TAC Right Now

Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington debate whether America should "walk away" from Russia-Ukraine diplomacy. Then, they discuss President Trump's foreign-policy realism, signs of civilizational politics, and the "big beautiful bill." Recorded May 29, 2025.

Andrew Day and Curt Mills talk to Jon Hoffman of the Cato Institute about the escalating Gaza war, the reported Trump-Netanyahu "rift," Steve Witkoff's "red line" for Iran, and the state of Russia-Ukraine diplomacy. Recorded May 21, 2025.

Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss White House moves that have rankled Israel, Russia-Ukraine direct talks, and the new American pope. Recorded May 14, 2025.

Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss the strength of the anti-war right, President Trump's meeting with Canada's new prime minister, and the India-Pakistan conflict. Recorded May 8, 2025. 

Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss the firing of Mike Waltz, President Trump's first 100 days, and signs that Russia-Ukraine peace talks will fail. Recorded May 1, 2025.  YouTube: https://youtu.be/5dkVT8xRpTg?si=o_hAgSHdddH8uaRq 

Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss President Trump's push for Russia-Ukraine peace, Pete Hegseth's loss of control in the Pentagon, and the death of Pope Francis. Recorded April 23, 2025. 

Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss Steve Witkoff's diplomatic efforts on Iran and Russia-Ukraine, some immigration controversies, and President Donald Trump's second-term performance so far. Picks of the week:  "The Actual Point of the Deportations," by W. James Antle III (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-actual-point-of-the-deportations/)  "Erdogan's New Turkey--and Old?" by Sean McMeekin. (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-actual-point-of-the-deportations/)  "Will Trade Policy Be America First's Iraq War?" by Jude Russo (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/will-trade-policy-be-america-firsts-iraq-war/)  "Trump's Desperado Mission," by Jude Russo. (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trumps-desperado-mission/) 

Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss President Trump's tariff pause, his Oval Office meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, and U.S.-Iran diplomacy. Recorded April 9, 2025. Picks of the week:  "Predator or Prey? It's the Wrong Question for Great Powers Today," by Erik Gartzke (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/predator-or-prey-its-the-wrong-question-for-great-powers-today/) "Steak and Company," by Spencer Neale (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/steak-and-company/) "Trump the Gambler," by James Antle (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trump-the-gambler/) 

Andrew Day and Sumantra Maitra talk to Jarrett Stepman of The Daily Signal about President Trump's tariffs, Marine Le Pen's legal woes, America's lethal partnership with Ukraine, and more. Recorded April 2, 2025.

Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss Mike Waltz's Signal-gate embarrassment, a Mexican cartel killing site, and political turmoil in Turkey. Picks of the week: “Turkey Can Advance Trump's Foreign Policy Goals,” by Deniz Karakullukcu. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/turkey-can-advance-trumps-foreign-policy-goals/ “The Hidden Themes Behind the Syrian Violence,” by Sumantra Maitra. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-hidden-themes-behind-the-syrian-violence/ "Trump Should Turn NATO Over to Europe," by Doug Bandow. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trump-should-turn-nato-over-to-europe/ 

Andrew Day and Sumantra Maitra talk to Justin Logan of the Cato Institute about U.S. strikes on Yemen, the possibility of war with Iran, and President Donald Trump's efforts to get a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Andrew Day, Jude Russo, and Joseph Addington discuss U.S. efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Pres. Donald Trump's battle with Rep. Thomas Massie, and the brutal violence in Syria.  Picks of the week:  "Trump Shouldn't Do Regime Change in Ukraine, Either," by Doug Bandow https://www.theamericanconservative.com/trump-shouldnt-impose-his-will-on-ukraine/ "The Ugly Reality on the Ground in Syria," by Ali Rizk https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-ugly-reality-on-the-ground-in-syria/ "The Afghan Refugee Program Is an Unfixable Mess—and May Bring the Next Terrorist Attack," by Phillip Linderman. https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-afghan-refugee-program-is-an-unfixable-mess-and-may-bring-the-next-terrorist-attack/       

Andrew Day, Sumantra Maitra, and Joseph Addington discuss President Trump's big speech to Congress, the fallout from the tense meeting with Zelensky, and some downsides of tariffs on Canada and Mexico.  Picks of the week:  "Whither Pro-Lifers?" by Jude Russo (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/whither-pro-lifers/)  "The Problem in CANZUK Is Nationalism," by Sumantra Maitra (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/the-problem-in-canzuk-is-nationalism/) "What is Realistic in Ukraine?" by W. James Antle III (https://www.theamericanconservative.com/what-is-realistic-in-ukraine/)

Andrew Day, Joseph Addington and Sumantra Maitra discuss the power and influence of Elon Musk, Addington's coverage of CPAC, and Maitra's Europe tour and reflections on the ongoing tectonic shifts of the continent. 

