David Frum: Leveraging Violence as a Tool of Power

Not having dementia is not enough to change the dynamic. Biden needs a proactive message against Trump. Meanwhile, you don't have to play 'Connect the Dots' to see the overlap between Project 2025 and Trump—and members of the media claiming he has a 'new tone' are like frogs in boiling water. Plus, more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter is back with Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Tim's playlist The Authoritarian Playbook for 2025

12 Juli 202455min

Inviting "populist slut hero" Amber Rose to speak at the Republican convention and adjusting the platform on abortion—Trump is trying to distance himself from MAGA's Christian fundamentalist ranks. Meanwhile, the Christian Nationalist project to turn the constitutional clock back 70 years continues apace. Plus, the effort to get Biden to leave the ticket is not a conspiracy—but the sign of a working party. David French joins Tim Miller. show notes David's recent column on the Supreme Court

11 Juli 202455min

Top Democrats say they don't see a way for Biden to win, and some are resigning themselves to being the resistance against Trump, despite the threat he poses to our democracy. Batten down the hatches—this interview is a tough listen. Ezra Klein joins Tim Miller. show notes Ezra's piece from February  Ezra's book recommendation, "Health and Safety: A Breakdown"

10 Juli 202459min

This is not a moment for a politician's origin story or soaring oratory. Some think that means dancing with the one that brung ya. But maybe it’s a moment for someone who could prosecute the case against Donald Trump—making it a perfect time to reintroduce Kamala Harris to voters. Elaina Plott Calabro and Bakari Sellers join Tim Miller. show notes Elaina's story, "The White House’s Kamala Harris Blunder"

9 Juli 202449min

It would have been nice if Biden had gone on Morning Joe the day after the debate instead of waiting 11 days. But he still is not providing a forward-looking message or explaining why he's the one to beat Trump. Meanwhile, Kamala is showing what an aggressive, proactive campaign looks like. Plus, Project 2025 moves into the spotlight, and the good news for democracy coming from overseas.

8 Juli 202447min

Housing prices, the cost of insurance, and sticker shock at the supermarket are still stressing Americans out even while the economy is booming. Annie Lowrey joins Tim Miller to discuss the limited housing stock, the economic benefits of immigrant labor, and shrinking income inequality. Plus, the media does shape opinion, but Joe Biden's oldness is self-evident. show notes: Annie's piece on the worst best economy Annie's book on universal basic income, "Give People Money" Annie's piece on inflation

5 Juli 202443min

Author, poet, and native New Orleanian Clint Smith grew up in the city that was the heart of the domestic slave trade, but realized his understanding of the history within himself and his country was inadequate. So he set out to write the type of book he should have had in high school. On this Independence Day, we pulled a special selection from the Tim Miller Bulwark archive. Plus, love for the Crescent City, and dads getting too much credit for pulling their weight. show notes Clint's book, "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America" Clint's book of poetry, "Above Ground" Clint's "The Man Who Became Uncle Tom" Tim's 4th of July playlist Jefferson's letter

4 Juli 20241h

The quiet coming from the White House sure suggests that the people around the president don't think Joe at his best can overcome Joe at his worst. Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller to discuss all the possible options as the world waits for Biden to say what he's going to do.

3 Juli 202455min