The Bulwark Podcast: "David French: We Are in the Bad Multiverse"
Release Date: December 5, 2024
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: David French

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in a candid and in-depth discussion with David French, a renowned opinion columnist for The New York Times and co-host of the legal podcast Advisory Opinions. French brings his expertise to dissect pressing political issues, particularly focusing on the current political climate, the implications of recent nominations, and the intersection of religion and politics within the Democratic Party. The conversation is both timely and critical, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing liberal democracy today.

The Pete Hegseth Nomination Crisis

Topic Overview:
The episode kicks off with a heated discussion about Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense. Tim Miller expresses his frustration with Hegseth's qualifications, highlighting his background as a TV host and activist rather than a seasoned military leader.

Notable Quote:

Tim Miller (02:03): "You calm me for some reason. And people notice that I don't cuss as much when you're on the podcast. So that's a double victory for you as a guest."
David French (02:42): "Thousands upon thousands upon thousands of veterans are more qualified to be Secretary of Defense than he is."

Key Points:

• Qualifications Concerns: French emphasizes that Hegseth lacks the necessary experience, stating, "He's been a TV host and an activist," and contrasts this with the thousands of veterans more suited for the role.
• Personal Conduct Issues: The discussion touches on Hegseth's alleged personal failings, including rape and alcoholism allegations, questioning his suitability for a high-ranking defense position.
• Political Ramifications: French warns that Trump's appointments, like Hegseth's, may sow the seeds for political downfall by surrounding the administration with incompetence, ultimately alienating the broader electorate.

Tim Miller's Perspective:
Miller highlights the absurdity of defending such nominations, noting the disconnect between Hegseth's qualifications and the responsibilities of the Secretary of Defense. He underscores the importance of senators upholding their constitutional duty to provide "advice and consent" rather than merely supporting the president's picks.

The Role of Defamation Law in Political Intimidation

Topic Overview:
The conversation shifts to the chilling use of defamation law as a tool for intimidation, particularly in the context of Cash Patel's nomination for FBI Director.

Notable Quote:

David French (16:23): "This is a tactic that you often see... anti-slap laws... attempt to intimidate somebody and silence somebody with legal threats."

Key Points:

• Intimidation Tactics: French explains how powerful individuals leverage defamation lawsuits to silence critics, a strategy increasingly common in political arenas.
• Impact on Critics: He discusses the potential for nominees like Cash Patel to target critics, creating an atmosphere of fear and discouraging dissent.
• Checks and Balances: While acknowledging existing safeguards against prosecutorial overreach, French points out that investigative powers remain vulnerable to abuse, allowing for extensive and burdensome investigations without immediate accountability.

Tim Miller's Concerns:
Miller expresses deep concern over the implications of such tactics, especially given Patel's position as FBI Director. He fears that legal threats could signal a willingness to target political opponents relentlessly, undermining trust in federal institutions.

Social Media: BlueSky vs. Twitter

Topic Overview:
Miller and French explore the role of social media platforms like BlueSky and Twitter in shaping political discourse and maintaining ideological bubbles.

Notable Quotes:

Tim Miller (53:16): "Blue sky versus Twitter... my case for staying on awful Twitter... bubbles are bad."
David French (56:41): "I've had a number of people ask me... what are you actually getting out of it by engaging deeply?"

Key Points:

• Platform Utility: Miller defends his continued use of Twitter for its role in monitoring and engaging with diverse viewpoints, despite its toxic reputation.
• French's Take: French prefers to limit his engagement with Twitter, finding it both toxic and unproductive compared to real-life interactions and other platforms like BlueSky.
• Ideological Bubbles: Both acknowledge the dangers of ideological bubbles but debate the best platforms to address or escape them. French emphasizes that meaningful engagement often happens outside of social media, in real-life interactions.

Implications for Political Engagement:
The discussion highlights the challenges of maintaining a balance between staying informed and avoiding the negativity inherent in certain social media environments. Both agree that real-world engagement is crucial for fostering understanding and combating ideological extremism.

