0:00
/
35:31
Transcript
0:03
SPEAKER 1
I think we're live.
0:05
SPEAKER 2
We are live. Thank you, Sarah. Welcome to Bulwark Live on Sunday. I'm Bill Crystal, joined by Sarah Longwell. I think we were on together, what, just two weeks ago? Is that right? Just two weeks ago. Yeah. Two weeks ago. But I thought it was really worth continuing that conversation and updating it
0:18
because something I think big has happened in the last two weeks, but you'll tell me is that it isn't big. So how's Trump doing? And particularly, what do you think the effect of the terrorist announcement, which has happened, what, 10, 11 days ago now?

This week on Bulwark on Sunday, Sarah Longwell joins Bill Kristol to tell you exactly what to do to stop Trump’s corruption and chaos.

Leave a comment

Get more from The Bulwark in the Substack app
Available for iOS and Android

As always: Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Bulwark+ Takes is home to short videos, livestreams, and event archives exclusively for Bulwark+ members.

Don’t care for video? Use the controls on the left side of the player to toggle to audio.

Add Bulwark+ Takes feed to your player of choice, here.

Discussion about this video

User's avatar
PAUL BORENE's avatar

Didn't have time to listen to the entire podcast, so I may be repeating something already said. Anyway, my opinion is that the only way to influence Trump is through his followers and they are not going to stop supporting him unless their hearts and minds change. See this link for how this would happen: https://www.thewaywesee.com/confrontchristiannationalism/overview-of-christian-nationalism/outline-of-a-good-strategy-to-change-hearts-and-minds/

Expand full comment
Alice Giancola's avatar

Listen to Malcom Nance’s impassioned plea to citizens on you tube.

Expand full comment
Mark Richards's avatar

31% of voters plus 36% abstaining is not a damn mandate. The mandate narrative needs to end, hard stop. Do not even speak the word in any context PLEASE.

Expand full comment
Susan Donnelly's avatar

Thanks, excellent.

Expand full comment
Maggie Washburne's avatar

Yes, start covering the Dems that are rocking it. Maybe NM doesn't have a huge population, but Melanie Stansbury is rocking it on Instagram and YouTube. She's there every day - get to know her. There are other Dems, start bringing them in to talk about what they are doing.

Expand full comment
Michelle's avatar

It's very scary that I am afraid to post anything for fear of retribution.

That scares me the most.

Expand full comment
Cherie's avatar
7dEdited

How can anyone believe that this corrupt, lying, miserable POS is planning to do anything for America and Americans? The only thing he’s shown us is that he is greedily getting everything he can for himself, family, and friends while enjoying inflicting as much cruelty as possible on everyone else. This monster has shown us who and exactly what he is and none of it is good!!! There is a reason he’s referred to as don the con…jeeze people get a clue.

Expand full comment
Judy Sam's avatar

I am surprised that Sarah Longwell doesn't think Democrats are doing anything. Angry articulate Democrats include Chris Murphy, Adam Schiff, Brian Schatz, Eric Swalwell, Elizabeth Warren, Jason Crow and Patty Murray. I also don't think we should discount Elissa Slotkin's rational advice: Choose the most important issue to you concerning the economy., national security or our democracy, and focus on doing whatever you can to advocate for it

Expand full comment
Concerned American's avatar

indeed - and this becomes part of the GOP message - the Dems are doing nothing- I really do not think the DEM bahing helps people see in any way how all of this ALL is at the feet of the GOP.

Expand full comment
Gary Cottingham's avatar

Chris Murphy is doing everything you're asking for. He's loud and out front. He's a leader!

Expand full comment
Carol Cummings's avatar

I don't think Trump cares about the polls anymore. He cares about himself and his money. That's always been the case.

Expand full comment
Old Chemist 11's avatar

But his countless protectors (politicians, cult media, lawyers, Musk and his teenage geek squad, etc.) DO care. They know that MAGA popularity can only go downhill from here and that it's almost impossible for them to win legitimately in '28. Which is why preventing them from rigging the election (or worse) is more important and urgent than all the other issues (tariffs, immigration, etc.) combined.

Expand full comment
Carol Cummings's avatar

I'm not sure we will even make it to the 2026 elections. Trump can declare martial law and just cancel them. Who will stop him?

Expand full comment
Jeff Biss's avatar

Yep, Witmer is a BIG disappointment. The Clinton Democrats are FECKLESS and need to be booted out of power. We need FIGHTING progressives in the mode of FDR who celebrate being the enemy of Republicans, their donors and their MAGA supporters.

Expand full comment
bohogirl8457's avatar

Honestly, IMO, trump is so unfit for office to begin with. Maybe the Dems should push on that. His mind is gone. As a survivor of DV, this administration feels exactly like DM and terrorism. He needs a gut punch to his narcissistic ego. He's failed at everything he's ever done in his life. He knows nothing about groceries. I bet he's never shopped a day in his life or had to pay rent. I'm not even sure he can read.

Expand full comment
Jeff Biss's avatar

Sarah is spot on with her assessment at 4:48 that the only way people will move away from Trump and the GOP is if there are negative personal consequences as a result of his policies. Trump and GOP supporters are selfish and undeserving of a liberal democracy, period. Their concerns are entirely about their situation, they fully support the criminal abuse of everyone else as long as it serves them, they fully support the destruction of every ecosystem as long as they benefit from that destruction. These are people of no value.

They must be marginalized. How to do that should be focused on because they cannot be made to be better people.

Expand full comment
Old Chemist 11's avatar

He just barely won by a slight plurality, not even a majority. His popularity has already dropped since, and will only decrease. As Sarah said, it's because it will hit his supporters on the issues that they care about most, and the one on which they trusted him enough to overlook the fact that he's a convicted felon who commanded (not just "incited") an insurrection and insists on lying about the '20 election. Granted, many, if not most of his voters are so addicted that they'll literally take bullets for him. But it's now virtually impossible for him, or a MAGA-blessed successor, to win legitimately in '28. Now more than ever, priority 1 must be to prevent the MAGA cult from stealing elections. They don't even pretend that they won't.

Expand full comment
Jeff Biss's avatar

The problem is that he's not obeying court rulings at every level. He is acting as the unitary executive that Bush and Cheney promoted and that is supported by the majority of GOP voters. The remedy is impeachment and removal from office and prosecution for his willful violation of the constitution but the congressional GOP fully supports this and are complicit and the GOP SCOTUS ruled that he can't be prosecuted!

This government is truly an authoritarian government with the full support of its actors!

Expand full comment
John's avatar

I'm glad you made the point that this is a subset of Americans, "GOP supporters." I am beginning to despair of America, and I do hope that you're right, that this self-centered worldview represents only a part of us. I do wonder, though. Has America lost its bearings? Remember the old saw "Americans are a people who know the price of everything and the value of nothing?" Is that who we are now? Generally, as a people, of course not every individual.

Do we really not give a damn that we are deporting people without due process? Or that we are now discussing outsourcing our penal system to El Salvador. Or that an insurrection occurred right in front of our own eyes? Or that elections are now routinely called into question for no substantive reason at all? Or that top civilian military leaders bumble a top secret mission discussion and invite a journalist? Or that we've destroyed our credibility with all of our allies world wide? Or abandoned a valiant ally in it's struggle against a ruthless dictator?

I just wonder, outside of those of us participating in this bubble, does the country as a whole really know what America stands for, or should stand for, or did stand for at one time?

Is it really nothing more than "the economy stupid?" As long as my pockets are full, let the rest of it burn down.

Is that America now? Are we no better than Russia anymore?

I don't ask these questions lightly. I served in the US Army in the 80's in Berlin, in military intelligence. We were face to face with the Soviet Union, and we were confident that, though imperfect, we stood on higher moral ground.

Are we, as Friedrich Nietzsche asked 150 years ago, no longer able to distinguish higher ground from lower, is there no longer an up or down, a left or right. Have we killed God without the slightest idea of the consequences of our tremendous act?

Expand full comment
Jeff Biss's avatar

Happy Tuesday, John! In a nutshell, I think that we're here, because essentially most Americans are concerned about their material well being with little to no concern for our liberal democracy that elevated everyone and moved us to sustainability that ended at Reagan. Below is an oversimplified version of my review as to what got us here, we, the voters.

The GOP grew after the passage of the Civil Rights Act from the influx of Dixiecrats who wanted to destroy the liberal order and that provided the libertarian GOP with more power because both wings wanted to make the federal government small enough to drown in a bath tub so it couldn't regulate the wealthy or force states to act liberally. These people were highly motivated and were highly successful in controlling the narrative using cloaked racism, such as Reagan's welfare queen and Willie Horton ads. The GOP's message was all about taking the white man's money and giving it to an unworthy black welfare recipient.

Due to Reagan's win and the GOP's ability to raise huge amounts of donations Clinton believed that Americans blamed progressive programs for their financial state and so moved the party closer to the GOP, that "it's the economy, stupid" thing. Thus the Clinton Democrats became complicit in recreating the new Gilded Age.

Thus the disgruntled electorate who are too stupid to understand that they voted for this because they believed the racist ads and libertarian lies. They don't understand that it was the income tax that created our inclusive and extensive middle class because if wealth isn't controlled it takes control as shown in every civilization that existed. They believed the lie that taxation is theft, that it is taken to be given to the unworthy and so voted for candidates that supported that false worldview.

Expand full comment
John's avatar

Excellent overview of the decline in US values over the past 4 decades, Jeff. The question that I cannot answer - can we possibly recover from that fall?

Expand full comment
Jeff Biss's avatar

That is the question. I have caught a few of Bernie's and AOC's rallies on youtube and the crowds look big and that gives me hope. We need to do what we can to drive action to stop this coup because we don't have but one chance to drive the GOP from power and reverse this authoritarian trend, but we need progressives willing to fight and with the ability to convey their message powerfully against MAGA lies, IMO.

One more thing, every problem that we face is self made by our selfish voters. We need to marginalize them and ironically they will also benefit from progressives in power.

Expand full comment
Sia Stewart's avatar

Thank you for this clear-eyed discussion. The examples of what voters can do were especially helpful.

Expand full comment
Paul D Penner's avatar

The bond market crisis has become Trump’s bridge too far. He’s done. It could take years for us to recover.

Expand full comment
Mary Kay Gordon's avatar

Sarah, just saw you on morning Joe re. Focus groups on Trump failure to lower costs, and his approvals re. Immigration….

Elephant in the room: Trump campaign lies and distortions! Our country and the world are being manipulated and destroyed by trump, Maga lies.

Their exposure must be headline features of every broadcast and journalist article throughout media.

It’s these lies that caused desperate and gullible voters who believed trump to put him in the whitehouse.

To not emphasise the lies and distortions with urgency at every turn just normalises trump…

He lied incessantly and won. These same repetitive tactics with true facts must be used to defeat him.

Expand full comment
Mary Kay Gordon's avatar

P.S. Sarah , in the morning Joe segment you alluded to lies briefly, but the underlying reason focus group voted trump was in believing his lies….

This is never highlighted enough. Typically, and throughout media , his lies are mentioned in passing instead of being highlighted.

Expand full comment
Mary Kay Gordon's avatar

Also it needs to be said over and over: Trump tanked the bipartisan immigration bill, written by staunch conservatives…

Expand full comment
Dominic Angelone's avatar

How is Trump still at 47%? If Fox is the only news people get in the rural areas, then God help us all. Once the Medicaid cuts start kicking in, you will see his popularity crater.

