Podcast Summary: "Un-American! Sarah/Tim/JVL Rage On Week of Hell"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Next Level
- Host/Author: The Bulwark
- Episode: Un-American! Sarah/Tim/JVL Rage On Week of Hell
- Release Date: June 11, 2025
1. Introduction to a Tumultuous Week
In this intense episode, hosts Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last (JVL) dive deep into a particularly challenging week marked by heightened political tensions and societal unrest. The episode, aptly titled "Un-American! Sarah/Tim/JVL Rage On Week of Hell," captures their impassioned discussions surrounding aggressive immigration enforcement, political rallies, and the unpredictable behavior of influential figures like Elon Musk.
2. Aggressive Immigration Enforcement and Its Consequences
Tim Miller opens the discussion expressing deep frustration over the current administration's immigration policies:
"[05:24] Tim Miller: [...] the actual performance of the immigration crackdown is horrible, and it really upsets me."
He criticizes the use of masked ICE officials conducting raids in cities, emphasizing the racial targeting and the inhumane treatment of predominantly undocumented immigrants. Tim highlights the presence of military personnel protecting ICE agents, which he views as an offensive and un-American approach.
JVL adds to the conversation, illustrating the broader implications:
"[09:54] JVL: [...] the government is not only going after people who may be of questionable legal status, but also creating new classes of undocumented people by revoking visas."
They discuss the case of "Carol," a Missouri immigrant who, despite being a long-term resident, was harshly targeted and subsequently released due to community support. Sarah underscores the emotional impact of these raids on communities that have grown accustomed to a lenient stance on immigration:
"[10:49] Erin Andrews: [...] what's happening in LA is there's a whole bunch of Carols, [...] being dragged off the streets by masked guards."
3. Military Involvement in Domestic Policing
The hosts express grave concerns about the military's role in domestic immigration enforcement. Tim Miller questions the professionalism of military personnel complying with orders that clash with democratic values:
"[31:47] Erin Andrews: [...] the professionalism of our military is what we rely on to keep us from not being a third world country."
JVL echoes these sentiments, emphasizing the erosion of military norms and the potential for authoritarianism:
"[33:07] JVL: [...] democracy only happens if the guys with guns decide to allow it."
4. Potential for Civil Unrest and Protests
As tensions mount, the hosts anticipate possible widespread protests and civil unrest. They discuss the upcoming event at Fort Bragg and the fear that it might spiral out of control:
"[27:47] JVL: [...] being deployed. We're six months in and Trump is doing this."
Erin Andrews warns of the delicate balance between lawful protest and inciting further chaos, advising listeners to remain peaceful yet vigilant:
"[44:22] Tim Miller: [...] people should go out and protest on Saturday. [...] Friendly advice: Don't throw shit at them."
5. The Unpredictable Behavior of Elon Musk
A significant portion of the episode revolves around Elon Musk's erratic tweets and their political repercussions. JVL critiques Musk's responses to Trump's provocations:
"[49:44] Erin Andrews: [...] his guns are bigger than my guns. [...] This isn't worth it."
Tim Miller speculates on Musk's motivations, portraying him as an erratic influencer whose actions inadvertently bolster Trump's agenda:
"[50:16] Tim Miller: [...] like a swing voter who votes based on negative polarization."
The hosts lament the lack of a strong support system to curb Musk's disruptive tendencies, fearing that his unchecked behavior could further destabilize political landscapes.
6. Democratic Primary Insights and Political Strategy
Transitioning to electoral politics, the hosts analyze the recent Democratic primary in New Jersey. Tim Miller provides insights into candidate performance, highlighting the success of Mikey Shearll and the lack of insurgent wave driven by hyper-partisans:
"[75:21] Tim Miller: [...] no groundswell [...] there just wasn't a groundswell."
JVL critiques the Bulwark's newsletter advice, which suggested unconventional strategies for Democratic candidates. Despite initial doubts, the candidates managed to secure substantial support:
"[78:05] Erin Andrews: [...] Mikey Sheryll got 34%, Josh Gottheimer got 12%, putting her at 45%."
The discussion underscores the resilience of the Biden Democratic coalition and questions the effectiveness of past political strategies in the current climate.
7. Capitalism and Corporate Influence
In a lighter yet critical segment, JVL dissects the role of McKinsey & Company in advising Warner Brothers Discovery, exposing the pitfalls of corporate consultancy within capitalism:
"[83:14] JVL: [...] $155 million to tell a company to merge, change its name, and then separate again. Yay, capitalism."
Erin Andrews counters by clarifying that the critique is directed at McKinsey's flawed advice rather than capitalism itself:
"[84:15] Erin Andrews: [...] this isn't an indictment of capitalism. It's an indictment of McKinsey."
8. Final Thoughts and Appeals
As the episode winds down, the hosts reflect on the week's events and the uncertainties that lie ahead. JVL expresses cautious optimism, while Tim Miller emphasizes the importance of preparedness and strategic response to ongoing challenges.
"[86:37] Tim Miller: [...] if we get out of this mess in 2028, [...] we will post the fucking podcast."
They conclude with a call to action for listeners to remain informed, engaged, and proactive in confronting the escalating political and social issues.
Notable Quotes:
- Tim Miller [05:24]: "The actual performance of the immigration crackdown is horrible, and it really upsets me."
- JVL [09:54]: "The government is not only going after people who may be of questionable legal status, but also creating new classes of undocumented people by revoking visas."
- Erin Andrews [31:47]: "The professionalism of our military is what we rely on to keep us from not being a third world country."
- JVL [33:07]: "Democracy only happens if the guys with guns decide to allow it."
- Tim Miller [50:16]: "Like a swing voter who votes based on negative polarization."
- JVL [83:14]: "$155 million to tell a company to merge, change its name, and then separate again. Yay, capitalism."
- Erin Andrews [84:15]: "This isn't an indictment of capitalism. It's an indictment of McKinsey."
Conclusion:
"Un-American! Sarah/Tim/JVL Rage On Week of Hell" offers a raw and passionate exploration of pressing political issues, highlighting the trio's unwavering stance against perceived authoritarianism and corporate malpractices. Their candid discussions provide listeners with insightful analyses, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities shaping the current American socio-political landscape.