The Bulwark Podcast

Michael Steele, former RNC chair and Maryland lieutenant governor, offers sharp political commentary. He dissects chaotic distractions from governance. He questions federal responses to crises and probes corruption risks around appointments and payouts. He highlights threats to election integrity and urges accountability from elected officials.

Ta-Nehisi Coates, journalist and author known for writing on race and American identity, discusses the origins and risks of Homeland Security language and its power. He revisits Viola Liuzzo and white allyship, critiques media consolidation and the CBS fallout, and condemns Jared Kushner’s exclusionary Gaza plan. Short, incisive conversations about trust, storytelling, and political danger.

Bobby Pulido, Tejano music star and 2026 Democratic candidate from Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, talks border policy, the local economy, and his campaign. Adam Serwer, Atlantic staff writer and author, recounts Minneapolis community ICE-watchers and analyzes MAGA’s political narrative. They discuss protests, enforcement tactics, Second Amendment politics, and how local resistance reshapes national stories.

Jason Zengerle, New Yorker writer and author on Tucker Carlson, explores how Carlson mainstreamed fringe conservative ideas. Gov. Tim Walz, Minnesota governor and former congressman, recounts federal agents’ deployment in Minneapolis and the community’s organized nonviolent resistance. They discuss federal tactics, accountability, media influence, and political networks in short, sharp conversations.

Bill Kristol, a longtime political analyst and conservative commentator, joins to dissect the killing of Alex Preddy. They examine the video evidence and agency involvement. They debate accountability, anonymous agents, and selective defense of constitutional rights. They also call out political and corporate complicity and outline possible congressional responses.

Mike Murphy, veteran Republican strategist and pollster, offers sharp takeaways on Trump’s Davos 'Board of Peace' theatrics and the geopolitical damage to alliances. He dissects transactional foreign policy, corporate short-termism, threats to the auto and EV sectors, and alarming moves toward government stakes in business. Short, pointed, and often scathing commentary.

Fiona Hill, a foreign policy expert and author, dives into the intricacies of Trump's relationship with Putin, highlighting how the Russian leader subtly mocks him while wielding power. She discusses Trump's Kremlin-like management style, potential backroom deals, and the ongoing chaos surrounding U.S.-Russia relations. Hill also explores alarming global shifts in trust among allies and stresses the urgent need for American leadership to combat democracy's erosion. Her insights reveal the troubling implications of unprepared diplomacy and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

U.S. Representative Sarah McBride, a champion for LGBTQ+ rights, joins the discussion, diving into Donald Trump's baffling remarks about Greenland at Davos. She critiques how his statements may undermine NATO and global order. McBride also shares her insights from a recent CODEL trip, highlighting local fears among Danes and Greenlanders. She emphasizes the importance of bipartisan efforts to remove harmful anti-trans legislation while advocating for policies that ensure dignity and inclusivity for marginalized communities. Her perspective on rebuilding trust in democracy is both refreshing and necessary.

David Plouffe, a veteran political strategist known for managing Obama's 2008 campaign, discusses the Democrats' brand crisis despite recent electoral successes. He emphasizes that future wins depend on candidates who challenge the status quo within their own party. Plouffe also highlights the need for Democrats to hold Republicans accountable for harmful policies and suggests that business leaders should speak out against risky presidential actions. He advocates for a balanced approach to immigration and tackling tech issues, urging a modern, bold leadership style.

In this insightful discussion, political analyst Bill Kristol shares his sharp critiques of Trump's bizarre claims about purchasing Greenland, labeling them farcical and potentially dangerous. He discusses the implications of Trump's foreign policy on NATO and Europe, and the infantilizing tone of his obsession with the Nobel Prize. Kristol also highlights concerns over ICE's facial recognition tactics and reflects on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s enduring message of hope amid today's political challenges.