Expand full comment
Sue's avatar

Watch the video by Chris Murphy regarding Trump plan

Expand full comment
Christine M's avatar

I’m noticing a lot of empty shelves and higher prices in grocery store- I take photos of that to post

Expand full comment
Barbara Novak's avatar

I’m not only angry at the Democrats but filled with rage against the GOP in my state who won’t hold Trump accountable and doesn’t care about answering questions from me. The lack of respect is off the charts

Expand full comment
Janet T's avatar

Aiyiyi. Sarah, you bemoan the lack of outspoken opposition to Trump. AOC and Bernie Sanders ARE outspoken in their opposition to Trump, the autocrat in the White House. God bless you all, but your bias is keeping you from acknowledging them as the leaders you keep whining the Dems don't have. They're already here. Elevate them, for cryin' out loud! The moderates you so desperately want to step up to meet this moment just are not built that way.

Expand full comment
Daniel Quackenbush's avatar

I will be satisfied when Trump's approval rating is 4.7% not 47%.

Expand full comment
Kris Fery's avatar

I really enjoyed this analysis. And I am feeling there's no way out of where the country has put us, but we'll continue to fight on. Just know you're appreciated. This is the kind of thing Americans need to hear.

Expand full comment
Kris Fery's avatar

I really enjoyed this analysis. And I am feeling there's no way out of where the country has put us, but we'll continue to fight on. Just know you're appreciated. This is the kind of thing Americans need to hear.

Expand full comment
Kris Fery's avatar

I really enjoyed this analysis. And I am feeling there's no way out of where the country has put us, but we'll continue to fight on. Just know you're appreciated. This is the kind of thing Americans need to hear.

Expand full comment
Kris Fery's avatar

I really enjoyed this analysis. And I am feeling there's no way out of where the country has put us, but we'll continue to fight on. Just know you're appreciated. This is the kind of thing Americans need to hear.

Expand full comment
Kris Fery's avatar

I really enjoyed this analysis. And I am feeling there's no way out of where the country has put us, but we'll continue to fight on. Just know you're appreciated. This is the kind of thing Americans need to hear.

Expand full comment
Kris Fery's avatar

I really enjoyed this analysis. And I am feeling there's no way out of where the country has put us, but we'll continue to fight on. Just know you're appreciated. This is the kind of thing Americans need to hear.

Expand full comment
Fayebird's avatar

100% agree on sharing the stories of how the decisions of this administration is affecting everyday citizens. Don't embellish. Do provide news source if relevant. One strategy we can participate in.

Expand full comment
Iron Fist's avatar

DemocRATS are finished. The pedophile party is finally screwed.

Expand full comment
Leah Eppestine's avatar

Imagine paying just so you can call Democrats a childish nickname - get a life guy.

Expand full comment
Charissa B's avatar

Republicans are the pedophiles. Did you forget your brazen, bragging pedo Matt Gaetz? You can also include trump who wants to do his daughter. Do your research before engaging fingers to keyboard, or are you just trying to blow smoke up everyone's A$$...

Expand full comment
Andy Fairchild's avatar

Bill just reiterated the first instance of trickle down hanging its ass out.

Expand full comment
Andy Fairchild's avatar

Thank you Ronnie.

Expand full comment
Andy Fairchild's avatar

Just ask GHWB

Expand full comment
Memo-55's avatar
7dEdited

The eternal truth: when you have threatened people's livelihood, their love for you dies a quick death. Voters understanding how they have been economically harmed by Donald Trump is our only hope.

Expand full comment
William DePaulo's avatar

Trump has put stuff in motion that will bring him to his knees. Not the daily insulting stuff that is simply T being the asshole that he is.

No. The tariffs flip flop has already taught the world that this guy has no guts. It will drive Europe and Canada and Mexico to assert their positions strongly, not fold as T expected.

More important for us, T’s demonstrable cowardice (the underlying reality of all bullies) has the potential to teach Republican Senators and Congresspeople that they need not fear this fraud.

They will get more and more courage as their farmer and manufacturing clients say What The Fuck; this shit is killing us.

T ruled by fear and nothing else. Fewer and fewer people will fear him from one day to the next. He cannot recover his loss of credibility

Keep the faith !!!!!

Expand full comment
Old Chemist 11's avatar

Faith is necessary but not sufficient. THE issue is not tariffs, economy, immigration, deportation, etc. but free and fair elections. While we are being distracted by all those other "crises of the day," an entire party is committed to doing whatever it can get away with to keep MAGA in power after 1/20/29. They don't even pretend otherwise! With all the media fixation on Trump, it's easy to forget that an entire party has bought into the "big lie" (that there was outcome determinative fraud in the '20 election). So they have no problem dumping Trump in favor of a younger, shrewder but equally traitorous candidate. But they also know that none of them is likely to win fairly in '28 whatever the outcome of today's crises. Therefore, everyone outside the MAGA cult, from the Liz Cheney right to the AOC left, needs to get on the same page NOW and do whatever is necessary to prevent a real stolen election!

Expand full comment
Bruce Lawrence's avatar

I disagree with the contention that the opposition can't just be anti-Trump, but must also have an affirmative agenda. Any affirmative agenda will be divisive. Being anti-Trump is all we need at this moment. If you want to advocate for something affirmative, then advocate for investigating Trump, or suing Trump, or impeaching Trump.

Expand full comment
Old Chemist 11's avatar

It's not just Trump, but an entire party that's doing the damage. A party that just 10 years ago I considered the lesser of 2 evils. But one that has since become a literal cult, where membership requires lying, or at least playing dumb about the '20 election.

Expand full comment
Bruce Lawrence's avatar

Yes, but sometimes cults do not long survive the death of their leader/founder. MAGA is not united by ideology; it is united only by the person of Trump, so it is likely to fragment when he leaves the scene. There will certainly be lasting effects of the Trump cult, and some of the successor fragments might be even worse than the current cult, so we won't be able to relax after Trump. But the problem is likely to morph into something different.

Expand full comment
Old Chemist 11's avatar

I'm not as sure now, but in his first term I was anxiously awaiting a "Mitchell Lewis moment." He's the actor who played the guard in "The Wizard of Oz," who, when the wicked witch "melted," surprised everyone with "Hail to Dorothy" and gave her the broom. Early on I though it wouldn't even take his physical death, only a major blunder, to get his protectors to abandon him. Sadly, the insurrection alone showed clearly that it would require at least his physical death to break up the unholy alliances between the rabid authoritarians, shameless opportunists and spinless cowards. In the end it will be the "masses" who decide to keep or destroy the cult. To keep it they will require another celebrity idol to take his place. So far none of the contenders seem to be anywhere near as worshipped as he is.

Expand full comment
Dave Yell's avatar

Lets do a reverse Steve Bannon. Flood the zone with shit against Trump.

Expand full comment
Dave Yell's avatar

Here is what leadership should look like: Corey Booker, Pete Buttigieg, Ron Shapiro, Tim Walz , AOC and yes Bernie Sanders. Not big Gretch, Tim Newsome.

Expand full comment
Dave Yell's avatar

I am with Sarah in that I would like to see Democrats hammer Trump every step of the way. My theory is they won't need any strategy for what will hit us. Trump is causing a worldwide Tariff war. I don't want to sound like a doomsday Dave but a recession and inflation is the best possible outcome that can happen. What could be worse? Stagflation and/or depression. Remember the 1930 s and Smoot/Hawley? What happened after that.

Expand full comment
Lalla Ward's avatar

I still don’t begin to understand (I’m English), how you can have an effective opposition without a leader. “What should we do??” needs a leader in whom a party trusts, to say what should be done. The UK system of the party’s nomination of its own leader to lead that party in opposition seems to me at least to attempt to obviate this floundering lack of cohesion. Doesn’t it? How is a party supposed to pull together when of course, within any group of people, you have different agendas and different perspectives, but who, with good leadership, are able to find common ground and be able to project a clear image. Of course that would take a major upheaval of the system and it’s not going to happen, at least in any foreseeable future. But I don’t understand why it isn’t ever a point to be raised.

Expand full comment
Lalla Ward's avatar

So totally agree with you, Sarah Longwell, re Gretchen Whitmer; what a lost opportunity.

Expand full comment
Lesley Hawes's avatar

I was so happy to hear Sarah say that showing up at protests matters. I am almost 66, thought I was two years from retirement until the last few weeks, and I never participated until last weekend at my local Hands Off protest where I joined 5,000 other regular people who are similarly outraged at Trump, Musk, and what is happening to our country. I even made a sign and have a Hands Off sign flag in my yard. Someone around me spontaneously broke into America the Beautiful, and those close to her joined in. It brought tears to my eyes. I hope and pray it helps. I have loved my country my whole life. I want to bring back the America founded on law and fairness, that was emblematic of at least attempting to promote goodness, heart, generosity, concern for other people here and around the world. It is so sad and dismaying to see that American seem to slip away.

Expand full comment
J AZ's avatar

Lesley - you're proof that this helps! You feel less alone, maybe stronger than before you went? Because of being connected to people like you who want better for our country. The me we reinforce this in ourselves & each other, the better for all of us. Thank you for helping!

Expand full comment
Sandra Cochrane's avatar

If Trump can't find a way to work with China, the US is in for real pain long-term. China is brutal in its use of trade in all kinds of ways to try to force other countries to do what it wants in all kinds of areas.

If there aren't other markets to turn to (except for Russia, Belarus, North Korea and Palau) because they have all been alienated through trade wars and the resultant mistrust and uncertainty, US isolationism is going to lead to degraded manufacturing, mining and agricultural sectors pretty quickly. The world moves very quickly these days and the writing will be on the wall for savvy people to see pretty early on if the lunacy looks like being entrenched.

As the degradation starts kicking in, might Trump decide to prevent capital and human expertise flowing out of the country to trade-friendly and expertise-friendly countries towards to end of his term?

Expand full comment
Lalla Ward's avatar

How is it possible that this myth can persist of Trump’s great business acumen? How is it possible to survive multiple bankruptcies and have anyone believe that you know what you are doing? How is it possible that anyone can see Trump’s persona in “The Apprentice” as anything but a fictional construct of producers and writers? How do you convince yourself of any of it in any kind of positive light? I can’t begin to get my head around the self-delusion of so many on such a scale.

Expand full comment
J AZ's avatar

Lalla - if it's on TV or the internet, it passes for real to many people. Yes, that's sad, pathetic, terrifying... the way so many people choose to flat-screen illusion over a walk outside, a visit with a neighbor, meaningful activity with family - but entertainment is like a new religion

Expand full comment
Lalla Ward's avatar

I was once accosted (actually hit, with a handbag!) in a London shop the day after appearing in at TV thriller (I’m an actor); I’d been found guilty of murder, and sentenced to life imprisonment. The woman who hit me screamed “You should be in jail! Why are you out? Murderer!!!!”. Actors in soap operas regularly get letters of commiseration if another fictional character dies, or bunches of flowers if a fictional baby is born. So you are right, such things pass as real for many people. And yes, it’s sad, pathetic and terrifying. Incomprehensible to me that anyone not already diagnosed with a recognisable cognitive disorder, can be so deluded. But then anyone can become President, apparently.

Expand full comment
Dave Yell's avatar

Nice tan, Sarah! And it s natural.

Expand full comment
No's avatar

The only way to stop Trump is to have a military coup and put him on maximum security prison. Four years the CIA has organized overthrowing governments all over the world I don’t understand why we can’t do it in our own country. Americans are tired of hearing Democrats giving speeches. Take action before it’s too late.