Democratic Party's Struggles with Working-Class Voters

Topic Overview:
French and Miller delve into the Democratic Party's ongoing difficulties in retaining and attracting working-class voters, examining the role of religious identity and cultural alignment.

Notable Quote:

David French (45:16): "Elements of blue run America are not working well... the dysfunctions in America's crown jewel cities."

Key Points:

• Cultural Disconnect: French argues that Democrats have not effectively connected with genuinely religious and working-class voters, who often feel alienated by the party's cultural and policy positions.
• White Evangelical Alignment: He points out the seamless alignment between white evangelical communities and the Republican Party, making it difficult for Democrats to penetrate this demographic.
• Urban vs. Rural Challenges: While urban areas face their own set of issues, French emphasizes that rural America has its own dysfunctions that the Democrats have failed to address adequately.

Strategic Recommendations:
French suggests that instead of attempting to convert deeply aligned groups like white evangelicals, Democrats should focus on improving governance in their stronghold areas, such as cities, to demonstrate competence and attract voters disillusioned with the status quo.

Potential Actions for the Biden Administration

Topic Overview:
The discussion moves to what the Biden administration could feasibly accomplish in the remaining time of its term, particularly concerning immigration, defense reforms, and foreign policy.

Notable Quote:

David French (35:31): "The grim reality is that Russia is taking enormous losses... there's a clock ticking."

Key Points:

• Insurrection Act Reform: French laments the lack of progress in reforming the Insurrection Act, which grants overly broad powers to the president, posing a significant threat to democratic checks and balances.
• Economic Sanctions: He proposes seizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, which would both weaken Russia economically and bolster Ukraine's defenses.
• Ukraine Conflict: French expresses concern over potential ceasefire agreements that could disproportionately favor Russia, resulting in Ukraine's loss of territory and sovereignty. He warns against solutions that may appear as victories for Putin rather than genuine peace for Ukraine.

Biden's Limited Options:
French acknowledges the Biden administration's constraints but emphasizes the importance of strategic foreign policy decisions to support democratic allies and counter authoritarian moves globally.

Reflections on National Character and Morality

Topic Overview:
In response to Mick Federation's farewell address, French and Miller explore the theme of national character and whether America is deserving of divine favor based on its actions and policies.

Notable Quote:

Mick Federation (59:25): "It is only if the American people merit his benevolence that God will continue to bless America."
David French (60:05): "God loves us whether we merit it or not... the entire point of the cross."

Key Points:

• Theological Perspective: French clarifies that, from a Christian theological standpoint, divine grace is unconditional. However, he interprets Mick's message as a call for America to uphold virtuous standards to justify its status as a "shining city on a hill."
• Moral Accountability: The discussion underscores the belief that nations, like individuals, are accountable for their moral and ethical conduct, aligning with certain interpretations of religious doctrine.

Implications for National Policy:
This reflection serves as a moral critique of current American policies and leadership, urging listeners to consider the ethical foundations of their governance and societal structures.

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with heartfelt thanks between Tim Miller and David French, reflecting on the gravity of the topics discussed. French's insights provide a sobering analysis of the current political landscape, emphasizing the need for accountability, strategic policy reforms, and a reconnection with core democratic values. Listeners are left with a profound understanding of the challenges facing liberal democracy and the imperative to address them thoughtfully and decisively.

Key Takeaways:

• Credential Matters: High-ranking positions require not just loyalty but substantial qualifications and integrity.
• Legal Tools as Weapons: Defamation law can be misused to silence legitimate criticism, posing threats to free discourse.
• Social Media's Double-Edged Sword: While platforms like Twitter can offer engagement, they often perpetuate toxic environments and ideological bubbles.
• Democrats' Electoral Challenges: The party needs to bridge cultural and economic gaps to regain working-class support.
• Foreign Policy Urgency: Strategic actions are necessary to support allies and counter authoritarianism effectively.
• Moral Responsibility: National character and ethical governance are paramount for maintaining the nation's standing and divine favor.

This episode serves as a crucial commentary on the intersection of politics, law, and morality, urging listeners to remain vigilant and engaged in the preservation of democratic principles.