Tim Miller and Sarah Longwell from The Bulwark dive deep into the wild world of right-wing YouTube and the bizarre viral success of creators like Benny Johnson and Tim Pool. Why is Benny Johnson gaining millions of subscribers by posting fake AI-generated videos of Barack Obama in jail? Why are so many right-wing influencers obsessed with creating fantasy narratives about Obama, Epstein, and "deep state" arrests?
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Tim. The Oval Office looks BETTER? My dude, you are going to lose your gay card. It is tacky and gauche. A poor man's idea of a rich man. Trump may be the reason the term "white trash" was invented.
If I had to defend you in court you could use the NOLA defense. The festive vibe has skewed your outlook.
The point is not that the news is “real”, what you aptly call the right wing fantasy. It hits the grievance “g” spot, endlessly. It’s like eating empty calories. Sadly, some people like to live on empty calories.
You should not spread crap about Obama unless you are going to push back with facts. Because I remember in 2016 after Trump won, THEN information was released about the Russia investigation. Obama had not wanted it released before the election because he didn’t want to “put his hand on the scales.” I was literally screaming at MSNBC. Why didn’t Obama release it BEFORE the election. I was so angry. The only talk of Russia before the election was that they hacked DNC emails. It wasn’t until after the election that stuff about “the dossier” and details about possible election interference came out. On 10/31/216, NYT broke story that Trump connections with Russia were being investigated but they had not found anything per NYT and Hillary was pissed that Comey hid the investigation since he kept blabbing about her emails.
Also, Trump didn’t say seditious. He said “sedaytious.” Cuz he’s a moron.
And Tim, your take on the Oval Office is totally OFF. I’ll take Biden’s grace over Trump’s weird gold fetish any day!
rzzn bots. yawn.
I hadn’t even heard of Benny Johnson until maybe 2 weeks ago. I would be pretty skeptical that such a dramatic surge in followers would happen organically. You can easily buy an army of bots. NY Times covered this years ago (funny enough, the sham address given by the bot farm just so happened to be the office building I was working out of at the time).
Another paid subscriber here saying keep your chin up. The online community and in particular Social Media is crazy. Broadcast TV is fading like blacksmiths at beginning of the 20th century. Keep providing thoughtful content for a variety of audiences.
You two are so wonderful together. The topics may be sad, but you both make it enjoyable and humorous.
Subscribed ✅
Subscribed✅ it was between you and Crooked but they pissed me off.
YES! Sarah!!! Y’all don’t have to continue the search; it’s over.
The Bulwark can absolutely fill the shoes, hat, and smedium t-shirts of Joe.
Let’s do this!
It’s bots.
Don’t beat yourself up - they’re bots.
https://youtu.be/0UzgOiyKKLs?si=YpsqKxl8ImWYq4-w
Tim and Sarah, I absolutely love The Bulwark. You are all classy, entertaining, and great journalists. Keep up the good work.
I thought fresh water pearls were the oblong lumpy shaped pearls, I’m so confused
Trump saying “lock her up” isn’t pulling numbers anywhere, so now it’s about putting Obama in jail
You two crack me up. 😆
Love Sarah!!! Tim is okay but Sarah… really makes these clips amazing!!! Both my husband and I love her!!! 💕
How much of this is bots, Tim?
Wasn't it Jimmy Carter's funeral where the only person that talked to trump was President Obama.
Guys, isn’t it possible Benny Johnson’s growth is Russian bots?
Tim's is by far my favorite podcast because I value truth, civil discourse, and the ability to laugh when all is dark in the world. Don't compare The Bulwark's realism with the fantasy going on around you. We realists are the ones who are going to rebuild this country. We may be fewer, but based on the comments I've seen, we are a pretty smart group. Not just intellectually. The Bulwark community has a pretty high EQ. My only suggestion is the one I had yesterday. Bring in guests like some of those racist white youth who hated on Mehdi. Mehdi is incredible with his knowledge and debate skills, but he is the target of these low-intellect, low-EQ racists. Tim can do the let's-find-common-ground-thing and then cause people to question their beliefs. It is a gift to challenge people without the gotcha that makes folks not want to come back. At the end of the day, I think you guys are kind. And that may matter most of all.
Someone please help me!
