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Start / The Bulwark Podcast
Tim Miller and guests discuss the latest political news for the flagship podcast of the Never Trump movement and the reality-based community. Every weekday we provide insightful analysis, political hot-takes, an unabashed defense of liberal democracy and long-form interviews that cut through the ”both-sides” BS. Plus a few laughs to help you wash down the crazy.
Bulwark+ members can get a totally ad-free version of the show delivered right to their favorite podcast player.
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Sam Stein: This Is the Country They Want
3 juli 2025 |
53 min
Republicans are creating, and celebrating, an immigration police state financed by their megabill. Our cities will be militarized, we'll have prison camps, more masked agents, and more dehumanization—like their sicko alligator hats. And the motivation all seems to be so Trump has a win and the Dems don't. But this is Stephen Miller's administration now. Expect net zero migration, less tourism, less international business, and a lower GDP. As we head into Independence Day, it's hard to see the Jeffersonian aspirational promise of America right now. Plus, the administration's freeze on some air defense weapons to Ukraine, how a younger Sam used to think about Bill Kristol, and Candace Owens's potential influence on geopolitical affairs.
Sam Stein joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.
show notes
Sam Stein joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.
show notes
- This week's TNL
- Adrian on how deportations are impacting the Latin music industry
- Will Sommer's new piece that Sam referenced
- Thomas Jefferson's letter to Roger Weightman
- Tim's playlist
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Tim's July 4th playlist
Food relief organizations to support, mentioned in the Nick Kristof interview
- Helen Keller International
- Edesia Nutrition in Rhode Island
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Mana Nutrition in Georgia
Galen Druke: Americans Do Not Like Trump's Deportations
2 juli 2025 |
65 min
Trump has moved public opinion against his own immigration policy platform by sending masked agents out to nab people off the street. So, Democrats should skip the last war, and instead push for laws requiring ICE agents to show their faces and wear their names on their badge. And another no-brainer for the midterms, in light of the Big Ugly Bill: they should also grab the green eyeshades and talk up the dangers from the debt and deficit. Plus, the electoral calculations behind slashing Medicaid, a Democratic primary draft for 2028, and what was Murkowski thinking?
Galen Druke joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Galen Druke joins Tim Miller.
show notes
E. Jean Carroll and Sarah Longwell: Such a Bad Man
1 juli 2025 |
86 min
Ever the journalist, E. Jean took assiduous notes about her two civil suits against Donald Trump, the only occasions he has been held liable for his lies since he became president. And while the origin story of her cases is situated in an infamous department store dressing room, she managed to find a high comedy in the courtroom—her description of Alina Habba is one for the ages. Plus, as the reconciliation bill was moving toward final passage in the Senate, Sarah and Tim discussed the preposterous Frankenstein bill, how Republicans are not listening to their voters, and the worthlessness of Lisa Murkowski.
Sarah Longwell and E. Jean Carroll join Tim Miller.
show notes
Sarah Longwell and E. Jean Carroll join Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol: Limp Opposition
30 juni 2025 |
55 min
Thom Tillis finally showed some backbone and opposed Trump—because of the giant Medicaid cuts in the Big Fugly Bill—but now he has to self-deport from the Senate. Meanwhile, the bill funds a giant internal police force for Trump, and gives a handout to the Dr. Strangeloves of Silicon Valley who don't want AI regulated. It would also cripple wind and solar energy, which even the ex-shadow president says is insane and destructive. Plus, ICE's racial and ethnic targeting, the plutocrats are the biggest suck-ups, and Peter Thiel—the man who gave us JD Vance—isn't sure he wants the human race to continue.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Nicholas Kristof: Gratuitous Cruelty
27 juni 2025 |
73 min
A miracle food paste that fights malnutrition in children, that taxpayers have already paid for, is collecting dust in warehouses. Donated drugs for parasitic infections remain undistributed and are nearing their expiration dates. American-purchased ambulances sit idle because they have no gas. USAID was shut down in the name of government efficiency, but instead, we've spent at least $6 billion to dismantle it—and we've killed a lot of kids in the process, despite what Elon and Marco Rubio say. Plus, Elissa Slotkin on her 'Economic War Plan,' and the challenges for Dems on housing, and connecting with the working class.
Nick Kristof and Sen. Elissa Slotkin join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Nick Kristof and Sen. Elissa Slotkin join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
- Nick's piece on the waste Elon created
- Nick on the elegant and cheap solutions to global hunger
- The response to readers upset that Nick writes about dying kids in Africa
- "Chasing Hope," Nick's memoir
- Kristof Farms
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Tim's playlist
Organizations to support
Helen Keller International -
Edesia Nutrition in Rhode Island
Mana Nutrition in Georgia
Michael Weiss and Jonathan Cohn: Animal House at the Pentagon
26 juni 2025 |
72 min
Trump was so awestruck by Israel's intel infiltration and air supremacy over Iran that he just had to give himself an executive producer credit. And he's casting his appointees to help create a Hollywood ending—including using his Val Kilmer-esque SecDef to spike the success of the long-teased, "secret" military operation. At the same time, Trump is having trouble leveraging the intelligence community's confirmation of what happened in Iran since he's spent a decade undermining its credibility among his supporters. Plus, NATO gets a little cringe toward Daddy Trump, Ukraine doesn't get the same credit as Israel, and the low-down on the Republican bill that would close rural hospitals and cut healthcare for 11 million people.
Jon Cohn and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
show notes
Jon Cohn and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
show notes
Derek Thompson: Winning Without Anger
25 juni 2025 |
65 min
A DSA candidate winning a Democratic primary in New York City is not an ideal laboratory for other Dems to draw lessons from, but Mamdani sounded authentic, he successfully juggled our fragmented media environment, and he had the right message for this cost-of-living moment—as well as the proper amount of party heresy for this anti-establishment age. Meanwhile, the Republican tax and budget bill is shockingly out of step with the affordability crisis we are living through. Plus, the dangers of the coming AI wave, Ozempic may be one of the most astonishing medical breakthroughs in the last 100 years, and would shortening the NBA season reduce player injuries?
Derek Thompson joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Derek Thompson joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Nicolle Wallace: The Silence of Republicans Is the Bigger Threat
24 juni 2025 |
56 min
While Trump and his administration are the ones politicizing the rule of the law, ignoring due process, and annihilating democratic norms, it's Republicans leaders saying and doing nothing in response that poses a bigger threat to our country and democracy. Meanwhile, when it comes to the Middle East, we don't know who Trump is talking to—or listening to. Plus, when Bush 43, McCain, and Jeb pushed for immigration reform, the romantic idealism of Aaron Sorkin, and the sounds of kids and dogs.
(An unfiltered) Nicolle Wallace joins Tim Miller.
show notes
(An unfiltered) Nicolle Wallace joins Tim Miller.
show notes
*Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood—delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/BULWARK
Bill Kristol: Trump Is Not the Right Man for a Crisis
23 juni 2025 |
51 min
Tim and Bill may have different takes on the wisdom of the U.S. bombing of Iran's nuclear sites—and on potential regime change—but they see eye-to-eye on the risks of Trump's ego and his incapable advisers in a dangerous situation. And where is the missing enriched uranium? Meanwhile, Stephen Miller's masked goons violently assaulted an immigrant landscaper and father of three Marines in Southern California. Plus, the trans military ban is un-American, local anti-trans laws are trampling all over parents' rights, and why didn't the moderate Dem establishment circle the wagons around a candidate who could've knocked Cuomo out of contention?
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller
show notes
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Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' with Eric Edelman
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Sam's interview with Rep. Jim Himes about the Iran strikes
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Landscaper being punched by masked officers in So Cal
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gifted:
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Bob Kagan on the threat to American democracy from a Trump war on Iran
- The Post on the transgender troops who want to keep serving
- F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code BULWARK15 at theperfectjean.nyc/BULWARK15 #theperfectjeanpod
Mark Cuban: Character Is Destiny
20 juni 2025 |
57 min
What if it had been a Harris-Cuban ticket in 2024? Well, it turns out the billionaire entrepreneur had been seriously considered for the VP slot—and we can all dream of a potentially different outcome in the election. Meanwhile, the current guy in the Oval Office is failing spectacularly at the number one job of a president: to reduce the stress of the American people, and to communicate trust and hope. Plus, the Dems need to market their policies better, why much of the business community capitulates to Trump, a debate over AI, is Thiel trying to undermine the dollar, meme coins are the scum of the earth, Bluesky needs to let people fight—and the joy of shooting hoops with the kids.
Mark Cuban joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Mark Cuban joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Mark McKinnon and Dan Shapiro: Mid-Wreckage
19 juni 2025 |
56 min
Because half the country so desperately wanted Trump back, we may now be on the verge of attacking Iran because the fake peacenik president wants some credit for Israel's military accomplishments against Tehran. Meanwhile, decent, hard-working people are being swept up by his anti-American deportation policy, consumers—and home buyers— are continuing to pay for his boondoggle tariffs project, and even Republicans are getting nervous about his big, ugly bill. Plus, how attacking Iran looks from the Israeli perspective, post-Oct. 7.
Amb. Dan Shapiro and Mark McKinnon join Tim Miller.
Amb. Dan Shapiro and Mark McKinnon join Tim Miller.
Ben Rhodes: The World We Made
18 juni 2025 |
60 min
Iran is in a vulnerable spot for a variety of reasons, and Israel sees this as a stars-aligning moment to decapitate the Iranian state. But if the U.S. helps out, we'll face the same questions we did with Iraq and Afghanistan: Who will run the place? As Tucker had to embarrassingly school Ted Cruz, Iran is a giant country. And it could descend into civil war or chaos—and America could be drawn into the 'catastrophic success' of regime change. Plus, MAGA fissures over foreign policy, Tulsi can't be trusted on Iran, and Dems really need to seize this black helicopter moment of masked agents snatching and arresting people, including elected officials
Ben Rhodes joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Ben Rhodes joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Zohran Mamdani: FYPod Crossover
17 juni 2025 |
83 min
NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani joins Tim and Cam for a special edition of the daily pod to discuss making the city more affordable, building more housing, and ending food deserts—as well as antisemitism and Islamophobia. Plus, the murky picture on Iran with a lunatic in the White House, and New York magazine's Kerry Howley on the paranoia and chaos at the Pentagon under Pete Hegseth.
Kerry Howley and State Rep. Zohran Mamdani join today's Bulwark Podcast.
show notes
Kerry Howley and State Rep. Zohran Mamdani join today's Bulwark Podcast.
show notes
Bill Kristol and Terry Moran: True American Spirit
16 juni 2025 |
87 min
In contrast to the saddest military junta parade in history, millions of patriotic people took to the streets on Saturday to defend American values and principles against Trump. But the deflated birthday boy now wants to ramp up the militarization of our largest cities on a completely partisan basis to achieve his mass deportation. Meanwhile, folks on the right are showing a vicious irresponsibility about the assassination in Minnesota—Mike Lee in particular should have his head examined since he's showing a complete disregard for the truth. Plus, Terry Moran discusses his firing from ABC, his truth-telling about Stephen Miller, and how Trump is mean, but not that tough.
Terry Moran and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.
show notes
Terry Moran and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.
show notes
- Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' with Seth Moulton
- The Michael Scherer piece on Trump's response to Tucker's criticism that Tim referenced
- For our video audience, here’s the Substack interview with Moran
- Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than fifty percent at selectquote.com/bulwark
Tom Nichols: Remember the Split Screen
13 juni 2025 |
65 min
On Saturday, Trump would like nothing more than images from Los Angeles of tear gas and balaclava-clad anarchists throwing bottles at Marines to complement video of himself in the stands at his military parade, saluting the troops amid a field of flags. That's part of the reason why he chose LA to federalize the Guard—home to numerous adversaries who willingly take his bait. And while tanks are going to roll through DC, wrecking its streets for the big birthday boy, Israel is going after Iran like it went after Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Kristi Noem handled the Padilla incident like a little fascist, and it only just occurred to Trump how the deportations will affect farms and hotels. Plus, a "Les Miz" correction, a 'Godfather' goof, and fighting words over The Beach Boys v. Lou Reed.
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Andrew Weissmann: Outlandish and Outrageous
12 juni 2025 |
58 min
Trump is outright fabricating a justification for sending Guard troops into Los Angeles, and his directive is not limited only to LA. So, if someone acts violent during a 'No Kings' protest on Saturday somewhere in America, would he deploy the National Guard there too? The potential chilling effect on our First Amendment rights to protest is enormous. Plus, masks are liberating ICE agents to act with impunity, Kash is a thin-skinned beta cuck, and the new self-appointed chair of the Kennedy Center was greeted with a mix of boos and cheers on the opening night performance of "Les Miz."
Andrew Weissmann joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Andrew Weissmann joins Tim Miller.
show notes
-
Boos and cheers for Trump at the opening night performance of Les Misérables
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If you suddenly need to listen to "Do You Hear the People Sing?"
- Andrew's pod, "Main Justice"
- For 20% off your first purchase, head to FairHarborClothing.com/BULWARK and use code BULWARK.
Mark Hertling: Contrary to American Values
11 juni 2025 |
46 min
Trump keeps wrapping himself in the American flag while while behaving in a very anti-American way—like threatening to shut down protests at his $45 million birthday parade or giving a highly partisan speech in front of soldiers in violation of military policy. And as the haphazardly deployed Marines join federalized Guard troops in LA, Trump seems hellbent on escalating his feud with Gavin Newsom—and the giant blue state that rejects him. Plus, Putin looks to gain an advantage in Ukraine while America is distracted, and Tulsi may have disclosed state secrets to the entire world.
Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol: People Should Be Mad
10 juni 2025 |
56 min
Where is Obama? Where is George W. Bush? A Marine battalion and the National Guard have been deployed in response to a spark Trump set off by sweeping up people who aren't doing anything illegal besides being present here. And the administration may ramp up the tension if it uses the military for domestic law enforcement purposes. At least Gavin is finally angry. Plus, MAGA is built around conspiracists and conspiracy theories, so RFK Jr can do what he wants with vaccines because he's only making doctors and public health experts mad—constituents Trump couldn't care less about.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
-
Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' interview with Adrian
- Focus Group Pod on the Dem primary for governor in NJ
-
For an extra 25% off your order and a special gift, head to Pacagen.com/THEBULWARK
S2 Ep1060: Ta-Nehisi Coates: A Natural Human Reaction
9 juni 2025 |
81 min
Trump and Stephen Miller wanted a backlash against the immigration raids, because even they know that humans will respond when the federal government is snatching people off the street. But the tenor of modern protests is not going to be like the Civil Rights Movement, because activists back then were trained to suppress their natural inclination to defend themselves. Plus, the key role of culture in politics, Dems have to show that the state does good things, and it's the 10th anniversary of Ta-Nehisi's landmark book, “Between the World and Me.”
And in a special bonus segment from our live show last Friday, Tim interviews Andry's lawyer and explains why he's been so moved by the case to free Andry from CECOT.
Ta-Nehisi Coates and attorney Lindsay Toczylowski join Tim Miller.
show notes
And in a special bonus segment from our live show last Friday, Tim interviews Andry's lawyer and explains why he's been so moved by the case to free Andry from CECOT.
Ta-Nehisi Coates and attorney Lindsay Toczylowski join Tim Miller.
show notes
-
"Between the World and Me," out in paperback next week
-
Ta-Nehisi's interview with Obama in Oct. 2016
- Last Friday's full "Free Andry" live show
* Life insurance is never cheaper than it is today. Get the right life insurance for YOU, for LESS, and save more than fifty percent at selectquote.com/bulwark
S2 Ep1059: Sam Stein: The Divorce
6 juni 2025 |
59 min
Elon went nuclear, accusing Trump of being a pedo, taking credit for his election victory, and calling for his impeachment. Trump in return may try to destroy Musk's businesses, or worse. While the public feud is entertaining—Thursday was one of the best days for Twitter and Steve Bannon—their meltdown is also frightening. It shows that we are at the mercy of two emotionally unstable men who can blackmail each other. Of course, Republicans and Fox desperately want the clash to end, because for starters, it could complicate the passage of a tax and spending bill that only Stephen Miller can love. Plus, JD is still a wimp, and Howard Lutnick is still a fool.
Sam Stein joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Sam Stein joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
- Action for Andry: Protest at SCOTUS at 5pm Friday
-
Tim's playlist
S2 Ep1058: Matt Yglesias: Elon's Smash and Grab
5 juni 2025 |
67 min
Trump's and Musk's very public breakup may be amusing, but don't lose sight of the fact that DOGE was a failure—despite what the manosphere says. Elon's ego trip found no fraud and cut only a minor amount of spending. But those cuts are meaningfully hurting the global poor as well as scientific research at home. And now, Republicans are trying the same kind of DOGE sleight of hand on their spending bill, largely under the radar. Meanwhile, Megan McCain is getting in on the snake-oil gravy train, and the Epstein conspiracists may have it backwards. Plus, a deep dive into how Dems can win red states, fight the culture wars, and show how they're looking out for the little guy.
Matt Yglesias joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Matt Yglesias joins Tim Miller.
show notes
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Action for Andry: Protest at SCOTUS at 5pm Friday, followed by Free Andry live show
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Matt on the failure of DOGE
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Lauren on the Dems weighing a high-risk plan to win the Senate
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Matt's piece from April on the Dem plan to win the Senate
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Matt's Daddy blog piece
S2 Ep1057: Rahm Emanuel: Trump Is a Chump
4 juni 2025 |
69 min
The lovelorn TACO trader has been hanging by the phone at 2am hoping China's Xi will call him to make a tariff deal. But that call is not coming without America paying a very high price— because world leaders know that Trump is a feckless, desperate negotiator. Meanwhile, Republicans are blowing off Elon's take-down of the reconciliation bill and prepping to turn themselves into roadkill in the midterms. Plus, Scranton Joe went missing in the White House, and the Dems need to stop listening to the very smart and very sophisticated (202) babies who think sharing the right pronoun is more important than kids actually knowing what a pronoun is.
Rahm Emanuel joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Action for Andry: Protest at SCOTUS at 5pm Friday, followed by Free Andry live show
Rahm Emanuel joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Action for Andry: Protest at SCOTUS at 5pm Friday, followed by Free Andry live show
S2 Ep1056: Catherine Rampell: Slow Burn
3 juni 2025 |
53 min
Jamie Dimon is spooked about the bond market, business uncertainty about tariffs is dragging the economy, and it seems like no politician will get serious about our nation's debt until it's too late. Meanwhile, Republicans don't even like their own spending bill since they only lie about it—it's just in service of making Trump happy. Plus, Stephen Miller reportedly wants ICE to step up raids at businesses, the immigrant brain drain is bad for America, and the antisemitism coming from the left and right is pretty scary for Jews.
S2 Ep1055: Bill Kristol: The Grotesqueness of It All
2 juni 2025 |
56 min
Mike Johnson and Russ Vought outright lied on camera about the proposed Medicaid cuts and the impact they would have on millions of Americans. Marco Rubio lied about the children who are dying because of USAID cuts. And Joni Ernst is reimagining Christianity to be about Jesus teaching his followers not to care about the sick and the poor because they're going to die anyway. And through it all, Peter Thiel is doing everything in his power not to die—or even age. But one saving grace is that Ukraine kicked some Russian ass this weekend.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
S2 Ep1054: Adam Serwer, Lauren Egan, and Justin Jones: The Attack on Knowledge
30 maj 2025 |
61 min
The Trump administration is trying to exert ideological control over every knowledge-producing institution in the country. And the assault on colleges is not only about having fewer highly-educated voters, but also depriving Americans of trusted sources of information—much in the way Trump in 2020 wanted to stop counting Covid cases so it looked like he had the pandemic under control. Meanwhile, we're getting too much information about Elon's bladder control problems on his way out the door. Plus, The Bulwark's Lauren Egan and Tennessee's Justin Jones on courage, conscience, fighting a party drunk with power, and the future of the South.
The Atlantic's Adam Serwer joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod, with a side serving from our live Nashville show.
show notes
The Atlantic's Adam Serwer joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod, with a side serving from our live Nashville show.
show notes
S2 Ep1053: Live from Chicago
29 maj 2025 |
44 min
Adam Kinzinger joined Tim on stage in the Windy City Wednesday night to dis Chicken Trump, who's made bitcoin bros, private prisons, his family and friends—and himself—the main winners in his 'TACO' trade economy. Meanwhile, Obama's nuclear deal with Iran may be getting resurrected, and Trump finally seems to realize that Putin is a warmonger. Plus, Dems should put Qatar and El Salvador on notice that there will be a cost for their free gifts in the future, and we are the guys and girls on the white horse who will save this country.
show notes
show notes
S2 Ep1052: George Packer: JD, Hollow Man
28 maj 2025 |
77 min
Our VP used to think his path to power was through the ruling class at Yale Law School. But after 2016, he saw that his route was through Trump, so he swapped one set of elites for another. And now as a lord among the MAGA ruling class, he's embracing his true cruel, lying self—and railing against the globalists who nitpick about this silly due process thing. Meanwhile, even Elon doesn't like the bankruptcy-threatening reconciliation bill, even if it's larded with kickbacks just for him. Plus, America: stay and fight. And the biggest theft in the history of the presidency is happening every day right before our eyes.
New Mexico congresswoman Melanie Stansbury and The Atlantic's George Packer join Tim Miller.
show notes
New Mexico congresswoman Melanie Stansbury and The Atlantic's George Packer join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1051: Pete Buttigieg: Dream Bigger, Talk More Boldly
27 maj 2025 |
64 min
Democrats need vastly more imagination to confront the enormous challenges the country faces politically, economically, and on climate. The party can't just focus on stopping what is happening in Washington. Meanwhile, Trump can't stop insulting the intelligence of the American people, every part of the political spectrum has something to hate about the reconciliation bill, and libertarians need to speak up about a president disappearing people to a foreign black site. Plus, cracking the manosphere, what Biden could've done differently on Covid, and the era of politicians sticking to their talking points is over.
Pete Buttigieg joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
Pete Buttigieg joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
- Pete on the “Flagrant” pod on YouTube or on audio
- Remaining tickets for the live Bulwark show in Nashville on Thursday
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Plus, tickets for our live show “Free Andry” on June 6 in DC
S2 Ep1050: Bill Kristol: Something Worth Fighting For
26 maj 2025 |
32 min
Despite our missteps in some of our more recent wars, we were fighting to bring freedom, democracy, and self-governance to others. Now, Trump's mercantilist agenda is showing us what it looks like to not have an American-led world order. And even after Russia's largest aerial assault on Ukraine since the war began, he still won't threaten Putin—only Zelensky. Meanwhile, just looking at the math alone, the reconciliation bill is alarming.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for a Memorial Day pod.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for a Memorial Day pod.
show notes
S2 Ep1049: James Comey: Uncomfortably Numb
23 maj 2025 |
53 min
Public corruption used to be a congressman hiding $90,000 in his freezer. Now, we have a president taking "me time" to rake in $40 million from a Chinese crypto billionaire who was facing fraud charges under POTUS 46. And that's just a drop in the bucket of some of Trump's recent haul. Of course, today's FBI will do nothing about it, and his buddies at the top of the bureau are instead focusing on celebrities who are definitely not Team Trump, or a person who posted a benign beach meme about 47. Meanwhile, the FBI has been ordered to redirect resources to deportations, raising serious questions about whether counterterrorism and counterintelligence—the agency's main priorities since 9/11—are being neglected.
James Comey joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
James Comey joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
- Comey's latest book, "FDR Drive"
- Tim's playlist
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Tim's interview with Karen Hao on her Sam Altman book
- Take advantage of Ridge’s once-a-year Memorial Day Sale and get UP TO 40% Off right now by going to https://www.Ridge.com/THEBULWARK
S2 Ep1048: Jonathan Chait: House GOP Doesn't Care How Bad the Bill Is
22 maj 2025 |
67 min
Republicans moved at such lightning speed that even they don't know how many people would lose health insurance— or how much they'd be spiking the deficit with their highly risky and big, ugly turd of a bill. And they don't care because they're cosmically committed to stopping the government from making rich people pay for healthcare for people who aren't. Plus, Dem leaders have an age culture problem, environmental groups are stuck in a Ralph Nader time-warp, and the danger of radical politics and supporting Hamas hits home on the streets of DC.
Jonathan Chait joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
Jonathan Chait joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1047: Susan Glasser: American in Name Only
21 maj 2025 |
51 min
On deportations and on foreign policy, the Trump administration is swapping out American values and violating everything the U.S. has stood for in exchange for kleptocracy and transactionalism with the world's worst tyrants. But at the same time, Trump can't even seem to grasp that Putin has been waging war for decades to accomplish his goals and is not interested in cutting a deal to end the bloodshed in Ukraine. Plus, the very dim appointees running our federal agencies, Elon and Marco are now trying to deny they cut food aid, and the unwelcome honorific of being a Trump historian.
Susan Glasser joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
Susan Glasser joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1046: David French: Schizo-in-Chief
20 maj 2025 |
68 min
One day Trump sounds like Bernie promising the government will provide for everything. Then the next, he's like Paul Ryan the belt-tightener, prepping for austerity. And Code Pink was the order of the day when Mr. Tough Guy was in Saudi Arabia—attacking the foreign policy of the United States in the land of the 9/11 hijackers. Plus, Trump's SCOTUS appointees show some spine, Marco is truly pathetic, the big, insane reconciliation bill would gut Medicaid and hurt MAGA voters even if Trump denies it, and the DOJ investigates the hiring practices of Chicago's mayor.
David French joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
David French joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
- Go to https://surfshark.com/thebulwark or use code THEBULWARK at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
S2 Ep1045: Bill Kristol: A New Gilded Age
19 maj 2025 |
51 min
No, the Trump administration is not focused on the forgotten man or bringing industrial jobs back. Instead, the real estate developer is handing out threats left and right—fresh off his Middle East trip, where he scored numerous deals with Islamofascists for himself, his family, and his cronies. And no matter what he says, the 'Palace in the Sky' is for him, once taxpayers pony up all the funds for retrofitting. Meanwhile, House Republicans are attempting to ram through their reconciliation bill—which is a huge debt bomb and is a big reason why Moody's downgraded the credit rating of the United States. Plus, Biden's cancer diagnosis, Epstein's 'absolutely crystal-clear' suicide, Trump proves Springsteen's point, and the administration gladly takes some of Mexico's worst.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1044: Peter Hamby: All in Service of Kissing Trump's Ass
16 maj 2025 |
87 min
MAGA is having a performative tantrum calling for James Comey to be jailed over a seashell meme because the daily job of Trump's supporters and Cabinet members is to try to warm his heart—that includes Kristi Noem changing her face and Tulsi firing top intel officials because they told the White House the truth it doesn't want to hear. Meanwhile, fentanyl deaths and violent crime fell dramatically last year, and border crossings have plummeted, but the administration keeps hyping a "crisis" to try to justify suspending habeas corpus. Plus, Tim briefly goes back to his comms job, the GOP's bill is not on a glide-path, Dems think their leaders are "spineless," Gavin tries "just win" on for size, Kamala mulls the CA governor's race—and new baby advice!!
Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller for a bountiful weekend pod.
show notes
Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller for a bountiful weekend pod.
show notes
S2 Ep1043: Michael Weiss: All Bribes Accepted
15 maj 2025 |
48 min
American taxpayers may have flown Donald Trump to the Middle East, but he's not there to negotiate on behalf of our strategic or national interests—he's on the prowl for goodies, and happy to make policy changes in return. Like, the new Syrian president offering a Trump Tower in Damascus: Zap, sanctions on Syria are over. Or the jumbo jet-giving Qataris requesting that Trump go 'easy' on Iran: 'Not a problem, no sirree.' Sorry to all the hawkish Trump voters out there who thought he'd deliver a maximum pressure campaign on Tehran. Plus, Russia's Potemkin peace talks with Ukraine, and another installment from ICE's cold-blooded deportation campaign.
Michael Weiss joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
Michael Weiss joins join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1042: Leah Litman and Andrew Egger: Grievance All the Way Down
14 maj 2025 |
66 min
The five men on the Supreme Court are so easily triggered and seem to be making law based on their emotional needs. Meanwhile, they also see discrimination in some of the best things about America—like equality or the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. And at the White House, the press office got totally bored with the worshipful questions from MAGA media and invited The Bulwark's Andrew Egger over—so Karoline Leavitt could mix it up with a reporter who'd definitely ask tough questions. Plus, Trump's crypto grift reaches new heights, Gorsuch is oddly obsessed with the EPA, and the toadies are getting whipsawed by the constant tariff adjustments.
Leah Litman and Andrew Egger join Tim Miller.
show notes
Leah Litman and Andrew Egger join Tim Miller.
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S2 Ep1041: Justin Wolfers: Trump's Centrally Planned Economy
13 maj 2025 |
54 min
China sounds downright Reaganesque and is acting like a more stable, attractive trading partner than the country that launched a trade war. And even though Trump loves play-acting businessman, and calling CEOs by their first name, no one on Wall Street and no one who studies economics likes his continuing tariffs—they know they hurt American companies and American consumers. And the uncertainty is paralyzing. Meanwhile, the GOP will use fancy terms to try to paper over their budget, which would hurt the working class and dramatically increase the deficit—all for tax cuts.
University of Michigan's Justin Wolfers joins Tim Miller.
show notes
University of Michigan's Justin Wolfers joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1040: Bill Kristol: A Golden 747 from Hamas's Sugar Daddy
12 maj 2025 |
51 min
Trump can't abide flying around in crusty, old Air Force One. Qatar—funder of both Hamas and the leading U.S. college Gaza protest group—just happens to have a spare, pimped-out 747 lying around, which they'd like to gift to Trump so he can use that instead. Pay no attention to the complete hypocrisy of an administration that says that students protesting for Gaza are a threat to our foreign policy. Plus, Trump's fake drug price cap, the White House caves to China on tariffs, Herr Miller becomes the leading voice for disappearing people, and Bill tells Tim he's rethinking his position on "Abolish ICE."
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
- Go to https://surfshark.com/thebulwark or use code THEBULWARK at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN!
S2 Ep1039: Amanda Carpenter: MAGA's Bad Week
9 maj 2025 |
59 min
First, the Vatican chose a Bulwark pope, not an AR-15 loving, immigrant-hating pope. Then, in a major blow to Steve Bannon, Trump pulled his nominee for U.S. attorney in D.C.—forcing the avid TV watcher in the Oval Office to turn to Fox News for the 23rd time to help fill his administration—this time with Jeanine Pirro. And in the North Carolina Supreme Court race, the Stop the Steal candidate finally conceded to his Democratic opponent seven months late. Plus, Trump is acting like a Soviet central planner, the reconciliation bill fight is starting to look ugly, and the economy proves yet again that it does not lie.
Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
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Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
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S2 Ep1038: Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin: The Power of 'No'
8 maj 2025 |
49 min
Protest is the new brunch again. We're witnessing historic levels of pro-democracy grassroots engagement across a broad-based movement of everyday people. The leaders of Indivisible join Tim to discuss how the movement needs to stay focused on what it agrees on— no kings—and to save ideological disputes for another day. Plus, it also needs to get more young people involved. But it definitely should keep ignoring political consultants who tell Dems not to talk about immigration— because it turns out that the federal government kidnapping people off the street is not popular.
Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg join Tim Miller.
show notes
Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg join Tim Miller.
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S2 Ep1037: Katie Phang and Greg Casar: Trump & Co Are the Real Flag Burners
7 maj 2025 |
56 min
The Supreme Court is working hard to tend to Mr. Presidential Immunity's wounds because he just can't abide lower federal court judges telling him he can't kick trans people out of the military, or that the 14th Amendment is a real thing. Meanwhile, Kristi Noem is defiling her own birthright citizenship by kidnapping people and sending them to a foreign gulag. Plus, how the Dems should fight the party that only wants to break things—and craft a better economic message that appeals to both moderates and progressives.
Rep. Greg Casar of Texas and Katie Phang join Tim Miller.
show notes
Rep. Greg Casar of Texas and Katie Phang join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1036: Jonathan V. Last: An Economic Tsunami Is Coming
6 maj 2025 |
68 min
Because Donald Trump's stupid trade embargo has us reading shipping charts, we now know that 40% of containership traffic between Asia and the U.S. has been canceled. That means a shortage of consumer goods, which will push prices higher. At the same time, the business environment is too unpredictable for companies to plan. Meanwhile, Trump is reorienting the American economy to a corrupt oligarchy—as he rakes in billions in bribes off his crypto. Plus, Hegseth wants to clear out a chunk of the top brass, U.S. attorney nominee Ed Martin forgot to say he's been on Russian-state media outlets more than 150 times, and the DNC absolutely should not be posting about Kamala at the Met Gala.
JVL joins Tim Miller.
show notes
JVL joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1035: Bill Kristol: A Reckless, Tin-Pot President
5 maj 2025 |
49 min
Trump 2.0 is showing so little concern for his political standing that even Fox made primetime room for Karl Rove to vent about how he's failing at the fundamentals. Our aspiring Gaddafi doesn't care that tariffs aren't popular or that he sounds like Mr. Scrooge when he says kids should have fewer toys. And while belt-tightening is good enough for average Americans, he's throwing himself a giant, ostentatious military parade that will cost tens of millions of dollars. Plus, conservatives in the Anglosphere take another hit, this time down under—and thumbs-up for Maine Gov. Janet Mills, thumbs-down for Gretchen Whitmer.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1034: Derek Thompson: Trump's War on Dolls
2 maj 2025 |
65 min
Just imagine Fox's histrionics if a President AOC had said that American kids have too many dolls and that she's raising the price on them. Now the supposedly pro-family administration is doubling down on 'just pay more’ for toys, while it waits for China to blink on tariffs—an unlikely event given that it makes a lot of the things the world needs and wants. Meanwhile, AI's economic threat may be here for recent college grads, Marc Andreessen has deep thoughts on VC, and the NIH (and future American Nobel Prizes) are being burned to own the libs. Plus, the Dems should zero in on how Trump is making America less affordable—and very much like 2020 again.
show notes
show notes
S2 Ep1033: Tom Nichols: The Hollow Opportunists
1 maj 2025 |
50 min
Marco Rubio was supposed to be one of the only adults in the room, and now he's become a shell of himself executing Trump's unwinding of the US role in the world. Meanwhile, Pam Bondi just can't keep her blubbering sycophancy under wraps. Plus, Mike Waltz's ouster at NSA, our shakedown of Ukraine with a minerals deal, Trump's pettiness is getting lost in the firehose of his revenge, and even the president of El Salvador doubts the criminality of the people ICE is sending to CECOT.
Tom Nichols join Tim Miller.
show notes
Tom Nichols join Tim Miller.
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S2 Ep1032: Tony Blinken: America Alone
30 april 2025 |
59 min
For 80 years, the United States built strong economic, military, and political alliances around the world. But in just 100 days, that trust has been dismantled, and our friends are now working without us to forge new relationships. Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken joins Tim to discuss how hard it will be to rebuild after what Trump has done—plus the Biden administration's response to the Gaza protests, and the continuing questions over why Biden did not step aside earlier. And, Alex Wagner joins from Hungary to discuss the mass protests there.
Tony Blinken and Alex Wagner join Tim Miller.
show notes
Tony Blinken and Alex Wagner join Tim Miller.
