Podcast Summary: The Bulwark — The Trio: Even Tim Miller Has a Line. We Crossed It.
Date: June 3, 2026
Hosts: Sam Stein, Tim Miller, Will Sommer
Episode Overview
This episode of “The Trio” brings together Bulwark editors Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and reporter Will Sommer for an energetic roundtable on offbeat and urgent political stories of the week. The discussion spins through Ivanka Trump’s rumored isolation (“Ivanka Island”), anti-government protests in Albania, and a bizarre Colorado gubernatorial candidate with alleged ties to exorcisms—prompting Tim to muse about his state’s unique political landscape. The hosts balance irreverent humor with genuine concern about the state of democracy, each bringing firsthand insights and quotable moments.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. "Ivanka Island" — The Return of Trump Family Drama
- The trio opens with speculation around Ivanka Trump's absence from political life and her relationship with her family.
- Insight: The hosts see Ivanka’s “island” as both literal and metaphorical isolation, reflecting intrigue and growing distance within Trumpworld.
- Memorable Moment: They joke that Ivanka is “the only one who escaped the gravitational pull” of the Trump brand.
2. Albanian Protests — Global Democratic Crisis Echoes
- Will Sommer outlines the surge in protests in Albania against corrupt political elites, drawing parallels to global democratic backsliding.
- Quote [03:45, Will Sommer]: “You look at the scenes in Tirana, and you see echoes of what we’ve ignored in our own backyard — people desperate for honest government.”
- Sam points out the contrast between U.S. political apathy and overseas activism.
3. Colorado’s Oddball Gubernatorial Candidate — Politics Meets the Occult
- Tim Miller recounts the latest Colorado political spectacle: a GOP gubernatorial candidate who reportedly believes in exorcisms.
- The group dissects the blurred line between fringe beliefs and mainstream politics.
- Quote [07:32, Tim Miller]: “I thought the weirdest governor we had was the guy who installed a beer tap in the Capitol, but now...we’re summoning spirits.”
- The conversation turns to the responsibility of local media in vetting candidates.
4. The Evolution of Political “Lines”
- The hosts reflect on how, even for seasoned political observers, recent events are testing previous boundaries.
- Quote [11:10, Sam Stein]: “Tim, you’ve always said there’s a line you wouldn’t cross. Did Colorado just push you over?”
- Tim admits that today’s “nuttiest stories” would have been unthinkable a decade ago.
Notable Quotes & Moments
- [05:12, Sam Stein]: “It used to be, if you believed in ghosts or magic, you kept that to yourself—now it gets you a primary debate slot.”
- [09:50, Will Sommer]: “Social media turns conspiracy into currency. All you need is a viral clip, and suddenly, it’s a campaign talking point.”
- [12:00, Tim Miller, laughing]: “Honestly, I brace myself before opening my Colorado news alerts. It’s like, what fresh hell today?”
Timestamps for Major Segments
- 00:00 – Introductions and agenda run-through
- 01:30 – Ivanka Trump "Island" segment
- 03:45 – Albanian protests and American parallels
- 06:50 – Colorado’s exorcist candidate discussion
- 11:00 – Crossing the “line” in politics
- 12:30 – Closing reflections and segment wrap-up
Summary Tone
The episode keeps a lively, bantering tone while mixing in deep concerns about the erosion of democratic norms—both in the U.S. and abroad. The trio’s mix of humor, alarm, and wonky analysis makes for a sharp, engaging listen, with each host bringing their distinct voice to dissect stories that are as bizarre as they are consequential.
