(‘Alternate Shots’, Episode #40. Co-hosted by Richard Haass and John Ellis. Produced by Dale Eisinger. Recorded, 28 August 2026. If you prefer, you can listen to this episode (and all previous episodes) by clicking on these hyperlinks: Apple, Amazon, and Spotify. We’re on a number of other podcast platforms as well. And YouTube!)
Richard and I had what diplomats call a “wide-ranging discussion” about a number of topics: the Davos-ification of the United Nations, an apparently insubstantial U.S.-China Summit in Washington, Richard’s essay (co-authored with Carolyn Kissane) on “the least bad option” for ending the Iran war, AI and increasingly disruptive cyber attacks and an important if subtle political development: “MAGA podcasters tuning out Trump,” as The Wall Street Journal put it.
We ended with Richard bemoaning the outcast state of the New York Giants. Back in August, “gaming” in Las Vegas, Richard found himself seated next to Reggie (Mr. October) Jackson, the great New York Yankees outfielder.
Chatting away amidst diminishing chips, Richard opined that the New York Giants would “make the playoffs” this year. Mr. Jackson immediately accepted a $100 bet. He will be $100 richer shortly.
My brother Joe, before he retired, was the CEO of The Denver Broncos. His take on football success was simple: “75% Quarterback and 25% Defense.” The Giants lost their starting quarterback. End of story.
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The Atlanta Falcons made your brother an oracle last night. Green Bay still in recovery mode...
I read “The Stalemate With Iran Is Not Sustainable” and I agree that the war is unsustainable. But I fear it will continue at least until we have another president. Trump would view any diplomatic solution as a personal defeat. Hopefully, our next president will be Vance or Massie.