Bulwark Takes: Episode 13 - Tim Miller: We're Still Stuck In 2020!

Release Date: June 28, 2025

In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller delves deep into the lingering repercussions of the tumultuous year 2020, exploring how its aftermath continues to shape the current political and media landscape. Joined by a co-host, Miller dissects recent developments involving prominent political figures and media entities, providing insightful analysis and raising critical questions about the state of American democracy and free speech.

1. The Time Warp of 2020

Tim Miller opens the discussion by expressing a profound sense of being "stuck in 2020," suggesting that the events and divisions of that year have created a persistent time warp affecting today's political climate.

Tim Miller [01:30]: "We're in a time warp. We are in a time warp. I think time is a flat circle. We are never going to get out of 2020."

He emphasizes that the consequences of 2020 are not merely in the past but are actively influencing current events and discourse.

2. Gavin Newsom's Lawsuit Against Fox News

One of the primary stories covered is California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent decision to sue Fox News for $787 million. Miller connects this lawsuit to the earlier Dominion case, suggesting a pattern of holding Fox accountable for perceived misinformation.

Gavin Newsom [07:01]: "I just filed a lawsuit against Fox News for lies, for deceit, for... for misrepresentation. Enough of their lies will see them in court."

Miller critiques the lawsuit as a potentially "frivolous" attempt to extract financial penalties from Fox, drawing parallels to Fox's substantial settlement with Dominion over similar allegations.

Tim Miller [07:18]: "Fox almost had to pay a billion dollars over their... over the advancement of these lies back in 2020. And still now, five years later, we have Lindell TV and the president himself pushing those same lines."

He also discusses the strategic and ethical dilemmas posed by such lawsuits, questioning their efficacy and potential impact on media freedom.

Tim Miller [10:53]: "From the strategic standpoint, I'm kind of torn because I don't even know if it's really good strategy or not."

3. Donald Trump's Press Conference with a Controversial Reporter

Another focal point of the episode is Donald Trump's recent press conference featuring a reporter affiliated with Pillow Talk and Mike Lindell's network. The interaction highlights ongoing attempts to propagate the unfounded claims of the 2020 election being "rigged" and "stolen."

Tim Miller [03:43]: "Reporters still asking, what, the 2020 election and the guy wins again. They're still obsessed with this reporter again."

The co-host condemns the reporter's questions and underlying motives, pointing out her connections to known propagandists and her role in perpetuating misleading narratives.

Co-host [04:28]: "Is, you know, a front woman for Mike Lindell, who's a liar, was an admitted liar in court when it comes to his advocacy for the big lie around 2020."

Miller criticizes the use of such platforms for advancing propaganda, highlighting the detrimental effects on public discourse and trust in democratic institutions.

Tim Miller [04:55]: "This person gets this platform to do just blatant, shameless propaganda... They're not caring whether it's true or not."

4. The Endurance of the "Big Lie"

A central theme of the episode is the enduring nature of the "big lie" regarding the 2020 election's integrity. Miller and his co-host express frustration and concern over its persistent presence in political rhetoric and media.

Tim Miller [10:07]: "The big lie persists is so fucking horrific. It's so awful."

They discuss the emotional toll and the challenges it poses to restoring factual accuracy and public trust.

5. Media Accountability and the First Amendment

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of using legal actions against media organizations. Both hosts express apprehension about the potential erosion of the First Amendment protections due to such lawsuits.

Co-host [10:27]: "I am horrified by the ways that CBS and ABC and these folks have been folding to Donald Trump's threats to the First Amendment."

Miller voices his concerns about the slippery slope of holding media accountable for inaccuracies, questioning the balance between combating misinformation and preserving free speech.

Tim Miller [10:39]: "Do I really want Democrats playing in this sandbox, too? Like, what is the good that's gonna end?"

They ponder the long-term consequences of a legal environment where media institutions might be deterred from critical reporting due to fear of litigation.

6. Ethical and Strategic Dilemmas

Miller reflects on the personal conflict between his emotional response to the propagation of lies and the ethical considerations of engaging in similar tactics. He grapples with the morality of suing media outlets while advocating for truth and integrity.

Tim Miller [10:53]: "I don't think this is right... I'm opposed to this in principle."

He seeks feedback from listeners on whether such strategies are effective or counterproductive, highlighting the complexity of addressing misinformation without compromising foundational democratic values.

7. Closing Remarks and Call to Action

In concluding the episode, Miller and his co-host reiterate their disdain for the ongoing spread of misinformation and the individuals perpetuating it. They call for thoughtful strategies to combat these issues without infringing on free speech or democratic principles.

Tim Miller [11:42]: "These guys speaking of Trump, Mike Lindell, Fox, Jesse Waters should all be ashamed of themselves."

They emphasize the importance of addressing these challenges constructively and urge listeners to engage in meaningful discourse to restore truth and accountability in the public sphere.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Miller [01:30]: "We're in a time warp. We are in a time warp. I think time is a flat circle. We are never going to get out of 2020."

• Gavin Newsom [07:01]: "I just filed a lawsuit against Fox News for lies, for deceit, for... for misrepresentation. Enough of their lies will see them in court."

• Tim Miller [10:07]: "The big lie persists is so fucking horrific. It's so awful."

• Co-host [10:27]: "I am horrified by the ways that CBS and ABC and these folks have been folding to Donald Trump's threats to the First Amendment."

Conclusion

Episode 13 of Bulwark Takes offers a poignant examination of how the echoes of 2020 continue to reverberate through today's political and media landscapes. Through incisive analysis and candid discussion, Tim Miller and his co-host shed light on the persistent misinformation, legal battles, and ethical quandaries that challenge the fabric of American democracy. The episode serves as a call to action for listeners to remain vigilant, uphold truth, and navigate the complexities of free speech in an era defined by enduring divisions and relentless propaganda.