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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