Bulwark Takes: The People Are The Only Solution to Trump (w/ Sarah Longwell) | Bulwark on Sunday

Release Date: March 30, 2025

Hosts: Bill Kristol and Sarah Longwell
Platform: The Bulwark
Episode Duration: Approximately 35 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark on Sunday, hosts Bill Kristol and Sarah Longwell engage in a profound discussion about the escalating authoritarian tendencies of former President Donald Trump and the insufficient resistance from various societal pillars. Released on March 30, 2025, the episode delves into the challenges of mounting an effective opposition and explores potential solutions to counteract Trump's influence.

Assessing Trump's Authoritarianism

Bill Kristol initiates the conversation by highlighting the unexpected progression of Trump's authoritarian agenda, noting a significant lack of effective resistance from Democrats, law firms, universities, and media institutions.

[00:52] Bill Kristol: "We were on to reinforce our bleak view of things."

Sarah Longwell concurs, emphasizing that institutions have either been coerced into compliance or have chosen to bow to Trump's demands, effectively diminishing any substantial opposition.

[01:28] Sarah Longwell: "They've pretty much figured out how to make everyone... bow to their whims... It's all really dominance politics."

The Problem of Resistance

Longwell introduces the concept of "closing civic spaces," explaining how Trump's aggressive tactics have instilled fear, leading to widespread reluctance to oppose him. She reflects on past impeachment efforts, where individuals cited personal fears over taking a stand, illustrating the pervasive sense of menace Trump wields.

[02:02] Sarah Longwell: "The menace that Donald Trump brings... makes people unwilling to fight."

Kristol adds that the Republican Party's gradual collapse serves as a forewarning of the current situation, where incremental erosion of support and rationalization processes have facilitated Trump's dominance.

[04:35] Bill Kristol: "It's a combination of fear and ambition and just going along to get along."

The Need for Leadership

The discussion shifts to the necessity of strong, diverse leadership to combat Trump's authoritarianism. Longwell critiques the reliance on figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Bernie Sanders, advocating for a broader coalition that includes various leaders across the political spectrum.

[08:02] Sarah Longwell: "Movements need leaders... AOC and Bernie are fine, but you need the rest of the spectrum out there."

Kristol expands on this by suggesting that leadership should come from multiple domains, including veterans, medical professionals, and young civil society members, rather than solely elected officials.

[12:21] Sarah Longwell: "Bravery... from elites. Generals didn't step up... We need a mass movement."

Strategies for Building a Coalition

Longwell emphasizes the importance of a broad-based coalition that transcends traditional political boundaries. She advocates for inclusivity, ensuring that individuals with diverse viewpoints feel welcome in the movement against Trump.

[09:28] Sarah Longwell: "People have to feel like everybody is welcome in this coalition, not just progressive Democrats."

Kristol underscores the significance of elevating mid-level voices and everyday individuals who have taken principled stands, suggesting that their actions can inspire broader participation.

[26:44] Bill Kristol: "Elevating those new voices... is a way to chip away at the sense that he's in charge."

Encouraging Individual Action

A central theme of the episode is empowering ordinary people to share their personal experiences of Trump's policies. Longwell argues that individual testimonies are more credible and relatable, fostering a collective understanding of the administration's detrimental impact.

[17:32] Sarah Longwell: "People are more credible to each other than anybody at the elite level."

Kristol supports this by highlighting the importance of regular individuals expressing how Trump's actions have affected their lives, thereby humanizing the political struggle.

[29:20] Bill Kristol: "The ultimate message is pretty simple... Trump's doing a lot of damage to the country and to you."

Messaging and Communication

The hosts discuss the challenges of crafting an effective message to counter Trump's "America First" narrative. Longwell stresses the need for a multifaceted communication strategy that resonates with a broad audience, avoiding simplistic slogans in favor of substantive, relatable messages.

[31:20] Sarah Longwell: "Trump is doing damage to us. All kinds of ways he's doing damage to us."

Kristol agrees, noting that the message should clearly communicate the personal and societal harms caused by Trump's policies, making it accessible and impactful for everyday Americans.

[31:10] Bill Kristol: "The ultimate message is pretty simple... Trump's doing a lot of damage to the country and to you."

Conclusion and Future Vision

In their closing remarks, Longwell and Kristol envision a future where Americans rise collectively to oppose and rebuild beyond Trump's influence. Longwell emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking strategies and the emergence of new leaders who can drive a resurgence of democratic values.

[34:19] Sarah Longwell: "We're able to explain to people why Donald Trump is the cause of their personal pain... a forward looking viewpoint and vision for what an America resurgence is going to look like."

Kristol echoes this optimism, underscoring the potential for ordinary individuals to inspire significant political change through sustained collective action.

[35:32] Bill Kristol: "That's really a great note. And Sarah, thanks for taking time out of your Sunday..."

Key Takeaways

1. Trump's Authoritarian Tendencies: Trump's administration has systematically undermined institutional resistance through intimidation and coercion, leading to a widespread climate of fear.

2. Insufficient Opposition: Current resistance efforts are fragmented and lack the necessary leadership and cohesion to effectively counteract Trump's influence.

3. Need for Diverse Leadership: A successful movement against Trump requires leaders from various sectors and backgrounds, not just prominent political figures.

4. Empowering Individuals: Encouraging ordinary Americans to share their personal experiences can create a relatable and credible narrative against authoritarianism.

5. Strategic Messaging: Developing a comprehensive and inclusive communication strategy is crucial to galvanize a broad coalition and challenge Trump's "America First" ideology.

6. Building a Resilient Coalition: Fostering a unified, broad-based movement that transcends political affiliations is essential for sustainable resistance and eventual resurgence of democratic values.

This episode of Bulwark on Sunday offers a compelling analysis of the current political landscape, emphasizing the pivotal role of individual action and diverse leadership in combating authoritarianism. Kristol and Longwell provide insightful strategies for fostering a united front, underscoring the importance of storytelling and inclusive coalition-building in restoring democratic norms.