The Ed Morrissey Show

The Islamic Republic's regime has been battered in both military and political terms. Is this the moment when Iran implodes -- or frees itself from subjugation? Gregg Roman of the Middle East Forum lays out the competing interests, discusses how organic regime change could happen, and who the players are inside and outside Iran that would need to coalesce to make it happen.

When it comes to coverage of Donald Trump and the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, some things Andrew Malcolm and I just can't explain. When it comes to Margaret Brennan's embarrassing interview of Marco Rubio, some things you just can't explain about that, too. In fact, the Left is having a very tough time explaining its freak-out over the weekend about Trump, especially in the media -- and Andrew and I have explanations about that, as well as much more.

What was the biggest surprise in the past week? Israel's massive and nearly instantaneous defenestration of Iran's regime reminds both Andrew Malcolm and myself of the destruction of Hezbollah last year. We talk about the implications for the region, and what the US might do to hasten the end of the conflict. We also talk about Democrats' resistance to voter incentives and disincentives and wonder what is truly driving them to champion the 20% positions in American life.

Five years ago, urban riots ravaged American cities while the media insisted that the protests were "mostly peaceful." Did they learn anything from summer of George Floyd? Nope, says Andrew Malcolm, even though the narrative propaganda is even more threadbare this time in Los Angeles. We discuss a rare disciplinary action by ABC News over bias, and why the ideologue executives in the Protection Racket Media may finally have met their match in the corporate executive suites.

Things looked bad enough for the media and Democrats on Friday afternoon -- and then two major developments dropped. Andrew Malcolm and I discuss the impact of the Hur tapes leak on the sense of betrayal felt by American voters. Then the Bidens made a stunning announcement about Biden's health -- which showed that there was no end of deception in the Biden White House and among Democrat officials.

The US and Iran are negotiating a potential deal to keep Tehran from getting a nuclear weapon. But can they be trusted? Alireza Jafarzadeh describes the import of the exposure of their secret facility in Samnan, why it's clear that the Iranian regime is pursuing nuclear weapons, and what the US must get from talks to ensure they don't succeed.

Our long drought is over! Andrew Malcolm returns to our weekly podcast and discusses the media coverage of the Vatican conclave. We also take the Pultizer board to task for its disgraceful award announcement last week. Andrew also gives us some background on his most unusual assignment as a war correspondent, plus much more!

What is the most important thing for women entering perimenopause and menopause? Agency, says Amy Alkon, the author of "Going Menopostal: What you (and your doctor) need to know about the real science of menopause and perimenopause." Amy shares the lessons from her own journey, exposes how so much of what doctors do is not based on science, and offers concrete advice in her own brash and inimitable style to women about the importance of managing their own journeys.

Phelim McAleer and Ann McIlhenny have carved out a cultural platform with verbatim theater -- and it hits the Left where it lives. Their latest production, Trans On Trial, brings the courtroom drama of a British fight over free speech, dissent, and the losing ground of progressive unreality. Phelim joins me to discuss his latest play and its reception in the UK, what it means for the trans debate in America, and much much more!

Comedian and podcaster Chrissie Mayr made headlines two years ago by taking on Dylan Mulvaney and the hecklers who tried to shut her down. Mayr remains as defiant as ever, and talks about the importance of fearlessness in comedy and speech. She discusses the nature of hecklers and would-be censors, why comedy is so important to ensuring free speech, and her upcoming comedy tour.

Democrats keep using Hitler as an analogy for anything in American politics they don't like, and Jeff Dunetz has had enough. He argues that the comparisons between Hitler and Donald Trump are not just ludicrous on their face, but also a form of Holocaust denial. Jeff also talks about his efforts to win a set at the World Zionist Congress in Jerusalem this October.

What's worse -- hiding the truth of Joe Biden's incompetence or claiming virtue in revealing it now? Andrew Malcolm and I discuss the latest literary genre in politics and the continuing collapse in media credibility. Speaking of which, we both discuss the terrorist fangirling of Taylor Lorenz and the Left more generally. We also talk about the tariff debate and China's recent zone-flooding on the global markets.

