The John Batchelor Show

SHOW 11-21-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT UKRAINE FIRST HOUR 9-915 HEADLINE: Las Vegas Shifts Focus with Formula 1 and Lower-End Tourism; California Politics Hit by Indictments GUEST: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss reports that the Formula 1 race on the Las Vegas city circuit is attracting major spectacle and high-end tourism, though the city is also attempting recovery by catering to lower-income demographics, evidenced by positive activity at the Excalibur Casino, while facing major competition from a new Indian casino near Bakersfield, California, operated by the Tahone tribe and twice the size of Caesars Palace. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom's former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, and four others were indicted on 23 counts of fraud. Additionally, an investigation into the Palisades fire revealed that state workers ordered the LA Fire Department to back off a previously burned area that rekindled, allegedly to protect endangered plants. 915-930 HEADLINE: Industrial Policy and Tariffs Lack Coherence; Removal of Food Tariffs Implies Inflationary EffectGUEST: Veronique De Rugy Veronique De Rugy discusses US industrial policy, noting the trade deficit has increased despite tariffs, and the administration's decision to remove tariffs on food items—goods not produced domestically—is seen as an implicit admission that tariffs contribute to the "affordability crisis" because tariffs are a tax primarily borne by American consumers. The goals behind tariffs have shifted from fighting China to raising revenue, and the largest tariff exemption is for computer parts, indicating an understanding that tariffs could contradict other goals like energy abundance. De Rugyargues that US economic power stems from innovation and a willingness to invest, making industrial policy involving tariffs and seeking foreign investment largely unnecessary and potentially harmful. 930-945 HEADLINE: Mixed US Economic Signals: Strong GDP Contrasts Low Consumer Sentiment; AI Adoption Increases GUEST: Gene Marks Gene Marks discusses the US economy, noting that third-quarter GDP growth is estimated near 4%, contrasting sharply with record-low consumer sentiment in a "tale of two economies" where salaried workers receiving pay raises of 5–7% are outpacing 3% inflation and continuing to spend, while hourly workers struggle. Despite job growth in construction, leading indicators like the architectural billings index show contraction for 11 months. In technology, 88% of major companies are adopting artificial intelligence, though scaling remains limited, with AI already replacing low-level programmers and enhancing customer service. Agentic AI, capable of performing complex tasks, is predicted to impact fields like accounting and marketing by 2027–2028. However, Marks argues that most current major corporate layoffs stem from typical corporate bloat and mismanagement rather than AI, at least not yet. 945-10 SECOND HOUR 10-1015 HEADLINE: Lancaster County Economy Booms Despite Low Consumer Confidence; Local Entrepreneurs ThriveGUEST: Jim McTague Jim McTague reports that the economy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is strong, suggesting it mirrors the greater US economy despite reports of low consumer confidence, observing robust traffic at tourist destinations like Kitchen Kettle Village, a shopping locale established in 1954, with spending largely supported by well-off boomers. Local entrepreneurs are experiencing great success—a dealer selling eclectic electric lamps in Park City Mall is already earning $4,500 per week at the start of the holiday season, and high volume at Costco, where the Amish are major buyers, further indicates available disposable income. McTague concludes that the real economy on Main Street is strong and likely headed for a blockbuster Christmas season. 1015-1030 HEADLINE: Climate Change Threatens Iconic Italian Cheeses;...

CONTINUED 6/8 Michael McFaul's book Autocrats Versus Democrats argues that Putinism is driven by anti-Western ideology, making Putin a risk-taker, and McFaul believes the US erred by lacking a robust response and failing to provide arms after the 2014 Crimea invasion, stressing that helping Ukraine win is essential to inspire Russian democrats. 1917

5/8 Michael McFaul's book Autocrats Versus Democrats argues that Putinism is driven by anti-Western ideology, making Putin a risk-taker, and McFaul believes the US erred by lacking a robust response and failing to provide arms after the 2014 Crimea invasion, stressing that helping Ukraine win is essential to inspire Russian democrats. He asserts that the appeal of autocracy is growing globally and advises that the US must align democracies against autocrats while advocating for human rights, citing the need to support imprisoned publisher Jimmy Lai. Long-term strategy requires the US and its allies to unite, as they are collectively stronger economically and militarily than autocracies, and McFaulstrongly recommends attracting international talent by reversing restrictive immigration policies, calling it a great strength the US is currently losing. 1913

CONTINUED HEADLINE: Private Space Advances (Blue Origin, Rocket Lab) Challenge NASA SLS, EU Space Law CriticizedGUEST: Bob Zimmerman

Bob Zimmerman reports that Blue Origin's New Glenn orbital rocket successfully completed its second launch, including landing the first stage and demonstrating reuse capability comparable to Falcon 9. New Glenn, larger than Falcon 9, is scheduled for upgrades with more powerful BE4 and BE3U engines, making it nearly comparable to NASA's costly and expendable SLS rocket. Rocket Lab set a new annual launch record with 15 successful orbital launches, surpassing Russia's frequency, and has conducted suborbital HASTE launches for military testing. India is upgrading its largest LVM rocket's upper stage for multiple restarts, essential for its space station and crewed missions. The US State Department opposes a proposed European Union space law seeking to impose EU regulations on companies from other nations, potentially discrediting the EU if passed. Finally, NASA has hired startup Catalyst to attempt a daring robotic rescue of the decaying Swift telescope. 1862

