Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
With Lileks not around to crack the whip, we go long (as in Rob) this week with a super-sized episode. First, Commentary Magazine editor-in-chief and New York Post columnist John Podhoretz stops by to talk about Obama-malaise, why we shouldn't worry too much about China, and gives insider's point-of-view on the News Corp scandal. Then, our homegrown presidential kingmaker Paul Rahe reassures us that a certain Congressman can run the country, the problem with Perry, and pitches Rob and Peter hard on a Ricochet cruise.
Note: the links are taking a vacation for the next few weeks while we work out some technical issues. But feel free to list your own in the comments.
Music from this week's episode:
- This Is Why We Fight by The Decemberists
- Shiny Happy People by R.E.M.
The direct link to this week's episode (great for mobile devices!). But don't worry, be happy and subscribe. Don't use iTunes? Visit our Feedburner page for a number of other subscription options.
Thanks to EJHill for the always great graphic.
The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books and their Broadside series. This week's featured title is How Barack Obama is Bankrupting the U.S. Economy by Stephen Moore. Available for all platforms at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.
- Comment (32)
- · Quote
- · UnfollowFollow (3)
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
- Pages:
- 1
- 2
Comments :
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
We all know that EJ Hill is a genius, but this time EJ has out-EJed himself!
Michelangelo, move over.
Edited on Aug 17, 2011 at 3:34pmMay '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Can I have a notarized copy of that for my wife? Thanks....
Dec '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Niiiiiiice graphic, EJ!
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
My wife thinks it's a riot.
Sep '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Tastes like butter.
Jun '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Peter - Re: your reference to Louis XVI and his attempt to get to the Austrian border at the beginning of the podcast, the French historian you may be thinking about is Timothy Tackett and the book, When The King Took Flight (here).
Sep '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
I hope you meant that in the figurative sense.
Feb '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Rob: Can I be your doctor? I always wear a white shirt and tie!
Jul '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Peter, You referred to Texas as "..the fourth largest state."
Since the Mighty Blue Yeti is taking a break, could You please inform Me in what category that would be?
Apr '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Dr. Rahe you made an excellent argument for Paul Ryan. Count me as one of those who would switch their support from Romney to Ryan if he decided to run for president.
Jun '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Any Republican candidate who ends up running in the general must recite, word-for-word, Dr. Rahe's opening description of Obama's pathetic path to the Presidency.
Apr '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
It has been such a glum Republican field, and then, all at once, everything changed... This podcast is gonna have me smiling for a week! Airborne!
Aug '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Perfectly titled "The Optimists." After listening, count me as another optimist.
Oct '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Best. Podcast. Ever. What, me biased?
Aug '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
If given a choice between people jumping from the House to the White House without passing Go, I'd go for Ryan over Bachmann. And, given the Lincoln example, I suppose I must admit that that jump can produce a good president. But I've yet to be convinced that candidates from deliberative bodies are as good as candidates from executive positions. Of the four on the ticket in 2008 (Obama/Biden, McCain/Palin), I thought the only one qualified for the executive position was Palin.
As always, a great, thought provoking and enjoyable podcast.
Mar '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Gravity of mind and levity of heart on the podcast this week. Loved it, gents.
Nov '10
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
And just so we are clear, we had breakfast, not dinner, in Seattle. I was a big proponent of proving Rob wrong about the cost of a grande latte, but we didn't want the Ricochet membership to go up again! So we all agreed to say it was too busy to go in.
Apr '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
I can report to Mr. Podhoretz that Hyde Park moved even further left: When voted there for the first time in '88, I was one of only three Republican votes in my precinct.
Apr '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Of, course. Internet speeds in Austria are so much faster than in France.
Prof. Rahe's analysis of Rep. Ryan's chances was heartening (and the breadth of his view breath-taking), but Perry and Ryan both have the disadvantages of their virtues. Ryan is not likely to go down in self-ignited flames, but neither is he likely to be a shooting star. Perhaps that is all it will take against Obama, but remember, about the only kind of person GHWB could have beaten was a pleasant wonk like Michael Dukakis.
But the dynamics are different this time. Bush-41 had the Reagan wind at his back; nowadays, Democrats are psychotic. On the plus side, Bush was never as unstable as BHO. Like the Reagan-Carter debate, the turning point could be a face-off in which Ryan shows Obama is a stumble-tongued, arrogant, ignorant, mean-spirited, waspish, lying, pompous, ineffectual pontificator.
Perry, if properly prepared, could parry Obama's prevarications and then swamp him with carefully metered Texas brio: the guy who's comfortable in his skin vs. the costive, self-protective narcissist who has carefully covered over the fact that he has never done anything.
Edited on Aug 19, 2011 at 8:41amMay '11
Re: Ricochet Podcast #82: The Optimists
Loved the Podcast. Loved the optimism. I just wanted to suggest that if you are looking for some entertaining and brilliant pessimists for next week look no further than Mark Steyn. He just released a new book "After America" which by the title alone lets you know he's a bit of a pessimist, but also a real treat to listen to.