Podcast Summary: "Michelle Obama Knows What Time It Is"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Next Level
• Host/Authors: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Jonathan V. Last (JVL)
• Description: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last bring their signature political insight and banter to the masses in The Next Level podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss the news of the week, break down campaigns and elections, and wade into pop culture feuds.
• Episode Title: Michelle Obama Knows What Time It Is
• Release Date: January 15, 2025

1. Introduction to the Confirmation Hearings

The episode opens with an emotional reflection from Jonathan V. Last (JVL) about his fluctuating feelings regarding societal issues and the upcoming political events. This sets the stage for a deep dive into the ongoing confirmation hearings.

• JVL [00:00]: "I'm just on this emotional roller coaster... we're just doing this."

Sarah introduces the topic of the week's focus: the confirmation hearings involving Pete Hegseth and Pam Bondi.

• Sarah Longwell [00:33]: "We are in the middle of confirmation palooza."

Key Points:

• Confirmation hearings for Pete Hegseth and Pam Bondi.
• Initial mix-up in naming, later corrected by Sarah.

2. Analysis of Pam Bondi's Hearing

Tim Miller provides a comprehensive critique of Pam Bondi's qualifications and performance during her confirmation hearings for Attorney General. He contrasts her with Pete Hegseth, highlighting her extensive experience and the rigorous questioning by Democratic senators.

• Tim Miller [01:33]: "Pam Bondi is qualified for this job on paper in a way that Pete Hegseth absolutely is not..."

Sarah touches upon Bondi's surprising lack of awareness regarding Donald Trump's call to Brad Raffensberger in Georgia.

• Sarah Longwell [04:11]: "Did they... administer an oath?"

The discussion points out Bondi's evasive answers and potential perjury under oath.

• Sarah Longwell [04:17]: "She had sworn an oath to only tell the truth, and then she said that she'd never heard this thing."

Key Points:

• Pam Bondi's professional qualifications versus Pete Hegseth's.
• Democratic senators' effective questioning.
• Bondi's lack of knowledge about Trump's controversial actions.
• Concerns about Bondi's potential willingness to adhere to or resist presidential interference.

3. Critique of Republican Senators' Stance

JVL and Sarah express frustration with Republican senators seemingly basing their support for nominees solely on personal dislike rather than substantive qualifications or policies.

• Sarah Longwell [06:40]: "The only truly unforgivable thing is if you're a dick to them..."

JVL adds to the critique by pointing out the inconsistency in standards, especially concerning past nominees like Roy Moore.

• JVL [06:09]: "A one-issue voter on did they have sex with somebody who is 17?"

Key Points:

• Republicans' focus on personal animosity over qualifications.
• Inconsistencies in evaluating nominees based on moral or ethical issues.
• Bondi's lying undermines Republican stance on her qualifications.

4. The Intersection of Politics and Social Media

The conversation shifts to the role of tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos in political events, particularly their presence at the inauguration and the implications for political influence.

• Sarah Longwell [21:56]: "Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos will be at the inauguration..."

JVL humorously critiques their public personas and comments on their appearance on TV.

• JVL [21:57]: "He looks great on TV."

Key Points:

• Tech leaders attending political events and their influence.
• The spectacle of wealthy individuals participating in political ceremonies.
• Concerns about the blurring lines between business and politics.

5. Social Media Platforms and Cultural Shifts

The hosts delve into the migration of American TikTok users to RedNote, a Chinese social media platform, in response to potential bans. They express concerns over data security, cultural influence, and the impact on American youth.

• Sarah Longwell [59:00]: "Americans are so touched by how kind, welcoming and generous the Red Note users have been..."

JVL discusses the susceptibility of teenagers to foreign influence through unmoderated platforms.

• JVL [64:57]: "Maybe the teens will save us. Maybe the teens will save us. Nope, turns out not."

Key Points:

• The shift of American users from TikTok to RedNote amid regulatory threats.
• Risks of Chinese data collection and influence on American youth.
• The challenge of educating the younger generation about geopolitical threats.

6. Reflections on American Political Norms and Future Outlook

As the podcast approaches the end, the hosts reflect on the current political climate, expressing pessimism about the future under a potential Trump presidency. They discuss the loss of political decorum, the influence of wealthy elites, and the emotional toll of ongoing political struggles.

• JVL [75:10]: "I just think that we are about to enter the part... We're going to see them, and the American people are going to see them."

Tim offers a glimmer of optimism, believing in the moral rightness of their stance against perceived political failures.

• Tim Miller [72:48]: "I think that we are about to enter the part... Our job is to not do what the great failure of the last four years was..."

Key Points:

• The emotional and moral challenges facing conservatives.
• Concerns about governance quality under Trump and the influence of his appointees.
• The anticipation of future political battles and the need for continued vigilance.

7. Conclusion: Looking Forward

In their closing remarks, the hosts discuss the transition to a new administration, expressing uncertainty and lingering frustration. They touch upon the potential for future episodes to cover the Biden legacy and the upcoming Trump presidency.

• Sarah Longwell [67:54]: "We have arrived at a point where all the conspiracy theories of early 2021 are now true."

• Tim Miller [75:14]: "Scott Jennings defend the next four years of Trump. He's gonna enjoy that a lot less than he's enjoyed the victory lap..."

Key Points:

• The nearing end of the Biden administration and the transition to Trump's presidency.
• Speculations about the content of future episodes regarding post-inauguration politics.
• The hosts' continued commitment despite emotional challenges.

Notable Quotes:

1. JVL [00:00]: "I'm just on this emotional roller coaster where like, last week... We're just doing this."
2. Sarah Longwell [04:11]: "Did they... administer an oath?"
3. Tim Miller [01:33]: "Pam Bondi is qualified for this job on paper in a way that Pete Hegseth absolutely is not..."
4. Sarah Longwell [06:40]: "The only truly unforgivable thing is if you're a dick to them..."
5. JVL [21:57]: "He looks great on TV."
6. Sarah Longwell [59:00]: "Americans are so touched by how kind, welcoming and generous the Red Note users have been..."
7. JVL [75:10]: "I just think that we are about to enter the part... We're going to see them, and the American people are going to see them."

Conclusion:

In this episode of "The Next Level," Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last engage in a thorough critique of Republican confirmation hearings, the influence of tech giants in politics, and the cultural shifts driven by social media migrations. They express deep concerns about political integrity, the erosion of traditional American values, and the challenges posed by global influences on domestic platforms. The discussion culminates in a somber reflection on the current political climate and an uncertain outlook toward the impending Trump presidency, underscoring the emotional and moral struggles faced by the hosts in navigating these turbulent times.