Podcast Title: The Next Level
Episode: The Worst Is Yet to Come
Release Date: December 11, 2024
Host/Authors: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last
Description: Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last bring their signature political insight and banter to the masses in The Next Level podcast. In this episode, titled "The Worst Is Yet to Come," they delve into the latest political turmoil, campaign dynamics, and the intricate interplay between personal relationships and political ambitions.

1. Introduction and Episode Setup

The episode kicks off with a light-hearted exchange among the hosts, showcasing their chemistry and setting a relaxed tone.

• JVL (Jonathan V. Last) opens with an anecdote about Sarah Longwell's book conference with the New York Times. He mentions, “And then it turns out this morning they did release it. So you can now hear Sarah's heroic effort on the New York Times deal book” (01:07).

• Tim Miller humorously grumbles about JVL's antics, saying, “You are lucky we're best friends because I'm fucking getting sick of you right now” (01:54).

2. Kimberly Guilfoyle’s Exit from Season Five

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Kimberly Guilfoyle being written out of a fictional Season Five storyline, ending her role with an ambassadorship to Greece.

• JVL raises concerns: “Giving an ambassadorship to your son's almost ex-girlfriend in order to get her out of the picture is the kind of scandal that would have undone the George H.W. Bush administration” (04:04).

• Tim Miller expresses disappointment: “I just gotta say I'm sad. I mean, if those two kids can't make it...what hope is there for the rest of us?” (03:07).

3. The Lame Duck Presidency of Donald Trump

Sarah Longwell brings up the pressing issue of Donald Trump’s status as a lame duck president and its implications for the political landscape.

• Sarah Longwell states, “I feel like people are not talking enough about the fact that Donald Trump is a lame duck” (05:30).

• Tim Miller adds, highlighting the impact on 2028 primaries: “There’s a poll out yesterday...Donald Trump Jr. Vs. J.D. Vance, two leaders” (07:33). He notes the precarious position Trump places his son in as a nominee candidate.

4. Don Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle’s Relationship Dynamics

The hosts delve into the personal relationships of Don Jr. Trump and Kimberly Guilfoyle, analyzing their potential political ramifications.

• Tim Miller shares insights on polls and political strategies: “There's a poll out yesterday... so Trump could be moving Kimberly out of the picture here” (07:33).

• Sarah Longwell discusses public perceptions and the authenticity of their relationship, suggesting it’s more about finding love than political maneuvering: “These are just earnest romances that have nothing to do with access to power or money” (09:03).

5. The Role of Power Ministries and Crypto Influence

A robust discussion ensues about the influence of crypto and power ministries in shaping political and economic landscapes.

• JVL articulates a concern: “In failing democracies, you figure out where are the levers of power within the government” (23:38).

• Tim Miller connects crypto to political strategies: “Crypto guys, though, they got drill baby drill includes mining for bitcoin” (27:19) and “Crypto is a huge part of this, that there are a bunch of people...enormous wealth transfer” (27:32).

• Sarah Longwell emphasizes the potential for wealth manipulation through crypto: “Imagine if you own Doge coins or any of that stuff right now. You've basically secured your financial future just by Trump getting elected” (27:54).

6. Joni Ernst and Pete Hegseth’s Political Struggles

The conversation shifts to Senator Joni Ernst’s challenges in supporting Pete Hegseth's nomination to the Pentagon amid internal GOP conflicts.

• Sarah Longwell criticizes Joni Ernst's position: “Joni Ernst is now terrified of Charlie F. Kirk” (32:16) and discusses the backlash from MAGA supporters: “They are the people who hate Joni Ernst and what happened to her” (19:39).

• Tim Miller points out the strategic use of Ernst as a "human shield" and the upcoming tests of her loyalty and credibility: “She was the human shield for all them” (17:01).

7. Administrative Policies and Executive Actions

The hosts critique recent executive actions by Donald Trump, particularly those related to expedited approvals for large investments, and question their legality and effectiveness.

• JVL questions the legitimacy of Trump's proclamations: “Is that like, is that a law? Is that official policy now?” (12:31).

• Tim Miller interprets Trump's message as favoring major donors like Elon Musk: “That's just... Elon Musk, top donor to my campaign and informal advisor. You no longer have to go through environmental approval process” (12:04).

8. Foreign Policy Focus: Syria and Global Influence

A segment is dedicated to analyzing U.S. foreign policy, especially concerning Syria, and the perceived lack of acknowledgment for Biden's strategic efforts.

• Tim Miller raises a point about the Biden administration’s approach: “The Biden administration... is in this really shit situation... any U.S. troops really from being over there” (42:25).

• JVL responds by noting the unprecedented role in intelligence sharing and support: “In both cases, unprecedented role” (44:04).

