Tim...Mr. Miller, I love Charlie and was sad to see him retire from The B. I grieved. Again today you have shown me the value of change and the importance of his legacy. You are the host we need. This piece and the last couple of talks (they are far beyond mere "pieces") have been special in the extreme. I pride myself, foolishly, in my vocabulary and I am having trouble finding words to tell you how deeply you have affected me with your courage, strength and sensitivity. If, as the human being I can see that you are, you have doubts, please know that I, for one, have no doubts about you. I'm two thirds of a century old and your wisdom inspires me. I hope you and your lucky family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holidays to come.
Perhaps next Thanksgiving your MAGA relatives will be eating crow instead of turkey. Why?
1. It's likely that their options for affordable care may no longer be affordable or even exist.
2. They may have to give up eating out and eating healthy fresh produce which will be too costly as illegals tending the fields and restaurant kitchens are evicted.
3. They may be applying for unemployment benefits if they are federal employees after Musk and Ramaswamy streamline/gut the federal workforce.
4. Retirement portfolios they have may dwindle in value as demand for goods and services decline.
If this happens to them, don't gloat as you may be in the same sinking boat.
It may be very tempting, though, to say, "It's not my fault. I voted for Harris."
Fortunately I didn’t have this issue in my immediate family. Having a no politics discussion allowed with neighbors. Only what we are thankful for. And living in the Asheville area now, some of us have a lot to be thankful for, like still having a house to live in ! I have hardly been able to listen to any of my favorite political pods, the bulwark, fast politics and the pod save America crew. You and John Lovett were the first one I listened too, and could barely make it through hearing the disappointment in your voices. So Tim, I am old enough to be your mother. Console me like I am your mother. I still can’t listen to all my pods! Have fun eating good food!
Here is another way to derail the argument - say something along the lines of - "Well, he gets to prove himself now, what about this other thing?" or, "well, I wish him the best, we'll see how it goes."
And then switch subjects.
It is a discomforting notion to think that the people who voted for Trump in our lives are even similar to Trump.
Usually they are not - usually.
Some of them find affront with certain wedge issues, some of them want a change in the percieved status quo, and just voted ror no other reason than change.
Yeah, in any of these case, here is the argument - "We'll see how it goes, and I hope for the best."
On specific issues, like for instance a woman's right to be an autonomous human being with full control over her own healthcare - well, respectfully ( and with little alcohol consumption) imply that tey have the mindset of a mysogynistic centipede in a way that they don't - quite - get. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!
Tim, thank you for all that you have done in this fight against a, seemingly, unrelenting darkness. You, every contributor at the Bulwark, and the readers have helped me during so many dark moments this year; you're all a community for which I am grateful. And here you are continuing that by encouraging the downtrodden with your insightful comments and honest words in a stressful time. Thanks for that Thanksgiving gift! While I will not deal with deceived or angry relatives tomorrow, because I'm not celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, those who are enduring that battle are in my thoughts. My kids will be celebrating with the families of their spouses; we've already had Thanksgiving with one child and will have Christmas with the other. I, however, will be at the Leaky Cauldron celebrating the things for which and people for whom I am grateful. I'm hoping that we can all find a way to keep the dementors at bay.
Thank you Tim, for watching and consuming the right-wing media sphere on our behalf. I have zero tolerance for the B.S., the lying and for all the bad actors and disinformation on Fox, Newsman, OAN, and Bannon, etc. I am grateful that you have the strength and stamina to stomach their constant lying and bloviating, then report it on your Pod's and articles, and spare us this pain.
This next four years will need all of us pro-democracy, pro-constitution Americans (Democrat, Republican and Independent) to remain strong and vigilant and trust that we are on the right side of history. That we (as Nicole Wallace says "people on earth one"), must not let them take our spirit, our truth, and our honor for believing in the greatness or our values and truths.
On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful to Bulwark, and community of Bulwark members who know what truth and honor mean, and our are unwilling to give up our values to these anti-American, fascicst, grifters and whack-jobs that have hijacked the Republican Party over the last nine years.
Thank you Tim. Good advise with somewhat obtainable goals and realistic expectations.
For me, I'm trying to turn off national news and only go for local news or history lectures for the foreseeable future. Why history? because it helps us to know what others have had to endure in 'less enlightened' times.
