Bulwark Takes: "Kash Patel's Crazy Election Theory Came From Where?!" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: July 5, 2025
Host: Sonny Bunch
Guest: Will Sommers
Podcast: Bulwark Takes by The Bulwark

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Sonny Bunch engages in a deep dive discussion with Will Sommers concerning the resurgence of conspiracy theories alleging that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was stolen. The conversation centers around claims propagated by Kash Patel and explores the origins, credibility, and implications of these theories.

Introduction to the Conspiracy Theory

Sonny Bunch opens the discussion by referencing Will Sommers' latest newsletter and introduces the topic of election fraud, specifically asserting that the 2020 election was stolen and that the FBI now possesses proof of this fraud.

Sonny Bunch [00:00]: "A very important topic today, election fraud. Turns out the 2020 election was stolen. And the FBI has proof of that now."

Will Sommers responds by outlining Kash Patel's claims published in Just the News, a conservative blog supportive of Trumpism. Patel alleges that a 2020 intelligence report revealed China's attempt to steal the election by importing fraudulent American driver’s licenses and harvesting voter data through TikTok.

Will Sommers [00:24]: "We found this intelligence report from 2020 that China tried to steal the election. And then Chris Wray, the then head of the FBI, said they hadn't, didn't have any evidence of election fraud to Congress."

Dissecting the Claims

The discussion progresses to examine the validity of the claims. Will Sommers emphasizes that the declassified report, upon its release, failed to provide concrete evidence supporting the allegations of election fraud.

Will Sommers [01:28]: "...it does not actually prove there was election fraud."

Sonny expresses skepticism, highlighting the improbability of the mechanism described—using fraudulent IDs sourced from China and TikTok data for voter fraud.

Sonny Bunch [02:16]: "Does TikTok require you to give an address to use TikTok? Is that a thing that happens?"

Sommers counters by clarifying that TikTok does not request user addresses, undermining the foundation of the conspiracy theory.

Will Sommers [03:14]: "It does not. And so this is kind of problem number one that comes up is that the FBI agent... they say, you know, one issue, it doesn't really happen with TikTok."

Origins and Spread of the Theory

The conversation delves into the genesis of the conspiracy theory, tracing it back to August 2020, when the FBI received a tip about Chinese efforts to influence the election. This tip was allegedly a mix of misinformation from social media and real-world events, such as the seizure of fake IDs by Border Patrol at Chicago’s airport intended for underage drinking, later misconstrued to suggest electoral interference.

Will Sommers [05:02]: "Border Patrol had seized thousands of fake IDs at Chicago's airport... these IDs were meant for college students... then a few days later becomes on right wing blogs... IDs were meant to sway the election."

Sommers points out the source's questionable credibility, citing previous unfounded claims about China establishing underground bases in Republican states to spread COVID-19, which were also dismissed by the FBI.

Will Sommers [06:44]: "...the source had also relayed information that China had created underground bases in Republican states in the United States to spread the coronavirus. Now, I don't think that's really true."

Current Political Climate and Reactions

Fast forward to 2025, where Republicans, led by figures like Chuck Grassley and Cash Patel, revive these discredited theories amidst ongoing partisan tensions. The episode discusses how these claims have been leveraged to foster distrust in FBI leadership and push for political prosecutions.

Will Sommers [08:13]: "Republicans are really hyped up about it... Heritage foundation has already asked the Justice Department to prosecute him [Chris Wray] for perjury."

Sonny emphasizes the persistence of these unfounded theories and questions their logical inconsistencies, such as why alleged fraudulent voters wouldn't choose states without driver's license requirements.

Sonny Bunch [10:11]: "Why wouldn't they just send the Chinese nationals to a state where they didn't need driver's licenses?"

Potential Implications and Future Developments

Looking ahead, Sommers speculates on the possibility of congressional hearings and further political actions aimed at uncovering or debunking these theories. He draws parallels to past unfounded claims, suggesting a cyclical pattern in political misinformation.

Will Sommers [11:03]: "This is kind of one of these things that can sort of... it kind of goes on in your peripheral vision... how is it a lie? And you can just feel better about it."

Sonny concludes by highlighting the absurdity and frustration surrounding these conspiracy theories, while subtly pointing out the overshadowing presence of other baseless claims, such as COVID-19 underground bases.

Sonny Bunch [12:10]: "...if we can use this to blow the COVID off the whole Covid underground base situation, I think that's the real scandal here."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Sonny encouraging listeners to subscribe to The Bulwark and stay informed through their platforms, emphasizing the importance of shedding light on issues like election fraud and other conspiracy theories.

Sonny Bunch [12:27]: "...that's how we really shine a light on all of these dangerous issues like Covid bases and underground election farming, theft. That's what we do here."

Key Takeaways:

1. Origin of the Theory: The conspiracy theory about the 2020 election being stolen via Chinese interference originated from a mix of misinformation on social media and isolated real-world incidents, such as the seizure of fake IDs.

2. Credibility Issues: The claims lack substantive evidence, as revealed when the purported intelligence report failed to substantiate allegations of widespread election fraud.

3. Political Exploitation: Despite debunking, the theory has been revived by certain Republican figures, aiming to undermine trust in FBI leadership and sow doubt about the election's legitimacy.

4. Logical Inconsistencies: The mechanics of the alleged fraud, such as the use of driver’s licenses and TikTok data, present significant logistical challenges that undermine the plausibility of the theory.

5. Ongoing Misinformation: The persistence of such theories highlights the challenges in combating political misinformation and the cyclical nature of unfounded claims in the political landscape.

This Bulwark Takes episode effectively dissects the flawed foundations of Kash Patel's election theft theory, providing listeners with a critical analysis of its origins, propagation, and the broader implications for political discourse and trust in governmental institutions.