The Thinking Muslim The Thinking Muslim

Macklemore, Mamdani and Miliband: Does Anyone Still Like the Shape of Israel? | Norman Finkelstein

Sep 18, 2026 · 1h 1m

Summary

This episode features Professor Norman Finkelstein discussing the shifting US public opinion on Israel, attributing the change to young people identifying with Gaza’s suffering as a metaphor for their own economic despair. He critiques right-wing figures like Tucker Carlson for merging anti-Israel sentiment with "America First" nationalism, while analyzing the Democratic Socialist movement’s ability to elect candidates without a concrete plan for post-election structural change. Finkelstein also highlights a significant shift in British policy under Ed Miliband, who aligned with internation…

Topics discussed

Sponsorships: Whole Foods and Acast Tucker Carlson's shift on Israel and US politics Distinguishing America First motives from left-wing views Critique of America First and economic inequality Sponsor: Whole Foods Market Rise of democratic socialism and youth radicalism Marxist theory on industrialization and worker power Assessment of new political leaders and policy plans Fear, lack of organization, and the depressed generation Sponsor: BTML Thinking Muslim Israel losing public opinion and the Gaza metaphor Ruthlessness of modern capitalism and labor protections Comparing Nazi concealment to open Israeli actions UN report on targeting Palestinian children Origins of Israeli culture and chosenness ideology Historical parallels with colonialism and abolitionism Sponsor: Whole Foods and California Closets Summary of Israeli attitudes and US impunity UK Labour's shift and international law on Palestine Need for organized pressure on political leaders Surprise at British Labor's policy change Censorship of artists and art for art's sake Sponsor: BTML and London travel anecdotes Sponsor: One Times Square
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