The Bulwark Podcast: Bill Kristol - We Were Right To Be Alarmed
Release Date: November 25, 2024
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Bill Kristol, Publications Editor at Large

Introduction

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in a comprehensive discussion with Bill Kristol, the Publications Editor at Large for The Bulwark. Released on November 25, 2024, the episode delves into the alarming developments within the Republican Party, particularly focusing on President Donald Trump's cabinet nominations and their implications for American democracy.

Senate’s Role in Reviewing Trump’s Cabinet Nominees

Timestamp: [02:07]

Tim Miller opens the discussion by addressing the recent wave of cabinet nominations made by President Trump. He highlights concerns regarding the Senate's approach to confirming these nominees, emphasizing the need for a critical review process to serve as a check against favoritism.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [03:53]: "The decline from Alexandra Hamilton to Marjorie Taylor Greene is jaw-dropping...checks and balances...the Senate should take his job seriously."

Kristol underscores the importance of the Senate exercising its constitutional duty to vet nominees thoroughly, preventing the appointment of unfit individuals.

Critique of Trump’s Cabinet Picks

Compliance and Loyalty to Trump

Timestamp: [06:29]

Kristol and Miller critique the new cabinet nominees for their apparent loyalty to Trump rather than their qualifications or commitment to institutional integrity. They express concern that these appointees may prioritize Trump's personal agenda over the rule of law and democratic norms.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [05:40]: "Pam Bondi...no loyalty that one knows of to any independent features of the rule of law..."

This sentiment reflects worries about nominees like Pam Bondi, whose actions suggest a willingness to prosecute prosecutors and undermine the Department of Justice's independence.

Media Presence Consistency

Timestamp: [08:13]

The discussion points out that many of Trump's nominees have significant presences on Fox News, suggesting that media-friendly personalities are being favored over those with substantive policy expertise.

Notable Quote:

Tim Miller [07:35]: "All the picks...presence on television, looking the part, and fealty to Trump."

Miller contends that the consistency in media presence indicates a preference for public personas who can align with Trump's narrative rather than qualified experts.

Discussion on Russ Vought

Timestamp: [12:13]

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Russ Vought, the newly appointed Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Kristol describes Vought as "the most dangerous MAGA die-hard you've never heard of," highlighting his role in advancing a nationalist and Christian conservative agenda.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [16:45]: "Vought... is a real extremist, not a competent one in the sense that he knows how the government works."

Kristol criticizes Vought for his extremist views and unwavering loyalty to Trump, fearing that his influence could further erode democratic institutions.

Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination and Senate Dynamics

Timestamp: [21:47]

The conversation shifts to Tulsi Gabbard's nomination, with concerns raised about her suitability and the Senate's potential resistance. Kristol discusses the likelihood of her facing rigorous scrutiny from Republican senators who value institutional integrity over partisan loyalty.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [23:10]: "We have a serious responsibility to advise and consent...they may not make it."

Kristol anticipates that Gabbard's nomination may face significant hurdles, especially from senators like Senator Risch and Senator Lankford, who advocate for stringent vetting processes.

Mike Rounds’ Defense of Ukraine

Timestamp: [29:10]

A noteworthy segment features Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota, who delivers a passionate defense of Ukraine against Russian aggression. His comments stand out as a rare instance of bipartisanship amidst the predominantly Trump-aligned Senate.

Notable Quote:

Mike Rounds [29:10]: "I feel so frustrated that we have not been able to provide them all of the equipment that they need...absolute tyranny coming from Russia."

Rounds' unwavering support for Ukraine contrasts sharply with many of his Republican colleagues, offering a glimmer of hope for steadfast foreign policy leadership within the party.

Nancy Mace vs. Sarah McBride Exchange

Timestamp: [38:01]

The episode touches upon the contentious interaction between Republican Representative Nancy Mace and Democratic Representative Sarah McBride. Mace's aggressive stance and personal attacks on McBride, a transgender woman, are criticized for lacking decorum and undermining civil discourse.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [40:06]: "The bullying, the meanness...is grotesque."

