Bulwark Takes Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Former-Marine RIPS Trump’s Parade: Fuel on the Fire!
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: The Bulwark Team, featuring Andrew Egger
Guest: Nathan Sage, Democratic Senate Candidate from Iowa
Introduction
In this compelling episode of Bulwark Takes, host Andrew Egger engages in a deep conversation with Nathan Sage, a former Marine and Democratic Senate candidate from Iowa. The discussion centers around the recent political unrest in the United States, President Trump's controversial use of military forces in civil matters, and the broader implications for rural America and upcoming elections.
Guest Introduction: Nathan Sage
Nathan Sage introduces himself as a native of Mason City, Iowa, with a diverse background encompassing military service in both the Marine Corps and the Army, three tours in Iraq, and experience in radio and business. He emphasizes his commitment to the working class, drawing from his personal experiences with poverty and his role as the executive director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. Sage's campaign focuses on fighting for economic fairness and improving the lives of everyday Americans.
Notable Quote:
"I'm running to work, fight for the working class, because I am one of the working class, I know how hard they have it and want to give them a bigger piece of the pie."
— Nathan Sage [03:08]
Political Context and Recent Unrest
The conversation delves into the recent protests and riots, particularly in Los Angeles, sparked by ICE enforcement actions. Sage critiques President Trump’s decision to deploy Marines to manage these disturbances, arguing that it exacerbates tensions rather than resolving underlying issues.
Key Points:
- Use of Military in Civil Matters: Sage views the deployment of Marines as a political maneuver by Trump, branding it as an overreach and a misuse of military resources.
- Impact on Public Perception: He believes that using trained combat troops against civilians only adds fuel to the fire, intensifying unrest and public distrust.
Notable Quotes:
"It's more of Donald Trump's wishes to have the biggest hammer he can to hammer home his ideology and his agenda."
— Nathan Sage [04:36]
"It's insanely wrong and it's a dangerous situation when you have Marines who are trained to fight and kill going against protesters."
— Nathan Sage [04:36]
President Trump’s Rhetoric and the Upcoming Parade
Egger addresses Trump's recent statements about a military parade planned for his birthday on Flag Day, highlighting the tension between his public assurances of supporting peaceful protests and his prior aggressive rhetoric.
Key Points:
- Contradictory Statements: Trump’s initial threats to use force against protesters were later mitigated by Press Secretary Carolyn Levitt, who emphasized support for peaceful demonstrations.
- Potential for Escalation: Sage expresses concern over how the parade might unfold, fearing that any deviation from Trump's desired narrative could lead to increased conflict.
Notable Quotes:
"His history that we've seen, he doesn't seem to like any protest or anything, especially against him."
— Nathan Sage [06:16]
"He used the Marine Corps kind of as a hammer or as a theatrical prop."
— Nathan Sage [06:16]
Democratic Responses to Protests and Violence
The discussion shifts to the varying approaches within the Democratic Party regarding the recent unrest. Governor Gavin Newsom and Senator John Fetterman have taken different stances, with Newsom condemning violence while Fetterman emphasizes maintaining moral high ground by denouncing chaos.
Key Points:
- Consistent Messaging Needed: Sage advocates for a unified Democratic response condemning violence regardless of the context.
- Empathy and Understanding: He emphasizes the importance of understanding the frustrations driving protests, especially concerning ICE actions and deportations.
Notable Quotes:
"We don't want to see burning buildings. We don't want to see cars on fire. We don't want to see the violence that we're seeing."
— Nathan Sage [07:51]
"But bringing in Marines or bringing in military in exchange is just kind of turning that into a bigger, worse situation than it needs to be."
— Nathan Sage [07:51]
Impact on Rural America and Iowa
Sage discusses how the national unrest and federal actions resonate with voters in Iowa, particularly in rural communities that have been traditionally Republican but are experiencing economic and social pressures.
Key Points:
- Voter Concerns: Iowans are increasingly worried about ICE raids and their impact on local communities.
