The John Batchelor Show

Houthi Cooperation with Al-Qaeda and ISIS in Regional Destabilization Bill Roggio Bill Raggio of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies discusses the disturbing cooperation between the Houthis and Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. The Houthis, who have successfully blockaded the Red Sea and effectively closed the Suez Canal to world traffic, rely on Al-Qaeda networks to smuggle supplies and weapons into their firing range. This collaboration extends to supplying Al-Qaeda cells in Somalia and Islamic State operatives, representing a dangerous convergence of extremist groups. Raja characterizes this cooperation as part of Iran's broader strategy to destabilize the region, keep the United States militarily engaged, and force an eventual American withdrawal from the Middle East.

Pakistan's Military Calculus: Jailing Imran Khan to Disintegrate His Party Hussein Khan (Ambassador Husain Haqqani) Ambassador Husain Haqqani explains the Pakistani military's rationale for keeping Imran Khan imprisoned despite his status as a former Prime Minister. Khan faces various lawfare charges brought by the government, but the underlying strategy is political rather than judicial. The military's calculus is that Khan's party lacks alternate leadership or a succession plan, unlike Pakistan's traditional dynastic parties. Since Khan serves as the sole rallying point and the party stands primarily for good governance under his leadership, the military believes that prolonged imprisonment will cause the party to fade or that Khan will become too old to lead effectively when released.

Analyzing Japan's New Hawkish Prime Minister and the Defense Budget Goal Lance Gatling Lance Gatling analyzes Japan's new Prime Minister, Takayoshi Sado, the nation's first female leader, focusing on her hawkish stance and ambitious defense goals. Sado has committed to raising Japan's defense budget to five percent of GDP, a significant increase that reflects growing security concerns and regional tensions. However, Gatling notes that achieving this goal presents substantial challenges, as the current massive budget is already fully allocated. This would require either borrowing, reallocation, or difficult trade-offs between existing programs, and there remains serious doubt about whether the military can effectively absorb, train personnel for, and maintain such a dramatic increase.

The Origins of Tariff Wars: China's Predatory Trade Practices Gordon Chang and Alan Tonelson Gordon Chang and Alan Tonelson agree that China initiated the trade conflict through decades of predatory and criminal trade practices. They assert that China's admission into the World Trade Organization in 2001 foolishly granted them substantial immunity from US laws designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. The hosts trace China's systematic violations dating to the late twentieth century, establishing a pattern of intellectual property theft and market manipulation. President Trump's tariff actions represent a long-overdue response to this entrenched aggression and economic warfare. 1890 SHANGHAI

Assessing Mark Carney's Ability to Resolve US-Canada Tariff Conflict Conrad Black Conrad Black discusses Mark Carney, Canada's new Prime Minister and distinguished senior banker, regarding his talents to mediate the deteriorating US-Canada conversations over tariffs. Black, despite having significant differences with Carney on issues such as climate policy and Brexit, believes Carney's deep financial expertise, diplomatic personality, and well-informed perspective make him the right person to deescalate the conflict. Black expresses confidence that Carney can work toward a reasonable agreement that addresses both nations' concerns and prevents further economic damage. 1884 OTTAWA

Milei's Victory in Argentina, Its Influence on Venezuela, and Trump's Role in Latin America Alejandro Pina Esclusa Alejandro Pina Esclusa discusses how Javier Milei's success in Argentina, fueled by economic growth and a cultural battle against gender ideology and climate alarmism, models a path for the Venezuelan opposition and Latin America's right-wing movements. Milei's victory demonstrates that freedom-focused policies can resonate with voters seeking to escape socialist regimes. Donald Trump's vocal support for Milei helped him gain votes, positioning Trump as an increasingly influential leader across the continent and offering hope to Venezuelan exiles and opposition figures fighting the Maduro regime.

