The Bulwark Podcast

Michael Weiss, a journalist focused on Russia and international security, joins Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House Press Secretary, to discuss the impact of Trump's foreign policy on Ukraine and Gaza. Weiss highlights Trump's diminished leverage and erratic behavior while trying to position himself as a peacemaker. Jean-Pierre reflects on her experience in the Biden administration, addressing representation issues for marginalized communities and the precarious state of party politics. Their candid conversation unveils deep insights on modern democracy and political dynamics.

Bill Kristol, a conservative political analyst and founder of several public-policy ventures, joins Tim Miller to discuss a range of pressing topics. The duo reflects on the impactful No Kings protests, criticizing Trump's immature response. They debate whether the protest messaging could help Democrats regain the patriotism narrative from Republicans. Kristol also delves into Trump's troubling affection for authoritarian figures, the implications of the El Salvador prison deal, and the government's shutdown, highlighting its visibility issues and political stakes.

Join journalist and podcaster Peter Hamby as he dives into the complexities of American politics. He discusses the contentious Bolton indictment and how classified documents are wielded as political weapons. Hamby and Tim Miller break down Marco Rubio's push for intervention in Venezuela, exploring the implications for U.S. military norms. They tackle redistricting battles in California and the impact on the Democrat's chances to regain the House. Plus, a fresh perspective on cultural topics, including the unexpected popularity of Bad Bunny. A thought-provoking conversation awaits!

Anne Applebaum, a historian and staff writer at The Atlantic, dives deep into the decline of democratic faith in the U.S. She discusses how Trump's policies undermine America's global democratic leadership, examining proposed refugee restrictions and authoritarian tactics creeping into domestic governance. Applebaum also touches on the chilling effect of social media jokes turning into real policy, and warns against potential U.S. military intervention in Venezuela. Her insights reveal the fragility of unity in a diverse society against rising authoritarianism.

Heather Cox Richardson, a Boston College professor and insightful author of "Letters from an American," provides a compelling look at the current political landscape. She discusses how Congressional Republicans have surrendered their power to unelected officials, echoing concerns about Trump's influence. Heather also critiques Trump's proposed arch as a troubling symbol near the Lincoln Memorial. Additionally, they tackle issues like gerrymandering, voter suppression, and the implications of military deployments in urban areas, sparking profound reflections on America's constitutional framework.

J.B. Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, discusses the rising tensions from federal immigration operations, explaining how local communities are bearing the brunt of aggressive ICE tactics. He advocates for civic engagement and calls on Democrats to unify and push back legally. Franklin Foer, Staff Writer at The Atlantic, offers a poignant analysis of Israeli hostages' resilience and the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy, while critiquing the growing influence of Big Tech on society and politics. Together, they explore the precarious balance between authority and community rights.

In this discussion, Bill Kristol, a veteran conservative commentator and founder of The Bulwark, teams up with Ty Cobb, former White House special counsel. They tackle the effectiveness of peaceful protests in countering federal actions and critique the political framing of dissent. Ty shares insights on the motivations behind Trump’s legal troubles, calling recent indictments acts of political revenge. They also discuss the long-term challenges facing the Justice Department and the importance of maintaining institutional integrity amid current political turmoil.

Jacob Soboroff, an MSNBC correspondent known for his in-depth reporting on immigration, joins U.S. Representative Sarah McBride to tackle urgent political issues. Soboroff reveals the stark realities of federal immigration raids in Chicago, illustrating the human toll through poignant personal stories. McBride discusses the Democratic Party's strategy amidst government challenges, advocating for a big-tent approach to unite diverse voices and resist authoritarianism. Together, they explore the intersections of healthcare, political strategy, and the fight for democracy.

Sam Stein, managing editor at The Bulwark and seasoned political reporter, joins Tim Miller for a gripping discussion on the state of U.S. politics. They dive into ICE's troubling propaganda tactics and the troubling implications of militarized federal actions in blue cities. The conversation shifts to media influencers like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson, exploring their rising power and the alarming civil war rhetoric. Additionally, they assess the delicate Israel-Hamas ceasefire and the potential fallout from recent U.S. military actions.

Casey Newton, a noted technology journalist and founder of Platformer, discusses the intriguing and chaotic landscape of tech today. He breaks down the implications of Trump's TikTok deal, labeling it crony capitalism with broader geopolitical implications. Newton also warns of the potential dangers of AI, likening Silicon Valley's ambitions to create 'machine gods' to impending catastrophe. He critiques tech figures' shifting political stances and explores the risks of AI deepfakes, urging a careful watch on its economic impact and ethical concerns.