Podcast Summary: The Next Level – “The Finish Line (The Secret Podcast Preview)”

Release Date: November 1, 2024
Host: The Bulwark (Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Jonathan V. Last)

1. Introduction to the Critical Final Days

In the episode titled “The Finish Line (The Secret Podcast Preview),” The Bulwark’s hosts—Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last—delve into the intense final 96 hours leading up to the pivotal election. They set the stage by highlighting the pressing issues and mounting tensions that characterize this election cycle.

2. Donald Trump’s Threats Against Liz Cheney

A significant portion of the discussion centers around former President Donald Trump’s alarming rhetoric targeting Liz Cheney. Sarah and Jonathan analyze Trump’s recent statement where he metaphorically threatened Cheney, saying, “let's put her with a rifle, standing there with nine barrels shooting at her” ([00:34]).

Jonathan V. Last expresses his distress:
"He is talking about putting Liz Cheney in front of a firing squad. Like he is. There's no, there's no, this isn't a bloodbath contextual thing. This isn't. He was talking about something else." ([04:43])

Sarah Longwell concurs, emphasizing the impossibility of interpreting Trump’s remarks as anything but a direct threat:
"I just don't, I don't think there is any other way to read it. Do you?" ([03:28])

The hosts debate the normalization of such extreme language in political discourse, criticizing the media for downplaying the severity of Trump’s statements. Jonathan remarks, "Trump is doing this. And what. But like, Trump could not do this without the silence and neutrality." ([14:56])

3. The Gender Gap and Electoral Implications

The conversation shifts to the gender gap in voting patterns and its potential impact on the upcoming election. While specific details are briefly touched upon, the hosts underscore the importance of understanding how demographic shifts may influence electoral outcomes.

4. Larry Hogan’s Changing Stance and Endorsement Dynamics

Sarah and Jonathan critique former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s recent actions, particularly his public endorsement of Trump, which contrasts with his previously stated reluctance to seek Trump’s backing.

Sarah reads from a CNN report:
"GOP Senate candidate Hogan touts Trump endorsement in private fundraiser after repeatedly saying he didn't want it." ([18:18])

They question Hogan’s integrity and strategic decisions, pondering whether he will distance himself from Trump’s controversial statements to preserve his reputation:
"He should repudiate Trump's endorsement?" – Sarah ([20:02])

Jonathan supports this stance, expressing confidence that Hogan’s electoral prospects are bleak regardless of his endorsements:
"He's going to get crushed." ([20:26])

5. Media’s Role in Normalizing Extremism

A recurring theme is the media’s complicity in normalizing extremist rhetoric. The hosts argue that by framing Trump’s violent metaphors as mere policy disputes, the media fails to hold him accountable and inadvertently legitimizes harmful discourse.

Jonathan criticizes the media’s portrayal:
"They turn this extraordinary thing, which has never happened before... It just turns into, like, well, it's a policy dispute with some strong language." ([14:56])

Sarah adds, highlighting the media’s role in eroding public perception of decency:
"They just sort of sane wash it. They turn it into a, like, you know, even, even the choice of the verb slammed... It just turns into a policy dispute." ([14:56])

6. The Final Stretch: Reflections and Call to Action

As the election looms, Sarah and Jonathan reflect on the broader implications regardless of the outcome. They emphasize that defeating Trump is crucial but caution that this should not lead to complacency. Instead, they advocate for continued vigilance to address the underlying issues that have facilitated Trump’s divisive influence.

Jonathan emphasizes the need for ongoing activism:
"It's extraordinarily important that he be defeated." ([17:54])

Sarah stresses learning from the past to navigate future crises:
"It is important to learn from this. And by learn from it, I mean to understand that when crises come, you actually can't count on people to do the right thing." ([16:15])

7. Concluding Remarks: The Importance of Accountability

In their closing remarks, the hosts call for accountability among Republican leaders to repudiate Trump’s extremist rhetoric actively. They warn that neutrality in such critical moments can have dire consequences for the nation’s democratic fabric.

Jonathan passionately states:
"Look, I wrote a piece, I wrote a piece for the Bulwark Speak now, guys, or forever hold your peace." ([07:54])

Sarah concludes by urging listeners to remain engaged and informed, underscoring the pivotal nature of the current election:
"Everything is the French Village... everything is at stake." ([17:38])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Jonathan V. Last: "Trump is doing this. And what. But like, Trump could not do this without the silence and neutrality." ([14:56])

• Sarah Longwell: "I just don't, I don't think there is any other way to read it. Do you?" ([03:28])

• Jonathan V. Last: "He should repudiate Trump's endorsement?" ([20:02])

• Sarah Longwell: "It is important to learn from this. And by learn from it, I mean to understand that when crises come, you actually can't count on people to do the right thing." ([16:15])

Conclusion

In “The Finish Line (The Secret Podcast Preview),” The Bulwark’s Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last provide a sobering analysis of the current political landscape as the election approaches. They dissect Trump’s incendiary rhetoric, critique the media’s role in normalizing extremism, and call for decisive action among Republican leaders to safeguard democratic principles. This episode serves as a clarion call for voters to recognize the gravity of the moment and the enduring work required to uphold the nation's values.