Podcast Summary: Bulwark Takes – "Trump’s Third Term Talk Is All A Part Of His Power Game"

Release Date: March 30, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Participants: Mona Charen, Will Saletan, Sarah Longwell

1. Introduction to Trump’s Third Term Comments

In the March 30, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, host Mona Charen opens the discussion by addressing former President Donald Trump's recent comments during his interview with Meet The Press. Trump insinuated his consideration of a third presidential term, sparking immediate reactions from the Bulwark team. Mona introduces her colleagues, Will Saletan and Sarah Longwell, to dissect Trump's remarks and the broader implications of such statements.

Notable Quote:

• Mona Charen [00:28]: "Trump’s comments to Meet THE PRESS today, that no, he's not joking. He definitely is considering a third term."

2. Analysis of Kristen Welker’s Interview with Trump

Sarah Longwell delves into the specifics of Kristen Welker's interview with Trump, highlighting that it was not Trump who introduced the topic but Welker herself. This dynamic, according to Sarah, reflects a common journalistic strategy where journalists steer the conversation. Notably, Trump admitted to discussing potential pathways for a third term, mentioning methods beyond traditional avenues.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [01:07]: "He admits, he suggests that he's been talking to people about it... there are methods by which you could do it."

Will Saletan criticizes Welker's approach, emphasizing that instead of challenging Trump's assertions, she inadvertently legitimizes them by not effectively pushing back.

Notable Quote:

• Will Saletan [02:02]: "She keeps ... affirming it. ... acting like it is not preposterous and flagrantly unconstitutional to do this."

3. Legal Pathways for a Third Term: Discussion

The conversation transitions to the legal feasibility of a third term. Sarah points out that Trump would need to navigate complex constitutional amendments or exploit loopholes, such as appointing a vice president who could then hand over the presidency to him. Will counters by referencing the 14th Amendment, suggesting that Secretaries of State could block Trump's eligibility based on his participation in insurrection, thereby negating his bids without Supreme Court intervention.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [06:00]: "The 22nd amendment only says you can't be elected to a third term, but you could ... elect vice president and then the President ... hands it over to you."

• Will Saletan [08:41]: "It really would be up to the Secretaries of State of the various States of the Union to say, I'm sorry, the Constitution says you're ineligible to be on the ballot."

4. Public Approval Ratings and Their Impact

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Trump's public approval ratings. Sarah expresses skepticism about Trump's claims of high popularity, noting his history of inflated self-assessments. She theorizes that Trump's strategies aim to maintain his influence within the Republican Party rather than a genuine pursuit of a third term.

Notable Quote:

• Will Saletan [02:50]: "He says ... popularity ratings are right now in the high 70s."

• Sarah Longwell [10:19]: "Fatigue doesn't require any rules. People just get tired of you."

5. Trump’s Motivation: Power or Ego

Will and Sarah debate whether Trump's motivations are driven by a desire for power or fueled by ego. Will argues that Trump's aggressive actions and agenda indicate a clear ambition for reshaping the country, suggesting a thirst for power akin to authoritarian leaders. Conversely, Sarah posits that Trump's actions are more about maintaining relevance and adoration rather than an inherent desire to govern indefinitely.

Notable Quote:

• Sarah Longwell [13:49]: "Does Donald Trump care more about power or ego? ... he loves the idea of people wanting him."

• Will Saletan [15:14]: "I think he does want power. He's using power in a way we've never seen in American history."

6. Strategies to Counter Trump's Power

The team explores potential strategies to mitigate Trump's influence, especially if he attempts a third term. Will emphasizes the importance of lowering Trump's approval ratings to erode his support base. Meanwhile, another speaker underscores the need for active Democratic efforts to communicate the negative impacts of Trump's policies, rather than adopting a passive approach.

Notable Quote:

• Unnamed Speaker [16:33]: "We have to amplify the stories of the damage that this is doing."

• Will Saletan [16:02]: "Trump is going to do things that are going to make him unpopular and it's a matter of waiting him out."

7. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Mona summarizing the gravity of Trump's third-term talk as an urgent issue. The Bulwark team underscores the constitutional challenges, the psychological tactics employed by Trump, and the critical need for strategic countermeasures to prevent an unconstitutional extension of his presidency.

Notable Quote:

• Mona Charen [19:07]: "We could call this an emergency take on the Trump third term. It is."

Final Thoughts

The Bulwark Takes episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Donald Trump's insinuations about pursuing a third presidential term. Through insightful discussions, the team examines the legal improbabilities, the psychological strategies at play, and the necessary actions to safeguard democratic norms. The episode serves as a critical resource for listeners seeking to understand the intricate dynamics of Trump's ongoing political maneuvers and their potential ramifications on American democracy.