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S2 Ep1031: Joe Weisenthal: Everything Screams Recession
29 april 2025 |
51 min
The markets may be hanging in there but they also held strong in early 2020—right up until Covid hit New York. Meanwhile, tariffs are driving consumer confidence down, firms are talking about cutting back on hiring and investments, and Goldman Sachs is predicting that the U.S. will have the highest inflation and lowest growth of any developed economy this year. Plus, Scott Bessent is not a calming influence, and Trump has a real 'War on Christmas' in the works.
The Stalwart Joe Weisenthal joins Tim Miller.
show notes
The Stalwart Joe Weisenthal joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1030: Bill Kristol: Creepy and Wrong
28 april 2025 |
48 min
The Trump administration keeps showing it's sooo tough on immigration that it deported three U.S. citizen children, arrested the wife of a member of the Coast Guard because her visa expired, and perp-walked an allegedly immigrant-concealing Wisconsin judge in handcuffs—instead of showing her the kind of deference Trump received over the course of his four indictments. Plus, the wildly wealthy jackasses behind Trump, the missing cargo ships at the ports, and Scott Pelley at 60 Minutes shows how it's done.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1029: Beto O'Rourke: Never Lose Hope
25 april 2025 |
58 min
Since this country's founding, we have been tested. And the Americans before us somehow stood up and fought the good fight. We can't be the generation that loses it all 249 years into this experiment. But that doesn't mean we can't laugh about the stupid clowns—like Trump showing once again that he has no idea how tariffs work. Plus, RFK's dangerous proposed autism registry is selling a cruel fantasy. And Democrats need to lock down what they're selling and listen to what voters want from the government.
Beto O'Rourke joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Beto O'Rourke joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
S2 Ep1028: Cory Booker: A National Crisis and a Global Crisis
24 april 2025 |
51 min
Donald Trump is trying to foist the worst peace deal in the last 100 years on Ukraine, as he gets repeatedly played by foreign leaders on the world stage. At home, he's turned JFK's "Ask not" upside down to 'Ask what you can do for Donald Trump.' But when will the cowardly law firms or CEOs groveling for a tariff exemption stand up for patriotism, our core constitutional values—and America's better vision of itself? Plus, Tim challenges an 11-year-old block from Twitter's golden era, and Booker shares diet & exercise tips.
Sen. Cory Booker joins Tim Miller.
Sen. Cory Booker joins Tim Miller.
S2 Ep1027: Jonathan Rauch: Focus On the Corruption
23 april 2025 |
57 min
Trump may be brilliant at assaulting us with his daily distractions, but Democrats need to relentlessly target his corruption because that may be his weak spot. He is running the government in a pre-modern way—like it's his own personal piggy bank. And he has replaced rules-oriented bureaucrats with mostly incompetent loyalists who are only there to do his bidding. Meanwhile, Christianity could help heal the country's partisan polarization if it returns to the teachings of Jesus instead of the gospel of Donald Trump. Plus, the constant burden of having to fight the cognitive warfare and sensory overload coming out of the White House.
Brookings’ Jonathan Rauch joins Tim Miller.joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Brookings’ Jonathan Rauch joins Tim Miller.joins Tim Miller.
show notes
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Jon's piece on Trump's patrimonialism
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Jon's predictions in 2022 about a Trump second term
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A Chris Murphy Senate floor speech on Trump's corruption
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Mark Hertling piece on the Russian and Ukrainian armies that Tim referenced
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Jon's new book, "Cross Purposes: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy"
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Jon's book, "The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50"
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The opening scene of The Godfather
S2 Ep1026: Michael Steele: Your Voice Matters
22 april 2025 |
58 min
Trump and the people around him are trying to weaken our constitutional protections like due process. But the administration is getting rattled, because people see that the Abrego Garcia story is not about the man, but our rights, and because people keep protesting. We have to keep gumming up the works. Meanwhile, why aren't the Chamber of Commerce and other business groups howling while Trump single-handedly ruins our country's global economic status? Plus, our fully-grown SecDef is blaming the deep state for his troubles, even though they involve his wife, his brother, and his phone. And Dear Charleston: Please un-elect Nancy Mace.
Michael Steele joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Michael Steele joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1025: Bill Kristol: Hegseth Keeps Proving his Unfitness
21 april 2025 |
50 min
Republican senators could have insisted on someone who was even minimally competent to run our military, but because of their spinelessness, we've now got a SecDef who can't resist texting top secret war plans. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court shows it doesn't trust the Trump administration, and judges on lower federal courts have stopped believing what its lawyers say. Plus, Joe Perticone joins from Rome to discuss the passing of Pope Francis. And the uncanny relevance of the American revolutionaries' grievances against King George.
Bill Kristol and Joe Perticone joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol and Joe Perticone joins Tim Miller.
show notes
- Ryan Holiday on the Naval Academy canceling his speech (gift)
- List of grievances against King George in the Declaration of Independence
S2 Ep1024: Anne Applebaum: Everything Is a Game to Trump
18 april 2025 |
49 min
Sen. Van Hollen showed that Congress actually does have agency, and a federal judge finally scorched the administration in crystal-clear language about how it's violating the essence of our constitutional republic. But the White House is just treating the whole Abrego Garcia affair like it's a joke. Meanwhile, Trump is elevating his own businesses over the nation's, and is quickly adopting the kleptocratic models of Russia and China—while overlooking the fact that the Chinese have maintained a functional and competent government. Plus, children all over the world are going to die because Elon wants our money to go to his companies, and Marco signaled that the big talker who promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours is ready to give up and walk away.
Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
S2 Ep1023: Ben Wittes: Sorry, We Still Have Due Process
17 april 2025 |
55 min
The White House is doubling down on justifying its extra-judicial actions around Abrego Garcia by trying to incriminate him in the court of public opinion. But the government still can't pluck people off an American street and send them to a concentration camp without due process. Plus, Judge Boasberg is not letting Stephen Miller off the hook for defying his order to turn the Salvadoran-bound planes around. And while the administration tries to stir up outrage about one immigrant's marital problems, they admiringly describe the evil, blood-thirsty Vladimir Putin as a good guy. Ben Wittes joins Tim Miller.
show notes
show notes
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CNBC on Chris Krebs leaving his company after being targeted by Trump
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Boasberg's probable cause finding to hold the goverment in criminal contempt
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Tim's 2019 Bulwark piece that he referenced
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Support Lawfare
S2 Ep1022: Stephanie Ruhle: Only Trump Is Happy
16 april 2025 |
47 min
Manufacturing orders are down, stocks are down, and mortgage rates are up. But Trump and his family are wealthier than they've ever been. He's got his Ponzi-like crypto scheme, his meme coin, and a boatload of big money types showing up at Mar-a-Lago trying to curry favors from him for some cold, hard cash. Meanwhile, Trump is play-acting like he has a strong hand, but he's begging China to make a deal. Plus, the administration is defunding science and our world-renowned medical centers to buy crypto. And the Abrego Garcia kidnapping and imprisonment has touched a nerve in surprising ways.
Stephanie Ruhle joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Stephanie Ruhle joins Tim Miller.
show notes
- Chuck Grassley getting grilled at town hall over Abrego Garcia
- WSJ story on Elon's 'legion of babies,' and their mothers (behind firewall)
- Mediaite summary of WSJ piece
- Bluesky post on the fake gold medallions in the Oval Office
- Bloomberg on United Airlines having two profit scenarios because of the trade war (gifted)
*The Bulwark Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp
S2 Ep1021: Josh Barro: Total Idiocy
15 april 2025 |
72 min
Trump & company want to turn us into Taiwan circa 1985. But the brilliant minds behind the idea of intentionally weakening the dollar are prioritizing making America a good place to manufacture rather than a good place to live. If the administration stays on this track, this country will have lower incomes, higher inflation, and weaker buying power—and more expensive beer and tomatoes. Maybe we were better off with Jared there. Meanwhile, in the Rust Belt, some Dems are arguing for a smarter version of tariffs. Plus, Abrego Garcia's union brothers want him home and Trump wants to fight with Harvard.
Rep. Chris Deluzio and Josh Barro join Tim Miller.
show notes
Rep. Chris Deluzio and Josh Barro join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1020: Bill Kristol: Staring Down the Barrel
14 april 2025 |
46 min
We are here: Trump is openly defying the Supreme Court while sitting side-by-side with a Latin American strongman who openly mocked our judicial system from inside the Oval Office. Trump so badly wants his one-man rule and Republicans keep helping him, while corporate America keeps trying to get on his good side. Meanwhile, the intimidation is chilling free speech on college campuses and within immigrant communities.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1019: David Frum: It's Too Late to Stop the Pain
11 april 2025 |
52 min
Trump has effectively imposed a trade embargo on China, which means that after the inventory runs out, American retail will soon dry up. And since Europeans are already bypassing U.S. military contractors to beef up their defense spending —El Salvador is our only ally now— Trump is likely to do something desperate, like firing the Fed chair or seizing Greenland. American presidents decades from now will still be cleaning up what Trump did to this country in 2025. David Frum breaks down the insanity and stupidity of the vision behind the tariffs regime as well as the deep feelings of betrayal in Canada. If globalism means peace, prosperity, and commerce, then let's be globalists.
David Frum joins guest host Jonathan V. Last for the weekend pod.
show notes
David Frum joins guest host Jonathan V. Last for the weekend pod.
show notes
S2 Ep1018: Andrew Weissmann and Patrick Gaspard: Naked Corruption
10 april 2025 |
79 min
Just before he paused the tariffs on Wednesday, an unusual spike in activity on the S&P 500 prompted speculation that Trump was orchestrating an insider trading scheme. After the markets closed, he joked with *the* Charles Schwab about how the financier had made $2.5 billion in trades that day. Meanwhile, Trump ordered the DOJ to investigate two former officials he regards as enemies—this comes on the heels of his efforts to intimidate law firms from taking on clients who oppose him. Plus, Trump's long obsession with white South Africans, and do Democrats listen too much to grassroots activist groups?
Andrew Weissmann and Patrick Gaspard join Tim Miller.
show notes
Andrew Weissmann and Patrick Gaspard join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1017: Catherine Rampell: Trump's Tariffmageddon
9 april 2025 |
80 min
The White House is pumping out a lot of happy talk about countries wanting to make deals over the tariffs, but the tumult Trump has created has spread to the bond market. And that may be a sign that he has people so spooked about the U.S. economy that our Treasuries are no longer seen as a safe bet. Meanwhile, China has a lot of leverage here and may be using it.
Plus, the Democrats' candidate recruiter for the midterms, Colorado's Jason Crow, discusses how to win back working class voters.
Catherine Rampell and Rep. Jason Crow join Tim Miller.
show notes
Plus, the Democrats' candidate recruiter for the midterms, Colorado's Jason Crow, discusses how to win back working class voters.
Catherine Rampell and Rep. Jason Crow join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1016: Jonathan Cohn and Mark Lilla: Lobotomizing America
8 april 2025 |
67 min
When it comes to biomedical research, America is already great. We are the world's leader in the field. But the Trump administration is gutting research and innovation on things like cancer, Alzheimer's, and arthritis—and the amputation of our scientific expertise under RFK, Jr. has been about as thoughtful as the tariffs rollout. Meanwhile, when it comes to the developing budget bill, Medicaid is getting some surprising red state support from people like Josh Hawley. Plus, when people willfully choose ignorance as a way to cope with an uncertain world.
Professor Mark Lilla and The Bulwark's Jonathan Cohn join Tim Miller.
show notes
Professor Mark Lilla and The Bulwark's Jonathan Cohn join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1015: Bill Kristol: The High Cost of Stupidity
7 april 2025 |
54 min
Part of the reason for the market bloodbath is because the finance wizzes didn't factor in that Trump would actually do the truly moronic thing he kept saying he would. Their shock over his recklessness is intensifying the crash. Meanwhile, a trio of administration fools trying to defend the tariffs—Lutnick, Bessent, and Hassett—showed there is no grand design to the trade war, White House infighting is getting hot enough that even Elon is subtweeting Trump, and the folks we elected over on the Hill could actually do something to try to stop the market carnage. Plus, new reporting on our government's kidnapping of migrants, Republicans in North Carolina are trying to steal a supreme court seat, and where is JD Vance?
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
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JVL on the end of the American Age
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Lauren on the backlash against Dems in major law firms who are bending the knee
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60 Minutes segment on migrants sent to the Salvadoran penal colony
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Tim's 'Bulwark Take' responding to the 60 Minutes report
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Tim talking with AEI's Stan Veuger about Trump's terrible tariff math
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The book, "The Captive Mind" by Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz
S2 Ep1014: Adam Kinzinger: Mortal Damage to the American Empire
4 april 2025 |
53 min
It's been great to live in America since World War II, but Trump is in the process of blowing up that whole order. Even Canada is looking to lead a new alliance, because how can other countries trust us after voters put the stupidest convicted American back in charge? And never forget that Russia is not on the tariff list—despite the fact that the US does more trade with Russia than a number of other countries on the list. Meanwhile, Trump opted to head to a golf tournament instead of attending the dignified return of the four dead servicemen who were killed in Lithuania. Plus, 9/11 truther Laura Loomer is running the National Security Council and we're still bombing the Houthis.
Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
S2 Ep1013: Mallory McMorrow and Tracy Alloway: A Self-Inflicted Crisis
3 april 2025 |
65 min
The market plunge is just pure Trump chaos, and perfectly matches his record as a businessman. From his numerous bankruptcies and many failures—including his airline, his casinos, his university, his water, and his steaks—he's been running one long con. And the supposedly smart people who should have known better put him back in power, somehow thinking he would never do something like destroy global trade. Meanwhile, in Michigan, where there have already been job losses directly caused by Trump's tariff war, State Senator Mallory McMorrow announced she's running for the U.S. Senate—saying she's had enough of the leadership and the bullshit in DC.
Bloomberg's Tracy Alloway and Mallory McMorrow join Tim Miller.
show notes
Bloomberg's Tracy Alloway and Mallory McMorrow join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1012: Sam Stein: Elon Is Toxic
2 april 2025 |
55 min
Musk was so high on his own supply that he thought he and his money were magic—but Wisconsin voters turned out in droves to prove to him just how toxic his brand and DOGE are. Meanwhile, the Dem base is looking highly engaged as they keep showing up for special elections in numbers Republicans used to deliver in off-cycle races.
Plus, Cory Booker's epic filibuster, Mike Johnson gets owned by moms, and China will fill all the vacuums Trump is creating in science, foreign aid, and trade. Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.
Plus, Cory Booker's epic filibuster, Mike Johnson gets owned by moms, and China will fill all the vacuums Trump is creating in science, foreign aid, and trade. Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.
S2 Ep1011: Susan Rice: This Is Bloody Serious
1 april 2025 |
66 min
The administration admits it mistakenly sent a Maryland father with protected status to the Salvadoran penal colony—but at the same time, it says the federal courts have no jurisdiction over him because he is now in a foreign country. If some of us have no due process, that opens the door to none of us having due process. Meanwhile, Trump's administration seems hellbent on destroying the U.S.-led world order, Marco Rubio is acting very un-American, and we actually do have long-standing protocols for how a president's national security team should discuss a military strike. Plus, Mother Jones reporters show the absurdity of ICE's assertions about migrant gang membership.
Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice, along with Noah Lanard and Isabela Dias, join Tim Miller.
show notes
Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice, along with Noah Lanard and Isabela Dias, join Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1010: Bill Kristol: Stiffen Your Spines, Democrats
31 mars 2025 |
47 min
If Joe Rogan is the voice in the wilderness on the disappearing of migrants to El Salvador, then the Democratic leadership really needs to rethink its cautiousness. Meanwhile, the Bluffer-in-Chief is musing about a third term and Elon seems to be skirting the law in Wisconsin over an election he claims will determine the fate of civilization. Plus, the tariffs threats are rattling the markets, Trump's gullibility with Putin is coming through loud and clear, and why does JD hate Europe so much?
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
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The Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial on Boston Common
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Official trailer for the film, Glory
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Texas Democrat Veronica Escobar on the deportations to El Salvador
- Elon in a cheesehead
- *Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Go to surfshark.com/thebulwark for 4 extra months of Surfshark.
S2 Ep1009: Amanda Carpenter: Daddy? No, Manny Trump
28 mars 2025 |
59 min
Trump is siccing the thought police on the Smithsonian, he's got an FBI task force set up to protect Elon's car company, and he's turning random tattoos into gang insignia—unless they're on Pete Hegseth. Meanwhile, Greenlanders did not come to play, Elise Stefanik gets benched, the DOJ won't do its real job, and next week's elections are making Republicans nervous. Plus, courage is contagious—make them come after everybody. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
S2 Ep1008: Jon Lovett: A Worst Case Scenario Comes Into View
27 mars 2025 |
61 min
Trump so far is not delivering on his promised spike in deportations, but he is creating a permission structure where we lock up people without due process in a foreign gulag—and where masked, plainclothes officers in unmarked cars can grab an international student off the street because of her speech. Meanwhile, a Rolex-wearing Kristi Noem is shooting videos in front of people we've turned into hostages, the mainstream media is struggling to respond to the moment, we can't count on judges siding with the Constitution, Republicans refuse to be honest, and far too much of the public is not paying attention.
Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1008: Michael Weiss, Ben Smith, and Annie Karni: Radioactively Stupid
26 mars 2025 |
59 min
No matter how hard Republicans try to spin the sharing of top secret military attack plans on an insecure app, the colossal f***up of an administration that claimed it was rooting out incompetence is plain on its face. And while Jeffrey Goldberg told Tim Tuesday that he was mulling over releasing the Signal messages, he went ahead and did so after the administration accused him of lying and sneaking into the Signal group chat. Plus, Russia pretends to agree to a cease-fire, Breitbart kind of grows up, and a new book examines Capitol Hill's craziness—including Trump's control of the House GOP, Nancy Mace's delusions of grandeur, and Schumer's infinite faith in the Republican Party of old.
Michael Weiss, Ben Smith, and Annie Karni join Tim Miller.
show notes
Michael Weiss, Ben Smith, and Annie Karni join Tim Miller.
show notes
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Annie's new book, "Mad House: How Donald Trump, MAGA Mean Girls, a Former Used Car Salesman, a Florida Nepo Baby, and a Man with Rats in His Walls Broke Congress"
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Ben's pod, "Mixed Signals"
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More on Tulsi's Vatican trip paid by a Belgian businessman with ties to the Kremlin
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Ben's interview with Megyn Kelly at Semafor Events
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Phillips O'Brien's Substack piece on the “Black Sea Ceasefire”
S2 Ep1007: Jeffrey Goldberg and Peter Wehner: What's Going on with Our National Security?
25 mars 2025 |
59 min
Senior members of Trump's Cabinet got caught sharing attack plans—down to details of who they were planning to kill, and with what kind of weapons, while also wishing Godspeed to our soldiers—and now they'll say anything to get out of the jam they put themselves in. Also, JD Vance openly questioned the judgement of the president in front of those very senior Cabinet members. Meanwhile, vengeance has long been a defining feature of Trump, but the habits of his heart have also infected his supporters. And they've become a moral freak show cheering on deportations of families and starving Africans. Jeff Goldberg and Pete Wehner join Tim Miller.
show notes
show notes
S2 Ep1006: Live from Phoenix
24 mars 2025 |
40 min
Bill Kristol joined Tim Saturday in Arizona to rip the atrocious behavior of our government—depriving even lawful Venezuelan migrants of due process, and shipping them off to a mega-prison in San Salvador where they may be being tortured. Any Democratic politician failing to speak out on this is wrong politically, morally, and ethically. Meanwhile, the DOJ is gearing up to charge Tesla vandals with domestic terrorism and Trump sent a Putin fanboy and very useful idiot, Steve Witkoff, to negotiate over Ukraine. Plus, AOC, Bernie, and Bill 2003 vs. Bill 2025. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
show notes
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Time magazine piece on the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador
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Sam talking with Lindsay Toczylowski, who represents Andrys, the gay barber and Salvadoran prisoner
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Photos of Andrys as a barber/makeup artist
- Call your Democratic senator: 202-224-3121.
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Immigrant Defenders Law Center
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The immigrants' rights division of the ACLU
S2 Ep1005: Michael Lewis: Government Workers Aren't the Corrupt Ones
21 mars 2025 |
61 min
Trump loves to complain about the deep state while Elon claims he's rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse with all his mass firings. But DOGE should be looking higher up the food chain to target the graft: for example, the South African immigrant whose car company would not have gotten off the ground without the taxpayer money he still collects. In contrast, government workers are mainly mission-driven and they're not in it for the money. Michael's new collection of essays takes a look at some of the characters who populate our federal workforce, including people performing small miracles without fame and glory. Plus, the risk of Trump politicizing economic data and his plan to destroy whatever trust people still have in the government.
Michael Lewis—and Sarah Vowell, who profiled a record keeper at the National Archives for the new book—join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Michael Lewis—and Sarah Vowell, who profiled a record keeper at the National Archives for the new book—join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
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The new book, "Who Is Government: The Untold Story of Public Service"
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Tim's "Bulwark Takes" on some of the men taken taken to the El Salvador prison camp
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Adrian's "Huddled Masses" newsletter on ICE deportations based on tattoos
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George Conway emergency pod on the Paul Weiss law firm caving to Trump
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Michael's book, "Losers: The Road to Everyplace but the White House"
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Tim's playlist
S2 Ep1004: Wes Moore: The System Doesn't Work for a Lot of People
20 mars 2025 |
49 min
Trump is a vessel for frustration over the status quo, but he is not a vehicle for a solution—since he has no idea about how to make things better for anyone besides himself. He's made clear that his personal interests come before the country's, and he's willing to trade away the superpowers that made America the globe's Dream Team. The Democrats need to seize the moment to argue for a smarter, more humane way to do efficiency. Plus, the Maryland governor shares his disgust over DOGE's disrespect of veterans and discusses his commitment to elevating boys and men.
Gov. Wes Moore joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Gov. Wes Moore joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1003: Ben Wittes: Putin Makes A Fool of Trump, Again
19 mars 2025 |
56 min
The Art of the Deal guy gave a master class on how to get worked over by Putin: First, wait around for an hour like an obedient puppy only to have your ceasefire proposal summarily rejected. Then, watch the Kremlin issue a statement that flatly contradicts your claims of what transpired during the phone call on Ukraine. Will there ever be a point when Putin embarrasses Trump so much that he has to defend his manhood? Plus, the possible interpretations of John Roberts's rebuke of Trump, and the administration's sacrifice of even more U.S. power—by silencing the Voice of America.
Ben Wittes joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Ben Wittes joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S2 Ep1002: Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov: The Cheap Whore at the White House
18 mars 2025 |
62 min
The fastest growing demographic class in America is billionaires—we've gone from 500 to 2,500 in the past 10 years. And they know the cheapest, easiest way to get richer: Give a million bucks to Mr. Pay-to-Play in the Oval Office. Meanwhile, maybe just maybe POTUS's confidant in Moscow deposited some cash in his Swiss bank account AKA TrumpCoin, and that's why he is working so hard to get Ukraine to surrender. Also, Dems really need to focus on one or two issues to counter Trump's flood the zone strategy: like the threat to Social Security or questioning why Elon is not applying DOGE to his own Tesla subsidies. Plus, young men are the most anxious, depressed, and obese generation in history and we've really got to help them.
Jessie Tarlov and Scott Galloway join Tim Miller.
show notes
Raging Moderates podcast
Jessie Tarlov and Scott Galloway join Tim Miller.
show notes
Raging Moderates podcast
S2 Ep1001: Bill Kristol: Give Back the Statue of Liberty
17 mars 2025 |
52 min
Trump is taking liberties with our country's role in the world as a land of hope and opportunity by summarily locking up and deporting law-abiding immigrants—including people with legitimate asylum claims, people here on proper visas, and people with minor errors in their paperwork. And it's all being done with intentional cruelty to convey the message: Don't even think of coming to Fortress America. Meanwhile, his tone-deaf billionaire treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, is mocking Americans for wanting cheap TVs. Plus, Schumer postpones his book tour as Democrats look elsewhere for a fighter, and Trump throws a late-night tantrum about Biden's pardons.
show notes:
White House sizzle reel of immigrants being sent to penal colony in El Salvador
Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' conversation with Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
show notes:
White House sizzle reel of immigrants being sent to penal colony in El Salvador
Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' conversation with Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
S2 Ep1000: David French: Trump Admits He's Violating the Constitution
14 mars 2025 |
66 min
Trump & company aren't even attempting to create a pretext for why they're punishing the free speech of political opponents. They are basically confessing in writing to violating the First Amendment. At the same time, the administration claims it's throwing a Hamas supporter out of the country in the name of fighting antisemitism—while giving jobs to the 'right kind' of antisemites. Plus, MAGA turns on Amy Coney Barrett, Trump sees Canada as 'our Ukraine,' and we're looking at a party that is governing like it will never give up power.
David French joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
David French joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
S2 Ep999: Sam Stein: How Do You Negotiate with Nihilists?
13 mars 2025 |
69 min
Democrats are stuck with two terrible options: Either facilitating a government shutdown or allowing Republicans to pass a spending bill that would defund D.C.'s police and schools. Meanwhile, CEOs are getting rattled by Trump's tariff and trade-war chaos, a 'Hispanic Hibernation' is leading to job loss, and Marco Rubio is turning Hamas supporter Mahmoud Khalil into a martyr—as the campus free speech warriors go missing. Plus, California congressman Jimmy Gomez joins Tim to discuss how Dems need to finesse their 'relatable' skills, and man up against the billionaire establishment.
Sam Stein and Rep. Jimmy Gomez joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Sam Stein and Rep. Jimmy Gomez joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Mark Hertling: Aiding and Abetting a War Criminal
12 mars 2025 |
51 min
Putin has been named a war criminal because of the Russian way of war in Ukraine—bombing Kyiv and other cities, attacking civilians and first aid workers, and destroying infrastructure. The administration's pause on aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine made the US complicit in those crimes. Meanwhile, Trump does not have any leverage to force Russia to comply with the proposed cease-fire. Plus, the escalating trade war with the EU harms our national security, our allies' hesitancy to share intelligence because of Tulsi, and the South African DOGE bro's laughably absurd attack on Mark Kelly.
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.
show notes
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Hertling's Bulwark piece on the damage of Trump's pause on aid and intel sharing with Ukraine
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Hertling's Bulwark piece on a frozen conflict in Ukraine
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Andrew's interview with Sen. Mark Kelly
Will Sommer: Across the MAGA-Verse
11 mars 2025 |
62 min
To find out what's really going on in Trumpistan, the AP is out and random lifestyle Instagrammers and MAGA conspiracy posters are in. Meanwhile, hothead Dan Bongino couldn't join the FBI until he fulfills his commitments to his podcast advertisers, Seb Gorka—the new counterterrorism chief—is a prank caller, and RFK Jr. resurfaced to ordain beef tallow fries a healthy food choice. Plus, did Elon go to Trump with tears in his eyes, and ask, "Sir, will you buy one of my cars?"
The Bulwark's new Senior Reporter Will Sommer joins Tim Miller.
show notes
The Bulwark's new Senior Reporter Will Sommer joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S.E. Cupp: The Outrage Is the Point
10 mars 2025 |
55 min
This time around, Trump has dispensed with the ribbon-cutting side of being president—he's just not giving average Americans anything to feel good about. Instead, his administration is defunding the police, freeing criminals, and welcoming home the alleged sexual predator Tate brothers. Meanwhile, Trump is also shrugging off the economic news even as Maria Bartiromo is raising the threat of a recession. Plus, our allies and trading partners are infuriated, and we've officially become one of the bad guys in Ukraine.
S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller.
show notes
S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tom Nichols: Covid Trump 2.0
7 mars 2025 |
52 min
They end up sounding ridiculous whenever they try—like the treasury secretary saying that access to cheap goods is not part of the American dream. At the same time, Trump’s circle of plutocrats don't seem to mind that the stock market is tanking. And while the administration is cutting Ukraine off from US intelligence to serve up an unjust peace, the Pentagon is on a CTRL-F "gay" delete rampage. Plus, Dems need to skip the kooky TikToks, and the SpaceX rocket explosion was only one part of Elon's very bad day.
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
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Tom's piece about Dems acting too normal (gifted)
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Tim's interview with a reporter in Ukraine
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Clip from French senator's speech calling out Trump and Elon
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MAGA hat guy thinking he's gone into the lion's den at Disney World
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Debris from the latest SpaceX rocket explosion reentering the atmosphere over the Bahamas
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Tim's playlist
Neera Tanden and John Fetterman: They're Playing With People's Lives
6 mars 2025 |
57 min
Donald Trump is hurting the American people. The DOGE cuts are not only waging war on jobs, they're also harming the American public and undermining the safety, health, and economic well-being of everyday Americans. And by cowering to his favorite bully in Moscow, Trump is prepping the US to be a subservient partner of Russia. Plus, John Fetterman joins Tim to share his opposition to the campaigns against both transgender athletes and soldiers, and to chastise Dems for the way they received the POTUS in Congress.
Sen. John Fetterman and Neera Tanden join Tim Miller.
show notes
Sen. John Fetterman and Neera Tanden join Tim Miller.
show notes
Jim Acosta: Trump Can't Take the Heat
5 mars 2025 |
55 min
Once upon a time, presidents used to take tough questions from the press, but the current White House occupant can't handle any scrutiny from cantankerous reporters. And on his sad and sulking days, he needs warm and fuzzy Newsmax in the press pool to envelop him with flattery. Meanwhile, the joint session of Congress address has become basically pointless, SCOTUS blocks Trump's usurpation of power by one single vote, and at Trump's behest, the CIA is punishing Zelensky because he won't cooperate with the administration's disinfo campaign.
Plus, Democrats need to show voters they are genuinely furious. And if you've thought about running for office, now is the time to jump in—particularly in districts the Dems have tended to ignore.
Amanda Litman and Jim Acosta join Tim Miller.
show notes
The Jim Acosta Show
Amanda's 'Run for Something'
When reporters rallied around Fox after Obama White House tried to shut it out
Plus, Democrats need to show voters they are genuinely furious. And if you've thought about running for office, now is the time to jump in—particularly in districts the Dems have tended to ignore.
Amanda Litman and Jim Acosta join Tim Miller.
show notes
The Jim Acosta Show
Amanda's 'Run for Something'
When reporters rallied around Fox after Obama White House tried to shut it out
James Carville and Michael Weiss: The Whole Country Could Go Under
4 mars 2025 |
66 min
Trump is anti-American and seems to hate this country: How else can his behavior be explained? The tariffs, the austerity, the threat of a default, along with the corruption and grift— it feels like we're at the beginning stage of something that could go very, very bad. Meanwhile, Trump may not have the cards himself on Ukraine. Europe and the rest of the West have the economic might to continue to back Ukraine. And if that coalition maintains a united front, it would have the power to reject a 'peace' deal imposed by the US and Russia.
James Carville and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
show notes
James Carville and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol: Kleptocrats and Plutocrats
3 mars 2025 |
48 min
Trump is trying to chuck the post-WWII order and firmly pivot American foreign policy away from Europe and toward Putin—the poor guy who got dragged into totally-not-a-hoax Russia Russia Russia. And Lil' Marco and Lindsey rushed to defend Trump and JD against Zelensky, who dared to question in the Oval Office whether Putin could be trusted in any ceasefire deal. At the same time, DOGE is putting the lives of malnourished children and pregnant women at risk in the name of cost-cutting while Trump is planning to use taxpayer money to prop up crypto, so he and his cronies can personally profit off it even more.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
BONUS EPISODE from Tim's New "FYPod"
2 mars 2025 |
83 min
Tim has a new Gen Z podcast, co-hosted by Cameron Kasky. The most recent episode is called "Nazi Parties Aren't Ragers," and features guest Joshua Rush, a former Disney Channel star turned political operative.
Covid-19 locked up Gen Z during their formative years, and the GOP offered them a party. Sure, there’s some Nazism mixed in with the drinks, but during a loneliness pandemic, you take what highs you can get. Tim and Cam discuss how Covid helped push Gen Z right. Plus, Joshua Rush defends the activist tactics of Gen Z and explains how— in the face of nonstop nihilism—he still has optimism for the future of America.
Joshua Rush joins Tim Miller and Cameron Kasky.
show notes
FYPod page
Covid-19 locked up Gen Z during their formative years, and the GOP offered them a party. Sure, there’s some Nazism mixed in with the drinks, but during a loneliness pandemic, you take what highs you can get. Tim and Cam discuss how Covid helped push Gen Z right. Plus, Joshua Rush defends the activist tactics of Gen Z and explains how— in the face of nonstop nihilism—he still has optimism for the future of America.
Joshua Rush joins Tim Miller and Cameron Kasky.
show notes
FYPod page
David Frum: Both Pro-Jesus and Pro-Sex Trafficking
28 februari 2025 |
47 min
Forget the Epstein files hullabaloo. Members of the Trump administration, perhaps at the urging of Barron Trump, seem to have directly intervened to get the travel ban lifted on the Tate brothers, who are charged with rape and sex trafficking in Europe. Meanwhile, a "Keep Christ in Christmas" extravaganza is being planned at the Kennedy Center, where Trump is now chair. Plus, the con behind crypto is going to run out of fools, CEOs are regretting their bet on Trump, Kash wants to run the FBI part-time from Vegas—and the Dems need to try on a little shamelessness and make Trump own the spiraling price of eggs.
David Frum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
David Frum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Mike Murphy: The Chinese Own Elon
27 februari 2025 |
66 min
The not-so-shadow president's largest Tesla plant is in Shanghai, but the People's Republic of China has the pink slip and can take it back at any time. Meanwhile, China—the world's largest automaker—is working hard to eat into our car industry, and Trump, who fooled enough voters that he was a successful business tycoon, is happily talking about killing subsidies in the critical EV market—except for Tesla of course. Plus, bartender AOC is the best AOC, Bezos is one of the biggest corporate welfare profiteers, and Michael Fanone recounts how he dressed down larping Proud Boy trolls.
Mike Murphy and Michael Fanone join Tim Miller.
show notes
Mike Murphy and Michael Fanone join Tim Miller.
show notes
Ruben Gallego and Zerlina Maxwell: Make Them Own It
26 februari 2025 |
56 min
Republicans are aiming to gut Medicaid to pay for trillions in tax cuts for the richest of Americans, and they're trying to hide it. The Dems need to bring the DC conversation home—hold town halls everywhere, tell voters what would happen, especially in rural MAGA areas where hospitals and trauma centers will close. Meanwhile, Trump is turning chaos at the border into chaos in the streets by having ICE grab people who haven't even committed crimes to pump up his deportation numbers. Plus, Elon's insatiable and scandalous quest for more money, the Dems' evolving media strategy, and how to help maintain mental health during these stressful times.
Sen. Ruben Gallego and Zerlina Maxwell join Tim Miller.
show notes
Zerlina's show on SiriusXM Progress Channel 127
Zerlina's new Substack
Will Selber's piece that Tim referenced
Sen. Ruben Gallego and Zerlina Maxwell join Tim Miller.
show notes
Zerlina's show on SiriusXM Progress Channel 127
Zerlina's new Substack
Will Selber's piece that Tim referenced
Ben Wittes: Who the F*** Are You?