What did I miss on my vacation? Not much, Andrew Malcolm informs me, except more of the same outrage as before! Andrew takes a critical look at the media industry and its credibility collapse. We discuss how their cover-up of Biden's cognitive decline accelerated public distrust in their product, as well as the new literary genre known as Now It Can Be Told.

So writes John Kass, in an essay that Andrew Malcolm flagged for our latest episode. The mainstream media certainly seems on board with the effort to kill Tesla; Andrew and I compare their coverage of an extended domestic-terror campaign against Elon Musk's business interests and their obsession with January 6. The potential return of Rahm Emanuel gives Andrew a chance to recall his earlier connection to the former mayor of Chicago at the beginning of Emanuel's career. And can we really keep up with China's naval expansion?

What are the "woke mind viruses," and how do we cure the body politic of them? Author T.S. Dixon joins me to discuss his new book The Woke Mind Viruses, and what he sees as the origins and aims of the woke movement. Donald Trump and Elon Musk are on the right path, T.S. warns, but it will take a much larger effort to eradicate these viral plagues once and for all.

Chuck Schumer has led his party into a box canyon. Now he wants them to leap off the nearest ledge. Daily Caller columnist Mary Rooke discusses the bizarre refusal of Democrats to listen to voters, offer any sort of policies that address their concerns, and choice to align themselves with the fringe of the electorate on almost every issue. Plus: What is "the good life"?

From autopens to CRs, Democrats appear to have forgotten everything they ever knew about politics. Andrew Malcolm and I discuss the basics that have been forgotten and why Donald Trump needs to learn a lesson from it. Chuck Schumer's humiliation won't be the last for Democrats.

It's been a week since Donald Trump's speech to Congress. What did it reveal about Trump -- and about Democrats? We also discuss how Jeff Bezos plans to revamp the Washington Post, and how Patrick Soon-Shiong is already ahead of the curve at the LA Times. Andrew also wonders when Trump will get a US source out of a Pakistani prison.

What will Donald Trump tell a joint session of Congress tonight? Andrew Malcolm and I game out the potential asks and points for Trumpian triumphalism. The border will almost certainly be a big topic for the latter. We also wonder what lessons Democrats are learning -- and which lessons they aren't.

What do the twelve most formative battles in Western history tell us? Author Michael Walsh presents them in his new book "A Rage to Conquer," detailing the fascinating lessons from The Iliad to the World Trade Center. Michael and I discuss some of the connecting threads between these battles, why Napoleon Bonaparte gave us modern Europe, and how a return to masculine virtue and martial spirit is essential for Western survival.

Has any president since FDR had a more robust first month in office? Andrew Malcolm note how popular Donald Trump has become and debate how much of that is his agenda and how much the sense of action contributes. We also discuss the housecleaning at MSNBC, the popularity of Trump's agenda, and more!

The first Trump Bowl may have been a bust on the field, but it was a boon for Donald Trump and conservatives. Andrew Malcolm and I discuss the retreat of wokery, Trump's enthusiastic reception, and a little bit about the game too. We also discuss Trump's newfound popularity as a leader, and why he's starting off with a huge boost in job approval.

What is the one quality that has been restored to American public life? Leadership, Andrew Malcolm and I agree. Plus, we both note that this is the most energetic fortnight in decades, perhaps in 92 years. Not that we were there, of course! For Democrats wondering what went wrong, perhaps that's the place to start.

Did it feel like Donald Trump enacted an entire four-year agenda this week? It certainly did to Phil Kerpen of AmericanCommitment.org. Phil and I marvel at the energy and breadth of Trump's first week as president (again!), and look ahead to what comes next. Will Trump tackle the debt and federal spending -- especially at its real source?

What did you enjoy most on Inauguration Day? Andrew Malcolm and I discuss the historic events on January 20, the running start made by Donald Trump, and what the departure of the Bidens really means.

Just what will be Joe Biden's legacy? Andrew Malcolm and I debate that in light of the election and especially in relation to Donald Trump's sudden upswing in popularity. Plus: How has that impacted the confirmation process for Trump's Cabinet appointments?

