The Bulwark Podcast
News & Politics
About
Tim Miller on the latest in politics with center-right guests.
Episodes
- Bill Kristol: What a Bunch of Jackasses
This episode of The Bulwark Podcast discusses Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's alleged absence from his duties, a road trip funded by lobbyists, and Republican funding initiatives.
- Adam Serwer: Now, This Is Rigged
The episode discusses how Tennessee disenfranchised black voters by redistricting, following a Supreme Court decision. It also touches on partisan gerrymandering and perceived free speech rules.
- Isaac Saul: The Mind-Blowing Self-Dealing in the Oval Office
Isaac Saul discusses the extensive and astonishing self-dealing by the Trump family during his presidency, detailing how they profited daily. Examples include business dealings with criminal syndicates and the failure to deliver branded ce…
- Arash Azizi and Jodi Kantor: Iran Has the Leverage
This episode features Arash Azizi and Jodi Kantor. They discuss Iran's current leverage and a potential deal with the U.S. Additionally, advice for college graduates on the employment market is provided.
- Melissa Murray: Reclaim the Constitution
Melissa Murray discusses the United States Constitution, focusing on limited government and the balance of power among the presidency, Supreme Court, and Congress.
- Bill Kristol: Trump's Revenge Tour Is Backfiring
This episode features Bill Kristol discussing recent political events. Topics include Acting AG Todd Blanche's statements regarding the use of political expressions and changes in U.S. troop deployment from Germany.
- Adam Kinzinger: The First Family's Corruption Is Mind-Blowing
Adam Kinzinger discusses the perceived corruption of the First Family. He notes the difference in media coverage regarding government contracts.
- Jon Ossoff: Trump Is a Lifelong Racist
Senator Jon Ossoff discusses the Supreme Court's voting rights ruling and its relation to former President Trump's response to his 2020 election defeat, specifically concerning Black voters in Georgia. He also addresses the potential for a…
- John Heilemann: Did Trump Make an Ominous Shift on Iran?
This episode features John Heilemann discussing President Trump's stance on Iran, including a potential shift in his approach. The conversation also touches on domestic issues regarding the Justice Department.
- Carol Leonnig and Will Sommer: The Loons and the Loyalists Running the DOJ
This episode of The Bulwark Podcast explores alleged political targeting and questionable activities within the Department of Justice and FBI, mentioning Acting AG Todd Blanche and officials under Kash.
- Bill Kristol: Words Are Not Violence
Bill Kristol discusses the distinction between political criticism and violence. The episode covers responses to political figures, mental health considerations, and access to firearms.
- Nicholas Kristof: What a Mess Trump Created
Nicholas Kristof discusses the implications of the Trump administration's policies regarding Iran's nuclear capabilities and the impact on ordinary Iranians. The episode also touches on the depletion of US weapons stockpiles and its potent…
- Ben McKenzie and Sarah Matthews: We Are Drowning in Scam Artists
This episode features Ben McKenzie and Sarah Matthews. They discuss political claims and the cryptocurrency industry, addressing issues of truthfulness and scams.
- Sam Stein: Can Trump Avoid Humiliation in Iran?
This episode features Sam Stein discussing Donald Trump's strategy regarding Iran. The conversation covers the challenges Trump faces in negotiating with Tehran and a comparison to the previous nuclear agreement.
- Tracy Alloway and Jordan Ritter Conn: The Global Economic Shock from a Stupid War
Tracy Alloway and Jordan Ritter Conn discuss the economic shock resulting from the war on Iran. They cover the damage to oil and gas facilities, the anticipated rise in fuel prices, and the inflationary effects of countries stockpiling com…
- Bill Kristol: The Tough Guy Really, Really Means It This Time
Bill Kristol discusses former President Trump's foreign policy decisions concerning Iran. The episode also touches on international relations and perceptions of U.S. dependability.
