Podcast Summary: The Next Level Episode 1004 Released on August 6, 2025

Hosts: Sarah Longwell, Sam Stein, and Josh Barro
Podcast: The Next Level by The Bulwark
Episode Title: Trump’s Polls Could COLLAPSE! Epstein Cover-Up Keeps ROLLING! Newsom Goes HARD!

1. Introduction

In this milestone episode, hosts Sarah Longwell, Sam Stein, and Josh Barro delve into pressing political issues shaping the United States. They tackle the declining popularity of former President Donald Trump, ongoing controversies surrounding the Epstein case, actions taken by California Governor Gavin Newsom, and the contentious redistricting efforts in Texas. Additionally, the episode touches upon recent developments in vaccine research and unsettling trends in media ethics.

2. Trump's Polling and Economic Outlook

Key Discussion Points:

• Declining Trump Popularity: The hosts analyze recent polls indicating a potential collapse in Donald Trump's support base. They discuss factors contributing to this decline, particularly economic concerns such as rising living costs and a slowing job market.

• Economic Sentiments: The conversation highlights public dissatisfaction with high prices and job insecurity as major reasons for Trump's waning support.

• Impact of AI on Employment: Josh Barro introduces the notion that advancements in artificial intelligence may be affecting job availability, especially in entry-level and research positions.

Notable Quote:

Sarah Longwell [05:26]: "People are not going to vote for Donald Trump if the prices are this high everywhere."

3. Epstein Cover-Up and DOJ Controversies

Key Discussion Points:

• Recent DOJ Meetings: The hosts express concern over secretive meetings between high-ranking DOJ officials and Vice President Kamala Harris regarding Ghislaine Maxwell and the Epstein files.

• Lack of Transparency: There's frustration over the DOJ's handling of the Epstein case, with accusations of orchestrating a cover-up and mismanaging sensitive information.

• Political Ramifications: Sam Stein criticizes the DOJ's strategy, suggesting that avoiding the release of the Epstein files only leads to greater mistrust and speculation.

Notable Quotes:

Josh Barro [23:30]: "They are wildly hubristic about what they think they can get away with."

Sam Stein [24:58]: "I think they're trying to orchestrate a PR situation that weeds them out of this."

4. Redistricting Efforts in Texas

Key Discussion Points:

• Aggressive Redistricting: The episode examines Governor Greg Abbott's controversial redistricting moves in Texas, which break traditional mid-decade redistricting norms.

• Legal and Political Battles: The hosts discuss the confrontational tactics between Republicans and Democrats, including threats of arrests and allegations of corruption.

• National Implications: The conversation underscores how Texas's actions may influence other states like California and New York, leading to increased political polarization.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Stein [31:01]: "The first rule that's being broken here is the redistricting in mid-decade. That's not done. It's a pure political power play."

Josh Barro [36:43]: "The end game really is to bleed time and in the interim have California move."

5. Vaccine Development Cuts by HHS

Key Discussion Points:

• Termination of MRNA Projects: Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced the cancellation of 22 MRNA vaccine development projects, including one targeting bird flu.

• Potential Consequences: The hosts express alarm over the halt in vaccine research, emphasizing the importance of MRNA technology in preventing future pandemics and advancing medical breakthroughs.

• Political Responsibility: A heated debate arises about the culpability of political figures like Bill Cassidy and Donald Trump in these decisions, with accusations of mismanagement and prioritizing political gains over public health.

Notable Quotes:

Josh Barro [46:02]: "It's just madness. People will die, or I shouldn't say unnecessary deaths will happen because of this."

Sam Stein [49:28]: "It's a national security risk for when people unleash biological like whatever, like Covid was."

6. Governor Gavin Newsom's Political Stance

Key Discussion Points:

• Newsom's Tactical Approach: The hosts analyze California Governor Gavin Newsom's strategies, acknowledging his effectiveness in governance while critiquing his political maneuvers.

• Presidential Aspirations: There is speculation about Newsom's potential presidential ambitions and how his current actions may influence the Democratic Party's future.

• Public Perception: While some admire Newsom's toughness, others view his methods as overly calculated and question his authenticity.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Stein [39:27]: "I think in a world where the voters are chasing two different things, one is not a regular politician. I think he is the most politiciany politician that's ever existed."

Sarah Longwell [39:27]: "He's slick and there's some elements of it and like California doesn't run that great."

7. Media Ethics and Pop Culture: Megyn Kelly’s Controversy

Key Discussion Points:

• Megyn Kelly's AI Interview: The hosts critique Megyn Kelly's use of AI to recreate deceased individuals for interviews, labeling it as unethical and disrespectful.

• Authenticity Debate: A spirited debate ensues about authenticity in media, with Sam Stein condemning Kelly's actions as deeply flawed and harmful.

• Broader Implications: The discussion extends to the responsibilities of media personalities in maintaining integrity and respecting the dignity of individuals, both living and deceased.

Notable Quotes:

Sam Stein [57:08]: "You can't. You can't have parental rights to, like, exhume bodies."

Sarah Longwell [57:29]: "You can't just. You can't just say that it's just a function of the conservative commentariat that boobs are a good thing."

8. Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a reflection on societal divisions and the challenges facing American politics. The hosts express concern over increasing polarization, ethical lapses in media, and the overall direction of national discourse.

Note: This summary omits all advertisements, non-content sections, and casual banter to focus solely on the substantive discussions presented in the episode.