Podcast Summary: The Next Level Episode 1006
Title: PITIFUL GOP Candidate in VA! Goateed LOSER Cooking Books! Leningrad...WHAT?! Release Date: August 14, 2025 Host: The Bulwark (Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Jonathan V. Last)
1. Laura Loomer’s Lawsuit Against Bill Maher and HBO
Timestamp: [01:17] – [08:51]
The episode kicks off with a discussion about Laura Loomer's recent lawsuit against comedian Bill Maher and HBO for defamation. JVL (Jonathan V. Last) highlights a deposition snippet where Loomer insults Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene by claiming she "puts Arby's in her pants," a statement both absurd and derogatory.
Sarah critiques the nature of the insults exchanged, pondering whether "Arby's in her pants" is a common derogatory phrase, to which Bill responds, "These are the trashiest people imaginable..." He emphasizes the immature and inappropriate nature of such exchanges, reflecting poorly on the current political discourse.
Notable Quote:
Bill [01:30]: “These are the trashiest people imaginable. ... it is the kind of way in which they fight with each other, and we should all be embarrassed on our country's behalf.”
2. National Guard Deployment in Washington D.C.
Timestamp: [08:51] – [23:05]
The conversation shifts to recent developments in Washington D.C., where the National Guard has been deployed amidst concerns of rising crime. Bill shares his observations from a Trump press conference, criticizing Trump's deteriorating public demeanor and ineffective communication, notably his confused reference to "Leningrad."
Sarah questions the rationale behind using a single carjacking incident as a pretext for federal intervention, arguing that local law enforcement handled the situation adequately. The trio debates the implications of federalizing police forces in major cities, with Bill highlighting the chronic crime issues exacerbated by budget cuts.
Notable Quote:
Sarah [18:12]: “Using big balls assault as a reason to federalize the government into the city is the most insane thing I've ever heard.”
Bill further critiques the superficial handling of serious issues, stating, “...the police did their job. And, like, the police aren't like magic.”
3. Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s Summit
Timestamp: [28:39] – [35:12]
JVL delves into the implications of the upcoming summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. He speculates that Putin aims to extract concessions from the U.S., potentially involving territorial negotiations related to Ukraine. Sarah counters, suggesting that Trump’s motivations are rooted in personal flattery and admiration for authoritarian leaders rather than any covert Russian agenda.
The hosts express concern over Trump's influence on geopolitical stability, referencing the first Helsinki meeting as a pivotal moment where Trump appeared to side with Putin over U.S. intelligence.
Notable Quote:
Sarah [31:03]: “I think this is Putin's psychological effort to go back to do exactly what you just said, to get it, to bring him back on side, to be like, butter him up.”
Bill adds historical context, noting the irony of the summit being held in Alaska, a territory once purchased from Russia.
4. Commissioner of Labor Statistics: E.J. Anthony
Timestamp: [37:35] – [41:50]
The discussion shifts to E.J. Anthony's appointment as Commissioner of Labor Statistics under the Trump administration. JVL criticizes Anthony's qualifications, citing his lack of scholarly publications and perceived incompetence in handling critical economic data.
Sarah underscores the importance of reliable labor statistics for monetary policy and expresses doubts about the administration's commitment to transparent data reporting.
Notable Quote:
JVL [41:38]: “He's a total hack ... being put in charge of a 2000 person unit which compiles the most important data used by the Federal Reserve.”
5. Political Campaigns and Upcoming Elections
Timestamp: [43:16] – [66:54]
The trio evaluates the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections, focusing on Sherrod Brown's Senate campaign in Ohio and the Republican candidate Winsome Sears in Virginia. They express skepticism about the GOP's candidate quality and the likelihood of a "vibe shift" favoring Democrats in traditionally blue states.
Sarah advocates for more imaginative Republican candidates, suggesting that unconventional leaders like local celebrities or sports figures could bolster the party's appeal. Bill remains cautiously optimistic about Sherrod Brown's chances, emphasizing the potential backlash against Trump's influence.
Notable Quote:
Sarah [58:36]: “Can we have some creative? I'm feeling it's reminiscent of the stuff we were doing back in Christmas of '23 where it's like, I guess we're gonna go with Biden.”
6. Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook
Timestamp: [67:34] – [69:14]
As the episode nears its end, the hosts reflect on the current political turmoil and its potential consequences. Bill makes a poignant remark about Trump's advanced age in relation to a possible third term, emphasizing the unpredictability and risks associated with extending Trump's presidency.
Notable Quote:
Bill [68:48]: “We should all be happy and thankful that Donald Trump will be 82 years old at the end of his term... the only thing we have on our side about this third term nonsense is the actuarial tables.”
Final Remarks
The episode of The Next Level offers a critical examination of current political dynamics, highlighting the contentious relationships within the GOP, the challenges facing major cities like Washington D.C., and the broader implications of Trump’s political maneuvers on both domestic and international fronts. The hosts provide insightful analysis interspersed with sharp critiques, making it a compelling listen for those interested in the evolving political landscape.