The Bulwark Podcast: Bill Kristol - A Pro-Putin America First

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller sits down with political analyst and editor Bill Kristol to discuss the evolving landscape of American Republican politics, the implications of a potential Trump resurgence, and the broader impacts on both domestic and foreign policy. The conversation delves deep into the strategic maneuvers within the GOP, the Senate leadership race, and the geopolitical tensions exacerbated by U.S. political dynamics.

Republican Politics and Trumpism

The discussion opens with Kristol addressing the recent shifts within the Republican Party, particularly the alignment toward Trumpism. Kristol observes that prominent figures like J.D. Vance, Don Jr., Tucker Carlson, and Stephen Miller are steering the party towards an "America First" agenda that, paradoxically, appears to be pro-Putin.

"I think the degree to which they are all in on that version of America first, which is a pro-Putin version, and they're all in on some of the key parts of Project 2025, we shouldn't be surprised." ([02:30] Kristol)

Kristol critiques the apparent resignation among Republican senators who are capitulating to Trump's influence, especially regarding controversial policies like mass deportations and the handling of Ukraine aid.

Senate Leadership and Recess Appointments

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the Senate leadership race and the implications of recess appointments. Kristol expresses concern over the Republican senators' willingness to support Trump’s potential use of recess appointments to bypass Senate approval for cabinet and sub-cabinet positions.

"They seem to be willing to concede that Trump could just make recess appointments... They've been used at times in the past," ([11:31] Kristol)

Kristol laments the loss of traditional Senate prerogatives, emphasizing that such capitulation undermines the system of checks and balances designed to prevent authoritarian overreach.

Foreign Policy, Ukraine, and Putin

The podcast delves into the contentious issue of U.S. support for Ukraine amidst Russian aggression. Kristol highlights the troubling trend of Republican leaders opposing Ukraine aid, viewing it through the lens of "America First," which in this context translates to de-prioritizing Ukraine's sovereignty.

"Vivek and Rick Grinnell, who is the kind of pure, you might say Trump type... they're basically identical, you know, Wall Street finance types," ([07:08] Kristol)

Kristol warns that without robust support for Ukraine, Putin may escalate his efforts, potentially leading to further destabilization in the region. He draws historical parallels to illustrate the potential consequences of inadequate resistance to authoritarian regimes.

Influence of Elon Musk

Another critical point of discussion is the unprecedented influence of billionaire Elon Musk within political circles, particularly his interactions with Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Kristol underscores the dangers of private individuals exerting significant sway over governmental decisions, comparing it to historical instances of oligarchic influence but noting its modern amplification.

"Individuals who have no government position are suddenly on phone calls with other heads of government. I mean it's so jaw-dropp...," ([22:31] Kristol)

Election Numbers and Debunking Claims

Towards the episode's conclusion, Kristol and Miller address skepticism surrounding the 2024 election results. Kristol methodically debunks conspiracy theories about vote discrepancies between 2020 and 2024, attributing the differences to legitimate factors such as changes in voting laws and turnout variations.

"These people are basing this over the fact that on early morning on Wednesday, many, many votes haven't been counted yet... it's totally reasonable." ([28:07] Kristol)

He emphasizes the importance of accepting the electoral outcomes based on factual data and warns against the dangers of undermining democratic institutions through unfounded claims.

Conclusions and Future Directions

In wrapping up, Kristol outlines a strategic approach to counteracting Trump's potential policies. He advocates for legal battles, state-level interventions, and civil society efforts to resist draconian immigration policies and the erosion of democratic norms.

"I think being hard-headed about it is important. This isn't a matter of press releases... you can pressure some Republicans on some of these issues." ([28:07] Kristol)

Kristol calls for proactive measures to safeguard democratic institutions, emphasizing that while resistance may not always halt Trump's agenda, it is crucial to remain steadfast in defending constitutional principles.

Notable Quotes

• "We shouldn't be surprised... they're all in on some of the key parts of Project 2025." – Bill Kristol ([02:30])

• "It was mostly the case of MAGA people going into the ballot box voting for Trump and then nothing else." – Bill Kristol ([28:07])

• "Individuals who have no government position are suddenly on phone calls with other heads of government." – Bill Kristol ([22:31])

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Bulwark Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of the current Republican trajectory under Trump's influence, the strategic maneuvers within the Senate, and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and democratic integrity. Kristol provides a nuanced perspective, urging listeners to remain vigilant and proactive in defending democratic norms against rising authoritarian tendencies.

Conclusion

Bill Kristol's insights shed light on the intricate dynamics shaping the Republican Party and the potential ramifications for both domestic and international politics. His analysis underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by Trumpism and the importance of maintaining robust democratic institutions in the face of significant political shifts.