The Bulwark Podcast: Mike Murphy - Trump's Kryptonite

Release Date: July 24, 2025

I. Introduction and Guest Overview

Tim Miller opens the episode by welcoming Mike Murphy, a seasoned political strategist known for his work with prominent campaigns such as McCain, Schwarzenegger, Romney, and Jeb Bush. Murphy also co-hosts "Hacks on Tap," serves as the co-director of the Center for Political Future at USC, and leads the American EV Jobs Alliance.

Quote:

"By the way, China's winning."
— Mike Murphy [00:51]

II. South Park's Portrayal of Trump and Media Dynamics

The conversation kicks off with a humorous take on Donald Trump's portrayal in the latest season of South Park, highlighting the show's unapologetic critique of the current administration.

Quote:

"Straight from his mouth."
— Tim Miller [01:36]

Murphy reflects on how satirical media like South Park courageously tackle political figures, noting the broader implications for public perception.

III. Declining Influence of MAGA and Shifting Public Perception

Murphy discusses the waning influence of the MAGA movement, describing it as akin to "troops on the eighth year of an endless war," indicating fatigue and diminishing support.

Quote:

"MAGA's starting to feel a little bit like the troops on the eighth year of an endless war."
— Mike Murphy [03:13]

He likens the current political climate to the classic movie "The Dam Busters," illustrating how small signs can indicate significant shifts ("the puddles of water in the coffee cup is a great little technique") [04:54].

IV. Epstein Files and Legal Implications for Trump

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Epstein files, with Murphy addressing recent reports from the Wall Street Journal indicating that Trump was informed about his inclusion in these files earlier than previously known.

Quote:

"It's a traditional cover-up story."
— Tim Miller [08:21]

Murphy articulates the potential legal ramifications, suggesting that Democrats could leverage this information in upcoming House investigations, portraying it as a pivotal moment distinguishing Trump's administration from typical political scandals.

V. Government Competence and Espionage Concerns

The duo humorously critiques the current administration's handling of national security, particularly concerning Chinese espionage and the mismanagement within the FBI.

Quote:

"We're literally conducting an amazing science experiment... replace the government with a gang of chimpanzees."
— Mike Murphy [13:48]

Murphy emphasizes the irony of prioritizing internal cover-ups over pressing national security threats, highlighting the detrimental impact on US competitiveness, especially in the automotive sector.

VI. Economic Analysis: Fed Policies and Market Resilience

Tim and Mike delve into the current state of the US economy, debating inflation trends and the Federal Reserve's role. Murphy criticizes Trump's tendency to blame the Fed Director, Jerome Powell, for economic downturns, positioning Powell as his "economic foil."

Quote:

"Trump up something that... will make Powell look like he’s ruining everything."
— Mike Murphy [25:13]

They discuss the resilience of the stock market despite underlying economic stresses, such as rising debt and its implications for voter sentiment.

VII. Electric Vehicle (EV) Industry and Policy Failures

A significant segment is dedicated to the Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, where Murphy laments the detrimental impact of current policies on American manufacturing.

Quote:

"Trump does not understand any of this... He is the anthrax of all that."
— Mike Murphy [30:00]

Murphy provides a detailed critique of recent legislation affecting EV subsidies, arguing that the removal of consumer incentives hampers the industry's growth and America’s ability to compete globally against Chinese manufacturers.

VIII. Future Political Landscape and Potential Candidates

The discussion shifts to the broader political future, with both hosts speculating on potential Democratic strategies and candidates that could effectively counter Trump’s influence.

Quote:

"We need a real Burkean Conservative party in this country."
— Mike Murphy [52:18]

Murphy envisions a political landscape where traditional conservatism battles populism, advocating for a return to substantive policy discussions over populist rhetoric.

IX. Mike Murphy’s Departure from the Republican Party

In a candid moment, Murphy shares his personal decision to leave the Republican Party, citing a shift from traditional conservatism to a disillusionment with the current party’s populist direction.

Quote:

"I'm not a Republican anymore... I have left the Republican party."
— Mike Murphy [50:51]

He expresses a desire for a more principled conservatism, separate from the "stupid populist party" he perceives today.

X. California Politics and Leadership Prospects

The conversation concludes with an exploration of California's political scene, particularly focusing on Governor Gavin Newsom and potential Republican candidates like Rick Caruso.

Quote:

"Rick Caruso is looking at governor or mayor of LA as a Tory Democrat."
— Mike Murphy [39:44]

Murphy praises Caruso's pragmatic approach and leadership during crises like the Palisades fire rebuild, suggesting he embodies the rational, results-oriented leadership needed in California.

XI. Conclusion and Teasers for Upcoming Episodes

Tim and Mike wrap up the episode by acknowledging Murphy's busy schedule and teasing future discussions, including a deep dive into the Department of Justice's internal dynamics.

Quote:

"Tomorrow we're gonna get a little bit more serious. We'll do a deep dive with our favorite legal expert."
— Tim Miller [53:25]

Key Takeaways

• Trump's Vulnerability: Emerging scandals, particularly the Epstein files, are threatening Trump's standing and providing Democrats with leverage.
• MAGA Fatigue: The long-term sustainability of the MAGA movement is questionable as public enthusiasm wanes.
• Economic Concerns: Despite superficial resilience, underlying economic issues like debt and inflation could influence midterm outcomes.
• EV Industry Crisis: Current policies are hindering the growth of the American EV sector, jeopardizing manufacturing competitiveness.
• Political Realignment: Calls for a return to traditional conservatism, with figures like Rick Caruso representing a potential shift away from populist tendencies.
• Personal Political Shifts: Murphy's departure from the Republican Party underscores the internal conflicts and ideological shifts within American conservatism.

Notable Quotes:

• "MAGA's starting to feel a little bit like the troops on the eighth year of an endless war."
  — Mike Murphy [03:13]

• "We're literally conducting an amazing science experiment... replace the government with a gang of chimpanzees."
  — Mike Murphy [13:48]

• "Mike Murphy, I don't know if you've seen any of the other clips from south park last night, but it is brutal."
  — Tim Miller [02:19]

• "I'm not a Republican anymore... I have left the Republican party."
  — Mike Murphy [50:51]

Upcoming Episodes:

• Legal Deep Dive: A comprehensive analysis of the Department of Justice and recent negotiations involving Ghislaine Maxwell and Trump's personal lawyer.
• Guest Spotlight: Mike Murphy is slated to return around Thanksgiving, promising further insights into his political strategies and upcoming projects.

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