Podcast Summary: "The Next Level" – Episode: "Sorry to Pierce Your Bubble"

Release Date: December 5, 2024
Host/Authors: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Jonathan V. Last (JVL)
Podcast: The Bulwark – The Next Level

1. Introduction

In the episode titled "Sorry to Pierce Your Bubble," hosts Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last (JVL) delve into a range of pressing political topics, sharing their insights and engaging in spirited discussions. The episode navigates through JVL's recent panel experience, the controversial nomination of Pete Hegseth and Ron DeSantis as Secretary of Defense, the dynamics within the Republican Party, and brief insights into the Ukraine conflict.

2. JVL's Experience at the Dealbook Summit

2.1 Panel Discussion Highlights

JVL recounts his participation in a panel at the Dealbook Summit in New York, describing it as an intense and confrontational experience. The panel featured prominent figures such as Kellyanne Conway, Anita Dunn (Senior Advisor to Joe Biden), Major Garrett (CBS), Margaret Hoover, Alexis McGill Johnson (CEO of Planned Parenthood), Van Jones, and John Carl.

2.2 Interactions with Panelists

JVL openly critiques his performance and interactions during the panel. He shares instances where he challenged statements made by Republican figures:

• Confrontation with Kevin McCarthy and Jason Miller:
  "I accused Kevin McCarthy of resurrecting Donald Trump, lying to the American people." (05:00)

• Conflict with Kellyanne Conway:
  "Kellyanne Conway... she was vicious. But I do think she said the miserable thing after." (02:05)

Margaret Hoover stepped in during moments when Kellyanne Conway dominated the conversation, allowing JVL to express his viewpoints.

2.3 Reflection on the Panel Performance

Post-panel, JVL reflects on whether his combative stance was appropriate:

• "I don't know if I'm disappointed in myself or proud of myself. Honestly. I don't know." (04:38)

Tim Miller and Sarah Longwell offer support, emphasizing the importance of such confrontations in challenging established narratives.

3. Discussion on Recent Political Developments

3.1 Nomination of Pete Hegseth and Ron DeSantis as Secretary of Defense

The hosts analyze the recent nominations of Pete Hegseth and Ron DeSantis for the role of Secretary of Defense:

• Pete Hegseth:
  "Pete Hegseth... is both a clown pick and genuinely frightening for the military, especially concerning the treatment of women." (44:17)

• Ron DeSantis:
  "I think DeSantis is slightly frightening just for different reasons... He might use the military to target protesters." (44:17)

3.2 Analysis of the Implications

The discussion highlights concerns about the qualifications and potential impact of these nominees:

• Impact on Military Culture:
  "Pete Hegseth... sends a message that this is a culture that basically hates women." (44:17)

• DeSantis' Political Ambitions:
  "Ron DeSantis wants to be President in 2028. Trump will have created a team of rivals inside the White House." (38:08)

3.3 Thoughts on Trump's Influence and Republican Dynamics

The hosts explore the broader implications of Trump's influence within the Republican Party:

• Trump's Strategy:
  "If I was Trump and we're just being purely Machiavellian and you're keeping all your optionality, maybe you will consider running in 2028." (35:42)

• Republican Party Alignment:
  "The extent to which the Republican Party is now quite aligned with this murderous dictator thug in Russia is one of the scariest things." (47:40)

4. Brief Discussion on Ukraine Peace Plans

The conversation touches upon proposed plans for peace in Ukraine, referencing a Reuters report:

• Candidate Proposals:

  • Keith Kellogg: Proposes freezing battle lines and issuing a U.S. security guarantee without NATO expansion.
    "Freeze the battle lines where they are, issue a US Security guarantee." (52:35)

  • J.D. Vance: Suggests a demilitarized zone between Russia and Ukraine without NATO involvement.
    "Have a demilitarized zone between the Russian And Ukrainian lines." (52:35)

  • Rick Grenell: Introduces the concept of autonomous zones.
    "Something like autonomous zones." (52:35)

Margaret Hoover highlights the ethical concerns surrounding these proposals, emphasizing the humanitarian impact:

• "Reducing the civilian population in Kherson to zero because then it'll be easier to absorb that." (53:45)

5. Thoughts on the House Seats and Government Funding

The hosts discuss the precarious situation within the U.S. House of Representatives:

• House Majority Dynamics:
  "220 to 215 is the breakdown. They’ve got some crazy people in the caucus." (60:35)

• Government Funding Strategy:
  Sarah Longwell suggests that Democrats should stop bailing Republicans during funding negotiations, advocating for concrete demands such as no funding for unpopular programs unless specific conditions are met:

  "Planned Parenthood and Ukraine and whatever else you want to say... if you fund these three things, period, end of story." (63:40)

Tim Miller and JVL agree, emphasizing the need for Democrats to make Republicans justify their actions and policies:

• "Make Republicans have to justify what it is that they're doing." (63:45)

6. Conclusion and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease upcoming segments, including JVL’s appearance on the "Focus Group" podcast, and reflect on the importance of maintaining their political mission despite confrontations:

• Upcoming Appearances:
  "JVL is going to do a second half and JBL is going to do it. The people ask for it." (24:44)

• Commitment to Political Discourse:
  "We don't have to participate in the fake Washington bullshit. We don't have to do it." (14:19)

The hosts affirm their dedication to challenging established narratives and pushing for accountability within the political landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. JVL on Panel Confrontation:
   "I accused Kevin McCarthy of resurrecting Donald Trump, lying to the American people." (05:00)

2. JVL on Self-Reflection:
   "I don't know if I'm disappointed in myself or proud of myself. Honestly. I don't know." (04:38)

3. Concern About Pete Hegseth:
   "Pete Hegseth... is both a clown pick and genuinely frightening for the military, especially concerning the treatment of women." (44:17)

4. DeSantis’ Ambition:
   "Ron DeSantis wants to be President in 2028. Trump will have created a team of rivals inside the White House." (38:08)

5. Trump’s Strategy:
   "If I was Trump and we're just being purely Machiavellian and you're keeping all your optionality, maybe you will consider running in 2028." (35:42)

6. House Majority Breakdown:
   "220 to 215 is the breakdown. They’ve got some crazy people in the caucus." (60:35)

7. Government Funding Proposal:
   "Planned Parenthood and Ukraine and whatever else you want to say... if you fund these three things, period, end of story." (63:40)

8. Democrats on Republican Justification:
   "Make Republicans have to justify what it is that they're doing." (63:45)

Final Thoughts

"Sorry to Pierce Your Bubble" offers a candid and deep dive into the current political climate, highlighting internal Republican struggles, the influence of Donald Trump, and the strategic decisions facing Democrats. The hosts provide a balanced mix of analysis, personal experiences, and strategic recommendations, making it a compelling listen for those interested in nuanced political discourse.

Note: Timestamps refer to the time markers provided in the transcript and are indicative of when specific quotes occur within the episode.