Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes - Episode 10: Sarah and Tim: Voters Reject Trump’s Cuts

Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host/Authors: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Basil

Introduction

In Episode 10 of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller engage in a robust discussion about the widespread voter rejection of President Donald Trump's proposed "Big Beautiful Bill." The episode delves into polling data, the political ramifications of the bill, public protests, and the launch of a new campaign titled "Home of the Brave." The conversation is further enriched by insights from guest Basil and contributions from Nicole Wallace.

1. Unpopularity of Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill

Sarah Longwell sets the stage by highlighting the significant unpopularity of Trump's healthcare bill. She notes, “This bill is already extremely unpopular. And I think that one of the only things that could make it even more unpopular is for Mitch McConnell to become one of its big champions” (01:47). The discussion emphasizes that Mitch McConnell’s support could further alienate voters who already distrust him, reinforcing the bill's unpopularity.

Tim Miller adds context by presenting polling data: “Fox News, their poll showing support of the big beautiful bill. 38% of their respondents support it. Almost 60% oppose it” (02:40). He underscores that opposition is broad, cutting across various demographics, including white non-college men, where support drops to 43% with a 53% opposition rate.

2. Partisan Implications and Voter Coalition Dynamics

The hosts explore the bipartisan implications of Medicaid benefits. Tim Miller states, “There's no partisan difference in the households that benefit from Medicaid. It's 62% identify as Republican” (02:40). This highlights that Medicaid is a shared benefit across party lines, yet the bill threatens to impact 16 million people’s access to healthcare, as per the Congressional Budget Office.

Sarah Longwell discusses the transformation within the Republican coalition, noting how Trump's populist approach reshaped the party to include voters who previously opposed figures like Mitch McConnell. She explains, “For a lot of voters, it remade the Republican coalition. And a lot of the voters who are now part of this magnified Trump coalition, they hate Mitch McConnell and they like their social programs” (04:37). This shift makes the bill particularly detrimental to Trump's support base.

3. Impact on Medicaid and Health Care Access

The prospective impacts of the bill on Medicaid are a central focus. Tim Miller enumerates the financial consequences for several states:

• Virginia: $25 billion loss
• Louisiana: $20 billion loss
• South Carolina: $20 billion loss
• Tennessee: $16 billion loss
• Kentucky: $12 billion loss
• Ohio: $8.5 billion loss
• West Virginia: $6 billion loss
• Missouri: $6 billion loss

He queries, “What is the plan for the human beings impacted?” (09:39), emphasizing the lack of a support strategy for those affected by the cuts.

Basil concurs, criticizing the bill's design: “It is just a horrible bill on the merits. It's going to increase costs for people, not decrease costs. It's going to increase the debt” (07:23). He highlights the absence of a coherent plan to mitigate the negative consequences of the bill.

4. Public Protests and Political Fallout

The episode covers recent protests against the bill, including an incident at the Russell Senate Office Building where 34 people were arrested for demonstrating against healthcare cuts (06:45). Tim Miller also references Mike Johnson’s private warning that pushing the bill through could cost him his speakership and majority control, indicating deep-seated tensions within the Republican ranks (06:45).

Basil reflects on the nature of these protests, questioning the necessity and image they project: “I think that was the same protest I saw some pictures for where there is zip tying the elderly, people in wheelchairs who are protesting Medicaid, which is just a bad image” (07:23). He criticizes the Republicans’ approach, suggesting it's a strategic error that could lead to significant electoral losses.

5. Home of the Brave Campaign Launch

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to introducing the "Home of the Brave" campaign, spearheaded by Sarah Longwell alongside George Conway, Michael Fanon, Sarah Matthews, and Susan Rice (01:47). This initiative aims to collect and amplify real stories from Americans adversely affected by Trump's policies. Nicole Wallace contributes by urging listeners to share their experiences, stating, “Let's remind Trump why America is still the home of the brave” (15:03).

Sarah Longwell elaborates on the campaign’s objectives: “Telling the stories of the negative personal consequences that people are experiencing as a result of Trump's policies is the way to help people understand why Donald Trump has failed them” (15:53). She emphasizes the importance of regular Americans sharing their narratives to counteract the influence of elite institutions that have remained silent.

6. Personal Testimonials and Real-World Impact

The episode features heartfelt testimonials that underscore the bill's real-world impact. Laurie LaPlante shares her personal story: “We are still waiting to have his funeral at Arlington. A lot of it is because of the cuts that the Trump administration has done at the Veterans Affairs” (20:58). These narratives highlight the tangible human cost of the proposed policies.

Sarah Longwell responds by illustrating how Trump’s policies have deeply affected veterans and their families: “Donald Trump has made it clear he doesn't care about veterans” (22:00). She underscores the broader societal damage, stating, “There is only one antidote. And the only antidote is regular people saying, we are not gonna do this” (18:43).

7. Conclusion and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to participate in the "Home of the Brave" campaign and share their stories to foster a collective resistance against Trump's policies. Tim Miller expresses optimism about the campaign’s potential impact: “This work is so important” (23:42).

Sarah Longwell emphasizes the necessity of grassroots efforts to counteract the administration's narrative: “Regular Americans explaining how this impacts them... is the way we're going to turn the narrative about that Donald Trump around” (19:00).

The hosts collectively express hope that these concerted efforts will lower Trump's approval ratings and prevent the perpetuation of MAGA's influence in American politics.

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Longwell (01:47): “This bill is already extremely unpopular. And I think that one of the only things that could make it even more unpopular is for Mitch McConnell to become one of its big champions.”

• Tim Miller (02:40): “Fox News, their poll showing support of the big beautiful bill. 38% of their respondents support it. Almost 60% oppose it.”

• Basil (07:23): “It is just a horrible bill on the merits. It's going to increase costs for people, not decrease costs. It's going to increase the debt.”

• Nicole Wallace (15:03): “Let's remind Trump why America is still the home of the brave.”

• Laurie LaPlante (20:58): “Everyone wants to put him to rest and to move on and remember his life and legacy, but we can't. It's very frustrating.”

• Sarah Longwell (15:53): “Telling the stories of the negative personal consequences that people are experiencing as a result of Trump's policies is the way to help people understand why Donald Trump has failed them.”

Final Thoughts

Episode 10 of Bulwark Takes provides a comprehensive analysis of the political and social ramifications of Trump's proposed healthcare cuts. Through detailed discussions, polling data, personal testimonials, and the introduction of the "Home of the Brave" campaign, the hosts effectively illustrate the broad opposition to the bill and its potential fallout. The episode serves as both an informative and mobilizing tool for listeners who seek to understand and combat the adverse effects of the administration's policies.