Joseph Addington, Mason Letteau Stallings, Sumantra Maitra is joined by Jarrett Stepman, to discuss the President Elect's Teddy Roosevelt moment about Greenland and Panama. 

Curt, Jude and Sumantra talk H1-B visa, and the wins and losses of 2024, and the promises of 2025 for American conservatism. 

TAC Right Now Returns after the election, with Senior Editor Sumantra Maitra, Features Editor Spencer Neale, and Editorial Fellow Joseph Addington, to review the election and contours of the new administration. 

Executive Director Curt Mills, Senior Editor Sumantra Maitra, and RealClearPennsylvania editor Charles McElwee preview the big event. 

Sumantra, Joseph, and Helen ask whether President Biden is trying to sabotage Kamala Harris, whether Elon Musk's conversion to Trumpism bodes well, and what's the deal with Ta-Nehisi Coates. Picks of the week: Helen: "Court Applies Environmental Law to Border Disaster," Phillip Linderman Joseph: "The Dangerous Autocrat on Our Southern Border," Collin Pruett Sumantra: "Grand Strategy Misses the Point," Kevin Blachford

Helen, Spencer, and Joseph discuss the VP debate, Iran's strikes on Israel, and the longshoremen's union. Picks of the week: Helen: "Tucker Carlson: Do You Really Believe Iran Is a Threat," Nicholas Bartulovic Spencer: "No October Surprises Needed," W. James Antle III Joseph: "Trump-Washing U.S. History," James Bovard

Sumantra joins Curt and Helen to discuss the Middle East, Ukraine, and the presidential race. Picks of the week: Helen: "The U.S. Has Hurt Itself with Russia Sanctions," Helen Andrews Sumantra: "Zelensky's Victory Plan Contains No Victory and No Plan," Ted Snider Curt: "The Roots of the Trump Assassination Attempts," Peter van Buren

Sumantra, Joseph, and Helen talk about the latest attempt on Trump's life, plus exploding pagers in Lebanon. Picks of the week: Helen: "Another Twist of the Screw," Collin Pruett Joseph: "Why Can't Trump Break Through," Scott McConnell Sumantra: "Modern Wars Are Wars of Attrition," Sean Durns

Sumantra joins Helen, Spencer, and Curt for a look at last night's presidential debate. Picks of the week: Curt: "The Real Realignment," W. James Antle III Helen: "Did Communism Really Fall," Sean McMeekin Spencer: "Forgetting 9/11," Nic Rowan Sumantra: "Kursk Incursion Is a Two-Edged Sword," Mark Episkopos

Sumantra joins Helen and Spencer to talk about the changing presidential odds, North Carolina and Arizona, and Elon Musk's travails in Brazil. Picks of the week: Helen: "The Cartel Takeover in Colorado Is a Dispatch from the Future," Collin Pruett Spencer: "The Biden Impeachment Report Is a Hollow Vindication," Peter van Buren Sumantra: "Foreign Affairs Election Results in Thuringia and Saxony Spark More AfD Derangement Syndrome," Phillip Linderman

Sumantra joins Helen, Joseph, and Spencer to talk about two new endorsements of Trump, Macron's soft coup in France, and the arrest of Pavel Durov. Picks of the week: Helen: "Why Does AI Give Bad Dating Advice," Rob Mariani Sumantra: "NATO's Arctic Strategy Is an Overreaction," Alex Little Spencer: "The Empty Symbolism of Sheinbaum and Harris," Collin Pruett Joseph: "Is There a New Democratic Establishment," Bradley Devlin

Sumantra joins Helen and Joseph to talk about the Democratic convention in Chicago, plus the latest developments in Ukraine. Picks of the week: Sumantra: "Shipping Out," Jude Russo Helen: "Ukraine's Two Wars," Flavius Mihaies Joseph: "Harris Was Never in Charge of the Border," Collin Pruett

