The Next Level Podcast Episode Summary

Title: The Incompetence In This Administration Is STAG-GER-ING!
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Hosts: JVL, Tim Miller, and Sam Dine
Podcast by: The Bulwark
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.

1. The Signal Controversy and Classified Information

The episode opens with a heated discussion about the recent revelations from The Atlantic concerning Jeff Goldberg's leaked texts, which allegedly include sensitive war plans. JVL introduces the topic, highlighting the strain between Goldberg and the administration.

• JVL [01:55]: "The best part of all this is that after having called Jeff Goldberg a liar... the White House's answer from Carolyn Leavitt was no, we object to that. There's sensitive information in those texts."

Tim Miller critiques the administration's stance, suggesting that the evidence presented only pertains to "attack plans" rather than full-scale war strategies.

• Tim Miller [03:37]: "Jeffrey Goldberg is fabulous. He promised war plans and instead they were only attack plans."

The hosts express skepticism over the administration's handling of the situation, questioning the validity and intent behind labeling the leaked documents as sensitive.

2. Critique of Administration's Handling of Sensitive Information

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of mishandling classified information. The hosts argue that the administration's inability to manage sensitive data reflects deeper systemic issues.

• Sam Dine [05:18]: "The assumption is that Waltz is leaking to Goldberg and he's trying to influence the Trump administration's foreign policy by going back, channeling to the Atlantic."

JVL emphasizes the administrative chaos, pointing out inconsistencies and lack of proper investigation protocols.

• JVL [10:36]: "It is very difficult to download Signal on a government device... These people are all using personal devices for this stuff."

3. The Greenland Trip: Symbolism and Criticism

A significant portion of the episode critiques the decision to send Usha Vance and J.D. Vance to Greenland, metaphorically representing the administration's misguided priorities.

• JVL [23:22]: "If they don't control your borders, you're not a country. And if you have a country which is threatening you with annexation against your will... why the fuck should you let them in?"

The hosts mock the symbolic nature of the trip, suggesting it serves more as a publicity stunt than a meaningful diplomatic mission.

• Sam Dine [25:22]: "I don't feel for her, but watching someone disintegrate in front of a congressional committee. Just can't answer basic questions."

4. Tesla's Market Decline: A Brand Disaster

Shifting gears, the podcast delves into Tesla's declining market performance in Europe despite a growing overall EV market. JVL underscores the severity of Tesla's plummet.

• JVL [33:07]: "Tesla sales... down 43%. It is very hard to lose nearly half of your market volume, not share, but your volume when the overall market is growing by a third."

The hosts draw parallels to past brand crises, arguing that Tesla's leadership failures exacerbate the company's woes.

• JVL [35:39]: "They have the guy who owns the company telling people that he's a Nazi. He likes Nazis... unless you are a very specific type of person, he hates you."

5. The State of Accountability and Authoritarianism in Government

A critical theme throughout the episode is the lack of accountability within the current administration, with the hosts drawing comparisons to authoritarian practices.

• JVL [13:01]: "The most problematic is that the government won't investigate either of these things. Because that gets to a systemic problem."

The discussion highlights the administration's shift from addressing traditional national security threats to targeting specific groups and individuals, suggesting a move towards soft authoritarianism.

• Sam Dine [46:17]: "They're trying to put you out of business. And, um, it's quite chilling. I think it's soft authoritarianism."

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, the hosts reiterate their concerns about the administration's direction, emphasizing the need for systemic change to restore accountability and prevent further decline.

• JVL [52:12]: "Why the fuck should you let them in?"

• Tim Miller [57:03]: "Good luck, America."

The episode concludes with a mix of skepticism and urgency, urging listeners to stay informed and critical of the ongoing political maneuvers.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• JVL [01:55]: "There's sensitive information in those texts."
• Tim Miller [03:37]: "Jeffrey Goldberg is fabulous."
• Sam Dine [05:18]: "He's trying to influence the Trump administration's foreign policy."
• JVL [23:22]: "Why the fuck should you let them in?"
• JVL [33:07]: "Tesla sales... down 43%."
• Sam Dine [46:17]: "It's soft authoritarianism."
• Tim Miller [57:03]: "Good luck, America."

Key Takeaways

• Administration's Mishandling of Sensitive Information: The episode underscores significant concerns regarding the current administration's ability to manage classified data, highlighting potential national security risks.

• Lack of Accountability: There's a pervasive theme of systemic failures within governmental structures, leading to unchecked power and a drift towards authoritarian practices.

• Impact on Major Brands: Tesla's drastic sales decline in Europe serves as a case study for how leadership and brand management failures can severely impact a company's market position.

• Symbolic Diplomatic Missions: The trip to Greenland is criticized as more of a political stunt than a substantive diplomatic effort, reflecting broader inefficiencies within the administration.

This episode of The Next Level presents a scathing critique of the current administration's inefficiencies, lack of accountability, and the broader implications for national security and corporate governance. Through incisive discussions and pointed humor, the hosts offer listeners a comprehensive analysis of pressing political and economic issues.