Kristol condemns Mace's behavior, praising McBride for her grace and dignity in responding to the attacks, thereby highlighting the stark contrast in conduct between the two representatives.

Defending Democracy Against Trump’s Threat

Timestamp: [43:00]

Tim Miller and Bill Kristol discuss the broader existential threat posed by Trump to American democracy. They emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant and proactive in countering authoritarian tendencies within the Republican Party.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [46:40]: "We should also call it as it is. And there are some things to be more alarmed about than others...I'm sticking with the highly alarmed position here."

Kristol reiterates The Bulwark's stance on being critically alarmed by the current trajectory of the GOP under Trump's influence, advocating for continued resistance against undermining democratic institutions.

Concerns About Authoritarianism and Future Threats

Timestamp: [49:17]

The discussion explores the potential for entrenched authoritarian practices, such as centralizing power and weakening democratic checks and balances. Kristol raises concerns about the long-term implications of Trump's actions on the integrity of American governance.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [50:24]: "If he just lets another couple of them go down without chastising his enemies...he does look weaker."

Kristol warns that Trump's passive approach to handling problematic nominees could inadvertently empower authoritarian structures within the administration, further eroding democratic safeguards.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its end, Miller and Kristol reflect on the challenges ahead in safeguarding democracy. They stress the necessity of maintaining a critical stance towards Trump's actions and their nominees, while also acknowledging rare instances of Republican resistance, such as Senator Mike Rounds’ support for Ukraine.

Notable Quote:

Bill Kristol [53:43]: "That's it now. Bear's mentioning."

Kristol concludes by reaffirming The Bulwark's commitment to vigilance and advocacy for democratic principles amidst the rising tide of authoritarianism within the Republican Party.

Key Takeaways

• Senate’s Critical Role: The Senate must diligently assess Trump's cabinet nominees to prevent the appointment of individuals who may undermine democratic institutions.

• Alarming Cabinet Selections: Nominees like Russ Vought and Pam Bondi exemplify a troubling trend of loyalty over competence, posing risks to the rule of law and institutional integrity.

• Bipartisan Hope: Senator Mike Rounds' defense of Ukraine signals potential for bipartisan resistance within the GOP, offering a beacon of hope amidst widespread compliance.

• Personal Conduct Matters: The contrasting behaviors of Nancy Mace and Sarah McBride underscore the importance of maintaining civil discourse and ethical standards in politics.

• Ongoing Vigilance: The Bulwark emphasizes the continuous need to oppose authoritarian tendencies and protect democratic norms against Trump's enduring influence.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Bill Kristol [03:53]: "The decline from Alexandra Hamilton to Marjorie Taylor Greene is jaw-dropping..."

• Bill Kristol [05:40]: "Pam Bondi...no loyalty that one knows of to any independent features of the rule of law..."

• Tim Miller [07:35]: "All the picks...presence on television, looking the part, and fealty to Trump."

• Bill Kristol [16:45]: "Vought... is a real extremist, not a competent one..."

• Bill Kristol [23:10]: "We have a serious responsibility to advise and consent..."

• Mike Rounds [29:10]: "I feel so frustrated that we have not been able to provide them all of the equipment..."

• Bill Kristol [40:06]: "The bullying, the meanness...is grotesque."

• Bill Kristol [43:00]: "We should also call it as it is..."

• Bill Kristol [46:40]: "We should also call it as it is. And there are some things to be more alarmed about than others..."

• Bill Kristol [50:24]: "If he just lets another couple of them go down without chastising his enemies..."

• Bill Kristol [53:43]: "That's it now. Bear's mentioning."

This detailed summary encapsulates the core discussions and insights from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened. It highlights the critical analysis of Trump's cabinet nominations, concerns about loyalty over competence, instances of bipartisan resistance, and the overarching threat to American democracy posed by current political dynamics.