Surrounded Why Gen Z Politics Have Become So Extreme
Dec 21, 2025
Tim Miller, a former Republican operative and co-founder of The Bulwark, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of Gen Z's political landscape. He dives into how extreme tactics in immigration enforcement have become normalized and critiques both the right and left's responses. Miller advocates for practical gun reforms and reflects on the moral tradeoffs related to the Second Amendment. He also touches on Christian nationalism and the need for diverse Democratic voices, urging engagement with the youth to reshape political discourse.
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Gen Z Conservatism Is A New Strain
- Tim Miller noticed Gen Z conservatism reshapes old labels into nationalist, isolationist themes rather than Reagan-era fiscal conservatism.
- He attributes appeal to young men drawn to identity, anti-elite sentiment, and America-first messaging.
Enforcement Tactics Risk Normalizing 'Show Us Your Papers'
- Miller calls certain ICE and CBP tactics "fascistic" because they involve unmarked vans, masks, and stopping people to check papers.
- He warns normalizing those methods erodes rule-of-law and risks harassing U.S. citizens who look Latino.
Pair Compassion With Credible Border Policy
- Miller urges Democrats to balance humane policy with credible border enforcement instead of symbolic decriminalization that alienated voters.
- He recommends timely, enforceable measures earlier rather than waiting until problems escalate politically.
