Newt talks with Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Iran program, who provides insights into the significance of Israel's bombing campaign, the historical context of the conflict, and the potential involvement of the United States. Their discussion centers on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, marked by Israel's surprise attack on Iranian targets, including nuclear sites, and Iran's retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli cities. Taleblu discusses the ideological and technical challenges within Iran's regime, the impact of Israeli intelligence and military strategy, and the broader implications for regional stability and US foreign policy. They conclude with a discussion on the possibility of regime change in Iran and the role of the Iranian diaspora in rebuilding the nation.

Newt talks with Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Iran program, who provides insights into the significance of Israel's bombing campaign, the historical context of the conflict, and the potential involvement of the United States. Their discussion centers on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, marked by Israel's surprise attack on Iranian targets, including nuclear sites, and Iran's retaliatory missile strikes on Israeli cities. Taleblu discusses the ideological and technical challenges within Iran's regime, the impact of Israeli intelligence and military strategy, and the broader implications for regional stability and US foreign policy. They conclude with a discussion on the possibility of regime change in Iran and the role of the Iranian diaspora in rebuilding the nation.

Join Newt Gingrich, former U.S. Speaker of the House and Ph.D. historian, for the most diverse, informative, and entertaining podcast available. Every episode is an education.

Join Newt Gingrich, former U.S. Speaker of the House and Ph.D. historian, for the most diverse, informative, and entertaining podcast available. Every episode is an education.

Newt's World

Episode 854: The Escalating Conflict Between Israel and Iran

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/807a39af-fa03-47f7-9c60-b3010128c88c/transcript

Newt talks with David Winston and Myra Miller of the Winston Group, about the 2026 midterm elections. Inflation and the economy remain the central issue for voters. They discuss how war-driven spikes in gas prices may be seen as temporary, potentially buying the Trump administration time if voters expect prices to fall once the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions ease. Turning to party dynamics, they describe the growing importance of independents, whose share of the electorate rose from 27% in 2020 to 34% in 2024 and now exceeds at least one major party in many competitive states. Historical swings show how dramatically independents can shift outcomes. David and Myra argue that independents are becoming an “existential threat” to both parties and that their voting is driven primarily by economic concerns, especially cost of living. Looking ahead to 2026, they recommend that every Republican campaign adopt two core strategies: a clear economic message that educates voters on the benefits of the “Big Beautiful Bill” and a specific plan to win independents, recognizing that an effective independent strategy is inseparable from a strong economic strategy.

Newt talks with David Winston and Myra Miller of the Winston Group, about the 2026 midterm elections. Inflation and the economy remain the central issue for voters. They discuss how war-driven spikes in gas prices may be seen as temporary, potentially buying the Trump administration time if voters expect prices to fall once the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz tensions ease. Turning to party dynamics, they describe the growing importance of independents, whose share of the electorate rose from 27% in 2020 to 34% in 2024 and now exceeds at least one major party in many competitive states. Historical swings show how dramatically independents can shift outcomes. David and Myra argue that independents are becoming an &ldquo;existential threat&rdquo; to both parties and that their voting is driven primarily by economic concerns, especially cost of living. Looking ahead to 2026, they recommend that every Republican campaign adopt two core strategies: a clear economic message that educates voters on the benefits of the &ldquo;Big Beautiful Bill&rdquo; and a specific plan to win independents, recognizing that an effective independent strategy is inseparable from a strong economic strategy.

Episode 965: The Winston Group on the 2026 Midterm Elections

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/fa601dba-8651-4ac4-adfa-b428015bad9e/transcript

Newt talks with Congressman Rick Crawford, (AR-1st) Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, about the importance of counterintelligence reform, the Iran war, and fully funding the Department of Homeland Security. Chairman Crawford explains that the United States needs counterintelligence reform to address threats from China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, which are actively engaging in espionage and intelligence operations within the U.S. homeland. There is a need for better coordination and cooperation between federal agencies like the FBI and military counterintelligence assets to leverage their different capabilities for threat mitigation rather than just law enforcement. Iran poses a significant threat, with the capability to deliver radioactive materials or a "dirty bomb" via their ballistic missile program, in addition to their support for terrorism and proxies. Our European allies have been unwilling to adequately fund their own defense, relying heavily on U.S. protection. Lastly, they address the challenge to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and discuss the risks a shutdown poses by leaving critical security gaps in areas like border security, cybersecurity, and disaster response.

