Where this was said
JD Vance Discovers Diplomacy (After Bombing Iran First)
At 23:52 · chapter starts 17:50
The episode shifts to a media-criticism segment as Tommy and Ben play a striking juxtaposition: Trump calling Iranian leaders 'rational, strong, smart people' and JD Vance enthusing about the 'cool' friendships built with IRGC officials during the deal process, cut against Ben Shapiro and Mark Levin describing the Iranian government as 'millenarian psychotics.' Ben Rhodes notes the first group is simply rediscovering what the Obama administration proved in 2015 — that you can negotiate with Iran — but only after launching an unnecessary war to get there. He argues both framings are wrong: Iran is neither irrational fanatics nor warm partners, but sophisticated strategic actors who need to be handled with a mixture of strength and diplomacy. He also criticizes a compliant media that amplified JCPOA lies without fact-checking, and Congress for being aggressive toward diplomatic agreements but passive about authorizing wars. The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act — which passed 98-1 — made deals harder while Congress stood aside as the president launched an illegal war.
JD Vance called the deal process 'cool' because of the relationships built with IRGC officials. The Obama administration proved you could talk to Iran without bombing them first. Vance and Trump just discovered what Ben Rhodes did in 2015 — after an unnecessary war.
