Bulwark Takes: Huge Blow to Elon as Liberal Wins Big in Swing State Supreme Court Race
Release Date: April 2, 2025
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, the team delves into the significant developments from the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election and a closely watched special election in Florida. Hosts Lauren Egan and Will Saletan, alongside JVL, provide in-depth analysis of the outcomes, their implications for major political players like Elon Musk and Donald Trump, and the broader impact on the American political landscape.
1. Wisconsin Supreme Court Election: A Critical Victory for Democrats
The Wisconsin Supreme Court race garnered national attention, particularly due to Elon Musk's heavy involvement. The election saw Democrat Susan Crawford defeat Republican Brad Schmell, a result described by Elon Musk himself as pivotal to the "fate of Western civilization" [00:00].
Key Points:
- Close Contest: The race was unexpectedly tight, with preliminary counts suggesting Crawford might win by five to seven points [01:08].
- Elon Musk's Influence: Musk's extensive campaigning, including distributing substantial monetary incentives to voters, aimed to sway the election in favor of Republican candidates but ultimately did not secure the desired outcome [01:15].
Notable Quotes:
- JVL [00:00]: “This is a place where Republicans threw in everything plus the kitchen sink. Elon Musk has been barnstorming, handing out giant Publishers Clearinghouse size checks.”
- Lauren Egan [02:10]: “These aren't good signs for [Republicans].”
2. Florida Special Election: A Monumental Swing Against Republicans
The special election in Florida presented a stark contrast to previous Republican dominance, showcasing a significant swing towards Democratic candidates.
Key Points:
- Massive Shift: The district, previously held by Trump with a 30-point advantage, saw a dramatic shift with Democrats gaining a substantial margin [00:55].
- Impact on Republican Strategy: Such a swing indicates that districts with a Republican margin of plus 7 to plus 10 are now within reach for Democrats [02:10].
Notable Quotes:
- Will Saletan [05:01]: “The Gates one's even more like 35 or more. They end up being about 15 points each.”
3. Republican Response and Leadership Concerns
The unexpected results have left the Republican leadership in a precarious position, questioning their strategies and potential need for course correction.
Key Points:
- Leadership Anxiety: Republican leaders are reportedly anxious about these losses, contemplating changes to avoid further setbacks in upcoming midterm elections [02:10].
- Elise Stefanik's Position: The results underscore why Representative Elise Stefanik remains steadfast in her role, emphasizing the vulnerability of swing districts [03:43].
Notable Quotes:
- Lauren Egan [02:10]: “Democrats can play in just about any congressional seat where Trump was plus 7, maybe even plus 10. That's in play now.”
- JVL [03:43]: “These results suggest that Elise Stefanik is not leaving her job, right?”
4. Elon Musk's Dual-Edged Influence
Elon Musk's involvement in the Wisconsin race serves as a case study in the complex interplay between financial power and personal branding in politics.
Key Points:
- Financial Investment: Musk poured over $20 million into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, aiming to influence judicial outcomes favorable to his business interests [10:27].
- Public Persona: Musk's high-profile campaigning, including offering monetary incentives for voter participation, may have backfired by alienating voters [08:18].
Notable Quotes:
- Will Saletan [12:34]: “Which of those Musk effects prevailed?”
- Lauren Egan [09:05]: “...it was just so obvious, you know, that he was just trying to almost like, buy this election.”
5. The Politics of the Judiciary and Rule of Law Concerns
The episode raises alarms about the increasing politicization of the judiciary and its implications for the rule of law in the United States.
Key Points:
- Partisan Judiciary: The election emphasized how judicial positions are becoming battlegrounds for partisan interests, threatening the impartiality of the legal system [14:00].
- Rule of Law at Stake: The potential for elected judges to make decisions influenced by political agendas poses a significant threat to the foundational principles of justice [15:23].
Notable Quotes:
- Will Saletan [11:44]: “What we have is the collapse of the rule of law. So I'm very concerned about that in Wisconsin.”
- JVL [15:23]: “Good news twice in one night... Stay with us.”
6. Future Implications for Midterm Elections and Beyond
The outcomes of these elections hint at broader trends that could shape the political landscape leading into the midterms and future electoral contests.
Key Points:
- Democratic Momentum: Victories in traditionally Republican strongholds signal a potential shift in voter sentiment, emboldening Democratic strategies [03:43].
- Republican Reevaluation: Facing unexpected losses, the Republican Party may need to reassess its alignment with figures like Trump and Musk to regain footing [05:54].
Notable Quotes:
- Lauren Egan [06:19]: “If you're a Democrat and you are any person who's been angry about Trump and Musk... they had something they could do which was to vote.”
- Will Saletan [07:36]: “Do they get scared by... are these results enough to scare them to take some of the momentum out of the Trump Musk agenda on the Hill?”
7. Conclusion: A Shift in Political Dynamics
The episode concludes on a cautiously optimistic note, highlighting the unexpected victories for Democrats and the challenges faced by Republicans in adapting to the evolving political climate.
Final Thoughts:
- Optimism for Democrats: The success in Wisconsin and Florida provides a morale boost for Democrats, showcasing their ability to compete in competitive districts [07:36].
- Challenges for Republicans: The Republican Party must navigate internal tensions and external pressures from influential figures like Musk to remain viable in upcoming elections [13:51].
Notable Quotes:
- JVL [15:23]: “Good news twice in one night. Hit, like, hit. Subscribe, follow the channel. Stay with us.”
- Will Saletan [12:56]: “Musk’s decision making about showing up and the way he talks could best be described as neurodivergent.”
This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a comprehensive examination of pivotal election results that not only reshape immediate political landscapes but also underscore the broader implications for democracy and the rule of law in the United States.