The Bulwark Podcast

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 Tim and Ben at an event two years ago on Ben's book Ben's book, "After the Fall: Being American in the World We've Made" Tulsi's creepy nuclear war video

Zohran Mamdani, an NYC mayoral candidate focused on affordability, discusses the urgent need for more housing and tackling food deserts. He emphasizes the importance of addressing antisemitism and Islamophobia while navigating NYC's housing crisis. Joining him, Kerry Howley from New York Magazine adds a darkly comic perspective on the chaos within the Pentagon under Pete Hegseth. Together, they explore how urban governance can reshape community connections and confront rising inequalities in a city in flux.

Bill Kristol, Editor-at-large of The Bulwark, and Terry Moran, former ABC News correspondent, engage in a gripping discussion about the current political landscape. They address the disparity in public protests versus military parades, highlighting the weariness of veterans over politicization. They also decry the militarization of urban areas for immigration enforcement and unpack the fallout from a recent political assassination. Moran shares insights from his ABC firing and critiques Trump’s tactics, emphasizing the real dangers of misinformation in today’s politics.

Tom Nichols, Professor Emeritus at the Naval War College and author of 'The Death of Expertise,' joins Tim Miller to dissect the implications of Trump's military parade in LA amid protest chaos. They explore Israel's recent military actions against Iran and discuss how political rhetoric fuels unrest. The duo also tackles the real-life impacts of immigration enforcement on local industries and reflects on the waning influence of U.S. power globally. Plus, a light-hearted debate over musicals sparks an entertaining contrast to their serious discussions.

Join Andrew Weissmann, a professor at NYU Law and the lead prosecutor of the Mueller investigation, as he unpacks alarming trends in modern governance. He discusses Trump’s questionable military actions in LA and their potential assault on First Amendment rights. Weissmann critiques immigration enforcement's impact on communities and reflects on legal battles over due process. Along the way, he blends serious analysis with humor, touching on the cultural relevance of musicals amid political chaos.

Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, a former commanding general of U.S. Army Europe, joins the discussion on the intersection of military and politics. He critiques Trump’s politically charged speeches and underscores the necessity for military personnel to maintain an apolitical stance. The conversation delves into the implications of military presence in civilian contexts, particularly in Los Angeles, and the ethical dilemmas faced by Guardsmen. Hertling also analyzes the emerging escalation in Ukraine amidst a distracted America, drawing attention to the pressing challenges of national security.

Bill Kristol, Editor-at-large and seasoned political commentator, joins Tim Miller for a deep dive into the current political landscape. They tackle the controversial military deployment in Los Angeles and its implications for civil liberties, drawing historical parallels to past civil rights movements. Kristol critiques the growing influence of conspiratorial beliefs in politics, especially within Trump's base. The discussion also touches on the impact of immigration policies on urban issues and the shifting dynamics of the Democratic Party as upcoming elections loom.

Ta-Nehisi Coates, acclaimed author known for addressing racial issues, and Lindsay Toczylowski, a dedicated attorney for asylum seekers, engage in a thought-provoking discussion. They reflect on the complexity of modern protests versus the Civil Rights Movement, exploring the instinctual responses to political turmoil. Coates highlights the necessity of cultural narratives in politics and the importance of due process for democracy. Together, they dive into the harsh realities faced by immigrants, blending personal stories with broader societal challenges.

Sam Stein, Managing Editor of The Bulwark, joins Tim Miller to unpack the explosive feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump, filled with accusations and implications for their businesses. The duo examines the political fallout surrounding a controversial debt and tax bill, showcasing the frantic maneuvers of Republicans and the chaos that ensues from the volatile dynamics of social media. They also weave in lighthearted anecdotes about cats and tariffs, blending humor with serious discussions about the current political climate.

Matt Yglesias, a columnist for Bloomberg and the voice behind Slow Boring on Substack, joins Tim Miller for a riveting chat. They dissect the fallout from Elon Musk's antics, notably the misadventures with Dogecoin and how cuts in spending are affecting the vulnerable. The discussion takes a sharp turn towards how Democrats can strategize to thrive in traditionally conservative states and tackle cultural warfare while maintaining a focus on the everyday challenges of the working class.