterson, alongside special guest and Army veteran Will Thibeau to discuss the recent events in the Middle East and global implications. Plus: book and media recommendations!

No Kings, No Congress

In a two-man Roundtable throwback, hosts Spencer Klavan and Mike Sabo offer some initial reaction to Israel’s precision strikes against Iran and the subsequent fallout. Memories of past military failures and fear of Mideast regime change swirl online, but Trump seems prepared to back Netanyahu’s attack on Iranian nuclear capacity. Meanwhile, protestors took to the street to declare opposition to kings and kingly powers... which don’t exist. What does exist is judicial overreach and legislative inaction. Details, details. Plus: videogame(!) and other media recommendations!

Battle: Los Angeles

This week, special guest Peachy Keenan rounds out the cast with a report from LA, where riots are breaking out (again). Governor Gavin Newsom failed to gain control on the ground, so Trump inserted himself and the National Guard to enforce law and order. Meanwhile, it’s not news that Trump and Elon’s bromance has concluded in a spectacular social media exchange, but Elon’s public tailspin in the aftermath merits a closer look. Plus: advice to law-abiding illegal immigrants (and to Elon), as well as media recommendations to help you escape the insanity of daily politics.

White-Collar Bots

Artificial Intelligence threatens to storm the office as tech companies compete to replace entry-level workers with “agent” underlings. Will this be the next major technological displacement in the workforce? And to what end? Meanwhile, this “Pride month” has lacked the eruption of rainbows typical of June. Is a Pride Shift to go along with the Vibe Shift underway? This week, Blaze Media editor-in-chief and now Claremont Washington Fellow Matthew Peterson joins the guys to discuss the ramifications of AI, the containment of Pride, and to dispense good bad movie recommendations!

Putting DOGE Down

Michael Anton—newly dubbed “MAGA’s Machiavelli”—gets a profile in The Free Press and some well-deserved recognition. Well-read, well-spoken, and well-dressed, Anton has done more than many realize to shape U.S. policies and political thought in the Trump Era. Meanwhile, Trump seems to sour on Putin and takes flak from some for not catching wise on Putin. But will he suffer any political consequences? Closer to home, Elon Musk throws in the towel on DOGE in light of a spending bill passed by the House. This week, the hosts discuss the trajectory of a former/fellow Claremonster, Russia, and runaway federal spending. Plus: tech and media recommendations!

Covering Up the Cover-Ups

The sad announcement of Joe Biden's advanced cancer diagnosis has thrown fuel onto recriminations and speculations about his condition during his presidency, especially with the publication of a new book on the subject by none other than Jake Tapper. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, on a Sunday interview with Fox Business’s Maria Bartiromo, disavowed the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of notorious sex trafficker Joseph Epstein, spurring an outcry from some of the theorists. Also this week, Trump pushed forward a Big, Beautiful Bill (literally) aimed at stimulating the economy. But will it be sufficient to quell fears of eventual national debt and social security crises? This week, the guys discuss corruption, economics, and much more! Plus: media recommendations.

Congress Take the Wheel

As Europe withers and China rises, Trump makes a trip to the Middle East and charts out a new course. In a speech that raised some interventionist hackles, he delivered a sharp critique of nation building and signaled his intentions to approach the region differently. Meanwhile in Washington, a struggle continues to digest the concept of Congress doing... its job? And the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over the power of federal judges in light of a universal injunction freezing Trump’s order to halt birthright citizenship. Plus: a round of media recommendations!

Crowd Funding and Mob Rule

To cap off the first 100 days of his administration, Trump sparred at length with Kristen Welker of NBC’s Meet the Press over his record so far—from immigration successes to choppy economic waters. Alarmed by Trump’s use of emergency powers in rolling out this agenda, David Linker at the New York Times draws some loose connections—to say the least—between Trump, Claremont, and Carl Schmitt. Meanwhile, Shiloh Hendricks has raised over $700 thousand from supporters after a video of her using the n-word prompted threats of retaliation. The guys discuss Trump’s first months, midterm prospects, and our climate of race politics. Plus: media recommendations!

Trimming the Ivy

As Trump exerts federal pressure from without, the culture of some Ivy League universities may be changing from within—or maybe not, as Harvard seems determined to fight the administration in court. The nation’s elite colleges have been dominated by a Jacobin spirit for decades, and now they seem committed to defending violent radicals. Will their prestige hold? This week, the guys sit down together (in person!) to diagnose the state of America’s universities, elites, and political system at large. The hour is late, but there is time yet to drastically rehabilitate the country. Plus: Claremont announcements, a listener question, and media recommendations!

Of Comms and Conclaves

Knives are out as Pete Hegseth’s wife is let in on sensitive information about U.S. operations against the Houthis. Amid rumors of staff churn and conflicts within the right over foreign policy, Trump maintains his prudent approach. Meanwhile, on Easter Monday, Pope Francis passed away, spurring an assessment of his legacy and speculations about the future as the Church faces a critical juncture. The hosts discuss Department of Defense crack-ups, the transformation and future of the Catholic Church, and the egregious use of taxpayer funds by Harvard. Plus: television and book recommendations!

Future-Maxxing

A new global order emerges. China grows bolder in the East, while Europe and Canada drift culturally and economically away from America. Will Trump’s tariffs add more chaos to this new multipolar world, or set the U.S. up for success within it? Back home, Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation continues to stir controversy. The guys sit down this week with Ron Dodson, president and portfolio manager of a private fund management firm, to discuss the tariff rollout, American preparedness for future conflicts, and the optics of border security, as well as the faint reflection of our future selves apparent in Argentina.

The Fog of Trade War

Trump announces a sweeping tariff regime, then pauses it for 90 days—why? As a tactic to renegotiate trade deals? To reshore manufacturing? Some combination of both? With midterms just over the horizon, the stakes of this gamble to reorient global trade are high. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court lifts District Judge Jeb Boasberg’s temporary restraining order on deporting members of the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua—what’s next?? Internment camps for U.S. citizens?? This week, the hosts weigh in on the effectiveness of the recent tariffs, recount Justice Sotomayor’s ridiculous dissent, and touch on the limp, confused effort by the Left to protest. Plus: media and reading recommendations!

Task Force Dragging On

Attempting to retroactively set the narrative of U.S. involvement in Ukraine on behalf of the intelligence community, journalist Adam Entous of the New York Times has painfully revealed in his latest piece the utter inability of the Deep State to accept reality at home and abroad. The hosts are joined this week by Claremont senior fellow Jeremy Carl to read between the lines and unpack the previous administration’s obfuscating of wartime details, now made clear, and the turn of public opinion thereafter—and the stalking shadow of nuclear threats, more real than initially predicted. Plus: A discussion of the Trump Administration’s early successes, its new approach to tariffs, and the Left’s unhinged response. And more!

Mixed Signals

Atlantic reporter Jeff Goldberg was mistakenly added to a national security group chat, leading to a DC media feeding frenzy—is there anything of substance to be gleaned from this goof? Meanwhile, Jay Bhattacharya—an early opponent of the 2020 lockdowns—was confirmed by the Senate to direct the National Institutes of Health, hopefully marking a turn back to sound health policy. This week, the guys talk through messaging and operations security, Biden-era censorship, plummeting egg prices, and more! Plus: a round of reading recommendations.

Tren Wreck

You’re fired. Trump, by executive order, has moved to terminate federal contracts with law firm Perkins Coie for its role in promoting the 2016 Russiagate conspiracy and otherwise influencing elections—sparking fervorous debate in and across the aisle. Meanwhile, the administration invoked the emergency powers of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport members of the violent Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, provoking an activist judge to obstruct the law’s use. Who rules: Congress or courts? The hosts sit down to discuss these ongoing legal battles in government, real battles abroad, and the absurd responses from the Left across the board. Plus, more media recommendations!

BIPOC Cholbe

First, they came for the green card-holding terror groupies—then they came for...us? Not exactly. But the recent detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University protest organizer who fought "for the total eradication of Western Civilization," has prompted cries of fascism. Again. Meanwhile, California governor Gavin Newsom sheds his skin and snakes his way toward the center of the political spectrum: best not be fooled! This week, the guys discuss the antisemitic venom poisoning some young right-wingers, the ongoing disarray of Democrats; and more! Plus: a batch of media recommendations.

Red State Strategy | Cincinnatus Series

The Trump administration’s approach to governance presents an opening for a new federalism to take hold. States may now be incentivized to aggressively take charge of education; ambitiously compete for businesses planting themselves in the U.S. due to tariffs; and cut oppressive regulatory red tape. Rounding out the Cincinnatus Series, Ryan Williams sits down with Scott Yenor, Jeffrey Anderson, and Jim Blew to discuss strategies and tools available to policymakers to facilitate economic development, capitalize on the shrinking administrative state, and more!

Trump's Cards

In his first address to Congress, President Trump goaded Democrats into a limp, performative resistance while he rattled off an impressive list of achievements. Previously, at the White House, Trump had met with Ukrainian President Zelensky in a dramatic confrontation that ultimately helped improve Trump’s position in negotiations over rare earth minerals in exchange for military aid. The guys give their takes on the historic political theater of the past week, discuss the ongoing economic and immigration crises, and share more media recommendations!

Cell Phones in Schools | Cincinnatus Series

Silicon Valley elites have pushed school-provided tablets and phones into K-12 schools, replacing textbooks, real human interaction, and traditional education, undermining children's ability to focus—and parents' power to regulate screentime. Guests Scott Yenor, Frederick Hess, and Clare Morell sit down with host Ryan Williams to consider the limited pros and many cons of devices in the classroom, their disruptive effect in school settings and on learning outcomes, and provide insight into how states and school boards may spur positive change.

Press Pass Fail

The White House has taken charge of issuing press permissions, prompting wails of horror from the White House Correspondents’ Association—but who’s really compromising the media’s authority and independence? Meanwhile, Trump removes Joint Chiefs Chairman C.Q. Brown, to be replaced by retired Lieutenant General John Daniel Caine—prompting further histrionics from the military elite. The hosts discuss Trump’s legitimate authority and the resistance to it, the budget bill making its way through Congress, and the looming specter of a debt crisis—plus, more must-read article recommendations!

Family Policy | Cincinnatus Series

Following the social revolutions of decades past, liberal sex education reforms, and the devaluation of marriage, Conservatives can no longer ignore the social aspects of family life—paramount to preserving and promoting the traditional household—and must recognize the use of laws to heal our culture. Host Ryan Williams is joined by Scott Yenor, Kathleen O’Toole, and Chris Bullivant to discuss how states may empower parents to raise and school their children, boost fertility and attract young families, and close the class divide in marriage and family formation outcomes.

Mr. Vance Goes to Germany

After an Afghan national drove his car into a Munich crowd, J.D. Vance delivered a stern rebuke of the European ruling class. Unsustainable immigration, Islamic extremism, and censorship raise the question whether once-great nations can be relied on as true Western allies. Meanwhile back home, Democrats struggle to decouple from woke, but best not interrupt their mistakes. The guys sit down to talk foreign policy, DOGE’s popularity, and resistance 2.0—plus, recommendations for must-watch shows and must-read articles! 

IVF | Cincinnatus Series

In vitro fertilization (IVF) has presented a moral dilemma as its processes discard embryos as a matter of course, ending more lives than even abortion. Emma Waters, Natalie Dodson, and Inez Stepman join host Ryan Williams to discuss this and other concerns surrounding IVF: genetic selection, the creation of human life for profit, the potential use of AI in dictating which embryos live, and more. They also raise solutions state legislatures may consider in the process; possible consequences; and the looming, necessary conversation of bioethics and parenthood in America.

Your Not-So-Lying Eyes

Elon Musk's DOGE continues to sweep through the bureaucratic minefields, accompanied by the howling of entrenched progressives. Legal battles are surely ahead, which many on the left equate—absurdly—with a constitutional crisis. Meanwhile, the media comes around to what was labeled right-wing conspiracy just months ago: employment data was cherry-picked before the 2024 election to deceive in favor of Biden and Kamala. The hosts discuss this ongoing realignment, a Christian intellectual revival, and a couple listener questions.

Higher Education Reform Part II | Cincinnatus Series

Time to tighten the belt. As federal funding scrutiny increases—and with an enrollment cliff fast approaching—state legislators, not internal experts, must take action to put universities under the microscope and ensure faculty hours equate to student academic mastery, promoting attendance. Host and Claremont Institute president Ryan Williams sits down with returning guest Scott Yenor and is joined by Frederick Hess and Beth Akers of the American Enterprise Institute to continue the discussion of how state legislatures may reshape universities, from performance funding to school choice.

Belt and DOGE

Elon Musk’s DOGE helps lead an effort to pull out the rug from under Sri Lankan pronoun education, Vietnamese inclusivity programs, Bolivian transgender operas, and more—with the U.S. Agency for International Development caught in the first sweep. An outrage! Or so say leftists. In retaliation for that and more, the liberal media unearths the qualifications of Musk’s young staff, who turn out to be…educated, accomplished, and competent. Whoops. The guys sit down to talk wasteful spending and managerial efficiency, along with Christianity's role in government.

Higher Education Reform Part I | Cincinnatus Series

Kicking off the Cincinnatus Series, a set of six weekly Roundtable special episodes, Claremont Institute president Ryan Williams is joined by Inez Stepman, Scott Yenor, and David Azerrad to discuss leftist agendas within universities, and the opportunity for state legislatures to pull the reins and reverse course. Among the levers for dismantling the radical ideological infrastructures are the creation of state-controlled accreditation agencies, funding restrictions, and a renewed focus on student outcomes. The guests discuss these topics, potential pitfalls, and more!

Cruel Kids and Theater Kids

The uphill battle to restore common sense continues with Trump’s executive orders against gender ideology and transition for minors. Meanwhile, a rebellion against the liberal establishment takes joyous shape among normalcy-craving youth. Pinehill Capital president and We the People podcast host Gates Garcia joins the guys to discuss these vibe shifts and the extremely hinged reaction from the Left as they struggle to meet the positivity, branding, and hype of the Right.

The Arrakeen Restoration

Objective normalcy makes a comeback. In several inauguration speeches, Trump delivered a searing indictment of the elites, a symbolic rebuke to the old order, and a reassertion of American ideals. He followed this up with a barrage of executive orders, including one overturning federal affirmative action. Though these are dramatic actions in one sense, in another they’re just first steps toward restoring the founders’ principled regime. The hosts discuss the first days of Trumps term, the spillover effect of ending federal DEI programs in the private sector, and the reconsideration of birthright citizenship in the face of birth tourism and mass immigration.

Big Tech Turns Red

The age of the normie has arrived. As Mark Zuckerberg lifts Facebook’s censorial boot off the neck of its users and moves its moderation team from California to Texas, which seems to signal a sincere tech bro realignment, America is at the dawn of a freer era. Elsewhere in the digital world, conservatives on X discuss the job market: there are two paths, bootstraps or victimhood—what will it be, young man? Plus: The hosts comment on Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing and his qualifications, as well as the DoD’s overreliance on experts.

Mar-a-Igloo

To kick off the new year, the guys open the mail and answer listeners’ questions on everything from cutting back the glut of unaccountable bureaucratic offices to buying Greenland.  Meanwhile, Governor Gavin Newsom and the radical conservationists of California, in attempting to create an anti-human environmentalist utopia, have tragically but predictably turned Los Angeles into a literal dumpster fire. It’s a new year, but the laws of hubris and nemesis remain undefeated.

Unidentified Federal Operations

Is that a bird, is that a plane? No, it’s drones! Or aliens? Demons? Iran? The guys take a look up in the sky and down at the public frenzy, which betokens an all-too-real breakdown of trust in government. Democrats, meanwhile, disappointed in Biden for not taking Trump-proofing seriously, float running dud-candidate Kamala again in '28. We're with her! Plus: is it gay to sleep? The hosts close out the podcast this year with a review of 2024, share their Christmas plans, and invite listeners to submit questions and comments. 

Strangio-er than Fiction (ft. Gates Garcia)

The ACLU’s most deranged lawyers try to enshrine kid-transing in United States v. Skrmetti; a true domestic terrorist assassinates a healthcare CEO; and Syria’s Assad government is toppled by Islamic rebels. The editors are joined by Claremont Institute Lincoln Fellow and president of Pinehill Capital Gates Garcia to discuss the poison fruits of DEI and identity politics, the celebration of violence by the Left, and the delicate situation the U.S. faces globally as danger and uncertainty continue to rock the Middle East.

A Pardon in a Pear Tree

Biden tosses his son Hunter an early but unsurprising Christmas present in the form of a sweeping presidential pardon. In doing so he undermines the moral grandstanding of liberals who claim to be above the fray of political warfare. Simultaneously, and haunted by their pasts, the Democrats struggle to distance themselves from their own extreme rhetoric, administrative chicanery, and hostility to deregulation–leaving the door wide open for Trump’s team to reinvigorate government, detangle intelligence agency redundancies, and trim bureaucratic fat.

Biden’s Parting Gifts

As Biden’s lame duck administration winds down, he—or whoever's in charge—is leaving a few fun parting gifts for the incoming Trump Administration. From escalation in Ukraine, to a re-opened border surprise, to the intractable financial situation, Trump's team will have their work cut out for them. Democrat strategists, however, seem determined not to learn anything from their electoral failure, which bodes well for the future. So the editors remain optimistic—and thankful. Ryan gives a spirited reading of Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving proclamation, and the guys swap notes on holiday plans.

Recess is Over

With a historic second Trump presidency on the way, there's a new vista of possibility just over the horizon. Immigration, trade, and international relations are each in for a major overhaul. But amid the scramble to plan out Trump's first 100 days, there's one critical area that has largely evaded conservative attention: education. Ryan and Spencer are joined by Professor Amy Wax to unpack some of the most efficient ways a Trump administration could reform our broken system from kindergarten on up to the college level.

One Shift, Two Shifts, Whiteshift, Redshift

Trump assembles a notably youthful cabinet of swamp-draining avengers, grinding the gears of the Left. Democrats, meanwhile, face a Hobson’s choice between declining into irrelevancy and admitting they were wrong about Trump all along. Some are taking a sober look at the future while others spiral into BlueAnon conspiracy and outrage, doubling down on race politics despite its failure or getting Lysistrata-pilled and swearing off men. Good luck, we guess? 

He's So Back

Exceeding even the most optimistic expectations, Trump swept across the states handily to the chagrin of the Harris-Walz campaign, winning both the electoral and popular votes—and becoming the second-only president to serve two, nonconsecutive terms. The editors react to the election results, the Left’s wild missteps and pending meltdown; the Trump campaign’s successes; and what his first 100 days should look like. 

Madison Square Garbage

Joe Biden has October surprised everyone by saying what he really thinks for a change. In a pitiful effort to characterize Trump's Madison Square Garden rally as a Neo-Nazi gathering, Biden unguardedly referred to Trump supporters as "garbage." As both candidates make their closing arguments, the editors share their final thoughts on the election, the strengths of each campaign, and the dangers of a Kamala victory. These include censorship of “misinformation” and crackdowns on dissent, of the kind some New York Times reporters would love to see. Plus: An inside look at Claremont’s Sheriffs Fellowship and a 1,200-word education on American principles with James Madison.

It's in the Bag

Conservative-backed litigation is whittling away at the administrative state to protect the rights and decision-making power of the people. Meanwhile, liberal thinkers hyperventilate over the need for “experts,” and cast the average pleb as unworthy of having a voice. Back on the campaign trail, Trump enjoys McDonalds once again–but as a fry cook. In response, the Harris crowd goes ballistic in a very normal and hinged way. The race remains neck-and-neck, but blue cracks are beginning to show as Democrats struggle to be relevant.

Recommended reading:

The CRB Interview with Harvey Mansfield

Can Modernity Be Fixed?

No Thoughts in My Head, Just Vibes

As election season heats up, Harris loses steam in battleground states--and loses grip on support from black voters and men. After years of wishfully presenting the emasculated man as an ideal of "enlightened" masculinity, the campaign reverses course and marshals the full force of Democrat media savvy in an attempt to shame men into voting for Kamala because that's what real manhood looks like. The results are...underwhelming. Plus: Kamala’s book, Smart on Crime, is found to be low on rigor and full of rampant plagiarism, not that anyone ever thought she wrote it. All the same, none of this is a great look for the VP. Is the tide turning? 

Recommended reading:

Ta-Nehisi Coates and the Crying Staffers of CBS

As I Was Saying...

Trump was back in Butler this week after a failed assassination attempt there—and joining him on-stage this time was none other than Elon Musk. But will MAGA Musk last? Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has been giggling her way through a few shows and podcasts, notably including the crude and awkward chat pod, Call Her Daddy. The editors discuss Harris’s many faceplants, the potential of the pod-bro vote, and the signs that Democrats may be worried by the polls.

