Podcast Summary: "Trump's Mess with the Cranks"

The Next Level, hosted by JVL (Jonathan V. Last), Tim Miller, and guest Sam Stein of The Bulwark, delves deep into the political landscape shaped by former President Donald Trump and the rise of "cranks" within American politics. Released on November 20, 2024, this episode dissects the implications of Trump's appointments, the polarization of issues like vaccination, and the Democratic Party's challenges in navigating a fragmented electorate.

1. Opening Remarks and Meritocracy Debate (00:02 - 01:35)

The episode kicks off with lighthearted banter among the hosts about the concept of meritocracy in America. Sam Stein sarcastically critiques the notion, emphasizing the flawed idea that jobs and positions are solely based on individual merit without considering systemic biases.

Notable Quote:

• Sam Stein (00:30): "We are no more dei, nobody getting jobs based on their skin color or their sexual orientation."

This segment sets the tone for a critical examination of entrenched conservative ideals, referencing figures like William F. Buckley to highlight discomfort with elitist governance models.

2. RFK Jr.'s Cabinet Appointment and Its Political Impact (02:01 - 05:20)

JVL introduces the central theme: the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK) to the cabinet and its potential to reshape electoral politics. The discussion centers on how RFK's populist and anti-establishment stance could mobilize a significant portion of the electorate previously considered moderate or undecided.

Notable Quotes:

• JVL (02:12): "RFK is the most politically relevant in the sense of a person within the cabinet who has the potential to actually shape electoral politics."
• Tim Miller (03:07): "There's so many places to go on that. Why don't you just."

The hosts explore the idea that RFK’s influence might propel anti-vaccine sentiments and other fringe beliefs into mainstream Republican politics, potentially realigning voter bases.

3. The Anti-Vaccine Movement and Partisan Polarization (03:49 - 16:31)

A significant portion of the conversation delves into the anti-vaccine movement, tracing its transformation from a bipartisan concern to a predominantly partisan issue. The hosts argue that vaccine skepticism, once scattered across political lines, has become a defining characteristic of the Republican coalition.

Notable Quotes:

• JVL (04:39): "Vaccines have become polarized as a partisan matter and that that is something that's meaningful."
• Tim Miller (16:31): "They are so far past that place."

Sam Stein critiques the Democratic Party’s handling of the issue, suggesting that their inability to adequately address and reform institutional trust has led to a loss of moderate voters who might drift towards Trump’s anti-establishment rhetoric.

4. Democratic Realignment and Trust Issues (16:31 - 29:38)

The discussion shifts to the Democratic Party's internal struggles with trust and realignment. Stein posits that Democrats have failed to maintain trust with voters who are now leaning towards conspiracy theories and distrust in institutions, exacerbated by recent political appointments like RFK.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Stein (08:59): "How the Democrats have made a mistake in this realignment between trust and distrust."
• JVL (22:57): "Feedback mechanisms and the incentive structures still work. And I don't know that that's true."

Tim Miller and Sam Stein discuss the implications of this realignment, suggesting that Democrats might need to embrace more contrarian voices to win back disillusioned voters, while JVL remains skeptical about the efficacy of such strategies.

5. Cabinet Appointments and Institutional Damage (29:38 - 36:09)

The hosts critique various cabinet appointments, emphasizing concerns over qualifications and potential harm to critical institutions. Matt Whitaker’s appointment as Ambassador to NATO is highlighted as emblematic of the administration's disregard for expertise, raising alarms about future policy and international relations.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Miller (30:26): "We are not going to get less infectious diseases. We are going to get more coronaviruses."
• JVL (32:05): "What happens is if you cut off the spigot of infectious disease research at NIH for four years... It could be."

This segment underscores fears that Trump's appointments undermine essential governmental functions, leading to long-term detrimental effects on public health and national security.

6. Nancy Mace and Transgender Bathroom Policies (38:16 - 44:15)

JVL and Sam Stein address Nancy Mace's controversial stance on transgender bathroom access in Congress. They criticize her approach as performative cruelty, arguing that it serves more as a political maneuver to appeal to conservative bases rather than fostering genuine discourse on transgender rights.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Stein (39:45): "Sarah McBride's conduct over the course of this week has been unbelievably graceful."
• JVL (40:40): "I find the whole thing grotesque. ... it's just cruelty. It's performative cruelty and bullying."

The discussion highlights the broader implications of such policies, suggesting they alienate allies and fail to advance meaningful protections for transgender individuals.

7. Matt Whitaker’s Appointment and NATO Implications (52:02 - 65:30)

The podcast delves into Matt Whitaker’s appointment as Ambassador to NATO, critiquing his lack of foreign policy experience and previous involvement with dubious ventures like World Patent Marketing. The hosts express concerns that such appointments signal unreliable American alliances, potentially weakening NATO’s cohesion and global stability.

Notable Quotes:

• Sam Stein (53:25): "He was always the big dick attorney General and now the big dick ambassador to NATO."
• JVL (61:14): "If you are thinking in accelerationist terms, having Matt the US Ambassador to NATO will make crystal clear to our NATO allies that America cannot be counted on."

This segment emphasizes the risks posed by unqualified appointees, arguing that they erode trust with international partners and compromise strategic interests.

8. Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook (65:08 - End)

In their closing remarks, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of Trump's strategy in appointing unconventional and often unqualified individuals to key positions. They express pessimism about the future of American governance, fearing a descent into institutional dysfunction and diminished global standing.

Notable Quotes:

• JVL (66:47): "Once the Democratic Party, right. Has control of...
• Sam Stein (67:55): "There is no way to blame the native NATO member states."

The episode concludes with a call for significant political and institutional reforms, underscoring the urgency of addressing the fragmentation and decline in democratic norms.

Conclusion

"Trump's Mess with the Cranks" offers a critical examination of the current American political climate, highlighting how Trump's appointments and strategies have empowered fringe elements within the Republican Party. The hosts argue that these moves have deepened partisan divides, eroded trust in institutions, and jeopardized both domestic policies and international alliances. Through incisive analysis and pointed critiques, the episode underscores the pressing need for introspection and reform within America's political landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Trump's appointments, particularly RFK Jr., may realign political loyalties and empower anti-establishment sentiments within the GOP.
• The anti-vaccine movement's politicization has transformed it from a fringe concern to a central Republican issue, challenging Democratic strategies.
• Democratic missteps in maintaining trust with moderate and contrarian voters have contributed to electoral vulnerabilities.
• Controversial cabinet appointments like Matt Whitaker's raise concerns about the competence and reliability of American governance.
• Policies targeting transgender rights, exemplified by Nancy Mace's actions, reflect a trend of performative politics that undermines meaningful progress.

For listeners seeking a comprehensive analysis of these dynamic and contentious issues, this episode of The Next Level provides a nuanced and engaging exploration of the forces shaping contemporary American politics.