Bulwark Takes: Jon Ossoff Taps Into Something People Want
Release Date: March 24, 2025

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Tim Miller and Sam Stein delve into Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff's recent political maneuvers, analyzing his strategies and messaging that position him as a formidable contender in the upcoming 2026 Senate race. The discussion navigates through Ossoff's critique of the Trump administration, his approach to cultural issues, the leveraging of elite narratives, and the broader implications for the Democratic Party's strategy.

1. Jon Ossoff’s Critique of the Trump Administration

The episode opens with Tim Miller introducing a clip from Jon Ossoff, where he sharply criticizes former President Donald Trump's cabinet and administration practices.

Notable Quote:
Jon Ossoff (00:41):
"Trump's cabinet is worth like $60 billion. That's not even including Elon. They are literally the elites they pretend to hate."

Ossoff emphasizes the disconnect between Trump's focus on grand, often trivial endeavors—such as invading Greenland—and neglect of pressing domestic issues like healthcare and childcare. He highlights the chaos resulting from administrative inefficiencies, citing the mass firing of government employees responsible for critical functions like the Veterans crisis line and disease prevention at the CDC.

Sam Stein (02:21):
"The messaging was spot-on, especially for a state that's difficult like Georgia. It wasn't overly liberal, it wasn't overly progressive. It was just exactly the themes that you and I have been harping on."

2. Addressing Cultural Issues with Nuance

Ossoff's approach to cultural hot-button issues, such as immigration, is discussed as being strategically effective for Democrats in Georgia. Instead of adopting a strictly anti-deportation stance, Ossoff frames his critique in a way that questions the administration's handling of resources.

Sam Stein (02:21):
"He... did it in this way that is more effective for Democrats. He's like, does it make sense to turn our military bases into prison camps for immigrants?"

This nuanced approach allows Ossoff to address contentious topics without alienating moderate voters, positioning himself as a pragmatic alternative to more polarized figures.

3. Leveraging Trump’s Obsessions for Democratic Gain

Tim Miller discusses how Ossoff strategically uses Trump's fixation on issues like Greenland to shift the conversation towards more pertinent local concerns.

Tim Miller (04:28):
"There is a way to leverage his bait in your favor... Ossoff went along with this, and now it highlights what's truly important to the constituents."

By highlighting the administration's preoccupation with irrelevant matters, Ossoff effectively contrasts it with his focus on addressing voters' real-life challenges, such as healthcare and childcare.

4. The Influence of Elon Musk and Elite Vulnerabilities

The conversation shifts to the mention of Elon Musk as a significant vulnerability for the Democrats. Ossoff's reference to Musk underscores the influence of billionaires in politics and the broader elite's detachment from everyday concerns.

Tim Miller (07:35):
"Elon is a real vulnerability. Ossoff's joke was pretty funny, where he's like, the cabinet's worth 60 billion, and that doesn't even include Elon."

They humorously estimate the combined wealth of Trump's cabinet and affiliated elites, emphasizing the vast disparities that fuel voter discontent.

5. Anti-Elite Messaging Across the Democratic Spectrum

A central theme of the episode is the alignment of various Democratic figures, from AOC and Bernie Sanders to Jon Ossoff and Wes Moore, in their anti-oligarchy and anti-elite rhetoric. This collective stance is seen as a strategic effort to unify the party around a common grievance against entrenched power structures.

Sam Stein (10:07):
"They are all positioning themselves... as anti oligarchy, anti elites. Like the system is broken, we got to fix the system."

This messaging resonates with a broad spectrum of voters who feel marginalized by the existing power dynamics, allowing Democrats to present a unified front against perceived corruption and self-interest within the elite class.

6. Challenges in Defending Democratic Institutions

The hosts touch upon the inherent challenge Democrats face in advocating for strong institutions amidst widespread skepticism. Balancing the defense of democracy while addressing distrust in those institutions requires nuanced communication strategies.

Tim Miller (10:07):
"They have to co-opt it now. Democrats got caught in a trap... How do you defend democracy and institutions when people are skeptical or hostile to the institutions?"

This dilemma underscores the delicate balance Democrats must maintain in promoting institutional integrity without appearing disconnected from voter anxieties.

7. Conclusion and Upcoming Events

The episode concludes with a light-hearted exchange between Tim and Sam, highlighting their camaraderie and teasing an upcoming live event featuring Bill Kristol. The hosts encourage listeners to subscribe and stay tuned for future discussions.

Sam Stein (12:21):
"That's anti-Semitic."
Tim Miller (12:23):
"I hope not. I think I... I'm honoring you and your experience."

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic Messaging: Jon Ossoff effectively critiques the Trump administration by highlighting its inefficiencies and misplaced priorities, resonating with Georgia's diverse electorate.

• Nuanced Approach to Cultural Issues: Ossoff addresses sensitive topics like immigration in a way that aligns with Democratic values without alienating moderate voters.

• Unified Anti-Elite Stance: A range of Democratic figures are consolidating their anti-oligarchy positions, presenting a united front against entrenched elites.

• Challenges in Institutional Defense: Democrats must navigate the complexities of defending democratic institutions while addressing voter skepticism and distrust.

Overall, this episode of Bulwark Takes provides an insightful analysis of Jon Ossoff's political strategies within the broader context of Democratic Party dynamics and electoral challenges in Georgia.