Lorenzo Fiori reports that climate change is threatening Italian food production, particularly cheese, due to drought and heat waves in the south, especially the Puglia region, where stressed cows are reducing milk production and impacting specialty cheeses like mozzarella and burrata. Milk cannot be shipped from the north because local water and hay are essential to the unique flavor of southern cheese. Fiori emphasizes that Italian food is a famous brand precisely because it belongs to its territory, criticizing pre-prepared sauces found in Brussels as inauthentic carbonara, which must be made fresh. In Milan, Christmas preparations are underway, with shop windows decorated festively and street lights scheduled to be switched on December 7th. 1947

Jim McTague reports that the economy in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, is strong, suggesting it mirrors the greater US economy despite reports of low consumer confidence, observing robust traffic at tourist destinations like Kitchen Kettle Village, a shopping locale established in 1954, with spending largely supported by well-off boomers. Local entrepreneurs are experiencing great success—a dealer selling eclectic electric lamps in Park City Mall is already earning $4,500 per week at the start of the holiday season, and high volume at Costco, where the Amish are major buyers, further indicates available disposable income. McTague concludes that the real economy on Main Street is strong and likely headed for a blockbuster Christmas season. 1954

CONTINUED HEADLINE: Mixed US Economic Signals: Strong GDP Contrasts Low Consumer Sentiment; AI Adoption Increases GUEST: Gene Marks

Gene Marks discusses the US economy, noting that third-quarter GDP growth is estimated near 4%, contrasting sharply with record-low consumer sentiment in a "tale of two economies" where salaried workers receiving pay raises of 5–7% are outpacing 3% inflation and continuing to spend, while hourly workers struggle. Despite job growth in construction, leading indicators like the architectural billings index show contraction for 11 months. In technology, 88% of major companies are adopting artificial intelligence, though scaling remains limited, with AI already replacing low-level programmers and enhancing customer service. Agentic AI, capable of performing complex tasks, is predicted to impact fields like accounting and marketing by 2027–2028. However, Marks argues that most current major corporate layoffs stem from typical corporate bloat and mismanagement rather than AI, at least not yet. 1947 PAKISTAN

Veronique De Rugy discusses US industrial policy, noting the trade deficit has increased despite tariffs, and the administration's decision to remove tariffs on food items—goods not produced domestically—is seen as an implicit admission that tariffs contribute to the "affordability crisis" because tariffs are a tax primarily borne by American consumers. The goals behind tariffs have shifted from fighting China to raising revenue, and the largest tariff exemption is for computer parts, indicating an understanding that tariffs could contradict other goals like energy abundance. De Rugyargues that US economic power stems from innovation and a willingness to invest, making industrial policy involving tariffs and seeking foreign investment largely unnecessary and potentially harmful. 1947

Jeff Bliss reports that the Formula 1 race on the Las Vegas city circuit is attracting major spectacle and high-end tourism, though the city is also attempting recovery by catering to lower-income demographics, evidenced by positive activity at the Excalibur Casino, while facing major competition from a new Indian casino near Bakersfield, California, operated by the Tahone tribe and twice the size of Caesars Palace. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom's former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, and four others were indicted on 23 counts of fraud. Additionally, an investigation into the Palisades fire revealed that state workers ordered the LA Fire Department to back off a previously burned area that rekindled, allegedly to protect endangered plants.

PREVIEW Pacific Palisades Fire Controversy: State Orders Firefighters to Stand Down Jeff Bliss A fire in Pacific Palisades became a major disaster after a previously burned, smoldering area was allowed to reignite. Video evidence reportedly shows a state worker ordering the LA Fire Department to leave the scene and not extinguish the smoldering underbrush. The stated reason for the order was to protect endangered plants. This response, involving state regulations, is described as "unbelievable foolishness."

PREVIEW NATO Dilemma: Responding to Russian Aggression in Estonia (2028 Scenario) Jakub Grygiel Jakub Grygiel's book, If Russia Wins, explores a scenario years from now where Russia takes the city of Narva in Estonia after a frozen conflict in Ukraine. This action forces NATO to decide whether to invoke Article Five. Responding militarily is difficult because it would likely involve escalation, requiring NATO to strike logistical bases, missile installations, and airports within Russia proper.

PREVIEW Architect's Index Signals Continued Economic Contraction Gene Marks Gene Marks discusses the architect's index, which serves as a leading indicator for the direction of the American economy, forecasting big buildings and high-end residential construction six to twelve months ahead. For the eleventh consecutive month, the index showed contraction, not expansion, indicating a difficult market for architects and mixed, non-encouraging economic pictures overall.

