The Bulwark Podcast
S2 Ep1008: Michael Weiss, Ben Smith, and Annie Karni: Radioactively Stupid
Mar 26, 2025
Michael Weiss, an expert in Russia and foreign policy, joins Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor, and Annie Karni, a Congressional correspondent for the New York Times. They dissect the fallout from leaked military plans and the absurdities of the current administration's handling of national security. The trio also discusses Russia's dubious ceasefire claims, the evolving dynamics within the GOP, and examines the unsettling relationship between media narratives and political realities. Annie’s new book, "Mad House," sheds light on Congress's chaotic landscape.
01:00:13
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast highlights the chaotic internal discussions within the Trump administration regarding national security, revealing severe repercussions for leaked classified material.
- The evolving relationship between government officials and journalists underscores intense scrutiny over information leaks, balancing national security with the public's right to know.
Deep dives
War Plans and Intelligence Leaks
The discussion centers around recent intelligence leaks reportedly involving U.S. military plans, raising questions about their authenticity and implications. Former CIA officers suggest that the leaked information contains highly classified material, and the timing of military actions is crucial for adversarial understanding. This situation indicates potential severe repercussions for those responsible for the leaks, including possible perjury in Congress. The conversation highlights the chaotic internal discussions within the Trump administration regarding national security and intelligence transparency.
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