Expand full comment
Kathleen Doxer's avatar

Horrors!

Expand full comment
Kathleen Doxer's avatar

Please God stop him.

Expand full comment
Claudia johnson's avatar

Dems in congress don’t understand the age we are living in. Have some cojones for goodness sakes. And by the way I’m 75 and I do understand. Get educated on communication opportunities, get educated on gen Z slang, talk to people that aren’t your demographic, your age, your race. My friends run the gamut.

Expand full comment
Claudia johnson's avatar

For people that are paying attention to the global economy and the bond market, we understand that he does not understand “what if” planning. He does not understand that others might actually have a strategy. Canada. China. EU. He does not understand, it is too late to go back to an isolationist strategy. It is tragic. I hate that I, my family, and friends are along for the ride. And the dems are disappointing. Go Bernie and AOC.

Expand full comment
Claudia johnson's avatar

What is happening with the immigrant voters?

Expand full comment
Karen Mohr's avatar

As a lifelong left-leaning Democrat, I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be getting great insights and advice from people on the right. Trump truly is the great uniter, bringing us together in a common pursuit to preserve democracy, our Constitution, and the rule of law. Thanks for a great podcast, and I love your suggestion to post personal stories on social media. Looking forward to arguing policy with you guys again on the other side of this struggle, and in the meantime, hope to see you at the protests!

Expand full comment
EVE's avatar

I am a dem who had high hopes for Whitmer. That episode obliterated all of that.

Expand full comment
Jennifer Armerding's avatar

If people were going to be affected by videos of how people are being harmed the world would have swarmed to Palestine and protected them. But instead we see a video of a collapsed building this morning with the feet of 4 dead children protruding from layers of crumbled concrete, and we (best case scenario) shake our heads in disgust and move on with our day.

Expand full comment
MPT's avatar
8dEdited

I love the smell of trump polls burning in the morning. maga must and will suffer greatly before the cult fog lifts and they go back to hide under their rocks. I agree with Tim Miller that maga must feel real pain before there is any hope of America recovering from trump destruction.

Dems are useless and still unable to communicate much of anything. Look at the clown corps of Newsom and Whitmer playing to the maga base instead of reminding the voting fools that US had best economy in world until trump was sworn in. Dems are dumber than a sack of maga hats.

No one is considering the damage that the trump moron cabinet is doing that will flter into poor economic performance. How do you have someone who destroys Social Security admin and not have that harm the economy? How does a clown that supports measles contagion not harm the economy? How does slashing grants, school aid, and science, including weather projections not hurt the economy? The damage will be a slow burn and it will be damaging to all.

Expand full comment
Jarno Jokinen's avatar

Worst is yet to come. Donald "The Beast" Trump is building a wall once again. Colossal tariff wall that is the beginning of the end for the system of down. At first the beast will pull the plug out of the global economy. The worst financial crisis of human history will pull a swarm of the banks underwater and the bank run begins. Then the beast will collapse a mountain of debt shattering the backbone of the monetary system causing a systemic risk to realize. Finally the beast will cast American citizens into a system slavery under the name of Ronald Wilson Reagan, just to "honor his legacy" count the number. After the destruction a new world order will be established in the US. And the Golden Age begins from the ruins of the world wide collapse. All of the system slaves will love it. No more cash - just digital transactions. No more traditional criminal activity. No more tax evasion. No more transactions without the "all seeing eye". Outcasts will hate the world without freedom, hope and privacy. To cover up the mess and distract the public by smoke and mirrors, the beast will engage in a war with Iran. Lies and deceit, corruption and decay, dancing on the graves will continue. Until; Black hole sun, won't you come, won't you come... I want to play a game. Time has come to opt out of the empire of filth. Live or die...

Expand full comment
shareLN66's avatar

Absolute crazy there’s no way there bringing big companies back here, especially with the whole dictatorship attitude, NOBODY WANTS THAT

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

Right: if big companies overseas weren't racing to invest into the USA before, they absolutely are going to stay away from the USA now when we're governed by idiots and led by an erratic unstable madman. It is going to take at least a generation for the USA to recover from the rest of the world dismissing us.

Expand full comment
Helen G's avatar

So great to hear you both on Sunday. As frightening as this all is, I am appreciating the education I am getting in global economics and monetary policy.

Another great podcast with John Avlon and the Goldman Sachs CEO (on The Bulwark):

https://www.thebulwark.com/p/jon-corzine-breaks-down-trumps-economic

Expand full comment
Carole Langston's avatar

Yes. They're emboldened. Jan6ers. Always happens with Facism.

Expand full comment
Carole Langston's avatar

Stickers were placed on windows of Sugar Mama's bakery, taco El Chirito(sp) and others. They looked official City of Austin, TX, saying Whites Only. Proud Boy's, other Arian Types, emboldened by their leader? Hatred.

Expand full comment
Kentuckistan's avatar

There's a lot of active deeds being done in the Cincinnati metro area. Anti semitic flyers on cars....pop up marches by White Nats in Black neighborhoods. The pile out of a U haul wave Nazi flags and then take off before locals or the cops stop them

Expand full comment
Ballard Graham's avatar

When the Dems come out aggressively, just like Representative Al Green, the legacy media and independent media come out bashing him for calling out Trump the felon in his farcical Congressional Address. I give representative Green his props for making all aware that the felon and his lying MAGA cronies are in deed coming for our Medicare, Medicaid and SS. The programs that they must cut in order to fulfill their tax cut extension. Many in our country just fail to realize this reality staring us in the face. Then when ten Dems to vote to censor Congressman Green is absolutely disgusting! All media whether mainstream or independent need to stop using a double standard regarding the appropriate level or style of aggressiveness by both parties! It seems to me that both have the tendency to give the MAGA Republicans much more latitude when it comes to their aggressive style. One memorable example was when MTG stood up in the House chamber and yielded out expletives to then President Obama. Which she was not discipline for in anyway! Decorum is expected and should be exercised in our politics, but the party that over the top with ignoring all norms of decorum is by far the MAGA Republicans and their felon leader!

Expand full comment
LisaB's avatar

Where are we putting these stories? I’m retired and sick of hearing that the farmers are getting paid to make up for tariffs. Who is going to make it up to retirees for Trump wrecking our retirement accounts?

Expand full comment
Carrie's avatar

Yes! You guys are right: the Dems are not meeting the moment. Golden opportunity. They need to be out there 24/7 flooding the zone with the truth! Their passivity is normalizing Trump's insane behavior again. And Gretchen, what are you doing?????

Expand full comment
Don White's avatar

Wasn't Whitmer in the White House seeking federal disaster funds for her constituents because of a recent storm?

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

We've had storms before in Michigan, just like any other state. I don't remember a Michigan Governor making that sort of personal appearance and getting that warm and cozy to a hostile Republican President just over an ice storm.

Expand full comment
Don White's avatar

Roger that. I think that, in most cases, a governor asks privately (via phone, fax, or email) the President for a disaster declaration in order to clear the way for FEMA and other federal assistance.

Donna Brazile, appearing this morning on "ABC - This Week With George Stephanopoulis", hinted that the White House instead had made the arrangement for Whitmer to physically appear.

I don't know this is true. Brazile apparently wasn't contradicted by any other participant in the forum.

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

Given the volatility of weather these days, it would get pretty crowded in the White House if every Governor whose state had a hurricane, wind storm, tornado or flash flood showed up in person asking for FEMA money. Whitmer was also crowing about her phenomenal bipartisan results in Michigan. That sure isn't how I've observed Michigan politics in recent years. I'm not blaming Whitmer but almost everything in Lansing is a battle to the death between the Dems and Republicans.

Expand full comment
Don White's avatar

Shipmate, I'm not defending Whitmer's action or her presence in the White House. Of course, I'm not condemning her, either. It's apparent to me that I should not have let loose my typing fingers on this matter.

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

You're good. Her office posted her entire DC address about tariffs on YouTube and sent it across the state. It's was all reasonable community college level talk about how specific, narrowly drawn, tariffs can be good but overly broad indiscriminate tariffing can be bad. But it was a strange setting and strange time to give a basic Econ 101 lecture. For what it's worth, I've seen her as a reasonably capable governor but not strong Presidential material.

Expand full comment
Frank Burks's avatar

Just wait until the tariff pharmaceuticals. This will be the tipping point. It will bring price hikes and shortages to drugs all people and especially the elderly need daily. Someone can put off buying a new phone or flat screen TV, but when they’re eating dog food to afford their meds this is going to explode.

Expand full comment
Linda Odell's avatar

I was just contemplating what evidence I might have of personal price consequences (per Sarah's suggestion) and you just gave me the right idea. I'm a boomer with the normal number of aging-body conditions for which I take a number of generic pharmaceuticals. Haven't yet tossed the receipts for the last batch of 90-day prescriptions, so that's a comparison it will be easy for me to make. Thank you for the inspiration.

Expand full comment
Linda Odell's avatar

Might also go on a video tour of bridges I can live under in preparation for the day both my Social Security and retirement investment accounts are demolished and the cancelling of Medicaid has caused all the old-age facilities to close.

Expand full comment
Pamela Weiler's avatar

I fear the 2026 elections will never happen.

Particularly, in any red state.

Or, Trump declares martial law and the elections will be postponed indefinitely.

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

Or the elections will be held but with just enough voter suppression tactics allowed to shave off 4-5% of the probable Democratic voters--just enough to allow the Republicans to hold their current advantages but without being too outrageously and flagrantly crooked.

Expand full comment
Pamela Weiler's avatar

I am concerned. We're all waiting for the 2026 elections to make this go away. I hope we're doing more than just waiting. I'm sure Trump and his minions are planning their election strategy. Might be exactly what you expressed.

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

Like the GOP forcing people to track down missing birth certificates to prove citizenship? Or not accepting any mailed ballot that arrives after 8:00 PM on Election Day? I live across the river from Windsor, Ontario. I was surprised to find out how many American expats live there and vote in U.S. elections. Both the Harris and Trump campaigns were canvassing Windsor neighborhoods a week before the election chasing down folks living in Canada who were eligible to vote for the U.S. President.

Expand full comment
Pamela Weiler's avatar

Really? Pretty amazing. I hope they all voted Democratic.

Expand full comment
Dianna Worley's avatar

How do you view the focus groups?

Expand full comment
Ellen's avatar

There is a problem w Substack. If you don’t read or listen immediately it tells you that your session has expired

I feel like I am wasting money

Any suggestions

Expand full comment
Strong & Free 🍁's avatar

This is why the rest of the world thinks American voters are stupid. You have a corrupt, criminal, authoritarian in the White House who is only in it for the billionaires. He is revoking people’s rights on a constant basis and cozying up with Putin while threatening allies and they are like “who should we vote for in the midterms?” It’s mind boggling. The rest of the world will tell you that if you don’t get this man out of office soon your democracy is not going to last much longer.

Expand full comment
Ann P's avatar

This just in at the NYT (gift link):

“China Halts Critical Exports as Trade War Intensifies:

Beijing has suspended exports of certain rare earth minerals and magnets that are crucial for the world’s car, semiconductor and aerospace industries.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/business/china-rare-earths-exports.html?unlocked_article_code=1._U4.oDAV.sMiicCyQomS6&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

“ China has suspended exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets, threatening to choke off supplies of components central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors around the world.

Shipments of the magnets, essential for assembling everything from cars and drones to robots and missiles, have been halted at many Chinese ports while the Chinese government drafts a new regulatory system. Once in place, the new system could permanently prevent supplies from reaching certain companies, including American military contractors.”

————————————-

Forget hurting MAGA voters to make them turn away from Trump (although I wish it would happen). Hurting the big guys will get you there faster and more definitively. When the big guys don’t just touch the stove, but get their faces shoved onto a red hot burner and held there, then change will happen.

Expand full comment
Rita's avatar

Please, will every leader in the Democratic Party and everyone who believes in stopping the insanity listen to this? Thank you!!!!

Expand full comment
P J Johnston's avatar

One thing you are very right about is that the Democratic Party needs stronger representation than we have currently. They need even people like Bernie Sanders who is more progressive! Say NO when your gut tells you that "HE" should be doing what he is doing, Say NO when you know that "HE" is breaking the law. USE integrity and empathy to get your point across!

Expand full comment
Danna Dykstra-Coy's avatar

I’m not understanding why by now Dem leaders are not getting their messaging down. Sarah, you and so many others laying it out for them on podcasts as well as the millions of their base taking to streets seem to be screaming into the void. I will say a few are beginning to finally rise up, and I am grateful for that. Every day brings us one more day closer to losing democracy, but those who we counted on to fight appear to be stuck in 2016.

Expand full comment
max skinner's avatar

What is the messaging that will penetrate? People seek confirmation of their biases and preconceived notions. Some love the Bernie Sanders style and goals. Some think he has interesting ideas but they also think he has no clear idea of how to achieve them. Some might like his ideas but don't want to undergo the transition period that might be required to make those ideas into reality. And everywhere all the time are those people who will point to every statement and say "but they are doing it wrong or saying it wrong"

Expand full comment
John Adams Ingram's avatar

Only massive and repeated street protests will stop Trump. April 19th is a golden opportunity to demonstrate an 'Orange Revolution'..,

Expand full comment
SheBee's avatar

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIZCeUGxahG/?igsh=MXM1YW56c2ZwczE2Zw== I’m new here and not finding it easy to navigate but I wanted to let you know about Bernie at The Coachella Music Festival that your friend attended. Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place.

Expand full comment
Gloria Clare Stone's avatar

Last thought -- people do think that because DJT is a businessman he knows business. I come from business and he's a crappy businessman. First, he's a real estate guy and let's face it -- they don't have a good track record for honesty. Second, he has very little experience with publicly traded companies - why he's gone bankrupt so many times. Third, he is definitely not a small businessman and I think if you consider what small businessman have to deal with versus his business, it's like night and day. That Cabinet meeting last Friday was a joke! What business has the time to keep fawning all over the CEO like that. Any business I worked for would say, get back to work, who called this and I'm firing that person.

Expand full comment
Gloria Clare Stone's avatar

A couple of things -- people can write to their congress person and that at least gives them some "power." Also, do you try or can you go on popular podcasts like Rogan? Or invite him on yours to talk about a select number of things. As to messaging, I would poll people -- what do you mean, what do you think DJT means in terms of "long-term"? What does that look like? Also, what is the key focus on manufacturing back in the US -- what is the reason people are so hyped up on that. I think it's an assumption that all of that was good times but other things were in effect that may be prompted "better" times. People don't have a lot of context or the context goes back maybe 5 years and that's it. So we need people to clarify what the context 'then' was and why that is or isn't a good idea. Some MAGA want DJT as King. Not sure anything can be done about that though!

Expand full comment
Anne B's avatar

Definitely call your reps. Easy to get numbers. Takes about a minute a call. More impact than emails. Keep the heat on about the economy. Trump is in love with tariffs and will not ever be reasonable about them. We are finally getting some movement in the polls because of the tariffs. Tell your reps to get control of tariffs back. It will be the way Congress starts to push back against Trump. And forget about MAGA, as you say. They are cult.

Expand full comment
Paladin853's avatar

Messaging is off. We assign all this chaos to Trump and FAIL to identify his enablers. We all know or at least suspect that Trump doesn't possess the mental acuity and energy to do all the damage we are seeing. The people behind Project 2025 are the puppet masters and the Republican Senators and Congressmen are the enablers. In the business world Trump made the majority of his money from licensing his name. He's doing the same thing as president. Allowing Project 2025 to implement their plan under his name. Go after the enablers they are the ones seeking office in 2026.

Expand full comment
Anne B's avatar

Yes. Call them. Flood the zone. Trump is making a mess with the tariffs and politicians care about votes.

Expand full comment
gerri caldarola's avatar

what about more of you guys going on the road and talking about this to your "conservative" voters

Expand full comment
Lynn Welp's avatar

Why no mention of Bernie Sanders and AOC and their rally’s getting huge crowds as a pushback to Trump when you say about democrats (whether progressive or plain Jane) aren’t standing up for their brand! I want that kind of action from these guys across the board! Stand up for your constituents or I am going to be voting independent next time. Just saying’

Expand full comment
Don Allmon's avatar

I had this same criticism a few weeks ago (and got smacked down for it) but it made me readjust my attitude toward the Bulwark in general so maybe the result was good. Maybe? For what it's worth, here's my thinking:

(1) They have talked positively about AOC/Bernie's rallies recently, just not on this particular episode.

(2) These guys are all center-right. They say they're policy agnostic and just want the end of Trumpism, but that's only 95% true. Given that a center-right person will never lead the opposition, their second choice is a center-left person. So center-left are the folks they tend to focus on. Someone from the more leftie wing of the party is a distant third choice. They'd accept a leftie if they had to (I think), but they'll never be AOC stans.

(3) Their criticism of Dems is a criticism of Dem leadership, not the rank-and-file. (This is why they give Booker credit for his speech, but also say it doesn't change anything). And, yes, Bernie and AOC have *influence*, but they're not *leaders* in the party (or at least their leadership--such as it is--is only a very small portion of the party). Schumer, Jeffries, and star governors like Whitmer and Newsom are the party leaders. And these are the folks that many (most?) Dems (and the Bulwark) are angry at.

Expand full comment
Victor Salvo's avatar

Could you publish a transcript? Sometimes I just prefer to read.

Expand full comment
J. Kenneth Lowrie's avatar

The problem is that members of Congress need to show some political courage. Paul Ryan said that one should not run for political office without being willing to take principled stances which have political risk. They need to be willing to lose the office when their principles require that.

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

Absolutely. If they had any sense of dignity, they would be willing to accept some personal risk. Damned near every one of them is a multi-millionaire; they're not going to starve or go into poverty if they lose a primary because they stuck with their values or retire one or two terms earlier than they planned. Most of them can easily slide into lobbying or consulting jobs or become media commentators and remain affluent.

Expand full comment
Sheela's avatar

Thank you Sarah, I love watching your evolution and evolving along with you. You, Tim, Bill, and so many others really help folks like me regain our awareness of our own power. And you give good tips how to use it! Thanks for your courage and grit!

Expand full comment
joanne brininstool's avatar

I do not see a transcript button. Either caption these or this is a waste of time.

Expand full comment
Robert Ward's avatar

49 to 48 is NOT a mandate. Voters were clear? Did you ask how important Trump’s bigotry was to Trump’s voters?

Expand full comment
sotirios a. Barber's avatar

Congress could impeach and convict Trump and pressure Vance to resign if Jeffries would recruit someone like Kasich or Romney to be speaker of the House. Consequences for the country's party structure would be unpredictable, but a return to two moderate parties is possible, and the country's future depends on an early end to the MAGA regime and ultimate party reform. Politically impossible? Probably; our politicians prove daily that they won't make personal sacrifices for the country. Americans once went to civil war to answer Lincoln's question about whether a government weak enough for the liberty of its people could be strong enough to defend itself against its enemies. Our question now is whether American partisans will pay what it will take to correct a mistake that could well be fatal.

Expand full comment
dean apostol's avatar

Trump is doing the Democrats work for them. Remember a few short weeks ago when Dem activists were really mad at Chuck Schumer for not shutting down the government? Well, come on. He was right in that choice. We want all bad things to be on Trump's head, not Democrats heads. Carville had a point about laying down for a little while.

Expand full comment
Anne B's avatar

Yes. The tariffs are doing the very work that will get the attention of the voters. Trump and Navarro are just stupid about tariffs, and, as Sarah said, the main thing is that people are losing confidence. That won't change. That will only get worse.

Expand full comment
dean apostol's avatar

The only way Trump turns it around is admitting error. And he will never do that.

Expand full comment
Carolyn Herz's avatar

enjoyed this very much…I do question why Elizabeth Warren, Chris Murphy, Jamie Raskin (and other) Dems continual presence in the media isn’t registering. Yes: more opposition is needed. But it isn’t true, from what I see, that Cory Booker is the only example of vigorous opposition. I don’t know why they aren’t able to grab attention.

Expand full comment
dean apostol's avatar

Because Trump does something monumentally obnoxious or stupid every other day. How is Jamie Raskin going to compete with that? And do we really want him to?

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

Trump and Musk do seem to suck up most of the media oxygen. But who knows how much more media space Democrats might earn or occupy if they showed some passion and got out of their offices? I'm not a big fan of Bernie and AOC but they know how to draw crowds and get their views before the public without going on tour to sell books.

Expand full comment
dean apostol's avatar

They are drawing crowds. But to what end? Yelling at "oligarchs"? We're going to need a lot better than that.

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

I've seen a little bit of the self-promotional diva in AOC but I'm glad to see anyone out there showing some energy and getting people fired up, even if her sales pitch seems a little lean. Most of the Dem incumbents seem to be in hiding until it's time to go out chasing campaign contributions for reelection. I guess I'm just annoyed that a jackass like Donald Trump can draw huge crowds of people just to watch him dancing to the Village People and struggling to speak in complete sentences.

Expand full comment
dean apostol's avatar

She has crowd charisma. So does Trump. But I don't think she has a compelling message. Tax the rich? Great. I'm all for it. But to what end? People are desperate for leadership. But it should be a clear direction. I'm not seeing it.

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

I have to agree to a large extent.

Expand full comment
Jodi's avatar

Yes Sarah great advice about posting grocery bills! My very Republican husband just said to me "man, those groceries were expensive! " when he got food for the weekend... I (an independent) said "yep" 🙄🙄🙄🙄

Expand full comment
J AZ's avatar

Jodi - hang in there. Maybe add a thought like "yep, I thought by now we'd be seeing some improvement...?"

Expand full comment
Cecelia's avatar

What I would love for you all to comment on, continue to support is for Democrats to take back ownership of patriotism. All of these protests need the opposition to be carrying American flags. The Republicans have co-opted the right to define themselves as patriotic. The left has been identified with burning the flag, kneeling down rather than standing up etc. All actions coming out of protest times. BUT NOW, we need to be the flag holders. We need to have this be a part of redefining the democratic brand.

Expand full comment
Chantal Rabey's avatar

On Sarah telling people to post more videos telling their stories- I'd love to see more stories from the veterans that are being targeted and affected by this administration.

I feel like Republicans always stand up for the troops, only to push them in front of the bus when it's convenient.

Expand full comment
J AZ's avatar

Wouldn't The Bulwark be a great place to collect/distribute those stories? YES!

Expand full comment
Amanda Nash's avatar

Sarah, you have this pinned so well! You are speaking for me now.

Expand full comment
Nancy's avatar

Thank you! Your words are real and full of common sense ideas for countering the oligarchs! I'm amazed that there hasn't been a lot of noise made about someone whose name I don't remember, who was interviewed and referred to his mother-in-law who wouldn't mind missing a month of social security. He dug a bigger hole by saying that only losers/fraudsters complain! (Set aside that the complainer-in-chief is the biggest one of all!) Why weren't people screaming about a women with a billionaire son-in-law held up as the model for all of us. And what about DJT saying, on video and in front of coal miners that if they were offered a big salary and penthouse, they wouldn't take it because they just want the mine call! WTF??????