25 februari 2025 |
63 min
Trump administration lawyers don't know or won't tell a federal judge who is running DOGE because Elon doesn't formally exist as part of the government he is trying to dismantle. And the administration is likely to lose many of the wrongful termination cases involving forest rangers, researchers, and the like—it will end up paying back wages and not save any money in the process. Meanwhile, we are not exactly confident that the FBI under Kash and meathead Dan will thoroughly investigate the recent bomb threat against Never Trumpers and police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan 6. Ben Wittes breaks it all down. Plus, Lawfare has been crushing it, and it's now out with a new podcast about the history of US-Ukrainian relations, hosted by Nastya Lapatina and Tyler McBrien.
Ben Wittes, Anastasiia Lapatina, and Tyler McBrien join Tim Miller.
show notes
Ben Wittes, Anastasiia Lapatina, and Tyler McBrien join Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol and Jared Polis: Send In the Clown
24 februari 2025 |
62 min
Trump keeps filling out his administration with the unqualified and the inexperienced, including the recent addition of borderline literate hack Dan Bongino at the FBI. Meanwhile, Trump's Friday night DOD purge was another step in embedding autocracy in our government. Plus, Elon's and Vance's efforts to influence the German elections seem to have backfired. And before the Proud Boy drama and the bomb threat at the annual Principles First conference, Tim spoke with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis about the right way to cut government waste and build more houses—and how the Dems should polish their prosperity messaging.
Gov. Jared Polis and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.
show notes
Gov. Jared Polis and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.
show notes
Adam Kinzinger: It's Starting to Happen
21 februari 2025 |
50 min
Boos at a Republican town hall in Fulton County, and boos at the White House: We're beginning to see signs of people refusing to be ruled by unelected billionaires, oligarchs and CEOs. This may be the time for Democrats with some heterodox views to run for office. Meanwhile, the supposedly free speech president and his shadow are trying to intimidate people from criticizing them—including a member of Congress and one of Elon's baby mamas. Plus, Trump's advisers seem more worried about Zelensky saying mean things about him than the fact that he wants to hand the spoils to the losing side of the war.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Rep. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
David Graham and Pablo Torre: Is Lil Marco a Cuban Communist Agent?
20 februari 2025 |
60 min
If Marco Rubio was NOT playing the long game masquerading as a patriotic neocon who gets placed in the State Department to then give Russia everything it wanted, what would he be doing differently? Meanwhile, a Democratic version of the Tea Party may be brewing, the tensions between Elon and Russ Vought are likely to pop out, and a psychoanalyst needs to explain Mitch McConnell. Plus, the Saudis are getting their claws in our sports with a LIV-PGA deal and Trump's astonishingly corrupt involvement. And also -- Trump doesn't know ball.
Pablo Torre and David Graham join Tim Miller.
show notes
Pablo Torre and David Graham join Tim Miller.
show notes
Jared Moskowitz and Zeke Faux: Scams Galore
19 februari 2025 |
57 min
Crypto should be one of the biggest stories out of the Trump administration, but the crypto guys are really good at making it seem more complicated than it is. Bloomberg's Zeke Faux joins Tim to run down the ins-and-outs, and the players—including the Chinese businessman facing SEC charges who swears the $56 million he gave Trump has absolutely nothing, zero, zilch to do with his case. Meanwhile, we're about to find out how much Republicans really care about the deficit with the coming budget, and the Democrats must not cave. Plus, Elon's crappy math, America would not get anything out of Trump's deal with Russia, and Tuesday's violence in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Zeke Faux join Tim Miller.
show notes
Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Zeke Faux join Tim Miller.
show notes
Susan Glasser: Giving Away the Store to Putin
18 februari 2025 |
53 min
Trump is A-OK with all the murder and mayhem Russia has unleashed on Ukraine, and he's making a mockery of all his enablers who claimed he'd do a Reagan-esque kind of deal. Instead, Ukraine wasn't even invited to the "peace" talks, while Trump tries to impose an extortion deal on the Ukrainian people for daring to fight back against the Russian invasion. Plus, the danger to our constitutional system if the main guy in the Oval Office defies a court order, the real live threat to the First Amendment from the White House's lockout of the Associated Press, and the origin story of Trump's obsession with Greenland.
Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol: Taking A Wrecking Ball to the Government
17 februari 2025 |
37 min
Firing air traffic controllers over a busy holiday travel weekend, cutting a veterans crisis hotline, axing and then rehiring people who maintain and keep our nuclear arsenal safe: Musk and his minions aren't trying to "fix" the government. They're trying to make it more susceptible to Trump's personalized leadership. And the MIA Dems need to get out there and throw some punches since the media loves fights. Meanwhile, the US is now more of a problem than a solution on Ukraine, Elon's massive corruption isn't drawing anywhere near the same attention as Hunter/Burisma—and Bill Cassidy could just vote against Kash or delay his confirmation if he's really worried about the FBI.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller
show notes
Andrew Weissmann and Michael Weiss: Valentine's Massacre
14 februari 2025 |
56 min
Unlike the cowardly Republican senators who are rolling over in the face of Kash Patel's bald-faced lies, the men and women of the Justice Department are taking their oaths of office seriously by refusing to comply with a blatantly political order to dismiss corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Meanwhile, Trump is just over the moon with Vladimir Putin—even though his army is performing quite poorly on the battlefield against Ukraine. Plus, the makeup heir advising Trump on foreign policy, Emil Bove is this moment's cartoon villain, and Pizzagate's Jack Posobiec is somehow inside the administration's inner circle.
Andrew Weissmann and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Support "Orange Ribbons for Jamie" here, formed in honor of Parkland shooting victim Jaime Guttenberg
Details on Zelensky offering Trump a Ukrainian boxer's championship belt
Tim's playlist
Andrew Weissmann and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Support "Orange Ribbons for Jamie" here, formed in honor of Parkland shooting victim Jaime Guttenberg
Details on Zelensky offering Trump a Ukrainian boxer's championship belt
Tim's playlist
Alex Wagner: The Poster Child for Corruption and Grift
13 februari 2025 |
52 min
While Elon claims he's storming the government to cut waste, he's also getting himself a big fat check for $400 million from the State Department for Tesla armored vehicles—though administration officials are now trying to hide the grift because the Trump glow does not extend to the weird dude. Meanwhile, McConnell may have voted against confirming RFK Jr, but he's the one who drew up the blueprint for breaking the rules. Plus, the asymmetry in passion between MAGA and the resistance, and Alex's new podcast looks at how people are being affected by the policies and promises of Trumpism.
MSNBC’s Alex Wagner join Tim.
show notes
Trumpland with Alex Wagner
Dave Weigel's piece that Tim referenced
Axios piece that was mentioned
MSNBC’s Alex Wagner join Tim.
show notes
Trumpland with Alex Wagner
Dave Weigel's piece that Tim referenced
Axios piece that was mentioned
Carol Leonnig and Robert Putnam: Lies and Moral Obligations
12 februari 2025 |
68 min
If Republican senators had any shred of dignity left, they'd demand that Kash Patel answer why he brazenly lied under oath to them about the purge of agents at the FBI. Credible sources have come forward to say he was directing the whole thing. Meanwhile, Trump has leveled the playing field so companies doing business overseas can do all the bribing they want. Plus, our modern "boy problem," our genetic wiring to not be loners, and finding a way out of our polarization by seeing we have an obligation to respect and care for other people.
Carol Leonnig and Bob Putnam join Tim Miller
show notes
Carol Leonnig and Bob Putnam join Tim Miller
show notes
Tom Malinowski: Fight the Power, Dems
11 februari 2025 |
58 min
The Democratic Party was made for different times, when rules were followed. But to preserve the basic power of Congress, and to prove that the Constitution is worth the paper it's printed on, the troublemakers in the Dem caucus have to get busy fighting over tariffs and a looming budget deal. Besides, Trump's strongest hand is performative outbursts—making threats and pretending he got something in return. Plus, Elon is giving away America's greatness, the EU should call Trump's bluff, and the Democrats should quit chasing donations from the social media companies that broke our democracy.
Former congressman Tom Malinowski joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom's Bulwark piece on how the Democrats should fight
Former congressman Tom Malinowski joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom's Bulwark piece on how the Democrats should fight
Bill Kristol: The Law Be Damned
10 februari 2025 |
48 min
The new administration has been routinely breaking the law, including on Friday when it announced it was cutting funding for universities doing medical research, specifically in violation of legislation passed by Congress last year. And over the weekend, Trump, Musk, and Vance signaled a willingness to ignore court orders—a federal judge on Monday declared that the White House was doing just that in response to his order lifting a freeze on grant spending. Meanwhile, Trump designated himself the Supreme Leader over the Kennedy Center, and canned the national archivist perhaps because the agency happened to notice he was hoarding classified documents. Plus, at a time when we could use some decent role models, Jalen Hurts showed what it's like to win without being petty and consumed by grievance.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
JVL's Triad newsletter on how the Dems can win the USAID fight
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
JVL's Triad newsletter on how the Dems can win the USAID fight
Ezra Klein: The Resistance, Back from the Dead
7 februari 2025 |
57 min
Partly because of the courts and partly because the White House keeps stepping on rakes or trying to break everything, the Dems who were too chill about Trump pre- and post-election have fully moved into 'threat to the Republic' mode. Meanwhile, angry bureaucrats, particularly at the FBI, are digging in. But don't be sanguine because the administration is still trying to take a wrecking ball to the civil service— anything that goes wrong that involves the government though (like that measles outbreak in Texas) they're going to own from here on out. Plus, Trump's dirty energy policy, the challenge of getting his tax cuts through Congress, and Kanye goes all in on Hitler.
Ezra Klein joins Tim on the weekend pod.
show notes
Ezra's forthcoming book with Derek Thompson, "Abundance"
Ezra's show on YouTube
Measles Outbreak Mounts Among Children in One of Texas’ Least Vaccinated Counties
Tim's playlist
Ezra Klein joins Tim on the weekend pod.
show notes
Ezra's forthcoming book with Derek Thompson, "Abundance"
Ezra's show on YouTube
Measles Outbreak Mounts Among Children in One of Texas’ Least Vaccinated Counties
Tim's playlist
Michael Steele: Gum Up the Works
6 februari 2025 |
50 min
After the dumbest member of the Senate, Tommy Tuberville, was able to block military promotions for months during the Biden administration, Dems should not back down from slowing the roll of Kash and the other remaining abominable nominees. Meanwhile, more federal workers are going to have to speak up—lawsuits don't make good visuals. The nation needs to see the faces of the men and women who are our public servants. Plus, Elon's poll numbers slip, Trump's Gaza gambit is BS, and who is the new DNC Chair, Ken Martin? Michael Steele joins Tim Miller.
Ben Stiller: 'Severance,' but Real Life
5 februari 2025 |
63 min
With Elon's 20-something operatives running the Treasury Department, it's hard not to feel that we've been severed from reality and a better Earth someplace else. Ben Stiller talks with Tim about metaphysics, avoiding politics in public, and advocating for the millions of people displaced around the world.
Plus, the origin story of Severance, Adam Scott, John Turturro, and whether the show is a metaphor for life itself. Also, Tim gives a pop quiz, Ben shares his love for the Knicks, and both ponder why there aren't good comedies anymore.
Ben Stiller joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Watch Severance
The Albert Brooks film, 'Real Life.'
Trailer for "Real Life'
Ben's New York Times interview
Video of one of Musk's engineers/operatives
Plus, the origin story of Severance, Adam Scott, John Turturro, and whether the show is a metaphor for life itself. Also, Tim gives a pop quiz, Ben shares his love for the Knicks, and both ponder why there aren't good comedies anymore.
Ben Stiller joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Watch Severance
The Albert Brooks film, 'Real Life.'
Trailer for "Real Life'
Ben's New York Times interview
Video of one of Musk's engineers/operatives
Anne Applebaum: Outside the Rule of Law
4 februari 2025 |
57 min
If the Chinese hacked the U.S. government the way private citizen Elon has, it would be a major act of cyber warfare. And since Elon is a government contractor, he's now in a position to make policy calls that benefit his own companies and hurt his competitors—following the Russian oligarch model. We are in a completely lawless realm, and this is likely to continue until he is stopped. Meanwhile, government employees are being forced to choose between conforming or protecting the public. Plus, Elon is also sabotaging America's soft power and influence in Africa while he and the other tech overlords plot how to derail Europe's effort to regulate them.
Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Will Saletan and Scott Lincicome: A Crime Boss Has Taken Over
3 februari 2025 |
73 min
The president of the United States is putting his Jan 6 accomplices in charge of the Justice Department and the FBI, and clearing out any officials who would be willing to investigate the administration. It's anti-democratic, it's a coup, and it's allowing Elon and his 20-something DOGE buddies to act with impunity as they illegally access classified information and the Treasury's payment system. Meanwhile, the White House can't even get its messaging straight on the tariffs as they sabotage our relationship with allies in the process. Plus, the ethnic scapegoating continues and the Dems at the DNC go all Portlandia when they need to be fighting the aspiring authoritarians.
Will Saletan and Scott Lincicome join Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's interview with J.J. McCullough on Canada's retaliatory tariffs
Will Saletan and Scott Lincicome join Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's interview with J.J. McCullough on Canada's retaliatory tariffs
Andrew Weissmann: A MAGAtocracy and a Babytocracy
31 januari 2025 |
54 min
While Republican senators worked to protect Kash Patel from answering some ver-wee hard questions at his confirmation hearing, not one of them had the audacity to suggest that he is the best person to lead the FBI. Meanwhile, the new administration is clearing out some of the most seasoned and effective veterans at the bureau who will be needed during a crisis. Plus, Elon is trying to get our private financial records at the Treasury Department, and Paramount is so worried that mean Mr. Trump would block a merger deal that it's ready to settle his frivolous, written-in-crayon lawsuit against "60 Minutes." Also, Tim makes an earnest plea to Sen. Bill Cassidy from the heart of New Orleans.
Andrew Weissmann joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Weissmann's and Mary McCord's podcast, "Main Justice"
Weissmann's Substack page
Tim's playlist
Andrew Weissmann joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Weissmann's and Mary McCord's podcast, "Main Justice"
Weissmann's Substack page
Tim's playlist
Tommy Vietor: Deniability Is All That Matters
30 januari 2025 |
66 min
Republican senators don't care that Trump's nominees are lying—like Kash pretending he didn't know a Nazi-adjacent podcaster whose show he's been on eight times—because the confirmation process to them is all a game and truth is irrelevant. And nominees are also mad-flipping on their signatures issues: RFK, Jr. on vaccines, Tulsi on Edward Snowden, and Kash on the Jan 6 cop beaters. Meanwhile, RFK knows embarrassingly little about the programs he'd be administering, Democrats should try combat on for size, and the Fox hosts/reality show stars turned in quite a performance after the first plane crash in 16 years.
Tommy Vietor joins Tim Miller.
Tommy Vietor joins Tim Miller.
Mona Charen: A Moment of Truth
29 januari 2025 |
41 min
Trump is trying to seize powers he doesn't have—like unilaterally rewriting laws and deciding on his own how he wants to spend money Congress appropriated for a particular purpose. Will the Supreme Court stop him? And if it rules against him, will he obey the court's orders? Plus, the money angle behind RFK, Jr.'s conspiracies, and Elon's attempt at a mass buyout is not about making the government leaner and meaner. He's trying to replace good, smart people with lackeys and flunkies, like Tucker Carlson's son. Mona Charen joins Tim Miller.
Mona Charen joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Mona Charen joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Chris Hayes and Alex Kantrowitz: Trying To Break the Whole Thing
28 januari 2025 |
70 min
The directives putting a pause on federal grants and the firing of career DOJ prosecutors is about trying to make the entirety of the federal government the tool of the man occupying the presidency. And it's all illegal and unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Trump is exactly the kind of broken sociopath who can dominate the war for attention—the defining resource of our time. Plus, a rundown on DeepSeek, the new Chinese AI model, and why Bitcoin fans aren't more angry about the worthless, scammy Trump and Melania coins.
Chris Hayes and Alex Kantrowitz join Tim Miller.
show notes
Chris Hayes and Alex Kantrowitz join Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol: Trump Loves Fraud
27 januari 2025 |
50 min
Gullible Republicans have really been proving what they're made of recently, including Susan Collins, who claims Trump wants to root out corruption, even though his whole life has been a fraud—the water, the university, and "The Apprentice," just for starters. Meanwhile, the presidents of Mexico and Colombia are showing that they're not going to bend over in service of Trump's vanity. Plus, JD's Johnny-come-lately Catholicism, and the tech titans's clash with DEI may be helping the US lose the lead in AI.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Colombian President Gustavo Petro's statement on Twitter (hit translate post)
Timothée Chalamet on SNL
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Colombian President Gustavo Petro's statement on Twitter (hit translate post)
Timothée Chalamet on SNL
David French: Vengeance and Rage
24 januari 2025 |
62 min
Trump launched his first week back in office signaling to loyal followers that they are free to break the law on his behalf, while telling political opponents—including John Bolton and Mike Pompeo—that he'll put their lives at risk. Meanwhile, an office full of white faces is not evidence of a meritocracy, a shortage of VA nurses or prosecutors at the DOJ is not government efficiency, and Putin is different from the man he was during Trump's first term. Plus, the dangers of the word "invasion" in the immigration context.
David French joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
John Mulaney's 'horse in the hospital' skit
Tweet from Dan Crenshaw that Tim referenced
David's latest newsletter (gifted)
Tim's playlist
David French joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
John Mulaney's 'horse in the hospital' skit
Tweet from Dan Crenshaw that Tim referenced
David's latest newsletter (gifted)
Tim's playlist
Sam Stein and Adrian Carrasquillo: We Are in a Simulation
23 januari 2025 |
60 min
Emotionally-stunted video game boys, who are also government contractors and/or quasi government officials, are fighting on Twitter, a POTUS who went all the way to SCOTUS to get immunity for presidents now would like the last president investigated, and America's premiere scientific research institution, the NIH, can't tell us about the bird flu—a widespread and potentially deadly virus that could mutate into a human pandemic. Meanwhile, the assault on immigration has stepped up, with raids now permitted at churches and schools. And DHS is targeting anyone who can be deported, regardless of whether or not they're a security threat.
Adrian Carrasquillo and Sam Stein join Tim Miller.
show notes
https://x.com/arelisrhdz/status/1881397640849678362
Adrian Carrasquillo and Sam Stein join Tim Miller.
show notes
https://x.com/arelisrhdz/status/1881397640849678362
Stephanie Ruhle: Unlimited Money and No Rules
22 januari 2025 |
46 min
All those CEOs cartwheeled down to Mar-a-Lago and then dutifully lined up at Trump's inauguration because they were fed up with social justice warriors and labor having more power—even if their bottom lines were never harmed in the process. Now, they want their next adrenaline rush and more government money without any pesky regulations hampering their highfalutin space-exploration dreams. But they may just pine for those DEI training sessions after the coming populist economic backlash.
Stephanie Ruhle joins Tim Miller.
Stephanie Ruhle joins Tim Miller.
Tom Nichols: A Farce and a Sham
21 januari 2025 |
60 min
Trump tried to pencil out literal words in the Constitution and then freed 1,500 violent insurrectionists—while the media attempted to normalize it all. Meanwhile, much attention is being paid to Elon's salute, and not enough to the facts that he has an office at the White House, he's a government contractor, and paid a quarter of a billion dollars to get Trump elected. Plus, other Trump executive orders were pissy and petty, the 80s can no longer be called the decade of greed after Monday's Hunger Games vibe, and the Democrats are going to have a hard time resisting a risky 'eat the rich' path.
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes
-
Tom's piece from Monday on the police responding to Jan 6
-
Tweets about the price of eggs v attending the inauguration, which Tom referenced
-
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Bill Kristol: Resist the Nihilism
20 januari 2025 |
44 min
Trump wants us to believe that nothing matters, so we'll brush off all his corruption and grifting as though everybody does it. That's what aspiring authoritarians always do, including the guy who didn't place his hand on a Bible when he was sworn in today. Meanwhile, Trump just launched probably the biggest scam in the history of the presidency with his memecoin—ordinary people will lose real money, nothing like the small-ball amounts he scoops up with his shoes, mugs, and digital baseball cards. Plus, Biden's pardons, Trump's Day One executive orders, and seizing the means of content production with TikTok.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
-
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Ron Brownstein: Don't Take the Bait
17 januari 2025 |
50 min
Trump governed as a wartime president against blue America, so expect him to keep stirring up culture battles—but the Dems have to avoid getting drawn into them. Kamala and the party were undone in '24 by looking like they cared more about niche issues than putting food on the table. Meanwhile, Biden has left Trump a lot of room to consolidate a bigger coalition than he's ever had. Plus, for Republicans shrugging off climate change and threatening to withhold fire aid to California, here's a news flash: extreme weather is coming to a neighborhood near you.
Ron Brownstein joins Tim Miller for the weekend
show notes
Ron Brownstein joins Tim Miller for the weekend
show notes
Melissa Murray and John Avlon: The Dark Legal Clouds Ahead
16 januari 2025 |
57 min
Pam Bondi is likely to sail to confirmation—even if she's an election denier and pretends she was born yesterday—because she meets the simple qualifications of being a lawyer and former prosecutor, and because she's not a frat paddle come to life i.e. Matt Gaetz. But the fact that she wasn't able to clearly state that the U.S. is her client, not Donald Trump, is a giant red flag. Ditto for his personal lawyers also coming on board. Plus, the ominous removal of Mike Turner from the House intelligence committee, how Biden's farewell address stacked up, and what the locked-up shampoo bottles at CVS say about blue-state governance.
Melissa Murray and John Avlon join Tim.
show notes
Melissa Murray and John Avlon join Tim.
show notes
Adam Kinzinger and Mark Kelly: Dirty Little Secret
15 januari 2025 |
64 min
Being secretary of defense is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. But after Pete Hegseth was plucked from a part-time Fox & Friends gig, Republican senators could only kiss his ass and act starstruck during his confirmation hearing—all to ensure he takes their calls when they need military equipment or contracts in their states. Meanwhile, Nancy Mace has been a con artist from the beginning, Trump nominated Nazi-curious Joe Kent to run the National Counterterrorism Center, and Tulsi thinks Edward Snowden is a hero.
Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Adam Kinzinger join Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's piece on Joe Kent courting the racist fringe vote when he ran for Congress
Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Adam Kinzinger join Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's piece on Joe Kent courting the racist fringe vote when he ran for Congress
Peter Hamby: The Politics of a Firestorm
14 januari 2025 |
67 min
Real estate is everything in Los Angeles. Karen Bass's absence from the city when the fires broke out, and now her seeming aloofness, has instantly made her look unfit for the job of mayor. Even Gavin Newsom is distancing himself from Bass. Meanwhile, while we wait on the facts behind the fires, all the Silicon Valley VC guys and Elon need to shut the f*** up. Plus, Mike Johnson is a disgrace, Zuck has no inner core of values, and TikTok Zoomers need to get a better understanding of free speech and fascism.
Venice resident Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Venice resident Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol: Cannons All the Way Down
13 januari 2025 |
52 min
Trump's favorite judge, Aileen Cannon, has been attempting to exercise authority she doesn't have over Jack Smith's required report on his investigations of the Jan 6 case and the hoarding of classified docs—but she'll be a model of loyalty that Trump will expect for all his judicial appointments. Meanwhile, it's a big week of hearings for his nominees, Wray could do more to oppose the politicization of the FBI, and what is up with Fetterman?
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bob Kagan's Atlantic piece on Ukraine that Bill referenced
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bob Kagan's Atlantic piece on Ukraine that Bill referenced
Amanda Carpenter: We Are Team Karen (Pence)
10 januari 2025 |
56 min
"Mother" Pence is owed an apology. She snubbed Trump so hard and so beautifully at Jimmy Carter's funeral—and wasn't about to make nice with the man who was all-in on Jan 6 rioters trying to lynch her husband. Meanwhile, the catturd crowd is mad at Amy Coney Barrett for not falling in line, and running off to Greenland while American neighborhoods are on fire is not America First. Plus, the risks of Trump dominating the battlespace with all the stupid stuff. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
show notes:
charity links:
Derek Thompson and Elizabeth Weil: The Trend Toward Solitude
9 januari 2025 |
74 min
Americans have been spending more time alone—and less time doing face-to-face socializing—than we have for at least 60 years. And our alone time is impacting the economy, our politics, and our personalities, particularly among young people. Meanwhile, the fires in Los Angeles are a heartbreaking reminder that the California landscape was meant to burn—and it will keep happening whether we like it or not. Plus, the mystery around the sister of Sam Altman.
Derek Thompson and Liz Weil join Tim Miller.
show notes
Derek Thompson and Liz Weil join Tim Miller.
show notes
-
Derek's piece, "The Anti-Social Century"
-
Derek's forthcoming book with Ezra Klein, "Abundance"
-
Arlie Russell Hochschild's book, "Strangers in Their Own Land," referenced by Derek
-
Hochschild's "Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right"
-
"Palaces for the People" book Derek mentioned
-
Liz's ProPublica piece on megafires
-
Liz's piece, "This Isn't the California I Married"
-
Liz's reporting on Sam Altman's sister, Annie
Liam Donovan and Brendan Boyle: The Great Grift
8 januari 2025 |
67 min
Trump talked a lot more about Hannibal Lecter during the campaign than one of his actual top priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts. With those $4.5 trillion in cuts set to expire by the end of the year, that's the first major item of business for congressional Republicans. But how they get paid for will affect people's lives. Tim takes a deep dive into the reconciliation process that would allow Republicans to make deep cuts to programs without having to work with Democrats. Plus, the billionaire plutocrats staffing the new administration and the potential for corruption.
Rep. Brendan Boyle and Liam Donovan join Tim Miller.
Rep. Brendan Boyle and Liam Donovan join Tim Miller.
Charlie Warzel: Zuck Sucks Up to Trump
7 januari 2025 |
56 min
Mark Zuckerberg is doing all he can to get an audience with the big man at Mar-a-Lago, including praising Trump's (faux) free speech bona fides and restructuring Meta to eliminate fact-checking. Maybe it's because Zuck wants to show his middle finger to the mean tech reporters—or maybe it's because Trump threatened to imprison Zuck. Plus, the conspiracies around Jan 6 v 9/11, and the potential threat to our financial system from crypto.
Charlie Warzel joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Charlie's piece on internet brain rot
Charlie's piece on crypto and the potential nightmare in Trump 2.0
Charlie Warzel joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Charlie's piece on internet brain rot
Charlie's piece on crypto and the potential nightmare in Trump 2.0
Bill Kristol: The Preposterous and Ridiculous Lies About the FBI
6 januari 2025 |
51 min
Kash Patel's Jan 6 lie requires FBI officials to have been able to see into the future: to *know* that Trump would lose in 2020 and then try to get Congress to reverse the election results. And they also would have to have known they could get thousands of people to attack the Capitol—just to make MAGA look bad. Are GOP senators really going to clear this conspiracy theorist extraordinaire to run the bureau? Plus, the martyrology around Jan 6 and the mass exodus of journalists from The Washington Post. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom Jocelyn and Norm Eisen on Kash
Sgt. Gonell's reflection on Jan 6
Michael Kruse on Al Gore and Mike Pence
show notes:
Tom Jocelyn and Norm Eisen on Kash
Sgt. Gonell's reflection on Jan 6
Michael Kruse on Al Gore and Mike Pence
Jonathan Martin: A Resilient City
3 januari 2025 |
44 min
New Orleans is the most special city in America, but it's a place that also breaks your heart. Local leaders will have to reassure the world that the French Quarter is safe. Plus, Mike Johnson is bound up in a Gordian Knot, and Democrats are petrified of the wrath of leading progressive interest groups in DC— it's like the Dem Party's version of Trump's Twitter ire.
Jonathan Martin joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Glen David Andrews leading a second line to reopen Bourbon Street on Thursday
Jonathan's interview with Sen. Brian Schatz
Tim's playlist
Jonathan Martin joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Glen David Andrews leading a second line to reopen Bourbon Street on Thursday
Jonathan's interview with Sen. Brian Schatz
Tim's playlist
David Frum: Sociopaths and Political Tribalism
2 januari 2025 |
51 min
Apart from the death and carnage on New Years Day in New Orleans, Americans revealed another darkness once again: an eagerness to pin violence on someone who doesn't share their political world view. Meanwhile, Republicans rushed to attack the FBI as a way to justify confirming Kash Patel. Plus, Trump has tossed populism aside as he preps to be openly oligarchical, and the real threats TV journalists face.
David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes
David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: We Are Sticking With the Mission
31 december 2024 |
63 min
While some media outlets may be moving to accommodate Trump out of fear he'll target them, The Bulwark will not be recalibrating. We'll keep providing the (sometimes funny) content you expect, we'll try not to chase Trump's bait (Canada, Greenland, Panama), and we'll disaggregate the real from the trolling. Plus, when one of the worst people in the world makes a good point, and how much is Trump stuck with Elon?
Sarah and JVL join Tim for the last show of 2024. Happy New Year!
show notes
Sarah and JVL join Tim for the last show of 2024. Happy New Year!
show notes
Bill Kristol: Exploit the Rifts
30 december 2024 |
48 min
MAGA v DOGE, the Christmas gift that keeps on giving, is an early sign of the coming infighting that could diminish Trump's power—we're definitely not seeing signs of an iron fist amid all that golfing and DJ-ing at Mar-a-Lago. Meanwhile, the world he'll be dealing with is far less stable than it was in 2017. Plus, a Carter appreciation, love for Chalamet's Dylan portrayal, and anticipation of a wild January.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
'The Hottest Circle of Hell Is for Those Who Stay Neutral'
27 december 2024 |
83 min
Do you have to pick a side in politics? That was the question Reason Magazine, the flagship publication of the libertarian movement, invited The Bulwark to debate. In a panel moderated by Reason features editor and Across the Movie Aisle co-host Peter Suderman, Sarah and Tim debated picking sides with Reason editors-at-large Matt Welch and Nick Gillespie.
The debate was sharp, occasionally heated, enlightening, and definitely amusing. The results were . . . resounding. Watch for yourself.
The debate was sharp, occasionally heated, enlightening, and definitely amusing. The results were . . . resounding. Watch for yourself.
Jon Favreau: Funny and Horrible
20 december 2024 |
65 min
While it's still going to be bad, for the first time since the election we're beginning to see that we may actually have a little fun watching these idiots prove they don't know how to govern. Meanwhile, we've also got aspiring authoritarians on the left who think they're right at any cost. Plus, the challenge of holding on to American ideals, how to reach low-info voters, Tim's take from Phoenix on TPUSA, and can Tim make Jon cry? And one more Biden critique (that comes toward the end)... Merry Christmas.
Jon Favreau joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Jon's piece in The Atlantic
Clip from Stavros Halkias about not voting Trump that Tim referenced
Tim's playlist
Jon Favreau joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Jon's piece in The Atlantic
Clip from Stavros Halkias about not voting Trump that Tim referenced
Tim's playlist
Heather Cox Richardson: The Reality Show-ification of the Government
19 december 2024 |
45 min
We are seeing in real time what it looks like to turn a democracy over to an oligarch, namely the unstable guy from South Africa who thinks he's going to be emperor of the universe. It's also authoritarian for that one unstable guy to threaten members of congress with job loss if they vote to provide hurricane relief or to rebuild part of the interstate highway system. Plus, the need for a pro-democracy media ecosystem, the difference between liberal and left, and the terribleness of the William McKinley era.
Heather Cox Richardson joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Some of Heather's books:
“Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America"
"Wounded Knee: Party Politics and the Road to an American Massacre"
"West from Appomattox: The Reconstruction of America after the Civil War"
Heather Cox Richardson joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Some of Heather's books:
“Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America"
"Wounded Knee: Party Politics and the Road to an American Massacre"
"West from Appomattox: The Reconstruction of America after the Civil War"
Mark Hertling: Putin's Weakness
18 december 2024 |
46 min
Russia is on its weakest footing since it invaded Ukraine: Putin has destroyed his military, his economy is in the toilet, and the North Korean troops who've been deployed to help out are dying in waves on the battlefield. Why would the US bail Putin out? Meanwhile, MAGA world is trying to distract us with phony DEI issues in the military while we're dealing with some of the biggest challenges we've ever faced in the international space. Plus, with 180,000 US troops currently deployed overseas and 100+ Navy ships at sea, the DOD probably needs someone with a little more breadth of experience than a weekend talk show host on Fox. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Hertling's piece on the Army's and America's values
Hertling's piece on North Korean troops fighting for Russia in Ukraine
Tim and Sarah's live event with Reason magazine in DC Wednesday night
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Hertling's piece on the Army's and America's values
Hertling's piece on North Korean troops fighting for Russia in Ukraine
Tim and Sarah's live event with Reason magazine in DC Wednesday night
Tom Nichols: Don't Descend into Darkness
17 december 2024 |
58 min
The existential dread has a strong pull, especially since Trump has made a lot of Americans worse people, but we've had other bad, immoral, and creepy presidents who've sullied the office. Meanwhile, Vance is basically the invisible man while Elon lives in Trump's bedroom, and Andreessen is loading up a pile of BS to justify his vote. Plus, a Tim v Tom Christmas playlist.
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom's audiobook version of "The Death of Expertise"
Tim's Christmas playlist
John Ganz book Tom and Tim referenced
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom's audiobook version of "The Death of Expertise"
Tim's Christmas playlist
John Ganz book Tom and Tim referenced
Bill Kristol: Fake Nicey-Nicey Sh**t
16 december 2024 |
37 min
ABC News and George Stephanopoulos have joined the preemptive capitulation parade by settling Trump's defamation suit—and by conspicuously paying out protection money ahead of the inauguration. The potential chilling effect on a key First Amendment issue is breathtaking. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney backs off of his criticism of Trump and Vance. Plus, the anti-oligarchic, semi-populist grounds for challenging the incoming administration.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
NYT piece Bill mentioned
Bulwark debate on potentially ending Daylight Saving Time
Bill's conversation with Jack Goldsmith
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
NYT piece Bill mentioned
Bulwark debate on potentially ending Daylight Saving Time
Bill's conversation with Jack Goldsmith
Anne Applebaum: Planning for a Techno-Oligarchic Regime
13 december 2024 |
43 min
The billionaires rushing to get on board with Trump, and contributing millions for his inauguration, may have missed this key detail: Enhancing the power of a leader—to bend the rules and undermine the rule of law—is often very bad for business. Meanwhile, Team Trump is distracting the media and the public with the firehose of nominations. Plus, election laws v TikTok and Elon, how brutal regimes can quickly die, and the impact of Israel's campaigns on international law during wartime.
Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller.
Show notes:
Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller.
Show notes:
Matt Yglesias and Tyler Austin Harper: Popularism v Populism
12 december 2024 |
68 min
The origins of the Democratic party's current malaise include ineffective messaging on climate and economic policy, too rigid a tent on cultural issues, and Dem politicians just too scared to speak their mind. Like, Kamala could've turned the trans youth in sports convo into one about parents spending boatloads on sports camps so their kids can get into a good college. Plus, Christopher Wray chose the worst option.
