On Saturday, Trump would like nothing more than images from Los Angeles of tear gas and balaclava-clad anarchists throwing bottles at Marines to complement video of himself in the stands at his military parade, saluting the troops amid a field of flags. That's part of the reason why he chose LA to federalize the Guard—home to numerous adversaries who willingly take his bait. And while tanks are going to roll through DC, wrecking its streets for the big birthday boy, Israel is going after Iran like it went after Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Kristi Noem handled the Padilla incident like a little fascist, and it only just occurred to Trump how the deportations will affect farms and hotels. Plus, a "Les Miz" correction, a 'Godfather' goof, and fighting words over The Beach Boys v. Lou Reed.
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Why Trump deployed troops to LA
Tom's late night piece on Israel's attack on Iran
Tom's "Silence of the Generals" piece
The baptism scene in The Godfather
Tim's playlist
--------
1:04:45
Andrew Weissmann: Outlandish and Outrageous
Trump is outright fabricating a justification for sending Guard troops into Los Angeles, and his directive is not limited only to LA. So, if someone acts violent during a 'No Kings' protest on Saturday somewhere in America, would he deploy the National Guard there too? The potential chilling effect on our First Amendment rights to protest is enormous. Plus, masks are liberating ICE agents to act with impunity, Kash is a thin-skinned beta cuck, and the new self-appointed chair of the Kennedy Center was greeted with a mix of boos and cheers on the opening night performance of "Les Miz."
Andrew Weissmann joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Boos and cheers for Trump at the opening night performance of Les Misérables
If you suddenly need to listen to "Do You Hear the People Sing?"
Andrew's pod, "Main Justice"
For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/BULWARK and use code BULWARK.
--------
57:38
Mark Hertling: Contrary to American Values
Trump keeps wrapping himself in the American flag while while behaving in a very anti-American way—like threatening to shut down protests at his $45 million birthday parade or giving a highly partisan speech in front of soldiers in violation of military policy. And as the haphazardly deployed Marines join federalized Guard troops in LA, Trump seems hellbent on escalating his feud with Gavin Newsom—and the giant blue state that rejects him. Plus, Putin looks to gain an advantage in Ukraine while America is distracted, and Tulsi may have disclosed state secrets to the entire world.
Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Sam and Tim on Tulsi's creepy nuclear war video
Part One of the 'Behind the Bastards' Pod on Robert E. Lee
The Tom Nichols piece that Gen. Hertling referenced
--------
46:11
Bill Kristol: People Should Be Mad
Where is Obama? Where is George W. Bush? A Marine battalion and the National Guard have been deployed in response to a spark Trump set off by sweeping up people who aren't doing anything illegal besides being present here. And the administration may ramp up the tension if it uses the military for domestic law enforcement purposes. At least Gavin is finally angry. Plus, MAGA is built around conspiracists and conspiracy theories, so RFK Jr can do what he wants with vaccines because he's only making doctors and public health experts mad—constituents Trump couldn't care less about.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' interview with Adrian
Focus Group Pod on the Dem primary for governor in NJ
For an extra 25% off your order and a special gift, head to Pacagen.com/THEBULWARK
--------
56:00
S2 Ep1060: Ta-Nehisi Coates: A Natural Human Reaction
Trump and Stephen Miller wanted a backlash against the immigration raids, because even they know that humans will respond when the federal government is snatching people off the street. But the tenor of modern protests is not going to be like the Civil Rights Movement, because activists back then were trained to suppress their natural inclination to defend themselves. Plus, the key role of culture in politics, Dems have to show that the state does good things, and it's the 10th anniversary of Ta-Nehisi's landmark book, “Between the World and Me.”
And in a special bonus segment from our live show last Friday, Tim interviews Andry's lawyer and explains why he's been so moved by the case to free Andry from CECOT.
Ta-Nehisi Coates and attorney Lindsay Toczylowski join Tim Miller.
show notes
"Between the World and Me," out in paperback next week
Ta-Nehisi's interview with Obama in Oct. 2016
Last Friday's full "Free Andry" live show
* Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than fifty percent at selectquote.com/bulwark
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.
New Zealand