Five for Fighting lead singer John Ondrasik speaks to me from the edge of Los Angeles' catastrophic firestorms. We discuss the current situation, what it's like to have survived a previous fire, and all of the ways in which government has failed to prepare and protect these communities.

Can Donald Trump reverse Joe Biden's last-minute efforts to cripple the new president's energy policy? Daily Caller senior reporter Nick Pope discusses Biden's attempt to put offshore drilling out of reach for Trump, as well as Biden's efforts to sabotage the use and manufacture of gas-powered appliances.

How boring was this January 6? The only thing wrong was everyone's coverage of it, as I tell Andrew Malcolm. Congress counted the votes but didn't "certify" anything. Andrew talks about what comes next for Donald Trump, while we both reflect on how much Joe Biden hasn't changed at all.

Merry Christmas, everyone! Andrew Malcolm and I discuss Joe Biden's bizarre holiday gifts to the victims of murderers on Death Row, and what it says about Biden's competence. Has the mainstream media really entered "suck up mode," or are media outlets just dialing down Democrat propaganda? Today's media probably can't tell the difference anyway, and Andrew and I explain why we need the Ron Luciano model of reporter apprenticeship. And forget the "Die Hard" debate -- what should truly be America's Pie?

Time Magazine made him Person of the Year. Andrew Malcolm and I discuss how Trump has basically already started his new term of office. We talk about the import and the impact of ABC's defamation settlement with Trump. And has Trump's victory repeated itself in Germany and other Western nations -- including Canada?

Will Joe Biden pardon the entire deep state before leaving office? Andrew Malcolm offers his reaction to the corrupt pardon of Hunter Biden and the rumors of "pre-emptive" pardons coming next. We also point out how this confirmed the value of "the word of a Biden," although everyone but the media seems to have known it all along. Will Congress act to curtail presidential pardon power, and will it revisit the length of presidential transitions in the near-abdication of Joe Biden? Donald Trump is filling that vacuum, and foreign leaders are responding to that, but the risk of a vacuum is now crystal clear.

Monday marked the end of an era -- we hope. Andrew Malcolm and I discuss the ignominious end of Jack Smith's federal indictments against Donald Trump. Will the humiliating results of the First Lawfare Election convince Democrats to stop using it? We also discuss Trump's Cabinet appointments, as well as the most lame duck of all lame ducks in the White House at the moment. Will the media ever account for its dreadful cover-up for Biden and the propagandizing during the election cycle?

Conservatives have long demanded that the federal government get out of the education business. Will Linda McMahon finally unwind the department that Trump just appointed her to run? Tommy Schultz, CEO of American Federation for Children, joins me to analyze the appointment, the issues, and the prognosis for the next four years ... and hopefully fewer.

Has Trump decided to "terminate woke" -- and will his Cabinet get the job done? Andrew Malcolm and I go over the new Trump team, and the media's bizarre reactions to it. Why did Morning Joe's hosts decide to kiss the ring at Mar-a-Lago after painting Trump as an existential threat? And does Trump have a "mandate"?

Why are Americans freaking out on social media over the election? Neither Andrew Malcolm nor I have an answer to that, but we're more concerned about supposed media professionals having nervous breakdowns on the air. We also talk about recess appointments and Joe Biden's upcoming White House lunch with, er ... Hitler.

Who will win tonight and who will lose? Andrew Malcolm and I ... don't know! Nevertheless, we talk about the data we're tracking, and the media spin that still hasn't let up. And even if we can't predict who will win today's election, we can tell which campaign is panicking that they are losing it.

... that people can think for themselves. While the Washington Post staff melts down over Jeff Bezos' refusal to allow an endorsement, Andrew Malcolm and I scoff at the narcissistic self-absorption involved. Bezos wants to restore balance, but will take a lot more than a couple of columnists to rebuild trust with readers outside the progressive bubble.

Did CBS News and 60 Minutes make their scandal even worse? Andrew Malcolm and I discuss their response to criticism over their editing of the Kamala Harris interview and their defiant statement defending it. Since when is it the job of news agencies to make politicians sound "more succinct"? It must be (D)ifferent in this case.

