Bill Kristol: No Kings
Digest
The podcast begins by discussing the "No Kings" rallies, highlighting the diverse participation and the clear message against the administration's "lawless rule." Concerns are raised about government surveillance, particularly through methods like "gait analysis," and its potential for misidentification. The conversation then shifts to historical parallels, referencing Abraham Lincoln's opposition to presidential war powers and criticizing Congress for its abdication of responsibility in authorizing military actions, especially concerning the escalating conflict in Iran. The hosts analyze President Trump's mixed signals regarding Iran, potential troop deployments, and the economic ramifications of the conflict, including supply chain disruptions and rising oil prices. They also touch upon the effectiveness of political messaging, the need for more vocal Democratic politicians, and the importance of consistency in media and products. Finally, the episode explores Senator Marco Rubio's arguments for action against Iran, the Israeli perspective on regime change, the economic threat of closing the Strait of Hormuz, and the ongoing DHS funding impasse, concluding with personal reflections on disappointment and resilience.
Outlines

Rallies, Surveillance, and Presidential Power
The podcast opens with discussions on the "No Kings" rallies, noting their diverse attendees and unified message against the administration's "lawless rule." Concerns about government surveillance, including "gait analysis," are raised. The historical context of Abraham Lincoln's views on presidential war powers is explored, contrasting it with current congressional inaction and the executive branch's unilateral actions, particularly regarding the escalating conflict in Iran.

Longevity Supplements and Blood Flow Seven
This segment features an advertisement for Juvenon's Blood Flow Seven, a longevity supplement that claims to improve blood flow, circulation, and overall health, backed by scientific claims and positive reviews.

Congressional Abdication and Iran Conflict Escalation
The hosts criticize Congress for abdicating its war-making authority, leading to unchecked escalation in Iran, including bombing campaigns and potential ground troop deployments without proper oversight. President Trump's conflicting signals regarding Iran, including troop movements and simultaneous talk of negotiations, are analyzed.

Troop Deployments, Expert Opinions, and Economic Ramifications
The discussion delves into potential troop deployments in Iran, expert opinions on the strategy, and the significant economic consequences of the conflict, such as rising oil prices, supply chain disruptions, and potential recession. The impact of an Iranian missile attack on Saudi Arabia and concerns about information honesty are also addressed.

DeSantis's Commentary, AI Boom, and Economic Outlook
Ron DeSantis's economic commentary is highlighted, with implications for future candidacies. The conversation touches on the AI boom and other growth industries, while also expressing concerns about spiraling economic consequences, supply chain disruptions, and a potential recession.

Consistency, Dependability, and American Giant Apparel
The importance of consistency and dependability is emphasized, using the podcast and American Giant apparel as examples of reliable products. The durability and quality of American Giant's clothing are highlighted.

Arguments for Action in Iran and Regime Change Debate
Senator Marco Rubio presents a case for action against Iran, citing their nuclear ambitions. An Israeli perspective advocating for regime change is shared, prompting a discussion on the effectiveness and long-term implications of such actions. The economic threat posed by a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz is also examined.

Escalating Attacks, DHS Funding Impasse, and Political Strategies
The increasing missile and drone attacks from Iran are discussed, along with their military capabilities. The ongoing impasse over DHS funding is highlighted, with criticism directed at House Republicans and Donald Trump. Democrats are urged to be more vocal and aggressive in their political messaging.

