The Bulwark Podcast Sam Stein and Talmon Smith: Brain Drain
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Aug 28, 2025 
Sam Stein, managing editor at The Bulwark, and Talmon Smith, an economics reporter at The New York Times, dive into the alarming resignations at the CDC over anti-vaccine pressures. They highlight the potential threats from domestic terrorism and discuss Trump's risks to the Fed's independence. The duo also critiques shifting Democratic attitudes toward Israel and examines the latest developments in Ukraine, while reflecting on New Orleans' resilience against climate change. It’s a captivating mix of public health, politics, and social issues.
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Shooting Fatigue Is A New Normal
- Mass shootings have become depressingly routine and journalists process them automatically.
- Sam Stein says the defining feature now is their lack of extraordinariness and personal dread as parents.
Easy Gun Access Is The Common Denominator
- Hosts emphasize a single underlying cause: easy access to firearms.
- Fortifying buildings without addressing gun access remains pointless, Sam Stein argues.
Monitor Explicit Online Threats
- Law enforcement should prioritize monitoring troubled people posting violent plans online.
- Tim Miller and Sam Stein argue agencies must use AI and tools to follow clear threats on forums.