Just how corrupt has the US media become? Mary Rooke joins me to discuss her new documentary at the Daily Caller titled "Cleaning Up Kamala," and it's a hoot. We discuss what made it into the film, and maybe even more amusingly, what happened since the film got published. I smell a sequel on the horizon!

Just what drove Kamala Harris to agree to an interview on Fox News with Bret Baier? Andrew Malcolm discuss the desperation apparent among Democrats as Harris begins to stall out and decline in battlegrounds. We also take a look at the CBS News/60 Minutes scandal, and wonder what CBS is hiding in its edits. Plus, are Joe and Jill quietly wreaking revenge on Democrats?

He's beating everyone to the top spots on the iTunes and Billboard Digital charts -- Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and even Taylor Swift. Twice! Singer/songwriter Jon Kahn, also the Breitbart.com 'Minister of Culture,' has a hit single called "Fighter," a tribute to Donald Trump. Jon talks about what actually inspired the song, how it came together, and how its success has left him stunned -- and grateful.

What will happen in tonight's VP debate? Andrew Malcolm and I try to game it out, We also talk about the failed Biden-Harris response to Hurricane Helene and the opening it leaves Donald Trump.

For the second time in as many months, a gunman got within range of Donald Trump. The FBI considers this another assassination attempt, and that raises the same questions as the first. Andrew Malcolm and I discuss those ongoing failures, the reaction of the media, and what this says about our political environment. We also talk about Andrew's latest column on Kamala Harris, and I manage to squeeze in a joke at the end, too!

Will tonight be the only chance American voters get to see the two major-party nominees on the same stage? Perhaps that depends on what happens tonight. Andrew Malcolm and I preview the debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, and warn that low expectations may play into Harris' hands. We also talk about the other elections that aren't getting nearly enough attention.

How far have we gone when defending the flag is controversial, and a party to celebrate its defenders is a target for protest and media derision? Five for Fighting's John Ondrasik performed at Flagstock and got an opportunity to join the community that celebrated the fraternity brothers of University of North Carolina. John relates some of his experiences, and we discuss the real threats to American culture.

Do conventions mean anything any longer? Andrew Malcolm and I analyze the Democrat convention and the lack of substance in it. Joe Biden got pushed off the prime-time schedule as ingloriously as he was pushed off the ticket, and the media didn't even blink -- or ask questions. Instead, the media seems a lot more interested in manipulating their audience than in informing it.

Democrats began their convention on Monday to formalize the anointing of Kamala Harris.Did they pass up an opportunity to model democracy? Andrew Malcolm and I discuss The Anointment, as well as review the media criticisms of Harris' attempt to rebrand Bidenomics as Kamanomics, Also: Does Donald Trump need a reset for a new contest against Harris, and is he capable of strategic adjustment?

Remember Arabella? The Arabella-funded group U.S. Alliance for Election Excellence is infiltrating Arizona, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Nevad as a stealth replacement for the Zuckbucks scheme, reports Ned Jones from the Citizens Election Research Center (CERC). More than 27 states banned private money in elections after Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg used private grants in 2020 to fund partisan “Get Out the Vote” schemes in election offices. CERC has found that USAEE is doing the same with at least $80 million from the same groups that funded the partisan “Zuck Bucks” grants.

Pat Boone has a new song out, hearkening back to the American folk music era as well as an era where Americans understood the value of liberty and faith. "Where Did America Go" cuts across political divisions to call us back to the values that made the US strong and vital, before it can get "lost in one generation." Pat talks with me about his inspiration, his faith, how he crafted this song, and why it means so much to him -- and why it should call to all of us.

Polling now shows that the Kamala Harris-Joe Biden switch has reset and changed the presidential election for voters. Can Donald Trump adjust to the new reality? Andrew Malcolm and I discuss whether Trump and his team have begun to rethink their approach, especially in light of a full-court press by the American media to get Harris elected. We also touch briefly on the plea deal for the 9/11 plotters and why this case will remain stuck in limbo forever. And did Nancy Pelosi pull a Brutus on Biden?