S2 Ep1010: Bill Kristol: Stiffen Your Spines, Democrats
Mar 31, 2025
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Bill Kristol, author and editor at large of the Bulwark, joins Tim Miller for a provocative discussion on current political dynamics. They tackle Joe Biden's hesitance on immigration issues, emphasizing the need for Democrats to show more spine. Kristol delves into Trump's potential third term and examines anti-democratic trends influencing elections. They also critique rising authoritarianism and the implications of a contentious Supreme Court case in Wisconsin. Their conversation highlights the moral failures surrounding immigration policies and U.S. foreign relations, especially towards Europe.
Trump's casual mention of a potential third term reflects alarming normalizations of unconstitutional ideas within the Republican Party.
Elon Musk's questionable campaign practices in Wisconsin exemplify significant issues surrounding election law and accountability in American politics.
Democratic leaders' hesitance to address the immigration crisis undermines their values and alienates constituents seeking authentic leadership on human rights.
Deep dives
Trump's Third Term Talk
Donald Trump has publicly floated the idea of potentially running for a third term, albeit with disclaimers that it's early and he enjoys his work. He suggested the possibility of running as a vice president while the sitting president resigns, despite this plan being unconstitutional. This rhetoric has not been met with significant pushback from Republican leaders, raising concerns about the state of the party and its acceptance of such ideas. Observers note this reflects a troubling normalization of undermining constitutional principles within the GOP.
Election Law Violations in Wisconsin
Elon Musk's involvement in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race raises alarms about potential election law violations, as he donated substantial sums while engaging in questionable campaign practices. Musk's approach illustrates a disregard for electoral integrity, including allegations of illegal inducements to voters. This situation shines a spotlight on broader issues of accountability and the enforcement of election laws, particularly in highly contested states. The implications of such actions could significantly impact the balance of power in Wisconsin and beyond.
Human Rights Concerns in El Salvador
The U.S. government's practices regarding the deportation of individuals to El Salvador are under scrutiny as alarming reports emerge about the treatment of these individuals. Cases have surfaced involving people being wrongly labeled as gang members based on flimsy evidence, including tattoos, with the potential consequences of deportation to harsh conditions. This misuse of immigration power presents serious human rights issues and highlights the lack of due process afforded to those affected. The situation reflects a broader pattern of authoritarian governance, threatening the rights and safety of vulnerable populations.
The Democratic Response to Immigration Issues
Democratic leaders face criticism for their tepid response to the ongoing immigration crisis, with many avoiding the issue entirely out of fear of negative polling. The reluctance to speak out against injustices being faced by immigrants, particularly Venezuelans, contrasts sharply with the clear moral stance taken by figures like Joe Rogan, who advocates for compassion and due process. The fear of political backlash appears to stifle honest discourse on critical humanitarian issues, compromising the party's values and creating an emotional and ethical void. This hesitance could alienate constituents who seek genuine leadership and clarity on human rights.
Cultural Responses to Authoritarianism
There is a significant cultural response to the emerging authoritarianism in the U.S., as institutions become cautious and may avoid addressing contentious issues altogether. This trend includes educational institutions potentially sidestepping discussions on race and history to evade controversy, reflecting a broader apprehension about engaging with uncomfortable truths. The apprehensiveness among educational and civic institutions to confront these topics sends a troubling message about the state of public discourse in America. It raises concerns about the long-term effects on societal understanding and the collective memory, as the space for honest dialogue continues to erode.
If Joe Rogan is the voice in the wilderness on the disappearing of migrants to El Salvador, then the Democratic leadership really needs to rethink its cautiousness. Meanwhile, the Bluffer-in-Chief is musing about a third term and Elon seems to be skirting the law in Wisconsin over an election he claims will determine the fate of civilization. Plus, the tariffs threats are rattling the markets, Trump's gullibility with Putin is coming through loud and clear, and why does JD hate Europe so much?
