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]
- 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:
-
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]
- Discussing her deposition, Carroll highlights the aggressive tactics employed by Trump and praises her attorney, Alina Habba, for her formidable courtroom presence:
-
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]
- Carroll emphasizes the creation of a support network among women who have faced similar adversities, likening it to a "sorority":
-
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]
- Reflecting on the potential financial repercussions, Carroll humorously contemplates using any awarded funds to support causes opposing Trump:
-
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]
- Offering guidance to the host, Carroll underscores the importance of personal agency and disconnecting from distressing events to achieve peace:
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]
- 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:
-
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]
- 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:
-
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]
- The segment humorously delves into the ongoing tensions between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, analyzing Trump's recent remarks and the underlying power dynamics:
-
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]
- Concerns are raised about the Republican Party's strategy potentially alienating voters, thereby bolstering Democratic prospects in future elections:
-
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]
- 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:
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.