Tim Miller joins Nicolle Wallace to get extremely real about his fears for American democracy—torn between pessimism, anger, and a stubborn hope that redemption is still possible.
You are immersed in this stuff day and night. It is a lot to be immersed in. Kind of like sitting in shit. Ya know? Your humor does run to the dark but it makes us laugh at the unlaughable..the current times. The last nine months have been a whirlwind every damned day. I immerse myself in about an hour a day-mostly the bulwark and maybe a little of the morning newsletters to just get a feel. A quick look at bluesky cause I do see stuff there that I might not see elsewhere but your dark humor helps us get through it..to laugh a little to know we are not alone in our shock and awe on the daily. It also shows that you care. You care if your words matter and affect people in the wrong way. I guess you are seeing comments that reflect that but just know. We are glad at the thought you put into WHO is on your podcast, how they might teach us a new thing or two and keep us engaged in the truth. Sometimes ya gotta just call a spade a spade.
I wholeheartedly agree that we should always welcome everyone to the table for open discussion. I agree that no one should be thought of as "irredeemable." It is, after all, the entire premise of the Christian faith, no?
At the same time, I will not allow them to gaslit me into second guessing my use of descriptors like "Nazis."
I'm sure we've all seen read about "The Paradox of Tolerance."
Personally, I think the appropriate response is to use plain words to adequately describe their actions. They should be ashamed of what they are doing and they should be pressured to reflect on their actions.
In response to "how can we do better"... May I suggest ending your reports (as many as you can and will allow) with actionable items that us - as readers - can take.
For example, if there is a headline about immigration, maybe end the reporting with suggested resources/organizations that people can join or contribute to.
I think having conflicting and inconsistent feelings is the only rational way to feel right now. You’re certainly not alone in vacillating between hope and despair.
I hope you’ll be getting some time off soon, Tim. You’ve sounded very sad lately, and you look tired (not in a superficial way, but in terms of your facial expressions). I know it’s hard to escape politics given your job, but I hope you are taking breaks as much as possible.
I can live with them on the periphery of my life, but no longer will they be included in my inner circle. For me it's about shared values. I will be polite and helpful to them, but that's it.
Yes. It was political under Biden. This is an issue of humanity when the minority in charge does not think of anyone who disagrees as worthy of protection, care, consideration and equality. This mindset is one that will continue even after trump is gone.
I love this video. Thank you for being very candid about where you are with the scariness of all of this, and your commitment to staying in the struggle. The way that you communicate about this stuff feels real and balanced. What I mean is that you don’t offer empty positivity and, most importantly, you don’t become a whirlwind of grievance that takes all the air out of the room.
Maybe one of the things we could do to buck ourselves up for the fight (and when I say ‘we’ I mean you folks at The Bulwark 😉) is lean in really hard on some of the things that actually make America great. Our founding documents, for example. Of course they get mentioned all the time, and of course many Bulwark pundits and readers are very well versed, but I would love to see a series of interviews/writings that would essentially be a civics celebration, a civics love letter, from the multiple perspectives of Bulwark people and the terrific guests you all bring. That’s a shit ton of work, I guess. But it’s all under threat, so…
I appreciate you reflecting. But you also see us and say what we’re also feeling. You put in words what I’m feeling, but sometimes can’t find the words to describe.That piers Morgan panel was not reflective of you. Others tried to say your words are responsible for radicalizing and inciting hate amongst the left but it’s just simply not true. I mean, sure, be responsible and accountable for the things you say, and always reflect on your actions and impact, but please don’t censor yourself or temper the things you say. We want your honest thoughts and authenticity.
SCOTUS will not save us. To the contrary, SCOTUS will continue to facilitate and even sanction Trump’s power grabs.
Congress will not save us. To the contrary, TheGOP congress does nothing that Trump does not want.
Our largest companies and business institutions will not save us. To the contrary, Trump will use regulatory extortion to pressure private employers to silence anti-Trump voices in their workforces. (If you want to keep your job, you’ll need to STFU.)
Nobody else will save us, so “We, The People,” will have to save ourselves.
We should already be thinking of the least destructive ways that “We, The People,” can save ourselves and our Republic.