New host Sumantra joins Helen, Jude, and Joseph to talk about stolen valor, British riots, and immigration. Picks of the week: Sumantra: "Unfree Britain Cracks Down on Protests," Helen Andrews Helen: "The Tragedy of Kamala Harris," Collin Pruett Joseph: "Has Walz Betrayed the Upper Midwest?" Matthew Schmitz Jude: "It Was Eighty Years Ago Today," James P. Pinkerton

Bradley joins Helen, Spencer, and Jude to talk about the Dem veep pick, Bangladesh, and Olympic women's boxing. Plus, a very special announcement from Bradley. Picks of the week: Bradley: "The Kamalafornia Republic," Sen. Tommy Tuberville Helen: "Can Shapiro Survive Woke Scrutiny?" Jude Russo Jude: "Decoupling from China: Is It Possible?" David Harvilicz Spencer: "Chaos in Venezuela," Joseph Addington

Bradley, Helen, Stacey, and Sumantra discuss the new Democratic candidate, the Venezuelan election, and Biden's Supreme Court reforms. Picks of the week: Bradley: "Where Was Biothetics During Covid," Helen Andrews Helen: "Rest in Peace, Lapham," Nic Rowan Sumantra: "Is It Too Late for Diplomacy in Yemen," Jude Russo Stacey: "A Tale of Two Kamalas," James Carden

Bradley, Helen, Sumantra, and Mason talk about an eventful week in American politics, from an assassination attempt to a sudden withdrawal from the presidential race. Picks of the week: Bradley: "GOP Scrambles to Face New Opponent," Bradley Devlin Helen: "The Great Immigration Experiment," Theo Wold Mason: "Bring Back Proclamations of Neutrality," Sumantra Maitra Sumantra: "Price Controls Are Still Stupid," Jude Russo

Bradley talks to Helen, Spencer, and Sumantra about elections in the UK and France, Biden's odds of making it to November, and the National Conservatism conference in Washington. Picks of the week: Helen: "French Elections Could Have Been Worse," Scott McConnell Spencer: "GOP Can Learn Abortion Lesson from Methodist Infighting," Jim Antle Sumantra: "Nato at 75: Rebalancing the Transatlantic Alliance," Rep. Warren Davidson Bradley: "The Right of the World to Come," Saurabh Sharma

Bradley joins Helen, Stacey, and Mason to discuss the attacks in Sevastopol and Dagestan, the upcoming parliamentary elections in France, and Julian Assange. Picks of the week: Helen: "North Korea's Russian Turn Is More Bark than Bite," Rob York Bradley: "Byron Donalds, from Crown Heights to Congress," Bradley Devlin Mason: "You Have No Idea How Soviet We Really Are," Helen Andrews Stacey: "It Was Never Kennedy," Spencer Neale

Bradley talks to Helen, Spencer, and Anastasia about the announced rules for next week's presidential debate, Biden's sweeping new amnesty, and Bob Good's primary race in Virginia, now headed to a recount. Picks of the week: Helen: "The Cipher: Mark Rutte, the Next NATO Secretary-General," Curt Mills Spencer: "Arizonans Must Move Beyond Booming Economy Fairytale," Gina Maloney Stacey: "New Play Plumbs the Personal and Political Civil War," Peter Wood Bradley: "CHIPS Is Broken. I'm Fixing It," Senator Tommy Tuberville

Executive director Curt Mills joins Bradley, Helen, and Sumantra to talk about the European parliamentary elections, Trump's appearance in Nevada, and Iran's presidential race. Picks of the week: Helen: "South Africa Teeters at the Brink," Helen Andrews Curt: "Will the First Amendment Save Assange?" Peter van Buren Sumantra: "The Bomb Is Still with Us," Jude Russo Bradley: "Nigel Farage Has Reanimated British Politics," Ben Sixsmith

Special guest Spencer Neale joins Bradley, Helen, and Mason to talk about what to do next now that Trump has been convicted, whether Mexico's new president is the right woman for the job, and Dr. Fauci's dismal House appearance. Picks of the week: Helen: "Keep Your Stupid Pandas," Nic Rowan Bradley: "Viva Libertad Silicon Valley," Spencer Neale Spencer: "De Niro's Courthouse Turn Shows He Has Always Been a Hack," Peter Tonguette Mason: "Time to Bet Big on Trump," Bradley Devlin

