Episode Summary: The Bulwark Podcast - S2 Ep1039: Amanda Carpenter: MAGA's Bad Week
Release Date: May 9, 2025
In this engaging episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller welcomes Amanda Carpenter, a writer and editor at Protect Democracy and active contributor to Substack. Together, they delve into a range of pressing political issues affecting the United States, focusing on the recent developments within the MAGA movement, judicial appointments, trade policies, and election integrity. Throughout the conversation, they provide insightful analysis, critical perspectives, and highlight significant events that underscore the current political climate.
1. The American Pope: A Symbolic Shift
The episode kicks off with a surprising announcement — the election of an American Pope. Tim Miller expresses mixed feelings about this unprecedented event, highlighting its impact on the Catholic community and broader political implications.
- Tim Miller (00:00): “We have a bulwark pope who went to Villanova, who's American. I don't know. I'm feeling about as Catholic as I've felt in a while.”
Amanda Carpenter reflects on the Pope's active presence on social media, noting the blend of tradition and modernity this represents.
- Amanda Carpenter (01:08): “I am sort of, like, trying to adjust to the idea that we have a Pope who tweets... it brings the humanity back to it, at least for those of us Americans.”
The discussion touches on the Pope's critical remarks towards Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, suggesting a political dimension to his papacy.
- Tim Miller (02:54): “Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others. It's kind of hard to not see it a little bit in a political context.”
2. MAGA's Reaction to the New Pope
The conversation shifts to reactions within the MAGA community, particularly focusing on Jack Posobiec's criticism of the Pope's stance against Trump supporters.
- Jack Posobiec (04:55): “This is not the election the conservatives wanted. God save the church.”
Amanda Carpenter critiques the MAGA faction's unrealistic expectations of the Pope, emphasizing the disconnect between their hopes and reality.
- Amanda Carpenter (05:57): “They are so up in their heads about everything. It's just unbelievable.”
3. Judicial Appointments: Jeanine Pirro's Nomination
Tim and Amanda discuss the controversial appointment of Jeanine Pirro as the interim U.S. Attorney for Washington, expressing concerns about her qualifications and potential biases.
- Tim Miller (07:37): “They're doing frivolous letters targeting people for speaking out against Trump... the politicization of a very important U.S. attorney's post.”
Amanda elaborates on Pirro's lack of legal experience and her alignment with MAGA agendas, questioning her ability to handle national security cases effectively.
- Amanda Carpenter (08:19): “She hasn't practiced law in 20 years... I don't think she's equipped at all.”
4. Attacks on Educational Institutions: Linda McMahon's Letter to Harvard
The episode highlights Linda McMahon's aggressive actions against Harvard University, illustrating a broader pattern of MAGA-driven hostility towards academic institutions.
- Amanda Carpenter (13:35): “Her letter accuses them of violating federal law... it's a way to stifle speech.”
Tim Miller connects these actions to attempts at using federal power to intimidate and control educational narratives.
- Tim Miller (14:47): “This is what they're doing across the board, ... using their bully pulpit as part of their little Maoist cultural revolution.”
5. Trade Tariffs: US-UK Deal and China's Tariffs
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around recent trade developments, including a deal reducing tariffs on Rolls-Royce airplane engines between the US and the UK, and the confusing stance on tariffs with China.
- Tim Miller (20:55): “It's an important point that we have a trade surplus with the UK... but their rationale doesn't hold up.”
Amanda Carpenter criticizes Trump's tariff policies as inconsistent and economically damaging, highlighting the lack of coherent strategy.
- Amanda Carpenter (21:01): “It breaks the idea that Trump is some kind of economic genius... shatters the idea that he's a good negotiator.”
They express skepticism about Trump's ability to manage complex trade relationships effectively, anticipating economic repercussions for American consumers.
- Tim Miller (27:33): “They can't hold a budget. He can't actually get his most insane people nominated and put in position.”
6. Budgetary Challenges and Medicaid Cuts
The hosts examine the ongoing struggles within the Republican-controlled Congress to pass budget legislation, emphasizing the potential for increased debt and the controversial topic of Medicaid funding.
- Amanda Carpenter (37:09): “He's trying to get Medicaid cuts which would deeply impact red states and Trump voters.”
Tim Miller underscores the inefficiency and deadlock within the Republican ranks, highlighting the broader implications for national policy and governance.
- Tim Miller (41:42): “This was the big point... Trump and Russ... voters told him they could do that. But they can't hold the budget.”
7. Election Integrity and Judicial Conflicts
Addressing concerns about election subversion, Amanda discusses the North Carolina Supreme Court race where significant challenges were made against a Republican candidate, ultimately leading to his concession.
- Amanda Carpenter (45:25): “This was a great win. We got a positive court decision and he finally conceded this week.”
Tim Miller praises the efforts to maintain electoral integrity and the importance of combating long-term election subversion tactics.
- Tim Miller (47:25): “It's important for citizens to not give up... their gambit failed.”
8. Reflections on Barbara Bush and Political Decorum
The episode concludes with a personal anecdote from Amanda about her interaction with Barbara Bush, highlighting the importance of maintaining dignity and composure in political discourse.
- Amanda Carpenter (56:29): “It sounds like a good coping mechanism to get out your true thoughts with a trusted friend before you have to go in public.”
Tim Miller appreciates Barbara Bush's grace and the value of expressing genuine sentiments away from the public eye.
- Tim Miller (56:43): “She's incredible... demonstrate how you're supposed to act as back in the old days when we had comedy and people with dignity in the White House.”
Notable Quotes:
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Amanda Carpenter (05:57): “They are so up in their heads about everything. It's just unbelievable.”
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Tim Miller (14:47): “This is what they're doing across the board, ... using their bully pulpit as part of their little Maoist cultural revolution.”
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Amanda Carpenter (21:01): “It breaks the idea that Trump is some kind of economic genius... shatters the idea that he's a good negotiator.”
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Amanda Carpenter (45:25): “This was a great win. We got a positive court decision and he finally conceded this week.”
This episode of The Bulwark Podcast offers a comprehensive examination of the current political upheavals, particularly focusing on the MAGA movement's challenges and setbacks. Through thoughtful dialogue and critical analysis, Tim Miller and Amanda Carpenter underscore the resilience of democratic institutions and the ongoing struggle to preserve liberal democracy in the face of populist threats.