I urge that those opposed to Trump should soon begin staging MASS WORK STOPPAGES AND CONSUMER BOYCOTTS, with increasing frequency. First, one day a month; then, twice a month; then, one day a week; then, two days a week; then, three days a week.
On the “days off,” we should engage in no economic activity. Don’t work, don’t shop, don’t dine out; don’t invest, don’t stream TV. Stay home and spend time with your family or visit with your neighbors or stay in bed all day with your spouse or lover. (They can’t arrest us for that, can they?)
Our core power as citizens of a commercial republic is as economic actors acting collectively.
A strategy of mass work stoppages and consumer boycotts (including some targeted boycotts) requires individuals to take risks—even to risk possibly losing their jobs, or worse. We can do this without violence, but not without risk.
Everyone can’t do everything, but everyone should do everything they can, consistent with the courage of a free citizen who is willing to take a risk to help sav our republic, the rule of law, and due process—which is the essential right upon which all other rights depend.
Work stoppages and boycotts have an advantage over street protests in that work stoppages and boycotts impose a cost on those in power. Streets protests can play into Trump’s hands, because he and his goons and thugs can incite violence at street protests to discredit those who oppose him and, even worse, to claim the violence as a pretext for assuming greater emergency powers. But because work stoppages and boycotts are passive resistance that can can be carried out by individuals safely and non-violently in their own homes, Trump will not be able to create wide spread violence as a pretext for crushing protesters and claiming ever more emergency powers.
The first “day off” should be on November 11, 2025, and should celebrate veterans and expose how Trump has betrayed them. The second day off should be December 11, 2025. The third day off should be on January 7, 2026. Starting on January 7, 2026, days off should occur every other Wednesday until May 6, 2026. Beginning on May 13, 2026, days off should occur every Wednesday until November 4, 2026, which is the day after the mid-term elections.
“We, The People,” have the power to save ourselves. Now it’s a matter of courage and collective action.
What I find exhausting is getting caught in "false hope" manufactured by short term fixes.
We are in a many year process. To think otherwise is lying to ourselves and one another. The news, the information that comes at us at any given time is so granular, so rapid fire, we can get blown out by continuous information overload, which of course is part of the game. What you are describing Tim, is burnout. I for one could not sit your in chair and grind through the information that crosses your screen each day. Take a break. Really. Rest.
We’ve got this. It’s bad and you’re doing a good job breaking it down for us. Seize the moments of grace where you can stop and enjoy it. Then try to hang on to the feeling. Moments of grace matter when things seem overwhelming. October 18th EVERYWHERE
The one real thing I came out of Christianity with is love. It alone has the power to transform people in positive ways. You know it is when you see a neglected child transformed by care and attention. How it makes a traumatized person feel safe enough to let down their guard. It’s not lightweight, either (I think that’s what some MAGA believe). It’s more like a cheerful tank that can hunker down and weather the bullets or plow through darkness leaving hope in its wake. If you really understand love, you know the profound power it has for our lives. And it’s all we really have.
That love will ultimately win, and I think the US has a great chance of making it through, due solely to the effectiveness of love, how everyday small acts matter. The only question is how much damage will be done and how vulnerable we will be left. How weakened we will be as a nation if not as a people.
When I express concerns like good Christians giving cover to bad Christians, it is entirely from a hard lesson I learned myself about the guise of Christian Nationalism and how it uses people. It’s not an easy thing to navigate if you are still a Christian—to want common ground and think you are finding it, hoping with all hope that you are. I only caution you to take great care and challenge fellow Christians with the gentle toughness love is capable of.
I tend to relate to Hobbits a lot more as I get older. I understand better and better what Tolkien meant in making them heroes. They know to love everyday things. That the small things matter. Together, all of us, with our small things, can be that cheerful little tank. And maybe the common ground we find with the other side is what we plow with our love.
First, let me gush a moment... I am a serious fan of ALL of you at the Bulwark, as well as your esteemed guests, and respect and appreciate the work you do to help us all stay on top of the latest chaos. Aside from doing my own research, I cycle through your podcasts as well as the Meidas Touch, Brian Tyler Cohen, David Pakman etc., and balance with humor through Seth, Stephen and the Jimmies.