Bradley joins Helen, Jude, and Mason to talk about the Red Lobster bankruptcy, the potential for a color revolution in the country of Georgia, and whether there is really a "neopopulist" bipartisan consensus in Washington. Picks of the week: Helen: "The Winners and Losers of Trump's Libertarian Speech," W. James Antle III Jude: "Why Detroit's Population Rebound Matters," Mary Frances Myler Bradley: "Trump's Bronx Rally May Show the Future of the GOP," Ryan Girdusky Mason: "Against Summer Vacation," Peter Tonguette

Bradley joins Helen, Jude, and new panelist Mason to discuss the death of Iran's president, the ICC warrants against Israel and Hamas, and the closing days of Trump's Manhattan trial. Picks of the week: Helen: "A Black Economist Goes Right, Left, and Back Again," Helen Andrews Bradley: "Assange Wins Delay," James Bovard Mason: "Mall by Mall, America's Interior Is Wasting Away," Peter Tonguette Jude: "What If the Gaza Pier Is a Two-Way Street," James Pinkerton

Special guest Colton Moor joins Bradley, Helen, and Sumantra to talk about the primaries in West Virginia and Maryland, whether anyone can trust the poll numbers showing Trump favored to win in November, and the cabinet shakeup in Russia. Picks of the week: Sumantra: "Putin's New Defense Minister Could Be His Successor," Helen Andrews Helen: "Not Your Parents' Protests," Scott McConnell Colton: "Anti-Establishment Pressure Builds as EU Elections Loom," Michael O'Shea Bradley: "Richard Nixon's Prophet," Krzysztof Tyszka-Drozdowski

Curt joins Bradley, Helen, and Jude to discuss the operation in Rafah, the indefinite postponement of Trump's documents trial, and Speaker Johnson's chances of making it to November. Picks of the week: Helen: "America's Public Transit Nightmare," Harry Scherer Bradley: "Another Trial in New York," Peter Tonguette Jude: "The Hur Memo and the Tragedy of Joe Biden," Philip Jeffery Curt: "Israel Looks Poised to Escalate," Bradley Devlin

Bradley, Helen, Sumantra, and Ryan Girdusky discuss the veepstakes, what an ICC prosecution would mean for Netanyahu, and Kosovo becoming the first Muslim-majority country to approve gay marriage. Picks of the week: Bradley: "Is the Navalny Intelligence Leak an Olive Branch to Putin," Helen Andrews Helen: "Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature," Nic Rowan Ryan: "Giorgia Meloni Is Better Than You Think," Ryan Girdusky Sumantra: "DEI Was Never about Profitability," Chris Brunet

Special guest Ryan Girdusky joins Bradley, Helen, and Jude to talk about the Ukraine package that just passed, Trump's trials, and the Supreme Court's oral arguments on homelessness. Picks of the week: Ryan: "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood," Bradley Devlin Bradley: "The Long Road to the Steyn Verdict," Peter Wood Helen: "The Worst Case Scenario for International Adoption," Evie Solheim Jude: "The CIA's Man in Constantinople," Michael Warren Davis

Executive director Curt Mills joins Bradley, Helen, and Stacey to talk about metaphorical eruptions on Capitol Hill, literal eruptions in the Middle East, and what Trump's lawyers should look for in a jury. Picks of the week: Helen: "How to Tame the Deep State," Theo Wold Bradley: "Would Israel Go Nuclear Against Iran?" Douglas Macgregor Curt: "What Russia Sanctions Failure Says about the Future," Mark Episkopos Stacey: "The Symposiast: Remembering Christopher Hitchens," John Rodden

Special guest Ryan Girdusky joins Bradley, Helen, and Sumantra to talk about the looming House showdowns on Ukraine funding and government surveillance, as well as whether getting obscene books out of school libraries is a winning issue for Republicans (oddly, it's not).  Picks of the week: Sumantra: "How Putin's Relationship with Islam Works," Helen Andrews Helen: "New Atheism, 20 Years On," Sumantra Maitra Ryan: "The Biden Administration Just Admitted It Has Undercounted Ukraine Aid," Bradley Devlin Bradley: "Will Israel's War Expand?" Douglas Macgregor

