Bulwark+ Takes
Audio
Bulwark+ Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team. This is the home to ad-free video shorts, Bulwark+ member-only livestreams, and live event archives. The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither do we.
Bulwark+ Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team. This is the home to ad-free video shorts, Bulwark+ member-only livestreams, and live event archives. The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither do we.
Appears in episode
Sarah Longwell
William Kristol
Recent Episodes
Thanks for ending with the positive suggestions and hopeful assessment.
You say everything I think out loud! Thank you and keep it up.
Its becoming increasingly clear to me that I know very little about how government works as each day brings on at least one new agency or position or something to try and get an understanding of so you can assess what’s actually going on. And I get it, the prospect of having to talk to these fools sucks (I’m not very polished and seeing zero f words in previous posts, I’m trying to be good) making it really easy to dismiss, but how else do we relieve ourselves of corruption in power? Having worked as a public defender and unfortunately participating in a never ending process of pleading people to crimes regardless of culpability or circumstance. At the end of the day, my ethical duty at the very least required me to make sure my clients understood the paperwork, the stuff they were signing up for and the consequences when they weren’t able to comply. I don’t see how we can avoid communicating with people who aren’t convinced for whatever reason by conventional methods anymore, so how do I even understand what they’re saying and what are the intersections that allow us to communicate effectively with them? Who would they be interested in hearing from? I mean I’d try if I knew what to even try and say, but I feel like they don’t like it when women talk or tell them what’s up.
Yes! I like y’all doing Substack live.
I work for a health organization that receives multiple federal grants and payment from multiple federal and state programs, as well as multiple private sources. When you have a grant, there are specific requirements on reporting how, when and what funds from that grant are spent on. Much of this conspiracy theory nonsense relies on a fundamental misunderstanding of how federal grants work. It also relies on a deliberate decision to not learn how it works.
I have a perpetual fever, and the prescription is ALWAYS MORE Bill and Sarah
keep up the great work you two
It's called a Program audit. And agencies retain data that shows the effectiveness of of each program, or the ineffectiveness...and that's how to decide what to cut. And if you don't want to hire an auditor to do this work, then you bring in the Government Accountability Office and they will do the program audit for you. That's what they do. They also do Financial Audits. But this isn't about that. They;re taking a sledgehammer to these agencies because they're unpopular and they think it's just a quick way to grab their funding for Trump's big tax cut for his friends...and obliterating the agencies makes the tax cuts sustainable over time. It's all bullshit.
Word on the street is that Trump is scared of Elon and his power. That’s why he hasn’t been thrown out yet. I’m praying Trump someone sabotages Elon in some way. Elon basically is trying to get rid of all the investigations in to him in various government agencies. Maybe Pam Bondi can find something to tank him??
Trump could trump something up and throw him in the gulag.
JD Vance is part if the Network State ideology. Google it. It's scary! And it's happening.
Network State article, indeed scary: https://newrepublic.com/article/180487/balaji-srinivasan-network-state-plutocrat
We aren't talking about it enough.
Please look at Gil Duran's blog which dissects the Silicon Valley tech bros "Network State" plan. They are behind this and they are very open about it. Look at Peter Teal, Curtis Yarven. This needs to be out there. It sounds so conspiracy theory so may have been cast aside as crazy but then who would have ever thought we would be here?
Shouldn't everyone who believes in democracy stop using Twitter? Serious question -- wish you all would consider and discuss.
I'm off Facebook, Twitter, Amazon Prime, Instagram and WhatsApp.
And can someone please tell me exactly which issue of New York magazine includes the profile piece on The Bulwark? Every link I have seen is paywalled. I have access through the library to digital versions of this magazine, but it was not in last week’s issue and not in this week’s (new issue appeared today, Monday 2/10).
Love the Sunday show!
I'm worried well meaning people like my husband who didn't vote for President are checking out because right now it feels like it's not affecting them. But on Friday my husband said to me something like oh something must have happened because our retirement fund took a hit. I literally laughed out loud. I then said where have you been. Wake up. There's chaos.
I wanted to comment that yes, I do like watching things on Substack, avoids the youtube ads that stop the good conversation
Musk and his followers are a bullying mob on social media. Bullying may be a simple term but as a parent, I would tell my children that name calling is bullying and low hanging fruit. I am not against the government being more efficient but all I see is a clown show that is hurting Americans.