Second, I'd like to offer a little of my hopeless optimism. The majority of people in the US do not like what is going on, and I believe that number grows every day. I know, every time we think we've hit the limit for Crazy, it gets even more bizarre. But I believe at some point sooner than later, this administration is going to hit bottom. And when they do, it will be a crash that will resound around the globe.
The hard part is hanging on, it's like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. And it's so strange that for many of us, day-to-day life seems so oddly normal, until we listen to the daily stories of how many people's lives have been unjustly turned upside down. Right alongside you, I feel the anger, disappointment, frustration... and at the same time, am so grateful every day that there are people much better equipped than I to fight the good fights. I do believe if we just never give up...we just have to keep pressing on... that we will prevail and this evil regime will implode. So, maybe you need a few more breaks here and there, we all start to falter under the weight of the world. Get some rest, do some nice things for yourself, and I hope you are able to keep doing this great service for us all.
I listened to this and felt the weight of the current day, Comey included. The main thing that helps me get through the days, weeks and month, is Buddhist training. I'm not a great prætentioner, but some of the basic teachings have helped me a lot. The first teaching I'm using the understanding that all beings have Buddha Nature. So, if I am looking at my MAGA neighbors (I live in RED Kern County, CA) and realize they have the potential Buddha. I really don't want the karma of being unkind to a future Buddha, no matter how far they see to that attainment.
The second teaching that helps is the Four Immeasurables. Equanimity (seeing all beings as no more or less than me); Loving Kindness (seeing all beings as worth of my love and kindness); Limitless Compassion (being willing to do anything to reduce the suffering of others, no matter my opinion); Boundless Joy (bringing a joyful countenance to all activities.
This has kept me talking with neighbors and given me the opportunity to treat them with kindness. It helps to chip away at the perception of the left.
Wishing you nothing but happiness and the causes of happiness. You are doing an important job in a very generous way. Thank you!
You are immersed in this stuff day and night. It is a lot to be immersed in. Kind of like sitting in shit. Ya know? Your humor does run to the dark but it makes us laugh at the unlaughable..the current times. The last nine months have been a whirlwind every damned day. I immerse myself in about an hour a day-mostly the bulwark and maybe a little of the morning newsletters to just get a feel. A quick look at bluesky cause I do see stuff there that I might not see elsewhere but your dark humor helps us get through it..to laugh a little to know we are not alone in our shock and awe on the daily. It also shows that you care. You care if your words matter and affect people in the wrong way. I guess you are seeing comments that reflect that but just know. We are glad at the thought you put into WHO is on your podcast, how they might teach us a new thing or two and keep us engaged in the truth. Sometimes ya gotta just call a spade a spade.
I wholeheartedly agree that we should always welcome everyone to the table for open discussion. I agree that no one should be thought of as "irredeemable." It is, after all, the entire premise of the Christian faith, no?
At the same time, I will not allow them to gaslit me into second guessing my use of descriptors like "Nazis."
I'm sure we've all seen read about "The Paradox of Tolerance."
Personally, I think the appropriate response is to use plain words to adequately describe their actions. They should be ashamed of what they are doing and they should be pressured to reflect on their actions.
In response to "how can we do better"... May I suggest ending your reports (as many as you can and will allow) with actionable items that us - as readers - can take.
For example, if there is a headline about immigration, maybe end the reporting with suggested resources/organizations that people can join or contribute to.
Thank you for all your work!!
I think having conflicting and inconsistent feelings is the only rational way to feel right now. You’re certainly not alone in vacillating between hope and despair.
I hope you’ll be getting some time off soon, Tim. You’ve sounded very sad lately, and you look tired (not in a superficial way, but in terms of your facial expressions). I know it’s hard to escape politics given your job, but I hope you are taking breaks as much as possible.
I can live with them on the periphery of my life, but no longer will they be included in my inner circle. For me it's about shared values. I will be polite and helpful to them, but that's it.
Yes. It was political under Biden. This is an issue of humanity when the minority in charge does not think of anyone who disagrees as worthy of protection, care, consideration and equality. This mindset is one that will continue even after trump is gone.
I love this video. Thank you for being very candid about where you are with the scariness of all of this, and your commitment to staying in the struggle. The way that you communicate about this stuff feels real and balanced. What I mean is that you don’t offer empty positivity and, most importantly, you don’t become a whirlwind of grievance that takes all the air out of the room.
