Podcast Summary: The Next Level – "An Unbearable Farce"

Release Date: January 30, 2025

Host/Authors: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Jonathan V. Last

Introduction

In the episode titled "An Unbearable Farce," hosts Jonathan V. Last (JVL), Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller dive deep into the political tumult surrounding recent hearings, campaign strategies, and the broader implications for American governance. The conversation captures their signature banter and sharp political insights as they dissect the day's most pressing issues.

RFK Hearing Analysis

The discussion kicks off with JVL expressing his frustration with the recent RFK hearing. He criticizes the treatment of the nominee, describing the process as dominated by "incompetent Democrats" and "morally repugnant Republicans."

JVL (00:39): "...it was sitting through two hours of this lunatic being treated like just another political battle with mostly incompetent Democrats and mostly morally repugnant Republicans."

Sarah Longwell sympathizes with the group's exhaustion, highlighting the emotional toll of enduring such hearings.

Sarah Longwell (05:17): "I don't know why you guys are complaining. Doing these live streams during the hearings are the easiest gigs around."

Tim Miller echoes the sentiment, pointing out the nominee's flawed responses and lack of preparation.

Tim Miller (02:57): "...he could never think of a single thing that he said that could not be true."

The trio critiques the nominee's understanding of key agencies, noting misstatements and mathematical errors that undermine his credibility.

JVL (04:50): "...how many children are covered by medication? Yeah."

Impoundment and Unitary Executive Theory

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the concept of impoundment and the unitary executive theory. Sarah Longwell breaks down the legal intricacies, emphasizing that impoundment is unconstitutional under the Impoundment Control Act of 1979.

Sarah Longwell (19:28): "It was passed in order to have Congress have the control of the power of the purse, as it is constitutionally mandated..."

Tim Miller expands on the implications, comparing the executive actions to historical overreach and expressing concern over the potential erosion of checks and balances.

Tim Miller (15:26): "We do need to break down the whole constitutional order and rebuild it back up and copy the Europeans."

The hosts discuss the ongoing efforts to implement Project 2025, highlighting internal inefficiencies and political backlash.

Sarah Longwell (27:03): "...they were not prepared for what was a raft of politically unpopular pushback."

Media and Access Journalism Critique

The hosts turn their attention to the media's role in political discourse, criticizing the prevalence of "access journalism" and its failure to inform the public effectively.

JVL (53:17): "Steely, unapologetic, punchy, unflinching, twisting the knife..."

Sarah contends that media outlets prioritize sensationalism over substantive analysis, leading to a disconnect between journalists and their audiences.

Sarah Longwell (54:51): "I don't know. I'm pretty interested in all the new podcasters and folks that are going to be in..."

Executive Order on Education and Federal Overreach

JVL and Sarah Longwell dissect the latest White House executive order on education, criticizing its contradictory objectives of promoting states' rights while imposing federal guidelines on educational content.

JVL (18:17): "It's all incoherent because it's all about power. It's just autocracy. That's all it is."

Sarah further elaborates on the dangers of federal overreach, advocating for messaging that emphasizes community-valued social programs rather than bureaucratic control.

Sarah Longwell (34:19): "...talk about Meals on Wheels. Talk about the social programs that people value..."

Tech Companies and Legal Battles with Trump

The conversation shifts to the settlement between Facebook and Donald Trump, where Facebook agrees to pay $25 million, with the majority going to the Trump Presidential Library. The hosts mock the settlement as a "slam dunk winner" for Facebook.

JVL (43:24): "This case was a slam dunk winner for Facebook."

Tim Miller speculates on the broader implications for big tech companies, suggesting that this trend signifies a shift in how political figures interact with social media giants.

Tim Miller (44:35): "I have a question, Sebastian. Where'd you get this from... What was the case over?"

National Pro Life Summit and Religious Overtones

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts address a disturbing event at the National Pro Life Summit involving Calvin Robinson, a self-styled priest who made troubling statements and gestures. They critique the performative aspects of such gatherings and the community's response.

JVL (71:20): "Father Calvin Robinson... identifies himself as an Anglican Catholic."

Sarah Longwell emphasizes the performative nature of the event, questioning its sincerity and the crowd's reaction.

Sarah Longwell (75:35): "So but what he is saying, it is a symbol of your overreaction."

Closing Remarks

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the overarching theme of political polarization and the challenges ahead. They encourage listeners to remain vigilant and engaged, despite the apparent normalization of extremist actions.

Sarah Longwell (78:56): "I just, I think you probably have to wait for a little bit... But I do think things will matter."

Tim Miller and JVL conclude with a mix of frustration and determination, underscoring the necessity of continued resistance against political overreach.

Tim Miller (79:43): "Hang in there, JVL."

Notable Quotes

• JVL (00:39): "It was... sitting through two hours of this lunatic being treated like just another... political battle..."
• Tim Miller (02:57): "...he could never think of a single thing that he said that could not be true."
• Sarah Longwell (19:28): "...it was passed in order to have Congress have the control of the power of the purse..."
• JVL (43:24): "This case was a slam dunk winner for Facebook."
• Sarah Longwell (54:51): "...talk about Meals on Wheels. Talk about the social programs that people value..."

Conclusion

"An Unbearable Farce" offers a critical examination of the current political landscape, emphasizing the hosts' concerns over governmental overreach, media complicity, and the erosion of democratic institutions. Through robust discussion and pointed critiques, Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last provide listeners with a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing American politics today.