- Ben Rhodes: Trump Is Getting a Terrible Deal
Ben Rhodes critiques the Iran deal, asserting that it provides Iran with significant financial resources that could be used to fund its ballistic missile program and proxy groups. He also suggests that the deal has weakened the United Stat…
- Amanda Carpenter: The Worst President Ever
Amanda Carpenter discusses former President Trump's actions, including his pardon scheme and his desire to brand federal institutions. The conversation also touches on the Democratic Party's need for oversight and preventing cheating in mi…
- Alastair Campbell: Trump Is a Wanker
This episode of The Bulwark Podcast features Alastair Campbell discussing global economic challenges such as rising fuel prices, plummeting GDP in Qatar, and increasing heating bills in France. Campbell also critiques Donald Trump's respon…
- Michael Weiss: Iran Is Not Likely to Forget about the War
Michael Weiss suggests Iran may seek revenge for the war, potentially using sleeper cells in the US, and could profit from pausing its nuclear program. He also draws parallels between Hungary's recent election and the 1989 events.
- Bill Kristol: Are the Winds Finally Shifting?
The episode discusses the significant electoral defeat of Orbán in Hungary and potential shifts in political sentiment, referencing Trump's social media backlash as another indicator.
- Jane Coaston: We Have Some Questions, Melania
Following a surprise White House press statement by Melania Trump, questions are arising about her ties to Jeffrey Epstein. A former model who knew both Trump and Epstein is now making threats against the First Lady on social media, which…
- Anne Applebaum: Hungary's Surreal, Post-Reality Campaign
Political analyst Anne Applebaum discusses the upcoming Hungarian election, focusing on Viktor Orbán's government, the grassroots campaign of Peter Magyar, and the broader implications for European and American far-right movements.
- David French and Suhas Subramanyam: The Superpower Folded in Front of the Whole World
David French and Suhas Subramanyam analyze Donald Trump's perceived inadequacy as a war leader, citing his threats and actions impacting the global economy and the Strait of Hormuz. They also question the influence of Trump's financial tie…
- Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz: The Dangers Posed by Sam Altman
Ronan Farrow and Andrew Marantz discuss the significant existential threats posed by AI, its widespread deployment in sensitive areas like war and surveillance, and controversies surrounding Sam Altman, the head of a leading AI company.
- Bill Kristol: POTUS, the Macho Madman
The episode discusses President Trump's threats to bomb Iran, suggesting motivations beyond policy, including frustration, vengeance, a desire to appear tough, and a God complex. It also touches upon potential war crimes related to infrast…
- Robert Kagan: We’re Transitioning to a Post-American World
Robert Kagan argues that the U.S. is transitioning to a post-American world, with Trump's policies inadvertently aligning with the goals of China and Russia by diminishing American influence and fracturing alliances.
- Susan Glasser: The President Is Crazy and Delusional
Susan Glasser discusses President Trump's decision to fire Pam Bondi and his statements on gas prices and COVID-19. The analysis touches on potential foreign policy implications regarding China and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Josh Barro and Paige Cognetti: The World Is Going to Blame Trump
War-induced oil price shocks impact consumers and businesses. Airlines are cutting routes, prices are rising, and lifestyle changes are expected. Trump attempts to shift blame for the situation.
- Jon Lovett: It Is Time to Scream and Yell
Jon Lovett examines the unintended consequences of Trump's actions, particularly how they have empowered Iran and affected global energy supply and passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Bill Kristol: No Kings
The episode discusses the deployment of thousands of soldiers and Marines to the Middle East amid potential combat on Iranian soil. It also touches upon political rhetoric concerning the situation.
- Michael Steele: The King of Debt Is Blowing Up the U.S. Economy
Michael Steele critiques the US economy, highlighting issues like energy shocks and rising rates. He criticizes the Republican party's lack of a plan and Donald Trump's influence.
- Al Gore: Trump Has Made a Historic Mistake
Al Gore states that Iran has controlled 20% of the world's oil supply since 1979. He claims Donald Trump dismissed warnings about Iran's ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for oil transport.
