More Ben. Less Tommy.

I usually love the show. The guys are smart and I appreciate the deep dives into topics that most media just skims through. But…Tommy Vietor might sometimes be just too nice. Could have used more pushback on that Glenn Greenwald interview. Glad to hear other points of view and I’m not looking for a shouting match, but I think Tommy could’ve shown more than just that little bit of skepticism and pushed Greenwald to defend his positions.

I used to love this show. Today, to hear Glen Greenwald spouting, among other things, that a small country like Ukraine (I’d argue Ukraine is not small) cannot win a war against a large country like Russia with minimal push back was disheartening. In addition to Afghanistan, Vietnam and the American Revolutionary war come to mind, and I’m sure many historians out there could name others. And giving credit to the current US administration? The only person who deserves credit for anything is Zelensky who has displayed tremendous physical and mental courage. Maybe you were trying to show a broad POV but this was not the way. I learned nothing from this episode. Awful.

It’s so great to have more discussion of and insights into what’s happening outside the U.S., while connecting it to current events in America. The interview segments with journalists, activists and others are great contributions to knowledge of people and issues abroad.

I value and respect your podcast. But even with your experience, expertise and politically astute observations, as a human being with none of your bona fides, I believe Zelenskyy gained more than he lost in that disgusting ambush. He held his ground, thought on his feet under attack in the most extraordinary circumstances possible, and simply by defending himself and jousting a bit, the true nature of Trump et al was revealed to the whole world in the process. They looked like the complete, heartless villains they are. Zelensky knew twenty minutes in, probably hours earlier, that he would be leaving the White House empty handed. Like you said, this was a set up, a cowardly display and a clarifying moment, a wake up call for Europe who have since rallied around Zelensky, and a shocking revelation for the American people: America has abandoned Ukraine and is partnering with the Russian enemy. The ridiculous rare earth minerals deal might completely collapse now, and I think that’s a good thing. In the short term and long term, I don’t see Zelensky damaged. If he hadn’t stood up to them, he would have been damaged. Thank you for listening.

Thanks for weighing in against Zelensky and completely negating all your previous remarks about the meeting. Re: Zelensky, thank goodness someone had the moral courage to stand up to the thugs. In the last weeks we have been witness to the unsavory spectacle of one European leader after another fellating Donald Trump on live TV. Maybe that’s your kink. I prefer honest, courageous confrontation. And, by the way, did you happen to catch Russian media’s response to the meeting? Tragically, Zelensky is probably not long for this world. I guess he could have played it safe to save his own skin. I guess he could have at least gone for a hand job and ended up with a deal that would exploit his country. Instead he chose to display the kind of integrity that the Trump administration is doing everything it can to wipe from the face of the earth, He should be celebrated. You are dead wrong on this one.

I think this pod is going to be so important as we see our country change to something unimaginable. Thank you both for your honest perspectives even when they are dark and sad.

Thank you for what you do. Listening to this pod I know I can trust what you guys say because you always give it to us straight and I appreciate that because it’s hard to find these days. I live in a place where people lack common sense and lack common decency when it comes to doing the right thing. Please don’t stop ever podcasting because I feel less alone when I listen to your pod and I can say these guys get it, how I get it. where nobody seems to see what’s happening in the world. Great show

While overall i like to maintain a neutral position on certain things regarding worldly affairs, i cant help but notice how Tommy’s language tends to be very one-sided regarding certain conflicts. I do appreciate Ben’s more centrist approach in addressing both of the human suffering sides of a conflict, but Tommy is always quick to use very demonizing language toward the Palestinian Resistance and to ignore the conditions of the Palestinian people altogether while throwing all his sympathetic language for the Israeli’s and it is a little upsetting to see such a stark bias. I would just ask for Tommy to look at what’s happening to the people suffering on both sides of the fence and not just demonize how Israeli “hostages” are treated and ignoring the monstrous treatment the Palestinian hostages are also going through and the conditions in which they are being returned. At least Hamas has decency to return them in coffins and not in blue zip-tied body bags as Isreal returns deceased Palestinian hostages? Who’s the real monster here?!

Largely aligned with my view on world affairs, more balanced and thoughtful insights for international listeners. Not a big fun of PSA btw.