A Man of 1989 (w/ David Frum) #569

Democratic institutions face profound fragility, requiring active defense against modern political extremism and the erosion of historical memory. David Frum, a staff writer at *The Atlantic*, reflects on his upbringing as the son of prominent Canadian journalists and his formative realization that societal prosperity is not guaranteed but must be protected by robust institutional frameworks. The conversation examines the "Never Trump" movement, the tendency of political factions to prioritize ideological purity over institutional stability, and the dangers of polarization within both the Republican and Democratic parties. Key insights include the role of luck in individual success, the difficulty of maintaining principled opposition in a climate of unprecedented corruption, and the necessity of historical awareness to navigate contemporary global instability. The dialogue also addresses the shifting landscape of immigration policy and the enduring lessons of the Cold War.