Episode Summary: "E. Jean Carroll and Sarah Longwell: Such a Bad Man"

Release Date: July 1, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in an in-depth conversation with E. Jean Carroll, a renowned advice columnist and author, delving into her latest book and her legal battle against former President Donald Trump. Additionally, the episode features a live political discussion with Sarah Longwell, providing insightful analysis on current legislative developments.

Interview with E. Jean Carroll

E. Jean Carroll [03:47] joins Tim Miller to discuss her transformative journey from a celebrated advice columnist to an author confronting a former president in court. Carroll's candid narrative offers listeners a profound look into her resilience and strategic approach during her legal proceedings.

• Transition from Columnist to Author:

  • Carroll shares her motivation behind writing her new book, "Not My Type. One Woman versus a President at Law." She humorously reflects on the absurdities of courtroom dynamics, stating:

    "I found myself in the middle of a high comedy... it was coming out funny." [05:02]

• Courtroom Experiences and Legal Strategy:

  • Discussing her deposition, Carroll highlights the aggressive tactics employed by Trump and praises her attorney, Alina Habba, for her formidable courtroom presence:

    "Robbie Kaplan tore the roof off the Second Circuit last week. She was brilliant." [07:43]

• Impact on Personal and Collective Resilience:

  • Carroll emphasizes the creation of a support network among women who have faced similar adversities, likening it to a "sorority":

    "We have what is called the sorority. ... we help each other." [30:10]

• Financial and Emotional Stakes:

  • Reflecting on the potential financial repercussions, Carroll humorously contemplates using any awarded funds to support causes opposing Trump:

    "I am going to take that money and I'm going to give it to everything he hates." [16:13]

• Advice on Personal Well-being:

  • Offering guidance to the host, Carroll underscores the importance of personal agency and disconnecting from distressing events to achieve peace:

    "It's your brain. You make the decision. You make the decision." [44:46]

Live Political Discussion with Sarah Longwell

Transitioning from the interview, the podcast shifts to a live segment featuring Sarah Longwell, where Tim Miller and Longwell dissect the latest legislative maneuvers on Capitol Hill, particularly focusing on a contentious Medicaid bill.

• Critique of Legislative Process:

  • The hosts express frustration with the Senate's expedited and disorganized approach to passing the bill, emphasizing the inclusion of unrelated provisions like an excise tax on wind and solar energy:

    "It's like they're just jamming this thing through with them." [52:17]

• Senator Lisa Murkowski's Pivotal Role:

  • Discussion centers on Senator Murkowski's potential decision to cast the crucial 50th vote, exploring the implications of her choices and questioning her alignment with moderate Republican values:

    "What is the point of you being a moderate if you're going to vote for RFK... you don't understand your full job." [55:38]

• Trump-Elon Musk Feud:

  • The segment humorously delves into the ongoing tensions between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, analyzing Trump's recent remarks and the underlying power dynamics:

    "Doge is the monster that might have to go back and eat Elon." [73:49]

• Public Opinion and Political Fallout:

  • Concerns are raised about the Republican Party's strategy potentially alienating voters, thereby bolstering Democratic prospects in future elections:

    "This gives Democrats just a perfect position going into 26." [67:50]

• Implications for the Republican Party:

  • The hosts discuss the broader consequences of the Medicaid bill on the Republican Party's fiscal credibility and voter trust, highlighting internal conflicts and strategic missteps:

    "They are just doing this by the seat of their pants to such a degree, they don't know where some of this stuff is from." [58:23]

Notable Quotes

• E. Jean Carroll:

  • "Robbie Kaplan tore the roof off the Second Circuit last week. She was brilliant." [07:43]
  • "We have what is called the sorority. ... we help each other." [30:10]
  • "It's your brain. You make the decision. You make the decision." [44:46]

• Sarah Longwell:

  • "Republicans are trying to pass this law this morning even though they were still writing it overnight." [52:17]
  • "We can change it back, Jim. We can change it back." [28:43]
  • "They're jamming everything in to one bill. It's a terrible way to live." [52:17]

• Tim Miller:

  • "I felt mixed about. I'm sure Robbie did, too." [19:10]
  • "Your friend, you want to give money to the immigrants that he's been telling Salvador too." [16:30]

Conclusion

This episode of The Bulwark Podcast offers a profound exploration of E. Jean Carroll's courageous stance against Trump, interwoven with a critical analysis of current legislative practices and internal Republican dynamics. Through engaging dialogue and incisive commentary, Tim Miller and his guests provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of the political landscape and the personal battles that shape it.