How the Wisdom of 'Seinfeld' Is Relevant Today

As 2023 came to an end, it marked 25 years since the end of "Seinfeld" (1989-1998). I wanted to create a list of the most politically relevant "Seinfeld" episodes for today.

The Finale

In the final episode, Jerry "Seinfeld," George Costanza, Cosmo Kramer, and Elaine Benes are on trial because they refused to help a man who was being mugged.

In the episode, their attorney, Jackie Chiles gave an opening statement, which is still one of the best defenses against conflating all conservatives with extremists:

"You know what they were? They were innocent bystanders. Now, you just think about that term. Innocent ... bystanders. Because that's exactly what they were. We know they were bystanders. Nobody's disputing that. So, how can a bystander be guilty?

"No such thing! Have you ever heard of a guilty bystander? No, because you cannot be a bystander and be guilty! Bystanders, are by definition, innocent. That is the nature of by-standing."

In September 2022, President Joe Biden said, "Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans represent an extremism that threatens the very foundations of our republic."

While President Biden said he does not believe most Republicans are MAGA Republicans, "But there is no question that the Republican Party today is dominated, driven, and intimidated by Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans, and that is a threat to this country."

In other words, Biden believes Republicans are either MAGA or "guilty bystanders."

The Couch

In this episode, Elaine breaks up with her boyfriend because he is anti-abortion.

My friend Dr. James E. Campbell, a professor in political science, published an academic paper that explains how the Red Wave failed to materialize in the 2022 midterms.

In 2022, Republicans won 51.4% of the two-party vote and won 222 seats. In 2020, the Democrats won 51.6% of the two-party vote and also won 222 seats.

According to Dr. Campbell, the Republicans didn't do that much better in 2010 and 2014.

In 2010, the Republicans won 53.4% of the two-party vote and won 242 seats. In 2014, the Republicans won 53 percent and won 247 seats.

Dr. Campbell argues in his paper that the Democrats outspent the Republicans in key Senate races, and they outperformed the Republicans in mail-in voting. Along with fundraising and organization, I believe abortion was one of the reasons that nearly cost the Republicans their majority in Congress.

In 2022, there were many single-issue pro-choice voters like Elaine.

The Sponge

In season 7, Kramer participates in an AIDS walk. He doesn't want to wear the ribbon during the walk. A woman tells Kramer that he must wear the ribbon.

Kramer calls her a "ribbon bully." He was marching, but Kramer gets beaten up by a group of activists for not wearing the ribbon.

The Soup Nazi

There is a soup stand owner who insists that his customers order a certain way. When they don't, he kicks them out and says, "No soup for you!"

Jerry, George, and Newman appease the Soup Nazi because his soup is delicious. Elaine stands up to this bully by publishing his recipes.

The Cadillac

Jerry buys a Cadillac for his father. Morty "Seinfeld" is the president of his condo association in Florida.

His vice president, Jack Klompus, uses the Cadillac as an excuse to launch a phony impeachment against Morty. While most people on the board don't think Morty is guilty of stealing their money to buy the car, Morty is removed from office because some of the board members don't like him and Jerry.

The Robbery

In the first season, Jerry's apartment is robbed because Kramer forgot to close the door. Jerry explains to Kramer that a lock is useless when the door is open. For years, Republicans have been making the same arguments about building a wall on the southern border.

The Opposite

In season 5, George Costanza is unemployed and forced to live with his parents, Frank and Estelle, in Queens.

In this episode, George gets a job with the New York Yankees. George Costanza turned his life around because he realized that his instincts were wrong, and he should do the opposite.

Jerry "Seinfeld" tells George, "If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right."

Today, I believe college students should do the opposite and support Israel's right to exist. The shocking support for Hamas on college campuses is outrageous but not surprising.

These students are not progressive just because of their professors. These kids have been radicalized because many of them cannot find good jobs and buy homes like their parents could.

We cannot ignore these kids anymore. We need to do the opposite and actively help these kids find work.

Robert Zapesochny is a researcher and writer whose work focuses on foreign affairs, national security and presidential history. He has been published in numerous outlets, including The American Spectator, the Washington Times, and The American Conservative. When he's not writing, Robert works for a medical research company in New York. Read Robert Zapesochny's Reports — More Here.