Jeremy Hobson on the "Rally Around the Flag" Risk in Iran - The Gist Recap

Podcast: The Gist

Published: 2026-01-17

Duration: 29 minutes

Guests: Jeremy Hobson, Chuck Klosterman

Summary

Mike Pesca and Jeremy Hobson discuss the counterproductive nature of Trump's threats against Iran and the problematic use of anonymous sources in journalism.

What Happened

Mike Pesca joined Jeremy Hobson on the NPR show The Middle's online segment, 'The Follow-Up,' to dissect the implications of Donald Trump's threats towards Iran. Pesca argues that these threats could backfire, as history shows they often do not lead to desired outcomes and may even rally unintended support for the Iranian regime. Meanwhile, Israel's strategic silence on Iran's internal protests is seen as a wise move, allowing adversaries to self-destruct without external interference.

Pesca critiques the Trump administration's immigration policies, highlighting public disapproval even among some of Trump's own supporters. This dissatisfaction stems from the administration's harsh tactics, such as those used by ICE, which have been described as 'awful but lawful.' The discussion touches on the Minneapolis ICE shooting, which the Trump administration labeled a 'riot,' potentially inflaming tensions further.

The episode also explores the use of anonymous sources in journalism, particularly in Dexter Filkins' New Yorker profile on Marco Rubio. Pesca suggests that while anonymous sources can confirm biases, they lack the credibility of named sources and may skew reader perceptions. This practice is common in journalism but requires careful consideration to avoid misleading narratives.

In the realm of international politics, the capture of a Venezuelan leader on drug trafficking charges by the U.S. is noted, which generated mixed reactions across the globe. This event highlights the complexities of international law enforcement and the varied geopolitical responses it elicits.

The show takes a lighter turn with a mention of sponsors, including HomeServe, which offers home repair services not typically covered by homeowner insurance, and Truewerk, a workwear brand endorsed by Pesca for its comfort and functionality.

Finally, Pesca teases upcoming content, including a two-part segment with Chuck Klosterman analyzing football action recorded weeks prior. The episode will not air on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but listeners can look forward to Klosterman's insights on Tuesday.

Key Insights

• Historically, aggressive threats towards a nation like Iran can lead to a 'rally around the flag' effect, where the population unites in support of their government against perceived external threats, potentially strengthening the regime instead of weakening it.
• The Trump administration's immigration policies, particularly the tactics employed by ICE, have faced significant public disapproval, including from some of Trump's own supporters, due to their harsh nature, which has been described as 'awful but lawful.'
• The use of anonymous sources in journalism, such as in Dexter Filkins' New Yorker profile on Marco Rubio, can confirm biases but may lack the credibility of named sources, potentially skewing reader perceptions and leading to misleading narratives.
• The capture of a Venezuelan leader on drug trafficking charges by the U.S. highlights the complexities of international law enforcement and has elicited mixed geopolitical responses, reflecting the varied global perspectives on such interventions.