Praying for Trump to Lose? What's with Mike Johnson's Face Turn? (w/ Bill Kristol) | Bulwark Podcast

Bill Kristol on marginalizing Trump over Ukraine, how Biden could use some FDR, and the Columbia protests. Stay tuned for Part 2 of today's podcast!
Send your mailbag questions here: [e-mail]
Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1 and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events
0:00 - Intro
0:56 - House Passes Foreign Aid Bills
2:22 - Mike Johnson’s Strategy as Speaker
6:02 - What Joe Biden Can Learn from FDR
10:23 - Upcoming Bulwark Events
11:19 - Extreme Protests on University Campuses
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The Bulwark Podcast: Tim Miller and guests discuss the latest news from inside Washington and around the world. No shouting, grandstanding, or sloganeering. Conservative, conscientious, and civil.
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[@artysanmobile]

How can anyone NOT hate Donald Trump. He is the most reprehensible human being most of us has ever witnessed.

[@marybrown7203]

The difference between Mike and Trump is that Mike doesn't say the quiet parts out loud. He's a Mitch and Trump rolled into one.

[@RememberMeYeah]

The most disgusting thing that came out of this vote was the actions of Rep. Victoria Spartz (R),who was born in Ukraine and still has family there, voted NO for aid for Ukraine!!

[@sandyg202]

There is something wrong with her!

[@vedagower-my5wy]

That is awful.

[@grumpy9478]

if she were French during the Battle of Yorktown, she'd be against French Fleet support for Washington & the Continental Army to defeat the Brits.

[@a5cent]

She is an extreme opportunist who cares only about herself. Her own family dislikes her, which doesn't surprise me.

[@tctcllc6949]

I’m in her district, and I’ve been SO frustrated by her. She sends out email updates w/ extremist rhetoric. There’s a big push in Hamilton county to replace her with a Democrat. I can’t only hope, in RED Indiana, that push is successful.

[@marthabrown8534]

Don’t ignore that Johnson was reportedly a major player in the insurrection.

[@likeasoldier777]

I don’t trust him or any of the republicans. Probably some sinister plan.

[@SomethingBlonde-oc7sc]

Americans, take note: Republicans Voted YES to aid Ukraine: 101 Voted NO to aid Ukraine: 112 Democrats Voted Yes to aid Ukraine: 210 Voted NO to aid Ukraine: Zero I am so happy that some republicans support Ukraine, but we must remember that the Democratic Party is united in November. 🇺🇸💙🇺🇦 If your rep is a Republican, please check how your representative voted and start communicating your disappointment if they made the wrong decision. We must keep working to help Ukraine. Heroyam slava. 💙💛

[@paulettebrissett56]

I did check one one of the Republican reps in my state and, to my dismay, that person's vote was one of the 101 "Yes" votes. So we cannot lambaste the person for this election cycle!

[@michaellust2030]

@@paulettebrissett56 dismay? Really? You would have preferred that your rep was part of the Kremlin Caucus?

[@carolynmack4017]

​@@paulettebrissett56I am sure you can find other reasons against that Rep. Lots of work left undone this Congress. Did they vote to impeach Mayorkas?

[@davidkuharich9269]

Yep keep giving everyone but the American people the American people s money. FJB.

[@gentleken7864]

Moscovitz mentioned a couple of weeks ago that there were about 100 republicans who he said were interested in bi-partisanship and were decent people. But they hide because they're worried about being primaried out. Clearly, it looks like the 100 or so here, were those that were decent. Ruined by the 112 idiots.

[@MrMorokiatt]

Tim is right, Biden needs to highlight what was accomplished with the help of thinking Republicans, and why our commonalities strengthen us.

[@anthonykadjei007]

😂😂😂Like the ACA

[@mollyfritz-beckers6821]

Stay on a roll MAGA MIKE, bring the Border Bill to the floor

[@vedagower-my5wy]

Yes, but Trump has prohibited him from allowing a vote on the border bill. It would be a great victory for both democrats and republicans! I am still voting democrat 💙Blue 💙

[@marybrown7203]

​@vedagower-my5wy Beware of a polished Trump, exactly like Johnson.

