Impolitic with John Heilemann

Tim Miller: Why Iran is Making J.D. Squirm & MAGA Media Melt Down

7 snips
Jun 23, 2025
Tim Miller, a writer for The Bulwark and a former Republican operative, dives into the intriguing split within Trump's base over his military actions in Iran. He explores the tensions among MAGA media figures and the potential fallout for the GOP’s 2028 nomination race. Additionally, Tim reflects on the emotional moments from the New York City mayoral primary, particularly the tearful response from candidate Zohran Mamdani, and highlights the humanitarian issues facing deportees caught in dire situations.
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ANECDOTE

Tucker vs Cruz Iran Debate

  • Tucker Carlson and Senator Ted Cruz had an awkward, combative debate on Iran policy on Tucker's show.
  • Their interaction showed lack of preparation and insight on Cruz's part, amusing political observers like Tim Miller and John Heilemann.
INSIGHT

MAGA Split Unlikely Before 2028

  • A real split in Trump's MAGA base over Iran is unlikely during Trump's current presidency.
  • A major cleavage in MAGA might emerge in the 2028 GOP primary, impacting figures like J.D. Vance if the Iran conflict escalates.
INSIGHT

JD Vance's Political Squirm

  • J.D. Vance faces political torture balancing loyalty to Trump with his anti-war appeal among MAGA nationalists.
  • Vance's squirming stems from conflicting pressures: honor Trump while opposing war, making his position untenable.
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