Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "GOP Senators Embarrassed AGAIN"
Episode Information
- Title: GOP Senators Embarrassed AGAIN
- Host/Author: The Bulwark
- Release Date: June 10, 2025
- Description: Bulwark Takes delivers concise, insightful commentary on daily news from The Bulwark team, including voices like Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol.
Introduction
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Andrew Egger engages in a deep dive alongside congressional reporter Joe Perdicone to dissect recent embarrassments among GOP senators concerning broken promises to Cabinet secretaries. The conversation centers on the actions of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, highlighting the political repercussions for senators like Bill Cassidy and Joni Ernst.
The Firing of HHS’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Andrew Egger opens the discussion by referencing a significant move by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.:
"[...] RFK Jr is going to replace them with a bunch of his own kind of hand-selected MOOCs ahead of that committee's meeting in a couple of weeks here." [02:38]
Kennedy Jr.'s abrupt decision to dismiss the entire ACIP, a panel comprising leading vaccine scientists, marks a stark departure from his previous assurances during his confirmation process. This move undermines the trust Senator Bill Cassidy placed in him, who had secured Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation by extracting specific commitments.
Joe Perdicone elaborates on Cassidy’s role and the implications of the broken promise:
"Cassidy signing off was an important moment because he's very trusted on medical issues. And the fact that he got on board, he got these promises and then these promises were very clearly and abruptly broken. Kind of makes him look like a fool..." [04:40]
The betrayal poses a dilemma for Senator Cassidy, presenting him either as unwittingly duped or willingly compromising his principles, thereby tarnishing his reputation.
Parallel Case: Joni Ernst and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Transitioning to another instance, Egger draws parallels with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst’s interactions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth concerning sexual assault prevention in the military.
Andrew Egger states:
"That's like the one extraction that Ernst took out of Hegseth as kind of a face-saving move where she's like, I'm not being bullied into submission..." [08:20]
Joe Perdicone provides context:
"Ernst was caught by us, you know, the realizing that she dropped the ball in this. She didn't keep. Hegseth keep his feet to the fire to actually make this higher. He fully forgot about it by not doing it or doesn't care." [13:20]
Despite obtaining a promise that Hegseth would appoint a senior official for sexual assault prevention, the secretary failed to fulfill this commitment, mirroring Kennedy Jr.’s actions and further illustrating a troubling pattern among GOP nominees.
The Political Fallout for Senators
Both cases reveal a strategic pattern where GOP senators extract concessions during nomination processes only to witness those promises go unfulfilled. This behavior not only undermines their credibility but also raises questions about their commitment to policy over political maneuvering.
Joe Perdicone comments on the broader implications:
"The fact that they have been broken or haven't been fulfilled just shows how little it actually mattered. What mattered was them getting into a comfortable position where they could say yes on these nominees." [10:37]
These broken promises present senators like Cassidy and Ernst with potential vulnerabilities, particularly concerning primary challenges within their own parties. Their actions may alienate voters who prioritize integrity and policy consistency over partisan loyalty.
The Influence of Political Strategy
The discussion also touches upon the inherent political strategies that drive such behaviors among senators. Andrew Egger observes:
"The incentives are what are just so perverse here, right? Because if you're in a situation where like the best move, like from a purely self centered like crow, like eat the least amount of crow standpoint, then it probably is true..." [11:57]
Joe Perdicone responds by highlighting the prevalent politicization:
"When you do that, they all kind of fall into this, like, oh, I don't, I don't care much for politics... Their first instinct is always politics." [13:20]
This underscores a systemic issue where political gains often overshadow genuine policy commitments, leading to repeated cycles of broken promises and ensuing embarrassment for involved senators.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Andrew Egger acknowledging the recurring theme of political expediency within GOP senators, emphasizing the necessity for accountability and the potential repercussions in upcoming elections.
Andrew Egger wraps up:
"What mattered was them getting into a comfortable position where they could say yes on these nominees." [10:37]
As Bulwark Takes continues to monitor these developments, it underscores the importance of holding elected officials accountable for their commitments, particularly when such pledges directly impact public health and safety.
Notable Quotes
- Andrew Egger [02:38]: "He's going to replace them with a bunch of his own kind of hand-selected MOOCs ahead of that committee's meeting in a couple of weeks here."
- Joe Perdicone [04:40]: "Cassidy signing off was an important moment because he's very trusted on medical issues. And the fact that he got on board, he got these promises and then these promises were very clearly and abruptly broken. Kind of makes him look like a fool..."
- Joe Perdicone [10:37]: "The fact that they have been broken or haven't been fulfilled just shows how little it actually mattered. What mattered was them getting into a comfortable position where they could say yes on these nominees."
Final Thoughts
This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a critical examination of recent GOP-related political maneuvers, highlighting the tension between political strategy and policy integrity. By spotlighting the repercussions of broken promises to Cabinet secretaries, Andrew Egger and Joe Perdicone shed light on the broader implications for Republican senators and the integrity of their legislative actions.
For more insightful analysis and updates on political developments, tune in to future episodes of Bulwark Takes.