Trump's Pardons, Personal Projects, and Life Lessons
The hosts discuss Donald Trump's pardons and focus on personal projects. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes about disappointment as a valuable life lesson, particularly in the context of children's experiences, and a brief mention of Al Gore.
Keywords
No Kings Rallies
Public demonstrations expressing opposition to government policies and advocating for civic engagement.
Presidential War Powers
Constitutional authority regarding the initiation of military action, balancing executive and legislative roles.
Government Surveillance
Monitoring of citizens' activities and data collection, raising concerns about privacy and overreach.
Gait Analysis
Method of identifying individuals by their walking patterns, with questions about its reliability in investigations.
Longevity Supplements
Products marketed to promote extended lifespan and health benefits, often with scientific claims.
Congressional Abdication
Failure of legislative bodies to fulfill constitutional duties, particularly in war authorization and oversight.
Iran Conflict Escalation
Increasing military actions and tensions involving Iran, raising concerns about regional stability.
Supply Chain Disruptions
Interruptions in the flow of goods and services, leading to economic instability.
Economic Consequences of War
Financial impact of military conflicts, including inflation and potential recessions.
Regime Change
Altering a government's leadership or political system, often through external intervention.
Q&A
What was the general sentiment and diversity of attendees at the "No Kings" rallies?
The rallies featured a diverse range of attendees, from communists to former Republicans, and even individuals who previously protested against each other. Despite differing political views, there was a sense of unity and a shared message against the current administration's "lawless rule."
What are the concerns surrounding Congressman Clay Higgins' tweet about rally attendees?
Congressman Higgins' tweet suggested extensive government surveillance of rally participants, collecting detailed personal data like height, weight, and gait, with the intention of using AI for future crackdowns. This has raised alarms about government overreach and potential misuse of data.
How does Abraham Lincoln's stance on the Mexican War relate to current discussions about presidential war powers?
Lincoln argued that the Constitution grants war-making power to Congress, not the president, to prevent "kingly oppressions." This historical perspective is relevant to contemporary debates about the executive branch's authority to engage in military actions without explicit congressional approval.
What criticism is being leveled against Congress regarding the ongoing war and potential ground troops in Iran?
Congress is criticized for its abdication of responsibility, failing to hold public hearings or authorize the war. This inaction allows the executive branch to escalate military actions, such as bombing campaigns and potential ground troop deployments, without sufficient oversight or public debate.
What is the primary argument presented by Senator Marco Rubio regarding action against Iran?
Rubio argues that Iran, run by "religious fanatic lunatics," is pursuing nuclear weapons and is currently at its weakest point. He advocates for taking action to dismantle their missile, drone, and nuclear capabilities to prevent them from acquiring nuclear weapons.
What is the significance of the Strait of Hormuz closure in the context of the Iran conflict?
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a major economic threat that could lead to a global slowdown. This potential consequence is a significant factor in assessing the costs and benefits of military actions against Iran, as it could have far-reaching global economic repercussions.
Why are Democrats being urged to be more politically aggressive in response to the current crises?
Democrats are encouraged to capitalize on the multi-front disaster overseen by Donald Trump, particularly concerning the DHS funding impasse and the war in Iran. They are advised to use public platforms and local events to highlight Republican and Trump's role in these crises.
What is the perspective on experiencing disappointment as a life lesson?
Experiencing significant disappointment, especially at a younger age, can serve as valuable preparation for the challenges of adulthood. It can toughen one's skin and provide a greater appreciation for future victories, making individuals more resilient.
Show Notes
Thousands of soldiers and Marines have arrived in the Middle East to potentially engage in combat on Iranian soil. Trump has done nothing to make the case for an invasion of Iran, even though he’s got plenty of time to wax rhapsodic about the patios and Corinthian columns on his ballroom project. The Republican congress may have abdicated its Constitutional obligations, but that doesn’t mean Democrats can’t raise hell: Cut your vacation short, demand a vote on the deployment of troops, and go on Fox and denounce Republicans for allowing one man to call the shots on this war—and also make a mess of our economy. Plus, the united opposition in the "No Kings" protests, the wisdom of Lincoln, and life lessons for poor Duke fans. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
- Monday's "Morning Shots"
- Lincoln's letter about the Mexican-American war
- "Bulwark Takes" pod for breaking and developing news
- Tim's interview with Al Gore
- ProPublica on the nursing home owner with a Trump pardpon
- The Atlantic on how the AI boom wasn't built for this kind of crisis
- Tim's closing song today
- For 30% off your order, head to BloodFlow7.com/THEBULWARKand use code THEBULWARK.
- Stay ready for anything with the American Giant Classic Full Zip. Go to https://www.american-giant.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code BULWARK. Thanks to American Giant for sponsoring the show!