- Campaign Focus: While national events may not be immediate campaign issues, they influence voters' perceptions of federal policies and leadership.
Notable Quotes:
"A lot of people are watching it from a 10,000 foot view, right. And looking down on it and going, what is going on?"
— Nathan Sage [09:48]
"The riots and the protests are not necessarily a campaign issue until it does affect Iowans directly here on an everyday basis."
— Nathan Sage [09:48]
President Trump's Shift on Immigration Policies
Egger brings up Trump's recent statements that appear to show a more sympathetic stance toward farmers and businesses affected by aggressive immigration policies. Sage analyzes this shift, questioning its sincerity and consistency.
Key Points:
- Mixed Messages: Sage finds Trump's comments contradictory to his previous rhetoric, reminiscent of inconsistent policy stances like trade tariffs.
- Underlying Issues: He suggests that ICE raids have targeted more individuals than just criminals, contributing to chaos and public unrest.
Notable Quotes:
"It's almost weird to say this total two different things. But it almost reminds me of tariffs, how it's like lights on, lights off every other day."
— Nathan Sage [12:22]
"I think that chaos that we've seen from that."
— Nathan Sage [12:22]
Nathan Sage’s Campaign in a Red-State Iowa
Egger probes Sage’s decision to run as a Democrat in Iowa, a state that has trended red in recent years. Sage explains his motivations rooted in unmet promises and the desire to advocate for the working class.
Key Points:
- Economic Discontent: Sage argues that despite Trump's promises, many Iowans continue to struggle economically, which fuels his campaign.
- Relatable Communication: He leverages his military background and straightforward speaking style to connect with voters across party lines.
Notable Quotes:
"Trump won Iowa because he told everybody and he promised that we were going to make life more affordable... Now, have we seen that? No."
— Nathan Sage [13:31]
"We need to make sure that people understand that we are not getting a fair deal and we want a fair deal. And that's what I'm fighting for."
— Nathan Sage [13:31]
Policy Positions and Voter Engagement Strategies
Sage outlines his policy positions, emphasizing secure borders, common-sense gun laws, and governmental efficiency free from fraud and waste. He highlights the common ground between Democrats and Republicans on several issues, advocating for dialogue and understanding.
Key Points:
- Balanced Approach to Immigration: Advocates for secure borders while simplifying the citizenship process.
- Gun Rights with Regulations: Supports the Second Amendment but favors reasonable gun control measures.
- Government Accountability: Focuses on eliminating fraud and waste in government spending.
Notable Quotes:
"I'm absolutely for secure borders... but I also understand that the process to become a citizen is a bit harder than people think."
— Nathan Sage [16:04]
"There's more that Democrats to Republicans together than there is more against."
— Nathan Sage [16:04]
"We're all Americans. We're all in this together."
— Nathan Sage [16:04]
Closing Remarks
Andrew Egger concludes the interview by thanking Nathan Sage for his insights and encouraging listeners to engage with The Bulwark’s content for more in-depth discussions on current events.
Conclusion
This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a nuanced exploration of the current political climate, highlighting the tensions between federal actions and grassroots responses. Nathan Sage provides a perspective that bridges military experience and democratic values, advocating for pragmatic solutions to complex social issues. The conversation underscores the importance of empathetic leadership and bipartisan dialogue in addressing America's most pressing challenges.
Notable Quotes Overview:
- "I'm running to work, fight for the working class..." — Nathan Sage [03:08]
- "It's more of Donald Trump's wishes to have the biggest hammer..." — Nathan Sage [04:36]
- "His history that we've seen, he doesn't seem to like any protest..." — Nathan Sage [06:16]
- "We don't want to see burning buildings..." — Nathan Sage [07:51]
- "It's almost weird to say this total two different things..." — Nathan Sage [12:22]
- "We're all Americans. We're all in this together." — Nathan Sage [16:04]
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and viewpoints shared during the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the full podcast.