- Angie "Pumps" Sullivan and Phil Gordon: The Dumbest People Are Running this Country
Angie "Pumps" Sullivan and Phil Gordon discuss how Trump's perceived shamelessness has been a political asset, while also analyzing his administration's contradictory policies towards Iran and the potential for economic hardship to impact…
- Jeffrey Goldberg and Joe Weisenthal: Pandora's Box Has Been Opened
This episode discusses the potential evolution of a war of choice into a war of necessity, noting the White House's oversight regarding Iran's response to a bombing campaign and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has sig…
- Bill Kristol: Trump Is in Way over His Head
Bill Kristol analyzes Trump's approach to Iran, suggesting market manipulation through unconfirmed negotiation claims. The episode notes Iran's response and its demonstrated ability to control the Strait of Hormuz.
- David Frum: A Very Bad Time for Bozos to Be in Charge
David Frum argues that the U.S. is vulnerable due to questionable leadership appointments and priorities, particularly highlighting issues during a conflict with a state sponsor of terror.
- James Talarico: The Bulwark LIVE from Dallas
Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico explains that his opponents' success in their runoff battle is irrelevant, as he is running against billionaire mega-donors and their corrupt system.
- Ro Khanna: Trump Is in Denial
Rep. Ro Khanna critiques President Trump's denial of supply and demand laws affecting oil prices and his unclear statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Khanna observes that most Republican colleagues support Trump's war narrative despi…
- Ashley St. Clair and Cameron Kasky: Leaving the MAGA Cult
Ashley St. Clair, a former MAGA influencer and mother of one of Elon Musk's children, speaks with Cameron Kasky about her experience within the MAGA movement. She describes it as a 'cult' and suggests that never-Trumpers should approach th…
- Bill Kristol: End the War
The Trump administration's handling of the Iran war is questioned as it enters its third week, with issues in consulting allies and managing oil market disruptions.
- Tom Nichols: Sinking Into the Mire of a Longer War?
Tom Nichols discusses the potential for a longer war, noting military deployments to the Middle East and the Pentagon's focus on media criticism over other pressing issues.
- Sam Stein: The Ridiculously Unserious President
Sam Stein discusses President Trump's reaction to soldiers' deaths and conflict with Iran, noting his focus on golf and rallies while managing the war's public relations and arguing for higher gas prices.
- Saagar Enjeti: “The Joke Is on Me”
Saagar Enjeti discusses his expectations for Trump 2.0, believing that key personnel like the vice president and top DOD staff would prevent strategic errors, such as the ongoing conflict around Iran.
- Laura Rozen and Sonny Bunch: War and Dystopia
Laura Rozen and Sonny Bunch discuss the complex situation in Iran, touching on past US diplomatic attempts under Trump and current international dynamics.
- Sarah Longwell: No One Should Trust this Government
Sarah Longwell expresses distrust in both the US administration and the Israeli prime minister concerning the war with Iran, suggesting Netanyahu's desires influenced the decision and that Trump is awaiting his lead.
- Neera Tanden: Absolute Power Corrupts
The episode discusses the lack of constraints on Donald Trump's power, his actions leading to a costly global war, and his responses to soldier and civilian deaths, including potential involvement in Iran's leadership.
- Derek Thompson: Ruling by Emergency
The episode discusses the Trump administration's use of emergency declarations based on obscure legal provisions to grant the executive branch broad powers. It notes how the American legal system can be interpreted to support authoritarian…
- Morris Katz: Tax the Billionaires
Morris Katz suggests the Democratic Party should unite by calling out the billionaire class and hold politicians accountable for breaking promises to working people and peace.
- Mark Hertling and Ruben Gallego: A Rush to War
Mark Hertling and Ruben Gallego discuss the perceived inadequate planning and execution of the war, pointing to service member casualties and drone attacks as evidence of a lack of preparedness and an exit plan.