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.
38:14
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes the Biden administration's urgent focus on nuclear deterrence, influenced by rising threats from Russia during the Ukraine crisis.
- It discusses the implications of perceived U.S. weakness post-Afghanistan withdrawal, affecting international relations and adversarial confidence in American resolve.
Deep dives
Nuclear Threat Dynamics
The discussion highlights the Biden administration's approach to nuclear threats during the Ukraine crisis, particularly concerning Russia's potential use of tactical nuclear weapons. Intelligence suggested that the likelihood of such an event escalated from a mere 5% to a concerning 50%, creating a significant cognitive burden for U.S. leaders. The situation prompted Deputy National Security Advisor John Feiner to compare the gravity of the moment to the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, emphasizing the seriousness with which the government regarded any potential nuclear escalation. This looming threat influenced strategic decision-making, pushing officials to prioritize deterrence and the implications it might have for Biden's presidency.
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