Overview of A Moment Of Clarity: "No other President has committed crimes the way Trump has!" — Michael Steele
This episode (The Bulwark’s “A Moment Of Clarity”) features Michael Steele reacting to recent rhetoric from Donald Trump and reflecting on institutional responses to threats against democratic norms. Steele criticizes the reliance on ordinary citizens as “legal observers,” laments the failure of major institutions and legacy media to step up, and frames the moment as an expression of the arrogance of unchecked power and an authoritarian impulse. He also rebukes Trump’s public attacks on Special Counsel Jack Smith and his claim that “nobody ever went through what I went through.”
Key points / Main takeaways
- Ordinary citizens are filling roles (e.g., “legal observers”) that should be handled by legal professionals and major institutions; Steele sees this as troubling and emblematic of institutional retreat.
- Legacy media and powerful institutions are largely failing to mobilize or show leadership in defending democratic norms; Steele calls out networks for lacking courage.
- Steele frames the current situation as “the arrogance of unchecked power” and warns of authoritarian impulses—specifically, attempts to weaponize government against political opponents and to reshape law enforcement to fit a leader’s whims.
- On Trump’s recent attacks: Steele finds the personal attacks on Special Counsel Jack Smith “unbecoming” and rejects Trump’s victim framing by saying no president has committed crimes the way Trump has (noting two impeachments as evidence).
- Steele emphasizes that the situation is ongoing — “only one year in” with more to come — and that the problem is not abating but worsening.
Notable quotes
- “We are a legal profession that are now relying on citizens with cell phones and whistles and informal trainings to be legal observers.”
- “Where are the lawyers? Why aren’t the big law firms sending people to be legal observers?”
- “It is sad that the most powerful institutions and the most powerful Americans are doing so little when we are watching the heroism of everyday Americans.”
- Responding to Trump’s victim claim: “No president's ever crimed the way you have. No president has ever given them the incentive to impeach you not once, but twice.”
Topics discussed
- Role of everyday citizens vs. legal professionals in monitoring elections and protests
- Institutional and media shortcomings in times of democratic stress
- The concept of “weaponization” of the Department of Justice and political attacks on prosecutors
- Authoritarian tendencies and the risk of a police-state mindset enforcing presidential whims
- The political and legal ramifications of multiple impeachments and ongoing prosecutions
Recommendations / implied action items
- Legal and civic institutions (law firms, bar associations, major civic actors) should take a more active, visible role in safeguarding legal process and democratic norms.
- Citizens should continue civic engagement and vigilance, but Steele implies this is not a substitute for institutional responsibility.
- Recognize and communicate the stakes: the problem is ongoing and may intensify; public awareness and pressure matter.
Context & speakers
- Speaker: Michael Steele (commentator, formerly RNC chair)
- Referenced: Donald Trump (clip criticizing DOJ and Jack Smith)
- Other voices referenced: Nicole Wallace, “Mark” (likely Mark?), legacy media outlets (CBS, ABC)
- Program/presenter: The Bulwark’s “A Moment Of Clarity” segment; mentions Steele’s nightly MS‑Now appearance
Summary note: The transcript includes sponsor ads (Rocket Money, SpinQuest, IQ Bar) that introduce and close the segment but do not contribute to the substantive political discussion.