Bulwark Takes: CAUGHT – Vance, Rubio Admit Their Attacks On Speech Mean US Not A Free Country In Old Video
Release Date: April 17, 2025

Hosts:

• Tim Moa
• Sarah Longwell

Introduction

In the April 17, 2025 episode of "Bulwark Takes," hosts Tim Moa and Sarah Longwell delve into a controversial revelation involving prominent Republican figures. The episode centers on newly discovered videos of GOP members—specifically J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio—where they critique the erosion of free speech in the United States, a stance that starkly contrasts with their current political actions under the Trump administration. This episode explores the implications of these contradictions, particularly in light of the administration's efforts to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status.

Trump Administration's Attack on Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status

The episode opens with Tim Moa introducing the main topic: the Trump administration's recent request to the IRS to revoke Harvard University's tax-exempt status. The rationale behind this move is Harvard's handling of protests, particularly those related to Gaza, as well as its diversity practices (DEI initiatives). Tim sets the stage by highlighting the gravity of this action, suggesting it could signal a broader crackdown on organizations perceived as politically left-leaning.

[00:00] Tim Moa: "The Trump administration has asked the IRS top attorney to revoke Harvard's tax exempt status because of its handling of the protests, the Gaza protests, as well as their diversity practices or dei."

Historical Context: Republican Stance on IRS Overreach

Sarah Longwell provides historical context, drawing parallels to the Obama administration's IRS targeting scandal involving Tea Party groups. She reminisces about the Republican outcry during that period, emphasizing how figures like Marsha Blackburn, John Thune, and Lindsey Graham vocally opposed the IRS's misuse for political targeting.

[00:53] Sarah Longwell: "There are some big players today and some particularly interesting clips that come from Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz and Charshit poster in chief, J.D."

Exposing the Contradictions: Old Videos of GOP Leaders

The core of the episode revolves around the revelation of old video clips where Republican leaders explicitly condemn the use of governmental power to suppress dissent. These clips are juxtaposed against their current support—or at least acquiescence—to actions that undermine free speech and target specific organizations based on political leanings.

J.D. Vance's Contradictory Stance

J.D. Vance, now a prominent figure in the Trump administration, is showcased making strong statements about the importance of protecting free speech and opposing governmental overreach.

[02:31] J.D. Vance: "If the IRS can go after you because of what you think or what you believe or what you do, we'd no longer live in a free country. That's what this is all about."

Tim Moa highlights the irony in Vance's current position, suggesting that by advocating against IRS overreach, Vance inadvertently positions himself as endorsing authoritarian measures.

[02:50] Tim Moa: "If the IRS can go after you because of what you think or what you believe or what you do, we no longer live in a free country. So by JD's own standard, we currently no longer live in a free country."

Ted Cruz's Silent Contradiction

Ted Cruz is examined next. In old clips, Cruz advocates vehemently against the misuse of federal agencies for partisan purposes, emphasizing the need for rule of law over political vendettas.

[08:31] J.D. Vance: "If we are going to respect rule of law, the apparatus of the federal government cannot and should not be used as a partisan tool to bludgeon your enemies."

However, Sarah points out Cruz's inaction in the present context, where he has been a staunch ally of the Trump administration's retaliatory policies.

[09:17] Sarah Longwell: "He has not spoken out. ... Ted Cruz has been such a sidekick to a president who ran specifically on a retaliation platform, which is what this is."

Marco Rubio's Shift in Rhetoric

Marco Rubio's earlier statements are also scrutinized. In past remarks, Rubio expressed alarm over governmental overreach akin to practices seen in authoritarian regimes, underscoring America's foundational principles of limited government.

[10:16] Marco Rubio: "Is this still America? ... when you read a headline that a powerful government agency is targeting people because of their political views, that's the kind of headline you read from other countries, not here in America."

Tim Moa critiques Rubio's current role as Secretary of State, suggesting that his actions now mirror the very authoritarian behaviors he once condemned.

[11:08] Tim Moa: "He [Rubio] has made a choice to embrace the tinpot dictatorship and to embrace the fact that we are gonna act in the ways that you only used to see in the third world."

Implications for American Democracy

The hosts discuss the broader implications of these contradictions. By actively participating in or failing to oppose actions that undermine free speech and target organizations based on political beliefs, these Republican leaders are betraying foundational American values.

[14:04] Sarah Longwell: "They were right about that then, and they are wrong now."

Tim emphasizes the severity of the situation, pointing out that when leaders openly admit that such actions are indicative of a loss of freedom, yet partake in them, it signifies a profound threat to democracy.

[14:04] Tim Moa: "That's in their own words. This is what they're doing."

Conclusion: Upholding Democratic Principles

The episode concludes with a strong reaffirmation of the importance of maintaining the rule of law and protecting free speech. Tim and Sarah urge listeners to recognize the hypocrisy and take action to safeguard democratic institutions from partisan abuse.

[14:55] Tim Moa: "Very, very wrong."

Sarah adds a final thought on the necessity of resisting governmental overreach, regardless of political affiliation.

[14:55] Sarah Longwell: "It is wrong for the government to go after the tax exempt status of organizations that they think who are... advocating for a policy position that the government finds distasteful. But that is living in a free country."

Key Takeaways:

• Historical Inconsistencies: The episode highlights the stark differences between Republican leaders' past advocacy for protecting free speech and their current support or indifference towards policies that threaten it.

• Authoritarian Tendencies: Actions such as attempting to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status based on political behavior are framed as authoritarian moves that undermine democratic principles.

• Hypocrisy in Leadership: The hosts argue that Republican leaders like J.D. Vance, Ted Cruz, and Marco Rubio exhibit hypocrisy by endorsing policies that contradict their earlier statements about safeguarding American freedoms.

• Call to Action: Tim Moa and Sarah Longwell emphasize the need for vigilance and resistance against political misuse of governmental power to preserve the integrity of American democracy.

Notable Quotes:

• J.D. Vance (02:31): "If the IRS can go after you because of what you think or what you believe or what you do, we'd no longer live in a free country."

• Marco Rubio (10:16): "Is this still America? ... that's the kind of headline you read from other countries, not here in America."

• Sarah Longwell (14:04): "They were right about that then, and they are wrong now."

Conclusion

This episode of "Bulwark Takes" serves as a critical examination of the evolving political landscape within the Republican Party. By juxtaposing past advocacies with present actions, Tim Moa and Sarah Longwell shed light on the potential erosion of democratic values. The discussion underscores the importance of accountability and consistency in upholding the freedoms that define the United States.