Bradley leads Jude, Helen, and Stacey in a discussion of the recent elections in Turkey, which seem to spell trouble for Erdoğan, the deteriorating situation in Haiti, and the looming disbarment of John Eastman. Picks of the week: Jude: "Trump 2028," Peter Tonguette Stacey: "The Generations We Piled with Debt Are Here," Lewis Andrews Helen: "AMLO Will Control the Cartels If We Let Him," Jude Russo Bradley: "One Hundred Days of Libertarian Populism in Argentina," Edgar Beltran

Old friend of the podcast Ryan Girdusky returns to join Bradley, Helen, and Jude to discuss whether Trump should be worried about his poor fundraising numbers, the alarming exodus of sitting congressmen from the House, and AMLO's strange sit-down with "60 Minutes."  Picks of the week: Helen: "The U.S. Should Let Haitians Decide Their Own Future," Connor Echols Jude: "Saddam's Secret Weapon," Nic Rowan Ryan: "Niger's Big Pivot Away from America," Sumantra Maitra Bradley: "Biden's Parole Abuse Is Driving the Migrant Crisis," Peter van Buren

Executive director Curt Mills hosts a roundtable on Trump's good night in the Ohio primaries, a strange meeting with Barack Obama at Number 10 Downing Street, and what's going on in Niger. Picks of the Week: Curt: "Where Is Joe Biden's Devil's Advocate," James W. Carden Sumantra: "Stuck with Putin for the Foreseeable Future," Helen Andrews Helen: "More Weak Arguments for Free Trade," Helen Andrews Bradley: "What Is the GOP Position on TikTok Now?" W. James Antle III 

Bradley, Helen, Sumantra, and special guest Stacey Kaliabakos talk about the Gaza pier, possible intervention in Haiti (let's not), and the question on everyone's mind: Where is Princess Kate? Picks of the Week: Stacey: "Our Terrorist Ally in Syria," Nicholas Kass Helen: "Does Victoria Nuland's Departure Matter?" James W. Carden Bradley: "Exclusive: New JD Vance Bill," Bradley Devlin Sumantra: "The Comeback of Tudor History," Jude Russo

Third season launch! A new and improved TAC Right Now returns with a breakdown of the Super Tuesday primary results. Host Bradley Devlin walks Helen, Jude, and Sumantra through the exit polls, the surprises, and the presidential rematch ahead. Picks of the week: Helen: "DoxyPEP Is a Disaster in Waiting," Theodore Dalrymple Jude: "McConnell, Man of His Era," W. James Antle III Sumantra: "Ursula von der Leyen's Second Term," Adriel Kasonta Bradley: "Sunset for Mitch McConnell—and Joe Biden?" Dan McCarthy

Lawfare against Donald Trump was the story of the year, agreed Emile, Sohrab, Micah, and Helen. Plus, each person picked the runner-up for the most important story of 2023. Picks of the year: Helen: "Battle on Bourbon Street," William Wolfe Micah: "A Murder in CHAZ," Jonathan Ireland Sohrab: "Angola Revisited," John Hirschauer Emile: "Made in Farmville," Bradley Devlin

Was the Christian veteran right to destroy the Satan Temple display in the Iowa state capitol? Yes, agree Emile, Sohrab, Helen, and Micah. Plus, the U.S. withholds the sale of rifles to Israel and a particularly egregious case highlights the loopholes in surrogacy law that expose children to possible abuse. Picks of the week: Helen: "Giorgia Meloni Falls Short," Christopher Brunet Emile: "Our LGBT Empire," Helen Andrews Micah: "Free Trade Dogmatism Is for Losers," Jude Russo Sohrab: "Harvard Cancels Congressman," Sohrab Ahmari

Four people who are definitely not going to be the next president gathered in Alabama for a debate this week. Emile, Helen, Micah, and Bradley Devlin talk about who had a good night (Vivek) and who did not (Haley). Three ladies who, sadly, already are president appeared before Congress to explain what's going on in their universities, and it was harder to watch than the GOP debate. Plus, John Eastman's absurd disbarment hearing nears its conclusion. Picks of the week: Helen: "An Immense Gratitude," Peter Tonguette Emile: "The BCS Would Have Ranked Florida State #3," Jeffrey H. Anderson Micah: "Unmonitored Minors on Dangerous Devices," Elizabeth Self & Michael Toscano Bradley: "Tuberville Should Not Back Down," Declan Leary