DeepSummary
The episode features an interview with Simone Sanders Townsend, discussing Project 2025 and its plans to institutionalize Trumpism, including eliminating the Department of Education, mass deportations, and rebranding agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services. Townsend warns that while the proposals sound innocuous on paper, they have nefarious implications for democracy and civil liberties.
The conversation also touches on how to prepare for the upcoming presidential debate, with Townsend advising Joe Biden to punch Trump metaphorically by highlighting his transgressions and lies about January 6th and other issues. They discuss the balance between Biden being aggressive while maintaining presidential decorum.
Other topics include Louisiana's excessive licensing requirements for hair braiders, which disproportionately impact Black entrepreneurship, and Townsend's upcoming MSNBC event 'Democracy 2024' featuring panel discussions on the election.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Project 2025 seeks to reshape the government in alarming ways under a potential second Trump term, including eliminating agencies and mass deportations.
- Biden should confront Trump directly in the debates on his lies and transgressions, but maintain a presidential demeanor.
- Excessive occupational licensing requirements, like for Louisiana hair braiders, disproportionately burden Black entrepreneurship and should be reformed.
- MSNBC is hosting a major live event 'Democracy 2024' featuring panels analyzing the upcoming election.
- Trump's own alarming rhetoric and stated policy positions should not be dismissed or downplayed.
- Preparing Biden for Trump's style of attacks and provocations in debate prep is crucial.
- There are concerns Trump may not accept election results and leave office peacefully.
- The makeup of Trump administration staffers could further institutionalize 'Trumpism' in destructive ways.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Donald Trump needs to start answering some actual questions about these things. And I don't think he has good answers, but people have to be listening to what he is saying, which is why I think it's important that we play the sound that you hear. Donald Trump is in his own words, because we're not paraphrasing what this man said. We're not making it up. I'm not putting anything else on it. This is what he's saying. And when Maya Angelou told us, when people tell you who they are, believe them. Listen, y'all, listen.“ by Simone Sanders Townsend
- “Louisiana requires all hair braiders to complete 500 hours of training at a private cosmetology school, pass written and practical exams, and pay fees to the licensing board to braid hair.“ by Tim Miller
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Episode Information
The Bulwark Podcast
The Bulwark Podcast
6/25/24
show notes:
Symone's interview on Project 2025
Tim's Mount Rushmore of political books: