The Bulwark Podcast: S2 Ep1046 – David French: Schizo-in-Chief (May 20, 2025)
In this engaging episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller welcomes David French, a renowned opinion columnist for The New York Times and co-host of the legal podcast Advisory Opinions. The conversation delves deep into pressing political and legal issues, offering insightful analysis and robust discussions that resonate with both regular listeners and newcomers alike.
Personal Updates and Relocations [00:00 – 02:16]
The episode opens with Tim Miller noting David French's reduced online presence. French explains that he is in the process of relocating to Chicago to support his oldest daughter, who is commencing law school, and to assist with his two grandbabies aged four and two.
Notable Quote:
David French [00:45]: "I have a recommend and I have a do not recommend. Recommend grandbabies. Do not recommend moving."
He humorously advises against moving unless it's for the sake of supporting family, highlighting the personal sacrifices involved.
Supreme Court and the Alien Enemies Act [02:16 – 15:05]
The discussion shifts to the Supreme Court's recent rulings, particularly focusing on the Alien Enemies Act case where the court ruled 7-2 that Venezuelan nationals detained in foreign prison camps possess due process rights.
Notable Quotes:
David French [03:02]: "Seven members of the Supreme Court that this administration cannot be trusted... the court really is intervening in these cases at just record speed."
French critiques the Supreme Court's rapid and decisive intervention, suggesting a growing skepticism toward the current administration.
David French [10:36]: "The court was encouraging this, that it was encouraging going down the route of class certification."
He underscores the potential for class actions to provide relief for Venezuelans affected by the administration's policies.
The conversation also touches upon the breakdown of the Supreme Court majority, with French highlighting the independence and resilience of justices like Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh, who resist political pressures despite Trump's antagonistic stance.
Notable Quote:
David French [09:37]: "These are people who are independent. They have their own record of accomplishment... They don't have to worry about primaries."
Birthright Citizenship and Judicial Expectations [10:36 – 21:35]
French elaborates on the implications of the Supreme Court's stance on birthright citizenship, emphasizing that the court did not favor the administration's executive order and stressed the importance of class-level relief mechanisms.
Notable Quote:
David French [12:17]: "There was just no hope on birthright citizenship for the Trump administration that leaked out of that oral argument. Not a glimmer."
He explains that the court's reluctance to support nationwide injunctions suggests a pivot towards more nuanced legal remedies.
Fiscal Policy and the Reconciliation Bill [24:53 – 29:54]
The conversation transitions to domestic fiscal policies, with French criticizing the Republican-led reconciliation bill. He argues that the bill exacerbates the national deficit by combining excessive spending with tax cuts, leading to unsustainable fiscal outcomes.
Notable Quotes:
David French [25:55]: "It should be over, but apparently it's not."
David French [27:18]: "Even during peace and prosperity before COVID, the deficit was increasing every year."
French highlights the inherent contradictions in the bill, portraying it as a blend of contradictory economic philosophies that ultimately harm middle and working-class Americans.
Foreign Policy and the Trump-Putin Call [31:22 – 53:17]
A significant portion of the episode analyzes recent foreign policy developments, including a two-hour call between former President Trump and Vladimir Putin. French criticizes the ineffectiveness of the call, emphasizing Putin's unchanging stance and the administration's inadequate support for Ukraine.
Notable Quotes:
Tim Miller [32:10]: "Putin... chooses to continue every day to kill more innocents."
David French [32:28]: "Trump's unwillingness to stand with Ukraine gives Putin every belief that he can just keep winning."
French warns that Trump's unpredictable approach undermines international stability and emboldens authoritarian leaders like Putin.
The discussion also touches on internal Republican dynamics, using Marco Rubio as a case study of traditional Republicans adopting MAGA ideologies, leading to inconsistent and often contradictory foreign policy positions.
Notable Quote:
David French [40:54]: "You're beginning to see appeasement, you're seeing abandonment of allies, you're seeing weakness."
Social and Cultural Issues: Diversity Hiring and Free Speech [53:07 – 66:38]
French addresses contemporary social issues, including diversity hiring practices and free speech concerns. He defends diversity efforts, arguing that increasing workforce diversity through merit-based, race-neutral criteria is legally and ethically sound.
Notable Quotes:
David French [59:05]: "Being proud of the fact that you have an increasingly diverse workforce is not evidence of illegality."
David French [59:44]: "For example, the Texas 10% rule... it's a race-neutral way of increasing American diversity."
Regarding free speech, French clarifies that seemingly threatening statements, such as "86,647," are often non-violent and protected under the First Amendment, referencing Supreme Court precedents that uphold such expressions as free speech.
Notable Quote:
David French [54:56]: "That's not a violent threat. It's a joke."
Legal and Institutional Accountability [56:22 – 62:55]
The conversation critiques the erosion of trust in American institutions, highlighting cases where institutions appear to capitulate to political pressures, thereby undermining accountability and public trust.
Notable Quotes:
David French [56:22]: "It's a cowardice in the most significant way... Americans and American institutions, we're not made of some sort of special clay where we're uniquely resistant to thugs and tyrants."
David French [62:25]: "The Trump administration is just taking any move that honors the existence of black people in the workforce or women in the workforce, and then uses that as evidence of illegality."
French laments the trend of institutions weakening under political duress, which he believes dangerously parallels global patterns of authoritarianism.
NBA Playoffs and Light-Hearted Banter [66:55 – 70:22]
In a lighter segment towards the end, Tim and David discuss the NBA playoffs, sharing personal preferences and anecdotes about favorite teams and players. They touch upon the performances of teams like the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves, infusing humor and camaraderie into the conversation.
Notable Quote:
David French [68:36]: "He is an absolute mess."
This segment serves as a refreshing break from the intense political and legal discussions, showcasing the hosts' multifaceted personalities.
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Tim expressing gratitude to David French for his insightful contributions. French encourages listeners to engage with his work on Advisory Opinions and continues to emphasize the importance of accountability and integrity within American institutions.
Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [69:35]: "David French, long as always, we always go over with you. I appreciate it."
Final Thoughts
This episode of The Bulwark Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of critical issues ranging from Supreme Court dynamics and fiscal policies to foreign affairs and social justice. David French provides a nuanced perspective, challenging listeners to critically evaluate the actions of political leaders and the integrity of institutional frameworks. Whether delving into complex legal interpretations or sharing personal anecdotes, the hosts maintain an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue that underscores the podcast's commitment to defending liberal democracy and fostering informed discourse.