Bulwark Takes: “Tim Miller: The Wheels Are Coming Off The Trump Train”
Podcast Summary – November 20, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the accelerating unraveling of Donald Trump's political standing and administration, as observed from multiple ideological perspectives and current polling data. Host Tim Miller and the Bulwark team—with contributions from Nicole Wallace, Angela Carson, legal analysts, and others—dissect the latest news, including the botched prosecution of James Comey, Trump's waning credibility, public dissatisfaction, and hopeful notes from a recent interview with Kamala Harris. The tone is urgent, sardonic, and analytical, reflecting both frustration and cautious optimism about American democracy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Botched Comey Prosecution: Incompetence Meets Cynicism

[01:41 – 05:26]

• The group discusses the failed attempt by the Trump Justice Department to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey:
  • Described as worse than “Keystone Cops” level incompetence (Tim Miller: “The Keystone Cops would be pissed if you compared this group to the Keystone Cops.” [01:46]).
  • Republican Eric Siebert’s refusal to bring the case shows how empty the charges were.
  • The legal team is exploring multiple strategies to dismiss the case, highlighting the debacle’s seriousness.
• The episode underscores the global embarrassment for rule of law:
  • "It is a stain on the rule of law in America seen the world over." (Tim Miller [03:00])
• Visual contrast: Mark Benioff’s selfie with AG Pam Bondi at a state dinner with MBS is cited as grotesque in light of ongoing political prosecutions:
  • “That selfie, to me… just picture, in contrast with this story, to me I just found extremely gross.” (Tim Ohr [03:59])
• Angela Carson argues that bureaucratic incompetence only papered over the perniciousness: the entire affair reveals overt politicization and the misuse of state power.

2. Historic Democratic Polling Advantage & MAGA Disunity

[05:26 – 07:35]

• New Marist Poll: Democrats lead Republicans on the generic congressional ballot by 14 points—the highest since 2017.
  • "Registered voters prefer a Democrat over a Republican by a whopping 14 points. It is the highest advantage Democrats have had since the year 2017." (Lawyer/Legal Analyst [05:44])
• MAGA movement fissures: Insights from Tim Dillon, a comedian with influence among young pro-Trump men, note Trump’s “lame duck” status:
  • Tim Dillon: "This is the end of the Trump administration. This is the beginning of the lame duck presidency. It's obvious to everyone, even his most ardent, ardent supporters..." [06:26]

3. Compounding Scandals and Loss of Credibility

[07:01 – 08:13]

• Paul Krugman’s analysis cited: Trump is “collapsing on multiple fronts,” including the Epstein investigation, economic confidence, and the weakening fear that once supported his rule.
  • "Power is unitary. Trump seems to be collapsing on multiple fronts, with the collapse on each front reinforcing the collapse on others..." (Krugman quoted by Lawyer/Legal Analyst [07:01])
• Discussion emphasizes how Trump’s unfulfilled promises and personal entanglements now reinforce each other, further undermining his legitimacy.

4. Disaffected Trump Voters and Loss of Connection

[08:18 – 09:40]

• The group explores the mindset of 2016/2020 Trump voters who weren’t hardcore MAGA, but sought economic improvement and action on key issues:
  • Costs remain high; promises unmet.
  • Trump's current lifestyle (gold decor, parties with dictators, ostentatious White House renovations) is seen as disconnected from ordinary Americans:
    • “What is Trump doing? Trump is… turning the White House gold and he's bulldozing part of the White House and he is gallivanting around having Great Gatsby parties…" (Tim Ohr [09:03])
• Kitchen-table issue pivot lacks credibility, with hosts doubting Trump can plausibly “care” about ordinary concerns given his current image.

5. Epstein Files: Transparency and Gaslighting

[09:40 – 12:11]

• Trump’s failure to release the Epstein investigation files is a hot-button issue among base voters:
  • He promised transparency but is now dodging and making excuses.
  • Rep. Swalwell calls Trump’s shifting blame to Congress a classic gaslighting move:
    • "Since when? All of a sudden, now he's waiting for Congress to greenlight what he will do or wants to do. Come on. So release the files..." (Swalwell [11:14])
• The group concludes Trump's credibility with both his base and swing voters is crumbling.

6. Kamala Harris: Hopeful Messaging Amidst Democratic Angst

[12:26 – 13:09]

• Tim Ohr and Angela Carson reflect on a campaign visit and interview with Vice President Kamala Harris.
  • Harris’s persistence and optimism are highlighted as model leadership for a battered pro-democracy coalition:
    • “She is adamant that this is still our country and we should still be fighting for it.” (Tim Ohr [12:41])
    • “The overarching kind of attitude of positivity and forward looking and belief that this can be defeated was something that was pretty striking to me.” (Angela Carson [13:09])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Legal Incompetence:
  • “The Keystone Cops would be pissed if you compared this group to the Keystone Cops.” — Tim Miller [01:46]
  • "It is a stain on the rule of law in America seen the world over." — Tim Miller [03:00]
• On Trump’s Position:
  • "This is the end of the Trump administration. This is the beginning of the lame duck presidency." — Tim Dillon [06:26]
  • "Power is unitary. Trump seems to be collapsing on multiple fronts..." — Paul Krugman (quoted) [07:01]
  • "No one thinks he knows what the kitchen table is for." — Lawyer/Legal Analyst [10:31]
• On Hope and Resilience:
  • “She is adamant that this is still our country and we should still be fighting for it.” — Tim Ohr [12:41]

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:41–05:26] — Discussion on botched prosecution of James Comey, political misuse of DOJ, and public perception.
• [05:26–07:35] — Analysis of new polling, MAGA infighting, and Tim Dillon’s “lame duck” assessment.
• [07:01–08:13] — Krugman’s commentary on Trump’s accelerating collapse.
• [08:18–09:40] — Voter disillusionment and the symbolism of Trump’s lavish White House activities.
• [09:40–12:11] — The Epstein files, Trump’s lost credibility, and Rep. Swalwell’s response.
• [12:26–13:09] — Kamala Harris’s messaging, campaign updates, and notes on Democratic resilience.

Takeaway & Tone

The episode delivers a brisk, pointed, often sardonic assessment of Trump’s administrative and political collapse—blending humor, exasperation, and cautious hope. It underscores the magnitude of recent failings, but also the growing resolve among pro-democracy forces, with Kamala Harris symbolizing persistence and optimism even in challenging times.

Recommended for listeners wanting a clear, engaging rundown of why “the wheels are coming off the Trump train”—in the words and voices of top Bulwark analysts.