[@ronaldgamber1181]

MAGA Mike let us pray for democracy ahmen amen 🙏

[@cindithompson6534]

I totally agree about FDR and Biden, let’s get it done! Vote Blue!

[@user-bg4pg1lm9b]

The best part is Kevin must be seething and green with envy at the praise that Johnson is receiving!

[@JeanGillespie-fp7rs]

Boohoo for that traitor!

[@grumpy9478]

coulda been a hero... now, he's a zero on sale.

[@7171jay]

@user Johnson deserves scorn not praise. Seven months without U.S. aid resulted in a lot of damage to Ukraine and it's people. Just because Moscow Mike Johnson finally relented when threatened with losing his job as Speaker does not make him a hero... he has blood on his hands, is a snake, and will do this kind of thing again without remorse.

[@deborahharrison8407]

I think he's sick of Trump and maga but he's also a coward

[@bobheck8326]

Spot on👍

[@denisehall4818]

I'm not so sure he's a coward.

[@ARichardP]

Everybody is sick of Trump. But like the bully in the schoolyard and the bully in the workplace, people kowtow and enable them to try to keep the peace. Everybody instinctively knows that a bully is hiding a lot of anger and shame behind their bravado and they don’t want them confronted and unmasked because they don’t want to deal with the rage once the bully’s essential weakness is exposed. Trump’s colossal image of himself is so out of proportion to the actual reality that he is going to rage like we’ve never seen before as his unconscionable tawdriness is exposed. It’s not about policy. Those are arguable things. It’s about character. Trump is one of the most flawed characters in history.

[@redwaveofketchup7457]

It may be more of a survival instinct than cowardice.

[@44manm]

He blows with the wind. Has no power on his own.

[@carolyngarman1422]

Something's going on. Mike Johnson called Trump a hardened criminal.

[@annakingry9157]

Must be that Russia is turning on Trump.

[@Alex-xn8pq]

Can you link us to the source of your info about tRump and Johnson?

[@JeffGatto]

@@Alex-xn8pq Johnson said "hardened criminals", plural, and pointedly, pointed back to where trump was smelling, I mean standing. Easy to find, and no one else was in line of finger.

[@narda1072]

I saw it and was like wow lolol

[@browneyedgirl6050]

​@@Alex-xn8pqI know Meidas Touch and Pondering Politics covered it. It was the speech at MAL last week. I remember Tim talking about it, I think. It was quite obvious.

[@glenchilada]

I dont believe that Johnson is cunning, but I do believe that he has Mitch McConnell's phone number and is smart enough to use it.

[@ttcc5273]

Let's posit this axiom: Everybody either secretly hates Trump, openly hates Trump, or is otherwise completely done with the Orange Devil. 😂

[@hollandanish5557]

Oh how I wish that were true! Alas there are lots of Americans who are dedicated fans and believers. Sigh🥴

[@DennisMoore664]

I think that's mostly true of the politicians in DC but not his voting base. Sadly, tens of millions of them are still buying into his grift.

[@patriciagazey4693]

Yes

[@AnonymousAlcoholic772]

I love how Crystal talks as if it wasn’t him and his neo-con ilk got us into most of these mess in the first place.

[@PortlandRose]

Exactly~

[@edwardharvey7687]

And all the other folks on the Bulwark. Not long ago they were stupidly accusing liberals with having a mental illness, and other dishonest ramblings that characterize conservative narratives.

[@davidwilkins5932]

The only thing most of them regret is that Trump blew the “respectability” cover and shined a bright light into their dark recesses. But the dark recesses are their truest definition. They’ve been obsessed with the same dark future since the 1950’s, and occasionally Dems have gotten in their way. And we see what has happened to many of those Dems.

[@user-jd1dn3eg8o]

Hate or no hate,it's good to do the right thing.thank you Speaker Johnson.

[@francescarroll8977]

Mike Johnson is a complete weirdo. But he’s a true politician. He’s doing what saves his ass today. Tomorrow is another problem.

[@bobheck8326]

🎯👍💯😂

[@helenfisler-parker9005]

Oh, I think here's a true Right wing Christian and sees himself as Moses.

