The Bulwark Podcast: Michael Steele - "Gum Up the Works"
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Michael Steele, Former Chair of the Republican National Committee
1. Introduction
The episode opens with Tim Miller welcoming Michael Steele, a prominent figure in American politics, known for his tenure as the former chair of the Republican National Committee and his current roles as the host of the Michael Steele Podcast and co-host of "The Weeknd" on MSNBC. The initial conversation sets a candid tone, highlighting both personal sentiments and the political climate.
Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [00:08]: "I'm delighted to be here with the former chair of the Republican National Committee... How you doing, Chairman?"
2. Frustration with the Current Administration
Michael Steele expresses deep frustration and anger towards the current administration, criticizing the appointment of what he terms a "menagerie of misfits" to key positions without effective counter-narratives or efforts to expose perceived malpractices.
Notable Quote:
Michael Steele [00:46]: "It is galling and mind-numbingly stupid to me that we see the arrogance and disregard of this administration... there doesn't seem to be a counter narrative, let alone counter efforts to expose this bullshit for what it is."
He laments the lack of response to what he perceives as the administration's overreach and the failure to maintain a robust opposition narrative.
3. Strategies Against Trump and Democratic Leadership
The discussion shifts to strategies for opposing Donald Trump and the Democratic Party. Steele emphasizes the importance of actively resisting and creating obstacles for the administration rather than seeking accommodation or reassessment.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Miller [02:27]: "I think that the moment right now... is calling for going to the mattresses, opposition, doing everything possible to try to put gunk in the spokes of their tires..."
Michael Steele [03:48]: "There is no redemptive feature here... It's not democracy. This thing is... what our founders warned us against."
Steele criticizes Democratic leaders like Chuck Schumer, suggesting they lack the necessary assertiveness to counteract the administration's tactics effectively.
4. The Elon Musk Factor
A significant portion of the episode delves into Elon Musk's recent activities and their implications for government operations. Steele and Miller discuss reports of Musk attempting to exert control over federal agencies, including the FBI, through technological and legal maneuvers.
Notable Quotes:
Michael Steele [12:09]: "That is exactly what the play is. It has always been the play... Donald Trump told you to do it and put it back on Trump."
Tim Miller [22:45]: "We're going to have a Trumptation... why are we polling on an unelected guy, who the hell cares?"
They express concern over Musk's influence and the potential for undermining democratic institutions, framing his actions as a continuation of Trump-era strategies to bypass traditional governmental checks and balances.
5. Government Shutdowns and Inefficiency
Steele critiques the administration's approach to managing federal agencies, arguing that shutdowns and inefficiencies are deliberate tactics to redistribute funding, particularly to support significant tax cuts.
Notable Quotes:
Michael Steele [17:56]: "They just want to Eliminate agencies. Let's be clear about why, Tim. They are doing all of this because... there are things that are affecting the price of eggs that have nothing to do with Joe Biden or Donald Trump."
Tim Miller [19:20]: "It's a 4 or $5 trillion price tag that there's no money for."
He underscores the notion that budgetary shuffles are a means to an end, primarily aimed at financing expansive tax reductions rather than genuine governmental reform.
6. The Gaza Strip Casino Proposal
One of the more unorthodox topics discussed is Trump's proposal to develop a casino on the Gaza Strip. Both hosts express skepticism about the feasibility and strategic value of such a venture, viewing it as a distraction or a meaningless gesture rather than a substantive policy.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Miller [27:43]: "Trump gives the press conference with Bibi... it's just not happening."
Michael Steele [33:04]: "It's all bullshit, and it's typical Trump bullshit, because it ain't happening."
They mock the proposal's practicality and question its alignment with broader Middle Eastern stability and U.S. foreign policy objectives.
7. Economic Concerns: The Price of Eggs and Beyond
The conversation touches on economic issues, with a focus on the rising cost of groceries, particularly eggs, attributing these increases to factors like bird flu rather than governmental policies. Steele criticizes the administration's lack of clear strategies to mitigate these economic pressures.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Miller [35:17]: "Trump has already told us he doesn't know how he's bringing grocery prices down because he can't."
Michael Steele [36:53]: "This is all about how he's going to make more money. The bargain for exchanges. I'll do what you need me to do. I just want to be the world's first trillionaire."
He highlights the disconnect between political promises and economic realities, emphasizing the need for concrete actions over vague assurances.
8. Internal Party Dynamics and Leadership Challenges
Steele and Miller discuss the challenges within the Republican Party, particularly concerning leadership and the direction post-Trump. They express concerns over the party's ability to present a unified and credible alternative to the Democrats.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Miller [42:10]: "I'm wondering if somebody sends Ken Martin this little, this little video clip here... I'm wondering what your advice would be to him."
Michael Steele [44:07]: "If you go back in time and you told them this is what you would do, Oh, no, there's no way in hell."
The dialogue underscores frustrations with current party leaders like Ken Martin, suggesting a lack of effective strategy and charisma to counterbalance Democratic narratives.
9. Concluding Remarks
As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the ongoing political struggles and express determination to continue their efforts against what they perceive as malpractices within the current administration. The conversation ends on a lighter note, discussing Trump's inconsistent communications and the importance of maintaining a strong, confrontational stance.
Notable Quote:
Michael Steele [49:13]: "They're not. And people think that's endearing. They just think, well, that's just Trump being Trump."
10. Final Thoughts
Throughout the episode, Michael Steele provides a critical lens on the current political landscape, emphasizing the need for active opposition, strategic planning, and maintaining the integrity of democratic institutions. His insights, coupled with Tim Miller's probing questions, offer a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by the Republican Party and the broader implications for American democracy.
Note: This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Tim Miller and Michael Steele, highlighting key topics, discussions, and poignant quotes. It serves as a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking to understand the critical viewpoints presented in this episode of The Bulwark Podcast.