Bulwark Takes: Should There Be Any Checks on Trump's Power? Cameron Kasky Debates Tomi Lahren
Release Date: April 9, 2025

In this engaging episode of Bulwark Takes, Cameron Caskey engages in a spirited debate with conservative commentator Tomi Lahren. The discussion traverses a range of pressing political and social issues, from the cognitive capabilities of President Joe Biden to the complexities of immigration policy, the influence of activist judges, and the Democratic Party's stance on transgender rights. Below is a detailed summary of their conversation, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and the overarching themes explored.

1. Joe Biden's Cognitive Decline and Democratic Party Accountability

Cameron Caskey initiates the debate by addressing concern over President Joe Biden's cognitive health:

"I was one of the first people in my kind of liberal influencer circles to be saying, hey, this is not somebody who would be hired to manage a small ice cream shop, much less President of the United States."
— Cameron Caskey [00:53]

Caskey criticizes the feedback loop within Biden's inner circle, suggesting a "cult of personality" that perpetuates a misleading narrative about the president's capabilities. He questions whether the Democratic Party will continue to enable such narratives or hold their leaders accountable.

2. Immigration and Deportation Policies

The conversation shifts to immigration, with both debaters presenting contrasting views.

Cameron Caskey contends that the Democratic approach to immigration has evolved from mere deportations to more aggressive measures that undermine due process:

"Now they're not just deporting illegal immigrants anymore. They are getting rid of due process. They are deporting, like, random people from Maryland."
— Cameron Caskey [04:24]

Tomi Lahren refutes this claim, clarifying that specific deportations are targeted and based on legal determinations:

"The gentleman that you're talking about... has already been deemed by not only the police department, but a judge that he is gang affiliated."
— Tomi Lahren [03:59]

The debate highlights differing interpretations of immigration enforcement and the extent to which due process is maintained.

3. The Role of Activist Judges and the Legal System

Caskey expresses concern over the influence of activist judges on national policy:

"When we have judges who are getting, you know, when we're spending millions and millions of dollars against these, quote, unquote activist judges... how much can our legal system do to protect just human rights in general..."
— Cameron Caskey [05:19]

Lahren counters by emphasizing the importance of judicial decisions and the limitations of judges' jurisdiction:

"Whoever... I'm making a rule for the entire country and hamstringing the president. That's where my issue is."
— Tomi Lahren [07:54]

They discuss the balance between judicial authority and executive power, questioning whether the current legal framework adequately checks presidential actions.

4. Checks and Balances within the Political System

Caskey raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing checks and balances, particularly in the legislature:

"Republicans who are popular in their home states are voting very often not in line with the policies that they run on..."
— Cameron Caskey [07:54]

He argues that partisan loyalty undermines legislative accountability, making it difficult to hold elected officials responsible for deviating from their campaign promises.

5. Transgender Issues and Democratic Party's Strategy

A significant portion of the debate focuses on the Democratic Party's handling of transgender rights, especially in sports.

Tomi Lahren criticizes the Democratic stance, arguing that it prioritizes a minority group's rights over the majority's interests:

"The tyranny of the minority to go in and compete against women and entire teams of girls... we're going to take this away from you and you just have to deal with it."
— Tomi Lahren [10:39]

Cameron Caskey responds by suggesting that the Democratic Party's messaging is performative and disconnected from the broader population:

"The way people talk about trans issues... is so often so performative."
— Cameron Caskey [13:26]

He contends that the focus on transgender issues diverts attention from more impactful policy areas affecting the general populace.

6. School Safety and Personal Experiences

Caskey shares a personal tragedy to highlight issues of school safety, contrasting it with the party's focus on transgender issues.

"I'm from a high school where 17 people got murdered by a 19 year old..."
— Cameron Caskey [14:26]

Tomi Lahren acknowledges his experience but maintains her stance on prioritizing transgender issues within the broader context of school safety.

7. Party Dynamics and Influencer Roles

The debate touches upon the influence of political strategists and the role of influencers within both parties.

Cameron Caskey critiques the Democratic establishment for not being inclusive of dissenting voices:

"They [the Democratic establishment] are not going to be making room for anybody who has anything to say about things like... a president deteriorating."
— Cameron Caskey [15:29]

He draws parallels to the Trump campaign's strategic use of influencers to reach diverse voter bases, questioning why similar tactics are not employed by Democrats.

Tomi Lahren emphasizes loyalty to the Supreme Court while advocating for limited judicial overreach:

"I respect the Supreme Court, and I respect the decision that was ultimately made in favor of the Trump administration."
— Tomi Lahren [06:32]

8. Conclusion

The episode concludes with both debaters acknowledging the need for continued dialogue. Lahren invites Caskey to return for further discussions, signaling an openness to ongoing debate despite their fundamental disagreements.

"I appreciate you being so honest and forthright, and I hope we can have this conversation again."
— Tomi Lahren [16:25]
"Thanks for having me."
— Cameron Caskey [16:34]

Key Takeaways:

• Leadership Accountability: Caskey challenges the Democratic Party to hold leaders like President Biden accountable regarding their capabilities.

• Immigration Enforcement: The debate underscores the complexity of immigration policies, with differing views on the balance between enforcement and due process.

• Judicial Influence: Concerns are raised about the role of activist judges and their impact on executive authority and national policy.

• Party Messaging: Both debaters critique their respective parties' strategies, particularly highlighting perceived weaknesses in messaging and accountability.

• Transgender Rights vs. Majority Interests: A contentious discussion on whether focusing on transgender rights undermines broader societal interests, especially in areas like sports and school safety.

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a robust exchange of ideas, reflecting the deep divisions and complex issues at the heart of contemporary American politics. Whether one agrees with Caskey or Lahren, the conversation provides valuable insights into the challenges facing both the Democratic and Republican parties as they navigate an increasingly polarized landscape.