Maybe one of the things we could do to buck ourselves up for the fight (and when I say ‘we’ I mean you folks at The Bulwark 😉) is lean in really hard on some of the things that actually make America great. Our founding documents, for example. Of course they get mentioned all the time, and of course many Bulwark pundits and readers are very well versed, but I would love to see a series of interviews/writings that would essentially be a civics celebration, a civics love letter, from the multiple perspectives of Bulwark people and the terrific guests you all bring. That’s a shit ton of work, I guess. But it’s all under threat, so…
I appreciate you reflecting. But you also see us and say what we’re also feeling. You put in words what I’m feeling, but sometimes can’t find the words to describe.That piers Morgan panel was not reflective of you. Others tried to say your words are responsible for radicalizing and inciting hate amongst the left but it’s just simply not true. I mean, sure, be responsible and accountable for the things you say, and always reflect on your actions and impact, but please don’t censor yourself or temper the things you say. We want your honest thoughts and authenticity.
These are perilous times!
SCOTUS will not save us. To the contrary, SCOTUS will continue to facilitate and even sanction Trump’s power grabs.
Congress will not save us. To the contrary, TheGOP congress does nothing that Trump does not want.
Our largest companies and business institutions will not save us. To the contrary, Trump will use regulatory extortion to pressure private employers to silence anti-Trump voices in their workforces. (If you want to keep your job, you’ll need to STFU.)
Nobody else will save us, so “We, The People,” will have to save ourselves.
We should already be thinking of the least destructive ways that “We, The People,” can save ourselves and our Republic.
I urge that those opposed to Trump should soon begin staging MASS WORK STOPPAGES AND CONSUMER BOYCOTTS, with increasing frequency. First, one day a month; then, twice a month; then, one day a week; then, two days a week; then, three days a week.
On the “days off,” we should engage in no economic activity. Don’t work, don’t shop, don’t dine out; don’t invest, don’t stream TV. Stay home and spend time with your family or visit with your neighbors or stay in bed all day with your spouse or lover. (They can’t arrest us for that, can they?)
Our core power as citizens of a commercial republic is as economic actors acting collectively.
A strategy of mass work stoppages and consumer boycotts (including some targeted boycotts) requires individuals to take risks—even to risk possibly losing their jobs, or worse. We can do this without violence, but not without risk.
Everyone can’t do everything, but everyone should do everything they can, consistent with the courage of a free citizen who is willing to take a risk to help sav our republic, the rule of law, and due process—which is the essential right upon which all other rights depend.
Work stoppages and boycotts have an advantage over street protests in that work stoppages and boycotts impose a cost on those in power. Streets protests can play into Trump’s hands, because he and his goons and thugs can incite violence at street protests to discredit those who oppose him and, even worse, to claim the violence as a pretext for assuming greater emergency powers. But because work stoppages and boycotts are passive resistance that can can be carried out by individuals safely and non-violently in their own homes, Trump will not be able to create wide spread violence as a pretext for crushing protesters and claiming ever more emergency powers.
The first “day off” should be on November 11, 2025, and should celebrate veterans and expose how Trump has betrayed them. The second day off should be December 11, 2025. The third day off should be on January 7, 2026. Starting on January 7, 2026, days off should occur every other Wednesday until May 6, 2026. Beginning on May 13, 2026, days off should occur every Wednesday until November 4, 2026, which is the day after the mid-term elections.
“We, The People,” have the power to save ourselves. Now it’s a matter of courage and collective action.
What I find exhausting is getting caught in "false hope" manufactured by short term fixes.
We are in a many year process. To think otherwise is lying to ourselves and one another. The news, the information that comes at us at any given time is so granular, so rapid fire, we can get blown out by continuous information overload, which of course is part of the game. What you are describing Tim, is burnout. I for one could not sit your in chair and grind through the information that crosses your screen each day. Take a break. Really. Rest.
.