Please be louder about how Musk gets money from the federal government!!!
Seriously. I was in a "discussion" with a friend who voted for Trump, and she had no idea that Musk has billions in government contracts and that Obama bailed out Tesla.
Bravo and Brava! Great live Sunday podcast. Just read Walter Issacson’s excellent bio of our new king … and how did we get a “new unelected overlord” making laws in OUR country?!) And read about Ketamine … very interesting.
I like it. You all are a source of sanity in an insane world and Friday to Monday is a long time without you!!
I enjoyed this first substack live. Feel free to keep 'em coming. It's gonna be hard to equal Sarah as a guest, though.
Sarah, please stop perpetuating the narrative that no one is doing anything. As Ezra Klein recently wrote: Trump 'is trying to substitute perception for reality. He is hoping that perception then becomes reality. That can only happen if we believe him.' Maybe most of the media is not covering it, or criticizing and making fun it it - like you - but elected officials, lawyers, State Attorneys General from 19 states, and private citizens have been filing motions, protesting in not just DC but in organized protests in all 50 states, and have been calling and writing to their representatives in protest. That is not nothing! You can also encourage people to write or call their state representatives and senators. Indivisible has information on email addresses and phone numbers for state representatives and even scripts if you are unsure what to say: https://indivisible.org/coup You can also look for volunteer opportunities, events and petitions near you here: https://www.mobilize.us/electionresponsecenter/
Thank you for posting those links and sharing the things that ARE being done.
Welcome back, Bill! Looking forward to the next episode!
Having the Big Eye being turned on The Bulwark brings a spotlight that’s essential for getting more attention. I appreciate your stands.
A slogan for the new environment:
‘It’s the
Attention
Economy,
Stupid!’
I am so glad that you will be doing this on Sundays. I really enjoyed it today with you and Sarah.
So happy to have watched you live. Also stoked that over 4,000 people joined and hopefully many will be watching/listening this great convo. Thank you for providing us some next steps during this perilous time.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF1KNLURAn4/?igsh=MTR5Z2t3d20zcmNodQ==
Now, here is a Investigator journalist piece by a forensic economist that asserts that there were enough votes that were rejected by the polling places to swing the election
Hey, you know before the election, the news was filled with forecast of Republicans using bomb threats and other kinds of scares to shut down voting
Excellent discussion - thank-you.
I appreciated two things in particular:
1. Your willingness to talk about the social media tactics. I'm sorry Bill experienced what he did but it's kind of reassuring for someone like me to see that these tactics are experienced by people with your profiles not just also rans like me - helps me think through how I shall respond to vicious pile ons that I encounter for even the smallest things.
2. Publisher Sarah taking a stand against the lies perpetrated through the Bill pile on. Most people at the top of the organisational food chain are happy to remain silent and let everyone else in the organisation take the ugliness. I bet Elon was shocked to see the publisher take him on. It may even be the first time he ever experienced pushback from a role like that.
Remember to talk about the retribution and insisting loyalty.
Also these operatives would not pass security clearance. Hey, our current president cannot pass security ckearance.
Oops. Clearance.
This is great. Keep it up!!!!
Genuine question: can we distinguish between Democrats not proactively bringing up issues versus just avoiding topics altogether? I don't really think we need Ds running around and bringing up Nazi salutes and tran kids all day every day -- especially not the latter; god knows Republicans will do that themselves. But, they should be able to respond and reframe on their terms.
Sarah, "over time" is non-existent. How can you not see that they're dismantling Democracy as you know it? Please look at the authoritarian playbook and understand that the moment is NOW.
Really glad to see your group doing rebuttals and shows at this level. Daily, even hourly if it’s needed. Prayers and hope over you all, thank you for the work ~!
BOSS - Bulwark On Sunday Substack
I loved the show! Watching it during the Super Bowl. And you kept my interest more than the game.
Remember the politics of narcissism: What you are doing or going to do you loudly announce others are doing.
If they were concerned with fraud, waste and abuse- why fire the 12 Inspectors General.
