cover of episode Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: The Lonely Boy Club

Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: The Lonely Boy Club

2024/11/22
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The Bulwark Podcast

Key Insights

Why did the social conservatives' stance on sexual morality change so drastically?

Social conservatives went from seeing sexual morality as a mark of character to normalizing sexual assault, reflecting a significant shift in their values over two decades.

How do Republican voters feel about the sexual assault allegations against their leaders?

A segment of Republican voters is into the idea of powerful men 'putting women in their place,' reflecting a misogynistic strain within the party.

Why did some GOP senators oppose Matt Gaetz's nomination for Attorney General?

Senators opposed Gaetz due to his personal animus, perceived bad influence on the Republican Party, and potential legal liabilities, leading to his withdrawal.

What is the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and why is it considered a joke?

DOGE is a proposed department by Elon Musk to increase government efficiency, but it's seen as a joke due to its lack of seriousness and potential for corruption.

Why are oil and gas tycoons against increasing production despite supporting Trump?

Oil tycoons fear that increasing production would lower prices and hurt their profits, despite their support for Trump's policies.

What should Democrats focus on to appeal to working-class voters?

Democrats should focus on economic issues like jobs, earning potential, and helping people get ahead, using language that resonates with working-class voters.

Why do some people oppose government spending on certain groups?

People oppose spending on groups they dislike, not the concept of government spending itself, which they support when it benefits them directly.

Chapters

The discussion delves into the normalization of sexual assault within the Republican Party and the shift in social conservative values.
  • Republican coalition includes segments that tolerate or even support sexual assault.
  • Social conservatives have shifted from moral high ground to accepting sexual assault as normal.
  • The discussion highlights the hypocrisy of social conservatives who once championed sexual morality.

Shownotes Transcript

The country is now paying for the pathologies of the oligarchs and baddies who were stuffed into lockers when they were kids. And let's be honest: A chunk of MAGA doesn't mind the sexual assaults at all—they "put women in their place." Meanwhile, Gaetz's replacement, Pam Bondi, was an active member of the attempted coup, Elon's plan to slash the federal workforce would cut a minuscule part of the budget, the oil men don't want to produce more oil, and Democrats have to go back to their 90s-style economic messaging.

 Sarah and JVL join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

*show notes *The Secret Podcast) JVL's Triad newsletter from Thursday) Tim's playlist )