First of all, appreciate Tim's insights. Perfect. I am a Republican voter who over the past twenty years has become a "straight ticket" Democrat. Fortunately all my immediate family is Never Trump. I was an Anderson Cooper, Jake Tapper, Wolf Blitzer addict but haven't watched any news since the election. Still I'm reading the Times and the Post daily - that's easier to tolerate. For Tim, love the music bumpers on your podcast, hang in there.
Loved your advice, Tim, and I am grateful to you and the rest of the Bulwark. You guys are a gift. (Hey, where are your beads?)
For me- I understand the 'change the subject' approach BUT that feels unnatural, forced, and pretty bad to me if it is too abrupt. What I have found is that I FIRST need to put a stake in the ground when talking to a MAGAt: I see it differently than you do, and it is probably pretty pointless for us to talk about it, would you agree? I like and/or love you and want to be around you (sometimes that is an aspirational statement) so let's not talk about this.
THEN I can proceed to the subject change process. If the other person doesn't stop with their talking points, I remain silent and that usually is the end of it.
It isn't easy, but I have a long history of losing my schizzle and I hate how that feels afterwards. This is the best approach for me.
The truth is that this is no longer politics. 78 years many holidays this is the first when I begged off Thanksgiving with my MAGA bros. I still love them I hate what they just did. Thanks for your insights and stories. Much love. David
One of the things I am most thankful for is that there is not a single trump voter in my family! Tim, you would fit in with us, no problem, with no precautionary limits on wine consumption.
Tim Miller, you are my friend. I will, this holiday weekend have several other new and valued friends to celebrate as well. It happens that each of you over time has helped introduced me to the others. My Substack awareness began with Eric Boehlert (RIP), and has been enhanced by HCR, James Fallows, Robert Reich, Nicolle Wallace, fellow chicken farmer Joyce Vance , the Bulwark crew and a few others, who as a group share an ethos that we all seem to "get". My Thanksgiving resolution is a simple one, arrived at with considerable help from you all: I will work my hardest to recognize and reject the politics of exclusion. Thank you for that.
Tim...Mr. Miller, I love Charlie and was sad to see him retire from The B. I grieved. Again today you have shown me the value of change and the importance of his legacy. You are the host we need. This piece and the last couple of talks (they are far beyond mere "pieces") have been special in the extreme. I pride myself, foolishly, in my vocabulary and I am having trouble finding words to tell you how deeply you have affected me with your courage, strength and sensitivity. If, as the human being I can see that you are, you have doubts, please know that I, for one, have no doubts about you. I'm two thirds of a century old and your wisdom inspires me. I hope you and your lucky family have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Holidays to come.
Your supporter and friend,
Steve Beckwith
Perhaps next Thanksgiving your MAGA relatives will be eating crow instead of turkey. Why?
1. It's likely that their options for affordable care may no longer be affordable or even exist.
2. They may have to give up eating out and eating healthy fresh produce which will be too costly as illegals tending the fields and restaurant kitchens are evicted.
3. They may be applying for unemployment benefits if they are federal employees after Musk and Ramaswamy streamline/gut the federal workforce.
4. Retirement portfolios they have may dwindle in value as demand for goods and services decline.
If this happens to them, don't gloat as you may be in the same sinking boat.
It may be very tempting, though, to say, "It's not my fault. I voted for Harris."
Fortunately I didn’t have this issue in my immediate family. Having a no politics discussion allowed with neighbors. Only what we are thankful for. And living in the Asheville area now, some of us have a lot to be thankful for, like still having a house to live in ! I have hardly been able to listen to any of my favorite political pods, the bulwark, fast politics and the pod save America crew. You and John Lovett were the first one I listened too, and could barely make it through hearing the disappointment in your voices. So Tim, I am old enough to be your mother. Console me like I am your mother. I still can’t listen to all my pods! Have fun eating good food!
Thank you, Tim, and the best of Thanksgivings to you and yours.
Tim, really good advice and well-said.
Our “Trump supporter” passed away, 2 years ago. My Dad. I still “talk” to him, politely. Trumpers are brain-washed & we feel sorry for them. 🤗
Here is another way to derail the argument - say something along the lines of - "Well, he gets to prove himself now, what about this other thing?" or, "well, I wish him the best, we'll see how it goes."
And then switch subjects.
It is a discomforting notion to think that the people who voted for Trump in our lives are even similar to Trump.
Usually they are not - usually.