I watch all my Bulwark content on Substack because I have NO IDEA how to watch the paid content on YouTube. How does one do that???
ok, don't do youtube, but I am a subscriber to The Bulwark
OK, OK - I don't watch YouTube but I just subscribed anyway...
Obama would have the same presidential immunity that the Supreme Court gifted to Trump - could they be more stupid?!
My Triad:
I worry about them deciding to make fake evidence.
Can we just ignore news about Hunter and/or Joe from now on?
Yes, you are the Joe Rogan of the left.
I hate to break this to anyone, but the difference between the right-wing and left-wing ecosystems on this subject is more a matter of degree than type.
I mean, how many breathless podcasts/blogs have you seen about how this scandal is going to destroy Trump or this issue is shattering the House Republican ability to pass legislation or whatever? How many times have any of the promised impacts actually come to be?
There's a level where 99% of left-wing political pods/blogs/whatever are about things that technically *exist* but don't actually matter and no one is going to care about them a week from now.
Let's be honest. How many videos about the Trump administration have you consumed in the last six months about things that ultimately turned out to be as irrelevant to real life as a random sitcom episode?
Does it really matter that the right-wing equivalent is a little more strident in its fanficness?
In both cases, you have eager consumers of these alternate realities in which Things Matter. Will some of these people wake up and stop consuming this entertainment when it turns out they actually don't? Some, probably. There's lots of people who tune out politics between elections. They seem to be doing okay.
But, at the end of the day, if you're the sort of person who enjoys following this sort of thing, you're probably going to just shrug and keep following this sort of thing. Right-wing types are going to ignore the videos that told them that whatever Obama did was supposed to matter just as easily as we're ignoring that whatever we were supposed to care about a few months ago (Signalgate, say) didn't actually matter.
Except that the right wing is ignoring their own fan fiction while the left wing is generally dealing with reality and having (learning) to accept that reality is repeatedly denied? The illness is not persistent consumerism, it's the incredibly heavy weight the right wing puts on BS. They consume and exude a constant diet.
The promise of Epstein is that there's a glimmer of concern with reality on the right, though it'd matter more if they were concerned with the victims rather than their preferred predators. If they could admit that Donnie is their target there could be a crack in the iron dome. But I can generally accept your position: why expect them to wake up and be honest now.
Yes, Bulark as Joe Rogan of the left!!! Run with that
Be the Joe Rogan you want to see
Have you guys factor in the ratings may reflect foreign support for the right wing…..
How many of Benny Johnson’s subscribers are bots? Rachel Maddow had a story about that on her show last night (focused on Facebook rather than Benny Johnson, but I bet it’s the same phenomena).
Tim, Sarah, and JVL made me a subscriber. They do a great job, and act as a buffer from me having to hear Trump's voice. That alone is worth the subscription fee!!
100%. I don’t need to see his disgusting face or hear his voice. Everything about Trump is repulsive.
Please do not use AI to generate photos of Stephen Miller in a orange jumpsuit. Instead, hold a contest for your viewers to draw the art and then hang the winning image up in the background of Bill Kristol’s office.
I second that.
You're right to point out that double-crossing Republicans announce that they're going to investigate this person, arrest that person for some dark and evil deed and then, well, we're not going to arrest them.
How about doing a list of those betrayals?
We're all keeping track. Amongst my other hobbies, I'm learning the joys of scrapbooking!
Former President Obama has the same 'absolute immunity" for his official duties that SCOTUS gave to Trump earlier this year.
Do the AI of Stephen Miller & show it to everybody and then bust out that it’s all fake. That helps show gullible folks how easy it is to do a fake out.
That's where we are now. People getting the news they want in comic book form.
Bring back the old! In Epstein we trust! https://bsky.app/profile/opsan.bsky.social/post/3luihjmexyc26
May be a stupid question but I listen/watch on Substack. Should I be doing this through YouTube to help?
Definitely go subscribe to the Bulwark YT channel bc it's free. I usually watch on here bc no ads and better comments, and then sometimes I go over and click on the YT videos and click like. It probably matters how long the video gets viewed though.
I think maybe?
Integrity. So much of that here. Also remember slow and steady is the way to go! You guys are doing great. Keep it up.
Have confidence morality will prevail. A bit crazy right now..Keep up the integrity and spot on reality checks.