[@peterpants2423]

But Jesus told him personally he's Moses

[@faiththrower7951]

You got that right.

[@cboyle707]

Oh yeah.

[@Tony-dk1bp]

It looks to me like the smart Republicans are finally ready to get rid of Trump.

[@mattdonlan7745]

"smart" being a relative term with them.

[@user-nn9zf5tj5f]

Smart Republicans?????

[@williamcarter9066]

SMART Pfffffft tired of him YEP but do they have the guts ,the fortitude to stand up for country hell to the hells no !!

[@7171jay]

@Tony. Sorry but it's hard to believe Republicans are ditching Trump. Johnson can probably even gently refer to Trump as a "hardened criminal" and that's either forgettable or a badge of honor to Trump. Sane people easily can miss just how much these Republicans are snakes, saying one thing and then doing another... over and over. Trump may be slightly backing away from hating on Ukraine for his own gain and allowing Johnson to support Ukraine as denying Ukraine aid for seven months is still a pretty impressive feat considering that many Americans and even Republican politicians actually side with Ukraine.

[@marybrown7203]

Every Republican in office today enabled this entire mess. Remember their names.

[@orpheus9037]

Whatever Johnson's motives, I'm extremely pleased - and relieved - Ukraine Aid has passed and the majority of the country sends their thanks to Speaker Johnson for helping shepherd this important bill through and reaffirm the importance of hope.

[@karenlouise444]

OMG, the Bulwark quoting FDR!!!!! I'm here for it. Cannot stress how historic it is that the majority of votes came from the minority party for foreign aid, budget, etc. I am unaware of that ever happening in the US or in any other country for major bills.

[@user-wb7ss9ji3y]

Loving liberal Democrat. FDR saved us and set us on a path to economic equality. Miss a statesman!

[@ridethecurve55]

He was a cunning man, too, but he didn't flaunt it. One of the Best, who bore a heavy responsibility leading the country through the Great Depression and WWII. He is Still truly missed. And still, we are cursed to not be able to rid ourselves of the festering pustule called Trump. How can this be?

[@MarcosElMalo2]

He should be remembered for his great leadership. But we should also remember that he imprisoned American citizens because of their ethnicity.

[@elaineisabelle427]

It's about time Mini Mike did his actual job. I'm not going reward him for doing his job.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

That’s fine. But if you want to have a working congress from now until January, you might want the Dems to help him.

[@auntiewewe972]

I like Tim Miller. And I like Bill Krystal. But what's with the love for the Regan Republican? Seriously read the room. This idea that Regan was a good , or even democratic president is insane. Trumpism has its roots in Reaganism.

[@brucesheppard2156]

Yes look at the history of Reaganomics. Especially union members.

[@chrissweeney6876]

It’s Reagan..

[@doloreskloper9993]

Praying for him to win so we continue to have FREEDOM.

[@VaneqlBa]

What would I do without you guys ❤thanks for everything.

[@tuula9857]

No need for prayers. Trump loses witout them.

[@JeanGillespie-fp7rs]

Lol....

[@sprig5173]

Despite all those evangelical prayers even.

[@HappyHarryHardon]

Prayers are just people talking to themselves.

[@danielvillalba5375]

To be honest if i was Johnson I would realize that Trump is just going to backstab me anyways, so may as well backstab him first.

[@DennisMoore664]

Do unto others before they do it to you.

[@a5cent]

You'd make a better politician than most in MAGA.

[@danielvillalba5375]

@@a5cent I'll make a terrible politician.

[@floydkizzie8728]

Pres Biden has been making the bi-partisan case since day 1. Can you guys lose some of your Biden needs to do etc,, and talk some about what he has done.

[@1qtaz]

They need to talk about what Republican cowards need to do

[@browneyedgirl6050]

I agree but it's a different time now. On the edge Republicans are thinking about which way to go. This is a key time to make the case.

[@davidhancock91]

Love you guys. Keep up the good work. Keep Trump out. Victory to Ukraine and Democracy

[@jessicazellner7336]

I wonder if Mike Johnson also got kinda creeped out and disillusioned with his visit to Mara Lago?