Recommended media:

Mr. X

Identity in the Trenches: The Fatal Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion on U.S. Military Readiness

Winter 2023/24 Review with Charles Kesler

Vance Mops the Floor (ft. Todd Bensman)

Seth Barron returns to the podcast to discuss Tuesday’s rousing VP Debate, in which a silver-tongued J.D. Vance thoroughly trounced a sputtering and nervous Tim Walz. Will it matter at all? Meanwhile, the world collapses in on the giant power vacuum left by America’s absent president, as Hurricane Helene ravages six states and Iran launches missiles at Israel. Plus: immigration expert Todd Bensman gives his firsthand account of the shocking immigration debacle in Colombia, and what the Trump team ought to be doing about it.

Special Edition: Truths ft. Vivek Ramaswamy

In today's special edition of The Roundtable, Ryan Williams, President of the Claremont Institute interviews Vivek Ramaswamy about his latest book "Truths: The Future of America First."

Buy the book here.

In "Truths: The Future of America First," Ramaswamy shows exactly how honesty about the most important issues will get our country back on track. The America First movement emphasizes the issues that bring us together, not what divides us. It asks that we put our country over politics, merit over grievance, and truth over lies. Ramaswamy tells us the truth about our political system, and the people who control it, and exhorts us to exercise our right to self-governance again.

Vivek is an American business leader and New York Times bestselling author of "Woke, Inc.," as well as "Nation of Victims," "Capitalist Punishment," and most recently "Truths: The Future of America First." Left leaning media has called him one of the “intellectual godfathers of the anti-woke movement” (Politico) and the “right’s leading anti-ESG crusader” (Axios and Bloomberg). He was dubbed “The C.E.O. of Anti-Woke,” by The New Yorker.

Vivek is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Roivant Sciences. He is a former U.S. Presidential Candidate (R). He was born in Cincinnati to Indian parents. In high school he was class valedictorian, a nationally ranked junior tennis player and an accomplished pianist. He lives in Ohio with his wife and two sons. 

Learn more about Vivek Ramaswamy's work here.

Missed Again.

Not even two months after the first assassination attempt against him, President Trump survives another one. Media coverage of the event has been—predictably—atrocious. Meanwhile, Ketanji Brown Jackson has, by citing a junk study to support affirmative action, perfectly illuminated the dishonesty inherent in modern uses of social science. One of which is to support the Left’ in its march toward mass censorship against anyone who doesn’t support the current thing. Plus: an announcement about James & Seth.

Recommended media:

The Lord’s Day vs. the NFL

Light of the Mind, Light of the World: Illuminating Science Through Faith

Referenced Theo Wold X Post

Special Edition: Debate Reactions

In a special, up-to-the-minute episode of The Roundtable, Mike, Spencer, and Ryan give their first impressions of what was, by all accounts, a dog's breakfast of a debate. Topics include Trump's missed opportunities, Kamala's boldfaced lies, and the hellaciously biased moderation by ABC's David Muir and Linsey Davis. Plus: will Trump's closing mic drop be enough to win voters over?

Wolves in Skin Suits ft. Megan Basham

In a time when the slimmest margins in just a couple of swing states can flip national elections, Democrats are making a play for the pews. Claremont Institute Lincoln Fellow and Daily Wire Reporter Megan Basham joins the editors to discuss her latest book, Shepherds for Sale, which describes a left-wing effort to wield evangelical voting power and moral prestige for woke causes. Plus: Brazil is encroaching on the free speech rights of Americans through sanctions on X/Twitter, while the FBI is consulting with the Brazilian government to facilitate the encroachment. Are we heading toward jail time for memes?

Mentioned media:

Fleecing the Flock

Stop It by Bob Newhart

Terms, Conditions, and Amendments

RFK Jr. has stepped out of the presidential race and thrown his weight behind Trump. Will it help, or will he be forced back onto the ballot in swing states by the court? And will RFK’s movement be absorbed by the Right, or remake the Right in its image? Meanwhile, Disney tried to argue that a man couldn’t sue them and would have to go through arbitration because he once signed up for a Disney+ trial and thus was bound to their terms of service. Are infamous terms of service a backdoor to suppressing citizen rights and freedoms, or a necessary evil in the modern world? The editors break it down. In closing, they take a closer look at where the abortion issue currently stands and where it might go now that Dobbs is the law of the land.

Skin Suits, Clown Suits, and Leap Frogs

Will it Matter? ft. Jeffrey H. Anderson

Walzing Toward Armageddon

Kamala Harris has chosen her VP, and he's right out of central casting--if you're shooting an episode of Ted Lasso featuring nationwide race riots. That's right, it's Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. It's unclear that this will do much to buttress support for Harris among the "white dudes" she claims to be courting, but she's at least avoided angering the pro-Hamas crowd by not picking Palestine critic Josh Shapiro. Meanwhile, Hamas itself took an L when one of its leaders was assassinated by a bomb planted in the Tehran guesthouse. Finally, Google lost a massive anti-trust lawsuit recently for monopolizing search engines. Is the ruling a step in the right direction, or a token win for everyday people while Google continues to operate in the shadows?

Recommended reading:

The Final GirlBoss

Line Up, White Boys!

Weird...

Kamalapalooza

Shots Fired, Bullets Dodged

Donald Trump was nearly assassinated last weekend, but for the few degrees of rotation that brought his head out of the bullet’s trajectory at the last possible second. The events surrounding the attempted assassination raise questions about everything from media integrity, to secret service incompetence, to… epistemology? But one thing is certain: Trump has become a world-historic figure. In the days following the attempt on his life, he has named JD Vance his VP pick, and the RNC is well underway. The editors take a holistic look at these developments and what we might expect in our political future before reminding you to read the damn site.

Recommended reading:

The Shot Heard ‘Round the World

No Going Back

No Rotten Miracles

Re-Platformed

Biden’s debate performance was so horrid that Democrats have taken it as license to wonder openly who else could be their candidate. But is it too little too late? Trump has taken some notes and mellowed out—at least, after his fashion. The GOP, for its part, has adopted a new, slimmed-down and notably altered platform, having gone without one in 2020. The new one hedges on staple issues like abortion, perhaps out of necessity in the current climate. The editors examine the increasingly clear political field at home before taking a look at the European elections across the pond and reminding you, for a change, to read some damn SCOTUS rulings.

Recommended reading:

Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo Opinion

Happy Independence Day from The American Mind!

Wretched of the Earth, Unite

The Supreme Court ruled in Murthy v. Missouri, that the states of Missouri and Louisiana have no standing to challenge the Biden Administration’s meddling in online speech. So who does? Meanwhile, Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, has reached a plea deal with the US and is now a free man, leaving onlookers to wonder about details of the deal that—ironically—will probably remain secret. Finally, the editors take George Latimer’s expensive primary victory over Jamaal Bowman as occasion to look at the internal battle on the Left between old guard Marxists and the new cultural purists. And of course, you are reminded to read the damn site!

Recommended reading:

Hell Is Empty and All the Bots Are Here

Biden’s Escalating Border Crisis

Politics Is Not Downstream From Culture

TV Is Always Progressive

Russian Sub Summer

Steve Bannon looks to be headed to prison in July as a result of a totally normal and not-at-all political conviction that will take him out of the picture for four of the election campaign's most important months. Nothing to see here! Meanwhile, the CIA's venture cutout In-Q-Tel seems to be gearing up to run its own disinformation campaign. The editors also dive into the antics of environmental activist group Just Stop Oil, which has painted Stonehenge orange so that they can something something save the world. Plus: a geopolitical chess game unfolds along Florida's coastline as Russian warships show up in eyeshot of Miami. The editors reflect on it all and remind you to read the damn site.

Recommended reading:

Merging Pig with Soy

The Purpose of Art in Wartime

Europe Swings Right

Hostage Situations

Hunter Biden has been found guilty of lying about his drug habits on an application to obtain a firearm—does it matter? Is this a triumph of impartial justice or a smokescreen to cover up other Biden crimes? Meanwhile, Israel has recovered some of its hostages from Hamas, which you would think is cause for celebration—but not for useful idiots in the Western media. And Europe may be heading rightward as its immigration crisis worsens still further. The editors puzzle through it all and remind you to read the damn site.

I wish I Knew How to Quit You

Trump’s enemies can’t seem to let go of their obsession with him, or keep themselves from living up to the worst things he says about them. New York DA Alvin Bragg obtained the felony conviction his supporters have been lusting after since he entered office, upending the legal system in the process. Meanwhile the media ecosystem has already been thoroughly corrupted, in part to protect Biden and Obama from scrutiny over their duplicitous dealings in the middle east. Plus: pride month is a little subdued this year. Is this a reversal in the woke wars, or just a tactical retreat? The editors discuss, and invite you to read the damn site.

Sinking Parties… and Piers

The Libertarian Party has rejected RFK in favor of a no-name candidate, Chase Oliver—but he’s a far cry from Libertarians of old. Meanwhile, the US military-built aid pier on Gaza’s coast was hit by harsh seas and will become an artificial reef if not repaired soon, shining a light on the degradation of the military’s infrastructure capabilities. Finally, old recognizes old as the Biden admin trots out Robert De Niro for its latest display of irrelevant celebrities. The editors analyze the headlines before reminding you to read the damn site.

Recommended reading:

Why Johnny Can’t Build

The Closing of the Internet Mind

The Way Forward

Spring 2024 Claremont Review of Books

A Dangerous Empire to Lose

Scarlet Johansson is "shocked" and "angered" that even though she declined to voice ChatGPT 4.0, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman seems to have plugged an imitation of her voice into the software. And you thought Her was fiction. Meanwhile, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been confirmed dead after his Vietnam-era helicopter crashed, plunging Iran—already in a precarious political position—into an even more uncertain future. What is the U.S.'s position in all this, and how can we play the bad hand we find ourselves holding? Finally, who could forget that Donald Trump is on trial in New York? Certainly not CNN, who can’t seem to find anything else to talk about. The editors discuss what may lie in store for the U.S. before reminding you to read the damn site!

Recommended reading:

The Closing of the Internet Mind

School Choice Revolutionary

The Virtues of Settler Colonialism

Civil Rights Stay Gay

Borg Scouts

The Boy Scouts abandoned manly virtue for DEI and participation medals long ago. This killed enrollment numbers, but the Scouts are doubling down, rebranding to “Scouting America” and advertising their willingness to accept boys and girls (and presumably enbies) just as they are. Meanwhile, Biden’s particular brand of senile venom was on full display when he crossed himself in the name of abortion. In more heartening news, The Guardian's attempt to dox formerly anonymous X poster “Lomez” seems to have backfired spectacularly. The editors read between the lines, before reminding you to read the damn site.

Recommended reading:

Expropriation: The End Game of Anti-Whiteness

Bonsai Children

Pursuit of Happiness

The Great Divergence

Scouts' Honor

Go See a Star War

Filled with apparent panic at Biden's low standing among "the youth," the Administration pulled out all the stops this week with a press conference featuring...Mark Hamill? Was that the best they could do? Maybe, as student riots and protests continue to emphasize Biden's rowdy kids problem--not that the Right is quite sure how to respond to campus antisemitism, either. Elsewhere in academia, the rolling replicability crisis continues apace, indicating once again that data worship is a mistake. The editors survey the landscape of new age Star-Wars-ism, free speech unease, and COVID-style crises of authority.

Baptism by Gatorade

As the global intifada marshals its ranks across American campuses, bemused observers are wondering what exactly the protestors want, and whether they'll show up at the DNC this year. Meanwhile, a group called Catholic Answers created and then promptly "defrocked" an "Al Priest" who took a hard line on matters of sexuality but proved remarkably lax in the baptism department. Given that Al language models and image creation tools are being trained on troves of unvetted data from the internet--some of it including child pornography--we might not want to ordain them as our priests. The editors discuss all this, plus the Left's endgame for Trump, before reminding you to read the damn site.

Non-Player Radio

A double-header in Congress this week as Mike Johnson's House passes a foreign aid package with help from Democrats, and the Senate confirms that China's ByteDance will have to sell TikTok to an American company or face exile from the app store. Meanwhile, NPR's new CEO is not only a sinister AWFL censorship enjoyer but a color revolutionary to boot. Is the Right heading off the West's demise at the past, or only just waking up to realize it's already happened? Plus: Trump faces trial for trying to influence an election he was...running in. Would a conviction really be all that bad for him politically? The editors discuss, then remind you to read the damn site.

The Unprotected Class ft. Jeremy Carl

Jeremy Carl, Claremont Senior Fellow and author of The Unprotected Class: How Anti-White Racism Is Tearing America Apart, joins the editors to discuss the book and the evidence it provides that white people have become objects of state-sanctioned hatred in America. Meanwhile, the movie Civil War is out, and there's not much more to it than the viral trailer. But there's some hilarious posturing on behalf of journalists, which is always good for a laugh. Plus: are mopey dorm-room-style protestors at Google harbingers of the Left's future? The editors zero in on the real issues before reminding you to read the damn site.

Recommended Reading:

The Unprotected Class: How Anti-White Racism Is Tearing America Apart

Expropriation: The End Game of Anti-Whiteness

Criminalizing Trivialities

Through a Scope Backwards 

Schedule F Won’t Tame the Deep State

Trump’s Path of Totality

The numbers are in, and they aren’t good. Recent inflation exceeded expectations, and even that doesn’t fully capture the pain felt by everyday Americans. Meanwhile, much of the US bore witness to the primal wonder of the cosmos during Monday’s total eclipse. As “The Science” becomes increasingly shamanistic, the world becomes more and more enchanted—but what you make of it depends on where you stand. The difference in lived and reported experiences seems to be manifesting in voters as the election season spools up and cracks deepen in the Democrat Party over the question of Zionism.

Scams' Day of Visibility

Liturgical calendar printer go brrrrrr as the Trans Day of Visibility falls this year on Easter Sunday--and Biden's Twitter handlers clearly had no trouble deciding which should win out. Meanwhile Amazon has abandoned its "Just Walk Out" program, which identified as an AI marvel but was actually just a bunch of guys in India watching you shop. And Soros DAs have come up with a new answer to the housing shortage: just let wandering sex offenders squat in homes owned by law-abiding citizens. When the real thing disappoints, it seems our answer is just to spin up simulations--of sex, of competence, of progress. The fellas trace the common threads, then remind you to read the damn site.

Poor Man’s Rich Man

Turns out that which doesn't bankrupt Donald Trump makes him richer. Somehow. Truth Social has been valued at $8 billion, over $4 billion of which accrues to Trump's net worth--all while his astronomical bond is being reduced in New York. Meanwhile, as Hamas enjoyers try to overrun the Left, the Right is locked in its own disputes about how to handle antisemitism. Everyone's looking for the one big bad guy or grand narrative that can explain the whole complicated world. But are they looking in the wrong places? The editors analyze the thought processes underlying the news before reminding you to read the damn site.

Recommended reading:

National Conservatism vs. American Conservatism (CRB)

National Conservatism vs. American Conservatism (TAM)

On Nations and Nationhood

Two Adams, Two Foundings

Czar Vladimir

Gynocracy Takes an L

Shadowbond

Tik, Tok, Boom

The House has passed a bill that will force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest from the platform within six months; otherwise, the service will be banned in the U.S. The bill has split the Right as well as the Left, raising questions about espionage, economics, and American sovereignty. But will shutting down the app really hurt China all that much? Meanwhile, old man yells at country as Biden gives his third State of the Union Address, which may or may not have riled up his supporters but certainly failed to win over his detractors. Finally, former special counsel Robert Hur testified about his decision to characterize Biden as a nice, forgetful old man. The editors investigate what it's all about, before reminding you to read the damn site. 

Recommended reading:

Answering the Supporters of American Empire

Swiftian Normality and the Freak Right

The Regime v. America

They're Sending Their Worst

In perhaps the least surprising but most unusual Super Tuesday ever, or at least in living memory, Donald Trump and Joe Biden have been all but officially confirmed as the presidential contestants for 2024. Whose party hates their candidate the least? Nothing is now stopping us from finding out--not even the best efforts of the Colorado Supreme Court, whose expulsion of Trump from the ballot was overruled in a unanimous SCOTUS decision that apparently ended the Constitution, or something. Meanwhile illegal immigrants are now being flown across the border? Seth and Spencer marvel at the outlandish nature of it all, and remind you to read the damn site.

Deaths of Decline

It’s a sad news week. Aaron Bushnell, an active-duty member of the US Air Force, self-immolated in front of the Israeli Embassy in D.C. this week in a misguided protest against the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, a young nursing student, Laken Riley, was murdered by an illegal immigrant in Georgia with multiple prior arrests. Plus: an unusual ruling out of Alabama has raised difficult and uncomfortable questions about the moral status of IVF. The editors analyze the depressing facts and factors that undergird the headlines, before reminding you to read the damn site.

Further reading:

Extremism on Duty

Finetuning the Matrix

The 2024 Election Will Be Neither Free Nor Fair

The History of Self-Immolation as Political Protest

Gemini Rising

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny has died in prison after multiple poisonings by Putin's operatives. In the States, this has prompted fewer sober reflections than fervid John Le Carré-style fantasies about domestic politics. Those politics are themselves increasingly sordid as Donald Trump grinds his way through one legal procedure after another, including a nakedly political judgment against him in New York. Will the absurdity of the ruling cause other business moguls in the state to take Trump's side? And what on earth is going on with Google's anti-white AI? Seth and Spencer talk through it all, and remind you to read the damn site.

Recommended reading:

Popping the Pill

Socialist Fantasies

Sliding into Senility

Russia is reigniting the space race as the House Intelligence Committee sounded the alarm that they may have already deployed an anti-satellite weapon system, which could cripple the US. Moreover, space provides an interesting use case for nuclear weapons, and Russia is signaling it may be willing to go nuclear. Meanwhile, America continues its descent into decay as Biden continues to show signs of mental decay, and the He Gets Us SuperBowl ad, which fundamentally misses the point of the biblical story, was plastered across the nation’s televisions. The editors break it down, and remind you to read the damn site!

Recommended reading:
https://americanmind.org/salvo/saving-americas-future-from-the-blob/
https://americanmind.org/salvo/welcome-home-to-somalia/
https://americanmind.org/salvo/our-gathering-storm/
https://babylonbee.com/cleanArticle/satan-he-gets-us
https://www.americanmoment.org/category/podcast/

Respect the “Other”

Republicans are seriously struggling to harness the momentum that Red-State governors have generated in favor of immigration enforcement. Is any Republican in Congress both competent and bold? Meanwhile, Nikki Haley suffered the latest and most embarrassing of her defeats in Nevada on Tuesday, losing a primary in which Trump did not participate, so that voters instead picked “None of These Candidates.” Plus: Elon Musk is doing some great things, including challenging Disney and other megacorps. Can he be a benevolent force, or is he a sinister transhumanist? In closing, a full complement of editors remind you to read the damn site.

Recommended Reading

First, Trans All The Children

Draining the Pentagon Swamp

Stop Hating the Puritans

Wretched of the University

The Delusions of Postcolonial Ideology

The Paradoxical Perversities of Postcolonial Ideology

False God

Is Taylor Swift a Deep State plant to help get Biden reelected? Almost certainly not, but the theory does provide an interesting window into everyone’s 2024 mindset. Meanwhile, conservative protestors are discovering what martyrdom really means as six abortion protestors were found federally guilty of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, and another is facing hate crime charges for allegedly destroying a Satanic Temple shrine in the Iowa capitol. Plus: police-abolitionists are manipulating a simple traffic stop for their political gain. In closing, the editors remind you to read the damn site.

Recommended reading:

McConnell vs. America

Hialeah Blues

The Scapegoating of Derek Chauvin, Pt. II

Targeting the NYPD

Showdown on the Southern Border

The New York Times has anointed the Claremont Institute and its fellows as leaders in the fight against DEI. They think this makes Claremont a sinister cabal, of course, but the editors are happy to accept it as a compliment and take a victory lap. And, in a major plot twist, even the Times's readers seem to be on our side--sort of. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott is facing down Biden's federal government and instructing state officials to enforce border laws, even in the face of a Supreme Court defeat. Is this a constitutional crisis in the making? Plus: Donald Trump scooped up another healthy primary win in New Hampshire. The gang's all here to break it down—before reminding you to read the damn site, of course.

Recommended reading:

Why America’s “Anti-Discrimination” Regime Needs to Be Dismantled

The Road from Damascus

The Lebanese Experiment

A Blow Against Wokeness

Pretext for a Fedsurrection

Trump Ecocides the Opposition in Iowa

The Iowa results are in, and though they're not altogether shocking, they are revealing. Trump took the state with a commanding lead over all other candidates. Is the writing on the wall for DeSantis? What will become of Vivek Ramaswamy? Meanwhile, as the slow march to global government continues in Davos under the guise of going green, global elites are planning your future. Is Green™ the globalists’ greatest weapon, or just window dressing for their racial concerns? Plus: the editors remind you, as always, to read the damn site.

Recommended reading:

The Case for Christian Civilizationism

Plagiarizing While Black

The Coming War of Civilizations

Like Some Prophet of Old

Pandemic Pandemonium

Millenarian Mobs

Iowa Results Show That DeSantis Must Drop Out

Against the Great Reset: Eighteen Theses Contra the New World Order

Everything Woke Goes To...