• Sarah Longwell critiques the administration's communication strategy: “This has been really good and it does feel like we can’t...we need to go” (47:23).

9. Ethical Implications of Vigilante Justice

The hosts tackle the sensitive topic of vigilante murder, specifically referencing the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

• Tim Miller firmly opposes vigilante actions: “Murder is still bad. Nothing good is achieved from vigilante murder” (50:55).

• Sarah Longwell reflects on societal perceptions and the potential for political exploitation: “It feels like Democrats could have run on this issue” (55:35).

• JVL explores the nuanced public attitudes: “There are people who are actually gleeful...but the larger piece are people who...understand” (57:29).

10. Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

Towards the end, the hosts announce upcoming events and encourage listener participation.

• Sarah Longwell invites listeners to a debate at the Howard Theater: “We are going to go debate these libertarians...vote for us” (63:16).

• JVL and Tim Miller express confidence in the fairness of the upcoming vote and rally the audience: “Good luck, America” (64:52).

11. Conclusion and Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with closing remarks reinforcing the hosts' camaraderie and teasing future content.

• JVL closes with a festive note: “Merry Christmas, one and all. Especially to Kim Guilfoyle” (62:41).

Notable Quotes:

1. JVL on Kimberly Guilfoyle’s departure:
   “Giving an ambassadorship to your son's almost ex-girlfriend in order to get her out of the picture is the kind of scandal that would have undone the George H.W. Bush administration.” (04:04)

2. Sarah Longwell on the lame duck presidency:
   “I feel like people are not talking enough about the fact that Donald Trump is a lame duck.” (05:30)

3. Tim Miller on vigilante justice:
   “Murder is still bad. Nothing good is achieved from vigilante murder.” (50:55)

4. Sarah Longwell urging listener participation:
   “We need you guys there to vote. Otherwise, it’s going to be a bunch of like Cato interns trying to like pwn Tim and I. So show up and vote for us.” (63:14)

Key Discussions and Insights:

• Political Maneuvering and Relationships: The intricate relationships between political figures like Don Jr. Trump and Kimberly Guilfoyle highlight the blending of personal ties with political strategies, raising questions about authenticity and ulterior motives.

• Impact of a Lame Duck Presidency: Donald Trump’s status as a lame duck president has significant implications for the 2028 elections, influencing candidate strategies and the overall political environment.

• Crypto’s Role in Political Influence: The discussion underscores the burgeoning influence of cryptocurrency in wealth transfer and political power dynamics, suggesting potential avenues for corruption and manipulation.

• Ethical Boundaries in Political Advocacy: The debate on vigilante justice versus systemic reform reflects the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals frustrated with entrenched systems, emphasizing the need for lawful and constructive approaches to change.

• Foreign Policy and Communication Gaps: Analyzing U.S. foreign policy, particularly in Syria, the hosts critique the administration's lack of effective communication in celebrating strategic successes, which may affect public perception and support.

• Community Engagement and Future Events: The hosts actively engage their audience by promoting upcoming debates and encouraging participation, fostering a sense of community and collective involvement in political discourse.

Conclusions:

In "The Worst Is Yet to Come," The Next Level podcast episode delves deep into the complexities of current political dynamics, personal relationships within the GOP, and the broader implications of a lame duck presidency. The hosts provide a blend of insightful analysis, sharp criticism, and engaging banter, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and maneuvers shaping the political landscape as they approach the 2028 elections. Through their discussions on crypto influence, ethical governance, and foreign policy, Sarah, Tim, and Jonathan underscore the multifaceted nature of contemporary politics, urging listeners to remain informed and actively participate in shaping future outcomes.

Timecodes:

1. Timecode1: 01:07
2. Timecode2: 01:54
3. Timecode3: 04:04
4. Timecode4: 03:07
5. Timecode5: 05:30
6. Timecode6: 07:33
7. Timecode7: 07:33
8. Timecode8: 09:03
9. Timecode9: 23:38
10. Timecode10: 27:19
11. Timecode11: 27:32
12. Timecode12: 27:54
13. Timecode13: 32:16
14. Timecode14: 19:39
15. Timecode15: 17:01
16. Timecode16: 12:31
17. Timecode17: 12:04
18. Timecode18: 42:25
19. Timecode19: 44:04
20. Timecode20: 47:23
21. Timecode21: 50:55
22. Timecode22: 55:35
23. Timecode23: 57:29
24. Timecode24: 63:14
25. Timecode25: 64:52
26. Timecode26: 62:41

Note: The timecodes correspond to specific points in the transcript where notable quotes and discussions occur. They are provided for reference and can be used to locate the exact segments within the episode.