LONDINIUM 91 AD. Political Revenge: Comparing Modern American Vendettas to Roman Gore Gaius (John Batchelor) and Germanicus (Michael Vlahos) The conversation focuses on the nature of political revenge, prompted by the revival of Seneca's bloody revenge play Octavia. Gaius expresses astonishment that editorialists appear surprised by Mr. Trump seeking vengeance against those who attempted to jail him, noting that revenge is inherent to the Roman and American empires. Germanicus states he is only surprised that the opposing party refuses to confess to similar actions, citing historical Democratic precedents such as the Palmer raids under Wilson and successful efforts against Richard Nixon. He calls the opposition's outrage a "forked tongue expression," noting the unjustified high-security incarceration of individuals for minor offenses following the 2020 events. Gaius observes that the opposition employs false piety and melodrama—such as claiming democracy faces an existential crisis—in place of historical understanding. Germanicus argues that political bitterness and high levels of lying stem from the opposition's belief that they represent light and truth, leading to the "othering" of the enemy. This dehumanization means that lying becomes perceived as an act of virtue. The hosts conclude that while Roman political revenge sometimes involved preemptively wiping out one's own family, the current American conflict represents a comparatively mild cupcake tyranny. 1883 CATO SUICIDE

LONDINIUM 91 A.D.: The Emperor's Legacy: Debating Trump's Greco-Roman White House Addition Gaius (John Batchelor) and Germanicus (Michael Vlahos) Gaius and Germanicus discuss the proposed 90,000 square foot Greco-Roman casino-style building intended for the White House, which the Washington Post endorsed, calling the current need to erect tents on the South Lawn an embarrassment. Gaius notes that changes to the White House traditionally draw large protests, citing Jefferson and Jackie Kennedy. He compares Mr. Trump, who has no claim to royalty, to the Flavians (Vespasian and Titus), who were business-class provincials yet built the Colosseum, the symbol of Rome. Germanicus explains that it is the prerogative of the emperor to leave a physical legacy, a tradition dating back to Augustus, who transformed Rome from a city of brick to one of marble. He argues that official architecture in Washington, D.C., follows this majestic imperial Greco-Roman tradition, cemented by Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Gaius reveals that the current White House is actually a complete 1950s reproduction, rebuilt under Truman after structural deficiencies were discovered. Finally, they discuss Mr. Trump's desire for a moon landing before leaving office, viewing it as part of his mission to restore American greatness and secure a significant legacy. 1902 ROME

LONDINIUM 91 A.D.: Roman Siege Tactics and Russian Attrition: A Study in Political Vengeance and War Strategy Gaius (John Batchelor) and Germanicus (Michael Vlahos) Gaius and Germanicus open by discussing fresh swan meat in Londinium before moving to the main topic of political vengeance, noting that Romans recognize it while American editorialists are discovering it afresh due to Emperor Trump. They review the war in Ukraine, where Russians are employing a strategy of attrition to achieve the collapse of the Ukrainian army. Germanicus explains that Ukraine's strategy of refusing to retreat has led to disproportionate losses and the encirclement of up to 10,000 soldiers in "cauldrons" near Pokrovsk and Kupyansk. Gaius relates this situation to successful Roman siege tactics used at Carthage and Jerusalem. Historically, the reward for Roman soldiers breaking a siege was to ransack the city, causing the prices of gold and slaves to plummet. Germanicus asserts, however, that the Russians are taking pains to signal that leveling cities is not their way, emphasizing mercy due to the kinship between the two related peoples. The hosts also mention the delay of a summit involving Vladimir Putin and Mr. Trump's proposed Greco-Roman style building at the White House. 80 BCE SULLA SACKS ROME

8. Hoover, FDR, and the Lessons of Wilson's Failure David Pietrusza 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents Herbert Hoover, known as the "great engineer," chose the Republican Party, disliking the Democratic coalition of Southern segregationists and radicals. Hoover was systematic but lacked the public warmth necessary for effective leadership, a deficiency that proved costly during the Great Depression. Franklin D. Roosevelt, becoming governor in 1928, became more empathetic and politically calculating following his polio diagnosis in 1921. He mastered new media like radio to communicate effectively with the public. FDR eventually supported repealing Prohibition, shifting from his earlier focus on modification. Learning from Wilson's failure to pass the Versailles Treaty, FDR ensured the United Nations' success by consulting with Republicans and building a cross-party coalition. 1929 HOOVER PARADE

