The Bulwark Podcast: Peter Hamby on “The Politics of a Firestorm”

Episode Release Date: January 14, 2025

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller engages in an in-depth conversation with Peter Hamby, a renowned political journalist and partner at Puck News. The discussion revolves around the devastating wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles, drawing parallels to historical disasters, dissecting political accountability, and exploring the broader implications for governance and media.

1. The Devastation of Los Angeles Wildfires

Tim Miller opens the conversation by addressing the immediate impact of the wildfires on Los Angeles. He highlights the personal connections and the widespread destruction witnessed by those in the community.

Peter Hamby provides a nuanced perspective, comparing the current wildfires to Hurricane Katrina. He notes, “It felt like Katrina just swamped the entire city” (03:08). However, unlike Katrina, which predominantly affected low-income areas, the LA wildfires have impacted more middle-class and affluent neighborhoods, exacerbating existing socio-economic tensions.

2. Comparing Wildfires to Hurricane Katrina

The discussion delves deeper into the similarities and differences between the two disasters. Hamby points out the unique socio-economic landscape of Los Angeles, stating, “The geography of the city and all the incorporated cities within it... slightly more middle class to affluent neighborhoods affected” (03:15). This distinction underscores the complex layering of race, class, and geography in disaster vulnerability.

Tim Miller emphasizes the sheer scale of the devastation, mentioning that the fires have burned an area “four times the size of Manhattan” (06:39). Hamby adds, “Imagine if in Washington, like Georgetown just burned up overnight... It would mean the loss of so much history” (07:55), highlighting the cultural and historical loss alongside the physical destruction.

3. Political Accountability and the Blame Game

As the fires unfold, the conversation shifts to political accountability. Miller raises the question of who is to blame, noting the immediate reactions across the political spectrum. He cites various perspectives:

• Santa Ana Democrats attribute the disasters to climate change.
• Republicans blame blue-state incompetence.
• Marc Andreessen, a Trump advisor, blames specific individuals following the death of Rory Sykes, a former child actor, in the fires (09:02).

Hamby counters by referencing Mike Davis’s Ecology of Fear, arguing that the challenges Los Angeles faces are deeply rooted in historical and structural decisions: “Humans make decisions to live in places that are dangerous” (09:02). He asserts that blaming single individuals oversimplifies a multifaceted issue.

4. Critique of Mayor Karen Bass’s Leadership

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Mayor Karen Bass and her handling of the crisis. Hamby criticizes Bass for her perceived lack of leadership during the fires, particularly her decision to leave the city during critical moments. He states, “If she had gone and come back as soon as possible... 'I'm talking to the president right now, blah, blah'" (17:06), illustrating his disappointment with her responsiveness.

Tim Miller probes further into Bass’s decisions, questioning whether red flags were apparent before her departure: “Was it clear that this could be extremely bad?” (16:24). Hamby responds by highlighting misinformation and the complex political landscape, emphasizing that “there’s such a byzantine politics here” (19:25).

5. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson’s Stance

The conversation explores the stance of Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the House, who suggests conditioning federal disaster aid on reforms in California. Johnson is quoted saying, “state and local political leaders were derelict in their duty in many respects” (26:21), advocating for ties between aid and improvements in forest management and resource allocation.

Hamby vehemently opposes this approach, arguing that it politicizes disaster relief and unfairly punishes Californians: “People in Los Angeles want outsiders to shut the fuck up” (27:22). He underscores the necessity of aid regardless of political disagreements, stating, “Federal aid... is agnostic. It doesn’t care what you believe in” (34:09).

6. The Role of Social Media and Tech Giants

Transitioning from local politics, Hamby critiques the involvement of tech giants and their influence on public perception and policy. He lambasts figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg for their politicized stances and perceived lack of authentic leadership.

Miller raises concerns about the upcoming TikTok ban, introducing arguments from a TikTok creator named Soupy, who warns against government overreach and its impact on free speech (51:52). Hamby counters by emphasizing national security concerns and the potential for foreign influence: “The information is quite frequently dog shit, lies adjacent” (54:16). He predicts that Trump might seek a deal to keep TikTok operational, reflecting on past political maneuvers: “Ryan Broderick... they don't need us, they want us” (60:10).

7. Predictions and Future Implications

Looking ahead, Hamby speculates on the possible outcomes of the TikTok ban, including political maneuvering by Trump to protect the platform's operations: “A President United States... It's just straight-up fascist” (60:52). He highlights the ongoing tension between national security and free speech, anticipating further political conflicts as the situation unfolds.

8. Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts

In the closing segment, Hamby shares personal anecdotes about the emotional toll of witnessing the fires and the importance of community resilience. He references a moving TikTok video by a local resident, emphasizing the profound loss of homes and memories: “These aren't just houses, they are lives” (64:20).

Miller wraps up by acknowledging the contributions of community members and reiterates the importance of staying informed and connected during crises.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Hamby: “It felt like Katrina just swamped the entire city.” (03:08)
• Peter Hamby: “If she had gone and come back as soon as possible... 'I'm talking to the president right now, blah, blah'” (17:06)
• Mike Johnson: “It does come down to leadership.” (26:21)
• Peter Hamby: “People in Los Angeles want outsiders to shut the fuck up.” (27:22)
• Peter Hamby: “Federal aid... is agnostic. It doesn’t care what you believe in.” (34:09)
• Peter Hamby: “A President United States... It's just straight-up fascist.” (60:52)

Conclusion

This episode of The Bulwark Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between natural disasters and political accountability in Los Angeles. Peter Hamby provides critical insights into the systemic issues exacerbating the wildfire crisis, challenges the effectiveness of current leadership, and critiques the politicization of disaster relief. Additionally, the conversation extends to the role of social media and tech giants in shaping public discourse and policy, highlighting the complex interplay between governance, media, and community resilience.

Listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of the challenges facing Los Angeles amid the wildfires, the political dynamics at play, and the broader implications for democracy and governance in times of crisis.