Planes are literally falling apart in the sky--is DEI to blame, and does anybody care? Meanwhile, Biden found himself heckled in the middle of an early campaign speech by Israel ceasefire maximalists, providing further confirmation that the scrambled signals within the Democrat ranks are not getting un-scrambled anytime soon. And finally, the Republican party strikes back on ballot shenanigans, as a number of red-state leaders propose kicking Biden off the Ballot in response to corresponding attacks on Trump in Colorado and Maine. The editors discuss the wisdom and efficacy of this move before reminding you to read the damn site!

SCALPED

It finally happened: Claudine Gay is out as president of Harvard after a tireless guerrilla journalism campaign led by the Manhattan Institute's Chris Rufo, who conclusively exposed Gay's fraudulence as a scholar. But is plagiarism just par for the course? Seth and Spencer consider the low, low bar that Gay failed to clear, and where the fight over higher ed will take us next. Plus: migrants continue to flood unchecked across the border, and the powder keg in the Middle East grows ever more flammable. What will come of it all? The editors discuss before insisting for the first (but not the last) time in 2024 that you read the damn site!

Recommended Reading

Revenge of the Liberators

The TikTok Spiral

From New Jersey to the Senate, fellow Democrats aren’t lifting a finger to help NYC and Chicago’s migrant crisis

EXCLUSIVE: Read Claudine Gay's Private Resignation Letter to the Harvard Board

The Great Replacement: Introduction to Global Replacementism

You Wild Colorado

The Supreme Court of Colorado has ruled that Donald Trump can be excluded from the state’s ballots under a circuitous 213-page reading of the 14th Amendment. Meanwhile, Chris Rufo has forced CNN to run unfavorable stories about Harvard President Claudine Gay and her (allegedly) plagiarized academic papers. How can the Right keep the pressure on the diversocrats as they disgrace themselves? Speaking of disgrace, the editors cannot escape discussing the gay sex that was filmed in a Senate hearing room by a Democrat aide, before closing out by discussing “what a damn year” it has been.

Recommended Reading:

Trump’s Legal Victory in Colorado

Colorado Supreme Court Opinion

Civil War Ain’t Like the Movies

Douglas Emhoff, the “Second Gentleman,” has made an amusing and perhaps telling unforced error in very publicly butchering the story of Hanukkah. Meanwhile, Hunter Biden has found his way into the news again, surprising no one, and civil war is back in the discourse as Alex Garland’s forthcoming movie will attempt to tackle the subject. Is this wish fulfillment for the Left, subtle messaging for the Right, or something in between? And what would a second civil war really look like? The editors discuss the news before reminding you to read the damn site!

Recommended reading:

Black Privilege at Harvard

Are Borders Back in Europe?

American Statesman

Gateway to Statesmanship: Selections from Xenophon to Churchill

Revolt of the Kids

A generational divide is intensifying within the Left, as a radical ascendant generation increasingly decries the more moderate Boomers, as exemplified most recently by a demand from Biden’s White House interns that the administration throw itself behind a permanent ceasefire in Israel. Meanwhile, the US is being slapped around on the world stage, this time by the Houthis. The future for Americans looks increasingly bleak; can we turn the ship around successfully? The complete cast muse over the correct way to shake off the dust in the domestic and foreign policy arenas before, as always, reminding you to read the damn site.

Imagineering AI Domination

The terminally online are showing themselves unable to unplug from the negative feedback loops to which they subscribe. Hollywood, especially Disney, is continuing to fail to really show us anything new that average people can connect to. Plus: censorship from top to bottom is wreaking havoc on nation states, especially as immigration spikes drive cultural wedges into the populace. Seth and James, refreshed from Thanksgiving, break it down.

Eighty-One Candles

A full complement of editors is joined by not one, but two special guests this week: Jeremy Carl & Michael Anton, both Claremont Institute senior fellows. In addition to seared turkey liver stuffing (true story), the cast are finding both white and black pills aplenty as there’s ample reason to despair and rejoice. From the inferno that was Joe Biden’s birthday cake, to populists claiming upset wins in two countries, to what they’re grateful for, the guys discuss it all this Thanksgiving. Plus: An extended list of reading recommendations as the cast reminds you to head on over to read the damn site (after you finish your turkey, of course).

Recommended reading:

Carving Turkey Away from NATO

Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation (1863)

A Friend Indeed

Christian Nationalism or Godless Nationalism

Everything Is—Still—Fine

Settlers Versus Migrants

Lone Star: A History Of Texas And The Texans

Potemkin Villagers

Xi Jinping is coming to town and Gavin Newsom has decided that it’s finally time to clean up the city of feces and urban decay: San Francisco. But if you’re not a Chinese party apparatchik you’re SOL: Gov. Gruesome essentially came right out and said that it wasn’t worth the cleanup for you, dear voter. Meanwhile, Nikki Haley calls for a complete and total crackdown on all pseuds and New York’s Kathy Hochul gives the editors occasion to discuss the weaponization of free speech and cancel culture. Finally, as always, the editors remind you to read the damn site!

Recommended reading:

The Rise of Ethical Cannibalism

Carving Turkey Away from NATO

Christmas Karol

Rogue's Gallery

Noticing Things

AI is getting close to committing the grievous crime of noticing patterns in the data. Surely the government must step in. Biden recently signed an executive order attempting to bring the power of AI into service of the woke regime. Meanwhile, the Left is caught in an uncomfortable battle between its old guard and the swelling immigrant coalition. How will the Left handle its problems from both sides without resorting to government by supercomputer? And can the birds escape the stain of humanity? The editors discuss, before reminding you to read the damn site.

Articles and books mentioned in this episode:

Nationalism Isn’t American

The Millionaire Slut Apologists

Warfare by Immigration

This is how AI image generators see the world

Liberals must choose: immigration or Israel?

American Ornithological Society Will Change the English Names of Bird Species Named After People

American Awakening

You Run the Show or the Show Runs You

Holy War

Hierarchy, not Hypocrisy

Israel Under Attack

Hamas launched a series of devastating attacks against Israel over the last few days using everything from rockets to hang gliders, with a civilian death toll in the hundreds at the time of recording, including at least eleven Americans. Israel is at war for the first time in over 50 years. The editors explore how Hamas’s attacks fit into the broader geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, how regional dynamics are likely to unfold in the coming months, and what's motivating the radical pro-Palestinian movements in the West.

Episode Links:

Hamas and the American Left

When Worlds Collide

What Is Christian Nationalism?

Obama’s Coming Fourth Term

Lone Star: A History Of Texas And The Texans

Mike Benz: Bidenworld's War On Israel, Explained

Gaetz to the Unknown

Florida Representative Matt Gaetz took advantage of a new procedural rule to orchestrate the ouster of Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, hoping to force more movement on the debate over congressional spending. But what's the plan? Meanwhile, on the subject of Things You are Not Allowed to Notice, a raft of horrific murders in cities across the country highlights the wages of bad philosophy and bad policy. In closing, the editors provide reading recommendations so you'll be reminded to read the damn site!

American Mind articles mentioned in this episode:

How to Turn a Cold War Hot

A Swing and a Miss

Irregular Order, Part I

Blue Sulla ft. Jeremy Carl

Gavin Newsom has been making national headlines lately, causing some to wonder whether he's got designs on the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination. The crew discuss whether Claremont Fellows Armen Tooloe and Andrew Beck are right to fear that Gavin will sweep to power as a "Blue Sulla." Meanwhile, it's shutdown season once again, and House Republicans are not interested in playing nice. What do they stand to gain? Joined by special guest Jeremy Carl, Spencer and Ryan survey the rocky territory ahead, assess the trajectory of our republic, and remind you to read the damn site!

American Mind articles mentioned in this episode:

Truth and Politics

The East and the Rest

Slouching toward Washington

Oversized hoodie or tailored masters jacket--which way, Western man? As the Senate is terraformed into a mosh pit for the least common denominator, one must wonder whether it’s a microcosm for the West more generally. Take, for example, the meek inaction of the European nations as migrants from Africa stream through the island of Lampedusa and onto the continent. Meanwhile, back at home, Donald Trump aggravates internal tensions among Republicans by criticizing Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week abortion ban. Plus: the editors tease upcoming features while reminding you to read the damn site.

Articles and books mentioned in this episode:

Slavery, Abortion, and the Politics of Constitutional Meaning

Crisis of the House Divided: An Interpretation of the Issues in the Lincoln-Douglas Debates

Eating the Young to Save the Old

Country Club Nationalism

Merit in the Armed Forces

The War for the Military

Brilliance Isn’t Enough

Special Edition: Awakening to the Awokening, ft. Chris Rufo

Oh, the Irony!

Elon Musk is threatening to sue the Anti-Defamation League for...well, defamation. Musk claims that Twitter/X has lost ad revenue as a result of ADL accusations against the platform for hosting antisemitism on Musk's watch. But does the charge of "antisemitism" carry any weight anymore, coming from the ADL? Meanwhile, Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot (despite not having been at the Capitol) and there are rumors in the air about a return of COVID lockdowns. Finally, our editors remind you to read the damn site!

Articles mentioned in this episode:

Cracks in the Rainbow

Between Suicide and Murder, Part One

Debates & Mugshots

As Donald Trump was hauled in and photographed in Fulton County, GA this week, his mug shot took the internet by storm with how unique and powerful it is while sparking discussion about chipping away at the monolith of certain voting cleavages. Meanwhile, the GOP primary debate took place without Trump's presence or wind in its sails, leading to many bemoaning it as auditions for VP. But the medium itself is showing its age and how little it serves voters. Plus: as splits and subdividing factions take over the Right, Americans should take note and react accordingly.

Suggested reading:

The Cold Civil War

Our Revolution’s Logic

The tired attack on the new Right

Trumped up Charges ft. Professor John Yoo

Rich Men North of Richmond

As fires ravage Maui and "takes" proliferate off the back of the tragedy, the editors discuss which interpretations and predictions--if any--have some heft to them. Meanwhile, a viral new song is upsetting people on the Left and drawing quibbles from the Right, as both factions seem perfectly willing to clothesline any sort of populist spokesman who gets up a little momentum. But the song cuts through all that and continues to draw in download after download. The gang's all here this week to analyze the field before reminding you to read the damn site. Plus: a teaser for next week’s episode!

American Mind articles mentioned in this episode:

Western Civilization, Chinese Style

Pity the Poor Trans Man

Debunking Jack Smith’s Latest Indictment Against President Trump

Class, Nation, and the Future

Trolling Alone

Seth and Spencer examine the spiritual subtext of the Trump Indictment saga. Moreover, it seems Hillary Clinton has noticed (about five years late) that men in the country seem dissatisfied with current gender politics, but her prescription seems as out of touch as ever. Plus: a secret Chinese-owned COVID lab was discovered almost by chance in California. All this, plus your customary reminder to read the damn site.

Articles referenced in this episode:

Why Affirmative Action Won’t Die | American Mind

In Tate We Trust | American Mind

The Weaponization of Loneliness | The Atlantic

How two trans women ran a legendary underground surgical clinic in a rural tractor barn | The Independent

Global Soufflé

New testimony paints the Biden family in an even worse light than usual, Trump has been indicted yet again, and climate alarmists are gearing up to put you under house arrest because it was warm in July. What, if anything, can be done to recover agency and divert the course of this runaway freight train? Our editors weigh in before reminding you to read the damn site!

In a Biden World

Revelations and accusations are swarming around Hunter Biden. A foreign informant has alleged that the Bidens received $10 million in bribes from the Ukrainian energy company Burisma, and Hunter's plea deal on tax evasion charges has fallen apart. Will anything come of it—and would impeachment play right into the Democrats' hands? Meanwhile, from Greta Gerwig's Barbie to Jason Aldean's "Small Town," a new round of culture war salvos is heating up. The editors reflect on the tangled relationship between art and politics, then they remind you to read the damn site.

All Your Banks are Belong to Us

Banks both at home and abroad have been increasingly partaking in a troubling bout of digital warfare against their customers, some of whom are suspiciously guilty of wrongthink. Have you been engaging in suspicious transactions, citizen? Meanwhile, states like California are trying to prevent people from getting their hands on the tools to fight back. Plus: the future of the Democrat Party looks increasingly anti-Israel, while the US Army continues sliding into the cult of D.I.E. Is there even a vision of the US for tomorrow? The editors take a closer look at the situation before reminding you to read the damn site.

Screenshots Across the Bow

The French Floyd

A Dalliance with Burisma

Who will Indict the Indicters Themselves?

The New Theology in 2024

Armenians take to the streets to brawl with Antifa over provocative pride activities at schools in Glendale, CA, the Freedom Caucus is causing Kevin McCarthy headaches as they obstruct the debt “deal” before the House, and the editors remind you to read the damn site by providing reading recommendations! All this and more from the editors in this episode of The Roundtable.

"Off-White Supremacy"

It's time once again for debt crisis theater as House republicans agree with Democrats on a proposed deal, acquiescing to massive debt in exchange for minor concessions. Meanwhile, in an effort to drive a wedge between white and nonwhite people, the Left indulges in truly comedic arguments about race in America. Behind the absurdism there are important trends that deserve a closer look. And the Ron vs. Don showdown is official now that DeSantis has announced a run for the presidency. The editors discuss it all before commanding you to read the damn site (by issuing their recommendations to guide your reading).

Sponsored by Satan

Conservatives are finally building up a head of steam when it comes to boycotts, making an example of Anheuser-Busch after their unholy union with Dylan Mulvaney. Now Target and the Dodgers have attracted this same newly quickened ire by pushing overtly Satanic and trans-forward messaging onto shoppers—and their children. Meanwhile the trajectory of Christian nationalism is up for hot debate, as is that of wokeness. Plus: the editors, joined by Helen Roy, name their favorite TAM articles of the week as a reminder to read the damn site!

First Principles

Dr. Hadley Arkes joins the editors this week to offer advice to the pro-life movement and discuss the precepts of common sense that must underlie sound legal reasoning. The editors then turn to an analysis of the Durham Report and how it plays for 2024, as well as a brief discussion of Article 42 and Trump's CNN town hall. And of course: read the damn site!

A Very Pro-Natalist Mother's Day

As Mother's Day rolls around, the editors take a moment to analyze an increasingly troubling movement: anti-natalism. To help with the analysis, Helen Roy joins the cast. Meanwhile, Tucker Carlson has announced that his show will be coming back natively to Twitter, drawing millions of views and prompting speculations about the future of the news industry. Trump was found liable for sexual assault to the tune of $5 million, in a perplexing jury decision that raises troubling questions about justice and crime. In closing, the editors recount their favorite articles of the week before reminding you to read the damn site!

Blue State Blues

Deplatformed

Tucker Carlson is out at Fox News following a defamation case between Fox and Dominion, coinciding with other ousters in like Don Lemon's at CNN. In New York, Trump is being sued civilly over rape accusations, but is also being sued by the accuser for denying the claims. Meanwhile, mortgage changes are coming to take from the responsible and give to the irresponsible. Seth and Spencer analyze defamation by design and woke mortgages before recounting their favorite TAM articles of the week and reminding you to read the damn site.

Queer Beer

Civil Rights LARPing

Anecdictments

Whatever your personal opinion of Trump, his indictment is a somber moment for the trajectory of democracy in America. Ryan and Spencer discuss the dogged pursuit of Trump at any cost, including some hilarious speculation about how the headlines on this topic are getting written. The two then expand the discussion to the selective weaponization of the legal system using the case of Ricky Vaughn as a starting point. Plus: Peachy Keenan set the internet alight when she committed the crime of noticing that college admissions are tilting in a very noticeably woke direction—but of course she was right. Spencer closes by asking Ryan for his favorite TAM article before reminding you to read the damn site.

Tragedy in Tennessee

Lights, Camera, Indictment?

Sufferers of advanced Trump Derangement Syndrome are frothing at the mouth to think of Trump being indicted by a grand jury in Manhattan. Meanwhile, Republicans are watching intently to see whether the political winds will blow in favor of Don or Ron as we approach primary season. Then the editors take a moment to define the word "woke” and to ask whether doing so is even worth the effort. Finally, in an effort to get you to read the damn site(s), Ryan uses his extraordinary power to take a CRB essay out from behind the paywall just for you!

Banking on Outrage

In a first for The Roundtable, Seth and James alone take the stage. They discuss the stunning righteous indignation displayed by the nobody Democratic Reps. that “interviewed” Matt Taibbi and other journalists who participated in The Twitter Files releases. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley Bank fell victim to a classic run on the bank and has gone under, triggering a chain reaction at other banks. Plus: the editors’ takes on this year’s Oscars. 

Livin’ the Meme

As warring factions grapple for power behind an increasingly transparent veneer of control and serenity, everyday Americans find themselves subject to a chaotic and unhinged form of anarcho-tyrannical rule. Our editors analyze newly released footage that challenges the continuing hysteria regarding the events of January 6, 2021, and the rise and fall of both New York and Chicago’s Lori Lightfoot. Is anyone in charge of it all? If not, what is to be done? Plus: the editors remind you to read the damn site, recounting their favorite articles on TAM this week.

Teenage Wasteland

Peachy Keenan joins the editors to discuss the tweet that broke the internet: an anecdote about the effects of racial preferences in admission turned into a Rorschach test and a celebration parallax. It’s not happening, and it’s good that it is! Then, a close reading of the new TikTok filter that confronts users with a vision of their younger selves, forcing many of them to confront the reality of passing time and human mortality. Plus: our editors pick their favorite pieces from the site this week.

Dahl-eted

In a two-man episode of the Round Table (the linear table?), Seth Barron and Spencer Klavan conduct a close reading of Puffin’s changes to the works of Roald Dahl. In collaboration with “Inclusive Minds, a collective for people who are passionate about inclusion and accessibility in children’s literature,” the publishers have decided to tweak Dahl’s work and bring it up to speed with the latest woke nostrums. What could possibly go wrong? Plus: read the damn site!

The Balloon Gap

As extremely dangerous chemical spills are happening across America, and as UFOs get shot down day after day, our editors (joined by Helen Roy!) discuss whether malice or incompetence predominates in our present climate. Meanwhile, the cult of D.I.E. continues to install itself in our educational institutions, as demonstrated by Columbia University's recent CRT chant for medical students, complete with bowed heads and silent reverence. Plus: our editors recount their favorite essays of the week and implore you to read the damn site.

The Actual State of the Union

Turning from Biden’s gasbaggery to the real issues at stake, our editors discuss what is needed for a digital revival, how the US left a Chinese spy balloon in our airspace for nearly a week without doing anything, and the disastrous situation at the border. Black pills abound, but hope is never lost. Plus: the editors share their favorite articles of the week.

“What Is Truth?”

This week's edition of "This is Fine" kicks off with a close analysis of an increasingly common phenomenon in mainstream media: supplanting objectivity with personal experience and identity. From Watergate to a recent viral WaPo op-ed, they uncover the fables the press tells itself as copium. Plus: the editors discuss where they turn to for reliable news, the tragic killing of Tyre Nichols, and their favorite stories on TAM this week. For a list of articles referenced in this episode, visit americanmind.org/audio/.

This is Fine

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com

Classified

After ripping Trump for having classified documents on his property for months, the mainstream media has done an about face and are now running damage control for Biden as his own caches of documents continue to emerge. Meanwhile, the highest of high society have taken their private jets to gather at the 50th annual World Economic Forum meeting, where they are discussing how to frame regulating your life in flowery language so you won’t notice. Plus: for supposedly wanting us to stop paying attention to them, Harry the Spare and Meghan the Succubus sure do leap into the spotlight at every opportunity. Our editors, joined by Helen Roy, discuss.

Managed Decline

As flights are grounded across America and federal officials float—then retract—a ban on gas stoves, the editors gather to discuss the gradual dissolution of American competence, and what if anything can be done about it. Plus: Ron DeSantis has made a bold series of appointments to the New College of Florida's Board of Trustees. Is this a hopeful first step, or a meaningless drop in the ocean? The editors chose between white, black, and quantum pills on the state of education.

Speaker Interference

2022: A Year-End Review

As Christmas rapidly approaches, our editors gather to reflect on the whole of 2022. From the mobilization of the social media swarm in support of The Current Thing™, to the elevation of sexual deviancy among the top brass, to the proliferation of tech idolatry, our editors only wish they could be shocked. Plus: preliminary thoughts on 2023 and a teaser for upcoming content.

Into the Pandemiverse

At long last interracial marriage has been legalized at the federal level in the US! In reality, of course, the law Biden signed this week is more about political maneuvering around gay marriage. Concurrently, Sam Bankman-Fried has been arrested in the Bahamas on charges of fraud as it appears FTX is effectively a multi-billion dollar Ponzi scheme. Does this event shed a new light on the factions vying for power in the financial space? Plus: it’s a tripledemic—time to mask back up. Our editors contemplate the machinations of The Borg™.

TAM: The Artificial Mind

AI-generated images have taken the internet by storm over the last week. Are AI profile pics the cute veneer over a coming existential threat to human self-worth? Meanwhile, Matt Taibbi and Elon Musk released a Twitter thread with the first fruits of what Taibbi dubbed "The Twitter Files." The thread confirmed suspicions that Twitter and the government were tightly aligned with one another in censoring inconvenient information. Plus: Warnock defeated Walker in Georgia's runoff race for a hotly contested Senate seat, giving ultimate control of the Senate to Democrats. Our editors analyze the boring dystopia we find ourselves in.

