The Bulwark Podcast: Jonathan Martin on New Orleans Resilience and Political Dynamics

Episode: Jonathan Martin: A Resilient City
Release Date: January 3, 2025
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Jonathan Martin, Author of Will Not Pass, Politico Columnist, New Orleans Enthusiast

1. New Orleans: Resilience Amid Tragedy

The episode opens with Tim Miller and Jonathan Martin discussing the recent tragedy in New Orleans, highlighting the city's enduring resilience. Tim acknowledges the city's unbreakable spirit, stating, “The city's going to move forward” (01:34). Jonathan echoes this sentiment, emphasizing New Orleans as "the most special city in America" and lauding its unique culture that balances joy with inevitable heartbreak (01:53). They reflect on the city's ability to turn mourning into celebration, citing the tradition of second-line funerals as a testament to its enduring spirit (03:09).

2. Political Implications of the Tragedy

The conversation shifts to the political fallout of the tragedy. Tim references Republican attempts to politicize the event by linking it to border issues, which Jonathan counters by asserting the incident's local nature (03:57). Jonathan underscores that the primary political debate should focus on ensuring safety and maintaining economic stability in New Orleans, especially with major events like the Super Bowl approaching (05:22).

3. Critique of Senator John Kennedy’s Response

Tim introduces criticism of Senator John Kennedy's handling of the aftermath on platforms like Fox News and during press conferences. He describes Kennedy's behavior as a "clown show," sarcastically noting his transformation from a former Democrat to a MAGA supporter (07:04). Jonathan adds that Kennedy's actions lack sincerity and fail to provide the necessary seriousness during a crisis, further distancing him from effective leadership (08:55).

4. Democratic Leadership and Messaging Challenges

The discussion transitions to Democratic strategies, particularly focusing on figures like Brian Shots and the party's struggle with messaging. Jonathan critiques the Democratic leadership's over-reliance on specific interest groups, arguing that these groups do not reflect the broader electorate (09:28). He highlights the tension between maintaining policy integrity and appealing to centrist voters, suggesting that Democrats often prioritize messaging over substantive policy discussions (10:09).

Jonathan emphasizes that Democratic candidates like Kamala Harris missed opportunities to reassure moderate voters, opting instead to focus narrowly on progressive rhetoric (15:07). He argues that this miscalculation has contributed to the party's electoral challenges, as voters are more concerned with immediate personal issues than abstract democratic ideals (20:09).

5. Speaker Vote and Republican Factionalism

Tim and Jonathan delve into the complexities of the current Speaker vote in the House. They discuss the internal divisions within the Republican Party, particularly between ideologically conservative members and those aligned with or influenced by Donald Trump (32:07). Jonathan predicts that Mike Johnson will eventually secure the Speaker position despite initial resistance, as the party prioritizes unity over ideological purity (33:19). They explore the strategic challenges Johnson will face in governing a divided House, especially concerning tax reform and immigration policies (35:04).

6. Trump Administration’s Early Challenges

The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's struggles with confirmations and legislative priorities. Jonathan points out the precariousness of nominees like Tulsi Gabbard, whose past affiliations and worldview may hinder their confirmation (25:26). They also discuss the influence of MAGA-aligned figures like Steve Bannon and Andy Biggs, noting their significant presence in Trump's circles and their impact on political appointments (26:17).

7. Lessons from Jimmy Carter’s Presidency

Jonathan draws parallels between current Democratic challenges and historical political strategies, referencing Jimmy Carter's presidency. He highlights Carter's role in transforming the Democratic Party in the South, emphasizing the importance of not underestimating the electorate's capacity for change (37:50). Jonathan suggests that Democrats today could learn from Carter's ability to bridge divides and appeal to a broader voter base (39:36).

8. Conclusion: Tribute to the Victims

As the episode concludes, Tim offers a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the Bourbon Street tragedy, sharing personal anecdotes and names like Reggie Hunter, Nicole Perez, Hubert Gothro, Nakira Dedeau, Matthew Tenadorio, and Karim Badawi (40:31). This segment serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact behind political discussions, emphasizing the importance of community and remembrance in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• “The city's going to move forward.” – Tim Miller (01:34)
• “New Orleans is the most special city in America.” – Jonathan Martin (01:53)
• “The only center that we want to hear about is the person snapping the ball.” – Jonathan Martin (10:09)
• “Our precious democracy” – Jonathan Martin (38:24)
• “Don’t assume anything about what the voters can or cannot do.” – Jonathan Martin (39:36)

Timestamps:

• 01:34: Introduction to New Orleans resilience
• 01:53: Jonathan on New Orleans as a special city
• 03:09: Second-line funerals and city’s culture
• 03:57: Political implications of the tragedy
• 05:22: Ensuring safety and economic stability
• 07:04: Critique of Senator John Kennedy
• 08:55: Kennedy’s inappropriate response
• 09:28: Democratic leadership and interest groups
• 10:09: Messaging vs. policy in Democratic strategy
• 15:07: Missed opportunities by Kamala Harris
• 20:09: Democrats’ struggle with voter concerns
• 25:26: Challenges with Trump administration nominees
• 26:17: Influence of MAGA-aligned figures
• 32:07: Speaker vote dynamics
• 33:19: Predicting Speaker Johnson’s success
• 35:04: Governing a divided House
• 37:50: Lessons from Jimmy Carter
• 38:24: Carter’s impact on the Democratic Party
• 39:36: Democrat electorate’s potential
• 40:31: Tribute to Bourbon Street tragedy victims

Closing Remarks:

Tim Miller wraps up the episode by honoring the victims of the Bourbon Street tragedy, urging listeners to support local news outlets and remember those affected. He hints at a detailed breakdown of the Speaker vote in the next episode featuring Bill Kristol, promising continued insightful political analysis.

Produced by Katie Cooper with audio engineering and editing by Jason Brown.