Bulwark Takes: Episode Summary - "DOGE’s Latest Cut: Glenn Youngkin’s Balls"

Release Date: February 25, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Participants: Tim Miller, Andrew Egger

Introduction

In the February 25, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Tim Miller and Andrew Egger delve into the controversial handling of federal workforce reductions in Virginia by Governor Glenn Youngkin. The discussion critically examines Youngkin's strategies to manage the fallout from mass job cuts and explores the broader political ramifications within the state.

Governor Glenn Youngkin’s Response to Federal Job Cuts

Tim Miller initiates the conversation by referencing the episode's headline, humorously attributed to Sam Stein, highlighting Youngkin's approach to addressing the abrupt firing of federal employees:

"[00:50] Andrew Egger: That was one where Sam came up with it and then we all spent like 15 minutes trying to talk ourselves out of it and think of something better and never could. So it's pretty good."

The core of Youngkin's strategy revolves around the launch of VirginiaHasJobs.com, a platform designed to assist displaced federal workers in transitioning to the private sector. Youngkin's administration aims to soften the blow by providing resources such as resume-building tools, virtual job fairs, and partnerships with major employers like Capital One.

Andrew Egger provides a detailed critique of this initiative:

"[02:54] Andrew Egger: ...the amazing kind of way to thread the needle that he and his team have hit upon... We're rolling out all these resources. ... this time next year you might be saying this is the best thing that ever happened to you."

However, Tim Miller and Andrew Egger argue that the approach is both condescending and out of touch with the real needs of the affected federal employees. They illustrate this point by mocking the superficiality of the resources offered:

"[03:25] Andrew Egger: It's like, good thing I've made the economy so good that this is gonna be so easy for you now... Here's some tips for how to buff up your resume... it's like giving these mid-career federal employees... baby birds kind of just breaking out of the shell."

The hosts highlight the disconnect between high-level promises and the tangible support required by highly specialized professionals, such as NIH scientists, who face job losses without equivalent opportunities in the private sector.

Critique of VirginiaHasJobs.com

The discussion takes a humorous yet scathing turn as Andrew Egger dissects the quality of the resources provided:

"[05:08] Tim Miller: ...Glenn Youngkin and his vest coming into a factory that's being shut down and being like, guys, we're going to find a new career path for you."

Moreover, the episode points out the poor execution of the initiative, exemplified by non-functional links shared by Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears:

"[08:51] Andrew Egger: ...she cuts like a two-minute video... every single link that she linked to goes to a broken 404 webpage not found government page."

This failure underscores the administration's lack of preparedness and genuine commitment to aiding displaced workers, leading to further frustration and skepticism among the affected populace.

Political Implications for Virginia’s Governor's Race

The episode transitions to the political fallout of Youngkin’s handling of the situation:

Tim Miller emphasizes the timing and significance, noting Virginia's upcoming off-year governor's race as a critical battleground influenced by these job cuts:

"[10:14] Tim Miller: ...Abigail Spamberger is the almost certain Democratic nominee... Winsome Sears... almost certain Republican nominee... this time around. We'll be covering the Virginia governor's race more."

The hosts analyze how the mishandling of the federal workforce reductions could erode Republican support, particularly among white-collar voters in the D.C. suburbs, a key component of Youngkin’s initial electoral success.

Andrew Egger concurs, suggesting that the administration's failure to effectively manage the job cuts undermines the competent technocratic narrative that Youngkin sought to project:

"[11:23] Andrew Egger: ...this just completely blows up the competent technocratic economic argument... It's almost like so bad for Republicans that it's not like Democrats can even like pleasantly surprise this November."

This misstep is poised to become a significant liability for the Republican Party in Virginia, potentially serving as a canary in the coal mine for national Democratic strategies.

Humorous Takeaways and Concluding Remarks

Throughout the episode, Tim Miller and Andrew Egger employ humor to underscore the absurdity of the situation, making the critique both engaging and relatable:

"[12:46] Tim Miller: ...you'll be covering the Virginia governor's race more... getting to read Glenn Youngkin's private equity PowerPoint message to the fired NIH scientists."

In closing, they acknowledge the bleakness of the situation for federal employees but find solace in the ability to find humor in political failures:

"[13:16] Andrew Egger: We gotta take our laughs where we can get them right now, right?"

Tim Miller wraps up the episode with a light-hearted remark, maintaining the balance between critical analysis and entertaining commentary:

"[13:25] Tim Miller: All right, brother. Thanks. Andrew Egger, everybody... the absurdity is something some of the rest of us can get a smile out of."

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Egger on the condescending nature of VirginiaHasJobs.com:
  "[02:54] ... Here's here kind of the language that you probably were used to using when you were a government employee... you're not going to want to do that out here."

• Tim Miller mocking the mismatch of skills being redirected to unsuitable jobs:
  "[05:32] ...like, can't even imagine a person that would find this to be a useful tool."

• Andrew Egger on the political strategy fail:
  "[11:53] ...they are working toward ultimately the same aim, which is, you know, maximizing their own."

Conclusion

The episode "DOGE’s Latest Cut: Glenn Youngkin’s Balls" offers a sharp and humorous critique of Governor Glenn Youngkin’s handling of federal workforce reductions in Virginia. By dissecting the ineffectiveness and superficiality of the administration’s response, Tim Miller and Andrew Egger highlight the potential political repercussions that could influence Virginia’s upcoming gubernatorial race. The discussion underscores the challenges Republicans face in maintaining support amidst policy failures, offering listeners both insightful analysis and relatable humor.