Kevin Williamson

5 days ago | thedispatch.com | Kevin Williamson

When do practical policy effects trump cherished principles? The mess that has come with gambling liberalization should force the thoughtful kind of libertarian to consider that question.

1 week ago | thedispatch.com | Jonah Goldberg |Jeremiah Johnson |Kevin Williamson |Jay Sophalkalyan

The two-doll problem. Published May 7, 2025 Two maudlin and romantic dolls (Jonah Goldberg and Chris Stirewalt) come together to discuss the revival of Alcatraz, the future of the MAGA movement without Trump, and the skewed self-perception of American voters.

1 week ago | thedispatch.com | Kevin Williamson

Donald Trump is a socialist. When I write “socialist,” I do not use the word the way most right-leaning commentators use it, meaning: “bad.” If you want to get a feel for exactly how insipid and repetitious the contemporary online right is, do a search for “cackling socialist”—you don’t even need to include “Kamala Harris.” You’ll be hip-deep in stupid in two clicks. The thing about socialism is, it stays socialism—whether you like socialism or dislike it.

1 week ago | thedispatch.com | Kevin Williamson

Republicans have a weird new proposition for the American voter: fewer choices, higher prices. That doesn’t seem like an obvious political winner. As they say over at The Economist podcast: But, first … I don’t care very much about “Made in the USA.” I do care a good deal about “Made in China.”Because I am interested in trade issues, I pay attention, probably more than the average person does, to where the consumer goods I buy are made.

1 week ago | thedispatch.com | Sarah Isgur |Jonah Goldberg |Jesse Singal |Kevin Williamson

Democrats code talking their way to oblivion. By , , and Published May 2, 2025 Host Sarah Isgur and contractually obligated Jonah Goldberg are joined by Dispatch contributor Jesse Singal and Mike Pesca, host of The Gistpodcast to discuss the Democratic Party’s identity crisis. Also: Singal broke news on The Dispatch about the Trump administration’s transgender policy.