The Bulwark Podcast Bill Kristol: Trump Hates America
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Oct 20, 2025 
Bill Kristol, a conservative political analyst and founder of several public-policy ventures, joins Tim Miller to discuss a range of pressing topics. The duo reflects on the impactful No Kings protests, criticizing Trump's immature response. They debate whether the protest messaging could help Democrats regain the patriotism narrative from Republicans. Kristol also delves into Trump's troubling affection for authoritarian figures, the implications of the El Salvador prison deal, and the government's shutdown, highlighting its visibility issues and political stakes.
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McLean No Kings Rally Experience
- Bill Kristol described attending a No Kings rally in McLean and seeing a joyful, multigenerational crowd of protesters.
- He emphasized the event's mixture of upbeat atmosphere and sober concern about Trump's actions.
Smears May Have Backfired Politically
- Kristol argued the Republican smears about the protests actually boosted turnout by motivating otherwise hesitant people.
- He said the contrast between GOP rhetoric and the patriotic visuals could politically benefit Democrats.
Patriotism Is Shifting Political Ownership
- Kristol observed that conservatives long owned patriotic symbolism but that dynamic may be shifting to the left.
- He suggested No Kings could mark a turning point reclaiming patriotism for liberals.