Tina Smith Names the Republicans She Can’t Stand | The Bulwark Podcast

Senator Smith and Tim Miller argue that Minneapolis, with its diverse immigrant population, demonstrates strong social cohesion and commitment to liberal values, directly refuting the theories of figures like JD Vance who claim such unity is gone due to immigration and rapid change. They highlight a 'radical empathy' and strong organizing culture.

Tim Miller: 'Minneapolis in particular has demonstrated like that the lie of his theory, right? like this is a city that has a lot of immigrants and we have seen like the type of social cohesion and unity and commitment to liberal values that he says is gone.' Senator Smith: 'What Minnesota has shown, the people of Minnesota have shown is that I mean it's we've shown like this radical empathy for one another and then we're like good organizers.'

Senator Smith asserts that the actions taken by the Trump administration, particularly through agencies like ICE in Minneapolis, are not about policy or fixing issues, but rather about inflicting cruelty and meanness. She views Minnesota as a 'proving ground' for an 'authoritarian project' targeting immigrants, squashing dissent, and attacking political enemies.

Senator Smith: 'When you see how what they have done here, you can really only conclude that cruelty is the purpose. You know, meanness is the purpose.' She lists actions like 'attack on immigrants,' 'squashing public dissent,' 'arresting journalists,' and 'launching investigations into political enemies.'

Senator Smith states her firm position against voting for any additional funding for ICE and border protection, citing their existing 'ludicrous amount of money' and their non-compliance with basic laws. She argues that the agency needs to be reimagined and that current actions are tearing apart public safety.

Senator Smith: 'I won't vote for another penny for ICE and border protection.' She notes they 'already have... a ludicrous amount of money, huge amount, more money than the Marines, more money than Israel's military.' She adds, 'these federal law enforcement people need to comply with the same laws that any local police department complies by.'

Senator Smith and Tim Miller offer sharp criticisms of several Republican colleagues. Pete Hegseth is called 'incompetent' and lacking respect from generals. Mike Lee is described as avoiding direct eye contact after being confronted for spreading misinformation. JD Vance is characterized as a 'charming' but ideologically extreme figure, fully embracing the 'Steven Miller program' and defending controversial actions. Katie Britt is criticized for expressing empathy for immigrant families while failing to use her powerful position to prevent harm.

On Hegseth: 'What a loser, right? I mean, not only is he incompetent.' (17:52) On Lee: 'Mike Lee is the kind of person who is not used to having people actually confront him directly.' (19:51) On Vance: 'super charming... and then the next minute he's in a committee hearing... grilling some poor witness about how we wouldn't have a housing shortage... if all the illegal... aliens weren't filling up all the houses.' (21:17) On Britt: 'I'd like to help you... but crazy uncle Albert over here won't let me.' (25:31) and 'I sent her a message... and she said, 'Oh, I will look into that.'' (26:09)

The hosts reflect on past Democratic decisions, suggesting the party might have been too harsh on figures like Al Franken and that Dean Phillips was 'kind of right' about Biden. They argue that the party often selects leaders who are 'perfect on paper' or 'sitting in the front row of class,' rather than those willing to 'rock the boat' and take risks to address systemic issues like income inequality and unfairness.

Tim Miller on Dean Phillips: 'He was kind of right.' (27:51) Senator Smith on Al Franken: 'It all snowballed in a way that was terribly harsh.' (30:01) Senator Smith: 'Are we looking for people who are perfect on paper or are we looking for people who actually can connect and communicate and who are not afraid to risk to take some risks in order to get something done... in order to challenge the status quo.' (31:14)

Senator Smith explains her decision not to seek re-election, emphasizing that good leadership involves doing a job well and then opening the door for the next leader. She believes it's crucial for democracy to avoid the 'delusion' that one person is indispensable and to encourage spirited competition for office.

Senator Smith: 'I actually believe that it is one of the important things about leadership is to do a really good job... and then open the door for the next leader to come in. I don't suffer under the delusion that a lot of people in politics do, which is that I'm the only one who can do this job.'