Bulwark Takes: LIVE With David Pakman - "Forget the Lights, Just Hit Record!"

Release Date: July 30, 2025

Hosts: Tim Miller (The Bulwark) and David Pakman

In the engaging live episode of Bulwark Takes, Tim Miller from The Bulwark converses with renowned YouTuber and political commentator David Pakman. The discussion delves deep into the aftermath of the 2024 election, the persistent Epstein scandal's impact on Donald Trump's political standing, the future of the Republican Party, and the strategic growth of The Bulwark's Substack platform. The episode, free from advertisements and non-content segments, offers listeners a comprehensive analysis of pressing political issues through candid dialogue and expert insights.

1. Introduction and Overview

Tim Miller kicks off the conversation by highlighting his recent collaboration with David Pakman on Substack, emphasizing the value of written content alongside their YouTube presence. He briefly outlines the episode's main topics, including a retrospective on the 2024 campaign, lessons for the pro-democracy movement, ongoing discussions about Jeffrey Epstein, and the role of independent media.

• Notable Quote:
  • [00:00] Tim Miller: "If you're into, you know, kind of written material instead of just blah, blah, blah, they're amazing."

2. Reflecting on the 2024 Election

The dialogue shifts to a critical examination of the 2024 Democratic campaign. Tim criticizes President Joe Biden's decision to run for re-election, citing his lackluster debate performances and perceived disconnect from the electorate's evolving concerns. He argues that Biden's actions in 2024 placed the Democratic Party in a vulnerable position, contrasting sharply with the more combative and divisive Republican strategies under Trump.

• Notable Quotes:
  • [02:45] Tim Miller: "He gave the worst debate performance in history."
  • [05:23] Tim Miller: "The Democrats basically, for three straight cycles, put up presidential candidates. So we're like, you know, we want to help you, but like, within the confines of the system."

3. The Epstein Scandal and Its Political Ramifications

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the ongoing Epstein scandal and its implications for Donald Trump's political ambitions. David Pakman shares his frustrations with how the scandal is being handled, noting Trump's evasive responses and the potential damage it could inflict on his brand. Tim echoes these sentiments, expressing anger towards both Trump and Biden for their respective roles in perpetuating political cover-ups and failing to prioritize national interests over personal agendas.

• Notable Quotes:
  • [08:07] Tim Miller: "I just think that the behavior was not putting first the protection of the country and service to the country and the protection against Donald Trump and instead putting first his parochial interests."
  • [13:56] David Pakman: "It speaks to he's aware that he said nothing about a lot of stuff he knew about, and maybe that's what he's afraid of coming out."

4. Future of the Republican Party and MAGA Movement

Tim and David explore the potential long-term effects of the Epstein revelations on the Republican Party. While acknowledging that the core MAGA base remains steadfast, Tim suggests that the broader coalition supporting Trump may face fragmentation. This division could manifest among younger, non-ideological voters and those disillusioned by Trump's handling of scandals, potentially weakening the party's cohesion in future elections.

• Notable Quotes:
  • [16:33] Tim Miller: "No matter what happens, I think Trump is we're stuck with him."
  • [17:38] Tim Miller: "I think that is the political ramification of this."

5. Strategic Growth of The Bulwark and Substack

Shifting focus, Tim provides an in-depth look at The Bulwark's expansion, particularly through its Substack newsletters. He attributes their growth to authenticity, consistent content production, and a commitment to candid discourse. Tim emphasizes the importance of volume and genuine engagement with the audience, drawing parallels with political campaigning strategies that prioritize immediate and honest communication.

• Notable Quotes:
  • [25:39] David Pakman: "It's just the con. You just got to commit to the content."
  • [26:18] Tim Miller: "Volume and volume. And because people want, you know, people get in a relationship with you, if you're being real with them."

6. Concluding Thoughts and Future Collaborations

As the episode wraps up, both hosts express their appreciation for the insightful discussion and the importance of maintaining open channels of communication during critical political times. They encourage listeners to stay connected through their respective platforms to stay informed and engaged with ongoing political developments.

• Notable Quote:
  • [27:19] David Pakman: "If you're here because you follow me on Substack, make sure you're following Tim and the Bulwark."

Key Takeaways:

• Democratic Party Challenges: The 2024 election exposed significant vulnerabilities within the Democratic Party, particularly concerning leadership and public perception.

• Epstein Scandal's Impact: Ongoing revelations about Jeffrey Epstein continue to tarnish Donald Trump's political image, potentially leading to lasting repercussions for the Republican Party.

• MAGA Movement's Future: While Trump's core supporters remain loyal, the broader Republican coalition may experience fragmentation due to internal scandals and shifting voter demographics.

• Growth Through Authenticity: The Bulwark's success on Substack is largely attributed to its authentic, consistent content and its ability to connect genuinely with its audience.

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a thorough analysis of current political dynamics, blending expert commentary with strategic insights, making it a must-listen for those seeking to understand the evolving landscape of American politics.