Matt Yglesias and Tyler Austin Harper join Tim Miller to hash it out.
show notes:
Tyler's new piece in The Atlantic
Matt's "Common Sense Manifesto #4" from Slow Boring
Ben Wittes piece in Lawfare on Chris Wray
Book recommended by Tyler, "The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America"
Matt Yglesias and Tyler Austin Harper join Tim Miller to hash it out.
show notes:
Tyler's new piece in The Atlantic
Matt's "Common Sense Manifesto #4" from Slow Boring
Ben Wittes piece in Lawfare on Chris Wray
Book recommended by Tyler, "The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America"
Adam Kinzinger and Pat Ryan: Bring It On
11 december 2024 |
60 min
Team Trump is trying to intimidate the opposition. Stop showing them your fear. Plus, Gaetz moves from AG nominee to low-rent MAGA cable channel host, and RT's girlfriend, Tulsi, could have access to the identities of our informants in Russia if she is confirmed. Meanwhile, as Dems plot a way forward, they need to be more clear about calling out the heroes and the villains: When you're trying to be everything to everyone, you're nothing.
Adam Kinzinger and Rep. Pat Ryan join Tim Miller.
show notes
Kinzinger's Substack response to Trump's jail threat
Jake Tapper's 2017 interview with Tulsi Gabbard after her meeting with Assad
Adam Kinzinger and Rep. Pat Ryan join Tim Miller.
show notes
Kinzinger's Substack response to Trump's jail threat
Jake Tapper's 2017 interview with Tulsi Gabbard after her meeting with Assad
Susan Glasser: A Lame Lame Duck
10 december 2024 |
50 min
A sense of Biden's irrelevance has descended on Washington, with Trump flying off to Paris and meeting world leaders, and also openly conducting his own foreign policy—often at odds with the current US policy. Meanwhile, following the diminishment of our foes in the Middle East, and after all the assistance America gave to Israel and Ukraine, Biden isn't being given credit—or he's choosing not to take it. Plus, the MAGA media mob is doing all it can to get Trump's nominees through, and a postscript from Tim on the danger of romanticizing someone who was "radicalized" by a bad experience.
Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Susan's most recent column
Cathy's piece last year on the Daniel Penny case
Noah Smith piece on how insurance companies aren't the main villain in the healthcare system
Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Susan's most recent column
Cathy's piece last year on the Daniel Penny case
Noah Smith piece on how insurance companies aren't the main villain in the healthcare system
Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss: Catastrophic Success
9 december 2024 |
57 min
Trump is threatening members of Congress with jail and Republican senators may be circling the wagons around his nominees, but we still need to protect ourselves from a nihilistic mindset. Plus, cautious optimism and uncertainty after the fall of Syria's brutal dictatorship. And no, Tulsi: You were wrong. Assad was our enemy.
Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
Show notes:
Tim's Triad piece on fighting a nihilistic mindset
Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
Show notes:
Tim's Triad piece on fighting a nihilistic mindset
Jamelle Bouie: Bad at Being President
6 december 2024 |
47 min
Trump may have authoritarian aspirations, but he's very bad at governing and managing—four weeks into the transition, he's had two major Ls. Meanwhile, Democrats have to rebuild their connection to voters with local party clubs, and not wait until an election year. Plus, a reverse cancel culture is silencing any conversation about the role that gender and race played in Kamala's loss. And finding solace in the words of Frederick Douglass.
Jamelle Bouie joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Jamelle's column about one of Frederick Douglass's final speeches
Tim's playlist
Jamelle Bouie joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Jamelle's column about one of Frederick Douglass's final speeches
Tim's playlist
David French: We Are in the Bad Multiverse
5 december 2024 |
62 min
Kash Patel is making legal threats to try to silence his critics, and Tulsi Gabbard wouldn't even be able to get a security clearance in the regular job market: The parade of incompetence is so bad that Pete Hegseth is being described as the most unqualified Cabinet nominee in American history—and that's before the rape and alcoholism. Plus, Bluesky v Twitter, Russia is running out of military equipment, and are preemptive pardons a good idea?
David French joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Steve Schale's Bulwark piece on the Democratic Party
The Southern Baptist Convention's 1998 "Resolution on Moral Character of Public Officials"
Longer version of Jake Tapper clip
David French joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Steve Schale's Bulwark piece on the Democratic Party
The Southern Baptist Convention's 1998 "Resolution on Moral Character of Public Officials"
Longer version of Jake Tapper clip
Rep. Mikie Sherrill: Who Will Be In Charge of Our National Security?
4 december 2024 |
47 min
We're going back to a president who can't be bothered to read his briefing books. So who will be getting in the ear of the man who had the judgment to choose Pete Hegseth in the first place? Plus, blue state governors v Trump, the need for more mid-range housing, the role of women in modern combat, and Tim reads more from the mailbag.
New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill joins Tim Miller.
New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill joins Tim Miller.
Michael Weiss and Thomas Zimmer: Competent and Radical
3 december 2024 |
65 min
Russ Vought, Trump's nominee to run the Office of Management and Budget—and a Project 2025 author—believes we are living in a post-constitutional America and that any check on Trump's power would be illegitimate. And what's really scary is that Vought knows how the government works. Meanwhile, jihadi technocrats effortlessly took over Syria's second-largest city because Assad's protectors—Russia and Iran—are a bit distracted. Plus, Ukraine prepares for Trump.
Michael Weiss and Georgetown's Thomas Zimmer join Tim Miller.
show notes
Zimmer's piece on Russ Vought
Michael's piece on the fall of Aleppo
Cathy Young's latest regarding Russia's war on Ukraine
Michael Weiss and Georgetown's Thomas Zimmer join Tim Miller.
show notes
Zimmer's piece on Russ Vought
Michael's piece on the fall of Aleppo
Cathy Young's latest regarding Russia's war on Ukraine
Bill Kristol and Elaina Plott Calabro: A Sordid Lot
2 december 2024 |
74 min
Kash Patel, who could potentially run the FBI, is a compulsive liar who can't keep his facts straight about his work experience or even where he was born. Aside from being a player in the attempted coup, even Trump loyalists are alarmed by his devotion to the president-elect. Meanwhile, by pardoning Hunter, Biden is not only putting his family ahead of the public interest, he's also giving a giant gift to Trump. Plus, more details on Pete Hegseth's disqualifying behavior, and Trump's avenue for getting around the Senate confirmation process. Elaina Plott Calabro and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Elaina's profile of Kash Patel
Patel's target list
Jack Goldsmith on Trump getting around the Senate confirmation process
Tim and Sam on Biden's pardon of Hunter
Tim and Sam on Pete Hegseth's mom
show notes:
Elaina's profile of Kash Patel
Patel's target list
Jack Goldsmith on Trump getting around the Senate confirmation process
Tim and Sam on Biden's pardon of Hunter
Tim and Sam on Pete Hegseth's mom
Jonathan Chait: A Scary Clown
27 november 2024 |
52 min
Pete Hegseth may have a winning Fox & Friends smile, but his desire to shoot protesters, commit war crimes, and purge non-MAGA leaders from the military aligns with Trump's views—and is probably the reason why he was nominated for defense secretary. Plus, Republicans won without offering a middle-class economic agenda, and the ties between the Democrats' loss and the party's busy-body language police.
Jonathan Chait joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Chait's piece on Pete Hegseth
Tim's Thanksgiving playlist
Jonathan Chait joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Chait's piece on Pete Hegseth
Tim's Thanksgiving playlist
George Will: Democracy Rests on Persuasion
26 november 2024 |
45 min
For those living under a gray cloud because of what the American electorate has done, it's time to get to work on changing opinions. People who follow the news and read op-eds may be in a minority, but salient minorities have propelled history. On the 50th anniversary of George Will's tenure at The Washington Post, George joins Tim to discuss the power of criticizing presidents and saying what you think. Plus, Tim reads from the mailbag and serves up some advice for dealing with Trump-supporting relatives at the Thanksgiving table.
George Will joins Tim Miller
show notes
George on his first 50 years as a columnist
George's first column for The Post
An appreciation of the Iron Man of America's oped pages
Mona's tribute to George
George Will joins Tim Miller
show notes
George on his first 50 years as a columnist
George's first column for The Post
An appreciation of the Iron Man of America's oped pages
Mona's tribute to George
Bill Kristol: We Were Right To Be Alarmed
25 november 2024 |
51 min
The danger of Trump's nominees is that the main condition of employment—aside from being on Fox—is their fealty to him, and a willingness to go along with the ideological fervor of Stephen Miller, Russ Vought and JD Vance. Meanwhile, the math may not add up for Tulsi, Sarah McBride shows grace and dignity in response to Nancy Mace, and Trump goes weirdly quiet.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Clip of Sarah McBride on MSNBC
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Clip of Sarah McBride on MSNBC
Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: The Lonely Boy Club
22 november 2024 |
58 min
The country is now paying for the pathologies of the oligarchs and baddies who were stuffed into lockers when they were kids. And let's be honest: A chunk of MAGA doesn't mind the sexual assaults at all—they "put women in their place." Meanwhile, Gaetz's replacement, Pam Bondi, was an active member of the attempted coup, Elon's plan to slash the federal workforce would cut a minuscule part of the budget, the oil men don't want to produce more oil, and Democrats have to go back to their 90s-style economic messaging.
Sarah and JVL join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
The Secret Podcast
JVL's Triad newsletter from Thursday
Tim's playlist
Sarah and JVL join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
The Secret Podcast
JVL's Triad newsletter from Thursday
Tim's playlist
Sam Harris: Our Democracy Is Already Unraveling
21 november 2024 |
58 min
Because Trump wasn't penalized for trying to steal the 2020 election, our democracy has already been damaged. And he was laying the groundwork to do it again in '24, with the assistance of MAGA's opportunistic election fraud lies. Meanwhile, David Sacks & co would never let Trump run any of their businesses, but they're all in on his Alex Jones-grade lies. Plus, was Kamala done in by not responding to the anti-trans ad? And 90% of what's wrong with Elon is his Twitter addiction.
Sam Harris joins Tim Miller.
Sam Harris joins Tim Miller.
Marc Caputo and Dan Goldman: Trump v. the United States
20 november 2024 |
54 min
The incompetent and compromised nominees Trump has assembled at record pace show how little regard he has for the essential functions our government provides. He wants to harness its power for his own ends, in a way that could put Americans and our national security at risk—but he can only do this if Congress is complicit. Meanwhile, the roundly-hated Matt Gaetz is providing cover for the sex abuse allegations against the other nominees, and the House majority margin may be razor thin.
Rep. Dan Goldman and Marc Caputo join Tim Miller.
Rep. Dan Goldman and Marc Caputo join Tim Miller.
Jen Psaki: Don't Speak to Me
19 november 2024 |
42 min
The Democrats focus too much on reaching white college-educated voters, and the threat to democracy was not the right closing message. Plus, Nancy Mace needs to get a life beyond getting MAGA street cred, no one wants to be in the same bathroom with MTG, and Jared Polis may be on to something with the hippie-ish libertarians.
Jen Psaki joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Gov. Polis tweet about RFK, Jr.
The governor's follow-up tweet
Jen Psaki joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Gov. Polis tweet about RFK, Jr.
The governor's follow-up tweet
Bill Kristol: A Power Play for Autocracy
18 november 2024 |
50 min
Trump is flooding the zone with unqualified nominees who would destroy government norms and standards and create the kind of chaos that would let him do what he wants—and Senate Republicans may be too afraid of him to put up much resistance. Meanwhile, allies are already seeing the third world-style political decay, beyond the orgies and sexual assaults. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
"Art of the Surge" doc on Apple TV; Ep 5 has debate reaction backstage
show notes
"Art of the Surge" doc on Apple TV; Ep 5 has debate reaction backstage
Amanda Carpenter: Lessons from the Tea Party Era
15 november 2024 |
48 min
Ted Cruz and Jim DeMint ground things to a halt in the Senate quite effectively during the Obama era, and Democrats should take a cue from them for Trump's appointments: Demand hearings or hold their own. More broadly, the opposition has to be loud and make a scene, while also staying unified and focused. We are a big country with big ideas, and there are more of us than there are of them.
Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Part 1 of the "Behind the Bastards" podcast on RFK, Jr.
Tim's playlist
Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Part 1 of the "Behind the Bastards" podcast on RFK, Jr.
Tim's playlist
Rick Wilson and David Brooks: MAGA to the Max
14 november 2024 |
52 min
Trump's appointments—like degenerate Matt Gaetz and Putin stooge Tulsi Gabbard—are about his raw power and his stupid show, but are also a risk to our nation's security and institutions. Plus, America's diploma divide has trapped us in a caste society, where future leaders are being chosen based on how they performed on standardized tests at age 18.
David Brooks and Rick Wilson join Tim Miller.
show notes
Ed Whelan on Trump's recess appointment scheme (gifted)
David's cover story on the Ivy League (gifted)
David Brooks and Rick Wilson join Tim Miller.
show notes
Ed Whelan on Trump's recess appointment scheme (gifted)
David's cover story on the Ivy League (gifted)
Osita Nwanevu: Democrats Need A Better Story
13 november 2024 |
53 min
Republicans have been good at telling a story about the economy and how people should feel about it, and Democrats haven't responded in a sufficiently compelling way. Meanwhile, plucking Pete Hegseth off the Fox & Friends couch to run one of the biggest organizations in the world is a sign of how dumb the next administration will be.
Osita Nwanevu joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Osita's forthcoming book
Osita Nwanevu joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Osita's forthcoming book
Jon Lovett: The Worst People Are Happy
12 november 2024 |
53 min
The worst people believe their worldview has been validated, while the best people are uncertain, scared, and angry. But we have to stay focused on the menace, including the threat to officials Trump may target for revenge—and the immigrants whose cheap and willing labor helped build our economy.
Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller for a special crosspost with the "Lovett or Leave It" pod.
show notes
Speech by Otto Wels in March 1933
The 'Lovett or Leave It' podcast
Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller for a special crosspost with the "Lovett or Leave It" pod.
show notes
Speech by Otto Wels in March 1933
The 'Lovett or Leave It' podcast
Bill Kristol: A Pro-Putin America First
11 november 2024 |
40 min
The Trump team is moving quickly to sell out Ukraine, but it's not clear yet whether Putin would settle for taking a quarter of the country—or if he intends to crush it, so he can plant the Russian flag in Kiev. Meanwhile, Elon has been at Mar-a-Lago every day, expanding his oligarch résumé to include helping choose the incoming president's Cabinet and advisors. Plus, key Senate Republicans are already prepping to sacrifice their constitutional duties to advise and consent, and the election denialists on the left have to accept reality.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Charles Gaba's thread on the new 'Stop the Steal' conspiracy
Tim's appearance on the "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Charles Gaba's thread on the new 'Stop the Steal' conspiracy
Tim's appearance on the "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast
BONUS EPISODE with James Carville: We Are the Opposition
9 november 2024 |
25 min
It's time to get our opposition organized and develop a narrative about Trump. And one narrative that's likely to emerge is how he betrayed his voters. Plus, did Kamala's interview on "The View" seal her fate?
James Carville joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Carville documentary, "Winning Is Everything, Stupid" (post-election recut out 11/14)
James Carville joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Carville documentary, "Winning Is Everything, Stupid" (post-election recut out 11/14)
Ben Wittes: Americans Elected a Serial Criminal to Be President
8 november 2024 |
48 min
The Trump trials were a cosmic democratic disaster, and the justice system did not do justice: Trump was not treated in the same way as other people who've stolen classified docs or tried to overthrow the election—and his conviction and indictments made him more qualified in MAGA's eyes. Plus, the Sotomayor/SCOTUS issue, aiding Ukraine before January 20, and avoiding the sound of Trump's voice.
Ben Wittes joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Ben's column, "Were the Trump Trials Pointless?"
Tim's playlist
Ben Wittes joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Ben's column, "Were the Trump Trials Pointless?"
Tim's playlist
Tom Nichols: This Is What They Want
7 november 2024 |
47 min
The American people made their choice, and the fight to preserve the global democratic coalition against the global authoritarian movement continues. But maybe letting those voters see unadulterated Trumpism in the White House, without the baby bumpers—at least for a little while—is how we save America. Plus, the price of eggs v fascism, and Trump is going to inherit a great economy and take credit for it.
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tom's most recent Atlantic Daily newsletter
Derek Thompson's piece mentioned by Tim (gifted)
Nick Catoggio's piece
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tom's most recent Atlantic Daily newsletter
Derek Thompson's piece mentioned by Tim (gifted)
Nick Catoggio's piece
Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: Election Debrief
6 november 2024 |
71 min
Kamala's tailored campaign message and ground game didn't matter. Voters were unhappy with Biden and didn't want a 'regular' politician. They also didn't care about the infrastructure bill or the CHIPS Act—but they do care about demagoguery and grievance.
Sarah and JVL join Tim to take in the pain, but also to chart The Bulwark's next phase: doing everything we can to protect our country, our democracy, and our institutions.
Sarah and JVL join Tim to take in the pain, but also to chart The Bulwark's next phase: doing everything we can to protect our country, our democracy, and our institutions.
David Frum: Pride in the Fight
5 november 2024 |
44 min
Whatever happens tonight, Never Trumpers and voters should be proud that we rose to the challenge of Trump—and that a majority of Americans see through this fraudster. Meanwhile, a vote for Kamala is both a progressive and conservative choice. Plus, the Electoral College is crazy, Megyn is mad at the wrong people, and Tim's final prediction.
David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Reagan's closing statement in 1980 at the final debate with Carter
David's book mentioned in show, "Trumpocalypse"
David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Reagan's closing statement in 1980 at the final debate with Carter
David's book mentioned in show, "Trumpocalypse"
Bill Kristol: Maybe It's Dobbs, After All
4 november 2024 |
40 min
Republicans are crowing about a big turnout of early rural voters and a decrease in African American voters in the cities. But the early vote also features a big gender gap, likely tied to abortion—an issue that was not on the ballot in 2020. And the Trump team has done a terrible job of not taking the air out of the issue. Plus, the Epstein tapes, Trump's lousy last two weeks, and The Bulwark's good and worthy fight.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Monday's Morning Shots newsletter
HuffPost story on Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Monday's Morning Shots newsletter
HuffPost story on Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania
Ann Selzer: How Could This Be?
3 november 2024 |
21 min
Few states are as red as Iowa, and yet the legendary Iowa pollster Ann Selzer found that Kamala has leapfrogged over Trump to take the lead there. The turnaround is due to women—particularly women 65 and older, who previously tilted toward Trump, but now favor Kamala 63% to 28%. Iowa's new strict abortion law could be a factor.
J. Ann Selzer joins Tim Miller for a special Sunday pod.
show notes
Des Moines Register story on the Iowa Poll
Des Moines Register story on Iowa's congressional races
J. Ann Selzer joins Tim Miller for a special Sunday pod.
show notes
Des Moines Register story on the Iowa Poll
Des Moines Register story on Iowa's congressional races
Mehdi Hasan: Memory-Holing the Worst President
1 november 2024 |
55 min
The WSJ wants readers to think that Trump is too stupid to coup—despite Jack Smith's indictment showing a very clear plan. And for those on the left and right arguing that we survived once before, there are hundreds of thousands of people who would still be alive today if Trump had managed Covid better. Plus, the laughable GOP civility police, Kamala's potential trouble in Michigan, the MAGA ads that are simultaneously antisemitic, Islamaphobic, and misogynist, and the Green parties in Europe want Jill Stein to step aside.
Mehdi Hasan joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's playlist
Mehdi Hasan joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's playlist
Adam Kinzinger: All the Little Bros
31 oktober 2024 |
47 min
Trump and his pack of dude-bros are pitting men against women, even inside the home—the current Republican Party is definitely not pro-family or pro-marriage. Plus, Nikki's feelings are hurt, and Elon trucked in door-knockers for Trump who basically worked as indentured servants. How does this Putin-whispering patsy still have government contracts?
Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's message to Nikki Haley voters
Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's message to Nikki Haley voters
Alex Vindman and Lakshya Jain: No More Petty Tyrants
30 oktober 2024 |
66 min
The character of the nation is on the line: We have to stop an autocratic minority from imposing its will on the majority of Americans. And no question, Putin has been very easily manipulating Trump and Musk. Plus, Biden talking about garbage, spam polls, pollster herding, and the weakest swing states for Kamala.
Alex Vindman and Lakshya Jain join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Congressional candidate Eugene Vindman's web site
The fake family of Eugene's opponent in the open VA-7 seat
Alex Vindman and Lakshya Jain join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Congressional candidate Eugene Vindman's web site
The fake family of Eugene's opponent in the open VA-7 seat
Robert Draper: The Prosecutor
29 oktober 2024 |
46 min
Kamala Harris sees the world as divided between those who follow the rules and those who break them—and that injustice requires action, not whining. And behind the story of a child of two high-achieving immigrants is a woman who remains loyal, reveres law and order, shows up prepared, and approaches challenges with a 'just the facts' linear style of thinking. Yet, she also maintains a level of inscrutability.
Robert Draper joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Draper's profile of Kamala
Robert Draper joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Draper's profile of Kamala
Robert Kagan and Bill Kristol: It's Already Happening Before our Eyes
28 oktober 2024 |
50 min
By de-prioritizing The Washington Post in his business empire, Jeff Bezos is showing exactly how a free press gets dismantled. Other corporate titans are also falling in line so they're not on the wrong side of Trump. Meanwhile, with the Klan-like rhetoric at Sunday's rally, MAGA is baring its teeth and showing us that its true essence is about white Christian supremacy. Plus, the Senate races, and Tim's reporting from outside MSG.
Bob Kagan—who resigned from WAPO on Friday—and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Bill and Bob's conversation on authoritarianism in 2019
Bob's book, "Rebellion," published in April
Bob's 2016 piece warning how fascism could come to America
Tim's message to Haley voters
Bob Kagan—who resigned from WAPO on Friday—and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Bill and Bob's conversation on authoritarianism in 2019
Bob's book, "Rebellion," published in April
Bob's 2016 piece warning how fascism could come to America
Tim's message to Haley voters
Bret Stephens: Pray Kamala Wins
25 oktober 2024 |
52 min
Trump is corrosive to the soul of our democracy. He's a bigot, an ogre, and an isolationist. And for all the Reagan Republicans on the fence: If Trump gets back in, America won't have a healthy conservative movement again for generations. Plus, Kamala on Israel, and Elon's private foreign policy with Putin—he's working against our national security while helping himself to the treasury of the United States.
Bret Stephens joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Tim's playlist
Bret's 2018 piece on Musk being the Trump of Silicon Valley
Bret Stephens joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Tim's playlist
Bret's 2018 piece on Musk being the Trump of Silicon Valley
David French: 2017 Trump Is Gone
24 oktober 2024 |
52 min
A whole faction of Red America thinks the judges and tax cuts in the first half of Trump's presidency were the 'real' Trump. But the Jan 6 'burn it all down' guy is the real version—as Tucker's weird parable about a violent and angry dad makes clear. Plus, MAGA's confidence in the election results, Cheney's abortion comments, and the surreal double standard where all the rules apply to Kamala, but none apply to Trump.
David French joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
David's latest newsletter, "Trump's Election Reversal Dreams Are Dead"
David French joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
David's latest newsletter, "Trump's Election Reversal Dreams Are Dead"
Jeffrey Goldberg and Catherine Rampell: The Un-American
23 oktober 2024 |
63 min
Donald Trump doesn't share our values or our norms, and he wants the privilege of being able to shoot down Americans in the street. And former officials who worked in his administration are frightened about what he could do to the country. Meanwhile, all the Hitler talk drowns out any talk about Kamala's proposed policies, which are more popular than people realize.
Jeffrey Goldberg and Catherine Rampell join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Goldberg's latest reporting on Trump's preoccupation with dictators
The NYT's interview with John Kelly
Rampell's piece on the popularity of Kamala's policies
Rampell's piece on Flint, MI's baby bonus
Rampell's piece about Trump losing his edge on the economy
Bulwark piece on McKinley and tariffs
Jeffrey Goldberg and Catherine Rampell join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Goldberg's latest reporting on Trump's preoccupation with dictators
The NYT's interview with John Kelly
Rampell's piece on the popularity of Kamala's policies
Rampell's piece on Flint, MI's baby bonus
Rampell's piece about Trump losing his edge on the economy
Bulwark piece on McKinley and tariffs
Mitch Landrieu and Will Saletan: Trump Lives in the Mud
22 oktober 2024 |
53 min
The ex-POTUS has resolved that his route to regain power is creating hate, fear, and anger. Meanwhile, his little fascist from Santa Monica is planning to raid quinceañeras as part of a mass deportation. In contrast, Kamala promises to be a president for everybody—with fights only in the fields of democracy. Plus, Elon's despicable Nick Fuentes-grade ads targeting Jewish and Arab voters, and the MIA anti-Trump Republican men who are banking on Liz to do most of the talking.
Mitch Landrieu and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Some of Mayor Landrieu's favorite spots in NOLA
Mitch Landrieu and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Some of Mayor Landrieu's favorite spots in NOLA
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Tipitina's live music
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Kingpin bar
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N7 restaurant
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Parkway Bakery & Tavern
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Domilise's Po-Boy and Bar
Mallory McMorrow and Bill Kristol: Imagining a World Where Trump Is Irrelevant
21 oktober 2024 |
53 min
Remember those few weeks when Trump ceded the stage to Kamala and didn't do any campaigning? How glorious it was not to have to talk about him. Meanwhile, Kamala, Liz, and Sarah work to seal the deal with undecided voters, Moldova rejects the vote-buying oligarchs, and Lindsey, you're wrong: It's Trump, not Kamala, who's the most radical candidate in modern American history. Mallory McMorrow was recorded live at our Bulwark event in Detroit, and Bill Kristol joined Tim Miller for a recap of the weekend's political news.
show notes:
Gifted link to John Heilemann's interview with David Plouffe
show notes:
Gifted link to John Heilemann's interview with David Plouffe
Live from Philadelphia (Again)
18 oktober 2024 |
47 min
The Bulwark kicked off its weekend 'Swing State Swing" in the City of Brotherly Love Thursday before a packed house. George Conway, Sarah Matthews, and Tim talked about psychopaths, narcissists, and how voters need to understand that if Trump didn't even care what happened to his VP on Jan 6, he certainly doesn't care about them.
George Conway and Sarah Matthews join Tim Miller.
George Conway and Sarah Matthews join Tim Miller.
Bob Woodward: The Threat Is High
17 oktober 2024 |
38 min
Since the release of Woodward's "War," Gen. James Mattis has reached out to the journalist to endorse the book's warnings about Trump, and to urge that they not be downplayed. Plus, Kamala's counseling of Zelensky before the invasion of Ukraine, and how Russia really was on the nuclear brink and the Biden team pulled out all the stops to get them to step back. Bob Woodward joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Bob Woodward's book, "War"
show notes
Bob Woodward's book, "War"
Susan Rice and Mondaire Jones: The Dictator Hugger
16 oktober 2024 |
52 min
Amb. Rice says Trump is a "surrender monkey" who is all about building up Russia and China for his own benefit—and to the detriment of our national security. Meanwhile, his domestic policy is a platform of civil war on his fellow Americans. Plus, Mondaire Jones on one of the most important House races in the country. Amb. Susan Rice and Rep. Mondaire Jones join Tim Miller.
Tom Nichols: He's Bait for the 25th Amendment
15 oktober 2024 |
57 min
Trump's fitness for office is a central question now more than ever after his bizarre town hall Monday night, where instead of taking questions, he called out songs, bopped, and swayed—for 39 minutes. Plus, Kamala plans a trip into the lion's den on Fox News, Youngkin is utterly shameless, and we risk losing the norms that George Washington established for the U.S. presidency. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Gifted link to Tom's Atlantic cover piece
Tom on Glenn Youngkin
show notes
Gifted link to Tom's Atlantic cover piece
Tom on Glenn Youngkin
BONUS EPISODE with Jason Calacanis: The Civil War in Silicon Valley
15 oktober 2024 |
45 min
Trump used to be considered an existential threat throughout Silicon Valley, but now the tech world is split between Mark Cuban and Reid Hoffman on one side, and Elon and David Sacks on the latter. Elon & David's All-In Podcast friend "J-Cal" is on the fence. He explains that the Trump side's grievance has to do with Elizabeth Warren, socialism, DEI, the 'self-made' being attacked for being rich—and having their feelings hurts since Elon wasn't invited to the White House. Tim Miller tries to explain to J-Cal how silly these complaints are in this special bonus episode.
Bill Kristol: He's Not Hiding the Authoritarianism Anymore
14 oktober 2024 |
41 min
Trump's authoritarianism has intensified—with his calls for using military force against political opponents, taking away broadcast licenses, and deporting even legal immigrants. Plus, the panic meter, Kamala should make appeals to the Cavuto crowd on tariffs, and it's time to speak your mind on a microphone, Gen. Mattis. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Bill's interview with Jason Furman
show notes:
Bill's interview with Jason Furman
Susan Glasser and Jared Polis: Shaking Up the Holdouts
11 oktober 2024 |
50 min
Barack Obama made a direct appeal to people who don't like Trump, but may end up voting for him anyway. Team Kamala has to keep up the drumbeat: Make clear that Trump has been running a rogue foreign policy out of Mar-a-Lago, that he's campaigning on raw hate, and that he's ready to hand over government power to Elon—who's already getting billions in subsidies. Plus, Trump's depiction of Aurora bears no resemblance to the real city in Colorado.
Susan Glasser and Gov. Jared Polis join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Susan's latest column
Heidi Blake's New Yorker piece on the disappeared Saudi princesses
Tim's playlist
Susan Glasser and Gov. Jared Polis join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Susan's latest column
Heidi Blake's New Yorker piece on the disappeared Saudi princesses
Tim's playlist
David Axelrod: Change Agent
10 oktober 2024 |
47 min
Voters have a real hunger for something beyond the constant state of pugilism and the weaponizing of every problem. In her closing arguments, Kamala needs to zero in on making Trump the incumbent and herself the person who can turn the page. Plus, MAGA's perpetual dumping on America, Obama's 2004 convention speech, and staying Zen while debating on CNN. David Axelrod joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tim debating Dan Crenshaw
David's nonprofit supporting epilepsy research
show notes:
Tim debating Dan Crenshaw
David's nonprofit supporting epilepsy research
James Carville: We Just Have to Win
9 oktober 2024 |
42 min
The information ecosystem is getting crazier than ever: The monster Trump created must be fed, even when the lies are too much for some MAGA members of Congress. Meanwhile, the disinfo around storm relief efforts have to be nipped in the bud, and Team Kamala needs to get their sharp elbows out for the final weeks. Plus, how a doc about Carville evolved in real time as he pressed to get Biden to drop out.
James Carville joins Tim Miller.
show notes
The new documentary about Carville, "Winning Is Everything, Stupid"
Press release from Rep. Chuck Edwards debunking Helene response myths
James Carville joins Tim Miller.
show notes
The new documentary about Carville, "Winning Is Everything, Stupid"
Press release from Rep. Chuck Edwards debunking Helene response myths
Timothy Snyder: The Politics of Impotence
8 oktober 2024 |
47 min
Trump and Vance are pioneering a form of politics where American power means nothing, everything is bad, and politicians focus on tearing people down—and getting other Americans to do the same. Plus, the challenge of defining freedom, why conservative Jews are giving Trump a pass on his antisemitism, and a good and insightful poll on the presidential race.
Timothy Snyder joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Snyder's new book, "On Freedom"
Sidney Blumenthal's piece on Trump's Hitlerian logic
Timothy Snyder joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Snyder's new book, "On Freedom"
Sidney Blumenthal's piece on Trump's Hitlerian logic
Bill Kristol: The Musk of it All
7 oktober 2024 |
51 min
Do not sleep on this: The billionaire tech bros are on board with the authoritarian project so they can capture the regulatory state. They are showering Trump with money to win his favor and using Vance to lock in control of the Republican Party. Plus, Kamala unveils her media strategy, and the damage Israel has done to terror groups since Oct. 7 is significant. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Gifted Nate Cohn piece on the state of the race
show notes
Gifted Nate Cohn piece on the state of the race
BONUS EPISODE with Doug Emhoff: We Have a Mission
4 oktober 2024 |
25 min
The second gentleman says Kamala has really stepped it up for this abbreviated campaign, and is showing the country the most badass version of herself. He also promised that nothing will distract them from focusing on winning the election. Plus, Trump didn't know what hit him in the debate.
Doug Emhoff joins Tim Miller for a very special bonus episode.
Doug Emhoff joins Tim Miller for a very special bonus episode.
John Dickerson: Hero Story
4 oktober 2024 |
54 min
Liz Cheney sticks to her values under incredible pressure in an old-fashioned Republican way. And she reminded us that Jan 6 is not in the past—but is directly tied to the threat from a presidency where loyalty is built around a lie. Plus, the politicizing of FEMA, Trump's baiting of the media to fact check, more Megyn derangement syndrome, and the longshoremen and job automation. John Dickerson joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
The Daily Report on CBS streaming
John's book, "The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency"
Tim's playlist
show notes:
The Daily Report on CBS streaming
John's book, "The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency"
Tim's playlist
Kaitlan Collins: Still Surreal
3 oktober 2024 |
40 min
Jack Smith's filing on Jan 6 reads almost like a novel—with Trump shrugging about Pence having to be evacuated, mocking true believer Sidney Powell, and implicating himself with a damning phone-data footprint. Plus, life as a CNN anchor, the evolution of conservative media, and no, Megyn, Kaitlan is an Alabama girl.
Kaitlan Collins joins Tim Miller.
Kaitlan Collins joins Tim Miller.
Jim Messina and Michael Weiss: Midwestern Nice
2 oktober 2024 |
55 min
The Harris campaign clearly opted not to send out an attack dog in last night's debate. While JD Vance helped the reputation of the Yale debate club, the coverage today is about abortion and Jan 6—Tim Walz's best lines. Meanwhile, the race remains a coin toss, and the legal drama over the election is already becoming a nightmare. Plus, Iran's ballistic missile attack and Israel's coming retaliation.
Jim Messina and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
Jim Messina and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
Lis Smith: Go After the Weird Angle
1 oktober 2024 |
48 min
JD Vance may be a good debater, but his creepy obsession with lady parts could put him on defense. Meanwhile, Kamala seems to embrace a more robust media strategy, the weakest alpha in history can't bear to face off with her again, and Trump is the last person who would help make Americans more healthy. Lis Smith joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Lis's book, "Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story"
show notes
Lis's book, "Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story"
Bill Kristol: Prepping A Closing Message
30 september 2024 |
47 min
While the Trump campaign is opting for trans panic, Kamala really needs to remind people to be alarmed about the disaster possibilities with Trump. Plus, an imbalance in campaign ads, the role of foreign policy in the election, getting assistance to the people of Western North Carolina— and the potential political fallout from Hurricane Helene.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
The Cheney-Lieberman VP debate in 2000
Bush 41 checking his watch in a town hall debate in 1992
Mark Caputo on Trump's attacks against Kamala over trans-related issues
Sarah's Focus Group episode on Gen Z voters, with Peter Hamby
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
The Cheney-Lieberman VP debate in 2000
Bush 41 checking his watch in a town hall debate in 1992
Mark Caputo on Trump's attacks against Kamala over trans-related issues
Sarah's Focus Group episode on Gen Z voters, with Peter Hamby
Amanda Carpenter: Get With the Program, Already
27 september 2024 |
53 min
If Mitt Romney and Mike Pence really want to have influence over a future GOP, then they need to join the Cheneys in what may be the greatest cross-partisan movement in history. Meanwhile, the MAGA retribution agenda keeps ramping up, we need more Mark Cuban, and Kamala hits the border.
Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend podcast.
show notes
Mark Cuban on Theo Von's podcast
Amanda's analysis of the authoritarian playbook
Tim's playlist
Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend podcast.
show notes
Mark Cuban on Theo Von's podcast
Amanda's analysis of the authoritarian playbook
Tim's playlist
Pete Buttigieg and A.B. Stoddard: Talk Is Cheap
26 september 2024 |
51 min
Trump likes to promise a manufacturing renaissance as though one isn't going on right now. But we also had a manufacturing recession when he was in office—and that was before Covid.
Plus, Kamala hits her stride talking about her plans, Clay Higgins is a lying, racist thug, the Democratic Party keeps holding lawbreakers to account, and we can see in Elise Stefanik's eyes how much she is faking it.
Pete Buttigieg and A.B. Stoddard join Tim Miller.
Plus, Kamala hits her stride talking about her plans, Clay Higgins is a lying, racist thug, the Democratic Party keeps holding lawbreakers to account, and we can see in Elise Stefanik's eyes how much she is faking it.
Pete Buttigieg and A.B. Stoddard join Tim Miller.
Dana Milbank: Fools on the Hill
25 september 2024 |
39 min
The current Congress is the most do-nothingest since 1861—when the Union was falling apart right before the Civil War. Speaker Mike Johnson is completely beholden to Trump, Republicans used Russian propaganda for their sham impeachment effort against Biden, and a clown car of Santos-style fakers are cruising to reelection. Plus, the prospect for chaos post-election is high if Trump loses. Dana Milbank joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Dana's new book, "Fools on the Hill: The Hooligans, Saboteurs, Conspiracy Theorists, and Dunces Who Burned Down the House"
Will's piece that Tim mentioned
show notes
Dana's new book, "Fools on the Hill: The Hooligans, Saboteurs, Conspiracy Theorists, and Dunces Who Burned Down the House"
Will's piece that Tim mentioned
Michael Medved: America Is No Accident
24 september 2024 |
51 min
Longtime conservative talk show host Michael Medved believes America was chosen for a special mission—Republicans used to understand that, but now it's the Democrats who are carrying on the patriotic, 'morning in America' idea. Meanwhile, fiscal conservatives shrug over Trump's promised tariffs, and the architect of Project 2025 reportedly killed his neighbor's dog with a shovel. Michael Medved joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Screenshot of National Review's 2016 cover, "Against Trump"
Michael's daily show
Abridged version of Michael's show
Michael's 'American Miracle' podcastMichael's book, "The American Miracle"
show notes:
Screenshot of National Review's 2016 cover, "Against Trump"
Michael's daily show
Abridged version of Michael's show
Michael's 'American Miracle' podcastMichael's book, "The American Miracle"
Bill Kristol: Trump's Just A Huckster at Heart
23 september 2024 |
41 min
Melania is selling Christmas ornaments, while Trump is offering up 99.9% silver coins—the vibe feels more like a going out of business sale than heading back to the White House. But then again, a new bearish NYT poll is worrisome, especially after a bullish one from NBC on Sunday. Plus, Kamala gets a chance to call Trump a ‘chicken’ for ducking a second debate, and the post-modern relativism of Republicans.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
Peter Hamby: Living the Racist Porn Message Board Life
20 september 2024 |
51 min
Mark Robinson thinks so much about porn, he wouldn't have enough head space or time to do the job of being North Carolina's governor. Meanwhile, the "Black Nazi" calls trans people and gays filthy. Plus, Kamala's confidence on the trail, the absurdity of the Trump campaign thinking she delivered a gun gaffe —and white people varietals in PA, WI, and NC.
Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Tim Walz talking to high school bros
More Walz showing how to talk to voters
Neil King's book, "American Ramble"
Tim's playlist
Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Tim Walz talking to high school bros
More Walz showing how to talk to voters
Neil King's book, "American Ramble"
Tim's playlist
Sam Stein and Susanne Craig: Look Beyond the Polls
19 september 2024 |
48 min
We're swimming in polling data, but we should also consider that Kamala has more money and a superior ground game. On the other hand though, she doesn't have a spouse promoting nude modeling experience. Plus, the sweeping narrative behind the 'Lucky Loser' who squandered his father's fortune.
Susanne Craig and Sam Stein join Tim Miller.
show notes
Susanne's new book about Trump, "Lucky Loser"
Susanne Craig and Sam Stein join Tim Miller.
show notes
Susanne's new book about Trump, "Lucky Loser"
Tom Nichols: The Cat Was in the Basement
18 september 2024 |
50 min
JD Vance thought he had confirmation of his Haitian migrant conspiracy when a Springfield, OH resident filed a police report about her missing cat. But Miss Sassy was just in the basement, safe and sound. More seriously, Vance and Trump want everyone who's not on their team to shut up, so they can rile up their supporters and prime people for violence. Meanwhile, has the MAGA duo become such losers that even Joe Rogan and the bro-sphere have had enough?
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom on Trump using an assassination attempt to inflame politics
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom on Trump using an assassination attempt to inflame politics
Amy Walter: A 50-50 Race
17 september 2024 |
45 min
The presidential race is essentially tied, with movement on the margins that may not be picked up in polling. So prepare for a lot of mood swings in the next seven weeks. Amy Walter and Tim Miller dive deep into PA voters v WI voters, Penn State grad Trump fans, and the prospects for Kamala in NC v GA. Plus, a cliffhanger in the House.
show notes:
Vance's awkward missed fist bump with Marcy Kaptur
show notes:
Vance's awkward missed fist bump with Marcy Kaptur
Bill Kristol: Fanning the Flames
16 september 2024 |
42 min
MAGA is trying to take political advantage of what was apparently a second assassination attempt on Trump, but it's not the Democrats who routinely encourage violence. Trump himself only recently joked about the attack on Paul Pelosi. Meanwhile, Vance admits he created stories about Haitian immigrants, the Des Moines Register poll points to the way the political winds are blowing, and finally some Emmy justice for "Hacks."
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's interview with Carol Leonnig when she discusses the Secret Service
Bill's recent conversation with James Carville
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's interview with Carol Leonnig when she discusses the Secret Service
Bill's recent conversation with James Carville
Jeffrey Goldberg: Trump Doesn't Believe in America
13 september 2024 |
44 min
The former president doesn't think our country is exceptional, and the political press won't hold him to any standard because it has zero expectations of him. Plus, Lindsey Graham is an empty shell, John Kelly was nearly driven mad working for Trump, and JD Vance can't stop spinning conspiracies.
Jeffrey Goldberg joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Jeffrey's new book, “On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump"
Atlantic piece on Trump's diminished speech abilities
JVL's Triad newsletter from Thursday
Orlando Sentinel's straightforward headline about a Trump threat
Tim's playlist
Jeffrey Goldberg joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Jeffrey's new book, “On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump"
Atlantic piece on Trump's diminished speech abilities
JVL's Triad newsletter from Thursday
Orlando Sentinel's straightforward headline about a Trump threat
Tim's playlist
Mark McKinnon: Taking Back the Freedom Agenda
12 september 2024 |
37 min
While Republicans paint a vision of America as a dystopian hellscape, Kamala is helping herself to the sunny optimism of Reagan and the Bushes. Plus, Taylor is breaking MAGA's brains and driving up voter registrations, Sarah Palin is no longer the worst VP candidate, and Laura Loomer is even too crazy for MTG. Mark McKinnon joins Tim Miller.
S.E. Cupp: A Sucker and a Loser
11 september 2024 |
39 min
Kamala laid trap after trap during the debate, and because he's so impulsive, Trump walked into every single one. And while he seethed, she was the normal and sane one—who came so prepared she was name-dropping missiles and tanks. It was a good night. S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller, who also shares his scoops from the spin room.
show notes:
S.E.'s show, "Battleground"
show notes:
S.E.'s show, "Battleground"
Symone Sanders Townsend and Olivia Nuzzi: Kamala v the Weirdo
10 september 2024 |
53 min
Trump and Kamala are meeting for the first time at tonight's debate, because in 2021, he took his ball, went home, and skipped the inauguration. Seven weeks after the change in the ticket, Trump still doesn't seem to know how to fight her— while Kamala will likely be focused on her message of fighting for the people vs Trump fighting for himself.
show notes:
Olivia's piece, "I Examined Donald Trump’s Ear — and His Soul — at Mar-a-Lago
Symone's MSNBC show, "The Weekend"
show notes:
Olivia's piece, "I Examined Donald Trump’s Ear — and His Soul — at Mar-a-Lago
Symone's MSNBC show, "The Weekend"
Bill Kristol and Colin Allred: What's So Hard about This, Pres. Bush?
9 september 2024 |
82 min
This is not a close call, Bush 43: Follow your vice president's lead and say you're voting for Kamala. Meanwhile, stay alarmed that this is a close race, and don't forget that JD cares more about guns than kids. Plus, after 12 years of Ted Cruz not caring about his state, have Texans had enough? Tim Miller spoke with Rep. Colin Allred at TribFest in Austin, and Bill Kristol joined for a political news roundup.
show notes
Tim on Kamala's new "Best People" ad featuring ex-Trump appointees
show notes
Tim on Kamala's new "Best People" ad featuring ex-Trump appointees
Live from Dallas
6 september 2024 |
42 min
Before a packed house in D-Town, Tim Miller and Adam Kinzinger covered it all, from Trump's incoherent muttering about childcare to his graveside camera-mugging. Plus big boos for Cruz, advice for Colin Allred, and should Kinzinger run for Congress from Texas? Our first of two live shows from the Lone Star State.
David Frum: Villains and Monsters
5 september 2024 |
44 min
After the decade we've been living through, we will remember the people like Liz Cheney, who have made the choices that really matter. Meanwhile, will the MAGA influencers who say they were unwitting Russian propagandists give their millions back? Plus, Tucker's praise and promotion of Holocaust denialism, Vance's pathological feelings about women, and the continuing tragedy of guns everywhere in America.
David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Frum's recent piece on the Gaza protesters
David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Frum's recent piece on the Gaza protesters
Neera Tanden and Heidi Heitkamp: Trump Playing the Media, Again
4 september 2024 |
55 min
The media still haven't figured out how to cover Trump, so they don't scrutinize even his most shocking statements—like when he claimed he had the right to interfere in the '20 election. Plus, Kamala's strong Indian mom, the Dems' improved response to sexist and racist attacks, winning rural voters, Mark Robinson's porn habits, and how it looks in Trump country.
Neera Tanden and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Heitkamp's One Country Project
Heitkamp's "Hot Dish" podcast
Neera Tanden and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Heitkamp's One Country Project
Heitkamp's "Hot Dish" podcast
Brian Schatz and Mona Charen: Democrats Don't Trust Happiness
3 september 2024 |
54 min
Kamala is showing that she's good at politics by uniting the party's coalition and making appeals to the center. But many Democrats can't help themselves and are just waiting for all hell to break loose. Plus, building affordable homes, conserving the republic vs. preserving conservative policies—and Walz, the everyman. Sen. Brian Schatz and Mona Charen join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Mona's piece, "What Are We Conserving?"
Pat Toomey on CNBC today
show notes:
Mona's piece, "What Are We Conserving?"
Pat Toomey on CNBC today
Bill Kristol: Stay on Offense
2 september 2024 |
23 min
Kamala looks to have a very narrow lead in the polls, but she needs to do more to drive Trump down—a good target would be his announcement that he's voting against protecting abortion rights in Florida. Plus, his sudden concern for Pence and Vance's copious podcast blathering.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for a special Labor Day pod.
show notes:
USA Today piece about Will Selber
Hersh Goldberg-Polin's childhood bedroom with art about Jerusalem
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for a special Labor Day pod.
show notes:
USA Today piece about Will Selber
Hersh Goldberg-Polin's childhood bedroom with art about Jerusalem
Margaret Hoover: Kamala, the Real Apprentice
30 augusti 2024 |
58 min
Harris has been watching and learning about the ways of Washington, and she keeps sticking the landing like a gymnast. Meanwhile, Trump is desperately trying to unring the bell on abortion. Plus, what is his plan to delegitimize the election this time? PBS' Margaret Hoover joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.
show notes:
Margaret's Firing Line special, "Counting the Vote" on your local PBS station
Margaret's Firing Line documentary on YouTube
Tim's playlist
John Avlon's congressional campaign website
show notes:
Margaret's Firing Line special, "Counting the Vote" on your local PBS station
Margaret's Firing Line documentary on YouTube
Tim's playlist
John Avlon's congressional campaign website
Adam Kinzinger: Trump Is Q
29 augusti 2024 |
43 min
Policy differences pale in comparison to maintaining self-governance and restoring sanity in the country—high time for the anti-Trumpers to endorse the candidate who's not posting crap like a 17-year-old in his parents' basement. Plus, the Arlington incident, jealous Megyn Kelly, and why Russia is freaking out about the Telegram-related arrest. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Will Selber on the Arlington episode and Section 60
Tickets for The Bulwark LIVE next week in Dallas
show notes:
Will Selber on the Arlington episode and Section 60
Tickets for The Bulwark LIVE next week in Dallas
D.L. Hughley: Kamala Is the Main Character
28 augusti 2024 |
57 min
The pundit class keeps talking about how Trump hasn't figured out how to respond to Kamala—but she already knows how to deal with him. And the man who's used to controlling the narrative finds himself on the sidelines. Plus, maximizing the efficiency of Kamala's digital campaign over the next 10 weeks.
D.L. Hughley and Teddy Goff join Tim Miller.
show notes:
D.L.'s radio show, streaming
D.L.'s radio show, terrestrial options
D.L. Hughley and Teddy Goff join Tim Miller.
show notes:
D.L.'s radio show, streaming
D.L.'s radio show, terrestrial options
Mark Leibovich: The Democrats' Rumor Mill
27 augusti 2024 |
54 min
Rumors have surfaced about Joe feeling sad and resentful about the re-energized party. At the same time, Kamala seems happy to share the limelight with party stars, like Pete Buttigieg. And over at Mar-a-Lago land, the flat-footed Trump campaign still doesn't know how to respond to the change in the Dem ticket. Plus, the mysterious and sketchy way Trump is allocating campaign contributions. Mark Leibovich and Juleanna Glover join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Mark's piece on the Buttigieg Bubble
Elaina Plott Calabro's piece on Kash Patel
Juleanna's essay for The New York Times on Trump's expenditures
The "YIMBYs for Harris" event Tim is part of
The Apple playlist link for Bulwark Pod music
Tim's Spotify list
show notes:
Mark's piece on the Buttigieg Bubble
Elaina Plott Calabro's piece on Kash Patel
Juleanna's essay for The New York Times on Trump's expenditures
The "YIMBYs for Harris" event Tim is part of
The Apple playlist link for Bulwark Pod music
Tim's Spotify list
Bill Kristol: Do Something
26 augusti 2024 |
47 min
Some of the people best suited to make the case against Trump are the jilted Cabinet members and others who worked with him—doing the right thing is never the wrong thing. Plus, McMaster's preposterous spin, appreciating the words Kamala didn't say in her speech, making Trump own RFK, Jr.'s antivax views, and the gamesmanship over the debates. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Adam Kinzinger on speaking at the Democratic convention
Tim on the big fish anti-Trumpers who should endorse Kamala already
Bill on the key line in Kamala's speech
show notes:
Adam Kinzinger on speaking at the Democratic convention
Tim on the big fish anti-Trumpers who should endorse Kamala already
Bill on the key line in Kamala's speech
A.B. Stoddard: Only in America
23 augusti 2024 |
38 min
Kamala delivered a real work of art—a perfect American story filled with love of country, democracy, family, and the pursuit of big dreams. She also spoke to the center of the electorate, and conveyed a strength to take on the bullies and protect the nation, all with a feminine touch. Meanwhile, the sitting black VP has positioned herself as the challenger against an incumbent Trump, infuriating him in the process. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Elaina Plott Calabro interview about Kamala that Tim referenced
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Elaina Plott Calabro interview about Kamala that Tim referenced
Tim's playlist
Al Franken: Mind Your Own Damn Business
22 augusti 2024 |
50 min
The former senator from Minnesota recounts his early fandom for Tim Walz and how he won an unlikely congressional race in 2006. Plus, Kamala finding her footing, the cowardly Republicans who are shying away from endorsing her, a floundering Trump, and Franken's 70s-era comedy. Al Franken joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
The 1976 SNL episode featuring Al and Elliott Gould's skit; costs $1.99 to watch
show notes:
The 1976 SNL episode featuring Al and Elliott Gould's skit; costs $1.99 to watch
Jon Favreau: Understanding the Assignment
21 augusti 2024 |
50 min
Michelle Obama killed it last night, and did the job that every speaker at the Democratic convention should be doing: persuading the undecided to vote for Kamala. Plus, the inside scoop on her husband's big (... er small) moment, making sure young men know about the toxic crap in Project 2025, and embracing America's great, big, beautiful pluralism.
Jon Favreau joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
That big ( ... er small) moment
Jon's book
Jon Favreau joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
That big ( ... er small) moment
Jon's book
Beto O'Rourke: Air of Authenticity
20 augusti 2024 |
52 min
Kamala's genuine smile and Walz's empathetic version of manhood is coming through loud and clear—and may explain the joy that is coursing through the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Vance remains a popularity sinkhole. Plus, the prospects for Texas ever turning blue, Cancun Cruz, Latino voters, getting the young to the polls, and staying in to fight the good fight. Beto O'Rourke joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Beto's Texas voter registration group, "Powered by People"
Beto wrote about visiting Ulysses, Kansas in 2018
show notes:
Beto's Texas voter registration group, "Powered by People"
Beto wrote about visiting Ulysses, Kansas in 2018
Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss: It's Showtime
19 augusti 2024 |
56 min
Kamala's first month as a presidential candidate before the Democratic convention has gone exceedingly well—she's been controlling the narrative, infuriating people like Ben Shapiro, and Trump can't get her pretty face out of his head. Meanwhile, Putin talks a big game, but Ukraine has surprised everyone with its incursion into Russia. Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Dan Pfeiffer piece Tim mentioned
A.B.'s piece Tim referenced
Michael's stories at The Insider
WSJ story referenced by Michael (for Journal subscribers)
show notes:
Dan Pfeiffer piece Tim mentioned
A.B.'s piece Tim referenced
Michael's stories at The Insider
WSJ story referenced by Michael (for Journal subscribers)
Brian Beutler: Vibe Shift
16 augusti 2024 |
53 min
Swapping out Biden for Kamala has been such a big mood boost that consumer confidence among Dems and independents is suddenly surging. Meanwhile, Trump keeps having Potemkin press conferences as a ploy to reclaim the narrative. Plus, Bond-style villains have made hating Project 2025 so easy, and the 'suckers and losers' guy again shows that he doesn't respect the troops.
Brian Beutler joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Brian's piece on mass psychology
Tim's playlist
Brian Beutler joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Brian's piece on mass psychology
Tim's playlist
Dean Phillips and Mikie Sherrill: The Right Call
15 augusti 2024 |
58 min
Two Democratic members of Congress who called on Biden to pass the torch join Tim Miller today. Both Rep. Dean Phillips and Rep. Mikie Sherrill said it was voters who told them they wanted the party to turn the page.
Plus, more Tim Walz insights, and Vance's odd obsession with how females use their bodies throughout their lives.
Plus, more Tim Walz insights, and Vance's odd obsession with how females use their bodies throughout their lives.
Brian Tyler Cohen and Carol Leonnig: Go Inside the Bubble
14 augusti 2024 |
47 min
The anti-MAGA world should keep going on right-wing media platforms, and maybe embarrass their hosts in the process—like Buttigieg on Fox, and Tim on Tomi Lahren's show. Plus, the direct line between Secret Service failures in Butler, PA and the Dallas book depository. And will the FBI ever be able to confirm if Trump took a $10 million bribe from Egypt? Brian Tyler Cohen and Carol Leonnig join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Brian's new book, "Shameless: Republicans' Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy"
Carol's reporting on the $10 mil cash withdrawal from Egypt
Carol's book on the Secret Service, "Zero Fail"
8 Times Tim SCHOOLED Right-Wing Tomi Lahren on Her Own Show!
Will Selber's piece on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims
John Kerry campaign vets on how to respond to the Walz swiftboating
Will Selber and Ben Parker video on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims
show notes:
Brian's new book, "Shameless: Republicans' Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy"
Carol's reporting on the $10 mil cash withdrawal from Egypt
Carol's book on the Secret Service, "Zero Fail"
8 Times Tim SCHOOLED Right-Wing Tomi Lahren on Her Own Show!
Will Selber's piece on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims
John Kerry campaign vets on how to respond to the Walz swiftboating
Will Selber and Ben Parker video on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims
Amanda Carpenter: Trump's Traumatic Month
13 augusti 2024 |
60 min
Trump may be holed up at Mar-a-Lago because he's afraid of another attempt on his life. Meanwhile, he keeps trying to take away Kamala's identity. Plus, the stunningly different way the media is handling hacked campaign docs in 2024, the threat from rando county clerks who may try to block the electoral vote count, and more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
show notes:
Bill Kristol and Christopher Cadelago: Increasingly Unhinged
12 augusti 2024 |
44 min
Biden's departure from the race has put Trump in a real funk. He's in denial about Kamala's crowds, he's publicly pining the loss of his preferred rival, and he's doubling down on his helicopter story—and conflating two different black CA politicians in the process. Plus, filling in the gaps in Kamala's inner circle. Bill Kristol and Chris Cadelago join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Cadelago's story on the other black politician who was in a helicopter with Trump that almost crashed
Cadelago's story on Kamala's 2020 staffing
Cadalago's story on tensions withing Kamala's campaign staff
show notes:
Cadelago's story on the other black politician who was in a helicopter with Trump that almost crashed
Cadelago's story on Kamala's 2020 staffing
Cadalago's story on tensions withing Kamala's campaign staff
Nate Silver: Underdog Story
9 augusti 2024 |
51 min
Kamala is now the star of a story involving a woman called into duty at a moment of crisis with a sitcom dad as a running mate—and Trump can see the danger. Nate Silver joins Tim Miller to explain what his polling model is showing. Plus, the survivorship bias of Elon-world risk takers, and good, old gambling tips. Your weekend pod.
show notes:
Nate's new book, "On the Edge The Art of Risking Everything," out Tuesday
Tim making the "conservative case" for Kamala
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Nate's new book, "On the Edge The Art of Risking Everything," out Tuesday
Tim making the "conservative case" for Kamala
Tim's playlist
Adam Kinzinger: MAGA Hates America
8 augusti 2024 |
43 min
Trump and his supporters don't like America as it currently exists, and their veep pick JD Vance is like the U.S.-hating Code Pink, but in a suit.
Meanwhile, the Democrats have seized the patriotism mantle, à la the Republicans of the 80s. Plus, the sick, unhinged, and inaccurate attack on Tim Walz after his 24 years of service in the National Guard.
Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Kinzinger on the swiftboating of Walz
Kamala clapping back against some Gaza protesters on Wednesday
Meanwhile, the Democrats have seized the patriotism mantle, à la the Republicans of the 80s. Plus, the sick, unhinged, and inaccurate attack on Tim Walz after his 24 years of service in the National Guard.
Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Kinzinger on the swiftboating of Walz
Kamala clapping back against some Gaza protesters on Wednesday
Peter Callaghan and Isaac Stanley-Becker: Veep Peeks
7 augusti 2024 |
46 min
Tim talks to a local Minnesota reporter to get the low-down on Tim Walz's recent political history, including where he falls on the progressive-to-moderate spectrum—as well as his weak spots from his tenure as governor, like the 2020 riots in Minneapolis.
Plus, JD Vance, as a senator, has been texting with a Holocaust-denying far-right fringe character, but won't take calls from high-ranking Ukrainian officials.
MinnPost's Peter Callaghan and the Washington Post's Isaac Stanley-Becker join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Peter's story on how Walz beat the odds to become the VP pick
Isaac's story on Vance's texts with Charles Johnson
Tim's book, "Why We Did It"
Plus, JD Vance, as a senator, has been texting with a Holocaust-denying far-right fringe character, but won't take calls from high-ranking Ukrainian officials.
MinnPost's Peter Callaghan and the Washington Post's Isaac Stanley-Becker join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Peter's story on how Walz beat the odds to become the VP pick
Isaac's story on Vance's texts with Charles Johnson
Tim's book, "Why We Did It"
Adam Schiff and Michael Steele: A Stabilizing Force
6 augusti 2024 |
47 min
Tim Walz is a great foil for Kamala's West Coast vibe: He looks like he'll fix your car, then grab an Arby's sandwich before he goes duck hunting. And he's a perfect contrast to JD Vance, the callus-free faux hillbilly who went to Yale. Michael Steele weighs in on the veep pick. Then Rep. Adam Schiff joins Tim Miller to discuss decision to call on Biden to step aside, and "The Biggest Loser: Donald Trump."
Bill Kristol: Kama-Momentum
5 augusti 2024 |
44 min
Recent polls are showing some pretty significant movement to Harris, and she hasn't even had to play defense yet—though at some point she's going to. Meanwhile, Trump and Vance have had a strategically disastrous three weeks. Plus, RFK, Jr and the poor dead bear cub, the stock market sell-off, and Peter Thiel's lack of appreciation for how he has benefited from liberalism. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Joe Weisenthal on the stock market sell-off
The bear cub and RFK, Jr.
show notes:
Joe Weisenthal on the stock market sell-off
The bear cub and RFK, Jr.
George Conway: Crazy in a Bad Way
2 augusti 2024 |
41 min
Donald Trump checks all the boxes of a person with narcissistic personality disorder, but the mainstream press goes out of its way not to cover his apparent pathologies—and ends up normalizing them.
George Conway wants to change the media narrative to stop the guy who only cares about himself from getting back in the Oval Office. Conway joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
George's Anti-Psychopath PAC
Rolling Stone piece by Alex Morris that George references
Post story on whether Trump took a $10 million payout from Egypt
Tim's playlist
George Conway wants to change the media narrative to stop the guy who only cares about himself from getting back in the Oval Office. Conway joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
George's Anti-Psychopath PAC
Rolling Stone piece by Alex Morris that George references
Post story on whether Trump took a $10 million payout from Egypt
Tim's playlist
Dan Pfeiffer: A Scared and Seething Trump
1 augusti 2024 |
41 min
We are witnessing a man who thought he was cruising to a landslide who's now afraid he doesn't know how to talk about Kamala—or how to beat her. Plus, he's also worried about that prison issue.
At the same time, the election has quickly shifted from a referendum on Joe Biden to one about the future vs. the past. Dan Pfeiffer joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Dan's Message Box newsletter
At the same time, the election has quickly shifted from a referendum on Joe Biden to one about the future vs. the past. Dan Pfeiffer joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Dan's Message Box newsletter
Fred Trump and Will Saletan: An Alpha Emerges
31 juli 2024 |
52 min
Sure sounds like kind words and affection were in short supply in the Trump household in Queens. Perhaps if Donald had been hugged a little more, America would have been spared a lot of trouble—and Trump wouldn't have told his nephew that he wanted his disabled son to die. Meanwhile, Kamala and her team feel like they're in to win it: She's tacking to the center on the border, needling Trump, and projecting strength. Fred Trump and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Fred's book, “All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way"
Will's recent piece on Trump's threats
Will's video take on Trump's threats
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Fred's book, “All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way"
Will's recent piece on Trump's threats
Will's video take on Trump's threats
Tim's playlist
Tom Nichols: Drama Queens About Everything
30 juli 2024 |
53 min
Republican men used to be stoic and quiet technocrats, but now they're screechy and freaky. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has a whole crop of strong, silent types to choose from as a running mate.
Plus, a shout-out to Charlie Sykes, movies Tim hasn't seen, and can we quit the identity-oriented Zooms for Kamala? Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom's piece on the manliness flip-flop
Tom's piece on Biden stepping aside
Charlie on how Never Trumpers really mean never
Trump's 400 kids remark
Plus, a shout-out to Charlie Sykes, movies Tim hasn't seen, and can we quit the identity-oriented Zooms for Kamala? Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom's piece on the manliness flip-flop
Tom's piece on Biden stepping aside
Charlie on how Never Trumpers really mean never
Trump's 400 kids remark
Bill Kristol: Weird and Extreme
29 juli 2024 |
46 min
Democrats are leaning into the 'Republicans are weird and creepy' talking point—a strategy Tim has long advocated for. JD Vance is Exhibit A for this kind of profile, which explains the rumors about Trump possibly replacing him on the ticket.
Meanwhile, Kamala may have whittled down her veep choices to Shapiro, Kelly, and Walz. Plus, if anyone is going to turn the US into Venezuela, it's Trump, the insurrectionist. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
Meanwhile, Kamala may have whittled down her veep choices to Shapiro, Kelly, and Walz. Plus, if anyone is going to turn the US into Venezuela, it's Trump, the insurrectionist. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
Jennifer Palmieri: The Making of the First Woman President
26 juli 2024 |
44 min
Women candidates get asked different questions than male candidates—that's just a fact. Kamala has a whole team around her ready to handle queries about her ambition and the racist and sexist attacks. But this 100-day sprint also gives Kamala an advantage: an opportunity to show that she is the tougher, stronger, and more prepared leader. Jennifer Palmieri joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Jennifer's book, “She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World.”
Jennifer's book, "Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World"
Bulwark piece on former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Jennifer's book, “She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World.”
Jennifer's book, "Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World"
Bulwark piece on former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Tim's playlist
A.B. Stoddard: Focus Only on Winning
25 juli 2024 |
53 min
Nancy Pelosi has amassed power through persuasion, and she had the nerve to push a sitting president off the ticket because she prioritized victory. Meanwhile, Kamala's veep pick is key to extending the new generation message—and wouldn't choosing Josh Shapiro be a good way to show she's not on the side of the flag-burning Hamasniks? Plus, mixed emotions for Joe Biden, and jealous Trump is back to being a total d**k. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
A.B.'s piece on Pelosi
show notes:
A.B.'s piece on Pelosi
Rick Perlstein: The Alternative Is Apocalyptic
24 juli 2024 |
45 min
The modern conservative movement has a built-in ratcheting-up mechanism, so that even when Republicans win, they act like they're losing and the country is on the verge of collapse. Even Democrats long for the days of responsible, Main Street conservatives. But today's GOP is racing headlong into authoritarianism, and the fever is not going to break until we defeat it. Rick Perlstein joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Rick on Project 2025
Rick on abortion
Rick on the "authoritarian ratchet"
show notes:
Rick on Project 2025
Rick on abortion
Rick on the "authoritarian ratchet"
Sam Stein and Ron Brownstein: Now We're Talking
23 juli 2024 |
52 min
We may have been conditioned to just accept candidates who share their meandering thoughts or end sentences with 'anyway.' But Kamala Harris is delivering a big upgrade, and showing how a good political speech gets done. Meanwhile, what would Kamala's winning coalition—and her path to 270—look like? Plus, Trump may be having some buyer's remorse over JD Vance. Ron Brownstein and Sam Stein join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Ron's piece on Kamala's path to 270
Sam's piece on how the Dems got their shit together
Ron's book, "Rock Me on the Water"
show notes:
Ron's piece on Kamala's path to 270
Sam's piece on how the Dems got their shit together
Ron's book, "Rock Me on the Water"
James Carville: Kamala-Gras
22 juli 2024 |
29 min
It's now the Kamala Harris parade, and James Carville has grabbed his whistle and baton for the march. The veteran strategist shares some campaign advice for the vice president and argues her 2020 message will play better in 2024—she's already being turned into a brat summer* icon. Meanwhile, Trump and Republicans may have been prematurely cocky. Tim Miller's pod today.
show notes
*The run-down on brat summer
USA Today piece on brat summer, published before Biden dropped out of race
The Charli XCX Trend, Explained
Tim Alberta piece that Tim referenced
show notes
*The run-down on brat summer
USA Today piece on brat summer, published before Biden dropped out of race
The Charli XCX Trend, Explained
Tim Alberta piece that Tim referenced
Bill Kristol: Biden Drops Out of Race
21 juli 2024 |
40 min
After banging the drum for quite a while, Bill Kristol and Tim Miller got their wish, and the political world is scrambling for the 106-day sprint to the election— with Trump now officially the oldest presidential nominee in history. Is it Kamala time? What about the possible VP options? Tim's special weekend pod.
show notes:
https://x.com/brianbeutler/status/1814517879309553898?s=46
show notes:
https://x.com/brianbeutler/status/1814517879309553898?s=46
S.E. Cupp: Grieving the Insanity
19 juli 2024 |
48 min
Republicans wanted a 'do no harm' convention, but it was too corporate and lacked any joie de vivre. And then they ended the affair with grievance, fasci Tucker, and 96 minutes of weird incoherence from Trump. Meanwhile, AOC gives a peak behind the scenes of what's going on with Democrats trying to push Biden out. S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Savannah Chrisley talking about her imprisoned parents at the RNC
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Savannah Chrisley talking about her imprisoned parents at the RNC
Tim's playlist
Adam Kinzinger: Everything Is on the Line
18 juli 2024 |
36 min
Republicans are tamping down the crazy and the weird at the convention—like no election fraud, no abortion ban talk, and no vaccines—to present their dangerous agenda in a non-threatening way. Meanwhile, why can a 20-year-old buy 50 rounds of ammunition, but not a White Claw or a pack of cigarettes? Plus, we introduce a new Kamala-themed segment: The Coconut Meter. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes
NY Times analysis of Saturday's shooting
show notes
NY Times analysis of Saturday's shooting
Jeff Sharlet and Joe Perticone: The Confidence of a Bully
17 juli 2024 |
50 min
Trump's shark/electrocution anecdote was not a sign of deterioration. Trump is actually getting better at communicating a solid message in a carnivalesque atmosphere—and he's reaching people outside of MAGA. Plus, when Republicans talk about a message of unity, they are referring to the party, not the country. Jeff Sharlet joins Tim Miller from New Hampshire, while Joe Perticone checks in from Milwaukee.
show notes:
The Andy Kroll piece about J.D. Vance that Jeff mentioned
Joe's Press Pass dispatch from the convention on Tuesday
We’re heading to Dallas on September 5 for An Evening with The Bulwark. For more information and tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events.
show notes:
The Andy Kroll piece about J.D. Vance that Jeff mentioned
Joe's Press Pass dispatch from the convention on Tuesday
We’re heading to Dallas on September 5 for An Evening with The Bulwark. For more information and tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events.
