Podcast Summary: The Next Level Episode 1005: Trump’s Economy Is Sputtering—Make Him Pay for It!
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Hosts: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Jonathan V. Last
Guest: Bill Crystal
Introduction
In Episode 1005 of The Next Level, titled "Trump’s Economy Is Sputtering—Make Him Pay for It!", Sarah Longwell, the publisher of The Bulwark, engages in a deep discussion with guest Bill Crystal. The episode delves into the current state of Donald Trump's economic policies, their impact on his approval ratings, and the broader implications for the Republican Party and upcoming elections.
Main Discussion
1. Trump's Economy and Approval Ratings
The conversation begins with Sarah Longwell outlining her and Bill Crystal’s strategic goal: reducing Donald Trump's approval rating to 32%.
Sarah Longwell [02:33]: "How do we get Donald Trump to a 32% approval rating? For people who have not been listening to Bill and I have this conversation, you should know two things..."
Longwell explains that reaching this benchmark is crucial to erode Trump's hardbase support and mirror the decline seen in George W. Bush’s approval during challenging times.
Bill Crystal concurs, emphasizing the dual challenges:
Bill Crystal [06:14]: "The economy is less bad than people think, but the authoritarian project of Trump is very bad and we shouldn't ignore it."
2. Comparison to George W. Bush's Presidency
Longwell draws parallels between Trump and George W. Bush, particularly regarding economic downturns and their effect on party perception.
Sarah Longwell [05:35]: "George W. Bush was at 32% when he left office during an economic disaster, which made the Republican Party ripe for Trump's takeover."
The comparison highlights the potential for the Republican Party to undergo significant transformation if Trump's influence wanes similarly.
3. Impact of Tariffs and Immigration Policies
A substantial portion of the discussion focuses on Trump's economic maneuvers, specifically tariffs and immigration crackdowns, and their repercussions on the U.S. economy.
Bill Crystal [09:43]: "The tariffs are higher than people realize, with increases varying from country to country, impacting everything from beef prices to small businesses."
Crystal elaborates on how these policies introduce uncertainty and administrative burdens, especially for small businesses reliant on international trade.
Additionally, immigration policies are scrutinized for their effect on the job market:
Bill Crystal [13:00]: "Deporting a significant number of workers can lead to reduced job creation and economic stagnation."
4. Economic Factors Affecting Trump's Standing
The hosts analyze various economic indicators that suggest Trump's economic strategies may be faltering.
Sarah Longwell [07:50]: "Trump's approval is losing about a point a month, which, while slow, is significant over time."
They discuss rising inflation, stagnating job markets, and the unintended consequences of AI on entry-level employment as factors diminishing Trump's economic appeal.
5. Democratic Strategies and Challenges
The conversation shifts to Democratic responses, highlighting perceived paralysis and the need for proactive messaging.
Sarah Longwell [19:31]: "Democrats need to clearly communicate that Trump failed to keep his economic promises. They should focus on tangible issues like high grocery prices and job market uncertainties."
Longwell criticizes the Democratic Party for overanalyzing and not adequately addressing the economic grievances of moderate and undecided voters.
Bill Crystal adds that while certain Democratic factions support tariffs and have a dovish stance on the Federal Reserve, the overarching strategy should center on economic accountability.
Bill Crystal [22:50]: "The economy is the most impactful issue for middle voters. Democrats must prioritize addressing economic concerns to sway this demographic."
Conclusion
Episode 1005 of The Next Level provides a comprehensive analysis of Donald Trump’s economic policies and their declining effectiveness. Sarah Longwell and Bill Crystal articulate a clear strategy for diminishing Trump's political influence by targeting his economic missteps and rallying Democratic efforts around tangible economic issues. The discussion underscores the importance of proactively addressing voter concerns to shift public opinion and reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.
Notable Quotes:
- Sarah Longwell [02:33]: "How do we get Donald Trump to a 32% approval rating?"
- Bill Crystal [06:14]: "The economy is less bad than people think, but the authoritarian project of Trump is very bad and we shouldn't ignore it."
- Sarah Longwell [07:50]: "Trump's approval is losing about a point a month, which, while slow, is significant over time."
- Bill Crystal [09:43]: "The tariffs are higher than people realize, with increases varying from country to country, impacting everything from beef prices to small businesses."
This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intricate dynamics of American politics, particularly the economic strategies influencing voter behavior and party dynamics. By dissecting current events with insightful commentary, The Next Level offers listeners a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the Democratic Party in countering Trump's enduring influence.