The Bulwark Podcast

Mike Murphy, a veteran Republican strategist and co-host of Hacks on Tap, and Michael Fanone, a former Capitol police officer, delve into the complexities of the electric vehicle market and the implications of China's influence on it—especially on Tesla. They discuss Trump's contradictory stance on EV subsidies while highlighting concerns over the ties between corporations and government. Fanone also shares intense anecdotes from January 6, critiquing the Proud Boys' behaviors and urging public engagement to combat extremism.

Senator Ruben Gallego, a former Marine and political strategist from Arizona, joins Zerlina Maxwell, a sharp political analyst and mental health advocate, to dive into critical political discussions. They tackle the alarming Republican plans to cut Medicaid for tax cuts, the chaos induced by Trump's border policies, and how Democrats can better connect with voters in rural areas. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk's influence on politics and the vital importance of mental health during these turbulent times.

Ben Wittes, Editor-in-chief of Lawfare and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, delves into the chaos of current legal politics. He discusses the Trump administration's questionable actions, including who’s really running the show behind DOGE. Wittes highlights the troubling changes within the FBI, pointing out how political appointments could affect agency morale and public safety. They also touch on the complexities of U.S.-Ukrainian relations, introducing a new podcast that explores these vital foreign policy dynamics.

Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative commentator known for his Never Trump stance, teams up with Colorado Governor Jared Polis, who advocates market-based reforms. They dive into the troubling trend of unqualified appointments in government, particularly within Trump's administration, and discuss the risks posed to democracy. Polis shares insights on government waste, housing strategies, and the vital need for the Democratic Party to refine its messaging to resonate with working-class citizens. Their spirited exchange underscores the importance of courage in today's political landscape.

Adam Kinzinger, a former Republican congressman and Air Force veteran, discusses the shifting dynamics within the party, highlighting grassroots movements against corporate influence. He remarks on the reaction of the public towards political elites and the need for diverse candidates. Kinzinger critiques Trump's inner circle, noting their focus on optics over substantive issues, especially regarding Ukraine. He also emphasizes the importance of humor and resilience in the face of intimidation in today’s political climate.

David Graham, a lead writer at The Atlantic and author of "The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America," teams up with Pablo Torre, an insightful podcast host and sports commentator. They dive into a quirky theory about Marco Rubio as a potential Cuban communist agent. The conversation shifts to the intertwining of politics and sports, dissecting Trump's controversial ties to golf and the LIV-PGA deal. They also navigate voter disillusionment and dissect Mitch McConnell's complicated role in the Republican Party, highlighting today's political complexities with humor and acumen.

Zeke Faux, an investigative reporter for Bloomberg and author of "Number Go Up," joins Congressman Jared Moskowitz, who formerly directed Florida's emergency management. They dive into the complicated world of cryptocurrency, discussing how scams operate within the market and the political ramifications of these financial maneuvers. They also explore the absurdities of meme coins and the ethics surrounding political endorsements in crypto. The conversation touches on the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in America and Trump's contentious foreign policy.

Susan Glasser, a noted Staff writer at The New Yorker and co-author of 'The Divider', shares her insights on the perilous state of U.S.-Russia relations under Trump. She unveils the mockery surrounding Trump's approach to Ukraine, sidelining its leadership in favor of backdoor deals with Putin. Glasser also tackles the threat to the First Amendment from the White House's actions and discusses the curious origin of Trump's infamous Greenland obsession, blending humor with critical analysis of democracy and press freedom.

Bill Kristol, a Conservative political commentator and columnist known for his Never Trump stance, joins Tim Miller to tackle the turbulence in U.S. governance. They delve into how Musk's reforms may jeopardize safety in vital services and discuss the Democrats' need for a more aggressive political strategy. Kristol highlights the U.S.'s declining global influence, particularly in Ukraine, while urging for accountability and revitalized leadership to counteract rising autocracy and maintain democratic values.

Andrew Weissmann, former FBI general counsel, and Michael Weiss, Russia-focused editor and author, dive into the murky waters of political power and legal integrity. They discuss the troubling case against New York Mayor Eric Adams and the implications of political entanglements within the Justice Department. The conversation also touches on Trump's alarming connections with Russia and the insights on geopolitical maneuvers in Ukraine. Weissmann and Weiss highlight the shifting landscape of ethics in politics, peppering the discourse with their expert analysis.