Alyssa Farah Griffin: National Unity Is Not Where the GOP Is
16 juli 2024 |
45 min
J.D. Vance is an incredibly polarizing figure, and his addition to the ticket signals a complete realignment of the Republican Party. Plus, he gave the single-worst response to the assassination attempt on Trump. Meanwhile, democracy is a team sport, and Democrats are playing a dangerous game. Alyssa Farah Griffin joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Full speech from Mark Robinson, GOP gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina
show notes:
Full speech from Mark Robinson, GOP gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina
Bill Kristol: Not Resigned to a Trump Presidency
15 juli 2024 |
42 min
We begin with a rejection of the fatalist rhetoric from the left. It may be an uphill battle, but the pro-democracy forces have to keep our morale up and be creative. Also the debate around political rhetoric after the assassination attempt is way out ahead of the facts and needs some context. Plus, the Republican convention, Aileen Cannon’s ludicrous dismissal, Axios’ credulous report on Trump’s new tone, and the VP pick. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
The 2019 piece Tim referenced
show notes:
The 2019 piece Tim referenced
Sam Stein: Violence Is Not the Answer
14 juli 2024 |
38 min
In this bonus episode following the assassination attempt on Trump, The Bulwark's managing editor Sam Stein joins Tim Miller to discuss the precarious moment we are in, how to dial back the temperature, and how both parties should respond to the violence.
show notes:
Bill Maher on the shooting
Rep. Andy Kim's response to the shooting
show notes:
Bill Maher on the shooting
Rep. Andy Kim's response to the shooting
Amanda Carpenter: A Life or Death Bet
12 juli 2024 |
56 min
Not having dementia is not enough to change the dynamic. Biden needs a proactive message against Trump. Meanwhile, you don't have to play 'Connect the Dots' to see the overlap between Project 2025 and Trump—and members of the media claiming he has a 'new tone' are like frogs in boiling water. Plus, more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter is back with Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Tim's playlist
The Authoritarian Playbook for 2025
show notes:
Tim's playlist
The Authoritarian Playbook for 2025
David French: Trump Tries To Run Away from the Christian Nationalists
11 juli 2024 |
56 min
Inviting "populist slut hero" Amber Rose to speak at the Republican convention and adjusting the platform on abortion—Trump is trying to distance himself from MAGA's Christian fundamentalist ranks. Meanwhile, the Christian Nationalist project to turn the constitutional clock back 70 years continues apace. Plus, the effort to get Biden to leave the ticket is not a conspiracy—but the sign of a working party. David French joins Tim Miller.
show notes
David's recent column on the Supreme Court
show notes
David's recent column on the Supreme Court
Ezra Klein: A Path to Defeat
10 juli 2024 |
60 min
Top Democrats say they don't see a way for Biden to win, and some are resigning themselves to being the resistance against Trump, despite the threat he poses to our democracy. Batten down the hatches—this interview is a tough listen. Ezra Klein joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Ezra's piece from February
Ezra's book recommendation, "Health and Safety: A Breakdown"
show notes
Ezra's piece from February
Ezra's book recommendation, "Health and Safety: A Breakdown"
Bakari Sellers and Elaina Plott Calabro: The Case for Riding with Biden
9 juli 2024 |
50 min
This is not a moment for a politician's origin story or soaring oratory. Some think that means dancing with the one that brung ya. But maybe it’s a moment for someone who could prosecute the case against Donald Trump—making it a perfect time to reintroduce Kamala Harris to voters. Elaina Plott Calabro and Bakari Sellers join Tim Miller.
show notes
Elaina's story, "The White House’s Kamala Harris Blunder"
show notes
Elaina's story, "The White House’s Kamala Harris Blunder"
Bill Kristol: The Joe Biden Survival Plan
8 juli 2024 |
47 min
It would have been nice if Biden had gone on Morning Joe the day after the debate instead of waiting 11 days. But he still is not providing a forward-looking message or explaining why he's the one to beat Trump. Meanwhile, Kamala is showing what an aggressive, proactive campaign looks like. Plus, Project 2025 moves into the spotlight, and the good news for democracy coming from overseas.
Annie Lowrey: The Worst Best Economy
5 juli 2024 |
44 min
Housing prices, the cost of insurance, and sticker shock at the supermarket are still stressing Americans out even while the economy is booming. Annie Lowrey joins Tim Miller to discuss the limited housing stock, the economic benefits of immigrant labor, and shrinking income inequality. Plus, the media does shape opinion, but Joe Biden's oldness is self-evident.
show notes:
Annie's piece on the worst best economy
Annie's book on universal basic income, "Give People Money"
Annie's piece on inflation
show notes:
Annie's piece on the worst best economy
Annie's book on universal basic income, "Give People Money"
Annie's piece on inflation
Clint Smith: A Reckoning with History
4 juli 2024 |
60 min
Author, poet, and native New Orleanian Clint Smith grew up in the city that was the heart of the domestic slave trade, but realized his understanding of the history within himself and his country was inadequate. So he set out to write the type of book he should have had in high school. On this Independence Day, we pulled a special selection from the Tim Miller Bulwark archive. Plus, love for the Crescent City, and dads getting too much credit for pulling their weight.
show notes
show notes
- Clint's book, "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America"
- Clint's book of poetry, "Above Ground"
- Clint's "The Man Who Became Uncle Tom"
- Tim's 4th of July playlist
- Jefferson's letter
Jon Lovett: Unprecedented Times
3 juli 2024 |
56 min
The quiet coming from the White House sure suggests that the people around the president don't think Joe at his best can overcome Joe at his worst. Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller to discuss all the possible options as the world waits for Biden to say what he's going to do.
Ben Wittes and Steven Shepard: He Is Still a Criminal
2 juli 2024 |
60 min
No matter how much the Supreme Court pretends that the words 'high crimes and misdemeanors' are not explicitly in the Constitution, Donald Trump is still a disqualified law-breaker and is exactly the kind of guy the Founding Fathers warned us about. Character is now the only real check on presidential power. Plus, if push comes to shove, what are the basic rules that govern a change at the top of the ticket? Ben Wittes and Steven Shepard join Tim Miller.
Tom Nichols: Political Malpractice
1 juli 2024 |
57 min
All Americans who love this country and hate Donald Trump deserve answers about Thursday's abysmal performance—and how we are going to move forward. And do not answer our doubts about Biden and his staff with a MAGA-style blaming-the-press bit. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recklessly assists Trump yet again, and Bannon goes to the big house. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Mika Brzezinski on Joe Biden
show notes:
Mika Brzezinski on Joe Biden
Sarah Longwell, Jonathan V. Last, and Jonathan Martin: A Disaster
28 juni 2024 |
70 min
The Secret Pod makes an emergency appearance to work through last night's terrible performance by Biden and to urge the Democratic Party to do the responsible thing in this moment. And Jonathan Martin discusses the strategy behind Biden's failed gamble and whether sitting Democrats would actually publicly push the president to leave the ticket. Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Martin join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Claire McCaskill on Biden's performance
David Frum on the debate
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Claire McCaskill on Biden's performance
David Frum on the debate
Tim's playlist
Kate Bedingfield and Marc Caputo: Debate Day
27 juni 2024 |
49 min
Former White House comms director Kate Bedingfield serves up some keen insights into Poppa Joe—he is a night person, he regularly seeks out Jill's opinion, and he is a calming influence. And he's probably not as anxious as Tim Miller is about tonight's debate. Meanwhile, Marc Caputo reports from Magaville on Trump's posturing that he is definitely, absolutely not at all prepping for the debate. Your pre-fight night comfort food to calm the jitters.
show notes:
Kevin Williamson piece Tim mentioned
show notes:
Kevin Williamson piece Tim mentioned
Stuart Stevens: I think Joe Biden Has Been A Great President
26 juni 2024 |
43 min
So many of the people who worked around POTUS 44 think no one will ever be as good as Obama, but Stuart Stevens argues that Democrats need to make the case that Joe Biden is a great president. Meanwhile, Dems on Tuesday showed they are the one party holding their crazy people to account. Plus, Vance is too smart to be Trump's VP pick, more Republicans need to follow Kinzinger's example, and Ole Miss, college sports and civil rights. Tim Miller's show today.
show notes:
Stuart's latest book, "The Conspiracy to End America"
Stuart's book, "The Last Season: A Father, a Son, and a Lifetime of College Football"
Wright Thompson's piece on Ole Miss in 1962
Stuart's piece on calling Biden a great president
show notes:
Stuart's latest book, "The Conspiracy to End America"
Stuart's book, "The Last Season: A Father, a Son, and a Lifetime of College Football"
Wright Thompson's piece on Ole Miss in 1962
Stuart's piece on calling Biden a great president
Symone Sanders-Townsend: Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
25 juni 2024 |
44 min
Project 2025 sounds mundane, but it would institutionalize Trumpism, eliminate the Department of Education, mass deport 11 million people, and turn the Department of Health and Human Services into the Department of "Life." Plus, more from the mailbag, and Biden finding the sweet spot between Uncle Joe and punching Trump in the face. Symone Sanders-Townsend joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Symone's interview on Project 2025
MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024 event in September
Tim's Mount Rushmore of political books:
show notes:
Symone's interview on Project 2025
MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024 event in September
Tim's Mount Rushmore of political books:
Jared Polis and Bill Kristol: Live from Denver
24 juni 2024 |
56 min
Gov. Jared Polis says Biden should focus on what he'll do for the American people in his campaign, rather than getting caught up in the crazy of Trump. Plus, guns, weed, the value of talking across party lines, and how Colorado is trying to avoid California's housing and growth problems. Tim Miller was live with Polis on Friday. And Bill Kristol joined Monday to discuss Trump's penchant for lying and to preview Tuesday's primaries.
Jane Coaston: He's So Not a Badass
21 juni 2024 |
58 min
Trump is not drawing support from black voters because of his criminality—that's just MAGA's bigotry of low expectations. Meanwhile, he's now promising a green card to every foreign Harvard grad to please tech bro donors. Plus, the attempt to create a race war over Caitlin Clark, the annoying liberals on the coasts are creating MAGA reactionaries, and more from the mailbag. Jane Coaston joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Reid Hoffman's reply to David Sacks
Tim interviews Reid Hoffman
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Reid Hoffman's reply to David Sacks
Tim interviews Reid Hoffman
Tim's playlist
Adam Kinzinger: Bat**** Crazy
20 juni 2024 |
39 min
Felon 45 didn't even really like being president and no one is taking his ludicrous tariff plan seriously—but Republicans can't stop tripping over each other to show him their fealty. Plus, Putin's desperate trip to North Korea, Netanyahu shows his ingratitude to Biden, the national debt keeps growing, and Trump's fond memories for his glory days on The Apprentice.
George Packer: Phoenix, the Most American City
19 juni 2024 |
50 min
Phoenix is a microcosm of the big issues in the election and the country generally, including political extremism, climate change, and the border. But when it comes to the state's water crisis, Arizonians are showing signs of sanity—by accepting facts and downplaying partisanship. Could the city be a guide for America's future? George Packer joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
George's piece on Phoenix
George's 2019 piece on his son's education
show notes:
George's piece on Phoenix
George's 2019 piece on his son's education
Lauren Windsor and Ben Wittes: A Deep Rot
18 juni 2024 |
52 min
Justice Alito and his wife seem to have some pretty deep and dark feelings about the people they dislike. Tim Miller also asks Lauren Windsor about the ethics of her undercover recordings. Plus, Ben Wittes shares his predictions for a presidential immunity ruling, his praise for Amy Coney Barrett's handing of the case, and his observations about the criminals Trump unapologetically hangs out with.
show notes:
Justice Alito's 2022 Notre Dame speech
Lawfare's piece on a presidential self-pardon
show notes:
Justice Alito's 2022 Notre Dame speech
Lawfare's piece on a presidential self-pardon
Will Saletan: Nonstop Shamelessness
17 juni 2024 |
46 min
Trump visited an African American church in Detroit and the pews were filled with white people; Republicans keep flooding social media with cropped videos to smear Biden; and foreign policy hawks, like Tom Cotton, now say we should be standing up to our allies, not Putin. MAGA land can't quit its shamelessness. Will Saletan joins Tim Miller, who is back from vacation.
show notes:
Detroit reporter shared images from Trump's Black church event
show notes:
Detroit reporter shared images from Trump's Black church event
Jonathan V. Last and Ben Raderstorf: Retribution Agenda
13 juni 2024 |
52 min
Republicans had a tête-à-tête with Trump to remind him how, if he wins, he should extend the tax cuts before he gets tied up with punishing all his enemies. Meanwhile, should Biden suggest extending the tax cuts so CEOs can end their flirtation with authoritarianism? Plus, the value of 'agreeing to disagree' in the pro-democracy coalition. JVL and Protect Democracy's Ben Raderstorf join guest host Amanda Carpenter.
show notes:
Protect Democracy's "If you can keep it" newsletter
JVL's newsletter piece on Truth Social
JVL's newsletter piece on the Epoch Times
show notes:
Protect Democracy's "If you can keep it" newsletter
JVL's newsletter piece on Truth Social
JVL's newsletter piece on the Epoch Times
Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer: The Inside Story of the Fall of Roe
12 juni 2024 |
32 min
A coalition of Christian lawyers, activists, and politicians methodically and secretly took down Roe, and in the process, outsmarted Democrats who believed they had permanently won on the issue of abortion. And the end of Roe v Wade is just the beginning of an effort to roll back the sexual revolution. Lisa Lerer and Elizabeth Dias join guest host A.B. Stoddard today.
show notes:
Elizabeth's and Lisa's book, "The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America"
show notes:
Elizabeth's and Lisa's book, "The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America"
Jennifer Senior: Secrets and Lies
11 juni 2024 |
60 min
Pulitzer-Prize winning Jen Senior joins Tim Miller for a free-form conversation about jail-bound, faux martyr Steve Bannon, the debilitating reality of living with long Covid, unearthing a family trauma, and how Americans with differing political persuasions can find their way to back to each other.
show notes:
Jen's story on her Aunt Adele
Jen's "On Grief," originally published as the Pulitzer-winning, "What Bobby McIlvane Left Behind."
show notes:
Jen's story on her Aunt Adele
Jen's "On Grief," originally published as the Pulitzer-winning, "What Bobby McIlvane Left Behind."
Bill Kristol: Tuberville's Policy Is the Same as Trump's
10 juni 2024 |
50 min
Tommy Tuberville's know-nothing appeasement of Putin lines up exactly with where the ex-POTUS is—Biden should be making Trumpworld squirm over that fact. Plus, the antisemitic white nationalists who could be back at the White House next year, the far-right's momentum in Europe, and the curious case of why Trump would be reluctant to release the Epstein file. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
Mike Madrid: The Latino Century
7 juni 2024 |
49 min
Young Latinos are a giant emerging voter bloc with populist leanings—who also favor tougher border security. If Trump was to win reelection, it would ironically be because these voters put him over the top. How can Democrats reach them? Mike Madrid joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. Plus, in a mega-mailbag segment, Tim gets personal and shares the story of his daughter's adoption.
show notes:
Mike's new book, "The Latino Century"
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Mike's new book, "The Latino Century"
Tim's playlist
Adam Kinzinger: The New Axis Power Alliance
6 juni 2024 |
49 min
This D-Day is a good reminder that the growing nationalist movement across the globe aims to undermine the alliance between free and democratic countries. Meanwhile, Trump gets two stooges on the House Intelligence Committee who will have access to top national defense secrets. Plus, his New York conviction is the Big Lie 2.0, and Biden's executive order on immigration. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Piece on Jared's anti-NATO memorial
The Allahpundit piece Tim mentioned
New Republic story on Tucker and Erik Prince
show notes:
Piece on Jared's anti-NATO memorial
The Allahpundit piece Tim mentioned
New Republic story on Tucker and Erik Prince
- Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Will Saletan and McKay Coppins: Fear and Loathing
5 juni 2024 |
59 min
Trump and MAGA, with all their banana republic claims, are not being America First—they're being anti-American, and renouncing the country they live in. Meanwhile, the WSJ goes dog bites man on Biden, Europeans are fixated on our election and terrified Trump will win, and the GOP's new Hunter-inspired concern about enforcing gun laws. Plus, will Mitt endorse Joe? McKay Coppins and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes:
McKay's piece, "What Europe Fears"
JVL's response to Romney
Clip from Seinfeld's first Izzy Mandelbaum episode
show notes:
McKay's piece, "What Europe Fears"
JVL's response to Romney
Clip from Seinfeld's first Izzy Mandelbaum episode
Ritchie Torres and Ben Smith: Pride and Priors
4 juni 2024 |
53 min
Rep. Ritchie Torres joins Tim Miller to discuss how to win working-class voters, his Dickensian upbringing, and Israel under the microscope of 24-hour news. Plus, mental health, Pride, and Trump as the GOP's new lord and savior. Then, Ben Smith talks about Americans fragmenting the media universe, and the Epoch Times grift.
show notes:
Torres talking about being a Zionist after being heckled
New Yorker piece on Guo Wengui that Ben mentioned
show notes:
Torres talking about being a Zionist after being heckled
New Yorker piece on Guo Wengui that Ben mentioned
Bill Kristol: Rally Around the Flag
3 juni 2024 |
41 min
This is a good moment for Biden to proudly raise the flag right-side up, and share his love of America—even as his Justice Department's prosecution of Hunter gets underway. Meanwhile, the extremism from the country-in-distress crowd continues to be over-the-top, including Felon 45 emboldening vigilante groups to act on his behalf. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
ABC News video of WWII vets arriving in France
Other footage of US vets at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport
Vets arriving in Normandy
James Carville on Bill Kristol's pod
show notes:
ABC News video of WWII vets arriving in France
Other footage of US vets at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport
Vets arriving in Normandy
James Carville on Bill Kristol's pod
Ben Wittes and Ron Filipkowski: Guilty!
31 maj 2024 |
62 min
Donald Trump collaborated with a slimy crew to break the law, and it may have swung the 2016 election. Russia's election interference was troubling—and so is the National Enquirer's. And the deranged response from MAGA goons to his conviction only shows how much Trumpworld operates like an organized crime syndicate. Ben Wittes and Ron Filipkowski join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Tim's interview with Ron on The Next Level
Tim's playlist
Tim's special GUILTY! playlist
show notes:
Tim's interview with Ron on The Next Level
Tim's playlist
Tim's special GUILTY! playlist
Derek Thompson: Negativity Bias
30 maj 2024 |
53 min
America is currently stuck in a negativity vibe, and it's shaping the media we consume, impacting how we look at the economy, and contributing to the anxiety of our teens. Can we fairly blame it all on Donald Trump? Plus, the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama and the age of the do-it-all center in the NBA. Derek Thompson joins Tim Miller.
Show Notes:
https://blueprint2024.com/analysis/optimism-pessism-youth-poll/
Show Notes:
https://blueprint2024.com/analysis/optimism-pessism-youth-poll/
David Frum: Complete Chaos
29 maj 2024 |
46 min
If Trump were to win, his plans to sabotage the Justice Department and consolidate power would plunge the country into chaos: Our government would be disabled, Americans would pour into the streets, and our enemies would be very happy. Plus, Alito is not being on the level, and a helpful primer on Mexico's election this weekend.
show notes:
Press Advance podcast episode when Tim was a guest
show notes:
Press Advance podcast episode when Tim was a guest
John Heilemann: Piss and Vinegar
28 maj 2024 |
52 min
If persuadable voters are going to back an octogenarian, they are going to need to see less caution—and more piss and vinegar from Biden to combat Trump's "me strong, you weak" schtick. Meanwhile, TFG and RFK, Jr face-planted at the Libertarian convention, James Carville's advice for the Dems, and a tribute to an American original, Bill Walton.
show notes:
Biden in 2020 calling a voter fat, and a "damn liar"
Biden's address at West Point
Heilemann's Puck newsletter
show notes:
Biden in 2020 calling a voter fat, and a "damn liar"
Biden's address at West Point
Heilemann's Puck newsletter
Sarah Longwell and A.B. Stoddard: Won't Get Fooled Again
24 maj 2024 |
57 min
First off, Nikki, you're canceled. And while Trump's out on bail flaunting his partnership with Putin and showcasing two men charged with murder, too many members of the media are covering 2024 like it's a normal campaign. Plus, Ted Cruz gets owned, Alito has too many flags, and Dems keep sending progressive DAs packing.
show notes:
Kaitlin Colllins' full exchange with Cruz on accepting election results
Tim's interview with SF DA Brooke Jenkins
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Kaitlin Colllins' full exchange with Cruz on accepting election results
Tim's interview with SF DA Brooke Jenkins
Tim's playlist
Jasmine Crockett: Nikki Haley and B6
23 maj 2024 |
43 min
Rep. Jasmine Crockett joins Tim Miller to talk about the origins of "bleach blond bad built butch body," what it's like to work with a House GOP that spends most of its time on pro-Trump messaging instead of serving the public, and African American voters in 2024. Plus, Tim's thoughts on Nikki Haley.
James Comey and Ben Wittes: A Demagogue Our Founders Feared
22 maj 2024 |
59 min
Former FBI Director James Comey joins Tim Miller to discuss the choices he made in 2016, the DOJ's self-sabotaging avoidance of the media, and how to maintain your integrity and principles in the face of a lying, lawless bastard. Plus, Ben Wittes in New York updates the status of the Trump trial, and praises the fairness of Judge Merchan.
show notes:
Comey's new crime novel
Ben on Judge Merchan
show notes:
Comey's new crime novel
Ben on Judge Merchan
Rick Wilson: The Reich Stuff
21 maj 2024 |
44 min
The "unified Reich" reference was no accident: Trump is aiming to both fire up the base and court public controversy. Meanwhile, Giuliani is hawking sedition coffee, Marco Rubio is auditioning for secretary of state, and the UN had a dumbass reaction to the Iranian president's death. Rick Wilson joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-killing-of-roger-fortson
show notes:
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-killing-of-roger-fortson
Tom Nichols: The Cult Around the Sad Boy from Queens
20 maj 2024 |
56 min
Trump has embraced the culture war on guns and abortion, but he is somehow being painted as a moderate again. Meanwhile, Giuliani and Abbott served up fresh reminders that MAGA thinks law and order doesn't apply to them. And today's authoritarians aren't anti-elite—it's just that the wrong elites are in charge. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom's piece about Carla, the cat
show notes:
Tom's piece about Carla, the cat
Anne Applebaum: A New Propaganda War
17 maj 2024 |
46 min
Russia, China, and their authoritarian allies are working overtime to poison the idea of democracy everywhere in the world. It's a theme so heartily embraced by MAGA, their messaging is often the same. Plus, coup sympathizer Samuel Alito, Ukraine's high-tech gains and low-tech losses, and our risk of being outflanked by foreign influence in 2024.
Join Tim, Sarah JVL in Denver June 21. Gov Jared Polis is our guest.
Tickets at TheBulwark.com/events.
show notes:
Anne's Atlantic cover story
Anne's forthcoming book, "Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who to Run the World."
Tim's playlist
Join Tim, Sarah JVL in Denver June 21. Gov Jared Polis is our guest.
Tickets at TheBulwark.com/events.
show notes:
Anne's Atlantic cover story
Anne's forthcoming book, "Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who to Run the World."
Tim's playlist
Joe Walsh: Red Lines
16 maj 2024 |
53 min
This election is about being a grownup and making a choice. One candidate is clearly preferable, and a protest vote sends a message to no one. Meanwhile, Biden is not waiting to take the fight to Trump, and Democrats have to call out culture war ugliness. Plus, another installment of "The Right Stuff." Joe Walsh joins Tim Miller today.
Ben Wittes and Brody Mullins: Code Red
15 maj 2024 |
46 min
Michael Cohen substantiated 99% of what's needed to prove Trump's hush money reimbursement scheme—and so far, Cohen held his own under the weak defense counsel's cross-exam. Plus, are we past the peak power of the corporate lobbying world? Ben Wittes and the WSJ's Brody Mullins join Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Brody Mulllins' book, "“The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government.”
Ben on Michael Cohen, Day 2
show notes:
Brody Mulllins' book, "“The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government.”
Ben on Michael Cohen, Day 2
Eddie Glaude Jr.: Biden Needs to Thread the Needle
14 maj 2024 |
52 min
Joe has to tell campus protesters it's OK to disagree with him—and that they can hold him to account. But if they want to keep the ability to protest, they can't let the knuckle-dragging troglodyte back into power. Plus, pressuring Cornel West, white people are losing their damn minds, again—and is Gen Z really the catastrophic generation? Eddie Glaude joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Eddie's latest book, "We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For."
Eddie's "Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul."
show notes:
Eddie's latest book, "We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For."
Eddie's "Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul."
Will Saletan: Trolls and Liars
13 maj 2024 |
48 min
Today's GOP is not a governing party—it's a grievance and trolling party, and Trump has the nihilist vote all locked up. Meanwhile, Lindsey Graham and others are pushing a Hiroshima model in response to Gaza. And because we all still need to laugh, the pod now has a new segment, "The Right Stuff." Will Saletan joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Jonathan Karl on Johnny McEntee
CBS News segment on the mother rescued from Gaza
show notes:
Jonathan Karl on Johnny McEntee
CBS News segment on the mother rescued from Gaza
Mark Leibovich: The Oracle of Washington
10 maj 2024 |
53 min
Mike Johnson may have seen the light in the SCIF, but is he scheming with Trump for Jan 6, 2025? Plus, imagining Gavin Newsom 2028 if we get to keep our elections, Biden's age still makes every supporter nervous, Kevin McCarthy's vendetta, and Nikki, the wild card. Mark Leibovich joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
Show notes:
Mark's "Thank You for Your Servitude"
Mark's "This Town"
Tim's playlist
Show notes:
Mark's "Thank You for Your Servitude"
Mark's "This Town"
Tim's playlist
Ben Wittes and Ro Khanna: Stormy Rafah
9 maj 2024 |
70 min
In New York, we are getting the trial we deserve: It's not about high principles and democracy, but the trashy celebrity culture America let into the White House. Meanwhile, Biden grows more impatient over Israel's plans for Rafah. Plus, the dark overlords of Silicon Valley, and a "new economic patriotism.” Rep. Ro Khanna and Ben Wittes join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Lawfare Daily podcast episode on Israel/Gaza
Full clip from Khanna's conversation with Jewish and Arab students
show notes:
Lawfare Daily podcast episode on Israel/Gaza
Full clip from Khanna's conversation with Jewish and Arab students
Adam Kinzinger: A Small Man
8 maj 2024 |
41 min
The ex-POTUS who claims he was taken down by the deep state is looking even smaller in court, getting scolded by the judge and sitting through testimony about how he and Melania don't sleep in the same bed. Plus, RFK Jr.'s brain worm, winning over the still-going Haley voters, and the plan to ban porn. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tim's interview with Tammy Baldwin
Tim's interview with Colin Allred
show notes:
Tim's interview with Tammy Baldwin
Tim's interview with Colin Allred
Elizabeth Neumann and Geoff Duncan: Republican Voters Against Trump
7 maj 2024 |
49 min
Two conservatives describe their break with Trump. Former DHS official Elizabeth Neumann saw both the mafia culture up close and Trump's disinterest in doing the work of being president. He also exploits the rising extremism in the evangelical church. And former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan says he's voting for Biden, and tells Tim Miller that "doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing."
show notes:
Elizabeth's new book, "Kingdom of Rage: The Rise Of Christian Extremism And The Path Back to Peace.”
Geoff's book, "GOP 2.0"
show notes:
Elizabeth's new book, "Kingdom of Rage: The Rise Of Christian Extremism And The Path Back to Peace.”
Geoff's book, "GOP 2.0"
Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger: Lying Is the Price of Admission
6 maj 2024 |
44 min
Any apprentice who wants to join Trump's ticket has to prove they won't accept the election results unless Trump wins—and Tim Scott shows he is a willing collaborator. Plus, most students aren't on the side of the protesters, the threat to Biden from the sense of disorder, and the pathology of Kristi Noem. Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Politico story on nonprofits funding Gaza protests
show notes:
Politico story on nonprofits funding Gaza protests
Live from Philly
3 maj 2024 |
53 min
Will Saletan and (Hubert Humphrey alum) Bill Kristol join Tim Miller before a live audience in Philadelphia to discuss the uncanny parallels to 1968, the big 420 news, and the South now living back in pre-Roe days. Will there be a monster backlash?
show notes
Tim's playlist
show notes
Tim's playlist
Gov. Josh Shapiro: We Can Do Big Things
2 maj 2024 |
33 min
The governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, sits down with Tim Miller in Philly to talk about the kind of language that wins over voters, the campus protests, finding the sweet spot on public safety and crime, and getting sh*t done.
show note:
This interview was recorded late Wednesday afternoon.
show note:
This interview was recorded late Wednesday afternoon.
Ben Wittes and Eric Cortellessa: Trump's Autocratic Agenda
1 maj 2024 |
43 min
Trump went on the record, explaining how in a second term, his staff would only be (election denying) loyalists, he'd run a massive deportation operation, and states could freely monitor women's pregnancies. Meanwhile, evidence of his election interference in 2016 piles up in New York. Ben Wittes and Eric Cortellessa join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Trump Makes the Cover of Time magazine
Trump interview transcript
Lawfare's NY Trial Dispatch, Week 2
The Next Level episode mentioned by Ben
show notes:
Trump Makes the Cover of Time magazine
Trump interview transcript
Lawfare's NY Trial Dispatch, Week 2
The Next Level episode mentioned by Ben
Bakari Sellers: We Are in a Dark Moment
30 april 2024 |
40 min
In the very hot summer of George, Breonna, and Ahmaud, we seemed to be on the brink of a third Reconstruction. But that moment from 2020 was lost. Now, we're in a time when people like Tucker and Charlie Kirk talk about racial equality as white oppression. Bakari Sellers joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Bakari's new book, "The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now."
show notes:
Bakari's new book, "The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now."
Christians and Political Power
29 april 2024 |
38 min
Political power often changes the church more than the church changes those in power—the most glaring example is the damage Trump has done to the credibility of the white evangelical world. Plus, Bill Barr is a liar, and the evolution of Mike Johnson. Peter Wehner joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
AP story on Bill Barr and the Mueller Report
Pete's piece on the forgotten radicalism of Jesus Christ
show notes:
AP story on Bill Barr and the Mueller Report
Pete's piece on the forgotten radicalism of Jesus Christ
Simon Rosenberg: I Think We're Going to Kick His Ass
26 april 2024 |
55 min
The polling isn't there yet, but Biden is delivering on the job, MAGA is extreme and dangerous, the GOP is a dumpster fire, and Trump is the ugliest political figure in our lifetimes. After a hellish week at SCOTUS, some hopium for the weekend pod from Simon Rosenberg. Plus, Tim Miller reads from the mailbag.
show notes:
show notes:
-
Simon's Hopium newsletter
-
Tim's playlist
-
George Conway's hat
-
Tim on Dan Savage's pod
- Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Mark Joseph Stern and Dave Weigel: A Bad Day for Jack Smith
25 april 2024 |
47 min
To Alito, Thomas, Kavanaugh, and Gorsuch, the real threat to democracy is not Trump's attempts to steal the election—but the DOJ's effort to hold him accountable. Plus, the story behind the protesters' masks, activists v Biden, and reading the tea leaves from the Pennsylvania primary. Mark Joseph Stern and Dave Weigel join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Weigel's mask story
Marc Caputo on the Jan 6 case
show notes:
Weigel's mask story
Marc Caputo on the Jan 6 case
Olivia Nuzzi and Dana Mattioli: A Deflated Trump
24 april 2024 |
46 min
The one-time most powerful man in the world is now being told when to sit, when to stand, and what he's permitted to say. Scenes from the New York courthouse, with Olivia Nuzzi. Plus, Dana Mattioli discusses her book on Amazon, a modern-day Standard Oil, with huge power across numerous industries—but which is also on the outs in DC.
show notes:
Dana's book, "The Everything War: Amazon’s Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power."
show notes:
Dana's book, "The Everything War: Amazon’s Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power."
Frank Bruni: The Age of Grievance
23 april 2024 |
48 min
Tocqueville noted that Americans forever brood over advantages they do not possess, but now our grievance culture has run amok. From the aggrieved-in-chief, Trump, who just can't catch a break, to the social justice warriors who apply the same lens to every situation, we're losing the line between what is righteous and what is bratty. Frank Bruni joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Frank's book, "The Age of Grievance."
show notes:
Frank's book, "The Age of Grievance."
Tom Mauser and Bill Kristol: Columbine, 25 Years On
22 april 2024 |
46 min
Tom Mauser lost his son, Daniel, in the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. He joins Tim Miller to discuss his long fight against gun violence, small victories over the NRA, and the continuing inspiration of his son. Plus, Bill Kristol on marginalizing Trump over Ukraine, how Biden could use some FDR, and the Columbia protests.
show notes:
https://danielmauser.com/
show notes:
https://danielmauser.com/
Amanda Carpenter: Welcome to Coalition Government
19 april 2024 |
56 min
Hey, look: Republicans and Democrats are working together! Meanwhile, Trump is still trying to destroy our institutions, Bill Barr is comfortable playing Russian roulette, and Mark Esper speaks the truth. Plus, more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Amanda on the pardon power
Amanda's piece about Trump's attacks on the courts
Bill Kristol's interview with Mark Esper
The Times' Mike Bender on Trump's VP contenders
Trump being scared of a bald eagle
Trump claiming a protester was from ISIS
Tim's playlist
show notes:
Amanda on the pardon power
Amanda's piece about Trump's attacks on the courts
Bill Kristol's interview with Mark Esper
The Times' Mike Bender on Trump's VP contenders
Trump being scared of a bald eagle
Trump claiming a protester was from ISIS
Tim's playlist
Ali Vitali and Will Saletan: An Epiphany on Ukraine?
18 april 2024 |
55 min
Mike Johnson shows hints of Reaganism with his new push for a foreign aid bill that includes support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Republicans in Arizona self-own on abortion, the GOP in DC flails on a staged impeachment, and Biden makes a populist move on tariffs. Ali Vitali and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes:
VOTE HERE for Will Saletan's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' podcast
Sen. Chris Murphy's Bulwark piece
Ali's book, "Electable"
show notes:
VOTE HERE for Will Saletan's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' podcast
Sen. Chris Murphy's Bulwark piece
Ali's book, "Electable"
David Sanger: New Cold Wars
17 april 2024 |
51 min
For 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the United States lived in a delusion that Russia and China could not touch us. And while Americans are not all that interested in the rest of the world, the rest of the world is interested in us. Plus, Biden and Bibi don't like each other. David Sanger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Sanger's just published book, "New Cold Wars."
show notes:
Sanger's just published book, "New Cold Wars."
Ross Douthat: Elite Outrage Is Not Enough
16 april 2024 |
48 min
Trump wins voters who don't read The New York Times or listen to The Bulwark Podcast, and elite opposition may not be enough to defeat him. Ross Douthat joins Tim Miller for a spirited debate about what the conservative movement gave away in sacrifice to Trump on world leadership, abortion, and democracy.
show notes:
Douthat's recent piece on the pro-life movement
**Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1, and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events
show notes:
Douthat's recent piece on the pro-life movement
**Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1, and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events
Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes: The Split-Screen Reality
15 april 2024 |
45 min
While Biden spent the weekend helping fend off Iran's missile and drone attack, supposedly pro-Israel Trump embraced the anti-Israel chant, "Genocide Joe," at his rally. Meanwhile, the trial involving the first time Trump allegedly broke the law to win an election gets underway. Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes join Tim Miller.
**Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1 and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events
show notes:
Eliot Cohen's piece in The Atlantic
**Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1 and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events
show notes:
Eliot Cohen's piece in The Atlantic
Jonathan Chait: Trump Broke the Scales
12 april 2024 |
52 min
Pound for pound, the media treats Trump better than any Democrat. Plus, talking about abortion in a way that wins the most votes, NPR and identity politics, Biden gets too little credit for bipartisan deals, and the first big sign of softening support for Israel on the populist right. Jon Chait joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
VOTE HERE for Will Saletan's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' podcast
O.J. verdict live on Oprah
The guy behind the 1864 Arizona abortion law
Tim’s Playlist
Goose x Vampire Weekend
show notes
VOTE HERE for Will Saletan's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' podcast
O.J. verdict live on Oprah
The guy behind the 1864 Arizona abortion law
Tim’s Playlist
Goose x Vampire Weekend
Isaac Arnsdorf and Joe Perticone: Trying to Finish What They Started
11 april 2024 |
39 min
Steve Bannon fueled the rise of MAGA by offering true believers a sense of community and purpose. A new book tells the story of ordinary Americans swept up in the movement. Plus, hanging out at the DC jail with the Jan 6 choir, and the House drama over Ukraine and FISA. Isaac Arnsdorf and Joe Perticone join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Isaac's book, "Finish What We Started"
show notes:
Isaac's book, "Finish What We Started"
Olivia Nuzzi: Kari Lake Is No Meryl Streep
10 april 2024 |
43 min
Kari Lake can deliver a good performance, but she's not really a true believer, as her flip on the Arizona abortion law shows. Plus, the normal part of life near the border, the specter of violence at MAGA rallies, and the grueling but necessary function of covering Trump for the long haul. Olivia Nuzzi joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Olivia's new piece on the AZ Senate race and the border
Matt Labash profile of Roger Stone
Trailer for "A Face in the Crowd"
*Graphic: Palin's pre-Thanksgiving interview with turkeys
show notes:
Olivia's new piece on the AZ Senate race and the border
Matt Labash profile of Roger Stone
Trailer for "A Face in the Crowd"
*Graphic: Palin's pre-Thanksgiving interview with turkeys
Adam Kinzinger: Yes, Russian Propaganda Is Infecting the GOP
9 april 2024 |
42 min
Two powerful Republican congressmen say some of their colleagues are advancing Russian propaganda, but they're still letting Moscow Marjorie run the show. Plus, Biden needs to hammer the GOP on Ukraine, Trump's weird smell, and how the Bush 43 contingent in Texas can help KO Ted Cruz. Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tim's article on Red Dog Democrats
Trump ad, with his head blocking out the sun
show notes:
Tim's article on Red Dog Democrats
Trump ad, with his head blocking out the sun
Bill Kristol: Pure Oligarchic Greed
8 april 2024 |
45 min
Trump's billionaire donors had it so bad under Obama, Clinton, and RINO presidents that they just have to go with the authoritarian. Plus, the return of s**thole countries, women's hoops and culture war killjoys, a follow-up on white rural rage, and Trump's latest abortion position. Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
White Rural Rage episode
show notes:
White Rural Rage episode
Ron Brownstein: A Republican Realignment?
5 april 2024 |
41 min
While Trump's calling card is stoking white grievance, he's making unprecedented inroads with Black and Hispanic voters. But in a twist, Biden is matching or even exceeding his support among white voters from 2020. Plus, the perils of Michigan and RFK, Jr., and more from the mailbag. Ron Brownstein joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Ron's piece on Trump's support among nonwhite voters
RFK speech from 1968
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=1acb0411ebdc43fa
show notes:
Ron's piece on Trump's support among nonwhite voters
RFK speech from 1968
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=1acb0411ebdc43fa
Ruth Ben-Ghiat: There Is No Alternative
4 april 2024 |
40 min
Republicans can't get off the Trump highway to hell, but business and media elites are also cozying up to him in case he returns to power. Meanwhile, Trump's project to legalize crimes and delegitimize democracy continues. Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Umberto Eco's essay on fascism
Ruth's book, "Strongmen"
show notes:
Umberto Eco's essay on fascism
Ruth's book, "Strongmen"
Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Marc Caputo: The Least Productive Congress
3 april 2024 |
38 min
The 118th Congress has made history: by removing a speaker, expelling a member, and holding sham impeachment hearings. Without Dem votes, the government would have shut down multiple times. Plus, the home insurance crisis, abortion politics, and the Democrats' uphill climb in Florida. Rep. Moskowitz and Marc Caputo join Tim Miller.
show notes
Steve Schale's Bulwark piece on Florida
Tim's interview with Fred Guttenberg
show notes
Steve Schale's Bulwark piece on Florida
Tim's interview with Fred Guttenberg
Stephen Richer and Will Saletan: Kari Lake Lied
2 april 2024 |
44 min
Kari Lake said she'd fight to the bitter end to prove the AZ governor's race was stolen from her, but in court she essentially conceded that it was all a lie. Plus, the danger of the white grievance movement, the Florida abortion ruling, and a shout-out to Caitlin Clark. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes
https://stephenricher.com/
Vote for Will's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' here
'The Corruption of Lindsey Graham' limited series
show notes
https://stephenricher.com/
Vote for Will's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' here
'The Corruption of Lindsey Graham' limited series
Bill Kristol: Easter Egg (T)roll
1 april 2024 |
40 min
MAGA spent the holiday weekend arguing that Trump is more faithful than Biden, and also managed to slip in a possible dog whistle to evangelicals about Catholics. Plus, the value of Never Again Trump voters, early Senate polls, and Tim Miller reads from the mailbag. Kristol joins Tim today.
show notes:
Tim's Triad note about Widespread Panic from 2020
show notes:
Tim's Triad note about Widespread Panic from 2020
A.B. Stoddard: Liz Cheney Groupie
29 mars 2024 |
46 min
Cheney makes clear where she comes down on the POTUS rematch and is showing ex-Trumpworld figures how it's done. Plus, the 'Dallas' and 'Dynasty' show at the RNC, Biden's unforced error with anti-Trump Republicans, and 'Genocide Joe' campus activists are not the Dem base. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller for the Easter weekend Bulwark Pod.
show notes:
show notes:
- Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
-
Tim’s Playlist
-
Article on Biden with a super soaker
- Tim and Eric Levine on MSNBC: https://youtu.be/N7Or-ORaW30
David Frum: American North Korea
28 mars 2024 |
44 min
Republicans have entrapped themselves with the promise of a massive surveillance state for American women. Plus, how Never Trumpers can put Biden over the top, the dangers of RFK, Jr.'s super pac money, Hamas may have gotten what it wanted, and a remembrance of Miranda Frum. David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Frum's piece on the passing of his daughter
Frum on Trump's self-sabotaging campaign
Reagan's "Morning in America" ad
Reagan '84 ad with the Statue of Liberty
show notes:
Frum's piece on the passing of his daughter
Frum on Trump's self-sabotaging campaign
Reagan's "Morning in America" ad
Reagan '84 ad with the Statue of Liberty
Justin Kanew and Justin Fenton: Tennessee, Laboratory of Theocracy
27 mars 2024 |
56 min
As local news is hollowed out, rightwing news fills in the gaps. In Tennessee—ground zero for the culture war—Justin Kanew's site, The Tennessee Holler, holds leaders to account. Kanew joins Tim Miller on the anniversary of the Nashville school shooting. Plus, an update on the bridge disaster from Baltimore Banner reporter Justin Fenton.
show notes:
The Tennessee Holler
The Baltimore Banner
Baltimore bridge collapse (around 5:40)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, as a high school student, dressed in drag
show notes:
The Tennessee Holler
The Baltimore Banner
Baltimore bridge collapse (around 5:40)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, as a high school student, dressed in drag
Don Lemon: Elon Is a Troll
26 mars 2024 |
47 min
Elon Musk, for all his keyboard courage, couldn't handle Don Lemon's Q and A, but then sicced his Twitter minions on the ex-CNN host after their interview. Plus, a surprising take on Tucker—and a shout-out to Rachel Maddow and other MSNBC anchors speaking out against the Ronna McDaniel hire. Lemon joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
The Don Lemon Show
show notes:
The Don Lemon Show
Bill Kristol and Joe Perticone: The Quitters
25 mars 2024 |
47 min
Mike Gallagher is following Ken Buck out the House door, as they both abandon their jobs, their voters, and any sense of public service. Plus, MTG threatens Mike Johnson, Lisa Murkowski signals she may leave the GOP, and Lil Marco auditions for the VEEP stakes. Kristol and Perticone join Tim Miller today.
Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman: White Rural Rage
22 mars 2024 |
45 min
Rural white voters wield outsized power in our democracy, yet they are also more likely to support violence as a political tool—and to hold antidemocratic views. Meanwhile, rural whites enjoy the perk of being seen as the "real" Americans. Waldman and Schaller join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Tom and Paul's book
Tim’s Playlist
show notes:
Tom and Paul's book
Tim’s Playlist
Jake Tapper: American Scandal
21 mars 2024 |
40 min
It used to be that politicians who had affairs, took bribes, and paid people off lost their office or lost their base. Tapper joins Tim to discuss his CNN series, "United States of Scandal," as well as his role in freeing a wrongly convicted man. Plus, rising antisemitism on the left and right.
show notes:
https://www.cnn.com/videos/title-2411812
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/cj-rice-philadelphia-exonerated/677787/
Fundraiser for C.J. Rice
show notes:
https://www.cnn.com/videos/title-2411812
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/cj-rice-philadelphia-exonerated/677787/
Fundraiser for C.J. Rice
Stephen Hayes: Grading Biden
20 mars 2024 |
64 min
A recent editorial in The Dispatch rejected both Trump and Biden as acceptable choices in 2024. Tim takes strong exception to that position, arguing it's a danger to democracy. Today, a debate between Steve and Tim over how to handle the choice in this year's election. Plus, an agreement on spending.
show notes:
The Dispatch editorial on the Trump-Biden rematch
Matt Yglesias on spending
show notes:
The Dispatch editorial on the Trump-Biden rematch
Matt Yglesias on spending
Susan Glasser: An Edifice of Lies
19 mars 2024 |
38 min
Trump's 2024 lies are not just the familiar ones about a 'rigged election' and 'Sleepy Joe.' He's also unleashing a flood of untruths about Biden and his record that gets filtered through the media mill and reduced to background noise. Plus, Putin's Potemkin victory. Glasser joins Tim today.
show notes:
Susan's most recent column
show notes:
Susan's most recent column
Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes: A Subversive Enterprise
18 mars 2024 |
44 min
Trump stands and salutes the insurrectionists during the national anthem, and may rehire the treasonous Paul Manafort to help out in '24. Plus, the dust settles on the Fani Willis' prosecution in Georgia, and Aileen Cannon seriously entertains Trump's absurd claim in the docs case. Kristol and Wittes join Tim.
Amanda Carpenter: Is Trump Depressed?
15 mars 2024 |
45 min
He lost, he's low on campaign cash, and he's juggling criminal court dates. Are the bad things he says about America a projection of how he feels about himself? Plus, Candace's crazy new crazy conspiracy, MAGA nuts in swing states, and the most alarming threat from a Trump 2.0. Amanda joins Tim for the weekend pod.
show notes
https://www.authoritarianplaybook2025.org/
show notes
https://www.authoritarianplaybook2025.org/
Josh Barro: Dear Fed, Please Lower Interest Rates
14 mars 2024 |
50 min
One of the biggest reasons voters are not happier about the economy is because interest rates are much higher than they were few years ago. Plus, publicity-hound RFK Jr's self-own, more from the mailbag, and should Sotomayor retire this year? Barro joins Tim today.
show notes
Josh arguing for Sotomayor's retirement
ABC News story Tim mentioned
show notes
Josh arguing for Sotomayor's retirement
ABC News story Tim mentioned
Sasha Issenberg: Politics, Disinformation, and 2024
13 mars 2024 |
49 min
In 2016, the Trump campaign used microtargeting to suppress the Clinton vote. Since then, digital malfeasance has become the dominant subplot in our politics. How did the Biden team respond to 'Sleepy Joe' and 'Creepy Joe' in 2020, and what's the game plan for viral disinfo in '24? Issenberg joins Tim today.
show notes
By Sasha:
The Lie Detectives
The Engagement
show notes
By Sasha:
The Lie Detectives
The Engagement
Evan Osnos: Biden Brims with Confidence
12 mars 2024 |
51 min
Biden has the air of a man with no doubt about his campaign strategy—which is not exactly soothing to some Democrats and Never Trumpers. Plus, Hur's questionable framing of his report, the RNC bloodbath, jealous elites, and Tucker can't get no respect. Osnos joins Tim today.
show notes
By Evan:
Joe Biden's Last Campaign
Rules for the Ruling Class
Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now
Wildland: The Making of America's Fury
Plus:
Richard Ben Cramer's "What It Takes"
show notes
By Evan:
Joe Biden's Last Campaign
Rules for the Ruling Class
Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now
Wildland: The Making of America's Fury
Plus:
Richard Ben Cramer's "What It Takes"
Bill Kristol and Sarah Longwell: Is the Wishcasting Over?
11 mars 2024 |
41 min
Old guy Biden got Ezra Klein to back down—and Kristol a little bit as well. Plus, Orbán at Mar-a-lago, the fallout from the "illegal" immigrant line, and Longwell joins Tim to read from the mailbag, and highlight this week's Focus Group pod.
show notes:
show notes:
-
Bill's interview of Timothy Snyder
- Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Ben LaBolt and Will Saletan: The Stakes of the Moment
8 mars 2024 |
57 min
The White House explains why Biden led his State of the Union speech with the threats to democracy at home and abroad. Plus, MAGA's meltdown over Biden's vigor, Mike Johnson's squirming, and Katie Britt's freakish performance. WH Comms Director LaBolt and Saletan join Tim for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Democratic response to Reagan's '85 SOTU, moderated by Bill Clinton
Tim’s Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=duwnuIpGRxeVWDSkrwaD1w&pi=u-QDtY_MnOS0mV
show notes:
Democratic response to Reagan's '85 SOTU, moderated by Bill Clinton
Tim’s Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=duwnuIpGRxeVWDSkrwaD1w&pi=u-QDtY_MnOS0mV
Tom Nichols: The GOP Needs a Fake Joe Biden
7 mars 2024 |
45 min
Republicans keep painting Biden as an antifa-loving, Iran-coddling communist as they try to create a moral equivalence with Trump. Plus, McConnell won't even stand by his wife, the Russian wing of the GOP wants to defund the police, and Katie Porter: Give us a break. Nichols joins Tim today.
show notes:
New edition of 'The Death of Expertise,' out April 3
show notes:
New edition of 'The Death of Expertise,' out April 3
Errin Haines: A Not So Super Tuesday
6 mars 2024 |
43 min
The Biden campaign is facing a buyer's market among voters and will really have to up its persuasion game, particularly with voters of color. Plus, Nikki packs it in, Republicans went for the craziest SOBs, and Kamala's coming heavy lift on the campaign trail. Haines joins Tim Miller today.
Catherine Rampell: Trump Would Be Bad News for the Economy
5 mars 2024 |
46 min
Trump's plans to add tariffs and shrink the labor force— via an immigration crackdown— would likely reignite inflation. Plus, Biden's secret energy boom, and how the recent immigration surge has been a gift to the economy. Rampell joins Tim today.
show notes:
Rampell on the economic benefits of the immigration surge
Rampell on Trump's economic policy plans
show notes:
Rampell on the economic benefits of the immigration surge
Rampell on Trump's economic policy plans
Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes: We Still Have to Do the Work
4 mars 2024 |
41 min
The courts aren’t taking care of Trump and we can’t live in denial about the state of play. Meanwhile, words keep failing him at his weird rallies—and telling Romney voters you don't need them doesn't seem all that smart when Nikki gets 30% of the vote. Kristol rejoins Tim, and Wittes is back for a mini-Trump Trials.
show notes:
Send your questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Tim's Not My Party: https://t.snapchat.com/SnxQ5aG0
show notes:
Send your questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Tim's Not My Party: https://t.snapchat.com/SnxQ5aG0
Kara Swisher: A Tech 'Tough Love' Story
1 mars 2024 |
47 min
Tech has allowed some very bad people to do some very bad things—including in the democracy arena. Swisher joins Tim for the weekend pod to share her burns of Elon, Trump and the vampires of Silicon Valley. Plus, a capitalist case for government doing more to rein in Big Tech.
show notes:
Kara's new memoir, "Burn Book"
Tim's Walter Isaacson interview
show notes:
Kara's new memoir, "Burn Book"
Tim's Walter Isaacson interview
Jamie Weinstein: The Cowardice of Mitch McConnell
29 februari 2024 |
63 min
McConnell wouldn't put the stake in the heart of Trump—will that overshadow his legacy? Plus, Dan Crenshaw is not happy, debating Gaza & media bias, and it's up to 'we the people,' not the courts, to save us from Trump. The Dispatch's Weinstein joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Weinstein's interview with Crenshaw
Finding Matt Drudge pod
show notes:
Weinstein's interview with Crenshaw
Finding Matt Drudge pod
John Avlon: Winning Back the House from the MAGA Minions
28 februari 2024 |
43 min
The MAGA crew in the House is against majoritarian democracy and thinks bipartisanship is bad—Democrats are the only big tent party now. Avlon explains his moment of moral clarity in deciding to run for Congress. Plus, what happened to his former boss, Rudy Giuliani?
show notes:
Avlon's essay on 9/11
Tim’s Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=duwnuIpGRxeVWDSkrwaD1w&pi=u-QDtY_MnOS0mV
show notes:
Avlon's essay on 9/11
Tim’s Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=duwnuIpGRxeVWDSkrwaD1w&pi=u-QDtY_MnOS0mV
Matt Yglesias and Brian Beutler: The Left Hits Biden Harder than Trump
27 februari 2024 |
47 min
In our first crossover pod, Tim queries Yglesias and Beutler about Biden's Gaza response, and why Dems aren't holding Kushner hearings—or raising hell about the GOP's promotion of fake oppo from a Russian spy. Then catch the tables getting turned on Tim on the Politix pod Wednesday.
show notes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politix/id1485109198
show notes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politix/id1485109198
Bill Kristol: A Shot of Hopium
26 februari 2024 |
45 min
Voters who backed Haley in South Carolina are not buying the American carnage message, and may represent a kind of gettable voter in swing states. Plus, the shamelessness of Stefanik, the enduring racism of Trump, and a defense of Archie Bunker. Kristol is back with Tim Miller.
Bonus Episode: South Carolina Circus Special
24 februari 2024 |
44 min
Tim is joined by John Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri, and Mark McKinnon, his former colleagues from "The Circus," for a South Carolina primary preview. Plus, the prospects for a post-Trump GOP, and some advice for the Biden campaign: Normalize his gaffes.
Rob Reiner and Dan Partland: God & Country
23 februari 2024 |
29 min
Christian nationalism is not only a threat to democracy, but also to Christianity itself. Prominent evangelicals, like David French and Russell Moore, break it all down in a new documentary, "God & Country." Charlie Sykes is also in the film. Reiner and Partland take it to 11 with Tim Miller today.
show notes:
https://godandcountrythemovie.com/
Billy Crystal and Bill Kristol ad
show notes:
https://godandcountrythemovie.com/
Billy Crystal and Bill Kristol ad
Glenn Thrush and Tim Mak: Russia's Plots Against the West
22 februari 2024 |
40 min
A rundown on double agent Alexander Smirnov, and Republicans' eagerness to amplify information sourced from Russia. And in Ukraine, feelings of betrayal on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. Thrush and Mak join Tim Miller.
show notes:
https://www.counteroffensive.news/
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/20/us/politics/fbi-informant-hunter-biden.html
show notes:
https://www.counteroffensive.news/
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/20/us/politics/fbi-informant-hunter-biden.html
Katie Couric: Not A Libtard
21 februari 2024 |
46 min
Couric revisits the impact of her Sarah Palin interview, and shares her views with Tim on the evolution of the GOP, the #MeToo movement in the media, and Kamala's tendency to rely too much on her talking points.
Jane Coaston: The Culture War of Absurdity
20 februari 2024 |
57 min
Charlie Kirk hates Taylor, pro sports, Disney—and anything normal. Plus, the Alabama ruling on frozen embryos, the House is now the destination for Republicans who want to do nothing but court fame, and Heath Mayo also joins Tim to discuss this weekend's Principles First summit.
show notes
https://www.principlesfirst.us/summit/2024/
show notes
https://www.principlesfirst.us/summit/2024/
Bill Kristol: A Tacky, Low-Life Con Man
19 februari 2024 |
30 min
The vulgar carnival barker used the holiday weekend to hawk crummy, over-priced sneakers, and compare himself to Navalny. Plus, the House skips town before voting on Ukraine aid, and Haley now declines to say whether she'd vote for Trump. Kristol is back with Tim Miller.
Ben Wittes: Putin's Cheerleaders
16 februari 2024 |
46 min
Alexei Navalny heroically stood up to Putin, but Tucker and MAGA's worst actors can't get enough of the Russian leader—and Russia itself. Plus, another anti-Biden witness bites the dust, and Fani Willis' table-turning moment. Wittes joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Navalny's investigation into Putin's $1.3 billion Black Sea villa
show notes:
Navalny's investigation into Putin's $1.3 billion Black Sea villa
Robert Draper: The Talented Mr. Meadows
15 februari 2024 |
42 min
The immunity order Mark Meadows has in the election subversion case could be a big problem for Trump. But his habit of lying could be a problem for Jack Smith. Plus, is Sinema finished with politics? And the Tea Party when it was kinda sane. Draper joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Draper's piece on Meadows
Draper's piece on Kyrsten Sinema
show notes:
Draper's piece on Meadows
Draper's piece on Kyrsten Sinema
Rep. Dean Phillips: The Pitch
14 februari 2024 |
44 min
The congressman states his case for why he's challenging Biden, and Tim Miller grills him.
James Carville: Mock Him
13 februari 2024 |
36 min
Much of MAGA thinks Trump was sent by God, but King Cyrus probably didn't wear a diaper. Don't skimp on the mockery. Plus, Dems and male voters, jealousy over Taylor+Travis, and the catch-22 of Robert Hur. Carville joins Tim Miller for Mardi Gras.
Bill Kristol and A.B. Stoddard : Soak Up the Schadenfreude
12 februari 2024 |
53 min
A Super Bowl W for Dark Brandon & the Deep State brings MAGA tears. Plus, Mike Gallagher steps aside as no profile in courage, NATO allies are alarmed about a Trump 2.0, and a debate over Biden staying in the race. Kristol and Stoddard join Tim Miller for his inaugural show as host of The Bulwark Pod.
David French and Bill Kristol: The Age Thing
9 februari 2024 |
53 min
The special counsel's report on Biden's docs—and a gaffe about Mexico—have placed Joe's age and memory front and center in the campaign. Plus, SCOTUS's potential undermining of part of the 14th Amendment, and Charlie Sykes signs off with the very first guest of the pod. David French and Bill Kristol join Charlie.
He's Staying on the Ballot
8 februari 2024 |
35 min
The Supreme Court sounded ready to reject a Colorado ruling that barred Trump from the state ballot. Plus, reading the tea leaves on the next phase for Trump's immunity claim, and the thin factual record against Fani Willis. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Tom Nichols: Citizen Trump
7 februari 2024 |
46 min
The Supreme Court's legitimacy would really be on the line if it took up Trump's completely lunatic immunity theory after the D.C. Circuit's airtight rejection of it. Plus, the four Republican Parties in the House, and not-a-journalist Tucker's suck up to Putin. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes.
Jonathan Taplin: The End of Reality
6 februari 2024 |
37 min
Four billionaires—Musk, Zuckerberg, Thiel, and Andreessen—are part of an antidemocratic turn in the tech world. This interlocked directorate of Silicon Valley has helped bring us to this time of post-truth reality, online chaos, and mob violence. Jonathan Taplin joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
Jon's "The End of Reality"
show notes:
Jon's "The End of Reality"
The Fifth Avenue Rapist
5 februari 2024 |
46 min
J.D. Vance has extended Trump's Fifth Avenue immunity claim to sexual assault, espionage, RICO, and election stealing—as he angles for the VP slot. Plus, the border bill Republicans have always wanted. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Michael Steele: Let it Rip, Joe
2 februari 2024 |
37 min
Surprise, surprise, Biden drops F-bombs when he talks about the former insurrectionist president. Plus, Mike Johnson is Trump's punk, and the RNC is behind in the campaign money race after spending lavishly on luxury hotels and private jets. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
We're Talking Real Money
1 februari 2024 |
45 min
Trump hasn't re-defamed E. Jean Carroll, so it basically takes about $83 million to get him to shut up. Plus, the big risk in the Georgia case, MAGA will be rooting for San Francisco, and Charlie talks about getting off the hamster wheel. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Joe Klein & John Ellis: A Torrent of Stupid
31 januari 2024 |
50 min
MAGA has put Taylor at the top of its enemies list, Greg Abbott is inviting another Jan 6 at the border, and GOP governors have come out for just ignoring the Supreme Court. Plus, the potential tech disruptors in the election will set your hair on fire. Joe Klein and John Ellis join Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-owls/id1724583637
https://josephklein.substack.com/
https://substack.com/@newsitems
show notes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-owls/id1724583637
https://josephklein.substack.com/
https://substack.com/@newsitems
Brian Klaas: Why Everything We Do Matters
30 januari 2024 |
44 min
The world feels like it's falling apart, and black swan events are on the rise. Is this the result of our unquenchable thirst for optimization and efficiency—as we try to tame an untameable world? Brian Klaas joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his new book, "Fluke."
show notes:
Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters
show notes:
Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters
Will Saletan: The New Nikki
29 januari 2024 |
45 min
Haley has taken a hard turn against Trump, and is calling on him to 'man-up' and explain why he grew the debt and why he praises President Xi. Meanwhile, most Senate Republicans are doing Trump's bidding on the border bill. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Edward Luce: Why Big Business Is Caving to Trump
26 januari 2024 |
43 min
Tax cuts and a gutted regulatory state are a big draw for Wall Street. But under a Trump 2.0, it would be the aspiring monopolists—not the publicly-traded "corporatists"—who would be the winners. Democracy isn't the only thing on the line. Ed Luce joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.ft.com/content/8fbf3a47-f622-46cc-ac06-17732cecc313
show notes:
https://www.ft.com/content/8fbf3a47-f622-46cc-ac06-17732cecc313
Just What Putin Wanted
25 januari 2024 |
40 min
Moscow Mitch capitulated to Trump's electoral interests, Justice Scalia speaks from beyond, Lindsey may have flipped on Trump in Georgia, and reading the tea leaves on why the presidential immunity ruling is taking so long. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-justice-scalia-thought-about-whether-presidents-are-officers-of-the-united-states
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-justice-scalia-thought-about-whether-presidents-are-officers-of-the-united-states
Benjy Sarlin: Wake up to Reality
24 januari 2024 |
40 min
As we pivot from primary season to the general election, Biden is telling Democrats to accept that Trump will be the nominee. Meanwhile, the ex-POTUS is doing 'peak Trump'—talking about Jan 6, his legal cases, and calling E. Jean Carroll a liar. Semafor's Benjy Sarlin joins Charlie Sykes
Michael Kruse: Trump's Grand Finale
23 januari 2024 |
43 min
As a longtime legal combatant, probably no one else on earth is more prepared to leverage four prosecutions than Donald Trump—he's made an art form of attacking the courts, our justice system, and the rule of law for 50-plus years. Politico's Michael Kruse joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/12/donald-trump-indictments-legal-system-00135151
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/22/new-hampshire-primary-voter-00136850
show notes:
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/12/donald-trump-indictments-legal-system-00135151
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/22/new-hampshire-primary-voter-00136850
Will Saletan: A Rogue Presidency
22 januari 2024 |
49 min
Trump wants to put his knee on the neck of America with a violent, illegal presidency. Plus, the self-abasement of DeSantis and Tim Scott, Nikki waits 'til the 11th hour to punch harder, and Stefanik readies for her close-up. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Amanda Carpenter: The Authoritarian Playbook
19 januari 2024 |
52 min
Donald Trump has been making extreme promises on the campaign trail. And unlike in 2016, this time he has a team drawing up the plans for implementing them. Amanda Carpenter joins Charlie Sykes to explain how Trump would follow through on his most anti-democratic pledges in a second term.
show notes:
Report from Amanda and Protect Democracy
PDF version
show notes:
Report from Amanda and Protect Democracy
PDF version
Complete and Total Immunity
18 januari 2024 |
41 min
No, American presidents don't need to be able to commit crimes to do their job. Plus, Trump is begging to be made a victim of a big, bad judge, and looking like someone who plays a lawyer on TV does not make you a good lawyer. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Tina Nguyen: The MAGA Diaries
17 januari 2024 |
46 min
The young people who show up at CPAC and Turning Point events are there because of a deeply entrenched grassroots effort to draw in new soldiers of the conservative movement. The inside story from a journalist who got out. Plus, a diagnosis of Tucker Carlson. Puck's Tina Nguyen joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-MAGA-Diaries/Tina-Nguyen/9781982189693
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-MAGA-Diaries/Tina-Nguyen/9781982189693
A.B. Stoddard: Dead Ends after Iowa
16 januari 2024 |
42 min
Almost half of Iowa's caucus-goers voted for someone besides Trump—evidence that a criminal defendant preaching to the choir can only go so far. Meanwhile, Haley makes up her own reality, DeSantis crawls to South Carolina, and the Trump suck-ups plot against McConnell. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
Chris Christie Ending His White House Bid
Politico piece Charlie and A.B. referenced
show notes:
Chris Christie Ending His White House Bid
Politico piece Charlie and A.B. referenced
Will Saletan: The GOP Surrenders before First Vote
15 januari 2024 |
58 min
Republicans are racing to bend the knee before the Iowa caucuses even start, while also looking like they want border chaos. Plus, racial resentment right now is worse than at the time of Martin Luther King. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Karen Tumulty: The World's Biggest Victim
12 januari 2024 |
37 min
As Trump prepares to clean up in the Iowa caucuses, his campaign narrative has gone full 'Trump: The Victim.' Expect more court appearances and more temper tantrums. Meanwhile, Haley and DeSantis are acting like there's a contest. Karen Tumulty joins Charlie Sykes from frigid Iowa for the weekend pod.
The MAGA Pathology
11 januari 2024 |
39 min
Chris Christie dropping out shows that one party is at war with the idea of democratic self-government. Meanwhile, Trump's Fifth Avenue comment makes a comeback as a legal argument, and shades of the Russia investigation reappear. Award-winning* Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
Ben's award from Zelensky
show notes:
Ben's award from Zelensky
Mark Hertling: Defending American Values
10 januari 2024 |
41 min
While North Korea has jumped in to arm Russia, Republicans in Congress are dallying over supporting Ukraine. Plus, presidential hit squads, Lloyd Austin's hospitalization, and the tinderbox in the Mideast. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Charlie Sykes today.
Tim O'Brien: The Most Corrupt President. Ever.
9 januari 2024 |
40 min
Trump is hoping for a market crash on Biden's watch, vowing revenge prosecutions, and plotting on how much he can grift off of foreign countries if he gets back in the Oval Office. He'll certainly be on the take for more than the millions he made the first time. Tim O'Brien joins Charlie Sykes today.
Will Saletan: Erasing History
8 januari 2024 |
55 min
Jan 6 insurrectionists are innocent, and the Art of the Deal guy could've taught Lincoln how to negotiate an end to the Civil War—the Republican Party is dedicated to erasing history. Plus, Biden's baiting of Trump, the loser. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Tom Nichols: Claudine Gay Had to Go
5 januari 2024 |
53 min
Harvard was justified in protecting its academic standards and the institution itself. But people are taking the DEI bait over Gay, instead of seeing that Project Trump is about discrediting institutions that stand for integrity and standards. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
What Will the Supreme Court Do?
4 januari 2024 |
47 min
SCOTUS will have to take up up the insurrectionist clause, after Colorado and Maine took steps to remove Trump from their ballots. Plus, Trump's absurd and audacious immunity claim. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Susan Glasser: The Fever Won't Break
3 januari 2024 |
42 min
The Trump experience can't just be undone—we are a different country now, and we're not going back to the status quo before his presidency. Plus, watch Trump try to steal the idea of defending democracy from Biden, just like he stole 'fake news' from Hillary. Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes today.
Will Saletan: The Guts to Tell the Truth
2 januari 2024 |
45 min
Chris Christie makes clear he's not dropping out, because Nikki Haley is not the one we've been waiting for. Plus, with House Republicans signaling they may pull the plug on Ukraine aid, the war there is escalating. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for a new year of Charlie and Will Monday.
The Day After: The Night My Father Scared America
22 december 2023 |
24 min
ABC's The Day After, the 1983 drama about a nuclear strike on America, was the most-watched movie in television history. It had a profound impact on Ronald Reagan, and led to shifts in our nuclear policy. A.B. Stoddard tells the story of her father's role in changing the course of history. The Bulwark Podcast presents: The Day After: The Night My Father Scared America.
show notes:
A.B.'s article from November
show notes:
A.B.'s article from November
Sam Wasson: A Francis Ford Coppola Story
21 december 2023 |
41 min
Coppola is like a Method actor behind the camera—living the movie to make the movie. For The Godfather, he became like a godfather. And most famously, the method behind the making of Apocalypse Now was a descent into madness. Author Sam Wasson joins guest host Sonny Bunch today.
show notes:
Wasson's new book: "The Path to Paradise"
show notes:
Wasson's new book: "The Path to Paradise"
Yair Rosenberg: Israel Is Not a White Colonial Project
20 december 2023 |
54 min
The left is lazily applying American ideas about racial identity and intersectionality to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Atlantic's Yair Rosenberg joins guest host Ben Parker today.
Anne Applebaum: The Irreparable Damage of a Second Term
19 december 2023 |
36 min
Anne Applebaum discusses a ray of hope in Europe with the defeat of Poland's authoritarian government, while also contemplating the consequences for NATO and America's place in the world if Trump were to be reelected. Mona Charen sits in for Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/12/ukraine-russia-frozen-assets/676390/
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/01/trump-2024-reelection-pull-out-of-nato-membership/676120/
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/12/ukraine-russia-frozen-assets/676390/
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/01/trump-2024-reelection-pull-out-of-nato-membership/676120/
Will Saletan: Trump Is Anti-America
18 december 2023 |
40 min
On the stump in New Hampshire, Trump parroted Putin condemning the American political system. Plus, the tension among Democrats over Israel, Christie v Haley, and it's either Biden or the end of democracy in 2024. Will Saletan joins guest host A.B. Stoddard for a special A.B. and Will Monday.
Ready for 2024?
15 december 2023 |
59 min
It was a year of heroes and zeros, highs and lows, and shocks and fizzles. Mona Charen, A.B. Stoddard, and Will Saletan join Charlie Sykes for a special send-off to 2023.
Jack Smith Calls Trump's Bluff
14 december 2023 |
41 min
The special counsel is short-circuiting Trump's foot-dragging strategy and mining his phone data to uncover a mountain of new evidence against the ex-POTUS. Plus, the beginning of the end of Giuliani, and getting busted in Brussels. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Where Have All the Democrats Gone?
