Bulwark Takes: The RESISTANCE Is BACK! Will The DNC Listen?
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Hosts: Sam Stein and Lauren Egan

Overview

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Sam Stein engages in a comprehensive discussion with Lauren Egan about the resurgence of resistance movements within the Democratic Party, the effectiveness of recent protests, and the internal challenges facing the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The conversation delves into the strategies employed by organizers, the sustainability of activism in the current political climate, and the friction between grassroots movements and established party leadership.

1. Attendance and Impact of Recent Protests

Lauren Egan recounts her experience attending a "No Kings" protest in Nashville, highlighting the turnout and the diverse demographics of the participants.

Lauren Egan [01:02]: "There were a couple thousand people there in front of the state capitol."

Egan emphasizes the significance of the protest's peaceful nature and the strong communal spirit among attendees, noting the presence of individuals from various parts of the state.

Lauren Egan [01:38]: "And excited to be there."

Sam Stein expresses surprise at Egan's participation, considering Nashville's vibrant nightlife, to which Egan responds by explaining her streaming commitments.

2. Organizational Strategy of the Resistance Movement

Egan outlines the decentralized approach of current resistance movements, contrasting it with previous protests like the Women's March.

Lauren Egan [03:01]: "They're really purposely trying to make this very broad, very diffuse. There's no one leader, there's no one organization that's doing the whole thing."

This strategy aims to maintain a large and inclusive coalition, allowing each protest to adapt to local issues and leadership, thereby preventing the movement from being dominated by a single entity.

3. Sustainability and Evolution of Activism

The conversation shifts to the challenges of maintaining momentum in activism over an extended period. Egan reveals unexpected data indicating increased protest participation compared to the early days of Trump's administration.

Lauren Egan [05:05]: "More people have shown up to protest at this point in Trump's administration compared to the same point in 2017."

She attributes this sustained engagement to strategic planning by organizers, who recognize the importance of not overburdening activists and instead focusing on impactful, meaningful actions rather than frequent, smaller protests.

4. Tactics: Strategic Movements vs. Disruptive Actions

Sam Stein introduces the dual approach of building broad-based movements while simultaneously engaging in disruptive actions to capture public attention.

Sam Stein [07:08]: "It does seem like there's two tracks here. One is to build these movements strategically and pick your spots, and then the other one is to be disruptive in key moments."

Egan concurs, emphasizing that both strategies are essential and should coexist to maximize the movement's effectiveness. She cites specific instances, such as confrontations at political events, as examples of deliberate disruptive tactics designed to highlight key issues.

Lauren Egan [08:07]: "That was a strategic decision to walk into that room."

5. Internal Challenges Within the Democratic Party

The discussion turns critical as Stein addresses recent turmoil within the DNC, including the resignation of prominent union officials and ongoing drama involving figures like David Hogg.

Sam Stein [13:01]: "This morning and over the weekend, two very prominent union officials [...] asked me. They both resigned from their positions at the DNC."

Egan reflects on the negative impact of internal conflicts, suggesting that such drama undermines the party's broader goals and frustrates activists who view these issues as distractions from the urgent political battles at hand.

Lauren Egan [14:29]: "We have to get our people in line and figure this out."

6. The Disconnect Between Leadership and Grassroots Activism

Stein and Egan explore the tension between Democratic leadership and grassroots organizers. Stein argues that excessive alignment with party leadership can render the movement less authentic and effective.

Sam Stein [10:25]: "There's always going to be that type of tension... it becomes somewhat less effective."

Egan agrees, pointing out that leaders who trivialize protests or dismiss their significance risk alienating the very base that drives these movements.

Lauren Egan [10:36]: "We're in a crisis moment. It would be great if Democratic leadership didn't undermine that."

7. Expanding the Movement's Reach

Egan acknowledges concerns about the demographic limitations of current protests, noting that many participants are long-time, highly engaged activists. She highlights efforts to broaden participation across all 50 states, especially in traditionally red areas, to diversify and strengthen the movement's foundation.

Lauren Egan [12:10]: "Part of the strategy was to do this in all 50 states... but I couldn't find anyone who had never been to a protest before."

This strategy aims to attract new participants and ensure the movement’s messages resonate beyond the core group of established activists.

8. Conclusion: The Path Forward for the Resistance and the DNC

In closing, both Stein and Egan emphasize the critical need for the DNC to address internal divisions and better align with grassroots movements to sustain the resistance's momentum. Egan underscores the urgency of focusing on upcoming midterm elections and building effective strategies to secure legislative victories.

Lauren Egan [15:19]: "There's still no plan to win the Senate, which is something that baffles me."

Stein reiterates the importance of prioritizing unity and strategic planning over internal conflicts to harness the collective power of the resistance movement effectively.

Notable Quotes

• Lauren Egan [03:37]: "It's strategic. We're trying to keep the coalition big and broad."
• Sam Stein [05:05]: "More people have shown up to protest... which is not what either of us thought."
• Lauren Egan [08:48]: "Creating community around these moments... is impactful and does matter."
• Sam Stein [10:25]: "There's always going to be that type of tension between the movements and the leadership."

Key Takeaways

• Decentralized Organization: Modern resistance movements within the Democratic Party are intentionally broad and leaderless to maintain inclusivity and adaptability across different regions.

• Sustained Engagement: Contrary to expectations, protest participation has increased, suggesting effective strategic planning by organizers to prevent activist fatigue.

• Dual Tactics: A combination of strategic movement-building and targeted disruptive actions enhances the visibility and impact of the resistance.

• Internal Struggles: The DNC faces significant internal challenges that risk undermining the broader goals of the resistance, highlighting a need for better alignment and leadership.

• Expanding Reach: Efforts are underway to diversify protest participation beyond the core group of long-time activists to strengthen the movement's foundation.

• Future Focus: Addressing internal divisions and prioritizing strategic electoral victories are essential for the sustainability and success of the resistance.

Further Engagement

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