Ep 122. Bret Stephens; March Madness

In this episode of Charlie Rose, season 25 episode 122, journalist and author Bret Stephens is interviewed about the current state of American politics and international relations. Stephens is a conservative commentator who has previously worked for The Wall Street Journal and currently writes for The New York Times. He offers insights on topics such as the Trump administration, the destabilization of the Middle East, and the rise of China.

The conversation begins with Stephens discussing his recent article for The New York Times about the "unraveling" of the Trump presidency. He argues that Trump's chaotic leadership style has created a sense of "permanent crisis" in Washington, and that this has serious implications for American democracy. Stephens also comments on the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, saying that he believes it is likely that there was collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian officials.

The conversation then turns to foreign policy, with Stephens offering his thoughts on the conflict in Syria and the role of the United States in the Middle East more broadly. He argues that the Obama administration's decision not to intervene more forcefully in Syria was a mistake, as it left a power vacuum that was filled by Russia and Iran. However, Stephens also expresses concern about the Trump administration's approach to foreign policy, saying that its "America First" ideology risks undermining the alliances and partnerships that are crucial to U.S. global influence.

Later in the interview, Stephens shifts gears to talk about college basketball and the NCAA tournament, which is commonly referred to as "March Madness." As a longtime fan of the sport, he offers his predictions for the upcoming tournament and reflects on the role that sports play in American culture more broadly. He argues that sports can bring people together and serve as a valuable distraction from the divisive politics of the day.

Overall, this episode of Charlie Rose offers a wide-ranging conversation with Bret Stephens that will be of interest to anyone interested in politics, foreign policy, and sports. Stephens is a thoughtful and informed commentator who offers insights on these topics that are often overlooked in the 24-hour news cycle. Whether you agree with his perspective or not, this interview is a valuable addition to the ongoing conversation about the state of our world today.