Bulwark Takes – Episode Summary

Podcast: Bulwark Takes
Episode: Jason Crow: Voters Want Normal Government, Not Trump’s Circus
Date: November 7, 2025
Host: Sam Stein
Guest: Congressman Jason Crow

Episode Overview

This episode features a candid and deeply insightful conversation between Sam Stein and Congressman Jason Crow. The discussion explores the fallout from the recent government shutdown—both the Democratic response and its broader implications for American democracy—and sharp critiques of Donald Trump's approach to governance and foreign policy. Additional topics include U.S. military actions in Latin America, Democratic candidate recruitment for 2026, and the personal and institutional challenges facing those considering public service in today’s combative political environment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Democratic Party Revitalization & Guardrails on Governance

• Democratic Victories and Government Approach:
  Crow emphasizes that recent Democratic election wins aren’t just “political wins,” but a reflection of Americans' desire to return to stable, "normal" government and to reject Trump’s “politics of chaos and dysfunction”.

  “They don't like the politics of chaos and dysfunction that Donald Trump has brought… They actually want a reasonable approach to good government.”
  — Jason Crow (00:52)

• Guardrails of Democracy:
  Crow insists that the fight is about safeguarding constitutional norms and the rule of law, not just transactional policy deals. He stresses that Democrats must demand substantive safeguards to prevent executive abuses—citing unchecked movement of funds, deployment of the military domestically, and lack of congressional oversight as key concerns.

  “If I am looking down the rail line, I see that the bridge is out, right? Am I going to put the train back on the rails?”
  — Jason Crow (04:01)

• The Importance of Showing “Fight”:
  The Congressman argues that the party’s problem is not policy, but perception of weakness. Americans want representatives who “show some fight” for democracy.

  “What they want is they want people who are going to fight for them tooth and nail, who will stand up for democracy. And that is what we are showing.”
  — Jason Crow (05:56)

2. The Shutdown Standoff and Democratic Messaging

• Changing Democratic Posture:
  Crow suggests Democrats have become more unified and assertive during the government shutdown, demonstrating greater resolve than before.

  “Very clearly what people have wanted is the Democratic Party to be stronger, more competent and more vigorous and show some fight.”
  — Jason Crow (05:36)

• Beyond Policy to Principle:
  Crow warns that focusing solely on policies misses the deeper constitutional crisis posed by former President Trump’s actions, indicating a need for deep reforms in oversight and authority.

3. U.S. Military Actions in Latin America & Executive Overreach

• Critique of Trump’s Foreign Policy:
  The episode delves into the recent U.S. bombings of alleged drug boats in Venezuela and the Caribbean. Crow calls out the lack of legal or strategic justification and frames it as executive overreach designed for political theater, not national security.

  “There is not a problem that Donald Trump encounters that he doesn't think he can bomb his way out of. And that is very disturbing because this is a man who campaigned like an isolationist, but is acting like an imperialist and interventionist, and America's fed up with it.”
  — Jason Crow (10:45)

• Fentanyl Crisis—What’s Being Missed:
  Crow notes the operations are not targeting the core threat of fentanyl and calls the military approach “theatrics”, mainly aimed at generating social media clips rather than real solutions.

  “They have not shown me evidence of a single pill of fentanyl that's been bombed and disrupted.”
  — Jason Crow (11:34)

• Assessment of Oversight Priorities:
  If Democrats regain House control, Crow lists investigation of executive overreach in military actions as a top priority, as well as broader national security accountability.

  “It is just madness what we have allowed to happen over the last 20 years. ... Democrat and Republican Congresses have allowed it to happen. ... It is madness and it has to stop.”
  — Jason Crow (14:23)

4. Candidate Recruitment and Localizing Democracy

• What Makes a Winning Candidate?:
  Crow, as DCCC co-chair for recruitment, says local roots, a service background, and “hyperlocal campaigns” connecting to community specifics, not strict adherence to a single model, are key for Democrats in 2026.

  “When you put smart, servant leaders ... that run very local races that are pragmatic and reasonable… they win. ... This is not rocket science.”
  — Jason Crow (16:29)

• Rebuilding Trust in “Trump Districts”:
  Crow emphasizes gradual trust-building through local engagement, especially in areas that have consistently voted Republican.

  “We have to rebuild and re earn trust in rural America and working class America. But it took us 20 years to get ourselves in a difficult position… it takes more than one year to get out of it.”
  — Jason Crow (18:32)

5. The Mental Toll and Motivation for Public Service

• Goldin’s Retirement and the Political Climate:
  Crow reflects on the personal risk and disillusionment driving some public servants, like Jared Golden, to step away, acknowledging the difficulty and dangers of today’s political climate.

  “It's a very, very hard environment for folks to step up and serve right now. Then you add AI on top of that, disinformation, propaganda, ... a president that's weaponizing the DOJ against politicians and his political opponents. It's a tough environment.”
  — Jason Crow (20:23)

• Why Serve? Crow’s Appeal to Candidates:
  Crow underscores that historical moments choose leaders, not vice versa, and frames running for office now as “answering the call” during a national crucible.

  “You never get to choose your time. ... Your only choice is whether or not you're going to answer the call. ... I'm asking you to take a couple years of your life, run a really hard political campaign, win, and help us defend our democracy.”
  — Jason Crow (22:14)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Trump’s Brand of Governance:
  “America was very clear. They don't like what Trump is doing. They don't like the politics of chaos and dysfunction...”
  — Jason Crow (00:52)

• On Standing Firm During the Shutdown:
  “If I am looking down the rail line, I see that the bridge is out, right? Am I going to put the train back on the rails?”
  — Jason Crow (04:01)

• On Military Adventurism:
  “There is not a problem that Donald Trump encounters that he doesn't think he can bomb his way out of. ... This is a man who campaigned like an isolationist, but is acting like an imperialist and interventionist.”
  — Jason Crow (10:45)

• On Candidate Recruitment:
  “What we need is great people with backgrounds largely outside of politics ... America's thirsty for new leadership.”
  — Jason Crow (16:29)

• On the Call to Serve:
  “You never get to choose your time... I'm not asking you to storm the beaches of Normandy. ... I'm asking you to take a couple years of your life, run a really hard political campaign, win, and help us defend our democracy.”
  — Jason Crow (22:14)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Democratic Approach & Guardrails – 00:42–05:12
• Why “Showing Fight” Matters – 05:36–07:49
• Critique of Bombings/Foreign Policy – 09:55–13:20
• Oversight Priorities if Dems Win House – 13:47–15:35
• What Makes a Winning Candidate – 16:13–19:21
• Mental Toll of Public Service & Goldin – 19:21–21:06
• Crow’s Appeal for Service in Crisis – 21:12–22:55

Tone & Takeaway

Throughout, Crow’s tone is resolute, urgent, and deeply patriotic, mixing dismay at current dysfunction with calls for courage, principle, and relentless commitment to democracy’s survival. The episode leaves listeners with a sense of the stakes—both for the Democratic Party and for the country—and a challenge for ordinary citizens with the skills and courage to consider stepping forward.