Trump's Stunning Ignorance (w/John Bolton) | Shield of the Republic

With Eliot traveling, Eric welcomes John Bolton, former Ambassador to the United Nations, National Security Advisor to Donald Trump and author of Surrender is Not an Option and The Room Where it Happened. They discuss why Trump is so susceptible to the blandishments of foreign dictators like Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Kim Jong Un as well as his abysmal level of basic knowledge of how the U.S. government actually works and international affairs more broadly. They discuss the likely makeup of a Trump national security team in a putative second Trump term and what a Trump victory would mean for Ukraine and the future of NATO. They also discuss what a Harris team might look like and whether a Harris foreign policy would be a continuation of the Biden policies or whether it might be more reflective of the more Reaganite rhetoric she has used on the campaign trail. Finally, they discuss the two or three international security issues that Ambassador Bolton believes will require the most urgent attention from whoever wins the election.

Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

[billwalsh]

"Stunning ignorance" doesn't even scratch the surface.

[KatherineQuarterman]

Bolton and many others lined their own pockets before finally raising the alarm. No respect.

[bethhildick-smith]

Why didn’t you smart guys push for his impeachment and removal back then? Thanks for nothing

[christinekraeger]

I knew from back in the 80's that trump had the IQ of a potato! Stupidity and ignorance are dangerous qualities for a president!All of you should have impeached trump and found him guilty, because he was! This is on you!

[GordianKnot-pgdz]

I am thanking the Vindman Brothers, who, True To Their Oaths, immediately stepped up into a horrible situation at great cost to themselves. There were many who did this, and no one listened.
I have no love lost for Bolton.

[veneroso]

Too bad these people didn't do anything to stop him 4 years ago. You know, when he was still president and dangerous. Now only the most loyal sycophants remain.

[lisabluecurls]

The ignorance of his voters was a also an enormous problem in this election. No matter how much Dems could have improved their strategies of persuasion, they are not responsible for educating the electorate. We are responsible for informing ourselves! This points to a massive failure of our educational system. People are graduating high-school with a lack of understanding of civics, history, and government, and an utter lack of critical thinking skills.

[miketavorn]

People wanted him, so they Got Him, but he will never be My Prez

[GailFarisHartsfield]

He was and will be a useful idiot again.

[mial]

Please @Bulwark do not stop the amazing work that you’re doing. honest journalism is super important for democracies to survive.

[Edwardianschool]

Great, the guy who could’ve helped impeach him, but wanted to sell a book.

[RolfTorsten]

How could Trump know all of the countries that have nuclear weapons? That is NINE whole countries he would have to remember! Trump can only remember 5 things. Person, Woman, Camera, Man, TV! We can't expect him to remember something that is almost twice that?

[pamelahammond]

John Bolton thought selling his book was more important than defending democracy.

[grahamcampbell]

The level of selfish stupidity in America is staggering. I really wish my country was better, but after the Brexit vote I am reluctant to criticize any other country, but this overwhelming vote for Trump is just staggering, quite unbelievable. A significant percentage of the American population just don’t care about character, competence or the rule of law.

[Timzart]

Trump is profoundly ignorant about history, science, medicine, alternative energy, ecology, music, art, literature and a few hundred other things, some which a President should know, such as history, for example. In contrast, Bolton is experienced, very intelligent and articulate. Dealing with Trump on some of these issues must be like talking to a 3rd grader. Bob Woodward, in his books and talks, also points out Trump's difficulty with the concept of "alliances." As Bolton mentions, Trump can't understand anything beyond a transactional relationship involving himself. So, I don't like Bolton -- too hawkish -- but he certainly knows what is catastrophically wrong with Trump, and something that is so serious, he should have been disqualified from running for President, given that he has no previous political experience. But as one young voter pointed out, coming out of the election booth a few days ago, having voted for Trump, because "he's fun." So, we have a fun President who will almost certainly cause chaos and misery, and may destroy democracy, but keep it in mind, he's fun. Help! Jesus, Xenu, someone help us!

[terrym]

I alone can fix it. Sign of a narcissist.

[elizabethhenning]

This time he's going to surround himself with people who are just as ignorant as he is

[FortunateXpat]

You’re preaching to the choir. Here’s the truth:
What borders on stupidity?
Canada and Mexico.

[duncanh]

Thanks for letting all the American voters know this in good time John, really patriotic of you

[smallmeadow]

Mr. Edelman, the people don't know how little Trump knows about international affairs, they also don't care. We have a serious problem here with our citizens. Truly sad and worrisome.