Trump's chaotic approach and bullying manner have created a lot of fear. Telling people to stay calm, be brave is not enough. Our elected representatives need to act like leaders and speak up! I wrote to Sen. Schumer and Gillibrand and Congressman Ryan again today on this point. Plus I asked them to speak to their constituents daily to offset the dis/misinformation and fear-mongering that are exacerbating the chaos.
Meanwhile I will continue to listen (with gratitude) to Bill and Sarah and a few select others on Substack who offer much-needed insights, advice, and encouragement.
I live in the DC area.
Last work, a reporter for our NBC affiliate attempted to interview federal workers,
Most declined to be interviewed and the few who dd would not go on camera.
Fear...
(27:14 - 30:35 ) There's a compelling scene from the 1966 movie, "A Man for all Seasons" that makes your point very powerfully about the danger of subverting the courts and the law:
Sir Thomas More, Chancellor to Henry VIII, is being strongly urged by several members of his family to have his former student - and potential traitor - arrested. Amid demands such as, "Arrest him!", ... That man's bad!", ... "He's dangerous!", and "He's a spy!", More argues against acting without proof ... His wife says, "While you talk he's gone!!", to which More replies, "And go he should if he were the Devil himself until he broke the law!"
Will Roper, his somewhat hot-headed son in law, snaps back, "So now you give the Devil the benefit of law!
More: Yes, what would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil?
Roper: "Yes, I'd cut down every law in England to do that!"
More (standing up): "Oh, and when the last law was down, and the Devil turns round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws from coast to coast: Man's laws, not God's, and if you cut them down, and you're just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? .... Yes, I give the Devil the benefit of law for my own safety's sake."
🗽⚖️🇺🇸
Sarah and Bill's final remarks about helping Dems win off-year elections in 2025 as one way to "do something" is important.
Here in NYS, in district NY-21, there will be a special election later this year to replace Elise Stefanik. The Democratic candidate has already been selected: Blake Gendebien, a 48 yr old dairy farmer and board member of Agri-Mark Cooperative. He is a very appealing candidate, a very good fit for the district.
I live in NY-19 where we were able to flip our house seat to Democrat Josh Shapiro last November despite Trump winning the district. I feel there is a real chance of Dems picking up this seat, especially if folks become disillusioned with Trump. I donated to Gendebien's campaign a few days ago and intend to help in other ways as the election gets closer.
Yay!! Great going!
Yay!!!
Agree. I donated to his campaign also. He’s impressive, not a color by number politician. Josh Shapiro and Pat Ryan are 2 Ds who are showing everyone else how to win.
Ask your Republican friends if it would be ok if Biden/Obama had done it? If they hesitate, there's your argument
Love all the live broadcasts you guys are doing whether it is on YouTube or Substack! Don’t know how I would make it through all this craziness without you!
Sarah - I think you have to engage and I think the only way to engage those people is to actually sink to their level with the engagement - what I mean is you do not have to actually explain how they are lying - but you actually say - if posting on X - "Elon is M---F---er is once agin fu--g lying - anyone who know how to google can find actual source and see for themselves what a lying piece of --it he is". I know many do not like the language but the MAGAiites will and that will get their attention - using this language and being bold and crude while taking them down is the only way to grab the attention of those who do not already follow you.
Thank you for doing this and ALL you do ! This helps to keep this progressive sane during these turbulent times. Elon and his muskettes need to be stopped. Long time subscriber and listener. Do listen (not a video fan) to your you tube pieces and appreciate your rapid response to this illegality and the rampant disinformation .
Thanks for the Sunday show, giving Tim a break from his 7 days a week video grind!
First, Sarah, you cut us nerds to the quick saying "no regular person could ever follow" the nuances of "read only" access 😢 It's not so hard, if Musk's teenage ninjas can read the personal data of anyone in the system whether it's Treasury or HHS they've got their financial and health private information. They can't change it, but the point is to have it.
In regards to the "regular" people, I see in the last couple days that Medicaid and Medicare are next for DOGE
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/doge-aides-search-medicare-agency-payment-systems-fraud-wsj-reports-2025-02-05/
which will scare anyone over a certain age. Social Security is soon to follow and should heavily increase the negatives of DOGE. They say they'll target "waste only" but the baby could easily be throw out with the bathwater.
