Plot

Auron MacIntyre discusses Kamala Harris's alleged plagiarism, critiques the idea of the "woke right," and examines how political elites and intellectual figures manipulate narratives.

Auron MacIntyre joins Tom Woods to discuss several current topics, beginning with the news of Kamala Harris's alleged plagiarism in her book, which prompts a broader critique of political ghostwriting and the disconnect between politicians and the work attributed to them. The conversation then shifts to the concept of the "woke right," a term Auron sees as misleading and rooted in liberal attempts to undermine genuine conservative ideology. The show also delves into the effectiveness of the "intellectual dark web" and examines how political leaders and intellectual figures, such as those in the IDW, manipulate narratives and voter expectations for their own ends.—J. Spurlin

Auron MacIntyre joins Tom Woods to discuss a range of topics related to contemporary political issues. The discussion kicks off with the news of Kamala Harris's alleged plagiarism, as uncovered by Christopher Rufo, which involved numerous copied sections in her recent book. Auron and Tom explore the broader issue of political ghostwriting, noting that many politicians do not write their own books and the implications this has for public perception. While acknowledging that most voters are aware of ghostwriters, Auron points out the negative optics for Harris, as she cannot admit to using a ghostwriter without damaging her credibility further. Tom adds that figures like Pat Buchanan and Richard Nixon, who wrote their own material, are the rare exceptions in politics, and this contrast speaks volumes about the state of modern political leadership.

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the concept of the "woke right," a term that has recently gained traction. Auron critiques this label, describing it as an invention by liberals who masquerade as conservatives to undermine genuine right-wing beliefs. He argues that the idea of the "woke right" is misleading and used to conflate true conservative stances with reactionary or authoritarian positions. Tom and Auron both note how figures like James Lindsay and Konstantin Kisin, once part of the so-called "intellectual dark web," have returned to liberal positions rather than embrace the more traditional right-wing views that they had flirted with. Tom highlights how this group often positions itself as leaders of the conservative movement, even while holding onto fundamentally liberal ideas that ultimately conflict with conservative ideology.

Another important theme in the episode is the nature of political leadership and voter expectations. Auron suggests that modern politicians are often selected not for their intellectual capabilities but for their ability to produce sound bites and look good on camera. He contrasts this with leaders like Donald Trump, who, despite his flaws, possesses the ability to connect directly with voters in a way that feels authentic and unscripted. The conversation further touches on how intellectual prowess, such as that of Alan Keyes or Pat Buchanan, does not necessarily translate to political success, emphasizing that electoral victories are less about rational debate and more about emotional and identity-based appeals. Auron underscores that politics is ultimately not about who has the best argument but about appealing to the desires and identity of the electorate.

Tom and Auron also examine the shortcomings of figures within the intellectual dark web (IDW). The IDW, a group of thinkers who gained prominence for their critiques of "wokeness," was initially heralded as a bastion of intellectual freedom. However, Auron points out that many members, such as Sam Harris, have since returned to more progressive stances, revealing their discomfort with genuine conservative ideas. Tom laments that these individuals, who initially seemed to challenge mainstream left-wing orthodoxy, have ended up reinforcing liberal views and often turn to attacking those on the right whom they perceive as too extreme. Auron contrasts this behavior with Carl Benjamin (Sargon of Akkad), who has genuinely shifted his views and embraced a more right-wing perspective, showing a willingness to reevaluate his previous positions in depth.

Toward the end of the episode, Auron discusses the broader implications of relying solely on intellectual arguments in politics. He emphasizes that politics is not a contest of rationality or who has the best policy papers but a battle over identity, belonging, and future direction. This is why Donald Trump, with his ability to appeal directly to voters' emotions, has been more successful than traditional Republican politicians like Mitt Romney. Auron notes that many men, in particular, are becoming more right-wing as they face disenfranchisement in an increasingly feminized society. He points to recent polling data that shows men, including black men, are drifting away from the Democratic Party due to its messaging that seems to neglect or even demonize traditional male roles.

The conversation concludes with a discussion about the dissonance between the image that political elites try to project and the reality of what resonates with voters. Auron and Tom laugh at the attempts by Democratic strategists to present stereotypical "manly" images that come across as forced and disconnected from reality, noting that these portrayals reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of their target audience. Tom ends the episode by promoting Auron's own podcast, encouraging listeners to follow his work for further insights on political theory and current events.