Bulwark Takes – "How They Tried to Break Kimmel"
Date: September 24, 2025
Host: Sam Steinman (A)
Guest: Sarah Longwell (C), Publisher at The Bulwark
Central Theme:
A deep dive into the political drama that erupted after Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial monologue, the ensuing government involvement, threats to free speech, and the polarization around the tragic killing of Charlie Kirk.
Episode Overview
This episode of Bulwark Takes centers on the aftermath of Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional return to television following his suspension in the wake of controversy surrounding his remarks about the Charlie Kirk assassination. Host Sam Steinman and guest Sarah Longwell unpack the reaction from the right, Trump’s administration, the FCC’s involvement, and broader implications for free speech in America. The conversation weaves together the political, personal, and cultural impacts of the incident, focusing especially on the weaponization of regulatory power and the vital role of comedians in democratic discourse.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. Kimmel’s Emotional Monologue and Its Impact
- Kimmel’s Vulnerable Return:
- His opening night back had high ratings despite Sinclair not airing the show in D.C.
- Kimmel was visibly emotional (“choked up twice”) when addressing accusations that he was making light of Charlie Kirk’s murder ([01:11]).
- Clarifying Intentions:
- Kimmel:
“It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man... I posted a message... sending love to his family and asking for compassion. And I meant it, and I still do.” ([01:11-01:31])
- Sarah Longwell appreciates Kimmel’s candor and draws parallels to Kimmel’s earlier emotional monologue about his son.
- Kimmel:
- Misinterpretation & Tragedy:
- Both hosts believe Kimmel was unfairly targeted, his words about Trump and the shooter twisted to suit political narratives.
- Sarah speaks about the shared anxiety among public figures receiving death threats and the critical need to condemn violence in public discourse ([03:00-06:48]).
2. The Right’s Tactical Misstep and FCC Involvement
- Trump’s Boast & Backfire:
- Trump admitted on social media to attempting Kimmel’s firing, which, ironically, galvanized opposition and support for Kimmel ([10:04]).
- Sam’s theory:
“This effort to get Kimmel off the air... would have worked had Donald Trump just shut up and not tweeted and had Brendan Carr not posted celebratory gifts and made overt threats…” ([10:33])
- Brendan Carr’s Threats:
- FCC Chair Carr threatened networks over Kimmel, further politicizing the issue.
- Kimmel mocked Carr’s “we can do this the easy way or the hard way” remark ([13:16]).
- Ted Cruz labeled Carr’s comments as “sounding like a mafioso” ([13:44]).
3. Hypocrisy, Selective Outrage, and the Principle of Free Speech
- Hypocrisy on Free Speech:
- Trump & Carr’s actions contrasted with their typical defense of free speech (e.g., Carr’s own past public statements).
- Sarah:
“Where are all the free speech warriors on Brendan Carr? He should be being derided.” ([13:58])
- False Equivalence:
- Sarah criticizes those comparing the FCC action to prior Democratic efforts to flag misinformation on social media, insisting it is “apples and oranges” ([15:55]).
-
“What is abnormal is... the chair of the FCC and the president wielding the bureaucracy... to try to get people taken off the air.” ([16:42])
4. The Larger Stakes: Comedy as Free Speech’s Canary
- Kimmel’s Broader Message:
- Kimmel:
“This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this...” ([17:37])
- He draws comparisons to comedians in Russia and the Middle East who are jailed for their jokes, highlighting how easily American freedoms could erode.
- Kimmel:
- Comedians on the Front Lines:
- Sarah highlights the historic role of comedians as “canaries in the coal mine” for free speech and democracy ([18:41]).
- Notes the irony that Kimmel, who started with raunchy comedy, is now a “free speech warrior.”
- Zelensky Example:
- Zelensky’s comedic roots cited as evidence of the bravery in the role and its proximity to political peril ([20:34]).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Kimmel’s direct address to the audience:
"You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man... Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group… and for those who think I did point a finger. I get why you're upset. If the situation was reversed, there's a good chance I'd have felt the same way."
(Jimmy Kimmel, [01:11-01:58]) -
On the abuse and intimidation facing public figures:
"We got kids too. Jimmy Kimmel has kids and people come for us really hard. Not mean comments online like, that's just the, that's just the world. That's fine. But like, lots of scary stuff gets said and batted around."
(Sarah Longwell, [04:33]) -
On Trump’s inability to use power in secret:
"They have learned from their previous mistakes to do things... in a better way... But actually because they are so small and petty that they want people to know they are using their power to shut them up... Tell them it was me."
(Sarah Longwell, [11:41-12:28]) -
Kimmel on the deeper issue:
"This show is not important. What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this."
(Jimmy Kimmel, [17:37]) -
On comedians and democracy:
"Comedy is the first… canary in the coal mine on free speech... the point of comedians is to push boundaries. And, like, America is a unique place for making sure that our comedians can make fun of our presidents."
(Sarah Longwell, [18:41-20:33])
Key Timestamps
- [01:11] – Kimmel’s heartfelt clarification about Charlie Kirk remarks
- [03:00-06:48] – Sarah Longwell on personal risks and the importance of condemning violence
- [10:04-11:41] – Trump’s boasting potentially undermined Republican attempts to cancel Kimmel
- [13:16] – Kimmel addresses FCC Chair Brendan Carr’s threats directly
- [15:23-16:42] – Debate over “whataboutism” and drawing false equivalencies with prior administrations
- [17:37] – Kimmel’s monologue highlight on free speech’s importance
- [18:41-21:21] – Discussion of comedians as critical defenders of democracy, with Zelensky example
Takeaway
This episode provides a vivid look at how political overreach, media manipulation, and social division can threaten foundational freedoms. Kimmel’s experience becomes a case study in how easily freedom of expression can be endangered—not through abstract policy, but by the brute force of power and narrative manipulation. The hosts also remind listeners of comedy’s uniquely important and vulnerable position in defense of democratic values.
For those interested in the full emotional scope and wit of Kimmel’s monologue, the hosts recommend watching the segment directly (see [18:31] for the summary and [17:37] for the key quote).