S8 Ep1172: Gaius and Germanicus: The discussion focuses on the "shrinking presidency" of Mr. Trump in 2026, drawing parallels to the diminished 19th-century stature of Benjamin Harrison. The hosts argue that geriatric leadership and the "unbelievable" stress of fail
S8 Ep1172: Gaius and Germanicus: The discussion focuses on the "shrinking presidency" of Mr. Trump in 2026, drawing parallels to the diminished 19th-century stature of Benjamin Harrison. The hosts argue that geriatric leadership and the "unbelievable" stress of fail  
Podcast: The John Batchelor Show
Published On: Mon Jul 27 2026
Description: Gaius and Germanicus: The discussion focuses on the "shrinking presidency" of Mr. Trump in 2026, drawing parallels to the diminished 19th-century stature of Benjamin Harrison. The hosts argue that geriatric leadership and the "unbelievable" stress of failing wars make 8-year terms unsustainable, suggesting a shift to single six-year terms. Germanicus proposes a radical "rosy scenario": the US should "slough off" dependent possessions like Europe—which he views as a drain—to focus on viable partners like Japan and Korea. This mirrors the Western Roman Empire's collapse, which allowed the Greek-speaking Eastern Empire (Constantinople) to thrive for another millennium. They warn that the US is already in an active civil war that will intensify due to "lazy left" policies like court-packing. They conclude by searching for a "smiling Greek" source of survival amidst American upheaval. (2)1892