Summary of "We're All His Enemies" – The Next Level Podcast (March 14, 2025)

In the episode titled "We're All His Enemies," hosts Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last of The Bulwark's The Next Level podcast engage in a multifaceted discussion addressing pressing political, economic, and social issues facing the United States. This summary encapsulates their key conversations, insights, and conclusions, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in.

I. Revival of the Alien and Sedition Act

Key Discussion Points:

• Presidential Invocation: The episode opens with alarming news that the President is invoking the Alien and Sedition Act of 1798, a historical law primarily used during wartime to suppress dissent against the government.

• Historical Context: Tim Miller highlights the Act's notorious past, particularly its use during World War II to intern Japanese Americans, labeling it as one of America's most disgraceful periods ([03:12]).

• Modern Implications: The hosts express deep concern that the Act is being repurposed to detain individuals based on political dissent rather than actual crimes, drawing parallels to past abuses.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Miller [03:12]: “It's used in wartime. It has only ever been used in wartime… putting people in internment camps.”

• Sarah Longwell [01:45]: “Trump is unhappy about the pace of deportations… we're declaring it [the Alien and Sedition Act].”

II. Economic Turmoil and Market Instability

Key Discussion Points:

• Stock Market Decline: The hosts discuss the significant drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which fell by 475 points within 35 minutes before market closing ([07:06]).

• CEO Anxiety: Sarah Longwell notes the growing concern among CEOs, exacerbated by tariffs and trade wars, leading to private sector firings and economic uncertainty ([08:49]).

• Impact of Tariffs: Tim Miller critiques the administration's tariff policies, suggesting they contribute to economic instability and negatively affect various industries ([10:12]).

Notable Quotes:

• JVL [07:06]: “With 35 minutes before the market's closing, the Dow is down another 475.”

• Sarah Longwell [08:49]: “This organic farm might go under because Elon cut the program that was giving the food banks money.”

III. Immigration Policies and Private Sector Strain

Key Discussion Points:

• Aggressive Deportations: The administration's heightened deportation efforts are scrutinized, with skepticism about their effectiveness and fairness, particularly targeting undocumented immigrants associated with gangs ([04:14]).

• Negative Impact on Businesses: Policies are adversely affecting the private sector, including organic farms facing closures due to reduced support programs and increased operational costs ([08:49]).

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Miller [04:14]: “I think it's the gangs that get used… I'm for deporting gang members.”

• Sarah Longwell [08:49]: “This organic farm might go under because Elon cut the program that was giving the food banks money.”

IV. Free Speech Concerns and Historical Parallels

Key Discussion Points:

• Violation of First Amendment: The detention of Mahmoud Khalil by ICE is debated as a potential infringement on free speech, despite the Trump administration's assertion that Khalil posed a threat to U.S. foreign policy ([24:00]).

• Historical Comparisons: Sarah Longwell draws parallels to historical events like the KKK marches in Skokie, Illinois, emphasizing America's commitment to protecting even offensive speech under the First Amendment ([29:38]).

• Public and Political Reactions: The episode highlights divided opinions among MAGA supporters and free speech advocates regarding the balance between national security and constitutional rights ([30:09]).

Notable Quotes:

• Ann Coulter [29:58]: “There's almost no one I don't want to deport, but unless they've committed a crime, isn't this a violation of the first Amendment?”

• Sarah Longwell [24:00]: “This is sick. It's an effort to send the message. It’s an effort to chill speech.”

V. Foreign Policy Focus: Ukraine, Russia, and Ceasefire Negotiations

Key Discussion Points:

• Ceasefire Challenges: The tentative ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia is dissected, with Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing numerous concerns regarding verification, territorial control, and the fate of occupied regions ([17:18]).

• Trump’s Diplomatic Maneuvers: Tim Miller speculates on President Trump's strategic use of sanctions and pressure on Europe to limit Russian oil purchases, questioning the effectiveness and motives behind these actions ([19:30]).

• Public Fatigue and Military Concerns: The hosts discuss the concept of military fatigue among Russian forces and the complexities of achieving a durable ceasefire ([18:22]).

Notable Quotes:

• JVL [17:18]: “Vladimir Putin is worried about the crimes committed against Russian civilians.”

• Tim Miller [19:30]: “He's giving them swirlies and doing French accents to make fun of macro.”

VI. Case Study: Detention of Mahmoud Khalil

Key Discussion Points:

• Background of Mahmoud Khalil: Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student, was detained by ICE without any alleged legal wrongdoing, sparking debates about the misuse of the Alien and Sedition Act ([25:10]).

• Free Speech Implications: The episode underscores the tension between national security interests and the protection of free speech, questioning the legitimacy of detaining individuals based solely on political activism ([32:00]).

• Legal Justifications: Tim Miller examines the legal frameworks cited by the administration, arguing that there is insufficient evidence linking Khalil's campus activism to any genuine foreign policy threats ([33:16]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Longwell [32:00]: “This is sick. It's an effort to send the message. It’s an effort to chill speech.”

• JVL [33:16]: “An alien whose presence or activities in the United States the Secretary of State has reasonable ground to believe would have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.”

VII. Domestic Political Dynamics: Potential 2028 Candidates

Key Discussion Points:

• Gavin Newsom’s Presidential Campaign: The hosts express skepticism about Governor Gavin Newsom's prospects for a successful presidential campaign in 2028, critiquing his communication strategies and media interactions ([50:06]).

• Alternative Democratic Candidates: Rahm Emanuel and Pete Buttigieg emerge as potential alternatives, with discussions on their strengths and challenges in appealing to broader Democratic constituencies ([57:02]).

• Voter Demographics and Challenges: The conversation delves into the difficulty of engaging working-class voters and African American voters within the Democratic primary landscape, emphasizing the need for candidates who can bridge these gaps ([59:02]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Longwell [57:02]: “He's pissing off a lot of the Dem based people over some of his zags on immigration and crime and stuff.”

• JVL [59:02]: “If you're Pete and you want to run for president, forget the working class... African American voters in the Democratic primary.”

VIII. Interview Insights: Senator John Fetterman's Performance

Key Discussion Points:

• Health and Legislative Impact: The hosts discuss Senator John Fetterman's recent health struggles and how they affect his legislative duties, raising concerns about his ability to effectively represent his constituents and contribute to key votes ([41:38]).

• Democratic Majority Risks: Sarah Longwell emphasizes the critical impact Fetterman's potential absences could have on the Democratic majority in the Senate, particularly concerning pivotal legislation like the reconciliation bill ([43:14]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Longwell [43:14]: “Every vote that the Democrats have right now really matters… the profession has people that aren't able to do the job.”

• JVL [46:52]: “If Democrats have people in there that aren't able to do the job, they should find replacements.”

IX. Media Landscape and Political Communication

Key Discussion Points:

• Politicians on Podcasts: The episode critiques how politicians like Charlie Kirk and Gavin Newsom use podcasts as platforms for political maneuvering rather than substantive discourse, labeling some interactions as performative stunts ([62:37]).

• Effective Communication Strategies: The hosts advocate for genuine, impactful conversations over superficial media appearances, stressing the importance of authenticity in political communication ([63:55]).

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Longwell [62:37]: “I have to coach… 'You got played' after interviewing Charlie Kirk.”

• Tim Miller [63:55]: “Hey, Gavin, if you wanna say that you're wrong about some of that stuff…”

X. Conclusion and Final Remarks

The episode wraps up with reflections on the discussed topics, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance in protecting civil liberties, ensuring economic stability, and fostering genuine political leadership. The hosts reiterate their commitment to providing thoughtful and incisive political analysis, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged.

Throughout the episode, Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last offer a blend of critical analysis and candid commentary, addressing the complexities of current political and economic challenges. Their discussions highlight the intersection of historical precedents with contemporary issues, underscoring the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights and maintaining economic resilience.

End of Summary