The Dispatch Podcast

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and David French to discuss the potential ceasefire extension with Iran and the Democratic Party's autopsy of its 2024 presidential election loss. The Agenda: —The Iran deal —Domestic consequences —Division on the right —Ceasefires aren't deals —The DNC autopsy —Party constituencies shift —NWYT: Long school years Show notes: —Jonah's "anti-manifesto" on the Iran war The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠click here⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Mike Warren to discuss Donald Trump’s $1.776 billion slush fund and the indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. The Agenda: —The slush fund —The impeachment case —Will Congress grow a spine? —Indictment of Raúl Castro —The Venezuela model —NWYT: Discontinued treats Dispatch Recommendations: —A Time for Choosin’, Texas —Will Trump’s Reverse Midas Touch Cost the GOP Texas? —Keeping Antisemites Out of the Tent —Masculinism and Feminism | Interview: Helen Lewis Show notes: —Steve on Schiltz for The Weekly Standard The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠click here⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Kevin Williamson, Mike Warren, and David Drucker to discuss Donald Trump’s primary challenges against Sen. Bill Cassidy and Rep. Thomas Massie, along with last week’s U.S.-China summit in Beijing. The Agenda: —Sen. Cassidy’s loss —The consequences of crossing Trump —Texas Republican primary —Trump’s approach to China —Taiwan as a bargaining chip —NWYT: Trump’s $1.776 billion fund Dispatch Recommendations: —Will MAGA Come for Thomas Massie? —Democratic Efforts to Reclaim Blue-Collar Voters Get a Test in Pennsylvania —The Benefits of a Later School Bell —Cornfield Baptism Near Omaha, Nebraska The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠click here⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Warren is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David Drucker, and Charles Hilu to discuss the nationwide redistricting battles happening in state legislatures and Donald Trump’s low approval for handling inflation. The Agenda: —Impact of Louisiana v. Callais SCOTUS decision —Louisiana, Tennessee, and Alabama redistricting —South Carolina Republican defies Trump —Race and representation —Abysmal inflation approval —Trump: “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation” —Can Republicans win both chambers? —NWYT: Peak bagel? Dispatch Recommendations: —SCOTUS Clears Way for Alabama to Use Congressional Map —Could Hantavirus Go Global? —The Empire of Baloney —Why Surging Federal Debt Matters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and the Hudson Institute's Michael Sobolik to discuss the upcoming summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the future of U.S. relations with China, and the prospect of Taiwanese independence.The Agenda:—Is China an adversary?—Xi Jinping's global strategy—Xi's military purges—The Taiwan question—Human rights abuses in China—Dispatch cruises?—NWYT: Sean Duffy's reality TV showDispatch recommendations:—American Dreamer—Rebuilding the Arsenal of Democracy—The Math and the Mechanics on Kevin Warsh’s Smaller FedShow notes:—WSJ on Xi's China—AEI report on China's demographic outlook The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠click here⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and Mike Warren to discuss the potential end of major combat operations against Iran and Trump's retribution campaign against Indiana Republicans who opposed his mid-decade redistricting efforts.The Agenda:—End of Operation Epic Fury—Did the U.S. achieve its military goals?—Post-Iran War U.S. economy—Trump's waning political capital—Indiana GOP primary revenge—The ballroom flip-flop—NWYT: A Dispatch cruiseDispatch Recommendations:—The Fading Trump Presidency—Will MAGA Come for Thomas Massie?—My Father’s Conservatism—Anti-Zionism Is a Dead End for PalestiniansThe Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠click here⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Kevin Williamson, Mike Warren, and Mike Nelson to discuss rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and the disconnect between the White House’s words and actions.The Agenda:—Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz—Who can keep the Strait open—Project Freedom—Trump’s rising political pressure—Democrats’ midterm messaging—NWYT: Philadelphia 76ers ban New York Knicks fansDispatch Recommendations:—A Pope You Don’t Have To Think About Every Day—Is There a China Strategy Behind the Iran War?