Bulwark Takes The Worst Senator You Know Just Made a Great Point
Sep 20, 2025
Tim Miller wrestles with the challenge of giving Ted Cruz credit for advocating free speech, even while sidestepping Trump’s name. The conversation dives into the media landscape, examining how Trump's threats impact networks and late-night comedians. Alicia Menendez stirs up the debate, leading to unexpected moments of acknowledgment amidst the discomfort. It's a lively exchange filled with insights on free speech in today's political climate.
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Free Speech Cuts Across Coalitions
- Free speech opposition to government censorship can appeal beyond typical partisan lines and fracture parts of Trump's coalition.
- Tim Miller sees Cruz's stance as significant because it speaks to constitutional conservatives and non-MAGA Trump voters.
Mockery As Political Resistance
- Mocking and public satire remain effective tools to push back against authoritarian impulses.
- Miller argues ridicule is the right posture toward Donald Trump and can blunt his power to intimidate.
Threats To Late-Night Are Unprecedented
- Tim Miller recounts the FCC and corporate pressure around Jimmy Kimmel as a real threat to free expression.
- He emphasizes that threats to take licenses or censor are unprecedented and dangerous even if they may be bluster.