7. Harding's Landslide Victory and the Role of Radio David Pietrusza 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents Eugene Debs, the Socialist candidate, ran while imprisoned in Atlanta Penitentiary for speaking against the draft; Wilson refused him clemency. The 1920 election resulted in an overwhelming Republican sweep. Harding's "front porch campaign" was a professional event organized by Albert Lasker, attracting hundreds of thousands of people, including show business figures like Al Jolson. Election results were broadcast via early radio from a Pittsburgh department store roof and by projection onto buildings. Harding won decisively with 15 million votes (60%) and 404 electoral votes. Though deeply mourned when he died in 1923 from a heart attack, Harding had focused on debt reduction and resisted manipulation from advisors. Calvin Coolidge was sworn in by his father in remote Plymouth Notch, Vermont.

6. The Campaign Focuses on the League and Eugene Debs David Pietrusza 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents The campaign featured the Democratic ticket of Cox and Roosevelt against Harding. Though criticized for his "bloviating" speeches, Harding was a charming speaker who avoided trouble. After meeting the frail Woodrow Wilson, Cox was deeply moved and made the League of Nations the central, defining issue for the Democrats—a political miscalculation. Wilson refused to compromise on the League due to a personality flaw that made him unable to accept opposition. Other critical issues included Prohibition, debated as "wet and dry." The segment introduces Eugene Debs, the Socialist candidate, whose platform contained concepts like social security that would later become mainstream policy.

5. The Democratic Convention: Wilson's Downfall and the Rise of Cox and Roosevelt David Pietrusza 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents Meeting in San Francisco in July 1920, the Democrats grappled with Woodrow Wilson's political liability due to his uncompromising League of Nations stance and desire for a third term. Wilson received only a grim demonstration of support, and his cabinet feared he would die if nominated. The two leading contenders were William Gibbs McAdoo, Wilson's son-in-law, and Ohio Governor John Cox. Due to the Democratic two-thirds rule, the convention took many ballots. Cox, a moderate publisher, secured the nomination after 44 ballots. After meeting with Wilson, Cox abandoned his moderate position to strongly support the League. Franklin D. Roosevelt was chosen as Vice President due to his name recognition, Navy service, and New York connections. 1929 HOOVER INAUGURAL

4. The Republican Convention: Harding Emerges from the Smoke-Filled Room David Pietrusza 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents The Republican National Convention in Chicago in June 1920 was hot and chaotic. Leading candidates included Hiram Johnson, Leonard Wood, and Frank Lowden, while Warren Harding was a distant long shot, seeking the presidency partly to boost his reelection campaign for his Senate seat. The balloting quickly established the limits of the frontrunners. Because Republicans required only a majority for nomination, unlike the Democratic two-thirds rule, they were able to pivot to Harding, who was seen as an acceptable compromise. The Republican platform on the League of Nations was deliberately ambiguous, reflecting the deep division between internationalists like Hoover and isolationists like Lodge. 1913 WILSON OPENING DAY

3. The Rise of FDR and Calvin Coolidge's Contrasting Personas David Pietrusza 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, the ambitious Assistant Secretary of the Navy, was considered only for the vice presidency in 1920, often making mistakes on the campaign trail. His marriage to Eleanor had become strained by his long-term affair with Lucy Mercer, transforming into more of a political partnership. This contrasts sharply with Calvin Coolidge, whose marriage was marked by fidelity. Coolidge, Governor of Massachusetts, was admired for his trustworthiness and decisiveness, traits rooted in his remote Vermont upbringing. The segment also introduces Herbert Hoover, the "great engineer" and humanitarian, who served under Wilson and was so popular that both parties considered him for the 1920 nomination; FDR even proposed a Hoover-Roosevelt ticket. 1929 MARCH 4, DEPARTING FOR THE INAUGURATION.

