The Bulwark Podcast Bob Woodward: The Threat Is High
Oct 17, 2024
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward, renowned for his investigative work on Watergate and 9/11, discusses critical moments in recent history. He highlights General James Mattis's endorsement of his book, warning against downplaying Trump's threats. Woodward delves into Kamala Harris's strategic counsel to Ukraine and the Biden administration's efforts to prevent nuclear escalation amid Russian tensions. He also critiques the lack of accountability in Trump’s leadership, drawing troubling comparisons to Nixon's presidency.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Nuclear Threat and Ukraine
- Critics argue that the Biden administration's actions in Ukraine were deterred by Putin's nuclear threats.
- Woodward's reporting reveals the seriousness of this threat and why caution may have been warranted.
Putin's Nuclear Brinkmanship
- The Biden administration deemed Putin's potential use of nuclear weapons a 50-50 proposition.
- This assessment, based on intelligence, significantly influenced their decision-making regarding Ukraine.
Austin-Shogu Confrontation
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directly confronted his Russian counterpart, Shogu, about the potential use of nuclear weapons.
- Austin's message was firm: "Don't do it."
