Podcast Summary: The Bulwark Podcast – S.E. Cupp: The Outrage Is the Point
Episode Information
- Title: S.E. Cupp: The Outrage Is the Point
- Release Date: March 10, 2025
- Host: Tim Miller
- Guest: S.E. Cupp, CNN Political Commentator, Contributor to Table for Five, and Host of the Off the Cupp Podcast
Introduction and Guest Background
Tim Miller begins the episode by introducing the guest, S.E. Cupp, highlighting her role as a political commentator for CNN, a contributor to the new show Table for Five, and the host of her own podcast, Off the Cupp[^00:00]. Cupp brings her extensive experience in political analysis to discuss the tumultuous first seven weeks of the Trump administration.
Disorganization in Trump’s Administration
Cupp provides a stark contrast between the 2016 Trump campaign's initial disorganization and the unexpected chaos of the first weeks in the 2024 administration.
“I found this 2024 campaign to be run in a very high level way by Susie et al. And the collapse of that organization and order on day one of this term has been, I guess, shocking, but not, I mean, I am sure shocked at the level of disorganization and chaos considering he came in... with a way bigger mandate this time.”[^02:23]
She emphasizes the unexpected collapse despite the larger mandate, indicating deeper systemic issues within the administration.
Economic Challenges and Policies
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the administration’s economic performance, which both host and guest agree has been disappointing.
“Across every metric, it has been a shit show.”[^05:00]
Tim Miller notes the economic downturn, mentioning:
“The market has been getting crushed. Our trading partners are fucking pissed. There is total instability.”[^04:29]
Cupp critiques the administration’s failure to prioritize economic issues, which were the primary concerns during the campaign.
“The campaign and his voters were so clear on the three issues... economy, immigration, crime... economy at the top. So to come in and in his joint address mention the economy... I think something like 7% of his speech addressed the economy specifically.”[^06:53]
Both agree that economic policy has not been effectively addressed, undermining voter priorities.
Foreign Policy and Intelligence Sharing
The conversation shifts to foreign policy, particularly the administration’s stance on Ukraine and intelligence sharing with Russia.
“Withholding intelligence sharing is the dickiest part of this. And also... the clearest indication of whose side he is on.”[^12:00]
Cupp explains that the halt in intelligence sharing is strategically disadvantaging Ukraine, indicating a preference for Russia.
Weakening of Western Alliances
The discussion highlights the deterioration of Western alliances under Trump’s leadership.
“The European alliance is just collapsing. It's collapsing. It's collapsible. The Western alliance, the Atlantic alliance is just collapse.”[^15:21]
Cupp elaborates on how European nations are distancing themselves from the US, undermining longstanding partnerships.
Influence of Tech Billionaires (Elon Musk)
A significant portion of the episode critiques Elon Musk’s growing influence in politics and his interactions with Trump.
“Elon tweeted, 'be quiet, small man,' at the Polish foreign minister. Again, like, what are we doing?”[^19:00]
Cupp and Miller discuss how Musk’s erratic behavior and social media antics are undermining political discourse and contributing to administrative chaos.
“It's laughable. It's humiliating. We are a laughing stock because Elon tweets at foreign leaders like they're just trolls.”[^22:35]
Corruption and Political Accountability
The duo delves into allegations of corruption within the Trump administration, linking tech influence and political decisions.
“Musk had 32 investigations into his companies when Trump took power. All of them are being quashed.”[^30:00]
Cupp describes the administration’s self-serving actions as “apples and oranges” compared to previous scandals like Whitewater, suggesting a more blatant form of corruption.
Democratic Policies and Criticism
Cupp criticizes Democratic approaches, using Stacey Abrams as a case study of what she views as ineffective governmental programs.
“Stacey Abrams got $1.9 billion to give people toasters. Like, who's winning the argument?”[^36:28]
She contrasts this with Trump's straightforward populist messaging, arguing that Democratic policies fail to address the electorate’s primary concerns effectively.
Future of MAGA and Conservatism
The conversation shifts to the sustainability and future of the MAGA movement post-Trump.
“MAGA is moored only to Trump, which means when Trump goes, it's just attached to him and defined by him. So that could leave room for a lot of things to come and fill that Void.”[^51:11]
Cupp expresses skepticism about MAGA’s ability to sustain itself without a clear, cohesive leadership or set of principles beyond Trump's persona.
Internal US Issues: Public Health and Agriculture
Tim Miller brings attention to internal issues such as a measles outbreak and policies from the Department of Agriculture.
“Measles in Maryland... the Department of Agriculture is focusing on repopulation of chickens to reduce egg prices.”[^44:34]
Cupp laments the lack of effective public health responses, questioning America’s status as a first-world country amidst preventable health crises.
Conclusion
In the closing segments, both host and guest reflect on the fragmented state of American politics and the potential future trajectory.
“There’s going to be such a vacuum because of all of this unmooring that it could create an interesting opportunity for either or both parties. But by that time, like, will we survive this?”[^52:32]
Cupp and Miller express concern over the nation's ability to navigate these tumultuous times, acknowledging the uncertain and possibly deteriorating political landscape.
Notable Quotes
-
S.E. Cupp [02:23]: “I found this 2024 campaign to be run in a very high level way... the collapse of that organization and order on day one of this term has been, I guess, shocking.”
-
Tim Miller [04:29]: “The market has been getting crushed. Our trading partners are fucking pissed. There is total instability.”
-
S.E. Cupp [06:53]: “The campaign and his voters were so clear on the three issues... economy, immigration, crime... economy at the top.”
-
S.E. Cupp [15:21]: “The European alliance is just collapsing. It's collapsing. It's collapsible.”
-
S.E. Cupp [36:28]: “Stacey Abrams got $1.9 billion to give people toasters. Like, who's winning the argument?”
-
S.E. Cupp [51:11]: “MAGA is moored only to Trump, which means when Trump goes, it's just attached to him and defined by him.”
-
S.E. Cupp [52:32]: “There’s going to be such a vacuum because of all of this unmooring that it could create an interesting opportunity for either or both parties. But by that time, like, will we survive this?”
Conclusion
This episode of The Bulwark Podcast provides a critical examination of the early weeks of the Trump administration through the insightful lens of S.E. Cupp. The discussion spans domestic economic struggles, flawed foreign policies, the destabilization of international alliances, and the problematic influence of tech billionaires like Elon Musk. Both Miller and Cupp express deep concerns about the future of American politics, the sustainability of the MAGA movement, and the broader implications for liberal democracy.
For those interested in a thorough analysis of the current political landscape, this episode offers valuable perspectives and incisive commentary on the challenges facing the United States today.
[^00:00]: Transcript Timecode for Introduction
[^02:23]: Transcript Timecode for Disorganization
[^04:29]: Transcript Timecode for Economic Challenges
[^05:00]: Transcript Timecode for Economic Issues
[^06:53]: Transcript Timecode for Campaign Issues
[^12:00]: Transcript Timecode for Foreign Policy
[^15:21]: Transcript Timecode for Western Alliances
[^19:00]: Transcript Timecode for Elon Musk’s Influence
[^22:35]: Transcript Timecode for Humiliation via Musk’s Tweets
[^30:00]: Transcript Timecode for Corruption
[^36:28]: Transcript Timecode for Stacey Abrams Critique
[^51:11]: Transcript Timecode for Future of MAGA
[^52:32]: Transcript Timecode for Political Vacuum