Republicans are creating, and celebrating, an immigration police state financed by their megabill. Our cities will be militarized, we'll have prison camps, more masked agents, and more dehumanization—like their sicko alligator hats. And the motivation all seems to be so Trump has a win and the Dems don't. But this is Stephen Miller's administration now. Expect net zero migration, less tourism, less international business, and a lower GDP. As we head into Independence Day, it's hard to see the Jeffersonian aspirational promise of America right now. Plus, the administration's freeze on some air defense weapons to Ukraine, how a younger Sam used to think about Bill Kristol, and Candace Owens's potential influence on geopolitical affairs.
Sam Stein joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.
show notes
This week's TNL
Adrian on how deportations are impacting the Latin music industry
Will Sommer's new piece that Sam referenced
Thomas Jefferson's letter to Roger Weightman
Tim's playlist
Tim's July 4th playlist
Food relief organizations to support, mentioned in the Nick Kristof interview
Helen Keller International
Edesia Nutrition in Rhode Island
Mana Nutrition in Georgia
--------
52:44
--------
52:44
Galen Druke: Americans Do Not Like Trump's Deportations
Trump has moved public opinion against his own immigration policy platform by sending masked agents out to nab people off the street. So, Democrats should skip the last war, and instead push for laws requiring ICE agents to show their faces and wear their names on their badge. And another no-brainer for the midterms, in light of the Big Ugly Bill: they should also grab the green eyeshades and talk up the dangers from the debt and deficit. Plus, the electoral calculations behind slashing Medicaid, a Democratic primary draft for 2028, and what was Murkowski thinking?
Galen Druke joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Galen's podcast
Galen's Substack
--------
1:05:22
--------
1:05:22
E. Jean Carroll and Sarah Longwell: Such a Bad Man
Ever the journalist, E. Jean took assiduous notes about her two civil suits against Donald Trump, the only occasions he has been held liable for his lies since he became president. And while the origin story of her cases is situated in an infamous department store dressing room, she managed to find a high comedy in the courtroom—her description of Alina Habba is one for the ages. Plus, as the reconciliation bill was moving toward final passage in the Senate, Sarah and Tim discussed the preposterous Frankenstein bill, how Republicans are not listening to their voters, and the worthlessness of Lisa Murkowski.
Sarah Longwell and E. Jean Carroll join Tim Miller.
show notes
E. Jean's new book, "Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President"
E. Jean's Substack
Subscribe to "Bulwark Takes" for our reactions to breaking news
--------
1:26:16
--------
1:26:16
Bill Kristol: Limp Opposition
Thom Tillis finally showed some backbone and opposed Trump—because of the giant Medicaid cuts in the Big Fugly Bill—but now he has to self-deport from the Senate. Meanwhile, the bill funds a giant internal police force for Trump, and gives a handout to the Dr. Strangeloves of Silicon Valley who don't want AI regulated. It would also cripple wind and solar energy, which even the ex-shadow president says is insane and destructive. Plus, ICE's racial and ethnic targeting, the plutocrats are the biggest suck-ups, and Peter Thiel—the man who gave us JD Vance—isn't sure he wants the human race to continue.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" interview with Tom Joscelyn
Douthat's interview with Thiel
--------
55:12
--------
55:12
Nicholas Kristof: Gratuitous Cruelty
A miracle food paste that fights malnutrition in children, that taxpayers have already paid for, is collecting dust in warehouses. Donated drugs for parasitic infections remain undistributed and are nearing their expiration dates. American-purchased ambulances sit idle because they have no gas. USAID was shut down in the name of government efficiency, but instead, we've spent at least $6 billion to dismantle it—and we've killed a lot of kids in the process, despite what Elon and Marco Rubio say. Plus, Elissa Slotkin on her 'Economic War Plan,' and the challenges for Dems on housing, and connecting with the working class.
Nick Kristof and Sen. Elissa Slotkin join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Nick's piece on the waste Elon created
Nick on the elegant and cheap solutions to global hunger
The response to readers upset that Nick writes about dying kids in Africa
"Chasing Hope," Nick's memoir
Kristof Farms
Tim's playlist
Organizations to support
Helen Keller International
Edesia Nutrition in Rhode Island
Mana Nutrition in Georgia
Tim Miller and guests discuss the latest political news for the flagship podcast of the Never Trump movement and the reality-based community. Every weekday we provide insightful analysis, political hot-takes, an unabashed defense of liberal democracy and long-form interviews that cut through the "both-sides" BS. Plus a few laughs to help you wash down the crazy.
Bulwark+ members can get a totally ad-free version of the show delivered right to their favorite podcast player.
Portugal