As Joe Biden shuffled toward the finish line of his presidency, he and his staff let off a final volley of pardons—but who was really holding the (virtual) pen? This week, the guys sit down to weigh in on the renewed discussion of autopens as the New York Times reports on a cache of emails that may reveal the truth. Trump, meanwhile, caused a stir by agreeing to sell military supplies to NATO, which will then be passed to Ukraine. In the U.K. and Europe, technocrats crack down as triple crises fester: unchecked immigration, rampant crime, and youth radicalization. Plus: book and movie recommendations! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
--------
1:08:00
--------
1:08:00
Big Bill, Big Win (ft. Eric Teetsel)
The hosts are joined this week by Claremont's Vice President of Communications and Beck & Stone co-founder Andrew Beck to recount Vice President JD Vance’s speech at Claremont’s 2025 Statesmanship Award dinner, shining a light on the contradictions of liberals—wealthy, yet vehemently anti-billionaire; white, yet self-deprecating—and discussing the conservative mission to build and unify. Roiling also beneath the surface of the Left is an incendiary concoction of mental illness, confused gender ideology, and a propensity toward violence, most recently exposed in a series of attacks on ICE agents in Texas. Plus: Center for Renewing America CEO and Lincoln alumni Eric Teetsel drops in to discuss the passing of Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, noting its successes and reactions to it from within and without the Right’s coalition—and joins the media recommendation wrap-up! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
--------
53:49
--------
53:49
New York, New Left (ft. Inez Stepman)
New York assemblyman (and amateur rapper) Zohran Mamdani has hit upon a distilled blend of socialism, anticolonialism, and woke omnicausery to secure a Democratic primary win in New York City’s mayoral race. Does his victory signal the party's new direction after months of post-election flailing? Legal policy analyst and friend of the Institute Inez Stepman joins the hosts to discuss Mamdani’s rise and chances of victory. Then: the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Trump v. Casa doesn't end the birthright citizenship debate, but it does free up the executive from judicial overreach and could do a lot to restore constitutional order. Plus: listener feedback, fellowship insights, and Fourth of July food and reading recommendations! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
--------
1:19:23
--------
1:19:23
Bunker Busted
The Supreme Court has upheld Tennessee's right—and by extension, the right of other states—to regulate or ban trans medical procedures for children. Meanwhile, Trump’s precision strike against Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities has succeeded in extracting a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. The possibility of diplomacy and peace now exists—but will it materialize? The hosts are joined this week by regulars Seth Barron and Matthew Peterson, alongside special guest and Army veteran Will Thibeau to discuss the recent events in the Middle East and global implications. Plus: book and media recommendations! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
--------
1:07:47
--------
1:07:47
No Kings, No Congress
In a two-man Roundtable throwback, hosts Spencer Klavan and Mike Sabo offer some initial reaction to Israel’s precision strikes against Iran and the subsequent fallout. Memories of past military failures and fear of Mideast regime change swirl online, but Trump seems prepared to back Netanyahu’s attack on Iranian nuclear capacity. Meanwhile, protestors took to the street to declare opposition to kings and kingly powers... which don’t exist. What does exist is judicial overreach and legislative inaction. Details, details. Plus: videogame(!) and other media recommendations! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit claremontinstitute.substack.com
The American Mind Podcast uncovers the ideas and principles that drive American political life. In each episode, we engage Claremont Institute scholars, co-conspirators, and critics in thought-provoking discussions about the real causes of our current political and cultural reality. We explore these ideas with an eye towards restoring American civic health.
The Roundtable is a weekly show, hosted by our editors and publisher with a unique blend of joviality and intellectually stimulating conversation, boosted by an occasional glass of whisky. Each episode focuses on a handful of topics that carry significant weight in the debate of ideas for the best path of American life, both privately and civically. Of course, we do reserve some time for fun in each show. claremontinstitute.substack.com
México