Bulwark Takes: Tim Miller on "Trump’s Can't Fix This—Obama, Talk to the Bros"

Podcast Information

• Title: Bulwark Takes
• Host/Author: The Bulwark
• Episode: Tim Miller: Trump’s Can't Fix This—Obama, Talk to the Bros
• Release Date: June 19, 2025
• Description: Bulwark Takes delivers concise analyses of daily news from The Bulwark team, featuring insights from contributors like Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol.

Introduction

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller delves into two pressing topics: former President Barack Obama's warnings about the erosion of American democracy and the current state of the U.S. economy under President Donald Trump's administration. Joined by economist Justin Wolfers and historian Heather Cox Richardson, Miller provides a comprehensive analysis of the political and economic landscape, highlighting significant concerns and potential ramifications.

Obama’s Warning: Protecting Democracy Amidst Elite Complacency

Tim Miller’s Overview: Tim Miller begins by discussing a recent panel featuring former President Obama and historian Heather Cox Richardson. Obama expressed grave concerns about threats to American democracy, urging liberal and centrist elites to remain steadfast against growing pressures that could undermine democratic institutions. Miller notes Obama’s subtle critique of complacent elites who prioritize comfort over democratic integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Justin Wolfers [01:16]:
  “Former President Barack Obama issued a stark warning last night about how weak our democracy has become... 'It requires them to take that oath seriously... we're dangerously close to normalizing behavior like that.'”

• Tim Miller [02:54]:
  “If you're on the Harvard board or you're one of these law firms... folding is not a great sign when things get hotter in the kitchen.”

Discussion Points:

• Elites and Complacency: Obama criticized elites who enjoy luxuries and fail to take necessary stands to protect democratic values. He emphasized that maintaining democracy might require personal or professional sacrifices, a sentiment dripping with disdain for those prioritizing comfort over duty.

• Tim’s Reflections:

  • Authority and Influence: Miller reflects on Obama’s unique position to influence centrist elites and expresses a desire for Obama to engage more directly with broader audiences, such as through popular media platforms like Joe Rogan or The Joe Rogan Experience.
  • Recommendation for Democrats: He suggests that Democrats could benefit from Obama’s direct communication to galvanize support and ensure that elites do not capitulate under pressure.

Trump’s Economic Policies: A Recipe for Disaster

Economic Overview: The conversation shifts to the U.S. economy under Trump's administration, focusing on devastating economic indicators. Justin Wolfers provides an in-depth analysis of the current economic turmoil, highlighting rising inflation, stagnant growth, and the adverse effects of Trump’s tariff policies.

Notable Quotes:

• Justin Wolfers [07:16]:
  “Trump was right 100%. He was wrong. Maybe I should go to the Fed...”

• Heather Cox Richardson [08:27]:
  “Fed Chair Powell said today I don't know whether I'm going to be making policy for a high tariff world or a low tariff world...”

• Tim Miller [09:36]:
  “Combine all that and you have higher prices for everything... it's significantly worse economic policy than the first time.”

Discussion Points:

• Tariff Policy and Interest Rates:

  • Justin’s Analysis: Trump’s inconsistent tariff policies have left the Federal Reserve hesitant to adjust interest rates. The uncertainty stemming from fluctuating tariffs complicates economic decision-making, exacerbating inflation and hampering growth.
  • Heather Richardson’s Input: Fed Chair Jerome Powell admitted uncertainty in policy-making due to unpredictable tariff implementations, advocating for a cautious, wait-and-see approach.

• Economic Mismanagement:

  • Debt and Deficit: Trump’s administration has pushed through a massive debt-busting tax bill, which Justin Wolfers claims is the largest savings bill in Capitol Hill’s history. However, Tim Miller counters this, asserting that the bill actually adds to the deficit, leading to skyrocketing interest rates and economic instability.
  • Impact on the Economy: The combination of high tariffs, increased deficit, and rigid immigration policies is driving up prices, causing worker shortages, and contributing to overall economic decline. Miller emphasizes that these policies are significantly worse than those of Trump’s first term.

• Political Betrayal:

  • Broken Promises: Trump’s administration faces accusations of political betrayal for failing to deliver on promises to lower grocery prices. Instead, the economic policies have led to increased costs of living, undermining voter trust and approval ratings.

• Public Perception and Reality:

  • Tim’s Observations: While Trump and his allies attempt to spin economic metrics positively, the tangible effects on everyday Americans—rising costs and economic insecurity—are difficult to obscure. People’s lived experiences reveal the harsh economic realities, making it challenging to maintain a positive narrative.

Consequences of Trump’s Policies

Justin Wolfers on the Deficit and Economic Impact: Justin Wolfers elaborates on the long-term consequences of Trump’s economic strategies, highlighting the ballooning deficit and its broader implications.

Notable Quotes:

• Heather Cox Richardson [13:22]:
  “The deficit right now is the largest it’s been in the pre-COVID economy... the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office says somewhere between two and a half and $3 trillion...”

Discussion Points:

• Debt Escalation: The current deficit, exacerbated by ongoing policies, is projected to reach between $2.5 and $3 trillion. This surge necessitates higher interest rates, placing additional financial strain on the economy.

• Wealth Inequality: Richardson points out that increased deficits disproportionately benefit the top 10% of earners while the majority, particularly the middle and working classes, bear the brunt of economic hardships. Families are expected to lose between $1,000 to $2,000 annually due to these policies.

• Inflation and Economic Strain: The rising deficit leads to higher interest rates and inflation, which directly impact consumer prices and the overall cost of living. This situation creates an unsustainable financial environment for average Americans.

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Tim Miller’s Closing Remarks: Tim Miller concludes by emphasizing the broader implications of Trump’s policies on the economy and democratic institutions. He underscores the failure to shield loyalists from economic damage, attributing this to the administration’s mismanagement and lack of coherent strategy.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Miller [14:38]:
  “Inflation affects everybody and it's going to continue to, and he's not going to be able to fix it.”

Key Takeaways:

• Erosion of Democracy: Obama’s warnings about democratic decline resonate strongly amidst current political tensions. The failure of elites to uphold democratic values could lead to further erosion of institutional integrity.

• Economic Downturn: Trump’s economic policies, characterized by erratic tariffs and increased deficits, are driving the economy towards instability. Inflation, higher interest rates, and rising costs of living are immediate concerns that undermine national economic health.

• Political Consequences: The administration’s inability to deliver on economic promises has led to political betrayal and declining approval ratings. The disconnect between policy actions and voter expectations threatens the administration’s political viability.

• Urgent Need for Leadership: Both commentators agree on the necessity for strong, principled leadership to navigate these crises. Obama’s role in holding elites accountable and addressing democratic threats is crucial, while addressing economic policies is imperative to restore trust and stability.

Conclusion

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a sobering analysis of the current state of American democracy and the economy under President Trump. Through insightful discussions and poignant quotes, Tim Miller, alongside Justin Wolfers and Heather Cox Richardson, underscores the urgency of addressing both political complacency and economic mismanagement. The conversation highlights the critical need for leadership that prioritizes democratic integrity and sound economic policies to avert further decline.