Expand full comment
Bruce Whitney's avatar

That was Howard Lutnick, the ridiculous toady and Commerce Secretary.

Expand full comment
Pam Dauphin's avatar

Gretchen Whitmer had an excellent opportunity to stand up as a Democrat for what is wrong! Democrats need not be unethically aggressive like the GOP but they could be a lot more assertive. We need that!

Democrats, stand up and speak out!

Expand full comment
JW's avatar

Bulwark - please give us a kit to make the tell-your-story resistance video. I want something like a format that allows me to put up a fetching, geography-based pic, embedded with a link to a short video of me with my elderly friend(s ) "Hey, Rep. X (R-MI), we're your constituents in ___. Here's what we see goingon. What are you going to do about it?"

Expand full comment
J AZ's avatar

Brilliant! I'd even try getting one of my grandkids to help me with a video if I knew someplace to send it to get it seen

Expand full comment
Nancy's avatar

I want an investigation of inside trading

Expand full comment
Nancy's avatar

Yes, get loud and strong!!!!!

Expand full comment
Carole Langston's avatar

I will ask my guy to find out where it is. Out west. Unless it was faked for incitement. I am less trusting than you.MAGA is just like that. The rest I said is true.

Expand full comment
Linda Brown's avatar

Sarah--very good discussion today. The polls remind me of the ones in 2007 after Enron collapsed worldwide and Madoff's hedge fund activities were outed. People on my street were saying "it's all media exaggeration" as their houses were foreclosed on. The human capacity for denial is astonishing..

Expand full comment
Man of Many Naps's avatar

What is a counter story to unite democrats the way the right attached itself to waste, fraud and abuse: Corruption, Looting and Debasement!

Expand full comment
Tim Matchette's avatar

Well gang, start writing and calling your elected officials and give them hell if they are sitting on their asses and trying to stay hidden in plain sight. We can beat this felon and his ass kissers by finding our voices. This is still our Country. Don't forget that. Churchill said, never give up, never give up, never give up,

Expand full comment
Ann P's avatar
8dEdited

I’ve called my Senators so many times that their aides recognize my voice when they answer the phone. So far, still no results. Just a form letter thanking me for sharing my opinion. When my message was outrage over SignalGate, the form letter I got said, “Thank you for contacting me about the Dept of Defense. I will take your views into consideration the next time I have to vote on a DOD bill.” I’m not sure that pestering these men and women will make anything good happen at all.

Expand full comment
Tony Wagoner's avatar

I get the same nondescript form letters back. But I have been told by my reps that their staff and/or interns do tally the incoming calls and e-mails, rank them by which topics generate the most heat and summarize them into the major points. One of my Michigan Senator's and my local Congressional Rep's web sites have been crashing from heavy incoming volume, which I guess is a good sign.

Expand full comment
Anne B's avatar

Keep going. I know they had an effect on the WH reversing the SS phone staff cuts. Now that the polls are reflecting the worry about the economy, keep the heat on about the economy. Few think the economy is going to get better for a number of reasons. Congress will start to get worried. We let them know we are paying attention.

Thank you for calling! I am surprised and disappointed at how few of my friends call.

Expand full comment
LK's avatar

The end is where it should have been set up by Democrats since February 1!

An OPPOSITION party that has this type of video - taped on a stage with 4 chairs for 20 minutes in each legislators home districts. First they talk about the damage done over the last week for the state they come from. And then have a local business person and a local worker, school librarian, city council member to talk about the damage being felt to them personally.

Upload and have as a series accessible by every democrat across the country like “D Party Weekly News” via media type links of substack and insta and bluesky.

So they have info & time to go “shit what the hell is going on in my state, this has got to stop, if the library and school is gutted how are we going to manage” “how is grandma going to get her social security” “how will I get help to file my taxes if I have questions” “the town project got cancelled because the funding was removed”

Have a monitor sometimes with 1-2 charts that shows how the state is losing xyz.

Expand full comment
Denise Wallace's avatar

I was going to pull back today for mental health reasons but when I saw this podcast posted , I just had to listen. I am so glad I did. Bill Kristol’s observations are so astute and I think Sarah’s political advice is the best out there. As a lifelong Democratic, I just cannot take the elected Democratic leaders lack of resistance too much longer.

I thought the photo of Governor Whitmer holding the folder to hide her face was fake. OMG it was real. She wants to be the leader of the free world and stand up to Putin. Give me Governor Pritzer any day. He is constantly showing the resistance we need.

Democrats have to stop using qualifiers with every opening sentence. Examples:

Tariffs can be good and useful. But I disagree with Trump’s implementation. No , you say tariffs are not good. End of story!

As an elected Democratic Senator, there is not any reason to vote for any nominee of the Trump administration. Here’s looking at you Senator Fetterman, we just loved your vote for the champion of justice Pam Bondi. Several Democratic senators voted yes on many of the nominees. Why ? Trying to reach consensus with an administration that wants to rob us of our democracy. And your vote didn’t change the outcome.

AOC and Bernie are holding great events to lead the public resistance against the policies of the Trump administration . I don’t want to hear how I really don’t agree with their beliefs but it is good that they are out there. They are leading in the public opposition and has led to many other people holding town halls. They are Never Trumpers and we should welcome them with open arms to the coalition.

I love Sarah saying we need to tell the human stories. I will be turning 70 this year and have been working since the age of twelve. I was a farm hand until the age of 16. Then I always had a part-time job and obtained a college degree. I have been retired collecting a wonderful pension (retired union member of the IBEW) and Social Security. Both are at risk. I just checked my account and I am relieved to see this month’s check pending deposit. I am going to have to go through this every month. Prior to President Trump’s re-election, I was enjoying the best years of my life. I just shared this with a close friend and they were shocked I was going through this anxiety. But there are worse stories than mine. I think of all the people who will be affected by the cuts in Medicaid and Medicare. All the benefits of scientific research keeping people alive coming to a halt. Losing due process. There is so much to protect. Thanks for this podcast. I got my shot in the arm.

Expand full comment
Lori P's avatar

Who the hell are these 44-47% that still approve of this smuck and his clown show? Astounding!

Expand full comment
Linda Brown's avatar

I have a neighbor who's 93, a Korean War vet, and backs Trump 100%. Same with an immigrant (legal) from Peru and several Blacks who have been giving oldsters rides to the doctor. You'd think that with all their experiences they would vote for anyone but Trump. Instead, they're still behind him because he's Republican and that party promotes big business, jobs, and economic growth. Not that it delivers. They just believe the rhetoric.

Expand full comment
Lori P's avatar

Do they explain why? Really curious what they like. I think immigration really hurt the dems. Is that it?

Expand full comment
Linda Brown's avatar

I've asked very politely and respectfully. All I've gotten are shrugs and "I'm a Republican. It's better than what Biden has done." Go figure. Blind obedience and repeating dogma is much easier than opening your eyes and thinking. I dunno, maybe COVID did a lot more damage than we realize. Brain damage confuses thinking and creates anger so it would fit all this. Only one of these people was an immigrant so it's not like they're all afraid of being deported if they don't support Trump. I'm sure they believe the supposed threat of crazed filthy barbarians invading our country and taking our jobs (one woman had an interesting twist: "aliens are coming to our second hand stores and taking all the clothes"--ask Mulder and Scully about that one). Honestly, Lori, I have no idea. It's insane. But part of me does think that the wide promotion of LBGQT issues had a lot to do with it. It goes contrary to all the church teaching around here.

Expand full comment
J AZ's avatar

Linda - bless you for trying to talk with the cult members. Sometimes it can help & you're making connections if they ever start to wake up

Expand full comment
Linda Brown's avatar

Thx that's very encouraging. The Rabid Reds at the other end of the street are goners. Being repeatedly called a liar and a fucking liberal piece of shit is irreparable to me. Trump has a lot to answer for when he reaches those pearly gates.

Expand full comment
Barb K Townsend's avatar

ONLY Bernie and AOC doing something. The rest of the dems think words will make the dictator back down!!!! Where in the world are they coming from? The felon is hard of hearing. Get up off your high horse and fight back!! It is like we have to fight the Dems and magats!! Really?????? The dems have NO LEADERSHIP! Schumer? LOL!!

Expand full comment
Dayton Hausman's avatar

Do not forget Booker! He spoke from the heart!

Expand full comment
Pamela Jewett-Bullock's avatar

So, at the risk of seeming too obvious here: Sarah...Bill...we AGREE with you, especially about what we REALLY want to hear (and dare I say it? hear HERE on your podcasts?) is YOU INTERVIEWING THE GRETCHEN WITMERS AND PETE BUTTIEGIEGES, etc etc. PUT THEM ON THE HOT SEAT HERE SO WE CAN HELP YOU ADDRESS THIS WITH THEM DIRECTLY. We just don't have enough ACCESS to these folks! Please and thank you!

Expand full comment
Dayton Hausman's avatar

Yes!!!!

Expand full comment
Bob Stine's avatar

This is a time for big tent opposition to Trump. I love what Sanders and AOC are doing, but if progressives push their point of view, MAGA will beat them.

And by the way, Schumer changed his position to support the CR when a rich donor pressured him

He is a sell out to oligarchs. If he had any integrity, he would resign. Don't hold your breath. 🤬

Expand full comment
Dayton Hausman's avatar

🤬🤬 My Senator needs to retire, be primaried or withdraw from politics! He has been good with the bacon, but on overall policy he is bought and paid for!

Expand full comment
Linda Brown's avatar

People need to stop reelecting him.

Expand full comment
Donna Grauer's avatar

Sarah… you are a national treasure… not just an average person.

Expand full comment
Rebecca Graham's avatar

How are polling numbers reliable when the regime does their own BS polling? I think your Here Is How Trump Can be Defeated title is misleading. Not all pundits and pollsters are helpful. After a while some begin to sound tired. Please please change your focus. Postings of grocery bills are going to be spun by maga to appear whiny and unpatriotic. Your suggestions are as ineffectual as Schumer yelling "we will win"

Expand full comment
Nancy's avatar

So what can we do? What must we do?

Expand full comment
Rebecca Graham's avatar

Here is one source that gives more info to actually be involved rather than fretting over polls. She is very well informed and involved https://youtu.be/i22Cxr-b8FE?si=fRS-jCp-NKWMLVMy

Expand full comment
Linda P.'s avatar

I'll add a note of agreement here. I stumbled into her videos thanks to an algorithm. She's clear and concise, wise and passionate. (And I love that she's a knitter.)

Expand full comment
Dayton Hausman's avatar

Can we wait 18 months, by then it will be too late!

Expand full comment
Victor's avatar
8dEdited

Unfortunately, I saw a an interview with a MAGA monkey the other day, and the monkey said it was Democrats who stopped the 5k DOGE payment. We all know here that is impossible, but that's what we have.

Trump is the symptom. His supporters are the disease. Yes, I can spend a lot time, money and energy to get my fellow countrymen to stop being so pathetically stupid and awful, but I would rather spend my resources on something more worthwhile, something without these people. These people are not victims. They freely did this to themselves.

Besides, investing in MAGAs is a waste. To be a better citizen and a human being, it requires work and effort. They are not willing to give that effort.

