A Man of 1989 (w/ David Frum) #569
Summary
Hosts Camille Foster, Michael Moynihan, and Matt Welch interview David Frum, who discusses his new podcast, his conservative roots, and the political legacy of 1989. Frum critiques the Democratic Party’s shift toward radicalism and expresses deep concern over candidates like El Saeed, whose rhetoric he views as hostile to Jewish Americans. The group debates the difficult choices facing Never Trump conservatives in upcoming elections, weighing institutional preservation against ideological purity.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Defining patriotism and loving the country as it is
Personal anecdotes: Europe trip, union membership, and podcasting
Literary discussion: Spy novels, John le Carré, and Clive James
Family history: William F. Buckley Jr. and Canadian heritage
Historical context: The Holocaust, grandparents, and political identity
1989-1994: The spread of democracy and historical parallels
Rise of antisemitism and the role of luck in life outcomes
Conservative disappointments: Tucker Carlson and the cost of bravery
Media incentives and the pull toward the political resistance
Political compromises and the Michigan primary dilemma
Michigan Senate race: Mike Rogers vs. El Saeed and DSA influence
Extremism on both sides: Nick Fuentes, Zohran Mamdani, and party bases
El Saeed's victory speech and the duty of elected officials
Polling crisis: Polymarket accuracy vs. traditional polling failures
Democratic strategy: Pragmatism vs. ideological purity in primaries
Healthcare policy: Obamacare, Medicare for All, and scarcity
Immigration and populism: Buchanan, Trump, and European parallels
Foreign policy: Bush era successes and the collapse of the Soviet economy
Revolutionary risk: Why communism is unlikely in the US
The 'Unpatriotic Conservatives' essay and its lasting impact
Reflections on changed views: War on drugs and the religious right
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