Red states are starting to see that Health research cuts will have direct major impacts on their population, e.g. Senator Katie Britt (the Stepford wife from last year) is promising a special channel to RFK Jr to help Alabama out over NIH cuts:
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/bama-senator-howls-like-stuck-pig-after-she-sees-nih-cuts-impact-in-state
So the trickle down effect of Elon's meddling is starting, once Musk is really unpopular tying him to Trump is the next step. I just hope it's not too late.
Yes! My red state with a GOP governor and a GOP dominated legislature has a state university sponsored major biomedical research center that focuses on stuff like diabetes and Alzheimer’s/dementia. It gets zero state dollars and relies 100% on a combination of private donations and NIH grants. This new (it starts tomorrow!) NIH funding cut is going to be devastating. Will the governor get mad? Will the legislature get mad? Will either one of our Republican US Senators get mad?
And from what I’ve read, they’re toying around with the idea of making these NIH cuts retroactive, and thereby telling these research centers to return all the funds they received in the past. Good grief, (1) the money has already been spent, and (2) it’s a state university, it’s not Harvard with a billion dollar endowment. I will be calling the two Senators tomorrow and will be interested to see how they spin this. Both of them have so far voted “yes” on all the cabinet nominations. Will they let their own state get hurt? We’ll see.
Sarah: the Bulwark needs to facilitate/call for the creation of tools to be used by the resistance and to call on groups of researchers and strategists to do this. Examples:
-- create a list of the types and quantities of funds and contracts Musk gets from the federal government, including the companies and products
-- go to the most recent USAID budget approvals and name the Republican Senators who were on those committees and approved those funds and projects
-- get a list of the US contract suppliers to USAID, list them by state and Congressional districts in which they are located and represented by Republicans
We need research and media savvy geek squads to be organized and operating. Crowd sourcing may be a way to expedite this.
This will quickly be needed for a number of programs - Head Start, food programs, public television & radio, rural hospitals, VA facilities, health research and services at universities - especially state universities which have much greater public support than private elite schools
Sarah, re: courage. Its a very important virtue (perhaps the most important in our time - the courage of your convictions).
How to motivate the timid? I think it would be important to convince them that there is no other way to defend their own security. You point out that many are hesitant to figuratively stick their necks out - or as you put it, stick their heads up. Presumably so they won't get stepped on. They need to understand that if they don't stand up, they will instead get trampled on. Maybe help them to see the reality - that we are losing law and order, losing our government and losing life as we know it in this country. If people stand up and stand together in numbers, the bully (tyrant) will back down.
Thank you as always!!!!
New to your site. I believe as long as we limit our opposition to what is happening to verbal retorts the Trump supporters will disregard us. Think about explaining something complex to someone who is completely ignorant of the subject. You have to use language that they understand or better yet you do a show and tell. Best case a commercial on FOX (assuming they would run it) showing the effects of shutting down USAID. Show the starvation happening and the people dying over top of that show a picture of Musk and Trump. Then show our American farmers having to let their harvest waste in the field as they used to send it to the people now starving. I believe but I don't know for a fact that USAID also helped nursing homes and other Americans.
I don't know who has the wherewithal to implement the above. We will not alter Musk or Trump unless his base starts to see his policies will be detrimental to them. All his supporters are not die hard.
SEE they have to SEE IT and have it explained in simple basic elementary language.
Thoughts... Suggestions... Ideas?????
Are we saying that once again, Dems have to ride to the rescue. Conservatives and Republicans like you will have to start gathering the troops on your edge of politics -- rally them. Thanks for the discussion
You guys are completely right on how the Dems should be handling the attacks on DEI, trans people, racism, foreign aid. But they shouldn't focus on people losing their jobs because of Trump/MAGA actions. Even though this is bad, voters in the Trump camp mostly don't care. They view those people as unfairly living off the government teat or, more simply, the bad guys of the deep state. Instead, the focus should be on the loss of US power and services, and how regular folk are being hurt, by Trump's actions.
Excellent filmed conversation by two super pros. Despite what everyone was saying, I think Bill Krystle is wonderful
Sorry… I hit the send button by accident. Bill Kristol is wonderful as well as Sarah Longwell. I really enjoyed the discussion on a February, Sunday afternoon. I feel a tad better and more hopeful that all is not lost. But one thing is for sure. Elon Musk must be removed from our government. He was not elected and he and his little pricks need to get out of my personal information.NOW!!! Democrats, get off your duffs and start raising hell.
