Bulwark Takes: Tim Miller – "They Want This To Happen"
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host: The Bulwark
Episode: Tim Miller: They Want This To Happen
Overview
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, Tim Miller delves into the current political landscape, focusing on President Trump's strategies, the handling of state versus federal authority, immigration policies, and recent controversies surrounding Public Health leadership. The discussion is candid, incisive, and rich with insights into the motivations and implications of Republican actions in today's political climate.
Trump's Strategy and Impact on Rural America
Tim Miller begins by addressing the political maneuvers of President Trump and the broader Republican Party, particularly their approach to rural communities and the consequences thereof.
Betrayal of Rural Voters
Miller criticizes Trump's administration for winning rural votes but subsequently neglecting these communities. He states:
"Trump and the Republicans won rural votes, then turned their backs on us."
(01:00)
This betrayal is highlighted as a central issue, reflecting a disconnect between electoral promises and governmental actions.
Escalation Over Collaboration
Miller argues that Trump's failure to collaborate with Governor Newsom of California demonstrates a preference for escalation rather than problem-solving:
"What they want is an escalation of it. If they're trying to solve it, they would be working with Governor Newsom."
(02:30)
He emphasizes that true leadership would involve cooperation with local authorities to address unrest, rather than imposing federal intervention.
State vs. Federal Authority: The California Clash
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the constitutional conflict between state rights and federal authority, especially in the context of President Trump's actions in California.
Federal Intervention in California
Miller draws parallels between current federal actions and historical events, noting the unprecedented nature of sending troops into a state against gubernatorial opposition:
"This is the first time since the 1960s, since the Civil rights uprisings, that a president has sent in troops over the head of a governor."
(02:50)
He contends that such moves are extreme and undermine the balance of power, leading to further instability.
Potential Risks of Overstepping
While acknowledging that Trump’s base supports strong measures, Miller warns of the dangers of overstepping:
"They are not trying to solve it meaningfully. What they want is an escalation of it."
(03:00)
He reflects on past incidents, such as the 2020 events in Lafayette Square, where Trump's actions may have backfired, illustrating the fragile nature of public support.
Immigration Policy and Its Political Ramifications
The conversation shifts to immigration, a cornerstone of Trump's agenda, and its broader implications on social order and Republican strategy.
Social Disorder as a Political Tool
Referencing Matthew Continetti's analysis, Miller agrees that social disorder benefits the right-wing agenda:
"There's something to be said for being truthful, for speaking truth, being clear-eyed, and I think it speaks to Trump's intentions."
(04:00)
He acknowledges that while Trump has utilized immigration to galvanize support, his approaches, such as the Muslim ban and child separation policies, have sometimes resulted in backlash and policy reversals.
Mixed Success in Immigration Policies
Miller provides a nuanced view of Trump's immigration policies, noting both successes and significant missteps:
"So it's not as if Trump has like a Superman vest where he wins every immigration fight, but I do think it's stronger ground for him than other issues."
(04:30)
He underscores the complexity of immigration as an issue, balancing political advantage with policy effectiveness and public perception.
RFK Jr. and the Vaccine Policy Controversy
A critical segment of the episode examines Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent actions regarding vaccine policy, highlighting a breach of trust with Republican senators.
Breaking Promises and Its Fallout
Miller discusses RFK Jr.'s decision to disband the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), despite assurances to Senator Bill Cassidy:
"Senator now says he will continue to talk with the Health Secretary to ensure that ACIP will not be filled with vaccine skeptics."
(06:20)
He criticizes the lack of accountability and transparency, pointing out that this is part of a broader pattern of broken promises to Republican senators.
Calls for Oversight and Accountability
Miller suggests that Republican senators, including Bill Cassidy, should take a firmer stance through oversight and collaboration with Democrats to hold the administration accountable:
"Republican senators are on these committees, could do oversight. They could work with their Democratic colleagues and do oversight and put pressure on HHS."
(07:00)
He emphasizes the need for bipartisan efforts to address and rectify the administration's failures in maintaining promised oversight bodies.
Conclusion
Tim Miller's analysis in this episode of Bulwark Takes presents a critical examination of President Trump's strategies, particularly his handling of rural America, federal versus state authority, and immigration policies. Additionally, the episode sheds light on the concerning developments in vaccine policy under RFK Jr., highlighting the erosion of trust between Republican senators and the administration. Miller calls for greater oversight and accountability to address these pressing issues, advocating for bipartisan cooperation to restore effective governance and uphold democratic principles.
Notable Quotes:
- "Trump and the Republicans won rural votes, then turned their backs on us." (01:00)
- "What they want is an escalation of it. If they're trying to solve it, they would be working with Governor Newsom." (02:30)
- "This is the first time since the 1960s... a president has sent in troops over the head of a governor." (02:50)
- "There's something to be said for being truthful, for speaking truth, being clear-eyed, and I think it speaks to Trump's intentions." (04:00)
- "Republican senators are on these committees, could do oversight. They could work with their Democratic colleagues and do oversight and put pressure on HHS." (07:00)
This comprehensive discussion offers listeners valuable insights into the current political dynamics and underscores the importance of accountability and collaborative governance in addressing national challenges.