Expand full comment
Vicki Green's avatar

I see she's doing everything not to say Bernie and AOC gatherings. There's no way no one in that focus group didn't talk about Bernie, Crockett, AOC. Why? Democrats who have negative feelings against our largest organizers. Not reading the room because of you and older Democrats who've been around awhile don't want to read Bernie side of the room too. Division. Hakeem out. Schumer out. Special interest representation out.

Expand full comment
Carey Buttrill's avatar

Regarding Sarah's questioning at around 24:22 of the strategy of standing back and doing nothing, I *think* I heard that from James Carville. I forget how he phrased it. In any case, wanted to say it came from at least a well meaning source with some chops (possibly dated) of his own. Love the podcast. keep it up.

Expand full comment
Jerry Norman's avatar

Yes, uncertainty terrible for small biz, large ones suffer, small ones can die. Like the division of subjects into thirds

Expand full comment
Jodi's avatar

Great conversation! I don't put much stock in polls but find it interesting to see where people are at a specific time. I will believe the polls more if the polls continue down or stay low in another year.

Expand full comment
Linda Brown's avatar

I'd also like to see the phrasing of the questions. Sometimes it's confusing. doesn't offer an answer that's acceptable, or is interpreted wrong. Even the questioners giving a slight inflection or tone that prompts a response can tilt results. There really is a science to it that professional pollsters are trained on. News stations like CNN maybe not so much.

Expand full comment
Holly Berkley Fletcher's avatar

The thumbnail shot looks like sarah is offering a blessing over a skeptical bill 😂

Expand full comment
Wendy Stadler's avatar

Sorry! Multimodal learners - and many of us are afflicted with ADHD/ADD/other- need videos and audio.

Expand full comment
Theresa Fox's avatar

In my 56 years on this planet, I have raised twin sons who are 32 years old, bachelors with girlfriends, but unmarried and both live alone. For the first time in a long time -- probably ever -- I have a cold chill about how violent racism has reared it's ugly head similar to when my mom and her siblings who are nearly 10 years older than she, experienced growing up during the civil rights movement and segregation. I have heard the stories, seen the movies. I find it staggering, the amount of racism that exists in people my age, who have had good lives and had almost everything easy - yet are filled with soo much rage, they have visited it upon their children and their children's children. I am content that my sons have decided not to have children at this point in their lives -- if ever. I wouldn't want my grandchildren to grow up experiencing this rabid form of racism that is raging across America. Children deserve better than we had -- not worse. I just don't understand the parents who raise their children to hate, and expect them to lead good lives.

Expand full comment
Wendy Stadler's avatar

I’m concerned about our sons in the military and eventual mandatory service when no one wants to serve under a fascist ruler.

Expand full comment
Theresa Fox's avatar

I 100% sympathize with you. All of my ancestors: Father, uncles, grandfathers (great) are turning in their graves at the complete disrespect this government has for their service. It was awful enough that on returning from war, they were treated as second class citizens and denied the rights of their fellow soldiers who they fought alongside. Under this administration, any "war" they get involved in, is about colonializing sovereign nations and would be illegal and against the Geneva Convention.

Expand full comment
James D Bare's avatar

Theresa - I was moved by your posts. I think it’s clear from your words that you are a family oriented person. The fact that your sons feel that they cannot continue that legacy right now is tragic. I know it’s very little but my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Expand full comment
Jessica Elsener יסכה's avatar

Chag Pesach Sameach, Bill.

If you want to attend a community Seder in Lincoln Nebraska, you're invited. I hope you and family have a meaningful Passover.

Expand full comment
Rita Wittwer's avatar

I think the assessment of the actions by Democrats is spot on. However I think that a growing number of people are tired of AIPAC and the like controlling our government.

Expand full comment
Tina's avatar

Yes re your assessment of Whitmer in that meeting

Expand full comment
Tina's avatar

gen X here. OUT with Jeffries. He is a wuss and NOT meeting the moment

Expand full comment
Gunnar Berg's avatar

4 out of 10 people approve of this Potus? How can that be possible?

Expand full comment
VICKI's avatar

Because they know the damage the past four years with Biden/Harris has done to the country and the people.

Expand full comment
Roseanne Adams's avatar

Biden left office with the #1 economy in the world.

Expand full comment
VICKI's avatar

truth is here ttps://www.heritage.org/budget-and-spending/heritage-explains/the-truth-about-joe-bidens-economy

Expand full comment
James D Bare's avatar

Vicki,

I read your comments yesterday and for some reason, you’ve stuck in my mind. I think the biggest reason is just that I think people do things for a reason. I think you made some posts on this form for a reason.

I’m responding to you for a reason. I’m on this article because I’m a liberal in a very red state. My parents have become very entranced with MAGA ideology that I find contradictory to my spiritual beliefs (as a Christian), my political beliefs, and my beliefs about what will provide the best possible life for my children. I don’t know if they are right or if I’m right or if nether is right. But I do believe that I have an obligation to them and that they want to continue to be around me - or at least my children!

I’m responding to your comments because of two reasons: I think people want responses when they post. And I want to understand where you stand and why you stand there because my genuine hope is that it will open new pathways to understand with my parents.

So my (first?) question to you would be: what drew you to make posts today on this video?

I will do my best to always act with as much humility and respect as possible.

If you don’t think any of this is fair or open, please disregard. But if you’re open to asking and answering some questions, please feel free to respond.

Regardless - as I said, I believe all people who make a post are looking for a response - including me and you. So if nothing else, I hope this acknowledges your need for a response.

Expand full comment
Dayton Hausman's avatar

1/3 are his base, the other 10 percent are high income earners!

Expand full comment
Nathalie Cunningham's avatar

This is exactly what the small businesses voted for if they voted for Trump. It's hard to feel sorry for them.

Expand full comment
Tina's avatar

He DIDNT HAVE A MANDATE!!!!!! He got fewer votes than people who voted against him. Kamala simply didnt get more. There was no mandate. Stop giving it any validity

Expand full comment
jane's avatar

Agree totally on Gretchen Whitmer's disappointing passive response. She went with a bipartisan team to discuss environmental issues by an ice storm, defense assets and how the tariffs are affecting her state. Guardian reports her spokeperson said she was not aware of why she was escorted into the Oval Office and was caught off-guard. She missed her Cory Booker moment. Probably would have been better optics to walk out.

Expand full comment
Lori Block's avatar

For the hearing impaired, is it possible for transcripts to be posted?

Expand full comment
DonnaD's avatar

There's a transcript icon in the lower right hand corner of the screen, just to the left of the "CC" icon.

Expand full comment
Tina's avatar

No, those people dont really believe that trump would have been good for their business, they are racist and just need an excuse and say oh he would have been better for their business. This is sad that these people are so freaking mean hearted

Expand full comment
VICKI's avatar

Do not align Trump with racism, that is totally untrue. Do your homework. No one I know is mean hearted to want a better life for themselves, their family and their country after we are rid of the last administration and the woke thought. etc.

Expand full comment
Keith Wresch's avatar

Let’s be clear Vicki you are a racist. I looked at your page and what you post and repost. The latest article you posted argues that Whites are in a race war with Blacks, and the author ‘likes’ comments on his article that push the great replacement theory. The article also includes lines like ‘White victims of Black pathology’ and even more grotesque ‘For all I know, the slaves goofed off and slapped White women on their asses on the plantation’. Quite frankly this was one of the most disgustingly racist diatribes I’ve seen in quite some time, but apparently this is the swamp you inhabit. I’m not sure what you are doing here other than to behave as a troll as clearly your views are opposed to those who visit and enjoy this space. But calling a spade a spade: you are a racist.

Expand full comment
VICKI's avatar

I don't know who you are talking to or about but you are not well with these kind of sick comments so I will move along and just know I got a sicko here that has NO idea who or what they are talking to or about.

Expand full comment
Nancy's avatar

So we don't want equality for all, including gender equality; a terrific economy, best in the world; and an allied and coordinated world against autocrats? And, yes, a better life for their families, which today's world is rapidly trashing with all of the layoffs and punitive worldwide tariffs. No one I know is against any of these things, especially those who are true Christians who are familiar with the teachings of the man for whom their religious perspectives are named.

Expand full comment
Jerry Norman's avatar

Every time people say his name, what does a certain person get? Its' a free ad for his "poor me, see how they dislike me" campaign. What if searches on his exact surname came back empty?

Expand full comment
Steve's avatar

Why don’t we talk and have interviews with the people who’ve lost their jobs? Why are they just completely forgotten?

Expand full comment
Jerry Norman's avatar

Spoke this week to somebody in DC. It's nightmare. Texas is next? How many federal workers there? The planning done for "back to work" was VERY, VERY poor. Not enough office supplies, not enough space, as having some telework was part of the prior plan for keeping office costs down. Somebody careless (accustomed to servants and chauffeurs?) forgot to arrange for enough parking. This person's neighbor has to arrive at work at 5:30 am to get a parking spot.

One friend says too many DOGE people at the office are NOT doing any true work. Instead, they are harassing those who ARE working and making it harder for the real workers to get work done. EVEN AT THE PENTAGON!!!. They are harassed if they need a drink of water, if they need to use the john. They are harassed if they walk to a face-to-face meeting (the supposed point of no more working at home).

There's now extra time per day to travel to and from the office. People used to split the "time'off from not driving", between the agency and themselves, working extra hours unpaid for their agency, spending some time with kids. It feels anti-family, anti-child.

Too many houses are now for sale, at the same time. "Price reduced" often seen. Young buyers can't get what they paid for a place

Expand full comment
Valerie McMurray's avatar

I hope the economy does crash. That is the only way half of the country will learn. I believe that will be shorter term pain where we can then start to recover. Otherwise we are in for on and off pain for hyears where our Democracy and ccountry will be distroyed and we will never get it back.

Expand full comment
Michael Ferguson's avatar

Recession? With Trump, a depression is possible, maybe likely. I'm rooting for enough pain, but not too much. Foolish on my part.

Expand full comment
Passidrole's avatar

Sarah and Bill - why can’t the Democratic Party hire you as consultants????

Expand full comment
Jim's avatar

is this going to be released as a podcast?

Expand full comment
Steve's avatar

Wow, “ the only way theyre going to move away from him is if it affects them.” Ugh! That’s all I can say about them. The guy is obtuse allows Putin to bomb innocent people killing them every day. Trump tried to overthrow the country. Cops were killed. He was responsible. He should be in prison. Guantánamo even.

Expand full comment
Kanjin's avatar

Yes follow this wonderful simple advise of Sarah's. Tell your story of how the Trump decisions are negatively affecting your life..OUT LOUD!

Expand full comment
Carole Langston's avatar

I await the outrage over no funds for cancer research, hungry children,no education funds to run the populace from just dumb to dumber and dumbest. Road f Kill, Jr ruining our health. Lies about vaccines. Children dying. Signs in eateries that say, Whites Only. (Yes it's happening.) IS THERE NO SHAME? It's not just the price of food. That's all some care about. Our standing in the world is crashing. We are a global economy. THAT EFFECTS YOUR LIVES TOO!

Expand full comment
VICKI's avatar

Name one restaurant in the country that has a sign white only, that does NOT exist. Fear tactics are affecting your life, not reality.

Expand full comment
Stan Brody's avatar

The part of the numbers that I find important, is that Mr. Biden turned over a robust economy; and even with the trumparrif caused fiasco, per the Fed, the underlying economy, for now, still strong. If donald trump can find a way to "spin a win", and lift his taxes, he still has a chance to come out of this self inflicted debacle looking "good."

