Bulwark Takes: Sarah Longwell - “Smell the Weakness, Go for the Jugular”
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Sarah Longwell, Publisher of The Bulwark
Guest: Lauren Egan, Author of the Opposition Newsletter
Introduction
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Sarah Longwell engages in a compelling conversation with Lauren Egan, the author of the Opposition newsletter. The discussion centers around the Democratic Party’s strategic approach heading into the 2026 elections, particularly focusing on leveraging high-profile scandals like the Epstein case to challenge Republican narratives and Trump’s influence.
Democrats’ 2026 Strategy and Messaging
Lauren Egan begins by addressing the Democratic Party's recognition of potentially effective messages that could resonate with voters. She notes the difference between acknowledging a strong message internally and effectively communicating it to the public.
Notable Quote:
“There is a bit of a generational divide, too, I think, with who's able to sort of like, clearly deliver on this message.”
— Lauren Egan [00:55]
Egan highlights that while some Democratic leaders understand the power of integrating salacious topics like Epstein into their broader narrative, others, particularly seasoned politicians like Nancy Pelosi, prefer to focus on what they deem as more traditional “kitchen table issues.” Pelosi’s reluctance to delve into Epstein is criticized as a missed opportunity to tap into a broader, more urgent narrative about Trump's protection of elites at the expense of the poor.
Quote:
“If you can get people's attention with Epstein and then use that to say Trump has been protecting his elite friends... there's just so many ways to take what Donald Trump has done.”
— Sarah Longwell [02:45]
Leveraging Scandals in Political Strategy
Sarah Longwell emphasizes the importance of using high-profile scandals to capture public attention and tie them into broader economic and political critiques of Trump. She argues that while everyday issues like high inflation and cost of living are vital, connecting them with sensational stories can create a more compelling and comprehensive message.
Quote:
“The way to tag into their concerns about prices is, number one, to tell them you got a plan to lower them, but also that Donald Trump is not doing it.”
— Sarah Longwell [04:50]
Longwell advocates for an aggressive approach, urging Democrats to capitalize on Trump’s vulnerabilities by directly addressing and challenging his actions and promises that have not materialized, such as lowering grocery prices or releasing Epstein files.
Quote:
“Smell the weakness, go for the jugular.”
— Sarah Longwell [16:35]
Fundraising Challenges and Strategic Allocation
The conversation shifts to fundraising dynamics within the Democratic Party. Lauren Egan points out that while Republicans in competitive districts are successfully raising substantial funds, Democrats are often funneling money into safe seats or high-profile but non-competitive races. This misallocation hampers the party’s ability to compete in truly battleground districts.
Quote:
“They are the ones who are going to get you where you want to go in terms of lawmaking, correct?”
— Lauren Egan [12:30]
Egan criticizes the tendency of Democrats to support candidates who are more about social media presence and personal appeal rather than those who can realistically secure victories in swing districts. She underscores the need for a more strategic approach to fundraising that prioritizes competitive races to build a stronger legislative presence.
Quote:
“If you want to win the House, that's where your dollars have to go.”
— Lauren Egan [13:01]
Encouraging Democratic Offensive Strategies
Sarah Longwell urges Democrats to adopt a more offensive stance, using Trump’s actions and scandals like Epstein to galvanize voter support and shift public discourse. She emphasizes the need for the party to move beyond cautious, traditional messaging and embrace more aggressive tactics to counter Republican narratives effectively.
Quote:
“Go find it. All right, guys, sorry, I've ranted enough.”
— Sarah Longwell [17:10]
Egan concurs, suggesting that Democrats need to remain proactive in shaping public opinion and not shy away from contentious issues that can unite the party and its supporters against common adversaries.
Quote:
“They should stop using the word distraction.”
— Lauren Egan [18:04]
Conclusion and Call to Action
The episode concludes with Sarah Longwell reinforcing the importance of the Epstein scandal in the political landscape and encouraging Democrats to seize the moment by actively pursuing and publicizing such stories. She underscores the necessity for the party to maintain momentum and ensure that high-profile issues remain at the forefront of their strategy.
Closing Quote:
“This has been one of our bulwark takes. Go and subscribe... we want more people to find out about us.”
— Sarah Longwell [20:00]
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Messaging: Democrats can leverage high-profile scandals like the Epstein case to challenge Republican narratives and highlight Trump’s protection of elites.
- Fundraising Alignment: A more strategic allocation of fundraising efforts towards competitive districts is crucial for the Democratic Party’s success.
- Offensive Politics: Embracing an aggressive stance in addressing controversies can help Democrats unify their base and disrupt Republican influence.
- Public Engagement: Actively shaping public discourse through impactful stories ensures that vital issues remain relevant and drive voter engagement.
This episode provides a nuanced analysis of the Democratic Party’s strategic challenges and opportunities as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 elections. By integrating sensational issues with broader political and economic critiques, Democrats can potentially enhance their messaging and electoral performance.