Ye/Them

This week has offered a veritable clown car of obnoxious and distasteful weirdos. Nick Fuentes wormed his way into a dinner with Trump via Kanye West. Sam Brinton, the non-binary, crossdressing, doggie-roleplaying member of the Biden administration’s Department of Energy, has been charged with felony theft after being caught on video snatching a woman’s suitcase. Plus: Balenciaga’s new ad features kids in BDSM-themed outfits. Our editors discuss the shocking freakishness on display and whether there’s any coherent thread that would allow us to make sense of it all.

Twitter 2.0 ft. Charles Haywood & Helen Roy

Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover carries on apace, and reports of implosion seem to be greatly exaggerated. Is Musk’s aggressive firing policy proof of concept for the elimination of BS jobs? The editors, joined by Helen Roy and Charles Haywood, take a look at some back-of-the-napkin calculations of how profitable Twitter might be under Elon Musk overnight, as well as his hazy policies on freedom of speech vs. freedom of reach on the platform. Plus: the crew discuss what they’re thankful for.

Tales from the Crypt-O

FTX CEO SBF is SOL--and if that sentence doesn’t make sense to you, fear not. The TAM editors are here to chart the aftershocks of the crypto crash heard round the world, and to discuss its implications for the future of America. Plus: Trump announces (shocking few) that he will run for re-election, and Canada plans to legalize euthanasia for the mentally ill. In this dire landscape, who will chart a pro-human path forward?

The Red Wave Hits a Wall

“Election month” is here, and it looks like the much-anticipated red wave is more of a drizzle. The House looks like it’ll be narrowly red, and the Senate is likely in the hands of a tossup election in Georgia—again. Meanwhile, the growing rift between DeSantis and Trump presages a potentially rocky road ahead for the Right. And what about the Biden of it all? Our editors convene to analyze the implications of the midterms.

Para-State Politics ft. Matt Peterson

Having been mocked and roundly criticized for its plans to found a “Disinformation Governance Board,” DHS decided not that it should reevaluate its goals, but that it should keep doing the same thing—just without telling you. Meanwhile, Paul Pelosi was beaten in his home by a crazed lunatic, leaving him with a fractured skull and everyone else wondering what the hell happened. Plus: New York Governor Kathy Hochul is unexpectedly in danger of being voted out of office by those pesky extremists who want to ride the subway without getting mugged. Our editors, joined by Matt Peterson, take a closer look.

The State of the American Mind

This week on live TV, to the utter shock and chagrin of the legacy media hosts, average voters from across the so-called political spectrum were united—in their dissatisfaction with leftist policies. Meanwhile, Joe Biden continues his very public and visible decline, and John Fetterman whiffs it on the debate stage against Mehmet Öz. Plus: Republicans are under fire for *checks notes* supporting Democrat policies? The editors gather in full complement to discuss the current state of the American mind.

The Nano-State

A new NYT/Siena poll looks grim for the Left across the board. What kind of realignment, or realignments, are underway? With the middle class feeling pinched by bad economic policy, more and more people believe  the government serves social elites to the detriment of everyday Americans. Or else they fear being replaced by bots; or else they’re on edge for fear of saying something contra The Current Thing. Our editors, joined by special guests Matt Peterson and Helen Roy, analyze the situation.

Dr. Strangeleft

All Your Science are Belong to Us

Members of Gen Z report trusting Google and Youtube to deliver information and entertainment--but what’s really going on under the hood? Just like everywhere else, “neutrality” is a myth online. Then: how can the Right win the fight over childhood indoctrination and radical gender theory in schools? And what on earth is Biden thinking when it comes to oil? Ryan and Spencer (aka Starsky and Hutch) discuss.

The Land of Öz ft. Matthew J. Peterson

Midterms are rocketing toward us, and House Republicans have come out with a platform of sorts; the editors discuss how both party’s prospects are shaping up by way of the fascinating--and absurdist--case study of Pennsylvania’s Senate race between Mehmet Öz and John Fetterman. Meanwhile, rumblings around the world--leaks in Russia’s Nord Stream pipelines, unrest in Iran, and a conservative victory in Italy--give  occasion to wonder just where the world is headed, and what the people in charge can possibly be thinking.

Martha’s Migrants

Red states are on a roll this week. The 5th Circuit Court upheld a Texas law banning viewpoint censorship on social media platforms with over 50 million active users. Florida’s Ron DeSantis publicly highlighted the duplicity of leftist virtue signaling by sending 50 Venezuelan migrants to Martha’s Vineyard, whereupon the Vineyard’s occupants promptly flipped out and called in the National Guard. Plus: Biden gave an interview on 60 Minutes that was such a train wreck it demands a close reading. Our editors are on the job.

The Stakes: Harry Jaffa’s Philosophy

In this edition of The Stakes, Claremont Senior Fellow Michael Anton, a lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center, talks with Glenn Ellmers, Visiting Research Scholar at Hillsdale College and author of The Soul of Politics: Harry V. Jaffa and the Fight for America. The two discuss some of the major ideas and principles in Harry Jaffa’s philosophical writing, and how those principles might apply to the modern American crisis. Plus: a defense of some of Jaffa’s more contentious ideas.

Subpoena Party

As midterms loom, Biden’s DOJ is handing out subpoenas like they’re going out of style--which in a sense they may be, since a traditional election moratorium on political maneuvering makes coming for Trump an increasingly bad look. But at this point, will the public really believe that the DOJ is dispassionate? Or, for that matter, that the economy is under control? Biden seems to be hoping against hope that they will, throwing a White House celebration while a massive freight rail worker strike is looming and inflation is still over 8% for the year. Plus: famed attorney Kenneth Starr passed away this week. What legacy did he leave behind, and how has the use of celebrity in the White House affected our politics? Our editors analyze it all.

President Palpatine

Collusion All Around

Russia gonna Russia, while the West, and the Left, gonna fall for it. Michael Shellenberger rolls out an alarming thread on who’s funding climate activists in Europe, and the dire consequences of extremist policies at home and abroad. Meanwhile, The DOJ, CIA, and FBI have been showing increasingly bold signs of corruption and meddling in domestic elections, maintaining an apparently routine dialogue with Facebook and other social media companies about when to suppress “potential threat information.” But don’t worry: they do it all the time! Plus: our editors survey the prospects for November’s midterm elections, and for the republic more generally.

We’re the Law and We Know It ft. Matt Peterson

The FBI has raided Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. Are Merrick Garland and the ruling elites at the justice department so convinced of their political invulnerability that they don’t care how this looks? Maybe the Democrats just think they can buy voters off: in a transparent ploy to do so, the Biden administration has promised a $10,000 student loan cancellation plan. Conservatives are sputtering with outrage, but they ought to be thinking “systemically” about how to dismantle the whole college industrial complex. Plus: Alexander Dugin’s daughter, Darya Dugina, was assassinated by car bomb in Moscow. Our editors, joined by New Founding’s Matt Peterson, offer their thoughts.

The Stakes: Defending Leo Strauss ft. Michael Millerman

In this edition of The Stakes, Michael Anton, lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center, and a Claremont senior fellow, is joined by Michael Millerman of the Millerman School. The two discuss the teachings of the Claremont Institute's ideological lodestar, Leo Strauss. They also discuss how and to what extent Strauss' teachings, and those of other twentieth century German philosophers, remain relevant today in our crumbling republic despite an active attempt by elites to vilify them. Listeners who would like to hear even more about German philosophers can take advantage of an exclusive 25% discount to the Millerman School by using the code "STAKES" at signup! 

The Delusional GOP of Yesteryear

This week, The American Mind team is off, with the exception of Seth Barron who has volunteered to bring you a short and sweet one-man show before we return to a full complement next week. Against the background of Liz Cheney's crushing defeat in the Wyoming primary, Seth analyzes the ever-widening rift between the New Right that is taking over the GOP and the old guard who are now finding themselves not only on the outs, but unelectable. Obviously the only answer in that position is to assume everyone else is wrong and run for president, right? Right?!

Special Edition: Dr. John Marini on The Challenge of Modern Democracy

This week, while The American Mind's editors are off, Ryan Williams took the opportunity to sit down with Dr. John Marini. Against the background of the FBI's unprecedented raid on Mar-a-Lago, which took place on the 48th anniversary of Richard Nixon's resignation, the pair look back at Nixon's experience with the administrative state as it relates to today. Plus: what can we do to bring government back into the purview of politics and wrench it from the clutches of an increasingly autonomous bureaucratic class?

Mrs. Pelosi Visits Taiwan

In a move that predictably has China perturbed, Nancy Pelosi is in Taiwan on a state visit to “reaffirm allies” in the South China Sea, triggering fears of WWIII (again) across the Twitterverse. But does anyone really want an armed conflict with China? And even if they did, would our “yassified” armed forces be up to the task? Meanwhile, the Tavistock Clinic, a gender clinic in the UK, has been ordered to shut down over child abuse concerns, and a Swedish health council has recommended no longer using puberty blockers. Plus: Spencer airs his deep-cut conspiracy theory about Pete Buttigieg. A full cast of our editors analyze our trajectory.

Tenure Trouble ft. Professor Amy Wax

Woke academics are trying to tear down the last barriers against total ideological conformity. Seth and Spencer are joined by Professor Amy Wax, who has ample firsthand experience of witch hunts in the academy and recommendations for change. Meanwhile, monkeypox is on the rise in New York among a certain group of people who apparently shall not be named. And the Biden administration is trying to fudge the definition of recession, so they won’t have to admit we’re in one.

Imaginary Martyrdom

A religion of fantasy requires imaginary martyrs. So this week we were treated to the spectacle of AOC and other members of Congress pretending to be handcuffed for the cameras. But that’s just the beginning of the rabbit hole. Wikipedia is being edited to conform with woke piety, and Merriam-Webster has added a new definition to “woman.” Plus: at least 163 billion dollars of COVID relief money (your tax dollars, that is) was stolen, but elites are betting on the public to just forget about it. Our editors peer through the smokescreen.

Inflated Dollars, Deflated Souls ft. Elizabeth Haney

Inflation topped out at over 9% this month, which both exceeded the expected 8.8%, and poses huge issues for everyday Americans. From the working class to the not-so-working class, people are coping, or something like it, by deadening their senses and hoping it will all go away. Some believe transhumanism is the answer, but we need stronger medicine to save our souls. Plus: new video shows Hunter Biden at the extremes of depravity. Our editors, joined by Claremont’s new major gifts officer, Elizabeth Haney, analyze the situation in which we find ourselves.

Consciousness Raising

The Dutch government has limited emissions so severely that many farmers will have no choice but to stop farming. The farmers, unsurprisingly, are not happy—turns out kulaks, awkwardly enough, don’t like to be liquidated. Meanwhile, the Dobbs case is starting to animate state politics and will test just how red the red states are. Plus: is trans language shoving women out of the Overton Window?

Full Court Press

The Supreme Court has handed down ruling after glorious ruling, most notably overturning Roe and Casey in their landmark abortion case, but also defending the right to bear arms in self defense and the right to free expression of religion. Is gutting the administrative state next? Plus: the latest from Impeachment Part III, the Revenge (i.e., the January 6 hearings).

Reparation Nation?

The Biden Administration seems determined to make good on its promise to put “equity” at the center of all it does, prompting the editors to wonder how much daylight there is between equality of outcomes, race-based reparations, and a total restructuring of American society. But will voters—and in particular those minorities not singled out for favored status—go for it? Meanwhile: a new Supreme Court decision on religious liberty, and disturbing revelations about the Uvalde shooting.

Artificial Idols ft. Matt Peterson

Ted Cruz grills the FBI on its potential participation in January 6, as Insurrection Hearing: The Musical Showtime Extravaganza drags on. Meanwhile, Google’s AI chatbot has some things to say about the soul that sound suspiciously like a Silicon Valley guru’s wish fulfillment fantasy. Plus: Matt Peterson joins the show to talk about so-called “blue locusts” and how to keep red states red.

Everything is Fake

There is a God-shaped hole in the American soul. We’re not going to fill it with tech, or entertainment, or drugs, or violence--but lots of people might try. Big Tech wants the bots to whisper sweet nothings at you, others are on a quest to worship the ultimate superdrug, and still others would simply burn the system down just to feel something. Our editors discuss how we can come back down to reality.

Will the Internet Eat the World?

Social media has proven unsustainable as a digital way of life, plunging many internet moguls into an identity crisis. As we enter the age of Web3, it seems some regimes are doubling down on managed decline…but will others find a better way forward? Meanwhile, the verdict is in on Depp v. Heard, but the important takeaway is how far celebrity cachet—much like the cachet of every other special identity marker—has fallen in the Digital Age.

The Crime of Noticing

Eighteen-year-old Salvador Ramos opened fire in an Uvalde, TX elementary school in a horrific act of violence. Naturally the political firefighting began within minutes, and Congressional Democrats made gun control the order of the day. But is there really a political solution to the evil we’re up against? Meanwhile, is humor the antidote to the woke revolution, or just a temporary escape valve? And what on earth is going on with monkeypox? Our editors, joined by Matt Peterson, break it down.

How to be a Conservative Online

This week, a deranged young man killed ten people in Buffalo, New York. While pointing fingers at Tucker Carlson and the Right, the legacy media is actively feeding the public disinformation. Speaking of disinformation, the Dept. of Homeland Security's Ministry of Truth is being put on the backburner, but it's unlikely we've heard the last of federal censorship. Plus: is Claremont behind... everything?! Spoiler alert: no. But we are having fun.

Fake Money, Real Poverty | The Roundtable Ep. 119

Inflation hovers near record highs at 8.3%, the debt skyrockets out of control, and even talking about it can feel like it’s making the problem worse. It gets harder every day even to conceptualize the extent of the economy itself, let alone make moves to counteract its myriad dysfunctions. Meanwhile, Trump is emerging as GOP kingmaker…and more? Spencer and James discuss the failures of central planning from financial markets to digital media platforms, and the hope for a new kind of federalism to set the country on a better course.

Red Rover, Red Rover, Turn Roe v. Wade Over | The Roundtable Ep. 118

In a leak unprecedented in modern history, Justice Samuel Alito’s draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade has been published by Politico. But the leak is only part of the story. If Roe really is overruled, the political landscape of America’s states will be more important than ever. Our editors, joined by both Matt Peterson and Helen Roy, have thoughts on the logic of the draft decision, as well as where we go from here.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com

Do You Know the Enemy? ft. Glenn Ellmers | The Roundtable Ep. 117

The Know Your Enemy podcast recently accused Claremont of misunderstanding the old civil war, and irresponsibly predicting--or perhaps yearning for--a new one. The editors respond with the help of special guest Glenn Ellmers, Claremont Scholar and author of The Soul of Politics, a book on Claremont’s intellectual godfather Harry V. Jaffa. Plus: Elon Musk officially bought Twitter and conservatives are noticing that they’re being unshackled from shadow suppression. But who is Elon Musk and does the Right want to make him its champion?

Libs of The Cathedral | The Roundtable Ep. 116

Disney is at risk of losing its self-governing fiefdom in Florida after coming for Ron DeSantis over his Parents’ Rights bill. Meanwhile, Taylor Lorenz doxxed the owner of the Libs of TikTok account for the crime of doing journalism and showing parents what radical teachers are saying. Plus: Tucker Carlson is bringing right-wing digital vitalism to the older Right.

Technocracy in America | The Roundtable Ep. 115

Wouldn't it be great if a nameless technocrat could force you to starve inside your home because they support the current thing and you don't? Oh, and they can both monitor and preach at you with drones. It's happening in Shanghai right now over COVID and a developing online hivemind is drooling at the prospect for the West. But is a hive inevitable? Meanwhile, a horrendous shooting in New York has grim implications for the public’s collective psyche, and Elon Musk is seemingly gearing up to buy a controlling share of Twitter. Is it too late to make a difference? Our editors discuss. 

Ruble, Ruble, Toil and Truble | The Roundtable Ep. 114

Won't somebody, please, anybody, shake hands with Joe Biden? Apparently not, as Obama's visit to the White House focuses all the attention immediately back on Barack. One wonders who is in control, and what the regime's endgame is. Meanwhile the effort to crush the ruble doesn't seem to be working very well. Plus: the editors discuss the merits of "OK, groomer."

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com

Ok, Groomer | The Roundtable Ep. 113

The Left isn’t trying to groom your six-year-old in school, you conspiracy theorist. On an unrelated note, Disney has created a task force to do exactly that as an end run around Florida’s explicit ban on discussing  sex with kindergarteners. How can and should the Right respond? Meanwhile, California is seemingly trying to legalize killing newborns. The editors discuss whether to take a white or black pill as the culture war accelerates apace.

You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman | The Roundtable Ep. 112

What is a woman? Whatever Joe Biden says it is, bigot. Even Supreme Court nominees can no longer state the painfully obvious: the fog of woke religion obscures all. Meanwhile, the Hunter Biden laptop story is now officially real news. It’s a little late, but oh well--water under the bridge! The editors discus transhumanist tecnho-fervor at home, and liberal imperialism abroad.

Federal Gaslighting | The Roundtable Ep. 111

There are no biolabs in Ukraine, and it’s good that there are. Also, it is apparently treason to discuss the issue--even though we’re not at war. How much of this is really about Ukraine, and how much has to do with punishing enemies at home? Plus: the feds have written a fascinating report about an incel shooting. Seth and Spencer discuss.

Let Them Eat Teslas | The Roundtable Ep. 110

Biden bans Russian oil imports, driving already-high gas prices to their highest point ever and aggravating America’s existing inflation crisis. But Biden, Buttigieg, and prominent Democrats have a solution: just don’t be such a gas-guzzling pleb. Thanks, Joe! Meanwhile, the feds are looking into a centralized cryptocurrency that they could use to trace every transaction—and shut you out of if they don’t like you. Plus: the gender madness continues--but the Right can win. Our editors discuss.

The Stakes: Trajectory of Tyranny

In this edition of The Stakes, Michael Anton, lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center, and a Claremont senior fellow, is joined by Charles Haywood of The Worthy House. The two analyze the situation in Ukraine from both sides, ultimately siding with Ukraine. Plus: between Australia’s ruthless police crackdown on its citizens and Canada’s violent crackdown on the Freedom Convoy, the West is in a bleak state. Is there any reason to hope for a brighter future?

State of Disorder | The Roundtable Ep. 109

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is intensifying. Ukraine’s freedom and millions of lives hang in the balance as the West implements increasingly punitive measures against Russia and its officials. Back in the States, Biden gave his first State of the Union Address. Through stammered speech, he said the US will stay out of the Ukraine invasion—for now. The editors examine the potential geopolitical consequences of both Biden’s policies and Russia’s aggression.

Whose World Order? | The Roundtable Ep. 108

At time of recording, Vladimir Putin had ordered soldiers into two separatist regions of Ukraine—he had not yet launched what is now a full-scale war. The European order looks precarious, and our political establishment looks all too eager to throw American lives into the maelstrom. To what end? Seth and Spencer discuss the internal decay of America and Canada as authoritarianism advances across the globe.

Spiritual War | The Roundtable Ep. 107

In Canada, truckers protesting a vaccine mandate have been denied funds from online crowdsourcing platforms in two different ways, raising the question: what is it going to take to preserve our natural rights on the new digital frontier? Meanwhile, democrats change their tune on mask mandates just in time for an election year, and our editors discuss the fight for truth against CRT in the Christian church and university.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com

Don’t Say Don’t Say Gay | The Roundtable Ep. 106

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com

The Stakes: Thoughts on Machiavelli

In this edition of The Stakes, Michael Anton, lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center, and a Claremont senior fellow, is joined by Michael Millerman, founder of the Millerman School. The two discuss Strauss' complicated yet rewarding book, Thoughts on Machiavelli. Other topics include: whether and to what extent Machiavelli is a philosopher, how to read Machiavelli's writings effectively, and what wisdom Machiavelli had to offer that is still helpful in our current political climate.

The Honkening ft. Peachy Keenan | The Roundtable Ep. 105

This week, truckers in Ottowa took to the streets in protest of Trudeau’s newest vaccine mandates. Trudeau responded by promptly catching COVID himself, and accusing the truckers of every imaginable evil. Meanwhile, stateside, Whoopi Goldberg thinks Jews are just white, which got her suspended by ABC--should we care? Plus: Peachy Keenan joins the show throughout and answers your mailbag questions!

Reverse Renaissance | The Roundtable Ep. 104

Vaximum Overdrive | The Roundtable Ep. 103

At the World Economic Forum, led by International Supervillain Klaus Schwab, Moderna has announced its plans to get absolutely everyone vaccinated against everything (or else) with its new omni-jab. While the big pharma CEOs bathe in their piles of cash, Biden is trying, poorly, to brag about his supposed “accomplishments”—all while skirting foreign policy issues like Russia’s moves to annex Ukraine. Our editors have thoughts.