Expand full comment
John H's avatar
8dEdited

I have not finished the discussion here yet, but I need to say, or ask, cuz it's gonna float around in my brain for this whole podcast

ON WHAT _BASIS_ do small business owners think trump would be better for the economy and small business?!? for gosh sakes.

The ONLY thing I can assume is that they are basing there hopes on his Media Performance.

I am no expert, but hardly anybody, if Any, who do know this stuff would actually think what the MAGA voters are thinking, hoping, dreaming that Trump will provide them.

There are So many examples over his tenure, that actually debunk any basis.

So I ask again: On what grounds do they _actually_ convince themselves of those hopes?

I have a more negative view of their _actual_ motivations ... but that's for another day.

Expand full comment
Allie's avatar

We had our chance to have stopped him by not voting him in the office. That’s it. All Dems do is talk but not walk the walk. They speak from two sides of their mouths. Republicans are just authoritarians. It’s a shame, but neither party can be trusted.

Expand full comment
Quentin's avatar

Great show.

I've been getting an education on Wall Street finance, bond yields etc.

Wish I hadn't 😠

Expand full comment
Judith Hofeditz's avatar

Silence is complicity!

Expand full comment
KC's avatar

You want Dems to be more aggressive and effective and people not get beaten down? Well, then start covering and sharing relentlessly those Dems that are already doing just that, e.g. the Fighting the Oligarchy Tour of Bernie Sanders and AOC, the Town Hall meetings of several fierce Dems outside of their districts. Cover protests. Stop whining about what is not, start elevating, sharing, feeding what already IS. Mobilize! DO something! Stop being part of the problem.

Expand full comment
Judith Hofeditz's avatar

Thank you Sarah for calling out what Dems should be doing every day to call out the authoritarian moves of the T regime. Loud and clear messaging!! I don’t get it and am so frustrated!!

Expand full comment
Pam Jezek's avatar

Sorry, not sorry, but I will continue to repost information about the protests where appropriate.

Here are some scheduled protests you can attend.

I and every other protester I have contact with find these protests break through our feelings of isolation and powerlessness. Join us!

Sat April 19 - follow on to the April 5 Hands Off events

Thu May 1 - May Day protest

Weekly - often every Sat late afternoon - Tesla Takedown at Tesla dealerships

This one has been going on weekly since Feb 8 in my metro area.

Links for information about protest events:

https://indivisible.org/

https://www.fiftyfifty.one/events

https://www.mobilize.us/

https://www.teslatakedown.com/

https://www.bargainingforthecommongood.org/

Another great group for women is Red Wine and Blue and related local Trouble Nation small groups. These groups are active, effective and friendly. Highly recommend.

https://redwine.blue

Expand full comment
Susan Sanders's avatar

Our little suburb in NE Kansas protests weekly on Saturdays on public land near a city park. About 25 people show up every Saturday. This needs to be happening in neighborhoods all over the country. It's just a small chunk of time out of our weekends, but such an important time!

Expand full comment
Steve's avatar

That’s great, but I think 99 Of out of a 100 people don’t hear about these protest events.

What can be done about this? Why won’t the New York Times Washington Post and other daily publications announce them?

Expand full comment
Rebecca Graham's avatar

NYT and WaPo don't announce anything and minimally cover or downplay the numbers of the protests because they have capitulated to the regime. Bozos owns the WaPo and amazon. He can't afford to lose federal contracts for amazon aws. Independent progressive media and the individual websites mentioned above are the only places you'll find updates. Mainstream media is no longer reliable for fair and balanced coverage.

Expand full comment
Judith Hofeditz's avatar

Thank you! I was at 4/5 event and am doing more!!

Expand full comment
Lisa B.'s avatar

Trump is an authoritarian and he’s completely unchained.

He’s surrounded by the worst cast of horribles and they are gleefully destroying all the institutions they are in charge of.

The world now sees us as an enemy like they view Russia.

Tourists aren’t coming and the ones who do are being harassed like they are criminals.

The economy is wrecked and it’s only the beginning. It’s never coming back to what it was because our allies no longer trust us.

For the real pain to kick in is when the US dollar is no longer the reserve currency. Once that is lost, the US will NEVER regain that status.

Measles, the most infectious disease, is making a huge comeback.

With all these things and so many more destructive things Republicans are doing across the nation, his approval is 44%. Let that sink in. The people crying now about their faces being eaten by leopards are more tethered to reality. MAGA wants all the destruction, even if they are caught up in it, of all the people they hate. The number of people they hate are legion. Right wing media has perfectly conditioned them on hate for decades and Trump and company are the natural result. The democratic minded Republicans had every chance to expel the crazies from their party time and again but they accepted them for the power.

However, this rapid rise of fascism can be stopped, but only if enough people band together to reject it and take back the country from the arsonists who are empowered to burning everything down. It won’t be easy and definitely won’t be quick. And it can happen again unless the reason why it happened in the first place is understood.

Expand full comment
Jon Vee's avatar

Go get them Governor Whitmer he is a has been wannabe dictator and a real loser

Expand full comment
Texas Road Trip's avatar

Yes, Sarah! Let Americans film how Donald’s and his goons’ decisions have hurt the lives of their loved ones or their community.

Expand full comment
Lorna Beecroft's avatar

I agree so fervently with your thoughts around actions and what people want to see from Democrats right now and how they are failing terribly. We, the world as well as Americans, want to see some SPINE! Stop trying to play chess through this while the house is burning down around you. Stand up! Be counted! Hiding behind a binder just cost GW in so much social cachet. Don't stand behind your "binders" and mutter platitudes! FFS act! Speak out! Storm out!

Expand full comment
Pamela Weiler's avatar

I agree that all of us, including you Lorna, need to stand up. Not just the "Democrats".

Expand full comment
Lorna Beecroft's avatar

Totally agree. I am Canadian, but man oh man, am I ever with you all! If I was near the border I would absolutely be standing at the border to have hands across the border with those of you that are fighting this insanity!

Expand full comment
TLO's avatar

I've seen it mentioned a couple of times here, but many Dems are doing just what you'd like and they should be lauded and more attention paid to them. Instead, focusing on the ones doing nothing is like focusing on Trump. Even here, we fall into the negative trend toward negative feedback media.

Ultimately this will be on the people. The people will be what determines if this country falls or not. So get out to any and every event and protest there is. Because what I'm seeing is a serious lack of spine in people. Being inconvenienced, or it just not being a good day to protest. IF massive amounts of people start getting loud, the leaders are going to follow. And someone is going to separate themselves, or present themselves as a leader of the people.

Bernie and AOC will be in town tomorrow, and there is great excitement--- just because Bulwark doesn't seem to like them doesn't mean you don't applaud their efforts. It's a simple message - Oligarchy is bad and it harms every one of us. Elon and the billionaires are taking over the country and causing great harm.

Expand full comment
robin's avatar

i wish you guys would acknowledge the Bernie anti-oligarchy tour

Expand full comment
Jeanne's avatar

He rocked it at "Coachella Fest"

Expand full comment
Sarah Melissa Packard's avatar

Yes, this was why I was able to immediately interest my apolitical nephew in a family extension of the New York Times. Well, he does read news, but has never to my knowledge voted. But he runs a very successful one man electronics repair store, and I am glad that Times headlines were able to almost immediately assuage his anxiety about his supply chain. Apple’s too, I guess.

Expand full comment
peter's avatar

Know what... ???? Really tied of free half sentence and then subscribe entreaty....fuck u

Expand full comment
carentroutman@yahoo.com's avatar

Exactly right, Bill. Just go out there and make a stand, don't explain all the possible outcomes. Not a time for logic a time for heart. Just freakin' get in the game. And Whitmer, OMG, face plant!

Expand full comment
L.D.Michaels's avatar

When Will the Supreme Court Finally Rule That Trump Has Crossed the Rubicon?

During the 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly announced that he would be a dictator from Day 1, and we are now vividly seeing what he meant by it.

Perhaps he took a page out of the James Bond movies as his inspiration to model his administration after SPECTRE, an acronym for Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge, and Extortion, with the emphasis on the latter two.

Trump made it clear during his campaign that revenge would be at the top of his priorities, and we are all seeing too clearly the implementation of his uncontrollable urge to seek vengeance

And what is emerging as his principal weapon, not only to seek revenge, but most importantly to impose his will on his subjects, is extortion and its sister crime, blackmail.

Most recently we have seen how Trump issued an order to withhold federal funding for school children's lunches in Maine until the Government submitted to his will to ban transgender athletes on women's teams, which is now the subject of litigation.

We have seen how Trump successfully extorted Paul Weiss, Skadden Arps and other powerhouse law firms in the U.S. to provide hundreds of millions of dollars worth of pro bono legal services in support of Trump's policies and ideologies, lest Trump restrict access and benefits to the firms.

Internationally, we are seeing how Trump is using blackmail and extortion by imposing oppressive tariffs on most countries unless and until they bend to his will by dramatically reducing their own tariffs and also by, as Trump put it, "kissing my ass".

We saw how Trump tried to extort $500 billion worth of minerals from Ukraine as a condition for possibly extending support to them.

Trump is now finding that raw extortion is the most frightful and efficient weapon to bend his victims to his will, which he is brandishing via his issuance of executive orders to his administration's band of thugs

At what point though will he be permitted by his enablers and co-conspirators on the Supreme Court to cross the Rubicon to become a virtual, if not a true, dictator?

When Trump threatens states with his ability to close down their airports? When he issues orders to withhold federal emergency relief to states hit hard by natural disasters , as he threatened to do in California?

Or perhaps he will only be stopped in his relentless pursuit of absolute power when he turns on the Supreme Court because of adverse rulings by a close majority.

When will Trump's avarice for absolute power reach a bridge too far?

Expand full comment
Pamela Weiler's avatar

Never.

Expand full comment
Jeanne's avatar

TRUTH

Expand full comment
Siobhan's avatar

100% on uncertainty. Plus, losing the federal government as a 1. Source of dependable revenue and 2. Enforcement of contracts and rule of law will have massive negative impacts on small businesses and entrepreneurialism.

Expand full comment
Deborah Pitcher's avatar

We’re tired of the Democrats not speaking out my goodness who’s talking not very many people really disappointed you better get your crap together. The only one I hear the most about is Bernie Sanders standing up for the constitution come on people get on board

Expand full comment
Steve's avatar
8dEdited

Bernie is not the best messenger for Democrats, AOC certainly not. Woke is out of favor with 75% of voters. I wouldn’t even use progressive. Most people think progressives all listen to rap. Put your feelings aside, winning as everything. I think the candidate that can win it all is Pete. I understand the challenges, but he is the best.

Expand full comment
Pamela Weiler's avatar

Definition of woke: Kind, Fair.

Expand full comment
Bambi Feaster's avatar

Is it possible to get transcripts? I cant do videos.

Expand full comment
Darcy Grabenstein's avatar

There is a transcript link above

Expand full comment
MR's avatar

You’re absolutely correct on that point, we all know Dems don’t have the power right now. We need to see them out there fighting for the Democratic Party . Doing what Booker is, speaking at town halls, going on podcasts, speaking on corporate media news programs. We need to see they care about everyday people.

Expand full comment
Jamari's avatar

Public appearances, like what Bernie, AOC, and Tim Walz are doing.

Several are speaking out in Congress at times that get public attention: this is what Chris Murphy, Jasmine Crockett, and Jamie Raskin are doing.

Raskin and Whitehouse have also been on media; probably others too..