2. Warren G. Harding: The Available Man and the Ohio Battlefield David Pietrusza 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents Warren G. Harding emerged as the Republican nominee in the 1920 election, a year Republicans anticipated winning. Harding was nobody's first choice, perhaps the fifth or sixth, positioning himself as "the available man" due to his moderate, non-alienating nature. A small-town Ohio publisher, Harding benefited from Ohio's status as the key battleground state; Democrats also nominated an Ohioan, Governor John Cox. Harding avoided the campaign spending issues that plagued his rivals. Notably, Harding's extensive infidelity was known to his wife, Florence, but did not become a public issue during the 1920 campaign, which she tolerated as part of their political partnership. 1922 TAFT, HARDING, ROBERT LINCOLN

1. The Legacy of Woodrow Wilson and the Split over the League of Nations David Pietrusza 1920: The Year of the Six Presidents The 1920 election followed President Woodrow Wilson's debilitating stroke in October 1919, which left him perpetually frail. The core issue became the League of Nations, which Wilson championed but the Republican Party bitterly contested, ultimately causing public skepticism. Wilson held fierce opposition to former President Theodore Roosevelt, who died in January 1919. Roosevelt had detested Wilson's neutrality regarding German aggression. Despite his frail health, Roosevelt would have been the unstoppable Republican candidate had he lived. Wilson reacted to news of Roosevelt's death with shockingly hateful language, revealing the depth of his personal animosity toward his predecessor. 1929 Hoover Inaugural

8. Monuments, Darkness, and Contingency Professor Robert G. Parkinson, Heart of American Darkness: Bewilderment and Horror on the Early Frontier This section highlights the enduring conflict, which extended into the early 20th century through a "monument war" near Logan's Elm in Ohio. The Cresap Society funded a monument to clear their family name, leading locals to erect counter-monuments with the lament's text and a statue of Logan. Parkinson utilizes Joseph Conrad's metaphor of "the flicker" (human systems like patriotism, colonialism, and republics) attempting to illuminate the terrifying, bewildering "darkness" of the world. He notes that the aggressive colonial expansion seemed inevitable, but the specific outcomes were shaped by contingency and the biographies of individuals like Logan and Michael Cresap, whose actions were enabled and celebrated by the new American Republic. 1958

7. The Battle for Logan's Legacy in McGuffey's Reader Professor Robert G. Parkinson, Heart of American Darkness: Bewilderment and Horror on the Early Frontier This section explores the political battle spurred by Logan's Lament. Jefferson used the lament in Notes on the State of Virginia to argue for American superiority against European claims of degeneracy, elevating Logan while condemning Michael Cresap. This triggered a ferocious counter-crusade by Luther Martin, an attorney married into the Cresap family, who defended the Cresaps as heroes and challenged Jefferson's facts. Nevertheless, the lament found widespread cultural traction. Due to its short, poignant nature, Logan's Lament was memorized by American schoolchildren for decades, notably through the McGuffey Readers, reinforcing the theme of the "vanishing Indian."

6. Logan's Murder and Jefferson's Defense of America Professor Robert G. Parkinson, Heart of American Darkness: Bewilderment and Horror on the Early Frontier This section explores the fate of Logan and the cultural impact of his lament. A surveyor learned that Logan was murdered by his nephew, Todkahtos, around 1780 near Lake Erie. Logan was silenced because the Six Nations feared the powerful orator was too persuasive and unpredictable in the volatile Ohio country. The discussion pivots to Thomas Jefferson, who obtained the lament and featured it in his Notes on the State of Virginia. Jefferson used Logan's eloquence to counter the French naturalist Buffon's theory that everything in America was inferior and degenerate, aiming to prove American intellectual superiority in the Enlightenment.