Bulwark Takes: Did Whitmer Kill Her 2028 Chances With This?
Released on May 6, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein, Lauren Egan, and Jonathan Cohn delve into the strategic approaches Michigan Democrats are employing in their opposition to former President Donald Trump. The discussion explores varying models of engagement, the implications for future political landscapes, and the nuanced challenges faced by Democratic leaders in a polarized environment.

1. Introduction to Democratic Models Against Trump

Sam Stein initiates the conversation by highlighting Jonathan Cohn's analysis of two primary models Michigan Democrats are using to confront Donald Trump: the Whitmer Model and the Slotkin Model.

Jonathan Cohn elaborates:

"The Whitmer model as it has emerged... she's been to Washington a number of times. She's lobbied him directly on matters that she thinks are important... trying to sort of work with them where I have to, because my state depends on it."
[01:20]

On the other hand, the Slotkin Model represents a more adversarial stance:

"Slotkin... has been kind of turned up the volume on her attacks on Trump... we Democrats need to come on stronger, need to be more aggressive at sort of prosecuting the case against Trump."
[02:26]

2. Introduction of the Pritzker Model

Lauren Egan introduces a third model, dubbed the JB Pritzker Model, characterized by relentless aggression towards Trump:

"Go for the throat... to just be out there, like, shitting on Trump."
[03:50]

She cites governors like Pritzker and Josh Shapiro as exemplars who adopt this confrontational approach, often balancing their aggressive tactics with political aspirations beyond their current offices.

3. Strategic Calculations Behind Different Approaches

The trio discusses the underlying reasons why Democratic leaders might choose one model over another. Jonathan Cohn points to personal style and political calculations:

"She is kind of in her bones, like this bipartisan, we should all get along and find ways to work, even if we're enemies... her political calculation being in a divided state that voted for Trump."
[05:11]

Lauren Egan adds that while the aggressive models resonate with a vocal base, the broader electorate may favor strategic engagement that yields tangible results:

"Most voters... want their elected leaders to fight for them, whatever that may look like... but to actually get tangible results."
[07:16]

4. Impact on Michigan's Democratic Landscape

The conversation shifts to Michigan's upcoming Senate Democratic primary, where differing approaches to Trump could become a dividing issue. Jonathan Cohn outlines the candidates:

"Mallory Mauro, who's pretty progressive, Abdul El Said, who's really progressive and who had challenged Whitmer... and then Haley Stevens, who's more of an establishment type."
[08:30]

He suggests that while aggressive stances against Trump may energize the base, strategic engagement might be more effective in securing general election victories.

5. Alternative Models: Standing Up to Trump

Sam Stein introduces the Janet Mills Model, referencing Maine Governor Janet Mills' confrontational approach against Trump's policies:

"She stood up, she won... she did get stuff done."
[11:13]

Lauren Egan cautions that while this model can yield victories, it also carries significant risks:

"It might not... every single time for every single governor on every single issue."
[11:27]

Comparisons are made to Gavin Newsom's handling of California's wildfire disaster relief, illustrating the complexities of balancing confrontation with effective governance.

6. Concluding Insights and Future Implications

As the discussion wraps up, Jonathan Cohn emphasizes the difficult balance Democratic leaders must strike:

"It's a genuinely tough call... it's about policy now, politics."
[12:10]

Sam Stein reflects on the lasting impact of pivotal political moments:

"Whitmer with the folder in front of her I think is going to be one of those iconic moments."
[13:00]

The episode concludes with a consensus that while strategies vary, the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party will significantly influence future electoral outcomes and leadership trajectories.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jonathan Cohn on Whitmer's approach:
  "She's trying to work with them where I have to, because my state depends on it."
  [01:20]

• Lauren Egan on aggressive tactics:
  "To just be out there, like, shitting on Trump."
  [03:50]

• Sam Stein on Janet Mills' victory:
  "She stood up, she won... she did get stuff done."
  [11:13]

• Jonathan Cohn on the complexity of political strategies:
  "It's about policy now, politics."
  [12:10]

This episode offers a comprehensive examination of the strategic deliberations within the Michigan Democratic Party as they navigate opposition to Donald Trump. By dissecting different models of engagement, the hosts provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and considerations shaping current political maneuvers.