Some are doing stuff directly IN Congress -- that's most the way Amy Klobuchar, Tim Kaine, Mark Warner, and Dick Durbin are operating.

I really don't think they're being quiet; but we need MORE OF THEM to engage!!

Expand full comment
Tami Weissberg's avatar

His degree in economics seems not to be helping his judgement.

Expand full comment
Deborah Dutcher's avatar

Probably because his daddy bought it with an endowment.

Expand full comment
Charlene Pugliese's avatar

Yes he can be stopped. The same way young school kids don’t make it to their next grade!!! What’s fair is fair!!!

Expand full comment
Dianne Bell's avatar

I agree w/ your point about Democrats not fighting back and being passive d

- your Dem focus group being unified in wanting them to be more aggressive and show they’re doing SOMETHING, like Cory Booker. So why aren’t they??? What is their problem? Why aren’t they going on offense? I call Amy Klobuchar’s office weekly begging her to be aggressive. Is Ken Martin listening? Not giving them $ til we see some evidence of opposition.

Expand full comment
Laura's avatar

I call my rep and senators daily. One thing I have realized is that some of what they are doing is not getting covered by mainstream media. My rep has been putting up great bills.My senator is spearheading investigating the insider trading and has participated in a shadow hearing with Liz Oyer. So.... I am trying to sort out.... what are the less visible Democrats doing? What are they doing that is getting covered/ where/ how is it getting covered. What do we need to be done differently? Or where do we need posting, coverage, publicity events whatever is needed to get covered and enter the national consciousness. I don't believe they are not doing anything. But what many of them are doing is not showing up. The amplification of the narrative that Democrats are laming out actually is hurting them. How do we turn it around? I started looking at Meidas Network as well as my many other substacks/ you tube.....

Expand full comment
Donna M Cook's avatar

George Conway's got him figured out. Michael Cohen does too. I don't know why no one listened to his former cabinet. Pamela Harris has a degree in Economics!

Expand full comment
MR's avatar

Cohen to a degree has trump figured out. Cohen on a Meidastouch podcast led me to believe that he still thinks trump cares especially when it comes to kids. trump was asked by reporters on his plane last week his thoughts about the measles vaccine and, the two children who died from measles. Trump said absolutely nothing in regards to sending his thoughts and prayers to those families for the loss of their children. Instead he went on and on about it being a fairly small number and it’s been around for a long time.

Expand full comment
Keith Wresch's avatar

Trump has demonstrated over and over he cares for no one but himself, not even his own children when it really comes down to it. He is a narcissist through and through.

Expand full comment
CJS's avatar

BUT THE MEDIA IS NOT SHOWING THE PROTESTING!!!

Expand full comment
carentroutman@yahoo.com's avatar

At this point corporate media ( I call it state media) is complicit. Only way things get reported, amplified, elevated, is from the ground up. People sharing their stories like Sarah suggests.

Expand full comment
Donna M Cook's avatar

I'm hoping he gets removed from office. He's incompetant. Just look at his answers to questions. He has a reputation as a business man but he's not. He never has a well thought out plan for anything & he doesn't listen to advice from anyone. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Expand full comment
S Jeter's avatar

Any small business person who thought that he was going to be good for their business did not understand the basic economics of tariffs. For the first time in 4 years I am having to think about the ramifications raising my prices significantly. How do I stay in business and still be able to offer ny clients an affordable service.

Expand full comment
Bruce Lawrence's avatar

They understand tariffs fine. They just convinced themselves that Trump wouldn't do the tariffs because that would be obviously insane.

I think that is part of Trump's magic: His supporters believe him when he says things they like, and they assume he's lying when he says things they don't like. That is his secret to maintaining a big tent while advocating for unpopular policies.

Expand full comment
Jeffery E. Jones's avatar

What about all the self dealing of the Trump administration? Insider trading and manipulation of the market for their own benefit?

Expand full comment
Tom Long's avatar

I’d like some investigation and commentary on this possible/likely manipulation… the global economy as a tool to enrich the few.

Expand full comment
Keith Wresch's avatar

The YouTube adds I saw about a month ago with Don Junior hawking some gold investment scheme make a lot more sense now. I was apoplectic at him saying the central banks are moving away from the dollar. Little did I know his father would try and tank things the way he did. I still find it despicable that the son of the president of the United States can make an add hawking a financial product that is predicated on the failure of our currency.

Expand full comment
Norm Poisson's avatar

He can be stopped using the same technique as you would use on a vampire.

Expand full comment
joanne brininstool's avatar

There is no transcript button. This is a waste of time for those who can’t hear.

Expand full comment
Darcy Grabenstein's avatar

There is a transcript link above

Expand full comment
Kenrick Hackett's avatar

Sarah and Bill, I think your discussion about poll numbers is interesting but is going to prove irrelevant in the long run. We have entered an era in which poll numbers can’t measure very much-- either because people lie or because they’re afraid. Add to this the probability that Trump and his mimions do not care about what the voters think because they are in the process of trying to eliminate democracy. After all, polls really only matter politically in a democracy. I don’t know what the answer is, but it is clear you’re at risk of becoming the proverbial movers of furniture on the Titanic.

Expand full comment
Kat.'s avatar

Feel like there is not much we can do to stop this train-wreck of fascism from steamrolling over the US & world

Expand full comment
MR's avatar
8dEdited

I heard this morning that his approval is higher now than it was at this time in his first time he was president. How can that be? Some of his supporters are starting to feel the pain.

Expand full comment
Justin Lee's avatar

The only polls that matter are elections, and nearly every election is now a referendum on Trump. The Wisconsin Supreme Court race was a landslide, and we saw 15-point swings in Florida. At this rate, the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey will be blowouts in November.

Expand full comment
Anne B's avatar

I talked to a friend from Louisiana yesterday. Their governor is MAGA. He wanted some amendments passed and held a referendum. One amendment was pages long. Who comes out to vote on amendments? But voter turnout was surprising and all 4 amendments were voted down. My friend said it was the beginning of the end of the governor getting everything he wanted.

Expand full comment
Christopher's avatar

It’s still even higher right now than it was when he was elected in November. Being gaslit by the media is so common that all it ends in is what is expressed in your post: confusion.

Expand full comment
Robin McAllistar's avatar

Early manufacturing is arriving Korea in the south minimum wage child labor. Not the decade he advertised. We are going back to the 1900s

Expand full comment
Larry Wegrzyn's avatar

The people elected a Congress that is supposed to hold the executive in check. With the Insurrectionists Graham, Jordan, Cruz, Hawley, Biggs, Cornyn, and Grassley controlling the Senate and House Judiciary Committees, Mikey stopping bills, Leonard Leo still feeding gifts to SCOTUS, Musk breaking funding, and Russ Vought in charge of OMB - we will live Project 2025 until we get a Congress with spine. Congress is near 430 in number - only 140 Insurrectionists.

The voters have done their job!

Expand full comment
Justin Lee's avatar

I think that Trump just took Gretchen Whitmer off the board for 2028. Being in the Oval Office while he acts like a petty tyrant is probably not survivable.

Democrats should want photos with Trump to look like the one with Pelosi, where she was standing and yelling at him across the table while he slumped in his chair. But I'm not sure a photo like that is even possible now that he's corrupted the press pool.

So, Democratic governors planning to run in 2028 should probably stay their asses away from the White House for the next four years.

Expand full comment
Jamie Moore/Elliott's avatar

We will see

Expand full comment
Faith Dandois's avatar

She put service to the state before her pride for two reasons: to reinstate funding to mitigate/control the lamprey eel infestation in the Great Lakes, and to get federal emergency funding for a northern Michigan devastated by an unprecedented ice storm.

She is term-limited as governor and has stated she has no intention of running for public office again. She put the state before herself. I want to send her some sage to drive out the evil spirits he probably infected her with.

Expand full comment
Sandra Mackay's avatar

She is fantastic so should go to the White House anytime she wants to discuss something

Expand full comment
Janet's avatar

Oh we won’t even recognize this Nation by 2028.. we’ll have bigger fish to fry than a bad photo op. We’re going to have to find leaders who rise to what the times will call for.

Expand full comment
Susan's avatar

Yes, you are right the only person left is Shapiro maybe, and Illinois. I never liked Newsom anyway… but he’s gone.

Expand full comment
Justin Lee's avatar

Also Mayor (Secy.) Pete and Wes Moore of Maryland. Tim's recent interview with Wes Moore was really good.

Expand full comment
Susan's avatar

Yes, Wes Moore I was thinking about him. But not well known. But Pete possibly. Most of these picks are establishment democrats. I’m through with donors and can’t fight because of their wealthy donors. It all came through after the election.

Expand full comment
robley mericle's avatar

Slnce Trump acts likeLittle boy, the maga group decided to give him toys to play with. first it was the Supreme Court then congress last justice.He will probably get Greenland for Christmas.

Expand full comment
robley mericle's avatar

slnce Trum

Expand full comment
Laurie Aughenbaugh's avatar

Yup! Her Michigan supporters are not happy! Including me!

Expand full comment
Tojoyama's avatar

The Governor of Michigan should have no difficulty being in the Oval Office as the leader of their state. Hiding behind a file folder, unless it was clearly just being jovial, became the pic.

It should been the ability to stand in front of the President as is required for one executive official to another,

Expand full comment
Sally J.Penso's avatar

Aren’t u being a little dramatic?

Expand full comment
Laurie Aughenbaugh's avatar

Who? Justin? Kissing up to Trump to try to get the “moderate” republicans has completely turned off her strongest supporters, along with her lack of properly funding education. Our teachers and special paraeducators are grossly underpaid, and we’re in crisis. Her response “more funding won’t help”. BS! Watching her kiss the ring of Trump disgusted many of us!

Expand full comment
JB's avatar

No, either he is trying to destroy our democracy or he isn’t. I believe he is and the Democratic Party needs to as well for my support. We are here today for many reasons, but also because the Democratic Party did not do enough.

Expand full comment
Joe's avatar

NO! There has been much too much normalizing and surrendering in advance. We need brave, committed people, not the cowards who keep acquiescing.

Expand full comment
Sally J.Penso's avatar

I agree with you. Where are our great orators?

Expand full comment
Joe's avatar

There’s Bernie out there stirring up the pot, but he’s not the long term answer. AOC is out with him, but I don’t think she’s the one either. Right now, I’m grateful that they’re speaking out and drawing large crowds. That’s what EVERY Democrat should be doing right now instead of pontificating online and asking for donations.

Expand full comment
Justin Lee's avatar

It's possible, but Trump clearly didn't invite her into the Oval to talk about invasive fish. If she can let herself get played that easily, she's not ready.

Expand full comment
Joan pagliuco's avatar

Would really like to just read so everyone around me doesn’t have to hear. Before you say it, ear buds fall out of my ears!

Expand full comment
Paul L's avatar

Agree, 100%. I don’t understand the fascination with podcasts and 45 minutes of talk. Somehow talk radio got repackaged as podcasts and is somehow modern or hip. Maybe it’s just that no one wants to read. Give us text!

Expand full comment
Lance Khrome's avatar

Greg Sargent at TNR does a daily interview — "The Daily Blast — where both audio and transcript links are provided, a godsend to this hearing-impaired senior!

Expand full comment
mary thiel's avatar

Me also, so I can read it later, when I want to.

Expand full comment
Dean Mills's avatar

Yes, please. Text is more efficient than audio or video.

Expand full comment
Jeannine's avatar

I read the Transcript found on the link "transcript"

Expand full comment