13 december 2023 |
54 min
Democrats used to be the party of the common man and woman, but they have taken a back seat to Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and Wall Street. In the process, the party has been hemorrhaging working-class voters. Can they win them back? Ruy Teixeira joins Charlie Sykes today.
show notes:
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250877499/wherehaveallthedemocratsgone
show notes:
https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250877499/wherehaveallthedemocratsgone
David Frum: A Dark Path
12 december 2023 |
42 min
If Trump wins, the first crime of his second term will be committing perjury—when he swears to defend the Constitution. Plus, Republicans aren't really looking for a deal on the border: They're trying to rationalize abandoning Ukraine. David Frum joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/press-releases/archive/2023/12/atlantics-janfeb-issue-next-trump-presidency/676227/
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/press-releases/archive/2023/12/atlantics-janfeb-issue-next-trump-presidency/676227/
Will Saletan: Political Delusion
11 december 2023 |
50 min
Kevin swears that Trump will stop with the retribution talk. Meanwhile, the aspiring dictator says it's a hoax that Democrats call him a threat to democracy. Plus, the Arab Americans who claim they won't back Biden, and the Texas abortion case. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Tim Alberta: American Idolatry
8 december 2023 |
39 min
Is the Almighty, who made heaven and earth, also biting his nails over next year's election? Tim Alberta joins Charlie Sykes to discuss the evangelicals who worship America, a 500-year moment for Christianity, and the organized crime syndicate Jerry Falwell built. Christmas comes early on the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-kingdom-the-power-and-the-glory-tim-alberta?variant=41012408516642
show notes:
https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-kingdom-the-power-and-the-glory-tim-alberta?variant=41012408516642
A.B. Stoddard: No One Feared Kevin
7 december 2023 |
47 min
And now no one is afraid of Mike Johnson—so he won't be able to lead either. Plus, a Christie-Haley alliance is starting to materialize, Marjorie Taylor Greene now has no sugar daddy, and Liz Cheney reminds us that we have one job. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/01/donald-trump-second-term-policies/676176/
https://www.axios.com/2023/12/07/trump-loyalty-cabinet-2025-carlson-miller-bannon
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/05/donald-trump-authoritarian-rule-second-term-maga/
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/01/donald-trump-second-term-policies/676176/
https://www.axios.com/2023/12/07/trump-loyalty-cabinet-2025-carlson-miller-bannon
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/05/donald-trump-authoritarian-rule-second-term-maga/
Liz Cheney: A Clear and Present Danger
6 december 2023 |
30 min
Donald Trump will never be the lesser of two evils. We must unite, look beyond partisanship, and vote in ways that will maintain the republic. Liz Cheney joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.
show notes:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/liz-cheney/oath-and-honor/9780316572064/?lens=little-brown
show notes:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/liz-cheney/oath-and-honor/9780316572064/?lens=little-brown
Philip Bump: The GOP Stumbles Towards Impeachment
5 december 2023 |
42 min
The smoking gun turns out to be a dud, but James Comer and the Republicans move ahead on their evidence-free Biden impeachment inquiry. The Washington Post’s Philip Bump joins Charlie Sykes on today’s podcast.
Will Saletan: The #MeToo Fail
4 december 2023 |
54 min
The progressives both-sidesing the sexual violence against Israeli women and girls has only added to the horrors of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Plus, Trump won't take 'No' for an answer, and Lindsey Graham capitulates to the anti-Ukraine isolationists. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Adam Kinzinger: Why Trump 2.0 Will Be Worse
1 december 2023 |
42 min
Trump wants to weaponize the office of the presidency, and who would stop him? We have a built-in weakness of basing our constitutional norms on the honor system. Plus, the Democrats have a Hamas problem. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
The Banality of Crazy
30 november 2023 |
42 min
From Elon to Trump to Kanye, public decompensation is a part of our culture now. Plus, Georgia's inadequate investigation of the potential Trump-related conspiracy to copy election software, and the uncertainty of a verdict before Election Day. Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-gbi-missed-in-coffee-county
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-gbi-missed-in-coffee-county
Michael Steele: The GOP's Humiliation Kink
29 november 2023 |
46 min
This is the era of political humiliation: From Kevin nursing Trump back to health after Jan 6, to dominatrixes who get paid to mock your political views. Plus, the Koch network is doing it backwards. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes.
David French: It's a Cult
28 november 2023 |
49 min
Don't underestimate the power of the belief that Trump is part of a prophecy for many evangelicals. And don't underestimate the general lack of knowledge about Trump's corruption. Plus, putting pressure only on Israel does Hamas' work for them. David French joins Charlie Sykes.
Will Saletan: Trump’s Pee-wee Herman Moment
27 november 2023 |
53 min
Trump wants you to know that he remembers who the president is. Plus, the asymmetry in the hostage-prisoner exchanges, linking reform of asylum rules to aid for Ukraine and Israel, and is Christie helping Haley? Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Amir Tibon: Terrible Choices for Israel
24 november 2023 |
48 min
Hamas triggered the Gaza war—and signed the death warrants of thousands of Palestinians—when it purposefully targeted civilians on 10/7. Israeli journalist Amir Tibon joins guest host Mona Charen to discuss how his family survived the terror attack, Netanyahu's failures, Biden's support, and the bad options for post-war rule in Gaza.
We Are Living in a Post-Rational World
22 november 2023 |
43 min
A disconnect from reality has descended on the US: Republicans practice fantasy politics day and night, Trump is out to paint Biden as corrupt, and Americans think the economy is in the crapper. Plus, family love and loss, and gratitude for a good ending. JVL joins guest host A.B. Stoddard.
Karen Tumulty: The Sununu Effect in New Hampshire
21 november 2023 |
39 min
New Hampshire voters are famously contrarian, and the non-MAGA set is showing up for Haley and Christie ahead of the first-in-the-nation primary. Plus, a Rosalynn Carter appreciation, and the 'Lord of the Flies' vibe in the House. Karen Tumulty joins Charlie Sykes from New Hampshire.
show notes:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/20/rosalynn-carter-place-in-history/
show notes:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/20/rosalynn-carter-place-in-history/
Will Saletan: The Annihilation of Truth
20 november 2023 |
56 min
We are in an age where internet randos are beating out reality. Plus, Haley's abortion dance, the cowardice of DeSantis, another Biden panic poll, and the Steve Bannon wing feels like it has the wind at their backs. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
The Bulwark Live, with Brian Stelter
17 november 2023 |
37 min
Fox launched the Big Lie based on a random email from a woman in Minnesota who heard voices in the supermarket. And its viewers wanted to be told that Trump was robbed of reelection. Brian Stelter has the receipts, and joins Charlie Sykes for our live show in Washington, D.C.
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Network-of-Lies/Brian-Stelter/9781668046906
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Network-of-Lies/Brian-Stelter/9781668046906
Too Crazy for Rudy
16 november 2023 |
46 min
One person we can be certain will not be called as a witness in Georgia: nutty Sidney Powell. Plus, the unsettled Trump trial calendar, one way we may get to 'hear' Chutkan's trial, and the missing funding for Ukraine. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Peter Wehner: A Polite Zealot
15 november 2023 |
43 min
We may have averted a government shutdown for the moment, but the new speaker of the House believes dinosaurs were on Noah's Ark. Pete Wehner joins Charlie Sykes for a deep dive on Mike Johnson. Plus, the closing of the American mind on the right.
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/polite-zealotry-mike-johnson/675845/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/06/opinion/trump-allan-bloom-republicans.html
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/polite-zealotry-mike-johnson/675845/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/06/opinion/trump-allan-bloom-republicans.html
George Conway: Trump Knows He's a Criminal
14 november 2023 |
35 min
Deep down, Trump knows the truth, and is running again to stay out jail—just like authoritarian leaders do in other countries. Plus, the new non-MAGA initiative to protect the rule of law. George Conway joins Charlie Sykes today.
Will Saletan: Punish the Vermin
13 november 2023 |
47 min
Very powerful and strong Donald Trump is promising his supporters the freedom to go after the people they don't like if he returns to the White House. Plus, pathological lying fascists, Hamas tunnels, and the day after in Gaza. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Flooding the Zone
10 november 2023 |
45 min
Jack Smith's office filed an epic motion this week laying out the central role of Trump's lies in the election subversion case. Meanwhile, the ex-POTUS will never just shut-up. Plus, the proper way to dispose of dog poop bags. Yes, you read that right. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes
Ben's piece from 2016: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-and-powers-american-presidency-part-i
show notes
Ben's piece from 2016: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-and-powers-american-presidency-part-i
A.B. Stoddard: Insane and Surreal
9 november 2023 |
44 min
Trump wants to melt the constitutional order, but NBC didn't bother to ask the also-rans about that at their debate. Meanwhile, Vivek would've embarrassed Steve Bannon, DeSantis was less cringy, and normal Nikki may be the last one standing—before she concedes. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
Greg Lukianoff: The Canceling of the American Mind
8 november 2023 |
47 min
When Gen Z began attending college and demanding protection from speech, the left argued that cancel culture was a myth. But now that the anti-Zionism bias on campus is clear, consequence culture suddenly feels very real. Greg Lukianoff joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Canceling-of-the-American-Mind/Greg-Lukianoff/9781668019146
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Canceling-of-the-American-Mind/Greg-Lukianoff/9781668019146
Cassidy Hutchinson: Why I Testified
7 november 2023 |
42 min
Next year's election is not a vote for a Democrat or a Republican: It's a vote for the survival of our nation. Cassidy Hutchinson joins Charlie Sykes to discuss her break with Trump world, speaking truth to power, and steering herself back to the right side of history.
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Enough/Cassidy-Hutchinson/9781668028285
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Enough/Cassidy-Hutchinson/9781668028285
Will Saletan: Don't Panic
6 november 2023 |
49 min
Recent polls have some Democrats reverting to bed-wetting, Christie calls out the deplorables, and Scalise is an election-denying weasel. Plus, Biden and Gaza, and the left's support for Hamas. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Tim Miller: Trump Keeps Telling Us
3 november 2023 |
48 min
Trump is glorifying insurrectionist prisoners, Bannon-world is using Confederate code words, and Republicans and a lot of the media are just pretending this radicalizing talk isn't happening. Plus, Mike Johnson's thoughts on dinosaurs and gay people. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
McKay Coppins: The Last Temptation of Mitt Romney
2 november 2023 |
40 min
Romney's journey from the party's standard-bearer to its pariah is also a story of the dramatic transformation of the GOP. And his nomination in 2012 was a false indicator that the center would hold. McKay Coppins joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his new book, "Romney: A Reckoning."
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Romney/McKay-Coppins/9781982196202
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Romney/McKay-Coppins/9781982196202
Insurrection and Its Consequences
1 november 2023 |
48 min
A Colorado case will determine whether Trump should be kept off the ballot there because of that annoying little insurrection issue. Plus, founding father wisdom, the gag order is back, and a quiz on left-wing antisemitism. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Adam Kinzinger: Renegade
31 oktober 2023 |
40 min
The former congressman says he wasn't always fighting the good fight, and that he feels some responsibility for the GOP's descent into dysfunction—and the rise of people like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his raw and personal new book, "Renegade."
show notes:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723495/renegade-by-adam-kinzinger-with-michael-dantonio/
show notes:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723495/renegade-by-adam-kinzinger-with-michael-dantonio/
Our Exhausted Politics
30 oktober 2023 |
47 min
Trump talked about a new Muslim ban and the media barely covered it. Meanwhile, the House only could choose a pro-coup speaker. The biggest danger to democracy is simple exhaustion. Plus, Biden and the alpha male issue. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Josh Kraushaar: The Pro-Hamas Left
27 oktober 2023 |
39 min
The vast majority of Democrats support Israel, but a very loud, younger segment on the left is lending its support to the terrorist group Hamas—with marches on university campuses, extremist slogans, and outright hatred toward Jews. Josh Kraushaar joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
The Bulwark: Live from New Orleans
26 oktober 2023 |
43 min
Sarah, Mona, and Sonny join Tim in The Big Easy to talk about new Speaker Mike Johnson, Biden, Israel, and left-wing antisemitism.
Flipping Is in the Air
25 oktober 2023 |
43 min
Jenna Ellis will not be the last flip in Georgia, former Trump water carrier Michael Cohen testifies about the fudged books, and the confusing case of Mark Meadows. Plus, Republicans are backing "Jim Jordan in drag" for speaker. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Jonathan Martin: The Antibodies Resisting the Virus
24 oktober 2023 |
39 min
Remnants of the pre-Trump party are hanging on and putting the brakes on MAGA in the House, B-lister lawyer Jenna Ellis shows her deep loyalty to Trump, and Biden is ignoring the biggest threat to his reelection. Jonathan Martin joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/18/gop-party-house-speaker-00122371
show notes:
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/18/gop-party-house-speaker-00122371
The GOP Is a Failed State
23 oktober 2023 |
43 min
House Republicans don't have a platform, and in the absence of Trump, they can't pull together. Plus, the anti-Israel left vs Biden, and the fallout from Hamas' hospital propaganda campaign. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
John Avlon: Is the Center Finding Its Spine?
20 oktober 2023 |
44 min
Republican threats and bullying have finally gone too far when it comes to Jim Jordan. But what about the red line that has to be crossed for stable governance? A deal with the Dems. John Avlon joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
A Bad Day for the Kraken
19 oktober 2023 |
48 min
Sidney Powell pleaded guilty and agreed to testify for the state in Georgia—Trump's legal woes just took a turn for the worse. Plus, Jim Jordan's bad day, and a plea for social media types to wait for the facts before weighing in on the Israel-Hamas war. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/on-strategy-law-and-morality-in-israel-s-gaza-operation
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/to-gag-or-not-to-gag-a-first-amendment-showdown-in-the-jan.-6-case
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/on-strategy-law-and-morality-in-israel-s-gaza-operation
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/to-gag-or-not-to-gag-a-first-amendment-showdown-in-the-jan.-6-case
Ryan Reilly: The Sleuths Who Helped Nab Jan 6 Rioters
18 oktober 2023 |
44 min
Ordinary Americans pored through reams of digital evidence to ID hundreds of people who stormed the Capitol. And in the process, the sedition hunters became an invaluable resource to a technologically-strained FBI. Plus, figuring out what's real and what's not in the internet age. Ryan Reilly joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ryan-j-reilly/sedition-hunters/9781541701809/?lens=publicaffairs
show notes:
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ryan-j-reilly/sedition-hunters/9781541701809/?lens=publicaffairs
Kara Swisher: Jim Jordan, Legislative Terrorist
17 oktober 2023 |
39 min
Jim Jordan spent the weekend bullying moderates, but threatening shame on social media and Fox may not be enough. Plus, narcissistic tech bros and the fake videos and disinformation around the Israel-Hamas war. Kara Swisher joins Charlie Sykes today.
Will Saletan: Don't Forget Who Jim Jordan Is
16 oktober 2023 |
44 min
Jordan was not just another Republican who voted against the election—he was behind the scenes in strategy meetings plotting how to keep the election's loser in power. Plus, the laws of war and Israel v Hamas. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Tom Nichols: Testing the System 'Til It Breaks
13 oktober 2023 |
54 min
The Republicans elevated fringe players who have no interest in governing, and now they don't have enough members to get the House functioning again. Meanwhile, the international bad guys are trying to break the system. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/left-jewish-suffering-israel-hamas/675621/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/opinion/columnists/israel-gaza-massacre-left.html
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/left-jewish-suffering-israel-hamas/675621/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/opinion/columnists/israel-gaza-massacre-left.html
An Undue Risk of Conviction
12 oktober 2023 |
42 min
Jack Smith signaled he will be able to prove why Trump held onto the classified documents. Plus, Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, chaos in the House, and the pro-Hamas left’s justification of murder. Ben Wittes joins Charles Sykes for The Trump trials.
show notes:
https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/how-not-to-respond-to-a-terrorist
show notes:
https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/how-not-to-respond-to-a-terrorist
Susan Glasser: A Superpower in Crisis
11 oktober 2023 |
40 min
The U.S. is knee-deep in the war in Ukraine, and now another potentially enormous war in the Mideast may draw us in. At the same time, military and ambassadorial appointments have been blocked, and we don’t have a speaker of the House. Our own political crisis is undermining America's role in the world. Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/10/16/trial-by-combat
show notes:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/10/16/trial-by-combat
Steve Inskeep: Kevin Is No Lincoln
10 oktober 2023 |
43 min
Lincoln's political skills were a key part of his legacy, but the politics he practiced were not like today's base-oriented version. He didn't demonize people—and built a majority with people he disagreed with. The House GOP currently has lost sight of that. Steve Inskeep joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his new book on Lincoln, "Differ We Must."
show notes:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670070/differ-we-must-by-steve-inskeep/
show notes:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670070/differ-we-must-by-steve-inskeep/
Will Saletan: Israel's 9/11
9 oktober 2023 |
47 min
The attack by Hamas on Israel was barbaric, but the incursion—by land, sea, and air—was also sophisticated. And it was an Israeli intel failure. Meanwhile, Republicans are trying to score political points at home by blaming the Biden administration—and trying to figure out how to end the paralysis in the House. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
The GOP’s Rubik’s Cube for Morons
6 oktober 2023 |
49 min
The Republicans have been on a trajectory to get a Jim Jordan-style speaker for 11 years, and the Democrats couldn’t have stopped it. Plus, Liz Cheney speaks truth, Greg Gutfeld has a Napoleon complex, and Trump spills nuclear secrets. Tim MIller’s back with Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
The Crazed Slavering Jackal Caucus
5 oktober 2023 |
39 min
The Crazed Slavering Jackal Caucus is running the GOP. Plus, Giuliani's drinking may undermine Trump's defense in the Jan 6 case, Fani Willis gets her first flip, and Trump may say he's just embellishing, but claiming the Trump Tower apartment is 3x its actual size is just plain lying. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/the-game-theory-of-a-vacant-speakership
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-heck-happened-in-coffee-county-georgia
show notes:
https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/the-game-theory-of-a-vacant-speakership
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-heck-happened-in-coffee-county-georgia
Tim O'Brien: The Hollow Men
4 oktober 2023 |
41 min
Kevin McCarthy aspired to the speakership for his resume, not because of legislative talents. In the end, he was a victim of hubris. And in NYC, Trump is acting like Yosemite Sam, shooting himself in the foot, and fearing the loss of Trump Tower. Tim O'Brien joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-10-02/new-york-says-trump-committed-fraud-now-comes-the-price-tag?srnd=undefined
show notes:
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-10-02/new-york-says-trump-committed-fraud-now-comes-the-price-tag?srnd=undefined
Dana Milbank: The Chair Was Already Vacant
3 oktober 2023 |
38 min
Kevin McCarthy hasn't been doing much of anything all year as speaker, except lurching from crisis to crisis and leading from behind. Meanwhile, Trump is much more angry about being seen as less rich than potentially going to prison. Dana Milbank joins Charlie Sykes.
Will Saletan: Everybody Hates Matt Gaetz
2 oktober 2023 |
52 min
The bipartisan loathing of Gaetz is almost a kumbaya moment. Meanwhile, Trump likes to say the US is turning into a third world country, and he's working on that with his calls to shoot shoplifters and execute drug dealers. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
David Frum: The Kraken Is Never Coming
29 september 2023 |
40 min
The first impeachment hearing was panned on both sides, while House Republicans keep promising a new unicorn. Plus, the GOP is not going to follow Trump's abortion pivot, Biden gets an assist from Cindy McCain, and charting the future of conservatism. David Frum joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/jack-beatty/the-rascal-king/9780306810022/
show notes:
https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/jack-beatty/the-rascal-king/9780306810022/
A.B. Stoddard: A Completely Pointless Debate
28 september 2023 |
50 min
The kids' table debate was a cacophony of speed talking, interruptions, and yelling. Plus, Milley responds to the death threat, more Dems tell Menendez to go, and the bonfire continues to burn on Capitol Hill, with McCarthy handing out the books of matches. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/trump-sold-out-pro-lifers
show notes:
https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/trump-sold-out-pro-lifers
Trump’s Empire of Fraud
27 september 2023 |
46 min
The ex-POTUS has been put out of business in New York, after his fraud was found so overwhelming that no trial was needed. Meanwhile, his lawyers are prepping for Alito and Thomas to weigh in on a gag order, and some Republicans go Team Menendez. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Will Saletan: The Politics of Atonement
26 september 2023 |
49 min
Cassidy Hutchinson atones. Bob Menendez refuses. Plus: the government shutdown about nothing. And MAGA’s war on (checks notes) Taylor Swift. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Trump Ever After: Live from TribFest
25 september 2023 |
62 min
Olivia Nuzzi, Bret Stephens, and Ben Terris joined Charlie Sykes on stage in Austin over the weekend. While the Dems have Gretchen Whitmer to look forward to, the GOP's future may be people like Vivek—because the base must be entertained. Meanwhile, we may be facing a government shutdown because Gaetz and Boebert think it will increase their celebrity status.
Yascha Mounk: The Identity Trap
22 september 2023 |
52 min
Our democratic order is facing a two-front war. While the immediate crisis may be from the right, the left is presenting its own threats—which only helps make far-right populism stronger. Political scientist and democracy hipster Yashca Mounk discusses his new book with Charlie Sykes on the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/712961/the-identity-trap-by-yascha-mounk/
show notes:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/712961/the-identity-trap-by-yascha-mounk/
A Raging Bull Elephant
21 september 2023 |
50 min
Trump is trying to intimidate witnesses and jurors in the election case, and Chutkan's only remedy may be to move up the trial date. Plus, Republicans embarrassed themselves with the AG, the Epps conspiracy may never go away, and a new witness emerges in the docs case. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/on-clerks-and-caimans-jeffrey-clark-s-removal-hearing
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-s-motion-for-recusal-of-judge-chutkan-is-extraordinarily-weak
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/on-clerks-and-caimans-jeffrey-clark-s-removal-hearing
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-s-motion-for-recusal-of-judge-chutkan-is-extraordinarily-weak
Manu Raju: The Hostage Crisis on Capitol Hill
20 september 2023 |
41 min
House Republicans are bickering and calling each other names, while the Matt Gaetz caucus threatens to hold the country hostage with a government shutdown. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans think the dress code change is the most important story of the week. Manu Raju joins Charlie Sykes.
Ruy Teixeira: Biden’s Working Class Blues
19 september 2023 |
44 min
The system feels rigged for the millionaires and the billionaires, and the populist red lights are flashing for 2024. Can the Democrats get back to being for the little guy, or will the man with the golden toilets convince them he's on their side? The Liberal Patriot's Ruy Teixeira joins Charlie Sykes.
Will Saletan: In Defense of Kristen Welker
18 september 2023 |
48 min
Trump threw the pro-life movement under the bus in his NBC interview, and essentially pleaded the Fifth on Jan 6. Plus, Jack Smith wants a gag order, and Boebert the groper generated some amazing headlines. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Anne Applebaum: Musk Buys Russia’s Lies
15 september 2023 |
42 min
The billionaire was duped by Russian nuclear propaganda, but he's not the only one in the West who worries about provoking Russia by helping Ukraine. Plus, Putin's role in the far-right echo chamber, and why Romney stood up to Trump. Anne Applebaum joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/09/elon-musk-let-russia-scare-him/675282/
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/09/elon-musk-let-russia-scare-him/675282/
Did the FBI Get a Pass on Jan 6?
14 september 2023 |
50 min
Romney's text message to Mitch McConnell renews questions about what law enforcement knew ahead of the attack on the Capitol. Plus, the weak counter-programming planned for Trump's prosecutions, and the foolish ploy against Judge Chutkan. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for the Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/five-observations-about-the-georgia-special-purpose-grand-jury-report
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/five-observations-about-the-georgia-special-purpose-grand-jury-report
A.B. Stoddard: McCarthy's Month from Hell
13 september 2023 |
51 min
The speaker is trying to sate the MAGA wing with a sham impeachment, and maybe a government shutdown, but it will never be satisfied. Plus, Ignatius steps into the fray on Biden, and a badly behaved Boebert gets ejected. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
Lauren Boebert being escorted from a performance of the "Beetlejuice" musical in Denver.
https://youtu.be/FSwq_AIg-tE?si=aPteAoF5lPhARiZF
https://newrepublic.com/post/175322/democrats-raskin-letter-subpoena-jared-kushner-affinity-partners
show notes:
Lauren Boebert being escorted from a performance of the "Beetlejuice" musical in Denver.
https://youtu.be/FSwq_AIg-tE?si=aPteAoF5lPhARiZF
https://newrepublic.com/post/175322/democrats-raskin-letter-subpoena-jared-kushner-affinity-partners
James Hohmann: Kevin in a Vise
12 september 2023 |
39 min
McCarthy has caved on an impeachment inquiry so he can hold onto his gavel. Meanwhile, Congress should really be investigating Elon Musk's power as a defense contractor and his potential conflicts of interest. James Hohmann joins Charlie Sykes.
Will Saletan: Lying Dog-Faced Pony Soldier
11 september 2023 |
50 min
Biden giving a press conference while jet-lagged may not quell rising concerns about his age. Plus, Kamala sticks to the script on abortion, Trump can't wait to sic his AG on opponents, and Good Nikki faces off with Bad Nikki. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Tim Miller: Down to Clown
8 september 2023 |
52 min
Tucker is in some corner of Elon's basement testing to see what he can get away with, while Elon is cozying up with Putin. Plus, Santos' oppo on himself, and the potential Saudi deal. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Trump Keeps Admitting His Crimes
7 september 2023 |
52 min
Trump did himself no favors talking to Hugh Hewitt, the Proud Boys could've spared themselves a lot of prison time, the Fulton case may move quickly, E. Jean Carroll wins again, and when will the cascade of witness flipping start? Lawfare's Ben Wittes and Roger Parloff join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Adam Kinzinger: Trump Ignited the Proud Boys
6 september 2023 |
48 min
Never forget it was Donald Trump telling the Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by" which ultimately set Jan 6 in motion. And now he's retconning that day as some kind of 1776 moment. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes today.
Will Saletan: The Hammer Philosophy of Governing
5 september 2023 |
46 min
Republican leaders in Wisconsin sound like they're planning an end-run around democracy, Musk is running with one of the oldest antisemitic tropes in the world, and even MAGA Republicans in Texas don't like Ken Paxton. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes today.
Tim Miller: Heroes and Zeroes of the GOP
1 september 2023 |
49 min
How different would things be if other Republicans had stood up to MAGA like the way Kemp did for Fani Willis? Plus, Ted Cruz tried on beer-swilling tough guy, Candace sampled the Trump playbook, and the BS behind the political consultant game. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the long weekend pod.
Justice for Ruby and Shaye
31 augusti 2023 |
48 min
Giuliani is going to pay $$$$ for defaming Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss—and Trump may too, for his financial statements in New York. Meanwhile, ex-POTUS faces a criminal trial before the RNC, and Mark Meadows sounded wishy-washy in Georgia. Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/mark-meadows-takes-the-stand
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-has-jan.-6-trial-date-and-it-s-the-eve-of-super-tuesday
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/mark-meadows-takes-the-stand
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-has-jan.-6-trial-date-and-it-s-the-eve-of-super-tuesday
Mike Murphy: The Psychopath vs The Cynic
30 augusti 2023 |
41 min
Does cynical Nikki Haley have the guts to run an edgier campaign? Plus, Vivek's Hermain Cain moment, Iowa's unpredictable caucus voters, and the denialism about Grandpa Joe. Mike Murphy joins Charlie Sykes today.
2024 Will Be a Train Wreck
29 augusti 2023 |
45 min
From Trump's court calendar to concerns about Biden's age, we may be underestimating how bad next year could be. Plus, Mark Meadows' dubious claims about Georgia, Vivek and the show, lefty book bans, and the MAGA mob effort to blackmail us out of a constitutional republic. David French joins Charlie Sykes.
Charlie and Will Monday: Vivek’s BS
28 augusti 2023 |
50 min
The new hotness, Ramaswamy, is serving up a load of bull. Plus, the risks of our political gerontocracy, the mug shot heard 'round the world, and of course, most GOP presidential candidates would vote for a convicted felon before Biden. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Tim Miller: We Told You So
25 augusti 2023 |
51 min
We were always going to get this first-of-its-kind presidential portrait. What else would you expect from a con man and a criminal? But this is all because of the choices Trump made, and because the party has refused to take every single off-ramp. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
A.B. Stoddard: A Pointless Exercise?
24 augusti 2023 |
44 min
At Wednesday's debate, Ramaswamy touched all the MAGA erogenous zones, Haley had a great night while Tim Scott did not, and DeSantis seemed to shrink even more. But as the debate audience made clear, no one can say bad things about the No. 1 guy's crimes. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
When the Hammer Comes Down
23 augusti 2023 |
48 min
Almost nothing concentrates the mind more than an indictment, so expect other minor players in Trumpland—especially in Georgia—to flip on the don. Plus, the constitutional argument for blocking Trump's candidacy. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for a special edition of The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/dry-run-ouster-county-official-insurrectionist-creates-ominous-precedents-trump
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/dry-run-ouster-county-official-insurrectionist-creates-ominous-precedents-trump
Tom Nichols: Our Surreal Moment
22 augusti 2023 |
53 min
Trump's co-defendants don't even dispute what they're accused of doing—they just claim it wasn't illegal. Plus, will the debate penetrate Fox's hermetically sealed silos, despite the ex-president's attempt to counter-program? Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes today.
Joe Perticone and Mona Charen: Trusting the Chronic Liar over the Pastor
21 augusti 2023 |
51 min
The base gives Trump higher marks for speaking truth than they give to religious leaders, Vivek will be targeted at the debate, DeSantis turns on MAGA, Biden needs to tackle the age issue, and the media keeps both-sidesing political scandal. Joe Perticone and Mona Charen join Charlie Sykes.
DeSantis’s WTF Memo
18 augusti 2023 |
50 min
The governor of Florida is being treated like a low-IQ child. Meanwhile, Trump hasn't been treated like the common criminal he is: mugshot him, weigh him, jail him. Plus, the Democrats' Senate leadership is MIA. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thumbprints on a Conspiracy?
17 augusti 2023 |
54 min
Could Trump have been dumb enough to use Twitter DMs for his plot? Plus, the dangers of not fearing the law, the politics of four indictments, and the irony of whining about election fraud and then being indicted for conspiring to commit it. Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-fulton-county-indictment-an-initial-examination
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-heck-happened-in-coffee-county-georgia
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-fulton-county-indictment-an-initial-examination
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-heck-happened-in-coffee-county-georgia
Christopher Miller: The War Came to Us
16 augusti 2023 |
45 min
A one-time Peace Corps volunteer, Chris Miller was posted to Ukraine, fell in love with it, and decided to stay. Now, he's one of the best Ukraine correspondents. Miller joins Charlie Sykes to discuss Zelensky, the state of the war, and Ukraine's existential fight.
show notes:
https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/war-came-to-us-9781399406857/
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A.B. Stoddard: All the Ex-President's Conspirators
15 augusti 2023 |
42 min
Donald Trump has been a low-rent mobster for his entire career, and now he's getting the indictment he deserves. And this time, some of co-conspirators are likely to flip. Plus, how the Big Lie plays at next week's debate. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes today.
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Ep.7: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
14 augusti 2023 |
42 min
Even with Trump out of the White House, Lindsey Graham says that Trump is the organizing principle of the Republican Party. And everything that the senator once valued—national security, human rights, and the Constitution—plays second fiddle to his loyalty to Trump. This special series, The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, has been presented by The Bulwark Podcast.
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Tim Miller: They're Still Humoring Him
11 augusti 2023 |
50 min
Remember one of the worst quotes in history about just 'humoring' Trump after he lost in '20? Well, he's creating another threatening climate. Plus, Tim's reporting trip to Iowa, Pence gets a little loose, and Tim and Charlie share some life advice. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
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Trump Baits the Judge
10 augusti 2023 |
50 min
The ex-POTUS's ugly threats and intimidation against Jack Smith, Fani Willis, and Judge Chutkan will only escalate. Plus, the fake electors are the real voter fraud, there's likely evidence of crimes inside Trump's Twitter account, and the risks of prosecution vs letting him walk. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
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Will Hurd: Don't Kiss Your Opponent's Butt
9 augusti 2023 |
37 min
The former Texas congressman says he's running for president because America deserves a sane conservative party—while Trump is running to stay out of prison. And licking Trump's boots is no way to beat him. Hurd joins Charlie Sykes today.
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Jake Tapper: "All the Demons Are Here"
8 augusti 2023 |
36 min
The CNN anchor and author re-visits the 70s with a new thriller, featuring a Murdoch-esque character getting his toehold in American journalism, and Evel Knievel—a Trump precursor—reimagined as a presidential candidate. Plus, the media's Trump coverage and Fox's lucrative lies. Jake Tapper joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
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Ep. 6: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
7 augusti 2023 |
41 min
After the 2020 election, Lindsey Graham had a chance to be free—of Donald Trump, and all the rationalizing he had done for four years. But the senator was no longer his own man: He now belonged to Trump.
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Adam Kinzinger: The Rhetoric Is Getting More Dangerous
4 augusti 2023 |
46 min
Lindsey Graham says the federal courts in DC are illegitimate, the FBI is being called the Gestapo, and Charlie Kirk is casually talking about an execution of Joe Biden. How do we come back from this? Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
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Trump’s Bogus Defenses
3 augusti 2023 |
43 min
Trump defenders are arguing that the charges in the latest indictment infringe on his free speech rights, but using words to carry out crimes is not protected by the First Amendment. Plus, Pence gets a backbone, and the tough new judge on the scene. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-big-one-trump-is-indicted-for-jan.-6
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Susan Glasser: An Offense against Democracy Itself
2 augusti 2023 |
47 min
Jack Smith has filed a case for the ages. It's not only an indictment of the Big Lie itself, but also of the charlatans who knowingly and consciously used fraud, deceit, and violence to try to impose their political will when they had failed through democratic means. Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes.
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Bonus Episode: Listen to the Third Indictment
2 augusti 2023 |
90 min
A federal grand jury indicted Donald Trump on Tuesday with a series of crimes related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The 45-page indictment accuses Trump of three conspiracies, plus a fourth count of allegedly obstructing an official proceeding. This bonus episode of The Trump Trials is a reading of the second federal indictment, and was produced using an artificial voice generator.
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David French: Building a Legal Wall around Trump
1 augusti 2023 |
45 min
Trump's high floor of support—the voters who think God sent him to save the country—combined with some of Biden's weaknesses, can put Trump back in the White House. Plus, the success of our legal institutions, and the puzzling DeSantis campaign. David French joins Charlie Sykes today.
show notes:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/20/opinion/jan-6-legal.html
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Ep. 5: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
31 juli 2023 |
35 min
By the time of the Ukraine scandal and impeachment, Lindsey Graham and other Republicans had grown tired of defending Trump's corrupt behavior. But they didn't blame Trump—they blamed the investigators, and essentially handed Trump the power to do as he pleased. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan.
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Bonus Episode: Listen to the Superseding Indictment
28 juli 2023 |
71 min
Federal prosecutors have added new charges against Trump in the classified documents case, including his alleged efforts to have security camera footage deleted at Mar-a-Lago. This bonus episode of The Trump Trials is a reading of the superseding indictment, and was produced using an artificial voice generator.
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Russell Moore: "Losing Our Religion"
28 juli 2023 |
44 min
We are living in a time when an evangelical pastor can literally quote Jesus Christ and a theo-bro will tell him he's weak and woke. How did we get here? And do we get out? Dr. Russell Moore discusses his new book on the weekend pod with Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709965/losing-our-religion-by-russell-moore/
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The Power of Whataboutism
27 juli 2023 |
43 min
Republicans are going to launch an impeachment inquiry against Biden to divert attention from the crimes of the ex-POTUS, Rudy is an admitted defamer, and Trump's lawyers met with Jack Smith. Plus, deciphering the screw-up around Hunter's plea deal. Lawfare's Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
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Asa Hutchinson: Why I’m Doing This
26 juli 2023 |
43 min
The presidential candidate and former Arkansas governor wants to take the Republican Party in the direction of public service and conservative principles—and away from Donald Trump, who has made it a losing party that is only about him. Gov. Asa Hutchinson joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/elaine-massacre-of-1919-1102/
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Podcasten The Bulwark Podcast är skapad av The Bulwark. Podcastens innehåll och bilderna på den här sidan hämtas med hjälp av det offentliga podcastflödet (RSS).
Vad är en podd?
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.
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