Summary3 min read

Podcast Summary: The Bulwark – "Ask JVL: What Can Americans Be Proud Of Today?"

Date: May 8, 2026
Host: The Bulwark
Main Theme: A candid Q&A episode featuring JVL, addressing listeners’ concerns about the state of American pride, the strategy for Democrats in 2028, and what it would take to "de-Trumpify" the nation.

Episode Overview

This episode revolves around big-picture questions from The Bulwark's engaged audience, focusing on America’s current trajectory, the potential for left-wing populism as a Democratic electoral strategy, and priorities for restoring democracy in a post-Trump era. The tone is measured and a bit skeptical, balancing pragmatic responses with concern about populist trends in both parties.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Is Left-Wing Populism the Play for Democrats in 2028?

[00:00-02:04]

Question from Tom: Should Democrats embrace left-wing populism to win in key states they’ve recently struggled in?
JVL’s Take: Cautiously pessimistic about populist politics, noting its inherent dangers regardless of ideology.
- Populism’s Risks:
  - “Populism is dangerous. Not a lot of good stuff comes of populism.” — JVL [00:17]
  - JVL prefers “two cheers for the elites,” signaling a belief in the stabilizing function of institutions over anti-establishment fervor.
- Bernie Sanders as a Reference Point:
  - Notes that Bernie pushed progressive policies “without really leaning into the populist angle too much. Bernie was a serious guy.” — JVL [00:31]
  - Distinguishes between substantive policy (e.g., taxing billionaires) and performative or "dirtbag left" populism that panders to internet meme culture.
- Democratic Strategy:
  - Acknowledges Democrats are going to test left-wing populist approaches in different regions.
  - “It's possible that it converts some people in some places and not others... Maybe you need like, Graham Platner in Maine, but you need somebody different in California.” — JVL [01:34]
- Forecast: JVL remains skeptical about any populist approach being a net positive:
  - “I would say things don’t often go right for America these days... It seems like the safe place to always bet: no.” — JVL [01:51-02:02]

2. Will Populist Appeals Convert Voters?

Uncertainty:
- “You just have to test it. And it's possible that it converts some people in some places and not others in others.” — JVL [01:29]
Regional Variation: Emphasizes that different candidates and messages may be needed in different states.

3. Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

“I would not really love it if we wound up in a place where the dirtbag left is like doing pro Luigi memes and talking loosely about that sort of stuff. But we're going to try it.” — JVL [00:46]
“Bet the don't pass line on America.” — JVL [02:02]
(A reference to betting against positive political outcomes, expressing skepticism)

Timestamps for Important Segments

Left-wing populism as Democratic strategy: 00:00–02:04
Concerns about populism and the risks for American democracy: 00:17–01:00
Differences between progressive policy and populist rhetoric: 00:30–00:50
Skepticism about positive change in American politics: 01:50–02:04

Language and Tone

Tone: Sober, analytical, with flashes of wry humor and a clear-eyed outlook on the limitations of both populist and elitist politics.
Style: Conversational, candid, and grounded in policy realism rather than sweeping optimism.

Conclusion

In this segment, JVL addresses the complexities of left-wing populism as a Democratic electoral tool, expressing serious reservations about its efficacy and the broader risks populist politics pose. He distinguishes between substantive, progressive policy and performative populism, drawing on Bernie Sanders as an example. The consensus: America is in a tough spot, and while new strategies should be tested, skepticism about dramatic, positive change is warranted.

Up Next: (Begins at [02:04]) A discussion of top priorities for Democrats if they retake the White House and Congress in 2028, focusing on the challenge of "de-Trumpifying" the nation.

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Transcript7 lines

[00:00]
A
Next question, which was, I believe the top most like question is from Tom, who asks, given the importance of 2028, Dems obviously need to win in places where they haven't been doing so hot lately. Is left wing populism the play?
[00:13]
B
I think it might be. And that worries me a little bit because, like, populism is dangerous. I think now some of the left wing stuff is not like my policy preferences. Some of it may be very good, some of it may be slightly bad. Overall though, once you get into like populism, again, just dangerous waters. Not, not a lot of good stuff comes of populism. I'm a two cheers for the elites kind of guy. But the Democrats are clearly going to test it and I don't know. I mean, Bernie was able to do progressive policies without really leaning into the populist angle of it too much. You know, like, like Bernie was a serious guy. I mean, he wanted to go after billionaires and all that, but he wasn't like making eyes at the Luigi types, you know, I don't know. I. I would not really love it if we wound up in a place where the dirtbag left is like doing pro Luigi memes and talking loosely about that sort of stuff. But we're going to try it.
[01:25]
A
Do you think it would convert people?
[01:27]
B
I don't know. I don't know. I mean, this is one of those things that I think is unknowable. You just have to test it. And it's possible that it converts some people in some places and not others in others. I mean, it's possible that you need like, Graham Platner in Maine, but you need somebody different in California. I need somebody different in Texas, and I don't know, we're going to see. I would say things don't often go right for America these days. So if you force me to bet, like, will this thing be net. Net good for us all? I mean, seems like the safe place to always bet. No,
[02:03]
A
no.
[02:03]
B
Bet the don't pass line on America.
[02:05]
A
Yeah. Okay. This next question was both frequently asked last time and this time, so I made sure to include it. If Democrats by some stroke of luck, win the White House and both chambers of Congress in 2028, what should their top three priorities be to de Trumpify the nation?