#458 — The Bulwark Against MAGA - Making Sense with Sam Harris Recap

Podcast: Making Sense with Sam Harris

Published: 2026-02-11

Duration: 59 min

Summary

In this episode, Sam Harris engages with Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller, prominent voices against Trumpism, to discuss their journey as Never Trumpers and the political landscape shaped by Trump's influence. They explore the origins of their podcast, The Bulwark, and their shared mission to confront the challenges posed by MAGA ideology.

What Happened

Sam Harris kicks off the episode by welcoming Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller, expressing his admiration for their work critiquing Trump and Trumpism. He notes their entertaining yet serious approach to tackling the political climate over the past year. Harris expresses a desire to step back and let them discuss their insights, prompting them to share details about their respective podcasts, including The Bulwark and its various segments like The Next Level and Takes.

Tim Miller shares how The Bulwark was born from a desire to create a platform countering pro-Trump narratives and reflects on his political journey, which started as a campaign worker at a young age. He discusses his experience with various Republican campaigns and his initial underestimation of Trump's appeal in 2016, which ultimately left him feeling ostracized within the Republican Party. Sarah Longwell, on the other hand, describes her background in policy and how the rise of Trump ignited her passion to take action, which led her to join forces with Miller and others to create a compelling voice against the MAGA movement.

Key Insights

Key Questions Answered

What is the mission of The Bulwark?

The Bulwark aims to provide a counter-narrative to pro-Trump content, acting as a bulwark against the influences of Trumpism in politics. Tim Miller explains that the idea stemmed from a need for a platform that would challenge the prevailing narratives within the GOP, particularly after the Weekly Standard went offline for not aligning sufficiently with Trump.

How did Tim Miller get involved in Republican politics?

Tim Miller's journey began in high school when he started volunteering on campaigns, eventually becoming a campaign 'gypsy' who worked on numerous Republican campaigns. His experience ranged from McCain's presidential campaign in 2008 to advising figures like Scott Walker and Nikki Haley, showcasing a long-standing commitment to political engagement.

What sparked Sarah Longwell's activism?

Sarah Longwell was deeply affected by the rise of Trump during the 2015-2016 election cycle. As a policy veteran, she felt a strong urge to act against the alarming trends she witnessed, leading her to pivot from a comfortable position to join the fight against Trumpism with Tim and others, motivated by a sense of urgency about the political climate.

What challenges do Never Trumpers face within the GOP?

Never Trumpers like Tim Miller and Sarah Longwell face significant backlash and isolation within the GOP, as their views often contradict the dominant pro-Trump sentiment. Miller recounts his experience of becoming persona non grata in Republican circles after Trump’s rise, highlighting the struggle to maintain their political identities in a party that has largely embraced Trump.

How do Longwell and Miller view the future of the Republican Party?

Both Longwell and Miller express concern about the trajectory of the Republican Party under Trumpism. They acknowledge the need for a robust opposition to counteract the negative impacts of Trump's influence, emphasizing the importance of their work and the mission of The Bulwark as a critical voice in the current political landscape.