Originally a staple of Newsweek‘s print edition, Conventional Wisdom used arrows to track whose stock was rising or falling in the political circus. We’re reviving it in the digital age because the problem it lampooned—hyperbole and partisan certainty masquerading as insight—has only intensified.
CW assigns arrows—up, down, or sideways—to the figures and forces shaping current events. The arrows don’t predict the future or claim special insight. They capture the prevailing winds of the moment, uncluttered by tribal howling. In an era when partisan media reinforces rather than questions assumptions, CW operates from the center—skeptical of left and right alike, committed to puncturing inflated reputations and recognizing overlooked truths.
In this edition, CW looks at the Heritage Foundation controversy.
Tucker Carlson ⬆
Interviewed white nationalist Nick Fuentes, who complained about “organized Jewry in America,” from his Maine retreat, watched the DC blue-chip think tank Heritage Foundation nearly implode defending him for it, cashed $1.2 million of their sponsorship checks. He’s probably never been happier about giving up the Beltway for Bryant Pond.
Kevin Roberts ⬇
Week one: Heritage president said, “Tucker always will be a close friend,” called critics “the globalist class.” Week two: 85 percent of his staff are “disgusted,” at least five of them resigned, Jewish partners cut ties, a sort of apology (“I didn’t know much about this Fuentes guy”), an offer to quit (but stayed). Who says you can’t put a price on friendship?
Ben Shapiro ⬆
He called Carlson an “intellectual coward” and “a terrible friend” and said, “No to the Groypers.” After building a career on provocation, he’s managed to rebrand as the right’s voice of reason. Remember, facts don’t care about your feelings, but they do care about brand safety.
Mike Pence ⬆
His “Heritage-had-lost-its-way” think tank startup Advancing American Freedom—staffed by Heritage’s ex-chief—suddenly looks prescient. He hasn’t been this relevant in conservative Washington circles since he certified Joe Biden’s election victory.
Mike Johnson ⬇
“We’re very bullish about the outcome. We have an extraordinary record to run on.” Extraordinary indeed. Whatever he’s optimistic about after the GOP’s election drubbing on Tuesday won’t be helped by this intramural food fight.
Ilhan Omar ⬆
Kicked off the House Foreign Affairs Committee in 2023 for describing US support for Israel as “all about the Benjamins.” This week, her conservative critics are busy arguing over whether it’s acceptable to say, “NAZIS ARE BAD.”