Bulwark Takes: Democrats Are Rebuilding — But With Whom?

Release Date: April 16, 2025
Host: Andrew Egger
Guest: Lauren Egan, The Bulwark's Resident Dem Whisperer

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Andrew Egger engages in a profound discussion with Lauren Egan about the current state of the Democratic Party. The conversation delves into the aftermath of former President Joe Biden's recent speech, the challenges facing key Democratic figures like Kamala Harris, and the broader leadership vacuum within the party. As Democrats attempt to rebuild, the episode examines who could potentially step into leadership roles to guide the party forward.

Joe Biden’s First Post-Presidency Speech

The episode begins with a critical analysis of Joe Biden's first speech since leaving office. Andrew Egger expresses his frustration with the speech's execution, highlighting technical issues and Biden's struggling delivery.

Andrew Egger (00:00): "...when he got up on stage and he got up in there and the music was still playing, and he launched right into his remarks and you couldn't hear him at all... The PTSD that I felt brings you back in that second."

Lauren Egan provides context, explaining that Biden's speech focused on Social Security and the importance of protecting it, aimed at disability advocates. However, she points out the broader issue of Biden's diminishing political influence within the Democratic Party.

Lauren Egan (00:58): "...most presidents play a role within their party after they leave office... Poll after poll shows that the president... is kind of like toxic politically within the Democratic Party at the moment."

Egan highlights Biden's communication struggles and the negative perception polls have painted of him, suggesting that the party is eager to distance itself from his current image.

Impact on Democratic Messaging and Leadership

Andrew Egger reflects on the difficulty of separating Biden's policy ideas from his personal challenges and the negative sentiments surrounding his recent campaign performance.

Andrew Egger (01:48): "...it's so hard to extricate that from the messenger right up there, who's this guy who had this, you know, totally tragic and horrible self-destruction of his presidential campaign last year."

Lauren concurs, emphasizing Biden's complicated presence in the party and the reluctance among Democratic voters and strategists to want him to continue voicing their messages.

Lauren Egan (02:34): "...people don't really want to hear from him right now. They think it'd be better off for the party if they could just move on..."

Kamala Harris: From Heir Apparent to Penumbral Figure

The conversation shifts to Vice President Kamala Harris, exploring her transition from being seen as the natural successor to Biden to currently grappling with her political identity and legacy.

Andrew Egger (03:48): "...where, where are Democrats kind of right now? As, as far as Harris is concerned."

Lauren discusses the contrasting treatment Harris receives compared to Biden, noting that while Biden's involvement is limited due to his tarnished image, Harris is afforded more grace despite her challenges.

Lauren Egan (04:39): "...they extend a lot more grace to her than they do with Biden. I feel like she did run a really good campaign in those, you know, that just few short week period that she had."

Egan points out that Harris's political brand remains intertwined with Biden's, posing a significant challenge as she seeks to establish her own identity within the party.

The Democratic Leadership Vacuum

Andrew Egger raises concerns about the apparent lack of clear leadership within the Democratic Party following Biden's exit and Harris's uncertain standing.

Andrew Egger (06:44): "...the ticket is now gone. You know, the former president has sort of shuffled off into the sunset. His former vice president just suffered this excruciating defeat..."

Lauren identifies Cory Booker as a potential emerging leader who has recently taken decisive action, citing his impactful filibuster as a beacon of hope for the party.

Lauren Egan (08:09): "...Cory Booker's the notable person that's kind of stepped up recently with his filibuster... that gave us some sort of hope that we can maybe find an effective leader."

They discuss the ongoing struggle to find a figure who can effectively lead the party both in legislative action and in shaping public opinion.

Strategies for Rebuilding and Shaping Public Opinion

The discussion moves to the strategies Democrats are employing to regain momentum and influence, especially in the face of a formidable right-wing messaging machine.

Andrew Egger (07:38): "...the Democratic Party is right now because they think the job right now is almost for Democrats to just sort of sit down and shut up and let Trump self destruct."

Lauren elaborates on the importance of shaping public opinion through impactful actions and media presence, noting the party's current deficiency in personnel skilled at these tasks.

Lauren Egan (11:23): "...there just aren't that many people in the Democratic Party right now who are really good at that. And that's part of the challenge that they're facing."

They emphasize the need for Democrats to find and elevate new leaders who can effectively communicate and resonate with the electorate.

Recent Democratic Actions: Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Initiative

The episode also covers recent actions taken by Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen regarding the deportation crisis involving Camara Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongly deported to El Salvador.

Andrew Egger (12:07): "Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has been really plugged into this developing crisis around the White House gearing up to seemingly defy a Supreme Court order..."

Lauren discusses the potential impact of Van Hollen's planned trip to El Salvador to address the crisis and its significance in differentiating Democratic strategies from those of the Trump administration.

Lauren Egan (13:10): "...this situation, though, gives them kind of a natural first opportunity to create a contrast with Trump on immigration..."

She notes that such actions could serve as critical points for the Democrats to galvanize support and present clear policy contrasts.

Conclusion

As the Democratic Party navigates a critical period of rebuilding and redefinition, Bulwark Takes underscores the urgency of identifying and empowering new leadership. The conversation between Andrew Egger and Lauren Egan highlights the challenges posed by Joe Biden's waning influence, Kamala Harris's struggle for her own identity, and the overall leadership vacuum. However, there are emerging signs of potential leadership in figures like Cory Booker and proactive efforts from senators like Chris Van Hollen. The episode paints a picture of a party at a crossroads, striving to find its footing and rally around new leaders to effectively counteract the current political climate.

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Egger (00:00): "The PTSD that I felt brings you back in that second."

• Lauren Egan (00:58): "...it's just like most presidents play a role within their party after they leave office."

• Andrew Egger (03:04): "Just basic, basic decency. Who do you think they are?"

• Lauren Egan (04:39): "...there is a lot more sort of, like, grace, that's extended towards Harris."

• Andrew Egger (07:38): "...that's what, you know, James Carville has been arguing for a while now."

• Lauren Egan (11:23): "...there just aren't that many people in the Democratic Party right now who are really good at that."

• Andrew Egger (12:07): "...Gary Garcia was a Maryland resident before he was booted into this concentration camp in El Salvador."

• Lauren Egan (13:10): "...this is not necessarily, like a winning thing or a winning policy for the Trump folks to pursue."

Final Thoughts

Bulwark Takes offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the Democratic Party's current struggles and the search for new leadership. Through the expert commentary of Lauren Egan and the probing questions of Andrew Egger, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the internal dynamics and external pressures shaping the party's future. As Democrats work to rebuild and redefine their direction, the episode serves as a crucial reflection on the paths forward and the individuals who may lead the charge.