Bulwark Takes - Episode Summary: "MTG Just Blamed The Jews For Killing JFK!?"

Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: The Bulwark Team (Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Bill Kristol)

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Tim Miller and Sam Stein delve into the controversial remarks made by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (MTG), who allegedly blamed Jews for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (JFK). The discussion navigates through the problematic nature of MTG's statements, the perpetuation of antisemitic conspiracy theories, and the broader implications for political discourse in America.

Contextualizing MTG’s Controversial Tweet

[01:00] Tim Miller:
Tim introduces the topic, referencing a proposed video discussion about MTG’s accusation that Jews were responsible for JFK’s assassination.

[01:34] Tim Miller:
Tim expresses initial confusion and concern over MTG’s long tweet, highlighting his unfamiliarity with the context behind her claims.
“Apparently she blamed the Jews for killing JFK. I don't know why she did. And I want you to educate me.”

[01:35] Sam Stein:
Sam suggests dissecting the tweet line by line to better understand MTG’s assertions.

Dissecting the Tweet

[02:22] Sam Stein:
Sam begins reading MTG’s tweet, which criticizes Mark Levin, a conservative talk radio host, and accuses him of having a hostile stance towards Jews.

[03:18] Tim Miller:
Tim provides background on Mark Levin, clarifying his position and influence within the conservative media landscape.
“Mark Levin is Jewish, I assume. I don't actually know though.”

[03:53] Tim Miller:
He confirms Levin’s Jewish heritage, adding personal anecdotes to humanize the discussion.
“Mark Levin, one of three boys born in Philly to a Jewish family.”

Analyzing the Content and Implications

[04:15] Sam Stein:
Sam continues quoting MTG’s tweet, which intertwines biblical references with insinuations about Jewish responsibility for JFK’s assassination.
“Jesus is the Messiah... Jesus is the Lamb of God... Jesus was put to death on a Roman cross and died as a one time sacrifice for our sins.”

[05:05] Tim Miller:
Tim interprets the subtext, suggesting MTG is subtly implying Jewish culpability in historical events.
“It seems there like there's a little, like kind of just a little subtext about the Jews killing Jesus also.”

[05:10] Sam Stein:
Sam admits to not wanting to delve deeper into the conspiracy, acknowledging the discomfort such claims cause.
“But if I ever had dinner with MTG, I... will confront her on this because I think our people have endured enough.”

Historical Conspiracy Theories and Modern Implications

[06:56] Tim Miller:
Tim links MTG’s statements to long-standing conspiracy theories involving Jewish Zionist Mossad operatives and JFK’s assassination.
“It looks like the Jewish Zionist Mossad conspiracies about JFK... dated 11-25-63.”

[07:59] Sam Stein:
Sam comments on how easily conspiracy theories can be accessed and propagated through simple online searches.
“This is how they catch you in the conspiracy theories. Just one Google.”

[08:03] Tim Miller:
Tim shares personal reflections on his encounters with JFK conspiracy theories, emphasizing their divisive nature.
“I am neutral on the j. On all of that.”

[09:07] Sam Stein:
Sam expresses a strong stance against attributing JFK’s assassination to Jewish individuals, highlighting the undue burden such baseless claims place on the Jewish community.
“We don’t need to be blamed for the Kennedy assassination. We got enough shit going on.”

The Dangers of Political Antisemitism

Throughout the discussion, both Tim and Sam underscore the peril of politicians like MTG perpetuating antisemitic narratives. They emphasize that such rhetoric not only fuels division but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes that have historically led to real-world violence and discrimination against Jewish communities.

[09:39] Sam Stein:
Sam acknowledges the prevalence of conspiracy theories on various platforms but distinguishes their own discourse as more measured and fact-based.
“This is a little bit more elevated. I don't suspect they're quite as affable, and as we are, I think a little bit more faux seriousness.”

Concluding Thoughts

The episode wraps up with Tim and Sam reinforcing the importance of addressing and challenging antisemitic conspiracy theories. They advocate for responsible discourse and the need to hold political figures accountable for spreading unfounded and harmful narratives.

[09:45] Tim Miller:
Tim humorously notes the difference in presentation between their discussion and the more sensational content found on platforms like CNN’s YouTube feed.
“This is a little bit more elevated. I don't suspect they're quite as affable, and as we are, I think a little bit more faux seriousness.”

Key Takeaways

1. Problematic Rhetoric: MTG’s tweet linking Jews to JFK’s assassination revives old antisemitic conspiracy theories, contributing to a toxic political climate.

2. Historical Context: The discussion highlights the enduring nature of conspiracy theories surrounding JFK’s assassination and their roots in antisemitism.

3. Responsibility in Discourse: Tim and Sam emphasize the need for responsible communication, especially among public figures, to prevent the spread of harmful stereotypes.

4. Combating Antisemitism: The episode serves as a call to action to confront and debunk antisemitic claims, advocating for solidarity and informed dialogue.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Miller [01:35]:
  “Apparently she blamed the Jews for killing JFK. I don't know why she did. And I want you to educate me.”

• Sam Stein [03:03]:
  “Unlike other MAGA non-interventionists, Marjorie Taylor Greene has stuck to it and she's not found some post hoc rationalization for supporting Trump bombing Iran.”

• Tim Miller [06:56]:
  “It looks like the Jewish Zionist Mossad conspiracies about JFK.”

• Sam Stein [09:07]:
  “We don't need to be blamed for the Kennedy assassination. We got enough shit going on.”

Conclusion

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a critical examination of MLB's latest controversy involving Marjorie Taylor Greene’s antisemitic claims. Through insightful analysis and candid discussion, Tim Miller and Sam Stein shed light on the dangerous resurgence of conspiracy theories and their real-world implications, urging listeners to remain vigilant against the spread of hate-fueled narratives.

For more in-depth discussions and analyses, subscribe to Bulwark Takes and stay informed on the latest political developments.