Shirley Fogge Piazza
I’m hearing zero preparing us for action when the Trump administration defies the courts. With Congress absent, it will come down to us to be the bulwark. General strikes shutting everything down has historically been the most effective way to combat authoritarians trying to seize power. Large scale action gives people power and a sense that they are not alone. Please use your megaphone to start laying groundwork for this kind of action. Messaging and social media posts will not be enough.
thank you both for taking the time and making the effort... it's good to hear two voices talking facts and reason instead of bs
Great to see you both on a Sunday! I lean more in The JVL’s direction from Secret Pod re: the danger that journalism is facing right now, but without The Bulwark’s serious approach to reporting the truth is exactly what we need!!
Very glad to see this platform.
Neither Trump nor Elon can be ignored as much as there is no value debating anything with either one anyway. They just need to be cold stopped in their tracks. They will go on until they are stopped period. It means it likely has no chance of being resolved peacefully. Regrettably but what other options do they leave for this situation we are in? Hmm?
Shirley Fogge Piazza, Sara, liked article. Tell JVL not to be afraid. Since Elons, a non-Citizen , they brought a 19 year old Big balls, Sexy Something.
Elon is So African. Why can't he be deported .
We can send them all to Gitmo. The felon, criminal, rapist is our embarrassing
President. We listen to Sociopaths ., we ignore him. How do stop him from dismantling the GOVERNMENT . ELON IS A GHOSTLY COLOR. THE CABINET ARE WORSE THAN SHURTTING DOWN THE GOVERNMENT.
I WANT TO BE AN EXPAT. I WANT TULUM .. MX. What people are they going to be left with in America. There's no transparency,
How dare he have our information. It's illegal, criminal. There are no words for this revenge. Just get rid of him , NOW
Oh, btw, my new name for musk is "fElon" ;)
Love this! Keep all the content coming!
This was excellent! Thank you for all you do at The Bulwark!
Thanks for doing this. 100%.
Shirley Fogge Piazza
Bill and Sarah are great me. The MAGA GOP are in Congress today praising Elon and supposedly how is saving the government so much without transparency. They have my information. I understand the program .
Thanks for this Sunday Live. I appreciate the time and effort being put in. Please keep it up.
You are being attacked by Musk because you are people who have principles and high standards. He might be the wealthiest man in the world but he could never be top quality human beings as yourselves.
. I think going forward we should all address Musk as President Musk and Trump as George Conway’s FFOTUS. (First Felon of the United States ) . Trump being so petty, especially since Time’s cover with President Musk behind the Resolute desk, might be aggravated. Let’s aggravate him.
The Republicans have totally abdicated to Trump and the Democrats didn’t know they were suppose to offer any resistance. When the rank and file started to scream and yell to do something- I think they actually started to put up a fight and showed up at government buildings. You both criticized that action but many people- including myself- were pleased that they finally started to show resistance. I also think Sarah’s previous advice how to attract support is to keep it simple and personal. Examples: my grandfather lost his Meals on Wheels, my childhood best friend has been in an experimental cancer treatment program that has kept her alive stops Monday. I don’t think it would helpful to say yes the USAID is bloated and should have budget cuts- but do in a correct manner.
This Congress is loaded with Republican members who are so willing to abdicate their roles to Trump so that they won’t have a primary. Do I ever want Joanie Ernst to be Secretary of Defense and expect her to fight our enemies when she put herself before country ? And don’t get me started on the Democratic elected officials. The first couple of hearings of cabinet appointments made me so angry. I think they were so detached from reality. I still remember the friendly crosstalk and then voting to approve the nominations in an administration that is trying to end our democracy. Thank you for doing this show today. I
I liked the Sunday chat! Do it again. 😊
Looking forward to more Bulwark on Sunday. 👏🏻
Have you watched the ridiculous MTG AND BOBERT TELLING US AMERICANS LIVE AND WANTED DOGE ELON. THIS WILL NOT VE THE SAY AMERICANS ARE TOLD THEY LOVE ELIN FOUNG THEOUGH OUR PERSONAL INFORMATION BY THE LIKES OF MTG AND BOBERT SUCH IDIOTS.