The Posthuman Regime | The Roundtable Ep. 102

Project Veritas has released documents suggesting that COVID-19 is the product of U.S. taxpayer funds through EcoHealth Alliance. If true, this would confirm what the editors have been thinking out loud on The Roundtable for months. Realizing that now is the time to pivot away from COVID hysteria, the regime now faces the monumental task of talking down the very people it spent three years traumatizing. Plus: President Biden’s voting rights demagoguery is both amusing and horrifying at once—is there a quantum pill to be had?

Polls Don’t Care About Your Feelings | The Roundtable Ep. 101

New year, same old headlines. Legacy media figures, desperate for ratings, haven’t stopped talking about January 6 since it happened. But the polls are damning for the media’s narrative. Democrats, quietly aware of the president’s unpopularity, are flailing about for alternative options. Plus: progressive men are getting vasectomies for an amusing reason.

Shut Up and Die | The Roundtable Ep. 100

It’s the end of a long and frankly, a surreal year. After one hundred episodes of the Round Table, our editors look back on a cascade of demoralizing events and articles to ask: is there cause for optimism? Through all the inflation, the gender madness, and the school board wars, one theme emerges—the ruling class wants you feeling hopeless. But you’re not: the editors look ahead to a future of based local action in pursuit of virtue.

Reality Comes Due | The Roundtable Ep. 99

America’s economy continues to crumble, but don’t worry! the ruling class is here to fix everything by spending trillions of dollars we don’t have. Inflation is only the newest symptom of their long train of abuses. COVID politics roll endlessly on as the US fights its cold civil war online and off.

Totem and Taboo | The Roundtable Ep. 98

California is making noise about becoming a “sanctuary state” for abortions. Everything that hurts Democrats is “voter suppression.” And Ron DeSantis wants 200 people to help him with vaccinations and natural disasters, which is insurrection or tyranny or something. Our editors spend some time in bizarro world parsing the woke lies.

Vive le Based | The Roundtable Ep. 97

Populist and nationalist Éric Zemmour has announced his candidacy for president of France with a stirring anti-woke speech reminiscent of Charles de Gaulle’s speech from exile in WWII. Meanwhile, on the home front, Fauci has declared that he is the science. Plus: a murder in Beverly Hills shows the alarming deterioration of law and order in blue states. Our editors examine the battles over wokeness on two continents.

God the Father | The Roundtable Ep. 96

The editors open the show with a look at Thanksgiving proclamation excerpts by several presidents, from George Washington to Obama. This provokes meditations on fatherhood, God, and the meaning of gratitude. Then: Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted of all charges, but dozens are injured and several are dead in a terror attack in Waukesha. Our editors analyze the situation. 

Will the State Survive? | The Roundtable Ep. 95

From exploiting the DOJ and FBI, to vaccine mandates, the federal government seeks to exert ever-tighter control over your life. Meanwhile, congressmen are either asleep at the wheel or cheering it on. But are the courts even a viable option to slow the spread? Our editors discuss three under-appreciated news stories and the state of our three branches of government.

Rittenhouse Takes the Stand | The Roundtable Ep. 94

Kyle Rittenhouse has testified in his own defense at the trial which will determine his future after he stood up against rioters in Kenosha, WI. The editors discuss Kyle’s remarkable composure in the face of a ruling class mob that is howling for his imprisonment. Ryan and Matt also give a brief recap of NatCon2. Plus: is there any parallel between today’s events and Dune?

Red Wavelet | The Roundtable Ep. 93

Republicans Glenn Youngkin, Winsome Sears, and Jason Miyares have turned Virginia red, and everyone is closely scrutinizing what this might signal for other elections in 2022 and 2024. Or at least, sensible people are scrutinizing it, while the Left screeches absurdly about racism and refuses to even consider introspection. Our editors consider what conservatives could do to capitalize on this initial victory.

Boosterpalooza | The Roundtable Ep. 92

Since people don’t really believe left-wing “fact checking” sites in the age of petty tyranny, a few billionaires had a truly innovative idea: just make another one. But this time, it’ll be bigger and better. Meanwhile, the CDC continues to expand vaccine dose and booster recommendations, all while hinting that they will soon change what constitutes “fully vaccinated”. Our editors put everything into context. 

Transhumanist Takeover | The Roundtable Ep. 91

As the US adopts wokeness as its grand strategy and promotes its first trans four-star admiral, China is embracing masculinity and testing a hypersonic missile that the US, according to military brass, cannot stop. Will reality ever set in and put an end to our desperate fantasies? Plus: Facebook’s most recent whistleblower is being funded by Pierre Omidyar. Our editors discuss the shadowy web of organizations seeking to deconstruct humanity.

Supply Chained | The Roundtable Ep. 90

The US is currently facing unprecedented logistical shortcomings brought on by government restrictions. Meanwhile, inflation has been steadily skyrocketing as the feds continue to print obscene amounts money. In other words, the time is just right for the steady creep of a new social credit system into the limelight. Plus: Loudoun County has been covering up sexual assaults to keep its talking points in order.

Fedbook | The Roundtable Ep. 89

Our predatory federal bureaucracy has its eye on Facebook. The ruling classes will settle for nothing less than full transhumanism and total control. Meanwhile, as if trying to prove the point, the FBI this week announced its plan to treat parents who are upset at critical race theory in schools as domestic terrorists. Plus: Matt has an idea for a darkly humorous music video.

Whose Democracy? | The Roundtable Ep. 88

Self-styled “democracy advocates” are up in arms over the mere prospect of a Trump 2024 run. So they’re doing what they always do: writing overlong essays about the end of democracy. Ruling class gonna ruling class. Meanwhile, APSA has removed Claremont from its lineup this year fearing protests. Does it even matter? Our editors break it down.

Angelo Codevilla, R.I.P. | The Roundtable Ep. 87

This week, the editors convene with heavy hearts to reminisce about the life and work of Claremont Senior Fellow Angelo Codevilla. The group recall entertaining stories about Codevilla's life and return to some of his many enduring books and essays. Rest in peace, Dr. Codevilla.

Compliance Mandatory | The Roundtable Ep. 86

Last week the Biden administration unveiled its ghastly plan to effectively force vaccines into people’s arms unless they’re willing to risk unemployment. Meanwhile, other elites like George W. Bush mouth the platitudes of the uniparty establishment. Plus: Gavin Newsom clings to power in California—and no points for guessing LA County’s first order of business after the news dropped.

The Stakes: Texas vs. California

In this edition of The Stakes, Michael Anton, lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center, and a Claremont senior fellow, is joined by Matt Peterson, founding editor of The American Mind. The two discuss the massive and widening rift between California and Texas, both as individual states and as standard-bearers for their respective sides of the aisle. In the coming “big sort,” the question will be: which state is better for everyday Americans?

Dark Gods | The Roundtable Ep. 85

After a week off due to technical issues, the editors are back in the saddle. The woke Left is becoming ever more open about the religious nature of its commitment to abortion—they even sought out an oddly fitting alliance with the literal Satanic Temple. From Texas’s new abortion law to George Floyd murals in Afghanistan, the question is increasingly one of whose gods will survive the digital age.

Can't Make It Up | The Roundtable Ep. 84

What will happen to the tens of thousands of refugees fleeing Afghanistan? Will we ever be allowed to know? Does Europe's experience with Afghan refugees leave us with any useful lessons? If so, will we be permitted to learn them? Plus: Andrew Cuomo vanishes into obscurity, lobbing a political grenade on the way out, while Australia and the rest of the Anglosphere are careening into perpetual COVID despotism. Our editors discuss.

Nationbuilding, American Style | The Roundtable Ep. 83

In just 11 short days, the US-backed government in Afghanistan utterly imploded and the Taliban seized control of the country, even managing to get their hands on billions of dollars’ worth of US war gear. Could it have been done better? Yep. Does the regime care? Nope. They’re just blaming Americans and making them pay the cost. All the while, the Delta variant gives them the perfect chance to seize even greater powers. Our editors pop a few black pills and discuss.

Chaos and Corruption | The Roundtable Ep. 82

Left-wing and fake-conservative Twitter had one of their trademark meltdowns when Tucker Carlson visited with Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. At home, Governor Newsom is feeling the heat from the upcoming recall efforts and Governor Cuomo put in his two weeks under the continued pressure of sexual harassment allegations. Really, though, it’s all just froth on the surface of deeper currents: as the digital age renders our ruling classes obsolete, they are scrambling to eat one another alive.

The Tyranny Variant | The Roundtable Ep. 81

Against a backdrop of complete and utter disarray, progressive autocrats are attempting to snatch up as much power as they can using the Delta Variant as their excuse—though really they’ve created a beast even they can’t control. From a damning AG report on Governor Cuomo’s sexual escapades, to California’s recall election, to figuring out who the real enemies are, our editors have thoughts and analysis.

The Stakes: Machiavelli for the Modern Day

In this special edition of The American Mind Podcast, Michael Anton, lecturer in politics and research fellow at Hillsdale College's Kirby Center, and a Claremont senior fellow, is joined by James Poulos, executive editor of The American Mind. The two discuss the applications of Machiavelli’s political philosophy to the modern day. Topics covered include priestly authority, political corruption, regime decay, and the progression of technology.

The Quantum Pill | The Roundtable Ep. 80

As one looks around America today, it's easy to fall into a state of deep despair. But there's also much to be hopeful for. Today, The American Mind editors are holding both states of mind at once: they have taken the quantum pill. Our editors apply this attitude to the January 6 Commission, Big Tech surveillance, lockdown part 2, and another amusing hit piece against Claremont.

Seceding from Earth | The Roundtable Ep. 79

Who runs America? Is it the surveillance state that aims to strangle the life out of regular citizens? The billionaires racing to space? Or the people? As the Borg gathers power, the editors gather to discuss what may come. Plus: in Michigan, the feds are caught out in a sting operation.

The Interview: Dr. Scott Yenor on The Recovery of Family Life

In this ongoing series, Ryan Williams, President of The Claremont Institute, interviews prominent scholars in the Claremont Institute’s orbit. Dr. Scott Yenor, Professor of Political Science at Boise State University and Washington Fellow at The Claremont Institute’s Center for the American Way of Life, joins Ryan to discuss his recent book, The Recovery of Family Life. The book traces the intellectual and political roots of our current family crisis and presents a series of practical approaches to revitalizing and restoring the American family. Ryan and Dr. Yenor discuss existing family policy (or lack thereof), and what can be done to improve it.

The Sinking Ship | The Roundtable Ep. 78

In this "combative, juvenile, and grotesque" episode of The Roundtable, our editors take great joy in laughing off the Bulwark's newest hit piece on the Claremont Institute. Save yourself from reading all 12,000+ words by listening to an extremely short and accurate synopsis. Then the editors turn to more serious questions, such as: with wokeism creeping over the land—toward your kids and your SMS messages—what can patriots do to win?

The Woke Praetorian Guard | The Roundtable Ep. 77

The American regime is currently undergoing a fundamental takeover by the woke elite. To protect themselves from people wearing hats with horns, the Capitol Police are expanding their reach from the Capitol to include new offices in California and Florida. Meanwhile, weapons technology company Raytheon is admonishing white staff (which is most of them) to feel as guilty as possible. Plus: the NSA is spying on Tucker Carlson, and now they're leaking his email data to hostile journalists.

Senility on Parade | The Roundtable Ep. 76

The Left loves to project their worst traits onto the Right--and their latest obsession with “White Rage” is a prime example. Meanwhile, the NSA is making cryptic statements about whether or not they’re spying on Tucker Carlson, and good ol’ Sleepy Joe is flailing around making absurd statements everywhere he goes. The editors break it all down.

Retaking the Institutions | The Roundtable Ep. 75

Our summer interns join the editors this week to provide their fresh takes (with a side of black pills) about the state of Conservatism and the GOP. Matt provides an update from Montana about courageous efforts in the fight to defeat Critical Race Theory—but the question is, can we really win? Our editors discuss how Conservatives can get out ahead of the Left’s rhetoric to retake our institutions. Plus: Our interns give their best advice for students considering college. 

Lockdown of the Soul | The Roundtable Ep. 74

Governor Newsom finally decided to lift his boot off of Californians’ necks—or did he? Meanwhile, Joe Biden made a fool of himself at the recent G7 Summit, and Putin rubbed salt in America’s many gaping wounds. Plus: critical race theory is quickly going off the rails. Our editors discuss.

The Stakes: Critical Race Theory

In this special edition of The American Mind Podcast, Michael Anton, former Trump official and senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, is joined by Charles Haywood, a distinguished book reviewer who runs The Worthy House. Anton and Haywood examine the modern Left’s obsession with the racist and destructive creed known as Critical Race Theory. Drawing on ancient political history and philosophy, they contemplate where our radical Left might go from here.

Big Finance | The Roundtable Ep. 73

BlackRock, the world’s largest asset management firm, is buying up whole neighborhoods of single-family homes. Why? To make sure you’ll be paying them rent for life instead of owning your own home. Meanwhile, other financial institutions are desperately trying to strangle cryptocurrencies in the cradle and protect the current balance of power. Plus: Kamala Harris visited Guatemala—and bombed. Our editors analyze the situation.

Pride | The Roundtable Ep. 72

We’re now in the opening days of LGBT pride month—not that anyone needs reminding, as corporations across America fall over themselves to celebrate the rainbow. But today the editors pause to analyze pride in a larger sense: what it is, who should have it, and for what reasons.

The Stakes: The American Monarchy?

In this special edition of The American Mind Podcast, Michael Anton, former Trump official and senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, is joined by Curtis Yarvin, formerly “Mencius Moldbug” of the successful blog “Unqualified Reservations.” The two debate what to do if and when the current regime crumbles under the weight of its own incompetence. Yarvin makes his case for a Big Tech CEO-turned-monarch. 

Lies and More Lies | The Roundtable Ep. 71

A miracle has occurred! Suddenly, the media is warming to the idea that COVID might have leaked from a Wuhan biolab—an idea which, just last year, they condemned as dangerous conspiracy. But of course that has nothing to do with President Biden having won the election. Surely not. Nor, certainly, is the “January 6 Commission” a cynical power play by house Democrats. Our editors discuss what all this is really about.

Unmasked | The Roundtable Ep. 70

The CDC has newly proclaimed that vaccinated people no longer need to mask up (duh). But some people can’t seem to let go of the ritual. Plus: violent conflict breaks out between Israel and Palestine. It’s a skeleton crew this week—just Seth and Spencer—as the rest of the cast are out at Claremont’s Washington, D.C. event. Together the two tackle the week’s weighty events and the Left’s appalling response.

The Interview: Dr. Mark Blitz on Reason and Politics

In this newly revived occasional series, Ryan Williams, President of The Claremont Institute, interviews prominent scholars in the Claremont Institute's orbit. Dr. Mark Blitz, the Fletcher Jones Professor of Political Philosophy at Claremont McKenna College, joins Ryan to discuss his new book, Reason and Politics: The Nature of Political Phenomena—a searching discussion of questions at the heart of both America’s regime and her present crisis. Ryan and Mark discuss prudence, the common good, and how American public life could regain its sanity.

The Rise of the Woke Regime | The Roundtable Ep. 69

The rapidly spreading woke dogma that has taken over our CIA now seems to be ascendant in the military. What does that mean for national security? Our editors analyze. Plus: Liz Cheney has been ousted from GOP leadership, which is good news for everyone who wants to see the the uniparty, anti-American establishment gone.

Woke and Dagger | The Roundtable Ep. 68

Like so many of our crumbling institutions, the CIA is experiencing a woke takeover of its own, which it’s advertising in incredibly cringey ways. Meanwhile, the forever war in Afghanistan is hopefully reaching a final endpoint. Our editors reflect on what we learned from the experience. Plus: Part I in a mini-series on mapping the political landscape of the American Right.

Special Edition: America in Decay: Hope or Despair?

In this special edition of The American Mind Podcast, Michael Anton, lecturer and research fellow at Hillsdale College, senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, and former Trump Administration national security official, is joined by Charles Haywood, who runs The Worthy House and is a distinguished book reviewer. The two discuss the future of a country in crisis, touching on a wide array of topics in the process—from questions of political philosophy both contemporary and ancient, to the balance between hope and despair at the decay of the American regime.

Recall Fever | The Roundtable Ep. 67

It’s official: Governor Gavin Newsom will face a recall election later this year. Besides the sheer glee of watching Gavin get the boot, our editors have many thoughts about what all this might mean for California and the great national reshuffle. Meanwhile, Texas and Florida take action against big tech, and Jonah Goldberg attacked Claremont on his podcast recently. The cast responds.

Who Needs a Trial? | The Roundtable Ep. 66

Derek Chauvin, the police officer most prominently involved in the death of George Floyd, was found guilty of all charges against him yesterday. This of course did nothing to appease the leftist mob. When Ma’Khia Bryant was shot and killed by police while brandishing a knife, the hive mind immediately switched gears and zeroed in on Bryant’s story. Our editors examine the media forces at work and the deeper issues festering beneath the veneer of righteous fury.

Breaking the States | The Roundtable Ep. 65

With control of Congress and the presidency, Democrats have taken the first steps toward making Washington, D.C. the fifty-first state. But there is even more here than meets the eye, and the rationale behind the Left’s push to transform voting is truly sinister. Our editors analyze the situation and underlying arguments.

Wokeness Comes for the GOP | The Roundtable Ep. 64 ft. Scott Yenor

From Vermont to Arkansas, GOP governors are bowing to wokeness in spectacular displays of misunderstanding of what time it is politically. Scott Yenor, a Washington Fellow for the Center for the American Way of Life, joins the podcast as a special guest to analyze the depths of depravity feminism and wokeness have brought us to.

Digital Exile | The Roundtable Ep. 63

Big Tech’s at it again, censoring people—including us—as the effort to scrub Trump from the public square continues. Voting rights is the new hot-button issue, especially in Georgia. And what does US policy in Afghanistan tell us about Biden?

If you’re coming here from YouTube to get the uncensored version, start at 26:03.

Racialized Tragedy | The Roundtable Ep. 62

It’s been a sad week for America. A shooting in Boulder claimed the lives of ten people. And like clockwork, the Left is using it as an opportunity to feast on the Second Amendment. That’s not even the only crisis of the week: the Biden administration is massively fumbling on the border, by conservative and liberal standards. Plus: Kristi Noem fails to read the political room. Twice.

The Ruling Class Strikes Back: A Special Edition of the American Mind Podcast

In this special edition of the American Mind podcast, we look back at how the last year has demonstrated the size, scope, and nature of the challenges facing conservatism, and look forward to the questions we must grapple with if we are to overcome them, survive, and thrive as a nation. The podcast features Claremont Institute President Ryan Williams. It is narrated by James Poulos, Executive Editor of the American Mind, and produced by ChangeUp Media.

*** 

Works Referenced & Related Readings (In Order of Appearance):

• https://americanmind.org/audio/preserving-the-american-way-of-life-a-special-edition-of-the-american-mind-podcast/
• https://claremontreviewofbooks.com/the-empire-strikes-back/
• https://twitter.com/HaMeturgeman/status/1316071151836291075?s=20
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/youtubes-political-censorship-11600126230
• https://www.politico.com/news/2020/08/18/teachers-unions-school-reopening-coronavirus-397997
• https://www.weforum.org/great-reset#articles
• https://t.co/rQBzDy4CHs?amp=1
• https://americanmind.org/audio/the-1619-project-exposed-a-special-edition-of-the-american-mind-podcast/
• https://americanmind.org/audio/the-existential-questions-of-2020-a-special-edition-of-the-american-mind-podcast/
• https://amgreatness.com/2020/11/09/was-pfizers-vaccine-news-slow-walked-until-after-the-election/
• https://www.dailysignal.com/2020/11/20/7-ways-the-2005-carter-baker-report-could-have-averted-problems-with-2020-election/
• https://archive.is/i7kyN
• https://americanmind.org/memo/democrats-versus-the-vote/
• https://americanmind.org/features/get-ready-for-a-fight/trumps-greatest-achievement/
• https://www.rebelnews.com/one_more_act_in_the_perpetual_coup_against_trump_ben_weingarten_with_ezra_levant
• https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nevada-election-worker-voting-irregularities-trump-campaign
• https://twitter.com/MattFinnFNC/status/1325801059206500353?s=20
• https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/1325803289955487744?s=20
• https://twitter.com/AdamLaxalt/status/1325616624842403841?s=20
• https://www.foxnews.com/politics/michigan-gop-chairwoman-says-software-glitch-tallied-thousands-of-republican-votes-as-democrat
• https://twitter.com/SteveGuest/status/1325809489774317568?s=20

Visit The American Mind for more great content.

And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

***

Music: "A Thousand Days" by Remember the Future

President Deepfake | The Roundtable Ep. 61

Did you watch the Grammys? Us neither. Won’t stop our editors from talking about it, though we’re more interested in a viral clip of Joe Biden—is it deepfaked? It’s not, but it might as well be. Our editors unpack both topics. Plus: it's a battle of the Governors as Gavin Newsom faces recall and Ron DeSantis pops red pill after red pill.

