Bulwark Takes Dubya's "Criticism" of Trump Isn't Subtle—It's Useless
Feb 16, 2026
Two commentators debate whether George W. Bush’s essay praising George Washington is a subtle dig at Donald Trump. They read key passages and argue over whether praise of the first president implicitly criticizes current threats. They examine a closing paragraph that one calls misleading and discuss the costs of staying nonpartisan in today’s politics.
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Hosts Reject 'Both Sides Are The Same'
- The episode opens with JVL mocking those who claimed both parties were equally bad, framing the hosts' stance.
- This sets a combative tone for the critique of cautious institutional voices.
Washington Praise Reads As Contrast To Trump
- Praising George Washington's restraint naturally reads as a contrast to Donald Trump because Trump rejects those virtues.
- Tim Miller argues that many such essays will inevitably be interpreted as implicit critiques of Trump whether intended or not.
Media Projects Aggression Onto Bush
- JVL argues the media and commentators are projecting a desire for Bush to take a stand, inventing subtle attacks where none exist.
- He sees the coverage as driven by wishful thinking rather than the essay's actual content.