Newt talks with Congressman Rick Crawford, (AR-1st) Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, about the importance of counterintelligence reform, the Iran war, and fully funding the Department of Homeland Security. Chairman Crawford explains that the United States needs counterintelligence reform to address threats from China, Russia, Iran, and Cuba, which are actively engaging in espionage and intelligence operations within the U.S. homeland. There is a need for better coordination and cooperation between federal agencies like the FBI and military counterintelligence assets to leverage their different capabilities for threat mitigation rather than just law enforcement. Iran poses a significant threat, with the capability to deliver radioactive materials or a "dirty bomb" via their ballistic missile program, in addition to their support for terrorism and proxies. Our European allies have been unwilling to adequately fund their own defense, relying heavily on U.S. protection. Lastly, they address the challenge to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security and discuss the risks a shutdown poses by leaving critical security gaps in areas like border security, cybersecurity, and disaster response.

Episode 964: Congressman Rick Crawford on Counterintelligence Reform

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d65fdd5d-eede-4df0-965e-b426017838a4/transcript

Newt talks with attorneys Joseph VanZandt of the Beasley Allen Law Firm, and Mark Lanier of The Lanier Law Firm about the landmark case in California where Meta and YouTube were deemed liable for addiction-related harm to children and young adults. They represented the plaintiff in the case, known as K.G.M. The case was initiated after former Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked internal documents showing that Meta was aware of the harms its platforms were causing to young users, but prioritized growth over user safety. The case was structured as individual lawsuits rather than a class action, with the judge selecting 9 bellwether cases to go to trial. The K.G.M. case was the first one selected. The key evidence used in the case was internal documents and depositions from current and former employees of the tech companies, which showed intentional efforts to design addictive features targeting children. The lawyers argued that the tech companies' actions constituted addiction, drawing parallels to the tobacco industry, and presented expert testimony to establish the clinical criteria for addiction. The verdict found Meta and YouTube liable, marking a significant legal precedent in holding social media platforms accountable for the harms caused by their products. The lawyers expressed concerns about the ongoing lobbying efforts by the tech companies to prevent further lawsuits through legislative means, highlighting the need for greater transparency and regulation.

Newt talks with attorneys Joseph VanZandt of the Beasley Allen Law Firm, and Mark Lanier of The Lanier Law Firm about the landmark case in California where Meta and YouTube were deemed liable for addiction-related harm to children and young adults. They represented the plaintiff in the case, known as K.G.M. The case was initiated after former Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen leaked internal documents showing that Meta was aware of the harms its platforms were causing to young users, but prioritized growth over user safety. The case was structured as individual lawsuits rather than a class action, with the judge selecting 9 bellwether cases to go to trial. The K.G.M. case was the first one selected. The key evidence used in the case was internal documents and depositions from current and former employees of the tech companies, which showed intentional efforts to design addictive features targeting children. The lawyers argued that the tech companies' actions constituted addiction, drawing parallels to the tobacco industry, and presented expert testimony to establish the clinical criteria for addiction. The verdict found Meta and YouTube liable, marking a significant legal precedent in holding social media platforms accountable for the harms caused by their products. The lawyers expressed concerns about the ongoing lobbying efforts by the tech companies to prevent further lawsuits through legislative means, highlighting the need for greater transparency and regulation.

Episode 963: The Landmark Social Media Addiction Case in California

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a5f88ca9-47ce-46fb-8a30-b4230014ef58/transcript

Episode 854: The Escalating Conflict Between Israel and Iran

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