The Woke Orthodoxy | The Roundtable Ep. 60

If you’re a wealthy prep school parent wanting to discuss how the maw of woke culture is swallowing up all things good and true, you’ll have to do it in secret or face instant cancellation. Meanwhile, the House passed the dubiously-titled “For the People Act,” which would do a number on representative government. Plus: The good and bad of National Review.

COVID and Cancel Culture | The Roundtable Ep. 59

The light at the end of the COVID tunnel is finally within sight—provided you live in a red state. Blue states remain under the thumbs of petty tyrants. Meanwhile, cancel culture claims new victims, from Mr. Potato Head to Dr. Seuss. Plus: Sacramento’s school district is pushing for the formation of “racial affinity groups”—a new caste system looms.

Can Clubhouse Survive? | The Roundtable Ep. 58

While free speech finds a new venue in the popular app Clubhouse, Democrats in Congress are openly asking TV carriers why Republican and conservative-leaning channels like OANN and Fox News are allowed on the air. It’s a new front in the war between digital renegades and regime flunkies: a profusion of energy on one side, a chilling desire to squash dissidents on the other. Can Clubhouse and other apps like it survive a coming onslaught by petty tyrants?

The Egotist and the Icon | The Roundtable Ep. 57

Rush Limbaugh passed away yesterday—his work touched tens of millions of people, our editors included. Then there’s Governor Cuomo, who is embroiled in a scandal after covering up COVID nursing home deaths from the public. Plus: the Claremont Institute has launched a new DC-based branch: The Center for the American Way of Life. Arthur Milikh, the Center’s executive director, joins to talk about reclaiming a more robust kind of conservatism.

Creeping Progressive Policy | The Roundtable Ep. 56

The second impeachment trial of former President Trump lumbers on, but does anybody even care about this undisguised show trial? Melinda Gates and elites like her would appreciate it if you would just think that everything fits neatly into a Marxist box. That notion isn’t just wrong—it’s degrading—especially when applied to women. Plus: Mitt Romney has proposed cutting checks to families that have children. Our editors analyze.

Thrasymachus All the Way Down | The Roundtable Ep. 55

The Left is laying the rhetorical groundwork for a domestic war on Trump supporters, as red state governments start planning how to respond. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced plans to push back on the Big Tech Cartel—will they work? Our editors, joined for the first time by new managing editor Seth Barron, discuss the desperation and discreditation of the mainstream media.

Special Edition: The 1776 Commission

In this special edition of The American Mind Podcast, Ryan Williams, president of the Claremont Institute, is joined by Charles Kesler and Matthew Spalding. The group elucidates the 1776 Commission’s report, the liberal response to it, populism in America, and the potential for national renewal.

The War on Wall Street | The Roundtable Ep. 54

Those crazy kids actually did it: A group of redditors under the banner of r/WallStreetBets are singlehandedly taking the populist fight to Wall Street billionaires—and they’re winning. For now. Of course, elites of every stripe are spitting mad. Our editors discuss this strange and hilarious new movement. Plus: what is in Trump’s political future—and by extension, the GOP’s?

Biden’s Opening Salvo | The Roundtable Ep. 53

It’s official: Biden is the 46th president. Beneath the inane boilerplate of the new president’s speech (accompanied by a tearful chorus of celebration from the usual journos) lurked a much more sinister kind of rhetoric. Our editors give a close reading of the address. Plus: Biden scrapped the 1776 Commission. What’s he up to?

Banned from Everything | The Roundtable Ep. 52

In the wake of January 6, a multitude of personalities—from both sides of the aisle—came out of the woodwork to call for banning Trump and many of his supporters from the largest social media platforms. The editors discuss this dropping of the banhammer, focusing especially on David French's “analysis” of the situation. Plus: Trump has been impeached for a second time.

Storm Over the Capitol | The Roundtable Ep. 51

Trump's supporters took their dissatisfaction with the 2020 election all the way into the Capitol yesterday, and then things got serious. Four people are dead, including one woman who was shot by Capitol Police. Our editors discuss. Plus: what happens when machines threaten to outdo humans?

Certification Contestation | The Roundtable Ep. 50

With the counting of the Electoral College vote drawing near, Senator Josh Hawley has vowed to object to certification on January 6. Who will take up the GOP mantle in 2024? Plus: DC, the Imperial City, has a corrupting influence on its inhabitants—including think tanks.

A Very COVID Christmas | The Roundtable Ep. 49

2020 is drawing to a close, and with vaccines rolling out across the nation, so too is the COVID pandemic. Hypothetically. But this won’t stop the ruling classes from coming up with other cockamamie reasons to shut you down and take your money. Don’t despair, though: the editors are here to lift your spirits on this Christmas special with discussion of their favorite carols and more.

Be Strong and Courageous | The Roundtable Ep. 48

The electoral college has cast their ballots. But there are lingering issues percolating through public discourse, from corruption to separation. Our editors have measured commentary to tell you what you should be watching and what is white noise. Plus: a frank discussion about class, religion, and politics in America.

Interview: Brian Kennedy on Election Fraud Research and Dominion Voting Systems

In this special edition of The American Mind Podcast, Ryan Williams, President of The Claremont Institute, interviews Brian Kennedy, President of The American Strategy Group. Kennedy talks about his experiences on the ground in contested states during the 2020 election cycle and carefully breaks down the current state of play, pinpointing what issues he thinks are most likely to bear fruit for conservatives.

Interview: John Eastman on Election Fraud

In this special installment of The American Mind Podcast, Ryan Williams, President of The Claremont Institute, interviews Dr. John Eastman. The two discuss Dr. Eastman’s experience navigating legal battles in the wake of the 2020 election.

Land of Lockdowns | The Roundtable Ep. 47

California’s government at both the state and local level would like to wish you a big bah humbug. Another round of lockdowns is hitting small business especially hard, and Spencer has a report from the ground. Plus: YouTube is censoring people who talk about voter fraud in ways they don’t like.

Love Life | The Roundtable Ep. 46

The New Yorker's latest cover art, which depicts "love life" in the time of COVID lockdowns, reveals far more about our deep cultural sickness than perhaps it intends to. But meanwhile, pockets of resistance from both parties form against coronatarian tyranny and the excesses of our arrogant ruling class. Our editors look forward with hope to build a new, working-class coalition that will stand together against the woke madness that is sure to lie ahead of us. 

A Kamikaze Trump Thanksgiving | The Roundtable Ep. 45

Thanksgiving may be around the corner, but Trump’s presidency isn’t over yet. Assuming that Biden wins the electoral college—not a foregone conclusion, mind you—what will Trump be able to do in his last days in office? Will he sputter out, or will this be the most incendiary lame duck presidency we’ve ever seen? Plus: our editors discuss their Thanksgiving plans.

The COVID Comeback | The Roundtable Ep. 44

Election day has come and gone, so legacy media outlets are right back to covering coronavirus. Clinging to the last shreds of their viewership, they are doing their best to make the virus as scary as possible—a goal which dovetails perfectly with the policies of blue state leaders like Gavin Newsom and Meg Whitmer. As if that wasn’t bad enough, global elites are trying to initiate a “Great Reset” that will deprive you of everything you own. Seriously. They’re proud of that. Our editors unleash hellfire on the stupidity.

“Truth and Reconciliation” | The Roundtable Ep. 43

In a staggering display of dangerous hysterics, leftists have taken to floating the idea of post-Trump “truth and reconciliation commissions.” This of course amounts to the flogging of sinners (read: conservatives) against wokeism. At AOC’s call, one group actually started making a list of people who worked for him in an attempt to cancel those public servants. Our editors, sure to be first on the list, discuss the meaning of this disastrous development.

Special Edition: Matt Braynard on Election Integrity

In this special edition of The American Mind Podcast, Ryan Williams and Spencer Klavan interview Matt Braynard, former data chief and strategist for Trump's 2016 campaign and director of a new program to detect voter fraud in the 2020 election. The group discuss election integrity, potential voter fraud, and how the system to check for it works under the hood.

Election 2020: The Fight Begins | The Roundtable Ep. 42

November 3 has come and gone, but we still don't know who’ll take the White House come January. Election officials seem to have spent the day flailing around wildly, and the night doing...nothing. Despite the uncertainty, our editors identify the most important takeaways to keep in mind as the election unfolds.

See Claremont Institute-TPPF war game Ryan mentions here.

Pre-Election Calm | The Roundtable Ep. 41

In a desperate final gambit for relevance, the legacy media has been actively trying to prevent you from hearing about Hunter Biden’s shady business dealings with foreign powers. Increasing numbers of independent sources are confirming pieces of the story, but of course defending ol’ Joe is the legacy media’s first and only priority. With the election around the corner, the full editorial cast is back in the saddle to discuss how they are feeling about the election and what to watch out for. Plus: everyone makes an election prediction.

Toobin or not Toobin | The Roundtable Ep. 40

In a disgusting display of unbridled power, Twitter and Facebook have censored the New York Post’s exposé on Hunter Biden--Twitter has gone so far as to lock the Post out of their own account for days on end. While the exposé is still a developing story, parts of it are now confirmed true. Spencer and David commandeer the studio this week to break down the censorship issue and the exposé. Plus: Jeffrey Toobin decided to uh, enjoy himself on a business call. Some are trying to defend the indefensible.

Crack is Back | The Roundtable Ep. 39

Surprising nobody who’s paying attention, Facebook and Twitter decided to preemptively censor a New York Post exposé about Hunter Biden’s role in mediating between a Ukranian businessman and Joe himself. Effectively, Big Tech has decided you do not deserve to choose for yourself what is plausible and true. Our editors discuss what got us to this point in Big Tech censorship, and where we’ll likely go from here.

The Harris Class | The Roundtable Ep. 38

Mike Pence took the stage last night against Kamala Harris. On full display were Kamala’s religious identitarianism and her utter mediocrity. Our editors expand on this and more, breaking down not just the debate, but the context in which the debate took place--a context of managerial decadence, televisual decline, and ruling class failure. What will come next? It’s anybody’s guess, but what’s certain is that America’s future as a nation and a regime is at stake.

The Existential Questions of 2020: A Special Edition of the American Mind Podcast

In this special edition of the American Mind podcast, we apply the themes of our special edition podcasts on multiculturalism, the 1619 Project, and preserving the American way of life to elucidate the existential questions of the 2020 election. The podcast features Claremont Institute President Ryan Williams. It is narrated by James Poulos, Executive Editor of the American Mind, and produced by ChangeUp Media.

*** 

Works Referenced & Related Readings (In Order of Appearance):

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG7SglDjeOM
• https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2020/04/05/sotu-clyburn-full.cnn
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpKJ1XSLjY8
• https://thefederalist.com/2020/08/27/cnn-chyron-on-kenosha-fiery-but-mostly-peaceful-protests-after-police-shooting/
• https://americanmind.org/audio/multiculturalism-vs-america/
• https://americanmind.org/audio/the-1619-project-exposed-a-special-edition-of-the-american-mind-podcast/
• https://americanmind.org/audio/preserving-the-american-way-of-life-a-special-edition-of-the-american-mind-podcast/
• https://americanmind.org/features/the-racial-marxism-of-blm/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI3G4MqUQXk
• https://thefederalist.com/2020/08/31/meet-the-rioting-criminals-kamala-harris-helped-bail-out-of-jail/
• https://americanmind.org/features/the-racial-marxism-of-blm/
• https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/americas-white-saviors
• https://americanmind.org/features/the-racial-marxism-of-blm/the-communist-roots-of-white-privilege/
• https://thepostmillennial.com/exposed-blm-quietly-scrubs-anti-american-marxist-language-from-its-website
• https://thefederalist.com/2020/08/20/why-capitalists-like-jack-dorsey-keep-bankrolling-anticapitalists-like-ibram-x-kendi/
• https://www.politico.com/interactives/2019/how-to-fix-politics-in-america/inequality/pass-an-anti-racist-constitutional-amendment/
• https://www.city-journal.org/how-to-be-an-antiracist
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZfiSjTHVqA
• https://www.newsweek.com/america-fast-becoming-woke-theocracy-opinion-1518938
• https://taibbi.substack.com/p/on-white-fragility
• https://christopherrufo.com/
• https://nypost.com/2020/07/16/obscene-federal-diversity-training-scam-prospers-even-under-trump/
• https://christopherrufo.com/cdc-violates-presidential-order-with-critical-race-theory-training-program/
• https://www.theepochtimes.com/top-intelligence-official-promoted-white-fragility-recommendation_3423784.html
• https://www.redstate.com/stu-in-sd/2020/09/15/the-adverse-effects-of-obama%e2%80%99s-eo-13583-and-fogo-purge-are-now-obvious/
• https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2020/09/04/trump_to_feds_stop_anti-american_training_on_white_privilege_144145.html
• https://www.foxnews.com/us/protesters-hospital-los-angeles-sheriffs-deputies-ambushed
• https://twitter.com/stillgray/status/1298576558605471751
• https://joebiden.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/UNITY-TASK-FORCE-RECOMMENDATIONS.pdf
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrat-madness-11600296765
• https://twitter.com/GMA/status/1296281795017793539?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1296281795017793539%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthehill.com%2Fhomenews%2Fcampaign%2F512865-harris-there-is-no-vaccine-for-racism
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plRXzthk7qg
• https://americanmind.org/post/stop-the-coup/
• https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-clinton/hillary-clinton-says-joe-biden-should-not-concede-on-election-night-idUSKBN25L2FJ
• http://archive.is/NGte9
• https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/09/when-it-comes-to-trump-mattis-is-no-hero/
• https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2020/08/all-enemies-foreign-and-domestic-open-letter-gen-milley/167625/
• https://www.axios.com/bloomberg-group-trump-election-night-scenarios-a554e8f5-9702-437e-ae75-d2be478d42bb.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axiosam&stream=top
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/outlook/2020/09/03/trump-stay-in-office/?arc404=true&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=wp_main
• https://www.ft.com/content/c8767e22-a727-4a23-90bf-8d2844ca257a
• https://theintercept.com/2020/08/11/trump-november-2020-election/
• https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/17/opinions/if-trump-loses-and-refuses-to-leave-callan/index.html
• https://americanmind.org/post/stop-the-coup/
• https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pelosi-trump-gop-domestic-enemies-mailed-voting
• https://townhall.com/columnists/timothydaughtry/2020/09/14/red-mirage-or-blue-coup--democrats-and-the-mailin-ballot-campaign-n2576154
• https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2020/06/26/1_in_5_ballots_rejected_as_fraud_is_charged_in_nj_mail-in_election_143551.html?utm_source=whatfinger
• https://thefederalist.com/2020/08/31/biden-the-riots-will-continue-unless-you-vote-democrat

Visit The American Mind for more great content.

And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

***

Music: "Icarus Landing" by Taizo Audio

The "Debate" | The Roundtable Ep. 37

Trump took on Joe Biden and Chris Wallace in the debate on Tuesday night, demonstrating more than anything how far off the Left and the media are from reality. Our editors analyze Biden’s lies and Trump’s smartest moves, drawing some unexpected parallels to the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. 

Escalation | The Roundtable Ep. 36

The Berggruen Institute’s VP of Programs, Nils Gilman, recently tweeted out what is tantamount to death threats against Michael Anton. No retraction has been forthcoming. Unrest in Louisville bubbled over into the shooting of three police officers. Add in the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and you have a recipe for one thing: escalation.

On Death Threats | The Roundtable Ep. 36 Segment 1

Calling for the death of your political opponents is wrong, right? Right. Well, The Berggruen Institute’s Nils Gilman seems to think calling for death is acceptable if the target is a deplorable such as Claremont senior fellow Mike Anton. Our editors deplore this troubling development.

SCOTUS Fever | The Roundtable Ep. 36 Segment 2

Ruth Bader Ginsburg has died, throwing the entire 2020 election into a new light. The future of the Court is now on the line. Predictably, this development has caused the Left to screech at the top of their collective lungs. Our editors discuss.

Survivor: Louisville Edition | The Roundtable Ep. 36 Segment 3

In the wake of the grand jury indictment in the death of Breonna Taylor, Louisville, KY has entered a now-predictable state of unrest that resulted in the shooting of three police officers. Plus: the morality police are coming to arrest you for defending yourself from the mob.

The Coup | The Roundtable Ep. 35

America is under attack by BLM and Antifa authoritarians, backed by Democrats, who decided to mount a blitz against America’s governing institutions. Meanwhile, propagandistic drivel from the media machine trying to silence conservatives is so bad it’s actually funny. Our editors unmask the issues, and subject queer theory to the mockery it so richly deserves.

The Coming Coup. | The Roundtable Ep. 35 Segment 1

Have you listened recently to what the Left is telling you? It should unsettle you. Democrats are actively trying to subvert the very core institutions that have formed the bedrock of America itself. Why? Because BLM and Antifa authoritarians thought now was their time to seize the reins of power forcefully and violently. The Democrats have hitched to their wagon to that insurrection—they must not be allowed to succeed.

Haters Gonna Hate | The Roundtable Ep. 35 Segment 2

Los Angeles Magazine recently wrote a hit piece about the Claremont Institute—and it’s hilariously bad. From false and terrible arguments to cheesy alliteration, our editors have a field day ripping it to shreds.

Leo Strauss and Queer Theory | The Roundtable Ep. 35 Segment 3

Leo Strauss was a great man and a great political philosopher. That is why the American Political Science Association made an award in his name to be distributed for exemplary dissertations each year. To nobody’s surprise, APSA is spitting on Strauss’ legacy by handing out the award to whatever woksester writes the best ethnography. Our editors ponder the implications of this grimly funny development.

Michael Anton on the Stakes of 2020

In this special edition of The American Mind Podcast, join Ryan Williams, President of The Claremont Institute, as he interviews Michael Anton during Claremont's Lincoln Fellowship. The two discuss Anton's new book "The Stakes: America at the Point of No Return" and the existential crisis facing America in the run up to the 2020 election.

Mind Control, 93% Effective! | The Roundtable Ep. 34

Your eyes do not deceive you. Violent rioting has gripped the streets of American cities; more and more homeless are pouring out onto the sidewalks; and we have entered the era of rule by Karen. Turn on your TV, though, and you’ll be told none of this is happening because…Orange Man Bad! Our editors cut through the lies to get at what’s really going on.

Your Lyin’ Eyes | The Roundtable Ep. 34 Segment 1

“Experts” in and out of government thought they had perfected data manipulation in 2016, and since then they’ve refused to adapt even as their methods have continued to fail. Data fatigue has set in, and expertise mongers are indignant to discover that people no longer trust their elite presuppositions about how life oughta be.

Hypocritical Hollywood | The Roundtable Ep. 34 Segment 2

In its latest act of self-immolation, the Academy is demanding that films live up to racial and gender quotas to be considered for an Oscar. This won’t save Hollywood from its slow, fiery death, of course. Our editors discuss the future of art, and where true storytelling will go to escape the woke hoard.

Critical Race Theory | The Roundtable Ep. 34 Segment 3

Critical race theory has gotten its claws into the American bureaucracy. Trainings are held covertly to teach you that you are a horrible person and must cede all authority to someone else who is more of a victim than you are. It must be stopped--our editors discuss how.

Unmasking Leftist Hypocrisy | The Roundtable Ep. 33

America is in trouble. Our corrupt academy has been working for years to churn out obedient lemmings who swallow the talking points of their increasingly brazen and nakedly hypocritical elite masters--Looking at you, Pelosi. Worse still are the rioters, who are actively trying to violently overthrow the American regime. At least Trump’s visit to Kenosha reveals that not everyone is drowning in Kool-Aid.

Resist the Blackpill | The Roundtable Ep. 32

Amid the riots, the lockdowns, and the ceaseless media deceit, it’s tempting to just give up and wait for the end of America. But that’s exactly what the Democrats want. There is another path, however. You can dig your feet in the sand, cough up that black pill, and resist. Now is the time to go all-in, with cheer in your heart and a glint of joy in your eye. There’s nowhere else to go if we fail.

Kenosha Riots | The Roundtable Ep. 32 Segment 1

As the violent Left is set alight by another police shooting and subsequent Democratic agitation, they turn and set American cities alight. This time, two rioters met their end at the hands of a private citizen. It didn’t have to be this way. Our editors discuss how to avoid giving in to despair.

Secession is on the Table | The Roundtable Ep. 32 Segment 2

With a meager sixty-seven days until the general election in November, Democrats have moved from talking about secession as a last-ditch effort in a war game, to floating it as a serious strategy. Fueled by pure rage and moral self-righteousness, identitarians in liberal clothing are making their final gambit to stage an all-out coup. Can the American republic survive another wicked blow?

Make Your Stand | The Roundtable Ep. 32 Segment 3

The media tells you a misleading narrative first, and the facts only if convenient. Various government entities actively encourage or refuse to stop savagery and destruction in the streets. Our fellow citizens are torching businesses and ruthlessly beating people for trying to protect their livelihoods. Our institutions have failed us. You have to stand up for your country while there is still time to reverse course. If you don’t, no one else will.