We’ve got this. It’s bad and you’re doing a good job breaking it down for us. Seize the moments of grace where you can stop and enjoy it. Then try to hang on to the feeling. Moments of grace matter when things seem overwhelming. October 18th EVERYWHERE
The one real thing I came out of Christianity with is love. It alone has the power to transform people in positive ways. You know it is when you see a neglected child transformed by care and attention. How it makes a traumatized person feel safe enough to let down their guard. It’s not lightweight, either (I think that’s what some MAGA believe). It’s more like a cheerful tank that can hunker down and weather the bullets or plow through darkness leaving hope in its wake. If you really understand love, you know the profound power it has for our lives. And it’s all we really have.
That love will ultimately win, and I think the US has a great chance of making it through, due solely to the effectiveness of love, how everyday small acts matter. The only question is how much damage will be done and how vulnerable we will be left. How weakened we will be as a nation if not as a people.
When I express concerns like good Christians giving cover to bad Christians, it is entirely from a hard lesson I learned myself about the guise of Christian Nationalism and how it uses people. It’s not an easy thing to navigate if you are still a Christian—to want common ground and think you are finding it, hoping with all hope that you are. I only caution you to take great care and challenge fellow Christians with the gentle toughness love is capable of.
I tend to relate to Hobbits a lot more as I get older. I understand better and better what Tolkien meant in making them heroes. They know to love everyday things. That the small things matter. Together, all of us, with our small things, can be that cheerful little tank. And maybe the common ground we find with the other side is what we plow with our love.
Love you, Tim.
First, let me gush a moment... I am a serious fan of ALL of you at the Bulwark, as well as your esteemed guests, and respect and appreciate the work you do to help us all stay on top of the latest chaos. Aside from doing my own research, I cycle through your podcasts as well as the Meidas Touch, Brian Tyler Cohen, David Pakman etc., and balance with humor through Seth, Stephen and the Jimmies.
Second, I'd like to offer a little of my hopeless optimism. The majority of people in the US do not like what is going on, and I believe that number grows every day. I know, every time we think we've hit the limit for Crazy, it gets even more bizarre. But I believe at some point sooner than later, this administration is going to hit bottom. And when they do, it will be a crash that will resound around the globe.
The hard part is hanging on, it's like Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. And it's so strange that for many of us, day-to-day life seems so oddly normal, until we listen to the daily stories of how many people's lives have been unjustly turned upside down. Right alongside you, I feel the anger, disappointment, frustration... and at the same time, am so grateful every day that there are people much better equipped than I to fight the good fights. I do believe if we just never give up...we just have to keep pressing on... that we will prevail and this evil regime will implode. So, maybe you need a few more breaks here and there, we all start to falter under the weight of the world. Get some rest, do some nice things for yourself, and I hope you are able to keep doing this great service for us all.
The hard part is having faith this evil regime will implode, or patience, and overwhelming feelings of helplessness.
Tim. I admire you more every day, and I’ve been watching/listening to you for years. Thank you. You give a lot of yourself, in service to morality.
Hi Tim!
I listened to this and felt the weight of the current day, Comey included. The main thing that helps me get through the days, weeks and month, is Buddhist training. I'm not a great prætentioner, but some of the basic teachings have helped me a lot. The first teaching I'm using the understanding that all beings have Buddha Nature. So, if I am looking at my MAGA neighbors (I live in RED Kern County, CA) and realize they have the potential Buddha. I really don't want the karma of being unkind to a future Buddha, no matter how far they see to that attainment.
The second teaching that helps is the Four Immeasurables. Equanimity (seeing all beings as no more or less than me); Loving Kindness (seeing all beings as worth of my love and kindness); Limitless Compassion (being willing to do anything to reduce the suffering of others, no matter my opinion); Boundless Joy (bringing a joyful countenance to all activities.
This has kept me talking with neighbors and given me the opportunity to treat them with kindness. It helps to chip away at the perception of the left.
Wishing you nothing but happiness and the causes of happiness. You are doing an important job in a very generous way. Thank you!
The indictment of James Comey is really scary
Tim: As someone who sees the inspirational power of music, listen to "Show the Way" by David Wilcox: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBmIIDiN57E
This is for you, Tim Miller. Many times you have given me hope and hopefully now I can return the favor. I'm also down to work with any Project 2029 team--I have a gazillion ideas. https://celiaabrewer.substack.com/p/we-are-americans-and-we-are-legion