The Bulwark Podcast: Neera Tanden—Aiding and Abetting Trump

Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: Tim Miller
Guest: Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress, Former Domestic Policy Council Director under Joe Biden

1. Introduction

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller welcomes back Neera Tanden, a prominent figure in Democratic politics and a key voice in the Never Trump movement. Their discussion delves into the latest political controversies, focusing primarily on the Jeffrey Epstein case and its broader implications for American politics.

2. The Jeffrey Epstein Scandal and Its Political Ramifications

Neera Tanden opens the conversation by expressing a sense of unexpected joy over recent developments related to the Epstein case. She attributes this uplifted mood to the perception that significant political figures, including Donald Trump, may be incriminating themselves through their actions.

Neera Tanden [00:28]: "You know, I feel like I'm experiencing the greatest amount of joy I've had in the first six months. So I'm just happy to experience the joy."

Tanden criticizes the Republican Party's handling of the Epstein files, suggesting that the abrupt closure of House proceedings signals a broader attempt to obfuscate potential connections between Trump and Epstein.

Neera Tanden [08:16]: "The fact is, Democrats are carrying this has made the Republicans go into kind of free fall."

She emphasizes the importance of transparency, arguing that the Republican strategy to prevent the release of these files is primarily motivated by a desire to shield Trump from further scrutiny.

Neera Tanden [10:32]: "It's pretty clear they're just covering up something, that they're covering up Donald Trump in the files."

3. Critique of Republican Immigration Policies and Marco Rubio

The discussion shifts to immigration, where Tanden criticizes Marco Rubio's role as Secretary of State, particularly his involvement in the controversial prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Venezuela. She argues that Rubio's actions undermine Republican foreign policy foundations that traditionally oppose communist regimes.

Neera Tanden [07:05]: "The fundamental problem we have is Republicans are willing to squeeze out more seats and Democrats are Democratic. You know, blue states have kind of traditionally done these commissions."

Tanden contends that the Republican approach to immigration, especially the treatment of Venezuelan immigrants, contradicts long-standing Republican principles against communism and Marxism.

Neera Tanden [05:54]: "So, like, that's what I think. I mean, I love Marco Rubio because, like, why he thinks it's okay. I mean, would he be okay if we sent Cubans back to Cuba? No, that would be terrible because they're opponents of the regime."

4. Redistricting, Gerrymandering, and Democratic Strategy

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on redistricting efforts, particularly in Texas. Tanden criticizes the proposed redistricting map, which she describes as absurd and detrimental to Democratic representation.

Neera Tanden [27:03]: "The map is absurd. And of course, and just to say if they hadn't done those three seats, we could be like Speaker Jeffries one seat, one seat away from that or like right there any moment."

She advocates for a proactive Democratic response, suggesting that blue states should consider redistricting initiatives akin to those seen in Republican-controlled states to counteract gerrymandering efforts.

Neera Tanden [29:18]: "There's an imbalance where Republicans can put power above process or due process or norms or the right thing to do or morality and just gain power."

Tanden also highlights the need for national legislation to prevent gerrymandering, arguing that without it, partisan bias in redistricting will continue to undermine democratic principles.

Neera Tanden [30:50]: "We live in a world that some of us argued like in a decade ago that maybe blue states shouldn't go through these commission processes because Republican states could do things like this. And I remember really, you know, like good people, good, good government people saying, no, no, no, we have to role model. But this is exactly why you need national legislation that prohibits gerrymandering."

5. Democratic Recruitment and Policy Platform

Tanden discusses the challenges Democrats face in recruiting candidates for key states like Texas and Iowa. She emphasizes the importance of developing policies that resonate across diverse electorates to expand the party's appeal.

Neera Tanden [32:30]: "We have to do really a fundamental rethink of how we have policies and ideas that can appeal to people in a place like Iowa as well as a place like Illinois or California."

She suggests that comprehensive immigration reform could serve as a unifying platform, capable of garnering broad support and counteracting Republican policies perceived as anti-immigrant.

Neera Tanden [35:50]: "We know Center for American Progress put forward an immigration plan that secures the border. It ends the abuse of the asylum system. ... We do believe there was misuse and abuse of the asylum system over the last four years."

Tanden also underscores the necessity for Democrats to present bold ideas on various issues, such as housing and public safety, to energize the base and attract moderate voters.

Neera Tanden [39:56]: "We also have to have ideas that excite our base and other things. We're not fighting with the base every day, but we're trying to create ideas that can unite people to get to a better higher ground and not create those conflicts."

6. Overcoming Fear and Intimidation in Democratic Engagement

Addressing concerns about donor and institutional hesitancy, Tanden acknowledges the pervasive fear among Democrats due to Trump's aggressive tactics and the potential for retribution. She emphasizes the importance of standing firm against intimidation to preserve democratic integrity.

Neera Tanden [47:59]: "There are actually a whole range of people who I think are just basically intimidated into not engaging in the fight. And I find that very frustrating as a person who's engaged in the fight every day."

Tanden encourages continuous engagement and resilience, noting that Trump's unpopularity provides an opportunity for Democrats to galvanize support and effect change.

Neera Tanden [47:33]: "He is the most unpopular president at this time. His actions on things that are strengths like immigration are unpopular with the country. The majority is against him."

7. Reflection on Political Figures and Personal Anecdotes

Towards the end of the episode, Tanden reflects on political personalities like J.D. Vance, contrasting them with her own approach to governance and public service. She highlights the differences in motivations and the importance of prioritizing public good over political posturing.

Neera Tanden [50:34]: "I was really in, I was really behaving and you know, I liked, you know, I think a big difference between J.D. Vance and I, I think we're probably both pretty good at shitposting but like I actually looked at government service as an opportunity to help people and I just not tracking that as his top priority really at the moment."

These personal insights offer listeners a glimpse into Tanden's values and her perspective on effective political leadership.

8. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with expressions of mutual respect and anticipation for future discussions. Neera Tanden reaffirms her commitment to fighting for democratic values and transparency, encouraging continued vigilance against political corruption and authoritarian tendencies.

Neera Tanden [54:13]: "Always fun, my friend."

As the conversation concludes, the focus remains on the pressing political issues discussed, leaving listeners with a comprehensive understanding of Tanden's perspectives on the Epstein scandal, Republican strategies, and Democratic responses.

Notable Quotes Summary:

• Neera Tanden [00:28]: Expresses unexpected joy over recent political developments.

• Neera Tanden [08:16]: Highlights Republican disarray in handling the Epstein case.

• Neera Tanden [27:03]: Criticizes Texas's redistricting map as absurd.

• Neera Tanden [32:30]: Advocates for broad-appeal policies to strengthen Democratic influence.

• Neera Tanden [47:59]: Discusses the impact of intimidation on Democratic engagement.

• Neera Tanden [50:34]: Contrasts her approach to public service with that of J.D. Vance.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Neera Tanden's discussion on The Bulwark Podcast, offering insights into her views on ongoing political scandals, party strategies, and the importance of resilient democratic engagement.