Some of them find affront with certain wedge issues, some of them want a change in the percieved status quo, and just voted ror no other reason than change.
Yeah, in any of these case, here is the argument - "We'll see how it goes, and I hope for the best."
On specific issues, like for instance a woman's right to be an autonomous human being with full control over her own healthcare - well, respectfully ( and with little alcohol consumption) imply that tey have the mindset of a mysogynistic centipede in a way that they don't - quite - get. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!
Tim, thank you for all that you have done in this fight against a, seemingly, unrelenting darkness. You, every contributor at the Bulwark, and the readers have helped me during so many dark moments this year; you're all a community for which I am grateful. And here you are continuing that by encouraging the downtrodden with your insightful comments and honest words in a stressful time. Thanks for that Thanksgiving gift! While I will not deal with deceived or angry relatives tomorrow, because I'm not celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, those who are enduring that battle are in my thoughts. My kids will be celebrating with the families of their spouses; we've already had Thanksgiving with one child and will have Christmas with the other. I, however, will be at the Leaky Cauldron celebrating the things for which and people for whom I am grateful. I'm hoping that we can all find a way to keep the dementors at bay.
Thank you Tim, for watching and consuming the right-wing media sphere on our behalf. I have zero tolerance for the B.S., the lying and for all the bad actors and disinformation on Fox, Newsman, OAN, and Bannon, etc. I am grateful that you have the strength and stamina to stomach their constant lying and bloviating, then report it on your Pod's and articles, and spare us this pain.
This next four years will need all of us pro-democracy, pro-constitution Americans (Democrat, Republican and Independent) to remain strong and vigilant and trust that we are on the right side of history. That we (as Nicole Wallace says "people on earth one"), must not let them take our spirit, our truth, and our honor for believing in the greatness or our values and truths.
On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful to Bulwark, and community of Bulwark members who know what truth and honor mean, and our are unwilling to give up our values to these anti-American, fascicst, grifters and whack-jobs that have hijacked the Republican Party over the last nine years.
Thank you Tim. Good advise with somewhat obtainable goals and realistic expectations.
For me, I'm trying to turn off national news and only go for local news or history lectures for the foreseeable future. Why history? because it helps us to know what others have had to endure in 'less enlightened' times.
First of all, appreciate Tim's insights. Perfect. I am a Republican voter who over the past twenty years has become a "straight ticket" Democrat. Fortunately all my immediate family is Never Trump. I was an Anderson Cooper, Jake Tapper, Wolf Blitzer addict but haven't watched any news since the election. Still I'm reading the Times and the Post daily - that's easier to tolerate. For Tim, love the music bumpers on your podcast, hang in there.
Loved your advice, Tim, and I am grateful to you and the rest of the Bulwark. You guys are a gift. (Hey, where are your beads?)
For me- I understand the 'change the subject' approach BUT that feels unnatural, forced, and pretty bad to me if it is too abrupt. What I have found is that I FIRST need to put a stake in the ground when talking to a MAGAt: I see it differently than you do, and it is probably pretty pointless for us to talk about it, would you agree? I like and/or love you and want to be around you (sometimes that is an aspirational statement) so let's not talk about this.
THEN I can proceed to the subject change process. If the other person doesn't stop with their talking points, I remain silent and that usually is the end of it.
It isn't easy, but I have a long history of losing my schizzle and I hate how that feels afterwards. This is the best approach for me.
The truth is that this is no longer politics. 78 years many holidays this is the first when I begged off Thanksgiving with my MAGA bros. I still love them I hate what they just did. Thanks for your insights and stories. Much love. David
Thanks so much for your sage advice! Super helpful for the holidays and beyond.
One of the things I am most thankful for is that there is not a single trump voter in my family! Tim, you would fit in with us, no problem, with no precautionary limits on wine consumption.
Tim Miller, you are my friend. I will, this holiday weekend have several other new and valued friends to celebrate as well. It happens that each of you over time has helped introduced me to the others. My Substack awareness began with Eric Boehlert (RIP), and has been enhanced by HCR, James Fallows, Robert Reich, Nicolle Wallace, fellow chicken farmer Joyce Vance , the Bulwark crew and a few others, who as a group share an ethos that we all seem to "get". My Thanksgiving resolution is a simple one, arrived at with considerable help from you all: I will work my hardest to recognize and reject the politics of exclusion. Thank you for that.