Bill Kristol: Words Are Not Violence

In this episode of The Bulwark, hosts Tim Miller and Bill Kristol dissect the aftermath of the attempted assassination at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, rejecting claims of a false flag operation and condemning the use of the incident to justify authoritarian overreach. They emphasize that words are not violence, criticizing the reflexive tendency to conflate political rhetoric with physical danger, especially in the wake of the shooting. Kristol highlights the striking commitment to nonviolence by the pro-democracy movement, noting that 8 million people participated in peaceful protests despite one individual’s violent act. The hosts also lambaste Donald Trump’s reaction, particularly his demand to move the dinner to his private ballroom, framing it as a revealing display of authoritarianism. They further critique the press’s participation in the event given Trump’s ongoing legal and rhetorical attacks on the media. The episode also covers the ongoing Iran war, with both hosts expressing deep skepticism about Trump’s strategy, the economic toll, and the lack of clear strategic objectives. They warn of a potential humiliating defeat for the U.S., with Iran gaining leverage and global credibility eroding. Finally, they assess the Democratic Party’s prospects in the upcoming midterms, noting a concerning decline in Trump’s approval ratings and a growing fracture within his base, especially among America First conservatives disillusioned by the war. Despite some optimism about Senate races in key states, they stress the need for vigilance and strategic focus.