—Liebling at War —All the Money in the World, and Then Some Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and Sarah Isgur to discuss the role of populism within the Democratic Party and the second Department of Justice indictment of James Comey. The Agenda:—Maine Gov. Janet Mills drops Senate bid—Right-wing vs. left-wing populism—Populism meets reality—The James Comey indictment—Indicting political opponents—Future of the justice system The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Michael Warren to discuss the third attempt to assassinate Donald Trump and why the national mood is so bad in the 2020s.The Agenda:—The third assassination attempt—Trump’s ballroom—History of political violence—Why everyone leaves Congress—The national bad mood—NWYT: Iran war’s effect on supply chainsDispatch recommendations:—The Price of Crossing Crypto Could Be Higher in 2026—Shades of Color in Philipsburg—The Enduring Lessons of Fusionism—I Am a Free-Range Parent. I Probably Won’t Be When I Move to America.Show notes:—The shooter’s manifesto—White House correspondents’ dinner guests taking wine bottles—Erick Erickson: “This is not a both-sides issue.”—Capitol police threat assessment—Gallup poll on national mood—David French on “America’s Violent Heart” The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Kevin Williamson to discuss the Trump administration's ongoing negations with Iran, FBI Director Kash Patel's alleged excessive drinking, and Justice Clarence Thomas' recent speech at the University of Texas. The Agenda: —Is the end near? —Consequences of Trump's impatience —Bad negotiating strategy —⁠Kash Patel's drinking⁠ —⁠Investigating 2020 election fraud⁠ —⁠Justice Thomas' speech on progressivism⁠ —NWYT: ⁠Tucker Carlson's apology⁠ Dispatch Recommendations: —⁠Online Gambling Is Breaking Containment ⁠—⁠The Son Also Rises⁠ —⁠Overturning Religious Precedent⁠ —⁠The emergency docket’s mistaken birthday⁠ Show notes: —⁠John McCormack's reporting on Tucker Carlson⁠ —⁠Steve Hayes' piece on Tucker Carlson⁠ The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Mike Warren, David Drucker, and Mike Nelson to discuss the latest on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and how it is affecting Trump's popularity. The Agenda:—U.S.-Iran negotiations—WSJ reporting on Trump's "public bravado"—U.S. forces seize Iranian ship—The downstream political costs of war—Netanyahu faces domestic pressure—Challenges of modern information environment—Most absurd stories of the week The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Mike Warren, Scott Lincicome, and Megan McArdle to discuss our overly complicated tax code and our launch of Dispatch Markets, featuring Scott's latest newsletter. Steve, Megan, and Mike then discuss New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax and how the democratic socialist mayor has governed so far.The Agenda:—Donald Rumsfeld's tax letter—The cost of tax compliance—Political will for tax reform—Personal vs. corporate tax complexity—Mamdani's pied-à-terre tax—Economic policy in New York—NWYT: J.D. Vance's small crowdDispatch Recommendations:—Trump Retribution Campaign Threatens to Unravel Indiana GOP—Is Private Credit in Trouble?—The Decline and Fall of Orbánism Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Mike Warren, Mike Nelson, and Michael Sobolik to discuss the failed negotiations with Iran, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's defeat at the polls. The Agenda:—What we know about the negotiations—How to enforce a blockade—The risk to U.S. troops—The view from China—J.D. Vance as negotiator—Why Taiwan’s defense budget matters—Viktor Orbán’s big loss—NWYT: Trump vs. the pope Dispatch Recommendations:—Trump’s NATO Threats Highlight Deeper Structural Tension—Trans Issues Are No Conspiracy—Identity Politics Is a Problem for Conservative Christians Too—A Peaceful Uneasy Feeling—Pope Leo’s Case Against the Iran War Is Not Political—Come Sail Away With Me (in Sheboygan, Wisconsin)—Orbán’s 16-Year Reign Ends Show Notes:—Chaos Under Heaven: Trump, Xi, and the Battle for the Twenty-First Century—Trump post appearing to depict him as Jesus removed amid backlash