Podcast Summary: The Bulwark Podcast – Episode Featuring Mark Elias: An Election War Machine

Date Released: July 31, 2025
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Mark Elias, Partner at Elias Law Group and Founder of Democracy Docket

1. Introduction and Guest Overview

The episode kicks off with Tim Miller welcoming Mark Elias, a prominent figure in the pro-democracy movement, specializing in voting rights and redistricting. Mark introduces himself as the founder of Democracy Docket and discusses his background, including his role as Hillary Clinton's general counsel in 2016.

Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [00:54]: "I appreciate our guest today welcoming, I think for the first time to the Borg podcast partner at Elias Law Group and founder of Democracy Docket, a pro democracy news outlet."

2. Social Media Harassment and Online Trolls

Mark Elias shares his experiences with online harassment, particularly after gaining prominence in political circles. He discusses his decision to leave platforms like Twitter due to toxic interactions, including anti-Semitic slurs.

Notable Quotes:
Mark Elias [02:49]: "It was like one anti-Semitic slur after another."
Tim Miller [03:01]: "Do you need a security guard? Like, what's the latest? What kind of heat are you taking?"

3. Redistricting and Gerrymandering in Texas

The conversation delves deep into the contentious issue of redistricting, focusing on Texas. Mark explains how Republicans are re-gerrymandering districts initially gerrymandered in 2021, aiming to solidify their control. He underscores the unprecedented nature of this move and its implications for American politics.

Notable Quotes:
Mark Elias [15:58]: "What they are doing is re-gerrymandering a gerrymander. And that is unprecedented in American politics."
Tim Miller [19:06]: "It seems like if they are successful in this, then they will be able to squeeze out four or five seats. Is that how you assess it?"

4. Reaction of Law Firms to Political Pressure

Mark criticizes major law firms for their perceived capitulation under political pressure, particularly from Republican efforts to undermine democracy. He contrasts his firm's approach—eschewing corporate clients in favor of representing Democratic entities—with that of larger firms like Paul Weiss, which he accuses of compromising their integrity.

Notable Quotes:
Mark Elias [06:17]: "It is an absolute disgrace... They have ruined one of the great brands in the legal profession."
Tim Miller [07:59]: "It's so funny's not the right word, but I'm laughing about it anyway, listening to you give this soliloquy..."

5. Department of Justice's Involvement in Elections

Mark expresses concern over the Department of Justice (DOJ) seemingly becoming an arm of the Republican voter suppression efforts. He highlights the DOJ's outreach to states for voter rolls, which he fears could be used to undermine election integrity.

Notable Quotes:
Mark Elias [29:43]: "The Department of Justice is reaching out to state after state after state to get copies and access to their full voter files."
Tim Miller [31:38]: "But to answer your original question, so that's registration. Then you have the voting process where..."

6. Judicial Confirmations and the 3rd Circuit

The discussion turns to the controversial confirmation of individuals like Emil Bove to the federal judiciary. Mark criticizes the lack of ideological grounding in recent confirmations, attributing them to mere power politics rather than legal philosophy.

Notable Quotes:
Mark Elias [38:50]: "What an absolute fucking outrage... And it's just the pure politics of doctrine."
Tim Miller [39:46]: "Power politics. Corruption. Yeah, that's all it is."

7. Sexual Assault Allegations and Legacy Media

Tim and Mark address the legacy media's handling of sexual assault allegations against Donald Trump. They criticize the media for downplaying or complicating reports, despite substantial evidence and multiple credible accusations.

Notable Quotes:
Mark Elias [43:48]: "And the Republicans just line up to vote, vote for him. And shame on all of the people in legacy media..."
Tim Miller [44:57]: "Every time we mention this, we have to have a caveat that... there's no evidence that he did anything wrong."

8. ICE Expansion and Immigration Detention Oversight

Mark highlights the alarming expansion of ICE and the proliferation of detention centers. He emphasizes the lack of oversight, noting lawsuits by House Democrats to compel ICE to allow congressional inspections of these facilities, which are currently being obstructed.

Notable Quotes:
Mark Elias [46:17]: "There is probably no greater long term crisis for America from this era than this dramatic expansion of ICE and these detention centers."
Tim Miller [46:17]: "ICE is preventing them from conducting oversight on federal immigration detention facilities."

9. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Tim wraps up the conversation by acknowledging Mark's contributions and the critical nature of his work in advocating for democracy and electoral integrity. He hints at the possibility of future collaborations based on audience feedback.

Notable Quotes:
Tim Miller [49:05]: "Appreciate you coming to the podcast. This is summer podcasting. I'll be seeing you soon."
Mark Elias [49:05]: "All right, great."

Key Takeaways

• Redistricting as a Political Tool: The strategic re-gerrymandering by Republicans in Texas is seen as a direct attempt to entrench their political power, raising concerns about the future of fair representation in Congress.

• Law Firms' Ethical Stances: There's a growing divide between smaller, politically engaged law firms and larger firms perceived to compromise their values for profit and political expediency.

• DOJ's Role in Elections: The DOJ's increasing involvement in state-level electoral processes raises fears of biased interference that could undermine election integrity.

• Judicial Appointments and Power Politics: Recent judicial confirmations are criticized for prioritizing political loyalty over legal expertise, threatening the impartiality of the judiciary.

• Media's Handling of Allegations: The legacy media is accused of downplaying serious allegations against prominent political figures, thereby enabling the perpetuation of misconduct.

• Immigration Enforcement Concerns: The expansion of ICE and its detention facilities, coupled with legislative obstructions to oversight, point to a potential human rights crisis.

Overall Assessment:
The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current threats to American democracy, emphasizing the strategic maneuvers in redistricting, the ethical responsibilities of legal professionals, and the critical role of oversight in maintaining electoral and institutional integrity. Mark Elias offers insightful perspectives on combating authoritarian tendencies and safeguarding democratic principles amidst escalating political tensions.