[@MaryLopez-em3rc]

He was likely threatened by Trump and doesn’t want to see him in power even if that means losing presidency.

[@bobheck8326]

Good point, but I think his wife wears the pants.

[@Fubar2024]

He was probably ignored

[@stevendaleschmitt]

Instead of kneeling at the temple of Ba'al? Sorry, I just can't see it.

[@sueberg-et1so]

good point, considering TFG rampant dishonesty, Johnson may have been repelled.

[@katherinea.rodgers8366]

Mike Johnson did the minimal right thing. Late , but OK. What will he do next? Thanks, Tim and Bill.

[@Brett5ive]

He told us what happened. He went to the scif. What he read and saw there impacted him THIS deeply. Do the math on what those might be

[@mildmannerededc]

Tim, Bill, FDR, that's a great way to spend 15min on a Monday!

[@bobheck8326]

FDR WAS PHENOMENAL ❤

[@RunOfTheHind]

Moses has recognised the anti-Christ.

[@carolyngarman1422]

By God, I think he did.

[@marianneb.7112]

If only.

[@tctcllc6949]

Most succinct comment today!

[@MattRausch-gg5on]

A Big Win for the Grand Coalition!! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🙏

[@chrystya]

As always, a great show

[@ronaldgamber1181]

MAGA Mike let us pray for democracy 🙏

[@curtisjackson4282]

Never in a million years that I'll be listening to common sense Republicans and enjoying the normal conversation.

[@debmcclung]

I love the speech from FDR ... gave me chills

[@LynnLarson-rq1pq]

Welcome to Austin! So glad you're here.

[@virginiascovill]

Thanks for bringing this information to us....I appreciate all of your work to save our democratic republic!

[@tctcllc6949]

I LOVE Tim’s strategy ( approx 8:50 ) … it’s sage advice

[@user-iq42]

My daughter is a freshman. She's found swastikas in the bathroom. The tension is put upon Jewish students to denounce Israel's right to exist. She doesn't want to return next year. I'm at my wits end and worse yet, she doesn't want to celebrate Passover this year. We absolutely denounce the carpet bombing and starving of Gaza and we want the hostages returned. Naama is a 19 yo girl who was taken. Her mother is beside herself. I can't imagine.

[@mjfouad1232]

Mike told us why he changed his mind. His son is in the military, and he didn't want his son involved in a war. He stated that was the reason to keep USA out of a war!! The parent in him kicked in.

[@emvandermeulen1908]

Speaking of reflecting on history, I’d love to know what Bill Kristol thinks about his support for Sarah Palin as VP.

[@wegder]

Have you guys talked about Bill Barr backing trump?

[@sydneywood4398]

And why, what does he get out of backing Trump?

[@kathyestes6577]

@@sydneywood4398My guess is that Barr is simply anti democrat. If the Republican Party crosses their candidate then that’s who Barr votes for. I’ve noticed that R’s have some loyalty thing that makes them choose party over party country. Democrats aren’t likely that and want what is best for the country.

[@sydneywood4398]

@@kathyestes6577 it's hard not to be cynical and suspicious about Trump and anyone around him, past and present. I wonder if now that Trump's cases are going to court, if he isn't worried about his bad deeds being discovered and he's hedging for relief if Trump is reelected. Whatever the reason, it's just another example of how little integrity he has personally and professionally.

[@patrichards8855]

Guy does the right thing. Give him the credit.

[@suemccord2633]

I think what he saw in the skiff shook him. He did an about face on aid to Ukraine.

[@christinaheater2500]

I think someone reminded Mike that his son is in the military. Imagine your son going to war. And showed him the recent losses in Ukraine with a time estimate for when Nato will be invaded without US support.

[@raindog1606]

I think M.Johnson convinced Trump that Ukraine had to be out of focus for his revival and that was unexpectedly clever, he gets recognition for (finally) having achieved the right thing...

[@JosephHuether]

I think more Democrats in the House of Representatives shows up to stand by Mike Johnson on this bill than MAGA supporters showed up outside the Manhattan courthouse to support Trump on opening day of his trial.

[@judithmurphy419]

Two Republicans Cannot smile broadly enough as FDR Speaks LOL - Yeah Team Blue!

[@DaveK385]

I was wondering if all these GOP politicians (Barr, Sununu, etc.) who say they will vote for Trump in public and will secretly not vote for him. I don't know.

[@mattrooyakkers5871]

Thanks for the calm intelligent conversation, feels like the old America. Keep it up.

[@mc1dash1b]

Mike Johnson took his daughter to a ‘purity ball’ at Mar a Lago and afterward Trump made The Speaker sniff his fingers.

[@nwobob]

I think the Ukrainian evangelical intervention was the essential act that caused Johnsons pivot.

[@vivlaberge9738]

And he said his son is starting flying school this year. I understood it was for military training. That'll wake up the most devout parent!!

[@Metonymy1979]

I think because his son is going into the military he is now thinking of wait, now it really affects me.

[@johnbeatty7018]

Mike Johnson was told by God to love Trump. But then God changed his mind and told him to hate Trump or he wouldn't get to heaven.

[@browneyedgirl6050]

Love the idea of President Biden giving a speech and make that case. Bring it home!!

[@bonniehoke-scedrov4906]

Great video! Thanks!

[@charleslewis6815]

You are a man of many talents….😊

[@suzylovinmusic1966]

Good show Tim. Can you, as a former republican, please explain to me why republicans always fall back on reagan? I just don't understand why it is suggested he was so great. From his failed economic policies to being racist, what is it?

[@scoobydoo3928]

Someone just explained to Mike Johnson, that whatever funds and weapons, we give to allies now, will just be added to the next bloated military budget, which will sail through as always. And...here are some of the companies that will benefit from that budget. Might want to invest now. Just a thought.

[@nedkent5239]

Yes! AND invite Johnson to be at speech.

[@paulhenry8174]

I love to See a Mike Johnston interview. By results he seems to be doing just fine.

[@buntyjoy1800]

They all do, they just do what's necessary for their careers and money.

[@susanmiller3633]

❤great speech!

[@katies6287]

According to the Midas Touch, there are some GOP people who are saying that a few GOP house members who support Ukraine make it clear to Johnson, that if he does not bring this a vote, that they will quit right away, and the Dems will have the majority and will bring that to a vote. So Johnson's choice was lose the house or allow the vote. That explains why Trump was ok with the vote.

[@garyprinty8652]

As Woodrow Wilson once said, The Greatest Force in the world is a Democratic people that have made up their mind. God Bless America

[@terryzanger7152]

It was also said America will always do the right thing, often after trying every else first

[@DennisMoore664]

And as DaShanne Stokes has said, “Our democracy should aspire to be more democratic.”

[@sherribogdanowicz9120]

Haley Thinks we are INTITLED!? DAMN RIGHT!!!! I worked for My S.S. Payed 1 month behind!!!

[@newdawn7586]

Oh yeah I’m watching you on Lovett or Leave It…love John Lovett. He’s so funny and so smart!

[@madmartigan8119]

YES TO SPEECH

[@jh58547]

Question: Can't I be a good American without wanting to send weapons to other countries that will be used to prolong suffering and destruction? Is warmongering a new form of virtue signalling? Anybody?

[@darlene6531]

Trump just gave words of support for Johnson.

[@heatherhoutz4136]

Nobody should be saying "Death to..." anybody

[@joanfregapane8683]

I just came here to say this. No one on campus should feel unsafe. Freedom of speech and assembly are so very important, but NO ONE should be chanting about death to anyone. If the situation between Gaza and Israel were simple black and white, it would be solved by now.

[@lunaci1103]

​@@joanfregapane8683The situation is pretty black and white. Israel shouldn't be allowed to commit genocide and Americans shouldn't have to support that.

[@Reldas]

Lovett broke up with Texas last night, and I don't blame him we're pretty terrible. As the Bulwark's resident socialist, the sooner y'all can exorcise Reagan the better. What's next for the center right? We're not going back to Reagan. He was a big part of the mess we're in today. Love y'all.

[@thomasdidymus1393]

...of all of the ex-Republicans you're my favorite. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!!

[@kathyjohnson5459]

Take it from a Shreveport citizen, Trump wants Mikey as speaker to help him overturn 2024.

[@laurakagan834]

Great video

[@whiskyjames4200]

If MAGA- Mike Johnson is a true Christian, then Bill Crystal has a great point.

[@user-ev1di4ml9u]

At the time FDR announced the Lend/Lease agreement in 1941, hadn't his administration already drafted a million soldiers who were being trained in camps all over America!?

[@mikeomalley5407]

Tim, Again, another great show! You know Mike Johnson better than most of us and he’s a republican representative from your home state so I respect your opinion about Mike Johnson’s motives. Should Biden announce he’s working with a group of Genuine GOP’ers? Composed of: Channel creators like yourself, Cheney, Kinzlinger, Mike Gallagher and Buck during his campaign. Of course, it would require his or his campaign’s outreach before and a commitment from Biden that a few GOP’ers will be part of his administration. I think it would coalesce genuine GOP’ers to defeat Trump, as you’ve mentioned during past videos. And create a coalition government during the next four years. This will be Biden’s last term, with no hope Harris will succeed him, unless we have another 1945 situation. It puts the GOP’ers (not MAGA) on the same footing with Democrats in 2028 for the Presidency. Hopefully, both groups can cast out MAGA’s (by 2028) so that the executive and legislative branches can normalize themselves again! But 2028 will require younger candidates step up to lead America forward. Maybe call it “Playbook 2028” and not MAGA 2025?

[@BrendanWinterSC81]

Even if Mike Johnson ultimately bends the knee, it's amazing how the possibility of republican leadership standing up to Trump changes the tone of his grip on the party. If the congressional leaders stuck to their guns he could be an albatross of the past.

[@SPSteve]

Stand up Mike Johnson and put the border bill on the floor for a vote. Step away from MAGA and be a leader.

[@tonymills5086]

Just imagine the lives that could have been saved If mikey had acted six months ago, There's no excuse, Do not. Reward this man for doing the bare minimum

[@Michele-zn5yi]

President Biden helped Johnson see the truth.

[@carolynknott2054]

Like shooting the moon in the game of hearts, Johnson is slick enough

[@Geekeric]

This podcast I find very reassuring after being on X with all those moronic nut-jobs. Thanks for being rational and intelligent; harder and harder to find these days.

[@johnnywilliams8733]

I love FDR, but you gotta have a warm spot in your heart for Teddy, too. He was a Republican force of nature. I'm pretty sure he would have dispisedTrump.

[@dottiekelly1101]

Gotta love a guy that has so much book chaos in his life.

[@user-st7qh2bn3j]

Americans want this. People are sick of MAGA negativity. This is the chord that so many-in the whole world-responded to in Obama’s campaign. We can work together.

[@timjoem5703]

Tks

[@ludicrous6380]

People are entitled to free protect, (just so long as they don't protest against what I believe)

[@Kelbel30]

I’m not crazy about all of his ideas BUT I thought I saw something in him during the State of the Union that gave me hope. He was forgetting how his party wanted him to act and got into what Biden was saying. I thought I saw respect in his eyes for Biden when he wasn’t giving the response his party expected. Can I just say too they finally got something done!, it’s like a damn miracle and he may learn to be a good bipartisan leader.

[@Hecalledme1]

Why does everybody seem to think everything that goes wrong is the presidents fault? These colleges need to step up with their rules and enforce them!

[@sc9280]

How about showing Oregon some love?

[@paul5683]

I think that Mike Johnson realized at the State of the union speech that Joe Biden was a better man in many ways. You could see it in his eyes that he was listening to what Joe was saying and he was agreeing with him.

[@brucesheppard2156]

But he was to scared of Trump to admit it.

[@leslieb5836]

Well, as a democrat I hate to say I think you're right. Hopefully, Biden hears this podcast and takes your advice.

[@mercedesmontalvo5338]

Why did Johnson go to meet with trump in Mar-O-Largo

[@susansellars3869]

Johnson did his job, it was a shock to everybody, but he did his job! Got to give him that! No more Maga!

[@mbindwane]

Johnson has simply been humbled by the weight of the office and access to real knowledge and information. He must be feeling like a fool right now. The access to intel and defense has waisted him up and claimed him