The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Sarah Isgur, Michael Warren, and Kevin Williamson to discuss Sarah’s new book, Last Branch Standing; the history of partisan attacks on the Supreme Court; and the state of the two-week ceasefire with Iran. The Agenda:—Trump's attacks on the Supreme Court—Public perception of the court—Sarah's writing process—Ambiguity in the ceasefire—Strait of Hormuz tolls—NWYT: The Masters tournament menu Dispatch Recommendations—Schrödinger’s Ceasefire—Ossining, New York, in the ‘Unwoke’ 1950s—SCOTUStoday: Sotomayor criticizes Kavanaugh—A Peaceful Uneasy Feeling Order Sarah’s book here. The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur is joined by Mike Warren, Kevin Williamson, and David Drucker to discuss the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi and the White House's proposed 2027 fiscal budget.The Agenda:—Pam Bondi's DOJ—The future of the DOJ—Fallout from the Epstein files—Trump's proposed 2027 budget—Trump's midterm messaging—NWYT: TMZ's political coverageDispatch Recommendations—Marriage Got Better—So Why Is It Disappearing?—Welcome to the Party, Christmas and Easter Christians—What the No Kings Protests and Tea Parties Have in Common—The Last Conservatives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah Goldberg is joined by Dispatch contributors David French, Megan McArdle, and Mike Nelson to discuss whether ground operations in Iran are still an option and the significance of Meta's two landmark losses in social media addiction trials. The Agenda:—Trump's prime-time address—Potential ground operations—How to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—True deterrence against Iran—Meta and Google addiction trials—Banning phones in schools—NWYT: Kid Rock's Army flyover Dispatch Recommendations—Why Rubio’s Stock Is Rising With MAGA—Birthright Citizenship Oral Arguments—Birthright Citizenship Has a Long Historical Precedent—The Welfare-Warfare State, Redux The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah Goldberg is joined by Gil Guerra, Kevin Williamson, and Megan McArdle to discuss the nationwide blackouts in Cuba and whether the country will be next in Trump’s crosshairs.The Agenda:—The state of play in Cuba—History of the blackouts—A Russian tanker arrives—How much does Cuba matter to the U.S.?—The case for regime case—The left’s fascination with Cuba—How would the right react?—NWYT: Melania and the educational AI robotDispatch Recommendations:—Meet the Has-Beens, Never-Weres, and Felon Locked in a Trumpy Primary—The Era of Cookbooks Is Not Over—Our Almost-Promised Land—The Institutional Rot of the Right’s Youth PoliticsShow Notes:—Will Cuba Be the Next to Fall? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and Mike Nelson to measure the strategic success of the war in Iran so far and discuss the diverging war aims between U.S. and Israel.The Agenda:—Is Iran winning the war?—Trump's shifting rhetoric—Trump's daily video montage briefing—U.S. and Israel's diverging war aims—Bad timing for a shutdown fight—NWYT: The America First awardDispatch Recommendations:—Media’s New Ethical Dilemma: Polymarket and Kalshi—The Gorilla Channel—Meet the Has-Beens, Never-Weres, and Felon Locked in a Trumpy Primary—Will Cuba Be the Next to Fall?Show Notes:—G-File: Two Trump Administrations—Audrey Fahlberg's reporting on Joe Kent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by David Drucker, Mike Warren, and Jonathan Martin, Politico's politics bureau chief, to discuss the upcoming midterm elections and the Democrats' ongoing identity crisis.The Agenda:—The Trump effect on 2026 midterms—Partisan redistricting efforts—Scandals in state primaries—Democratic identity crisis—The GOP after 2028—NWYT: Meals with sourcesShow Notes:—On the Road with Jonathan Martin The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠click here⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and David French to discuss the growth of prediction markets and the differing goals that Israel and the U.S. may have in the war with Iran.The Agenda:—The harms of sports betting—Fantasy football podcasts and gambling—Monetizing insider trading—How does gambling affect sports?—The libertarian argument regarding addiction—Mismatched aims for the war in Iran—Tension between the U.S. and Israel—NWYT: Can a vegan candidate win in Texas? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices