28 Nov 2025
55m

George Packer: Trump Was a Symptom

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The Bulwark Podcast

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, Tim Miller interviews George Packer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of the new novel, "The Emergency." They discuss the current political landscape, focusing on Donald Trump's power and vulnerabilities, the state of the Republican and Democratic parties, and the cultural and social issues dividing the country. Packer shares insights into his book, a political fable about a society collapsing due to a loss of faith and decency, and connects these themes to concerns about post-literacy, AI, and the erosion of shared truths. The conversation also touches on the Charlie Kirk assassination and the state of political discourse in America, ending with a reflection on the importance of human decency and connection in a divided world.

Outlines

Part 1: Trump 2.0 and Republican Party

Part 2: Society's Unraveling and AI

Part 3: Indecency and Reflections

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