Bulwark Takes: Elon Thought He Could Rule Washington

Episode Overview Title: Elon Thought He Could Rule Washington
Host: The Bulwark
Guest: Congressman Ro Khanna
Release Date: May 29, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein engages in a compelling discussion with Congressman Ro Khanna about Elon Musk's foray into Washington politics. The conversation delves into Musk's strategies, his interactions with Congress, and the broader implications for both American politics and policy-making. Additionally, the episode touches upon educational reforms in San Francisco and critiques of contemporary conservative strategies.

1. Introduction and Context

The episode kicks off with Sam Stein introducing Congressman Ro Khanna, a returning guest, setting the stage for an in-depth conversation about Elon Musk's political ambitions and their fallout.

Notable Quote:

Sam Stein [00:30]: "Thanks so much for doing this. I want to start out with Doge because that's what we were talking about when we last did one of these things."

2. Elon Musk's Political Ambitions and Strategies

Congressman Khanna reflects on his initial predictions regarding Elon Musk's attempts to influence Washington, highlighting Musk's ambitious goals and the challenges he faced in a deeply entrenched political system.

Key Points:

• Musk aimed to save $2 trillion annually to address the national deficit.
• Khanna doubted Musk's ability to achieve such significant fiscal reforms without bipartisan support.
• Emphasis on the importance of starting reforms with less controversial areas, such as defense spending.

Notable Quotes:

Ro Khanna [01:39]: "Elon, you just aren't going to be able to do that. And we would. I said, look, let's start with defense."

Khanna [03:00]: "It's not a positive thing that he wasn't able to touch the Defense industrial complex."

3. Analysis of Musk's Approach and Its Implications

The discussion critiques Elon Musk's unilateral approach to dismantling federal programs without adequate collaboration with Congress, leading to frustration and limited success.

Key Points:

• Musk's methods were likened to using a "sledgehammer" without strategic collaboration.
• His focus on cultural issues and administrative changes diverted attention from substantial fiscal reforms.
• The failure to engage meaningfully with congressional members hindered progress.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Stein [03:34]: "It seemed like he went in with a sledgehammer... and got struck back by the courts."

Ro Khanna [04:03]: "He became more a cultural warrior. He went on this cultural crusade... and he tarnished his reputation."

4. Comparisons with Traditional Politics and Leadership

Congressman Khanna contrasts Musk's approach with that of seasoned politicians like Donald Trump, emphasizing the complexities of democratic governance that Musk may not have fully appreciated.

Key Points:

• Trump, despite personal disagreements, demonstrated effective political maneuvering and resilience.
• Musk underestimated the necessity of earning votes and navigating the democratic landscape.
• The importance of recognizing the role of citizens and existing political structures.

Notable Quotes:

Ro Khanna [06:57]: "Elon just didn't get that... the citizens rule."

Khanna [07:20]: "You have to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and earn their votes."

5. Interactions Between Khanna and Musk

The episode explores Congressman Khanna's attempts to collaborate with Elon Musk, which ultimately did not materialize as hoped.

Key Points:

• Initial plans included meetings with other political figures like Vivek Ramaswamy, Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren.
• Proposals focused on reducing defense spending and addressing fossil fuel subsidies.
• Musk's reluctance to work within Congressional frameworks led to strained interactions.

Notable Quotes:

Ro Khanna [05:25]: "I was going to set up a meeting with him and Vivek Ramaswamy..."

Khanna [06:38]: "When I was like, we shouldn't be blowing up Teslas... I think you should work with the Constitution and come to Congress."

6. George Will's Op-Ed and Conservative Strategies

Sam Stein references an op-ed by George Will, which mentions Congressman Khanna in the context of conservative strategies and the evolving political landscape.

Key Points:

• Will discusses how conservatives have become more statist, using the state to engineer outcomes.
• Khanna is portrayed as a progressive figure advocating for constitutional constraints on government power.
• The conversation reflects on the broader ideological battles within American politics.

Notable Quotes:

Ro Khanna [10:13]: "George Will is basically... saying, I'll settle for a progressive, as long as he doesn't want to ban universities."

Khanna [10:51]: "Conservatives... I'm going to take away their funds... the most expansive use of the state."

7. Educational Reforms in San Francisco

The discussion shifts to the educational grading policies in San Francisco, critiquing the move towards grade inflation and its potential impact on academic standards.

Key Points:

• San Francisco's grading system aims to ensure all students receive passing grades, potentially leading to grade inflation.
• Khanna expresses concern over diminishing academic rigor and the devaluation of hard work.
• The debate ties into broader themes of anti-intellectualism and educational policy within liberal cities.

Notable Quotes:

Ro Khanna [12:34]: "If you get a 40% on your exams, you'll get a C, not an F. If you have an 80%, instead of getting a B, you'll get an A. It's crazy."

Sam Stein [13:56]: "This suggests... we're not comfortable like hurting the feelings of the little kids and that feels a little weak."

8. Broader Implications for the Democratic Party

Congressman Khanna elaborates on his vision for the Democratic Party, emphasizing support for working people, health care, and education, while distancing himself from perceived excesses in local governance.

Key Points:

• Advocacy for limited federal government intervention and support for local initiatives addressing public safety and homelessness.
• Emphasis on creating opportunities for all individuals to achieve the American dream.
• Critique of both extreme liberal policies and conservative overreach, advocating for a balanced progressive approach.

Notable Quotes:

Ro Khanna [14:15]: "The Democratic Party... is a party that believes in working folks having a shot and in making sure everyone has health care, education to achieve the American dream."

Khanna [14:09]: "We need to be for excellence and hard work."

9. Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and anticipation of future interactions, particularly regarding Elon Musk's potential responses to Congressman Khanna's outreach efforts.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Stein [15:13]: "Well, thank you for joining us."

Ro Khanna [15:22]: "Most journalists are better students than politicians."

Conclusion

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a nuanced exploration of Elon Musk's brief and tumultuous engagement with American politics through the lens of Congressman Ro Khanna. It highlights the challenges of melding billionaire influence with democratic processes, critiques both political extremes, and underscores the importance of collaboration and understanding within Washington's complex landscape. Additionally, the discussion on educational reforms in San Francisco offers insight into the ongoing debates about academic standards and policy-making in liberal urban centers.

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