The Bulwark Podcast Abby Phillip: Governing by Troll
23 snips
Oct 29, 2025 
Abby Phillip, anchor of CNN NewsNight and author of "A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power," dives into the complexities of modern governance and social media's influence. She discusses the unusual dynamics of the government shutdown and how it impacts SNAP and Obamacare. Abby critiques the meme-driven political landscape and champions open debate on her show. She also explores Jesse Jackson's lasting impact on populism and modern political figures like Bernie Sanders and Trump, highlighting the intersection of race and activism.
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Shutdown Likely Settled By Moderates
- Abby Phillip calls the current shutdown the "weirdest" and says moderates will likely broker an off-ramp.
- She warns shutdown relief will require private and public assurances to satisfy moderates and reopen government.
Obamacare Cuts Hurt Republicans Too
- Phillip says cutting Obamacare subsidies is politically toxic for Republicans because enrollment rose in Republican areas.
- She predicts pressure will force lawmakers to negotiate because many affected are Republican voters too.
Caribbean Strikes Raise Strategic Questions
- Phillip questions US maritime strikes in the Caribbean and asks what exactly is being targeted.
- She notes local leaders suspect motives like regime change or access to Venezuela's oil, not just drug interdiction.