The Future Liberals Want | The Roundtable Ep. 31

California is a dumpster fire of government corruption, bureaucratic ineptitude, and social breakdown--and it’s coming for a state near you! This is literally the future liberals want, as they have made plain this week in their spectacularly cringey remote National Convention. Plus: QAnon may be a kooky conspiracy theory, but are its adherents really wrong to fear a nationwide cabal of pedophilia? Our editors discuss.

California, the Nation’s Dumpster Fire | The Roundtable Ep. 31 Segment 1

Rolling blackouts are hitting hundreds of thousands of Californians during the worst heat wave since 2006. Wildfire is spreading across the state like…well, wildfire. And the state economy is in the tank. California is in trouble on all sides, all of which could have been avoided if Democrats weren’t such miserable incompetents. Is California’s meltdown a canary in the coal mine for Election 2020?

The DNC Cringefest | The Roundtable Ep. 31 Segment 2

Only 75 days out from the general election, the Democrats are finally holding their national convention. Everyone, even prominent left-wing figures, agree that it is an unmitigated disaster. Our editors analyze the strange gyrations of a party in its digital death throes, and the sinister new Left that is rising to take its place.

QAnon and Netflix | The Roundtable Ep. 31 Segment 3

A reporter recently asked President Trump if he is secretly saving the world from “pedophiles and cannibals.” This threw gasoline on the QAnon conspiracy theory, but Trump’s response was absolutely legendary. Our editors analyze the underlying rationality of conspiracy theories generally even if their conclusions are wrong. Plus: Netflix’s newest show sexualizes young girls in a disgusting, revealing way.

Preserving the American Way of Life: A Special Edition of the American Mind Podcast

In this special edition of the American Mind podcast, we make the case that conservatives should make their mission preserving the way of life--and explore what it entails, the assault our way of life currently faces, and what must to be done to overcome it. The podcast features Claremont Institute President Ryan Williams, and scholar Michael Anton, as well as selections from addresses from President Donald Trump, and Senators Tom Cotton and Josh Hawley. It is narrated by James Poulos, Executive Editor of the American Mind, and produced by ChangeUp Media.

*** 

Works Referenced & Related Readings (In Order of Appearance):

• https://americanmind.org/audio/multiculturalism-vs-america/
• https://americanmind.org/audio/the-1619-project-exposed-a-special-edition-of-the-american-mind-podcast/
• https://americanmind.org/features/preserving-the-american-way-of-life/
• https://americanmind.org/audio/what-is-the-fundamental-problem-politics-must-solve-a-conversation-with-mike-anton/
• https://youtu.be/x5lh5oUCWTs?t=2262
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmbnzd9pOaE
• https://www.hawley.senate.gov/senator-josh-hawleys-speech-national-conservatism-conference
• https://americanmind.org/essays/our-house-divided-multiculturalism-vs-america/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxmTIjq3sMo

Visit The American Mind for more great content.

And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

***

Music: "Day of Victory" by Swan Productions

The Kamala Cascade | The Roundtable Ep. 30

Joe Biden has picked Kamala Harris as his vice presidential running mate. Is it really as bad a choice as it seems, or do the Dems have a secret game plan? Meanwhile, mask hysteria has taken over not just America, but most of the world, causing activists to cheer on police officers for chokeslamming people on the street. But when a Black Lives MAGA rally was held in Beverly Hills recently, the press was silent. What does that say about the state of politics today?

Veepstakes are Finally Over | The Roundtable Ep. 30 Segment 1

With less than two months until election day, Joe Biden has finally announced his vice presidential pick: Kamala Harris. This pick caused mixed reactions on Twitter, but some who vowed never to vote for Biden or Harris completely flipped and immediately got on the bandwagon. Our editors discuss what the Harris pick means for America. 

Mask Hysteria | The Roundtable Ep. 30 Segment 2

As riots in the name of George Floyd continue around America’s urban hubs, a viral video has emerged of an Australian police officer chokeslamming a woman who had not donned a mask. Never mind that she had an exemption due to a medical condition: wokesters applauded the abusive officer, revealing the hypocrisy in their thinking. Our editors break down why it is that masks have become a political sticking point.

Black Lives MAGA | The Roundtable Ep. 30 Segment 3

All across America, “Back the Blue” and “Black Lives MAGA” rallies have been cropping up. But mainstream media outlets won’t give them a megaphone. What gives? Our editors discuss these rallies and contemplate what practicing virtue looks like in your daily life. Plus: Spencer engaged in a little civil disobedience over the weekend.

Impending Electionmageddon | The Roundtable Ep. 29

In a week that seems straight from the fever dream, everything seems to trend toward American upheaval and even crackup. New election-war-games run by the most virtuous and good predict violence come Election Day no matter what the outcome. Joe Biden’s mental prowess continues its slow creep towards senility, which might explain why the media has been trying to run cover for him to drop out of debating Trump in September. “Ethnomathematics” are even trending to try and make you think 2+2≠4. At least Trader Joe’s hasn’t bent the knee.

War Gaming November | The Roundtable Ep. 29 Segment 1

Lefty all-stars, including John Podesta and some remnants of the NeverTrump cohort, gathered to run war games to try and predict what will likely happen in November. Spoiler alert: it’s ugly. Potentially civil war ugly. Our editors tackle the tough questions posed by the results of the game. Plus: good ol’ Joe Biden can barely put together a coherent sentence and we’ve got the receipts. 

Person, Woman, Man, Camera, TV | The Roundtable Ep. 29 Segment 2

The media has been running cover for Joe Biden in an attempt to prevent him from being fed (barely) alive to President Trump on the debate stage. On the flip side, President Trump is amusingly quite proud of himself for acing a memory question on a mental acuity test he took. What does that stark difference reveal? Our editors have the answers.

Ethnomathematics and Based Trader Joe’s | The Roundtable Ep. 29 Segment 3

The woke mob has already come for your jobs, your education, your media, your very way of life. Now, they’re coming for basic truths of the world like 2+2=4. Seriously. Our editors weigh in on the downward spiral in which we find ourselves. Meanwhile, Trader Joe’s provides a glimmer of hope by refusing to bend the knee to wokesters. 

Identity, Nationalism, and Road Trips | The Roundtable Ep. 28

Join the editors for a frank discussion about black American nationalism, and nationalism more generally. Then: Matt reports on his road trip through several red states, highlighting some important phenomena going on in rural America that conservatives can capitalize on.

Race and the Founding | The Roundtable Ep. 28 Segment 1

Under the relentless assault on American values from the 1619 project and other racially divisive leftist tactics, some conservatives are flailing as they try to find a way to reconcile a troubled past with lofty ideals. Fortunately, our editors have a full-throated defense of America for citizens of every race.

Road Trip Report: California to Montana | The Roundtable Ep. 28 Segment 2

Matt reports on the dramatic differences he’s seen in his family as they have escaped the clutches of SoCal on a red-state road trip. Plus: how should conservatives react to Americans fleeing to the red states?

Sliding Down the Slippery Slope from Portland to LA | The Roundtable Ep. 27

In a dark and twisted experiment, L.A. Juvenile Hall is forcibly injecting teenage boys with estrogen without their or their parents’ consent. Meanwhile, insurgents in Portland continue their operations for more than 50 days straight, but what does that mean for the rest of America? Ryan and Spencer discuss. Plus: woke “bias training” comes to the federal government.

The Feds and White Fragility | The Roundtable Ep. 27 Segment 1

The hyper-woke “bias training” that has been ravaging corporate America is now being installed in the federal government. Ryan and Spencer discuss a shocking report from City Journal’s Chris Rufo, examining the underlying philosophy that has driven the Left into its frenzy of purgation.

Forced Hormone Therapy | The Roundtable Ep. 27 Segment 2

In a horrifying turn of events reminiscent of chemical castration in 1940s Britain, doctors and nurses in Los Angeles’ juvenile detention system have been injecting teenage boys with estrogen against their will and without consent. Ryan and Spencer outline how this could go from bad to worse.

The Battle of Portland | The Roundtable Ep. 27 Segment 3

Portland is the new ground zero for insurrectionist sentiments in America. Insurgents have targeted a federal courthouse for more than 50 consecutive days, attempting to burn it down multiple times with people still inside. Spencer and Ryan weigh in on how these insurgents threaten the very fabric of America.

The Natural Result of BLM | The Roundtable Ep. 26

Nick Cannon spews enough racist and anti-Semitic bile to get himself fired from ViacomCBS, but is he just saying the quiet part of BLM Inc. ideology out loud? Ghislaine Maxwell is in custody, but she oddly refuses to tell authorities who her husband is. Is it Jeffrey Epstein? Plus: what can ancient Rome tell us about where we’re heading today? Spencer and David weigh in as they hold down the fort.

Deforming America | The Roundtable Ep. 25

You thought 2020 was weird before. But now Kanye is running for president, the bots are ready to teach you wokespeak, and Joe Biden has pledged to transform America into something unrecognizable. Plus: Terry Crews gets based, and won’t back down.

Pledging to End America | The Roundtable Ep. 25 Segment 1

Joe Biden has pledged to transform America should he win in 2020. What exactly does that mean for the American way of life? What does such a bold statement say about the state of American politics? What can conservatives do to fight against that ideology? Our editors have the answers.

How to Write Wokely | The Roundtable Ep. 25 Segment 2

Language matters. Textio, the new language-cleansing app, is just one among a number of robotic brain worms poised to emasculate and denature all language and, eventually all thought. Plus: Princeton faculty has made a series of misguided woke demands. Our editors stare into the void of depravity which faces us all.

Yeezy Nation | The Roundtable Ep. 25 Segment 3

2020 has been one of the strangest years on record, and then in walks Kanye West to make it even stranger with his announcement that he’s running for president. Our editors, through hearty laughter, talk about the national ramifications of such a campaign. Plus: Terry Crews gets based, attacks parts of the BLM movement, and--most importantly--sticks to his guns.

Karen-in-Chief | The Roundtable Ep. 24

With the coronavirus surging again, Daddy Newsom rises to the fore as Karen-in-Chief--shutting down businesses across California, closing beaches, and banning fireworks just in time for the 4th. Meanwhile, CHAZ/CHOP is no more, scuppered after CHOP’s armed private security executed a young man. Plus: Columbus, Ohio removes a statue of Christopher Columbus while GOP senators work to abolish Columbus Day, which only serves to show their complete fecklessness and inability to grasp the underlying issues.

The CHOP Cop Shop | The Roundtable Ep. 24 Segment 1

CHAZ/CHOP has finally been shut down by Seattle’s actual police, but not before several murders were committed--most recently by CHOP’s own private police force. Our editors discuss the frightening circumstances and important takeaways from this insurrectionist experiment. Plus: where’s the Left when China brings down the jackboot of tyranny on Hong Kong?

The Gormless Old Party GOP | The Roundtable Ep. 24 Segment 2

Columbus, Ohio has, ironically, removed a 22-foot tall statue of the city’s namesake, Christopher Columbus. Meanwhile, three GOP senators back an idea to abolish Columbus Day in a move that shows Republicans in leadership have learned nothing from the last four years. On top of that, how much havoc can woke AI cause?

Lockdown 2.0 | The Roundtable Ep. 24 Segment 3

Daddy Newsom, the Karen-in-Chief, is back and insufferable as ever. This time he’s shutting down businesses in California (again), closing beaches, and banning fireworks for the 4th of July all in a misguided attempt to control citizens. There’s an op afoot trying to blame conservatives for not wearing masks as an ideological position. But who’s really being anti-science here?

American Heresy | The Roundtable Ep. 23

Have we forgotten that revolutionary ideology breeds actual revolutions? It seems some of our leaders on the Right may have. Our fearless Claremont president urges them to Stand Up! BLM and the left continue to go unchecked, Big Tech weaponizes deregistration without oversight, and our military leaders issue renegade statements that don’t bode well, to say the least. Our editors discuss the American culture’s latest forbidden heresy and Ryan pays tribute to the great Michael Uhlmann, who singlehandedly saved the electoral college. 

Stand Up, America! |The Roundtable Ep. 23 Segment 1

The radical goals of our Marxist mob are coming to fruition. DAs across the country announce they will not be pressing charges for BLM riot crimes. The Right struggles to be smart and courageous in response to the current coup attempt. In the face of it all, Ryan rallies Republicans to take courage and Stand Up for America in the latest statement from the Claremont Institute. 

Sweet Land of Deregistration | The Roundtable Ep. 23 Segment 2

Cancel culture just leveled up in the big tech world as our nerd overlords use deregistration to wipe dissident sites completely out of existence. Our editors concede that technology has allowed Americans the space to be free and successful. But with the growing control of the leftist woke tyrants over big tech, our very existence and ability to communicate meaningful ideas is at risk. Also: Matt yells at Netflix to get off his lawn. 

The Coup | The Roundtable Ep. 23 Segment 3

The Claremont Institute seeks to lower the temperature of our political moment and to convince Americans of the price of failure to do so. BLM and the Left continue to work hand-in-glove for power, while no one holds them accountable for their violence and attempts to delegitimize the 2016 election. Prominent military officials signal their disagreement with Trump on using the military to stop the rioting, to which our editors (or anyone who has ever ready any history) respond: this, uh, can’t be good.

A House Divided |The Roundtable Ep. 22

The Lincoln Project puts out shamelessly deceitful (and laughably uninspired) propaganda insinuating President Trump is a racist. Google tries to demonetize the Federalist. Plus: Black Lives Matter rallies people to raise money for Black lives but instead funnels it to the Democrat Party and other activist groups. Our editors discuss the demonstrations of political power in the streets and the erasure of western history before our very eyes. 

The Great Leap of Faith | The Roundtable Ep. 22 Segment 1

Our editors discuss woke religion and its unfalsifiable claim that nebulous racism permeates our country--as compared to the real racism brought about by the administrative state and the elites who run it. Meanwhile, party lines are getting blurred, revealing which movements have the real power of the people behind them. Finally: same story, different victim—Google tries to demonetize the Federalist based on its comments section, then backs down. 

The Multiculturalism Scam | The Roundtable Ep. 22 Segment 2

Behind and beyond the Democrat and Republican party, there are two coalitions mobilizing Americans: the BLM-Antifa coalition and the MAGA coalition. The traditional parties must bow down to these new populist fronts in order to harness their power. Unfortunately for the sincerest among the woke, the money BLM raises is not going where anyone thinks it is. It's the scam of multiculturalism writ large: Americans are sorted into groups so they can be better managed by the elites. 

The West vs. the Woke | The Roundtable Ep. 22 Segment 3

The attempts at eradicating any trace of Western history continue this week, but who would have thought that the one to exhibit the most spine in the West would be Emmanuel Macron? Our editors give credit where it is due, discussing French nationalism and the struggles that are giving way to our full-blown regime crisis. Finally: the leftists come for poor John Sutter, and our editors aren’t having it. 

The Woke Inquisition | The Roundtable Ep. 21

There’s a new religion in the land, but it offers no absolution. Our editors discuss the new convulsions of our latest culture war culture war,  in which ignorant armies rage against the very principles of equality on which America was built. Our editors unpack the important cultural shifts that brought about this crisis and ponder where to go from here.

Welcome to Your Cultural Revolution | The Roundtable Ep. 21 Segment 1

There’s a cultural revolution taking place on your city streets, your screens, and even your bookshelf. Mayor De Blasio vows to name a street in every borough “Black Lives Matter,” Gone with the Wind is erased from HBO, and Drew Brees bends the knee while being dragged through the mud to avoid getting cancelled. More in sorrow than in anger, our editors contemplate the radicalization of our ruling classes.

Seattle is Mentally Ill | The Roundtable Ep. 21 Segment 2

The state of nature is on full display in a pocket of Seattle called the “Autonomous Zone.” It turns out to be a fishbowl into which Americans can gaze and see all the effects of leftist miseducation on full display. It took less than 48 hours for a warlord to emerge, of course, and things only get wilder from there.

Churchill-Palooza | The Roundtable Ep. 21 Segment 3

The Antifa outrage mob attempts the wholesale erasure of history, sweeping through the U.S. and Europe and leaving no monument untoppled. Winston Churchill, the great leader who literally took the fight to real fascists, is among the first to be defamed. By way of Shakespeare and Lincoln's second inaugural, Ryan and James ask: when will it end?

America is Not Racist | The Roundtable Ep. 20

The country watches the effects of the 1619 Project come to life in the form of weaponized social justice and anti-American riots. The ruling class goes full force in their efforts to unseat our elected president. Woke channels brainwash children with a gnostic leftist fantasy, and those who should know better sadly capitulate. 

Deep State, Deep Space | The Roundtable Ep. 19

In this episode, the editors look to the final frontier, revisit some of The American Mind’s best essays, and answer your questions in the mailbag.

Coronavirus Cancels Campus | The Roundtable Ep. 18

The coronavirus has America paralyzed by poor decision-making. In the midst of the chaos it claims a new victim: higher education. But who's suffering more, students ready to learn or administrators hungry to indoctrinate? Plus: in a grab bag of bashing, our editors lament Michigan's petty tyranny and lambaste California’s ham-fisted lockdown. 

The Coronacrisis Drags On | The Roundtable Ep. 17

As stay-at-home orders are senselessly extended in parts of the country, our editors contemplate the indignities of life under mediocre government officials drunk on emergency powers. Many of those officials currently find themselves mired in scandals extending back to the Obama administration. Plus: will Big Tech be our savior or our demise moving forward?

Liberty on a Ventilator | The Roundtable Ep. 16

As Trump taps a loyal supporter to be postmaster general, Ryan educates us on the days of Taft and the spoils system. Matt discusses the importance of liberty in the age rule by Governor Gavin “Karen” Newsom. Plus: the anti-American 1619 Project continues to poison American education and discourse, and now its creator has a Pulitzer to lend her faux legitimacy. Our editors shout into the void.

Show Notes

Daddy Newsom and the Death of Celebrity | The Roundtable Ep. 15

Governor Gavin Newsom gives beachgoers in California the dad look of disappointment. Our editors consider the cringe state of affairs that is celebrities in quarantine. Plus: Oxford lecturer Dr. Emily Cousens fears a British coronavirus vaccine because it might make her country look good. 

Show notes

The 1619 Project Exposed Part I: A Special Edition of the American Mind Podcast

In Part 1 of this special edition of the American Mind podcast, we explore the intellectual roots, political and societal implications of and the antidote to what the Claremont Institute believes is the great threat to America: multiculturalism. The podcast features Claremont Institute President Ryan Williams, Chairman Tom Klingenstein and scholars Lucas Morel and Chris Flannery, as well as the likes of Newt Gingrich, Allen Guelzo, Heather Mac Donald, Wilfred McClay, and Peter Wood. It is narrated by James Poulos, Executive Editor of the American Mind and produced by ChangeUp Media.

*** 

Works Referenced & Related Readings (In Order of Appearance):

• https://americanmind.org/audio/multiculturalism-vs-america/
• https://pulitzercenter.org/sites/default/files/full_issue_of_the_1619_project.pdf
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrfV7w3EyGI&feature=youtu.be&t=1419
• https://youtu.be/Q14BTdS6BRc?t=406
• https://www.aclu.org/podcast/nikole-hannah-jones-1619-projects-reframing-american-history-ep-61
• https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/04-04-02-0019
• https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_606.asp
• https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/debates_825.asp
• https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-7148
• https://lawliberty.org/reclaiming-1619/
• https://youtu.be/Q14BTdS6BRc?t=158
• https://americanmind.org/essays/america-wasnt-founded-on-white-supremacy/
• https://americanmind.org/post/the-party-of-1776/
• https://americanmind.org/post/americas-choice-freedom-or-shame/
• https://www.thefreelibrary.com/ANCIENTS%2C+MODERNS%2C+AMERICANS.-a0600446978
• https://www.heritage.org/article/the-case-bolstering-americas-founding-principles?_ga=2.62395816.581846879.1579710693-724078996.1578924964
• https://www.nps.gov/liho/learn/historyculture/peoriaspeech.htm
• https://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/what-to-the-slave-is-the-fourth-of-july/
• https://rbscp.lib.rochester.edu/4399
• https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2019/08/new-york-times-meeting-transcript.html
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-isnt-the-one-dividing-us-by-race-11566158729
• https://youtu.be/ikG3ojmj25A
• https://grabien.com/story.php?id=251333
• https://youtu.be/mFm2xHHGjdU
• https://youtu.be/kAEhKh7eKzw?t=212
• https://youtu.be/kAEhKh7eKzw?t=291
• https://youtu.be/10HNtL0rhRE?t=194
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=breydcMCsiU
• https://youtu.be/burUi-TB1hk
• https://twitter.com/6abc/status/1172323328108875777
• https://youtu.be/H1ZWC2f4_A8
• https://pulitzercenter.org/blog/back-school-pulitzer-center
• https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=1619-project-poised-to-reframe-teaching-slavery-how-educators-using-information-curriculum
• https://news.wbfo.org/post/your-story-textbooks-ours-isn-t-buffalo-schools-adopt-1619-project
• https://www.nas.org/topics/1620-project
• https://nas.org/blogs/dicta/america-is-hopelessly-racist
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-weaponization-of-history-11566755226
• https://www.commentarymagazine.com/articles/wilfred-m-mcclay/how-the-new-york-times-is-distorting-american-history/

Visit The American Mind for more great content.

