Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "Newsom Steps Into the Fire! Shows Dems How to Torch Trump!"
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host: The Bulwark
Participants: Sam Stein (Managing Editor, The Bulwark) and Lauren Egan (Author of the Opposition Newsletter)
Introduction
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein and Lauren Egan delve into California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent speech, analyzing its implications for the Democratic Party's strategy against former President Donald Trump. The discussion explores Newsom's positioning as a leading voice in the anti-Trump opposition, the Democrats' struggle to convey the threat Trump poses, and the broader ramifications for national politics.
Gavin Newsom's Speech Overview
Lauren Egan begins by evaluating Newsom's speech delivered the previous night, highlighting its effectiveness in addressing the dangers posed by Trump's actions. She notes:
"Newsom... positioned himself as that last night... [he] talked about... authoritarianism" (01:00).
Newsom's speech emphasized the potential for democracy to unravel, framing current events as the onset of authoritarianism not confined to California but a national threat.
Democrats' Messaging Struggles
Lauren Egan discusses the Democratic Party's historical difficulty in articulating the dangers Trump represents:
"Harris tried to make that message in the campaign... Biden tried to make that message for four years and they really struggled" (00:35).
Egan attributes Newsom's success to his ability to clearly explain what democracy means, contrasting with Biden and Harris, who have been less effective in this regard.
Comparison with Biden and Harris
The conversation shifts to why Biden and Harris have struggled compared to Newsom:
"The messenger matters... Biden was just never going to be in a place where he could effectively deliver that message" (02:13).
Egan emphasizes that Newsom, being actively in office and directly addressing issues like protests and the National Guard's deployment, offers a more immediate and relatable message than Biden.
Newsom's Political Positioning and Ambitions
Sam Stein raises the possibility that Newsom's aggressive stance might signal presidential ambitions:
"I think that's just like he's running for president quite clearly" (07:23).
Lauren Egan acknowledges the cynicism surrounding Newsom's actions but suggests his approach is effective in communicating urgency without descending into fear-mongering:
"He's not trying to... tell you that the world is ending when it's not actually ending" (04:13).
Democratic Party's Internal Disagreements
The discussion highlights internal debates within the Democratic Party regarding how to handle Trump's actions:
"Some lawmakers... Let's pivot. Let's talk about Medicaid, health care cuts... Others... we got to talk about this, because this is really bad" (09:54).
Egan points out that while some Democrats view the situation as a distraction from legislative agendas, others believe it is a critical issue that demands attention.
Implications for Other States
Sam Stein and Lauren Egan speculate on whether Newsom's approach will influence other Democratic governors like Pritzker or Whitmer:
"It's clearly like the point he's trying to make... it's me now, but it's you tomorrow" (12:58).
They agree that while currently prominent in California, similar strategies may be necessary nationwide as Trump's influence persists.
Media Coverage and Public Perception
The panel discusses how media portrayal, especially on platforms like TikTok, can skew public perception of Newsom's message:
"You just go on TikTok and you're just fed a bunch of... cars burning... Republicans can really manipulate that" (14:08).
Sam Stein raises concerns about the aggressive online tactics of Newsom's team, noting their active engagement against Trump and Republican lawmakers through statistics and counter-narratives.
Conclusion
Sam Stein and Lauren Egan conclude that Gavin Newsom's recent speech marks a pivotal moment for the Democratic Party in confronting Trump's actions. While acknowledging technical issues with the speech's delivery, they commend its content and anticipate its significant impact on party strategy. The discussion underscores the necessity for Democrats to unify and actively engage with the challenges posed by Trump's continued influence to safeguard democracy.
"It's a tough moment for the party but it's a necessary moment for them to tackle" (13:08).
Notable Quotes:
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Lauren Egan (00:35): "Newsom... fundamentally made a clear argument about the beginning of what democracy unraveling can look like."
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Gavin Newsom (04:59): "Democracy is under assault before our eyes. This moment we have feared has arrived."
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Lauren Egan (09:44): "We're not working in concert."
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Sam Stein (11:07): "Why is this a distraction for Trump? This is his project."
Timestamp Guide
- 00:35: Lauren Egan on Democrats' struggle to find a leading voice.
- 01:00: Lauren Egan on Newsom's positioning against authoritarianism.
- 02:13: Discussion on why Biden and Harris have struggled with the message.
- 04:13: Lauren Egan on Newsom's credible messaging strategy.
- 07:23: Sam Stein suggests Newsom might be positioning for a presidential run.
- 09:54: Lauren Egan on internal Democratic disagreements.
- 12:58: Discussion on potential influence on other states.
- 14:08: Media portrayal and public perception on platforms like TikTok.
- 13:08: Conclusion on the necessity of the moment for the party.
Final Thoughts
This episode of Bulwark Takes provides an in-depth analysis of Gavin Newsom's strategic positioning within the Democratic Party's broader efforts to counteract Trump's influence. By dissecting the nuances of the speech and the surrounding political dynamics, Sam Stein and Lauren Egan offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the current political landscape and the challenges facing Democrats in maintaining democratic integrity.