Bulwark Takes: Tim and Sam Discuss "The GOP Is Pathetic"

Release Date: July 2, 2025

In the latest episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by Tim Miller of The Bulwark, the discussion centers around the recent actions of the Republican Party (GOP) in passing controversial legislation. Featuring insights from former Democratic Senator and MSNBC political analyst Claire McCaskill, and Sam Stein, Managing Editor of The Bulwark and MSNBC Contributor, the conversation delves into the motives, implications, and future ramifications of the GOP's legislative maneuvers.

1. Overview of the GOP's Controversial Legislation

The episode opens with Tim Miller reflecting on a recent television appearance with Sam Stein, highlighting the GOP's unprecedented move to pass a bill that many deem unfavorable to the majority of Americans. Tim expresses frustration with Republican figures like Holly, Ron Johnson, and Lisa Murkowski, criticizing their support for what he describes as a "bad bill."

Tim Miller [01:30]: "...it's just pathetic how Holly and Ron Johnson and Murkowski have behaved in particular, given that they all know that this was a bad bill."

2. Breakdown of the Legislation's Passage

Claire McCaskill leads the discussion by examining how the bill was rushed through the Senate. She points out the arbitrary deadlines and last-minute amendments that characterized the legislative process.

Claire McCaskill [02:31]: "Republicans swallowing a political poison pill in the form of Trump's signature legislation is where we start today."

Sam Stein adds that the GOP leadership faced significant hurdles, with key holdouts like Rand Paul, Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, and Lisa Murkowski initially opposing the bill. The eventual passage hinged on concessions made to Murkowski to secure her support.

Sam Stein [02:52]: "It's kind of remarkable, honestly. We had an incredibly rushed process with a totally arbitrary deadline..."

3. Motivations Behind Republican Support

The conversation shifts to understanding why GOP members supported legislation they knew was unpopular. Claire McCaskill speculates that personal gains for specific senators played a crucial role.

Claire McCaskill [04:26]: "What about somebody like John Cornyn running in Texas next year... There is so much about this bill that is politically toxic."

Alicia (likely Alicia Biggs) emphasizes the cynical nature of the bill, highlighting its temporary tax cuts for the wealthy contrasted with permanent cuts for programs like Medicaid.

Alicia [04:40]: "...the fact that the mere pittance they're giving on taxes... And then on the other hand, the tax cuts for billionaires, they're permanent..."

4. Policy Implications and Future Consequences

Tim Miller echoes Claire's sentiments, pointing out the severe policy ramifications of the bill and the baffling rationale behind certain Republican votes.

Tim Miller [06:10]: "...Senator Murkowski's explanation for voting for this bill is something that it's hard for me to think of other precedents for this."

He criticizes the lack of substantial benefits for Alaska in exchange for the national pain inflicted by the bill.

Sam Stein discusses the next steps, focusing on the House's potential response and the likelihood of passing the Senate's version without meaningful revisions.

Sam Stein [08:19]: "House Republican leaders are saying they want to move it tomorrow... It's hard to underscore how much this is so arbitrary."

5. Internal GOP Conflicts and Public Perception

Claire McCaskill raises concerns about internal GOP conflicts, especially with influential figures like Donald Trump exerting pressure on the party.

Claire McCaskill [11:55]: "...there are these political cross pressures... Musk publicly threatening Republicans with a primary challenge that didn't seem to move anyone."

Tim Miller responds by downplaying the threat posed by external figures like Elon Musk, asserting that GOP primary voters prioritize loyalty to Trump over other influences.

Tim Miller [12:26]: "...Republican primary voters have shown again and again over the last decade that what they want is loyalty to Donald Trump."

6. Medicaid Cuts and Public Health Concerns

The discussion delves into the specific provisions of the bill, particularly the Medicaid cuts justified by claims of reducing waste, fraud, and abuse. Claire McCaskill challenges this narrative, citing evidence from the New York Times that suggests the cuts are more about bureaucratic hurdles than actual fraud prevention.

Claire McCaskill [15:00]: "Anyone who loses their health care coverage, that is because of waste fraud and waste fraud."

Sam Stein reinforces the argument by explaining the real-world consequences of these cuts, including increased mortality rates due to reduced healthcare access.

Sam Stein [16:03]: "But this is death by paperwork for a lot of people. And when I say death in some cases, literally."

7. The Bigger Picture: GOP's Long-Term Strategy

Alicia summarizes the GOP's overarching strategy, suggesting that their primary focus remains on extending tax cuts for the wealthy, with little regard for deficits, debt, or public welfare programs.

Alicia [16:12]: "...what they care about are the tax cuts for the wealthy, period. They don't care about the deficits. They don't care about the debt..."

She predicts that the House will likely pass the bill despite its flaws, banking on the American public's lack of attention or outrage to prevent significant backlash.

Alicia [15:58]: "They are hoping that if they just repeat it enough, it can become politically palatable for them."

8. Conclusion and Takeaways

The episode concludes with a consensus among the participants that the GOP's actions are short-sighted and damaging to their political standing. The rushed nature of the bill's passage, coupled with its detrimental effects on various social programs, underscores a troubling trend within the party.

Sam Stein [10:26]: "What are we doing this for? Right."

Claire McCaskill [16:05]: "Go ahead."

The discussion paints a grim picture of the GOP's current trajectory, highlighting the tension between party loyalty, personal gain, and the broader interests of the American populace.

Key Quotes:

• Tim Miller [01:30]: "It's just pathetic how Holly and Ron Johnson and Murkowski have behaved in particular..."

• Claire McCaskill [02:31]: "Republicans swallowing a political poison pill..."

• Alicia [04:40]: "...tax cuts for billionaires, they're permanent..."

• Sam Stein [16:03]: "But this is death by paperwork for a lot of people..."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Bulwark Takes offers a critical examination of the GOP's recent legislative actions, shedding light on internal conflicts, policy missteps, and the potential fallout in upcoming elections. Through insightful analysis and compelling arguments, Tim Miller, Claire McCaskill, and Sam Stein provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the Republican Party today.