As far as encouraging people to speak out, what's in it for them? If they're afraid, what do you have to protect them from what they fear? How about let them assess the danger to themselves and choose their own course? Or have some protection for them before encouraging them to speak out.
The Xitter mobs have a definite Chinese Cultural Revolution vibe. Aggressive idiocy.
Ok so I think Elon is indulging in Donald’s favorite second- grade level nicknaming here… a “Subtard is someone so “tarded” ( forgive the slur) that they, like us, write on Substack. So. I too, am a Subtard. Or b. Subway comes up with a new sauce from ketchup and mustard called …Subtard of course! Ham, cheese, and hold the Subtard.
Don't know if this idea applies to your specific question about online "battles", but a bit ago when I foolishly got into a social media fight with trolls/anti-woke white boys (generalization, I know) about increasing leading roles for women in blockbusters, I realized that laughing at them would be a great diffuser. And it worked. I mocked them for being sad and angry and poor little boys who couldn't take the challenge, and it was like I could see the smoke coming out of their ears from across the internet. Best of all, this allowed me to at some point just bow out and let them have their tantrums. And it worked. I know this strategy has recently been employed by alt right podcasters, fox news voices, etc. to mock the left, and it's working for them. So I say, give it right back. After you've made your valid point and offered facts, where relevant, mock away.
I read this quote from Mark Twain somewhere on Substack today. Relevant to your discussion about whether or not to engage with stupid.
“Never argue with stupid people. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.” -Mark Twain
There's alarm, and there's knowing there's nothing you can do but wait till things blow up, and then pick up the pieces.
We need to take back the flag. We have to make the point that these unconstitutional acts are unpatriotic. Members of congress should start every speech by reading from the Declaration Of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution or the Gettysburg Address. Hell make everyone in the chamber say the Pledge Of Allegiance and then explain the Liberty and Justice for all clause, that our allegiance is to the Constitution not to a man or party. People need symbols they can rally to. They need to be reminded that we’ve stood up against Tyranny before, The American Revolution, The Civil War, World War 2. Our founding documents belong to us. We need to use them.
Yes!!!!
all of this is why you shouldn't bother to get tangled up in their craziness. and instead just focus on ONE POSITIVE ACTION we can do each day, like www.1adayresistabs.com
Something about Bill, a classic American gentleman, being attacked by a vulgar, lesser man like Elon doesn’t sit right with me. Bill is so dignified, and doesn’t deserve this. We’re all behind him, strength in numbers. Sending love to Bill and everyone at the Bulwark!
Is Bulwark on Sunday going to become a regular thing? Very much enjoyed it!
Thank you for your hard work. The Bulwark is a lifeline for me right now.
I'd like to add an observation on the messaging front. Yesterday, one of Musk's fan boys on X commented on the assertion Musk was making that there was a judicial coup because of the TROs being issued. The fan boy said the the judicial branch had no right because it was "their data...they own it". They meaning Trump/Musk. This struck me because WE, the taxpayers, own the federal government and as such that data belongs to US, not them. They really have gotten this idea in their head that because Trump was elected, he owns the government...not us, the taxpayer who they (should) work for.
Yes. Good to point that out clearly-- that they really don’t seem to get--or know?--that! Maybe bring those little boys in for a civics lesson. Public
What happens to those young engineers? Have they left themselves open to legal repercussions?
Please keep it up, tho I wish for the west coast late sleepers you could do I later
Thank you both. Thoughtful and informative. Just what we need. 💙
Thanks, Sarah and Bill. The Bulwark has been central to keeping me grounded since Joe screwed the debate pooch.
Thought we'd escaped certain catastrophe, but here we are: to quote Apollo 13 flight director Gene Kranz to fellow director Chris Craft, 'Chris, we're in deep shit'.
My concern that the "mob" is an illusion, that they aren't actually individual people but rather part of a troll farm.
We have to really message, repeating over & over, that Trump, JV, and Musk are trashing the important aspects of our government that affects everything from garbage disposal & pot holes to keeping our financial info safe, to supporting families & kids. That repetitive messaging will help us get our values out to voters.