You guys are for real and legit BUT as far at I can see thumbnail, thumbnail thumbnail! Get the Bulwark logo awareness up. I have heard it from two other YouTubers that have tested non-sensational thumbnail vs high graphic thumbnails and both reported to their viewers they were sorry, it’s not what they would prefer, but the algorithm is what it is and they have about three seconds to get that click from a new viewer and a lot of competition. Love you all!!
I love you guys! You are number 1 in my opinion! Fuck all those guys, they took money from the Russians for fucks sake! America sucks right now but with the bulwark i feel confident that I’m getting the unvarnished truth (and bad JVL who I totally identify with these days!) Keep up the GREAT work!
I love you guys! You are number 1 in my opinion! Fuck all those guys, they took money from the Russians for fucks sake! America sucks right now but with the bulwark i feel confident that I’m getting the unvarnished truth (and bad JVL who I totally identify with these days!) Keep up the GREAT work!
do not blame Tim or Sarah or any of the Bulwark people for low numbers and slow growth.... my whole life i've been told by family, friends, co-workers, and aquaintances that what i know is wrong and what i believe is stupid... i've jinxed you all by subscribing... sorry...
There is a gigantic opening for dems to push MAGA on this one: "if these people were all criminals then where are the arrests?"
This is MAGA setting themselves up for failure based around building false expectations just like with Epstein. MAGA is churning up the rumor mill that Obama & Co will be arrested for criming, which sets up the expectation for MAGA voters that they will be arrested by Trump's admin. When Obama & Co *aren't* arrested, then the promises MAGA was making its bloodthirsty-for-justice conspiratorial followers are realized as lies because the goods don't get delivered on the other end. In fact, not only did Trump not deliver the goods, he didn't even bother trying to arrest these people and put them on trial. That's MAGA influencer credibility going down the drain with conspiracy theory voters.
This creates an opening for dems to point and say "See? They've played you for a fool now on Epstein, lowering prices, and now arresting democrats." I hope dems run with this one just like they have with the Epstein files promises. "At least when we tell you the other side is criming, we bring them to court and get convictions before a jury like we did with Trump. MAGA just lies to you and doesn't even bother trying to appear like they're making good on their promises." Shit like that.
Here is another thing this idiotic stuff leads to; personal safety of the targeted people. And I am talking about lone wolfs taking matters into their own hands. Remember Melissa Hortman?
Russia is all in on hoping so.
Russia is also hiring people to set fires in the UK or something. (I have AI to prove it.) (No I think it is real, but I'm not going to Google it right now.)
Russian operatives hired arsonists to burn a warehouse in London that housed Ukrainian-bound equipment. Real thing.
Yes! That's it. Thanks.
Why IS Benny Johnson gaining millions of subscribers? It's perplexing. Unless most of them are Russian bots. You guys are doing a great job. Keep spreading the truth and maybe it'll catch on. Hilarious that Sarah doesn't know what freshwater pearls are. :)
There is nothing that brings down AI more than putting out false AI images of happenings that everybody knows is false. By the way, I wouldn't mind having a Tim Miller emoji!!
Three cheers for the truth! and all truth-tellers!!!
Tim, redefine the other world as the netherworld.
Do bot accounts count as new subscribers? Just curious. 😏
The fact that Benny Johnson and Tim Poole (the guy paid by the Russians) is doing so well has only 2 possible explanations. America sucks even more than JVL thinks or the Russians are good at promoting and subscribing to their shows.
Tim, every team has a weak player, there's no shame in that. 🤣 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Guys! I found you because Sarah went on pod save america. She was so good I started listening and am now a paid subscriber. I suggest going other places to recruit listeners and new subscribers. 🙂
I followed Tim from MSNBC. I second the idea. So glad to be here and paying. Worth every penny and MORE.
Love Sara’s Kenyon shout out 💜
I know Obama is trying to take the high road, but can he not sue for libel against Trump?
Stay tuned, let's see how far the lies go.
Maybe we should ask George C. if civil litigation applies to "official acts" the charlatan high court has redefined.
I love you guys
I wear my Bulwark shirt everywhere!! Love you guys
The nice pearls, too.
Rogan has turned, he has pivoted to the moment
yes! We need to do AI's of Steven Miller just to make our broken hearts feel happy again. I saw one of him as a gargoyle. Let's do that!
We need to make it look real, then they'll believe anything!
Besides, he's already the spitting image of the Notre-Dame Le Stryge grotesque.
