Bulwark Takes: How a Bold Strategy On Trump Might Actually Work
Release Date: April 20, 2025
Host: The Bulwark Team (Tim Miller, Sam Stein)

Introduction

In the April 20, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Tim Miller and Sam Stein delve into a pressing political strategy aimed at countering former President Donald Trump's aggressive immigration policies. The discussion centers around how Democratic figures like Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Jason Crow are addressing the contentious issue of deporting immigrants to El Salvador, and how this approach might effectively undermine Trump's political maneuvers.

The Political Context

Tim Miller opens the conversation by highlighting a recurring question from the Sunday shows: the political implications of deporting immigrants to El Salvador without due process. This issue has become a focal point for showcasing the contrasting strategies between Democrats and Trump’s administration.

Tim Miller [01:01]:
"Some of [the politicians] were working, and there was one particular question that kept coming up on the Sunday shows that Sam and I wanted to talk about."

Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Stance

Senator Chris Van Hollen emerges as a strong advocate for upholding constitutional rights amidst the deportation controversy. He emphasizes the importance of due process and the broader implications of denying these rights.

Chris Van Hollen [02:44]:
"I don't think it's ever wrong to stand up for the Constitution. If you deny the constitutional rights of one man, you threaten the constitutional rights for everybody. ... Anybody who can't stand up for the Constitution and the right of due process doesn't deserve to lead."

Sam Stein lauds Van Hollen’s approach, noting it as a clear moral stand that transcends partisan debates.

Sam Stein [03:17]:
"Van Hollen's just basically like, this is not an issue where you should be debating tactics. This is an issue of morality. This is an issue of justice."

Congressman Jason Crow’s Approach

Jason Crow takes a more straightforward stance, advocating for doing what is morally right without overcomplicating the political narrative. His emphasis is on defending innocent individuals and upholding democratic values.

Jason Crow [08:30]:
"You gotta get scared that people who are not criminals are getting, like, lassoed up and deported and sent to, like, El Salvador prisons. This is kind of crazy that that could be possible. That's horrific."

Crow's approach aligns with the idea that moral conviction should guide political strategy, rather than merely calculating political gain.

Jason Crow [10:02]:
"Do the right thing. Let's defend the innocent. Let's try to get this man back to his family."

Public Opinion and Polling Data

Tim Miller cites poll data to underscore the public's stance on the issue. A significant majority of Americans oppose deporting immigrants without criminal convictions and without allowing them to challenge the deportation in court.

Tim Miller [06:06]:
"The question was, how do you feel about deporting immigrants without criminal convictions to El Salvador to be imprisoned, without letting them challenge the deportation in court? ... 61% oppose, 46% strongly opposed."

This data suggests that Democrats have ample public support to frame the issue as a violation of constitutional rights and due process, thereby gaining political traction.

Strategic Insights: Reframing the Debate

The hosts discuss how Democrats are shifting the narrative from policy minutiae to fundamental constitutional principles. By emphasizing due process and the rule of law, Democrats can position themselves as defenders of American values, contrasting sharply with Trump's more aggressive stance.

Sam Stein points out that authenticity is key to this strategy. He argues that Democrats need to present their positions as genuine convictions rather than calculated political maneuvers.

Sam Stein [04:49]:
"If you want to be authentic, just go with your guttural reaction to these things and let the chips fall where they may."

This strategic pivot not only appeals to the public’s sense of justice but also undermines Trump’s attempts to make immigration a divisive and politicized issue.

Conclusions: The Potential Impact

Tim Miller and Sam Stein conclude that by focusing on constitutional integrity and moral responsibility, Democrats can effectively counter Trump’s immigration policies. This approach has the potential to resonate deeply with voters who are concerned about civil liberties and the humane treatment of immigrants.

Tim Miller [12:13]:
"I feel very passionately that Democrats can actually make something materially good of this, not just from a moral standpoint, but from a political one."

By maintaining a principled stance, Democrats can differentiate themselves from Republicans who may be perceived as prioritizing political advantage over ethical considerations.

Notable Quotes

• Chris Van Hollen [02:44]:
  "If you deny the constitutional rights of one man, you threaten the constitutional rights for everybody."

• Sam Stein [03:17]:
  "This is an issue of morality. This is an issue of justice."

• Jason Crow [08:30]:
  "This is kind of crazy that that could be possible. That's horrific."

• Jason Crow [10:02]:
  "Do the right thing. Let's defend the innocent."

• Sam Stein [04:49]:
  "If you want to be authentic, just go with your guttural reaction to these things and let the chips fall where they may."

Final Thoughts

The episode underscores a critical moment in Democratic strategy, where embracing foundational principles could not only challenge Trump’s policies but also reinvigorate the party’s moral authority. By prioritizing due process and constitutional rights, Democrats may find a unifying issue that strengthens their political standing and addresses voters' concerns about justice and fairness in immigration.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments from the transcript were excluded to focus on the substantive discussion between Tim Miller and Sam Stein.