And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

***

Music: "Orbiter Nine" by Remember the Future

The 1619 Project Exposed Part II: A Special Edition of the American Mind Podcast

In Part 2 of this special edition of the American Mind podcast, we offer a response to the 1619 Project, underscoring the imperative to develop and execute a whole-of-society response to defeat it. This portion of the podcast features Claremont Institute Chairman Tom Klingenstein and scholar Chris Flannery, as well as the likes of Newt Gingrich and Heather Mac Donald. It is narrated by James Poulos, Executive Editor of the American Mind and produced by ChangeUp Media.

*** 

Works Referenced & Related Readings (In Order of Appearance):

• https://www.newsweek.com/newt-gingirch-1619-project-slavery-america-1456307
• https://americanmind.org/feature/multiculturalism-vs-america/

Visit The American Mind for more great content.

And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

***

Music: "Life Line" by Remember the Future

Make America Work Again | The Roundtable Ep. 14

The WHO becomes a political football guarded by Leftists, Globalization warps the political judgment of our bipartisan ruling class, and the mainstream American media joins up with Beijing’s propaganda machine.

Give me Liberty or Give me Coronavirus | The Roundtable Ep. 13

Petty tyrants like Michigan Gov. Whitmer push lockdown too far, the internet celebrates that feeling when the TrumpBucks hit, and pork’s flagging fortunes have America’s omnivores bugging out. Your faithful editors and publisher discuss the federalism free-for-all.

Is That You, Tomorrow? | The Roundtable Ep. 12

The numbers have it: maybe coronavirus isn’t as bad as we feared. But with bubbles at home and trouble in China, what new normal awaits? Plus: Bernie burns out, men get antsy, and ultimate fighting—like life itself—finds a way.

Roundtable: The Show Might Go On

Trump is on a TV tear, intellectuals are trolling America, and pop culture memories aren’t what they used to be. The gang hashes out what’s worth tuning in for… and what’s best dropping out of. 

Roundtable: The Mailbag, Quarantine Edition

Join our editors as they answer a combination of your serious and humorous mailbag questions. The results: speculation about a new Homestead Act, the potential for another Civil War, and how long it will take for David Bahr to catch the #CCPVirus.

Roundtable: Notes from Quarantine

Everyone’s talking about coronavirus, but these are not your grandma’s takes. Staring into the void, our editors contemplate the deep mysteries and regime ramifications of an unprecedented crisis.

Roundtable: Boomers, Zoomers, and Coronavirus

This week: how do you do, fellow kids? Our editors provide your definitive guide to online jargon, discuss the consequences of woke sex doctrines, and give real-time responses to Trump’s coronavirus address.

Roundtable: Boiled Frog in Larva Butter

No matter where you look, the seams of society are showing—and they’re starting to fray. From Biden’s Declaration debacle, to gamer beds, to larva butter, to Big Tech and even Big Health: our editors reconvene  and prescribe red pills for all.

Soul-Sick Nation | The Roundtable Episode 6 Complete

The Editors are back, but temporarily without their fearless leader Ryan Williams. Not to be daunted, the remaining few discuss Lent, the coronavirus, Trump’s personnel changes, drugs, the decadence of Hollywood, and the death drive of the West. 

Pass the Coffin | The Roundtable Episode 6 Segment 1

Our Editors talk Lent, the coronavirus, and the inescapability of death. James and Spencer contemplate digital Gnosticism, and David gives instructions for his cremation. 

Banana Republic | The Roundtable Episode 6 Segment 2

President Trump brings loyal players back into the fold at the White House. The administrative state tries to unite with anyone who will fight against Trump. David weighs in on it all from the swamp.

Potheads, Brainworms, and the Meaning of it All | The Roundtable Episode 6 Segment 3

Bernie talks to kids about cocaine, revising their memories. Our editors address drugs and the psychological brokenness of American addicts, noting the counterrevolution brewing among young people.

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood | The Roundtable Episode 6 Segment 4

“You can’t drive out corruption without material discipline”: editors discuss the rapidly intensifying decadence of Hollywood, touching on the Weinstein verdict, Peachy Keenan’s spicy take on the Spielbergs, and Ross Douthat’s new book, The Decadent Society.

Big Porn and Mini Mike | The Roundtable Episode 5

Our Editors talk about the future of eugenics, the battle of Bloomberg v. Bernie, and an exciting new economic initiative on the Right. Plus: are libertarians coming for your sexual dignity? Our editors talk porn.

Eugenics, Me-genics, and Us-genics | The Roundtable Ep. 5 Segment 1

After some interesting tweets by Richard Dawkins, our editors wrestle with hard questions involving cultured human meat and Klingon gene replacement.

Kissing the Woke Ring | The Roundtable Ep. 5 Segment 2

Who will bow further to wokeness—Bernie or Bloomberg? Our editors take on the coming dissolution of the Democratic Party as we know it.

Lessons in the Dismal Science | The Roundtable Ep. 5 Segment 3

Oren Cass founds American Compass, a pro-prosperity think tank and the latest in the Right’s ongoing debate over free market economics.

Two Men Walk Into a Blockbuster... | The Roundtable Ep. 5 Segment 4

Andrew Yang joins CNN, but who will influence whom? Mini Mike sneaks back into our final segment, and our editors break down the latest American Mind pieces on porn.

Spies, Gays, and Coronavirus | The Roundtable Ep. 4

Our editors discuss a bold proposal by Angelo Codevilla to abolish the CIA, coronavirus and its threat to globalism, Pete Buttigieg’s success in the New Hampshire primaries, and the dullness of #NeverTrump conservatism. Finally, our editors are unleashed on the Oscars.

“Intelligence” vs. the Republic | The Roundtable Ep. 4 Segment 1

The CIA has effectively become an organ of the deep state. Should we abolish it? Angelo Codevilla thinks so. Our editors discuss.

Coronavirus and the Death Drive of the West | The Roundtable Ep. 4 Segment 2

Coronavirus has put globalism in a terminal condition. Will the elite let it die, or take us down with it? Meanwhile, Mayor Pete continues his milquetoast presidential run as a “nice, intelligent gay man.”

Neo-Con Woodstock | The Roundtable Ep. 4 Segment 3

The NeverTrump wing of the Right is hosting a summit—of irrelevancy—as the rest of the Right leaves them behind. Snark from our editors ensues.

The Slow Death of the Oscars and Fan Mail | The Roundtable Ep. 4 Segment 4

Our editors mock the Oscars and ruminate over the futility of elite virtue posturing. Also: James Poulos reads fan tweets.

Jumping the Shark | Ep. 3, Segment 4: Our Editors Unleashed

The sun is long gone beneath the Claremont hills, the last of the whisky is long gone from the bottle, and our editors are long gone past the point of cogency.  Plus: Spartan love (not that kind), goat screams, and vitalism versus rubber chickens.

A Righteous Acquittal | Ep. 3, Segment 3: The Future

Trump, bulletproof, walks out of the Impeachment trial unscathed, unafraid, and almost tired of winning.

Trump’s Triumphant State of the Union | Ep. 3, Segment 2: The Past

Donald Trump shows himself to be a based boomer as he delivers a powerful SOTU address that launches from the Wild West to Outer Space. Our editors respond.

The Iowa Debacle | Ep. 3, Segment 1: The Present

The Iowa caucuses end with a whimper, revealing a deep schism in the Democratic Party. Join our editors for an autopsy.

When the Boss is Away… | The Roundtable Ep. 3

A #based State of the Union, a Democrat SNAFU in Iowa, and impeachment acquittal: Trump is riding high. Plus: our editors finish an entire bottle of whisky.

Note: heroes and Scotsmen (but I repeat myself) spell whisky without an “e”

The Roundtable Ep. 2

Elites remain out of touch with everyone, our institutions are broken, and some people on the Left and the Right are still in denial about how bad things have gotten. But at least CNN’s Don Lemon is good for a laugh.

Elites without a Clue | The Roundtable Ep. 2 Segment 1: The Present

Can’t handle the truth? Identity politics to the rescue. It’s a helluva drug: reviewers use shallow tropes to dismiss two important conservative books. 

Alarmism or Realism? | The Roundtable Ep. 2 Segment 2: The Past

Don’t panic: Our editors are here to discuss the merits and blind spots of some recent calls for civility and caution among conservatives.

Institutional Renaissance | The Roundtable Ep. 2 Segment 3: The Future

Our institutions are broken. But are they beyond repair? The editors discuss what can be done to set things right.

CNN is Still Trash | The Roundtable Ep. 2 Segment 4: Our Editors Unleashed

CNN’s Don Lemon lets the mask slip to reveal his utter contempt for Trump voters. Our editors have some choice words in response. Plus: China’s dysfunction makes globalization a fool’s gambit.

The Roundtable Ep. 1, Segment 4: Meme-ery

The eyes, man. What’s up with the newly restored Lamb of God from the Ghent Altarpiece?

The Roundtable Ep. 1, Segment 3: The Future

What happens to the conservative movement now? We talk social ills and possible solutions.

The Roundtable Ep. 1, Segment 2: The Past

Jeffrey Epstein’s mysterious death opened a window onto a rabbit hole into a conundrum about American disillusionment and corruption. What does it all mean? We peer into the void.

The Roundtable Ep. 1, Segment 1: The Present

Democrats want you to think the impeachment of President Trump is extraordinary. Is it? Our editors discuss.

The Roundtable Ep. 1

Impeachment is still happening (apparently), Jeffrey Epstein still didn’t kill himself, and we conducted a very scientific poll about how to fix America. Plus: what’s up with the Lamb of Ghent?

The American Mind Episode #3: U.S. Foreign Policy and the Pursuit of National Interest

In this podcast, Ryan Williams, our President at Claremont and Publisher of The Claremont Review of Books is joined by Michael Anton. We thank Mr. Anton for joining us and for his unique insights. 

The American Mind podcast uncovers the ideas and principles that drive American political life. 

The American Mind fosters thought-provoking and substantive conversation about the real causes of our current political and cultural reality. We explore these ideas with an eye towards restoring America back to civic health. 

In each episode, we engage Claremont institute scholars, co-conspirators, and challengers on the core questions and critical issues of our time. The mission of the Claremont Institute is the recovery of the American idea- the timeless principles that have made America great since its founding. 

The American Mind is hosted by Ryan Williams, President of the Claremont Institute and publisher of the Claremont Review of Books and The American Mind, or Matthew Peterson, Vice-President of Education at the Claremont Institute and Editor of The American Mind. Visit our website for essays, editorials, debates, and more. E-mail us at [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe and to spread the word to your friends and colleagues!

The American Mind Episode #6: Populism and Identity Politics

In this podcast, Matthew Peterson, our Vice President of Education at Claremont and Editor of The American Mind is joined by two exceptional scholars of American politics: David Azerrad and Henry Olsen. We thank them for joining us and for their unique insights. 

The American Mind podcast uncovers the ideas and principles that drive American political life. 

The American Mind fosters thought-provoking and substantive conversation about the real causes of our current political and cultural reality. We explore these ideas with an eye towards restoring America back to civic health. 

In each episode, we engage Claremont institute scholars, co-conspirators, and challengers on the core questions and critical issues of our time. The mission of the Claremont Institute is the recovery of the American idea- the timeless principles that have made America great since its founding. 

The American Mind is hosted by Ryan Williams, President of the Claremont Institute and publisher of the Claremont Review of Books and The American Mind, or Matthew Peterson, Vice-President of Education at the Claremont Institute and Editor of The American Mind. Visit our website for essays, editorials, debates, and more. E-mail us at [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe and to spread the word to your friends and colleagues! 

The American Mind Episode #2: The Dogma of the Modern University

In this podcast, Matthew Peterson, our Vice President of Education at Claremont and Editor of The American Mind is joined by Michael Anton. We thank Mr. Anton for joining us and for his unique insights. 

The American Mind podcast uncovers the ideas and principles that drive American political life. 

The American Mind fosters thought-provoking and substantive conversation about the real causes of our current political and cultural reality. We explore these ideas with an eye towards restoring America back to civic health. 

In each episode, we engage Claremont institute scholars, co-conspirators, and challengers on the core questions and critical issues of our time. The mission of the Claremont Institute is the recovery of the American idea- the timeless principles that have made America great since its founding. 

The American Mind is hosted by Ryan Williams, President of the Claremont Institute and publisher of the Claremont Review of Books and The American Mind, or Matthew Peterson, Vice-President of Education at the Claremont Institute and Editor of The American Mind. Visit our website for essays, editorials, debates, and more. E-mail us at [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe and to spread the word to your friends and colleagues! 

The American Mind Episode #1: What's the Matter with Congress?

In this podcast, Matthew Peterson, our Vice President of Education at Claremont and Editor of The American Mind is joined by three of America's leading scholars on Congress: Dr. Matthew Spalding, Dr. Michael Uhlmann, and Dr. Joseph Postell. We thank them for joining us and for their unique insights. 

The American Mind podcast uncovers the ideas and principles that drive American political life. 

The American Mind fosters thought-provoking and substantive conversation about the real causes of our current political and cultural reality. We explore these ideas with an eye towards restoring America back to civic health. 

In each episode, we engage Claremont institute scholars, co-conspirators, and challengers on the core questions and critical issues of our time. The mission of the Claremont Institute is the recovery of the American idea- the timeless principles that have made America great since its founding. 

The American Mind is hosted by Ryan Williams, President of the Claremont Institute and publisher of the Claremont Review of Books and The American Mind, or Matthew Peterson, Vice-President of Education at the Claremont Institute and Editor of The American Mind. Visit our website for essays, editorials, debates, and more. E-mail us at [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe and to spread the word to your friends and colleagues! 

Hemingway and Severino: On Kavanaugh Confirmation, Identity Politics, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes

In this edition of The American Mind podcast, host Ryan Williams sits down with Mollie Hemingway, Senior Editor at The Federalist, and Carrie Severino, chief counsel and policy director of the Judicial Crisis Network, to discuss their new bestselling book, Justice on Trial: The Kavanaugh Confirmation and the Future of the Supreme Court.

During the conversation, Williams, Hemingway and Severino discuss the unprecedented partisanship from the Left on the judicial confirmation process; the impact of the Clinton impeachment inquiry on the crusade against Justice Kavanaugh; the overjudicialization of politics and why it has transpired; DOJ malfeasance and the rise of "expertise;" law enforcement and the administrative state; the Kavanaugh confirmation fight as a proxy for the power of identity politics; the politicization of the Supreme Court; what Pumpkin Spice Lattes tell us about the state of American civil society and politics; the criticality of a common understanding of human nature, the Constitution and American identity; and much more.

*** 

Recommended Reading: Justice on Trial

Visit The American Mind for more great content.

And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

R.J. Pestritto: On Progressivism, Liberalism, and the Administrative State

In this edition of The American Mind podcast, host Ryan Williams sits down with Ronald “R.J.” Pestritto, Dean of the Graduate School and Professor of Politics at Hillsdale College, to discuss Progressivism: how it came to be, its theoretical and political impact, and what it means for us today.

Since its arrival on the scene at the turn of the 20^th Century, Progressivism has transformed American politics. But one cannot fully appreciate this shift without an understanding of the Founders’ view of human nature, government, and justice—and how the Progressive vision for America seeks to unravel it.

Pestritto also discusses small “L” liberalism—a topic very much en vogue today on the Right—and how it came to be dissociated with its original meaning of the protection of rights, which the Founders embraced.

Of course, no discussion of Progressivism is complete without considering the Administrative State.  Pestritto and Williams talk about the rise of the bureaucracy in America and what it means for our constitutional order.  

*** 

Recommended Reading: The German Stamp on Wilson’s Administrative Progressivism

Visit The American Mind for more great content.

And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

Multiculturalism vs. America

In this special edition of the American Mind podcast, we explore the intellectual roots, political and societal implications of and the antidote to what the Claremont Institute believes is the great threat to America: multiculturalism. The podcast features Claremont Institute President Ryan Williams, Chairman Tom Klingenstein and scholar Charles Kesler, as well as the likes of David Azerrad, Lord Conrad Black, Allen Guelzo, Roger Kimball and Norman Podhoretz. It is narrated by James Poulos, Executive Editor of the American Mind and produced by ChangeUp Media.

*** 

Works Referenced & Related Readings (In Order of Appearance):

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPfwLh5pyy4
• https://americanmind.org/feature/multiculturalism-vs-america/
• https://americanmind.org/discourse/algorithms-of-suppression/
• https://americanmind.org/essays/defend-america-defeat-multiculturalism/
• https://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/fed39.asp
• https://americanmind.org/essays/our-house-divided-multiculturalism-vs-america/
• https://claremont.org/crb/article/patriotism-vs-multiculturalism/
• https://www.claremont.org/crb/article/the-crb-interview/
• https://youtu.be/0WzDYy7IR2Y?t=2400
• https://americanmind.org/features/winning-the-new-irrepressible-conflict/trump-vs-multiculturalist-insurrection/
• https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1193&context=llr

Visit The American Mind for more great content.

And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

Christopher Caldwell: On Populism in Europe and Multiculturalism in America

In a feature for the Spring 2019 issue of the Claremont Review of Books, Christopher Caldwell reported on Viktor Orbán's leadership of Hungary and the future of Europe. Caldwell joins the American Mind podcast to talk about Orbán's Hungary and the course he has charted on matters of immigration, culture and economics in contrast with some of his peers. Caldwell also addresses the ongoing battle between illiberal democracy and undemocratic liberalism as caricatured by Italy's Matteo Salvini and France's Emmanuel Macron, and elucidates the ties between European populism and American populism. During the conversation, Caldwell and host Ryan Williams also touch on the multiculturalist challenge to America.

Christopher Caldwell was a senior editor at The Weekly Standard and author of Reflections on the Revolution In Europe: Immigration, Islam and the West (Anchor, 2010).

*** 

Recommended Reading: "Hungary and the Future of Europe"

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What is Nationalism: A Conversation with Chris DeMuth

'Nationalism.' It’s a word getting thrown around a lot these days. Some say it is code for racism and xenophobia. Others contend it is the natural expression of any nation’s people. What does nationalism mean, and how does the concept apply to American politics today? These are the questions at the heart of an essay in the Winter 2019 issue of the Claremont Review of Books titled “Trumpism, Nationalism, and Conservatism.” It’s author is Chris DeMuth, who joins host Ben Judge in this episode of The American Mind Podcast.

In this interview, you’ll hear about DeMuth's move towards appreciating President Trump, as well as a word of warning to conservative organizations dealing with Republican presidents. But at the heart of the conversation is this question: Are Trumpism, Nationalism, and Conservatism synonymous?

Christopher DeMuth is a distinguished Fellow at the Hudson Institute. From 1986 to 2008, he was the President of the American Enterprise Institute. His experience in government spans from working for Daniel Patrick Moynihan in the Nixon administration to serving in the Reagan administration as the Administrator for Information and Regulatory Affairs, colloquially known as the “Deregulation Czar.”

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Recommended Reading: "Trumpism, Nationalism, and Conservatism"

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What’s Wrong with Conservatism: A Conversation with Dr. Charles Kesler

Why, even after electoral triumphs, have conservatives had such a hard time governing? You think this question only applies to today? Twenty years ago, as part of the American Enterprise Institute’s Bradley lecture series, Dr. Charles Kesler gave an answer to why conservatives felt adrift. That lecture is just as relevant now as it was in 1998, and it forms the basis of this episode of The American Mind Podcast. 

In this interview, you’ll hear why Dr. Kesler says American conservatism can only feel grounded when it argues policy based on the principles of equality and justice. But, to get there, we have to work our way through different pieces of conservatism’s intellectual heritage. Only then can we see “what’s wrong with conservatism.” 

Dr. Kesler is a professor of government at Claremont McKenna College and the editor of the Claremont Review of Books. In 2017 he was named to The Politico 50 for his pioneering work in political philosophy, and in 2018, he won the Bradley Prize for his work on, among other topics, American liberalism and conservatism.

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Recommended Reading: "What's Wrong with Conservatism"

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And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]

What is the Fundamental Problem Politics Must Solve? A Conversation with Mike Anton

Since this is the first episode of the American Mind Podcast, we thought we would go back to basics. What is the fundamental problem politics must solve? What does that mean for governments in general? What about for America?

Helping us work through those questions is Mike Anton. He is a Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute and Lecturer at Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center in Washington DC. He has written for Pete Wilson, Rudy Giuliani, George W. Bush, and most recently he served in Donald Trump‘s National Security Council as Deputy Assistant for Strategic Communications. But many of you know him from an essay he wrote for the Claremont Review of Books titled “The Flight 93 Election.” That essay became the basis for his new book, After the Flight 93 Election: The Vote that Saved America and What We Still Have to Lose. What is his answer to the fundamental problem of politics? And how does that answer lead to his criticism that conservatives are too focused on the accumulation of wealth? Mike Anton explores these questions and many more in the inaugural edition of The American Mind Podcast.

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Visit The American Mind for more great content.

And if you have feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you at [email protected]