Podcast Summary: The Next Level - "Citizens United Against Elon Musk"

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Hosts: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Jonathan V. Last
Podcast: The Next Level by The Bulwark

1. Introduction to Elon Musk's Influence in Wisconsin Elections

The episode opens with Tim Miller highlighting a controversial incident involving Elon Musk's attempt to influence the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race. Tim introduces Nicholas Jacobs, a Gen Z conservative and chairman of the Wisconsin College Republicans (CRS), who recently received a $1 million check from Musk as part of a campaign to sway voters.

Notable Quote:

• Tim Miller [01:24]: "If you're watching this and you're in Wisconsin, go vote. For the Wisconsin Supreme Court race."

2. Examining the Legitimacy of Musk's Actions

Cameron Casky expresses skepticism about the legitimacy of Musk's $1 million giveaway, suspecting it to be a form of election bribery. He points out the improbability of a College Republican winning such a substantial prize, labeling the situation as a potential "hoax."

Notable Quote:

• Cameron Casky [02:27]: "That was, that was a hoax."

3. Legal Implications and Call for Investigation

The hosts discuss the legal ramifications of Musk's actions, emphasizing that offering money to influence an election violates election laws. Tim Miller advocates for an active investigation into the matter, expressing concern over the lack of accountability.

Notable Quote:

• Tim Miller [03:26]: "There should at least be an active investigation into this."

4. Comparing Musk's Actions to Citizens United and Soros

Tim Miller draws parallels between Musk's financial interference and the Citizens United decision, which allows corporate and individual spending in elections under the guise of free speech. He also mentions George Soros' involvement in local elections, highlighting a bipartisan issue of wealthy individuals manipulating political outcomes.

Notable Quote:

• Tim Miller [10:52]: "What 'Citizens United' essentially is, is an election crime."

5. The Impact of Big Money on Midterm Elections

Cameron Casky and Tim Miller delve into the broader implications of substantial financial contributions in elections, particularly focusing on the upcoming midterms. They express concern over the increasing influence of oligarchs like Musk and the potential erosion of democratic processes.

Notable Quote:

• Cameron Casky [06:46]: "What if George Soros was offering a million dollars... What raises are they going to be focused on?"

6. Educational Segment: Understanding Citizens United

The podcast features an educational segment where Tim Miller explains the origins and consequences of the Citizens United ruling. He clarifies that the decision equates money with free speech, allowing corporations and wealthy individuals to exert significant influence over elections.

Notable Quote:

• Tim Miller [11:06]: "Citizens United isn't just about individuals. It's suggesting that organizations, groups of people together have free speech."

7. Tesla Protests: Vandalism vs. Effective Resistance

Transitioning to a different topic, the hosts discuss the recent wave of protests against Tesla, particularly targeting Elon Musk. While acknowledging the entertainment value of vandalism, Cameron Casky critiques it as ineffective and potentially harmful, arguing that it distracts from meaningful protest methods.

Notable Quote:

• Cameron Casky [16:38]: "It's not going to be effective. The Tesla protests are about making Elon feel it in his pocket."

8. Gen Z News: Streaming During Work Hours

In the Gen Z News segment, Sebastian shares a survey indicating that a significant percentage of Gen Z workers stream content while working from home. The hosts debate the legitimacy and consequences of this behavior, touching on work-life balance and productivity.

Notable Quote:

• Tim Miller [26:38]: "I think the giant streamer that doesn't get talked about... YouTube is the streaming service that I use the most."

9. Conclusion and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with a light-hearted exchange about upcoming content and a reminder to listeners to engage safely and effectively in protests. The hosts tease an upcoming interview with a Gen Z congressional candidate, promising diverse perspectives in future episodes.

Notable Quote:

• Cameron Casky [22:35]: "Thank you for listening and go find a protest to do the Sanki lag."

Key Takeaways:

• Elon Musk's $1 Million Giveaway: Sparks debate over election integrity and potential bribery.
• Citizens United's Enduring Impact: Continues to facilitate significant financial influence in politics, affecting both major parties.
• Tesla Protests: While gaining public attention, questions arise about their effectiveness in fostering real change.
• Gen Z Work Habits: Highlights evolving workplace behaviors and challenges in maintaining productivity and work-life balance.

This episode of The Next Level provides a critical examination of the intersection between big money and politics, the role of corporate influence in democratic processes, and the evolving nature of activism among younger generations.