🤣🤣
AI IMAGE PROPOSAL: Trump hugging Epstein at the Coldplay concert 🙈
Already been done
Where? I need a poster to decorate the chicken coop.
The entire reason for being and motivation of MAGA is a cold civil war against Democrats. The anger about not releasing Epstein files is because Trump ran both campaigns promising to punish and imprison the detested Democrats (aka The Elites). So pretending they arrested Obama is exactly what the cult of hatred and grievance yearn for.
Still listening here!
My opinion on the issue of followers/subscribers is that prior to the election, we still had so much hope; many now, especially with the horrors of the last 6 months and the capitulation of so many people and institutions we trusted, are just terrified and depressed. I know I've cut down my listening menus for my own mental health. Keep on doing what you are doing - it's more important than ever. Love you guys.
I am subscribed on YouTube and am Bulwark+. What is YouTube +?
If you pay to subscribe on YouTube, you get to see the videos we see here on Bulwark+ earlier. The ones that come out on YT as members only.
Hey, thanks!
"Nobody's giving it away for free more than Tim Miller" 😅 I love that Sarah knew exactly what she was doing there.
Matt Walsh is a coward.
Obama is still guilty of being (half) black. MAGA will never forgive him for that!
Your hair looks great Sarah!
I don't know what to say... I knew the day would come when I agreed with Sarah Longwell just didn't that day would be today-
SL- "Also come for the lesbian who doesn't know what he's talking about most of the time. So guys, you got to subscribe."
I would've left the identify part of it out but other than that its fairly spot on!
I downloaded Tulsi's memo and the documents she declassified. Even the documents she released undermine her memo. Nothing in the released documents is new information. I suspect Obama will be arrested sometime in Octember or Novuary.
You know what though? The Bulwark family is smaller because the core of thoughtful, critical thinkers out there is proportionately smaller. That's just the way America is right now, sorry.
I'm subscribed on YouTube! That's where I found you guys, then I came here to be a paid member. I STILL watch you on YouTube though, and mainly come here for the stuff behind the paywall. You guys are priceless 💓
Welcome smarty pants!
We need Godzilla to invade DC
He is on the Epstein list, but apparently playing too much golf to bother.
Everyone please watch The Deep Dive Project
No
Don’t do that
AI is bullshit
Do it right, don't make it lite.
Sarah watch The Deep Dive Project on you tube
That’s why I hate AI
I have seen videos that King Charles died
I have seen several videos of R. Maddox holding a newborn and helping people in a flood
All made up!!!!!!
AI is dangerous
You guys are doing great, providing authentic news. I guess watching Benny Johnson is like watching your favorite sitcom. Filled will drama, fantasy, lies and deceit; a winning combination!
Do people believe this?
Are you asking if people believe the AI videos being posted by Benny Johnson? If so, then the answer is "yes, they do."
So many people do not do YouTube anymore. I sure do not. I only watch you on Substack. Sooooo, don't fret.
too many commercials on YouTube
Makes me sick.
How much might a troll farm in Macedonia have to do with this clown's popularity?
It is interesting to think how batshit crazy the storyline will be before Trump quashes the Epstein discussion. Face-eating leopard women on Mars declare preference for Trump over Musk? It doesn't matter what I make up, they will come up with something crazier.
I don’t watch it on YouTube anymore since I watch here, but I am still subscribed
Sarah & Tim, Really, don't these people have better stuff to do? Do they realize what a shitty life they made for themselves. I hope they don't have kids. Imagine, a new generation of moronic fools where lies become the truth.
Juvenile tactics is a cheap way to get negative attention. It’s a distraction.
PS...we are yet to convince people that truth is more "fill in the blank" than lies...tough competition!
Sarah's hair is absolutely adorable. Very smart.
how much is Russia paying him for this new fever swamp wet dream material
I'm quoting you all every day! I will keep it up, but you are the number 1 best! Don't compare yourself to fools, please!
It’s the merch!
.love yr work
Are you confident every one of those Benny Johnson subscribers corresponds to a real account? MAGA content creators have a knack for picking up Russian bots as followers
I know some MAGA folks but I've never once met someone who listens to Benny Johnson. I'd like to see evidence of these people. Perhaps Sarah can find them for her focus group?
FAKE NEWS!!!
Thanks for the laughs in between the frustrations.