Yes, it is such a vital educational tool. There is the potential to help people learn about civics basics so they are less easy to con over the medium to long-term as well as address what's happening right now. We're always much more primed to put in the effort to understand things when the dangers are sitting on our door step and things are incredibly real all of a sudden.
I have been wondering if there's some value to pro-democracy journalists hitting the streets to ask people have they asked their banks what they are doing to ensure Elon and Big Balls don't access their back accounts.
I suspect many people might be a bit interested that their personal and financial details are being accessed (education). Popping down to the branch or ringing the call centre will educate bank staff (more people educated) and puts bank executives under pressure to be responsible commercial citizens and push back via their more powerful mechanisms.
I saw posters “Elon Musk Is Stealing from You!” with his face, put up all over DC. Stuff like that.
I am realizing... slowly.. it is up to us.
Reposting and Following helps in this effort
Thanks Sarah and Bill! Started listening to you both via Tim’s podcast and am now a subscriber here on Substack to all you guys do!!! Keep it up! LOVE the honest opinions and constant, consistent pods for me to have in my ears to keep me calm or at least in like minded company!!!
Thank you guys for working on a Sunday! I recently upgraded my Bulwark membership to a $1,000/year thing—don’t even remember what the name of that level is. I admit I was a bit inebriated at the time, but I don’t want to undo it now that I’ve woken up unimpaired! Anyway, I am so grateful for the work you do.
One thing that would be really helpful for, well, everyone, would be a list of worthy places to give money. All of my relatives and friends are asking what they can do (since marching on our local down hall seems pretty useless at this point), and it seems that, in addition to the Bulwark, orgs like Whistleblower Aid would be worthy places to support. Are there any orgs managing funds to pay for personal security for people targeted for speaking out? I’d love to see a list of pro-Democracy, active orgs that could benefit from donations. — like those lists of legit charities supporting communities hit by natural disasters …
Yes, this. In particular, I’m struck by the Senators who reportedly are casting yes votes on Cabinet appointees who they know are unfit because they are concerned for their personal safety. Is there some place they can turn for help with security? I think citizens who are concerned with the current situation (yes, I realize that’s an understatement) would be happy to help fund such an effort if we knew where to turn. The early blanket pardon of all J6 convicts comes into sharper focus daily. Their presence out in the wild makes these threats to personal safety very real. And the number of folks this administration wants to silence will just increase over time.
I see Sarah is all for not fighting against the systematic attack on the civil rights of trans Americans, because political winds don't favor it. Thanks for the "screw you, you are not important in the grand scheme". So what if I can't renew my passport. So what if I can be kicked out of the military. So what if my health care gets taken away. So what if trans kids are now committing suicide because they don't want to be forced to endure going through the puberty that is opposite their own gender, against their will. You can "choose your battles", just realize what that choice says about your values.
It's understandable that an individual with a vested interest in a specific issue would feel slighted by others not sharing their sense of urgency. Unfortunately if that issue is either contrary to the popular view or doesn't command interest it won't help politically. Those who either didn't vote Dem or just didn't vote at all due to Gaza for instances showed a certain naivete about the political process. I'm for tran rights but I'm not willing to cede control of the government for that issue. Sorry.
Sarah’s point was more nuanced than just “throw trans people under the bus.” There’s folks in her focus groups saying “If you want to be trans, fine, who cares, go be whatever you want. But I don’t want my kid learning about pronouns in school.” Some laissez-faire “what adults do is they own business, people should be called whatever they want to be called, we have bigger fish to fry than arguing about this” could reach people like that and get the ball moving at least.
Enjoy your privilege then. I hope they don't one day come for you.
PS thanks Bill for walking Sarah back, at least a little bit.
I'm tired of hearing it's Elon. Every time we say that we should attach Trump's name to it and all our elected officials.
A Specific day and time so we know when to tune in will help.
By their definition of money being fungible, everything is technically fungible. By the idiot right wingers logic, you could say that Elon funded October 7th.
Definitely great to see a show like this on Sunday. It’s a great way to discuss what is up ahead on the week especially since throughout this administration they pretend like they don’t care what people think yet will still do Friday afternoon news drops.
You guys work so hard! On a Sunday! Thanks for the counter programming to the Super Bowl-I'l watch this later when everyone is watching that thing.
Second!