There is a bipartisan infrastructure deal, and it looks likely to pass. The smorgasbord of other progressive wish list items that was supposed to follow its passage, however, is more imperiled than ever. Couple this with a disappointing second-quarter GDP number, and you have to wonder if the government spending to which we’ve committed ourselves over the course of the pandemic is the problem.

Commentary Magazine Podcast

Is the Spending the Problem?

Today's podcast takes up the fulfillment of what we've been warning against—the public-health people are lowering the boom again in a self-defeating effort to control the spread of the COVID variant by controlling the behavior of... the already vaccinated. We take apart the reasons proffered by the CDC director for this bizarre guidance. Then we talk about the shame of the attacks on the Capitol policemen who testified at the 1/6 hearing yesterday and more on the Olympics as psychodrama. Give a listen.

The Awfulness of the New COVID Mandates

American athletes are having a tough time at the Olympics. On today's podcast, we suggest various causes, among them that there is no longer a psychic benefit to be gleaned from representing your country in these games. We also wonder at the competency of American politicians and the potential horrors awaiting Afghanistan as we pull out. Give a listen.

The Anti-Patriotic Olympics

As the pressure grows to return America to a condition of mini-lockdown, we examine the words and ideas of the public-health bureaucracy that is horrified by the prospect of America just...governing itself. Plus: transgender athletes and Jackie Mason. Give a listen.

They Want Emergency Powers Permanently

With municipalities around the country reimposing indoor masking recommendations or even mandates, no one seems to be asking whether the fully vaccinated will welcome much less endure restrictions they shouldn’t have to observe. Is a backlash brewing? Also, California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recall election is looking more and more like a tossup.

The Coming Revolt of the Vaccinated

Did Nancy Pelosi make a mistake by rejecting two more pro-Trump Republicans from the January 6 commission? Or is she once again making a strategic blunder? Also, inflation has become one of voters’ primary concerns, and the threat it represents to Democrats is growing.

Is Pelosi Brilliant or Blowing It?

Today's podcast continues our conversation from yesterday about the Jeff Bezos expedition and the hunger among elite liberals to heap scorn and derision upon it, him, and the very idea of technological progress. Why? And are there really breakthrough infections? And what can we learn from Eric Adams, NYC mayoral candidate, and his commonsensical neocon remarks? Give a listen.

Trashing the Explorers

Today's passionate podcast features praise for the American people when it comes to vaccination and serious querying why we are turning this amazing national mobilization success into a neurotic failure. And we celebrate Jeff Bezos's trip into near-space and ask again why it is that we are being told by the liberal establishment that it is a pointless and vainglorious effort. Cheer up, people! Give a listen.

We Should Be Proud

Michael Brendan Dougherty of National Review joins us today to discuss his controversial NR piece, "Convincing the Skeptics," which caused a firestorm on Twitter for supposedly showing undue sympathy for those who aren't getting the vaccines. We also talk about bad polling and the very bad Kenneth Roth of Human Rights Watch. Give a listen.

Can the Vaccine-Hesitant Be Convinced?

Today's podcast features COMMENTARY columnist Matthew Continetti joining us to ruminate upon the Biden administration's response to the events in Cuba, the outrageous imposition of an indoor mask mandate in L.A. county, and why liberals seem to think the only way to be properly sexual these days is to be in a throuple. Give a listen.

Cuba, and Masks, and Throuples—Oh, My!

The podcast crew expresses skepticism at the notion that Biden and the Democrats have a brilliant strategy to get their $3.5 trillion spending bill passed. And we express skepticism about Joint Chiefs chair Mark Milley's self-portrait as the man Who Saved America from the New Nazis. And we praise Olivia Rodrigo, who's great. Give a listen.

The Dems Are Not Playing 4-D Chess

James B. Meigs joins today's podcast to discuss the Delta variant surge and the continuing refusal of many on the Right to act to contravene it. We also talk about the weirdness of Democratic senators announcing they had agreed to a $3.5 trillion deal that, in fact, they hadn't all agreed to—and why on earth the Biden administration is giving into Iran. Give a listen.

It's Not Manly to Refuse the Vaccine

Washington Free Beacon Editor-in-Chief Elianna Johnson joins the program today in Christine Rosen’s absence to talk about Texas Democrats’ tactical retreat from their jobs, Cuba’s ongoing protests, and troublingly high inflationary signals.

Run Away! Run Away!

Noah Rothman is back after a week away from the podcast to offer his two cents on the Delta variant surge and how it's affecting conservative media and Republican politics. We also discuss the revolt in Cuba and why it's important to support democratic rebellions abroad... and Black Widow. Give a listen.

Surges and Purges

Today's hodgepodge of a podcast takes up our personal histories of summer camp, Joe Biden's speech on Afghanistan, the conversion of COVID into a seasonal flu, and bad documentaries. Give a listen.

Bug Juice and Bugouts

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Commentary Magazine Podcast

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