The Bulwark Podcast Jonathan V. Last and Carol Leonnig: The Danger of a Weakened Bully
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Nov 6, 2025 
Jonathan V. Last, a political analyst and author, joins investigative journalist Carol Leonnig, known for her expertise on the Department of Justice. They delve into the recent election outcomes and the surprising shift among Hispanic voters. Last highlights Trump's ongoing dominance despite setbacks, and potential drastic moves he might make. Leonnig discusses her book, 'Injustice,' shedding light on the DOJ's recent turmoil, mass departures, and missed opportunities post-January 6. Their insights reveal the precarious state of American political integrity.
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Hispanic Swing Validates Recent Polling
- Hispanic voters swung massively back to Democrats in several municipalities, confirming polling that showed large declines for Trump with this group.
- Rapid shifts among Hispanics and young voters make polling and modeling for 2026 especially difficult.
Deportation Policy Is Politically Entrenching
- Trump's deportation and tariff policies are politically costly for Hispanic voters and unlikely to be softened given staffing commitments.
- Policy permanence and hiring make it hard for his administration to reverse enforcement even if costs don't fall.
Weakened Bully Still Has Powerful Tools
- A weakened public bully still retains many levers: DOJ, tariffs, and publicity stunts remain available to shake politics.
- Expect performative confrontations (e.g., with New York) and "get in the ring" tactics to continue.