PREVIEW Measuring Local Economy Amid Low Consumer Confidence Jim McTague Jim McTague visited Kitchen Kettle Village in Lancaster County, observing lots of tourists and entrepreneurs with business seemingly going well. This local economic activity, where people appeared hungry and eager to spend money, contrasts with national reports stating that the consumer confidence number is at an all-time low.

PREVIEW Autocrats Versus Democrats: The Rise of Illiberal Ideologies Professor Michael McFaul Professor Michael McFaul discusses the growing global appeal of autocrat models, including Putinism's illiberal populist nationalism in Europe and the state-run economic model favored by China in the developing world. He notes that bureaucracy and veto points stifle growth and cause inefficiency in the U.S. Although democracy remains popular, its appeal is less potent than it was thirty years ago.

PREVIEW Risks of Placing Small Modular Nuclear Reactors in Military Bases Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski addressed the Pentagon's Janice program, which planned to deploy very small nuclear reactors on military bases. Major concerns included the need for absolutely perfect air defenses and the threat posed by drones. Because of these issues, the Army ultimately decided not to place the micro-reactors on any forward bases.

SHOW 11-20-2025 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT PEACE IN EUROPE.. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Ukraine Envoy Keith Kellogg Quits After Plan for US Peace Leaked. Anatol Lieven discusses a leaked Ukraine peace plan involving potential US legal recognition of Russian annexation of Donbass and Crimea, which would pave the way for lifting US sanctions. The plan requires Ukraine to yield the remaining Donbass slice and accept limits on its army size, although Ukraine is not required to formally agree. Guest: Anatol Lieven. 915-930 continued 930-945 Professor George Is Right: Principle Sustains American Conservatism. Peter Berkowitz reviews Professor Robert George's assertion that American conservatism's core principle is the profound, inherent, and equal dignity of each human family member. George insisted that the movement must unequivocally reject white supremacists and anti-Semites, a rebuke directed at the Heritage Foundation president's defense of Tucker Carlson. This mirrors William F. Buckley's efforts to purge extremism from conservatism. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. 945-1000 US Adds 119,000 Jobs in September, but Unemployment Hits Four-Year Peak. Chris Regal discusses consumer liquidity challenges alongside the early impacts of AI on the workforce. AI is currently displacing white-collar jobs like consulting, but physical displacement via robotics is coming. He notes concerns about an AI investment bubble but affirms confidence in major companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Guest: Chris Regal. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Upcoming Election in Honduras. Mary Anastasia O'Grady discusses Honduran fears that the current left-wing party, allied with Venezuela and Cuba, will attempt to steal the upcoming election. This follows a playbook where elected leaders consolidate power by seizing control of institutions like the military and courts to avoid subsequent fair elections. The OAS and US State Department have issued warnings against election theft. Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady. 1015-1030 Russia's Slowing Wartime Economy Pushes Kremlin to Increase Taxes and Fees. Michael Bernstam analyzes Russia's economic stagnation due to war expenditure and shortages, leading the Kremlin to raise taxes, including the VAT, to close the budget gap. Sanctions are biting deep, forcing Russia to offer huge discounts—up to $38 per barrel—to its primary oil customers: India, China, and Turkey. Guest: Michael Bernstam. 1030-1045 Launch of Blue Origin's New Glenn Rocket. Eric Berger describes the successful second launch and booster landing of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket as thrilling and a huge step forward. New Glenn is the world's third largest rocket and is crucial for Amazon's LEO constellation and NASA's Artemis moon program. Berger also supports Jared Isaacman's nomination to lead NASA. Guest: Eric Berger. 1045-1100 THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 Autocrats Versus Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. Michael McFaul analyzes the Cold War, noting that the Cuban Missile Crisis taught the need for crisis management mechanisms with adversaries. He argues that the US was too complacent, first when engaging China after Tiananmen Square without stressing values, and later when failing to invest politically and economically to consolidate democracy in post-Soviet Russia. Guest: Michael McFaul. 1115-1130 1130-1145 1145-1200 FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 The New World Report. Professor Evan Ellis discusses increased US attention to the Americas, citing the Monroe Doctrine and the risks of intervention in Venezuela. He emphasizes that narco-terror is a complex criminal economy troubling the region. The conversation also highlights rightward political movements and citizen frustration with insecurity and violence in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Guest: Professor Evan...

4/4 The New World Report. Professor Evan Ellis discusses increased US attention to the Americas, citing the Monroe Doctrine and the risks of intervention in Venezuela. He emphasizes that narco-terror is a complex criminal economy troubling the region. The conversation also highlights rightward political movements and citizen frustration with insecurity and violence in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. 1940

3/4 The New World Report. Professor Evan Ellis discusses increased US attention to the Americas, citing the Monroe Doctrine and the risks of intervention in Venezuela. He emphasizes that narco-terror is a complex criminal economy troubling the region. The conversation also highlights rightward political movements and citizen frustration with insecurity and violence in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. Guest: Professor Evan Ellis. 1930