The Bulwark Podcast

The character of the nation is on the line: We have to stop an autocratic minority from imposing its will on the majority of Americans. And no question, Putin has been very easily manipulating Trump and Musk. Plus, Biden talking about garbage, spam polls, pollster herding, and the weakest swing states for Kamala.  Alex Vindman and Lakshya Jain join Tim Miller. show notes: Congressional candidate Eugene Vindman's web site The fake family of Eugene's opponent in the open VA-7 seat

Robert Draper, a New York Times reporter and author of "To Start a War," dives deep into Kamala Harris's political persona. He discusses her unique worldview, viewing politics as a battle between rule-followers and rule-breakers. Draper explores Harris's rich immigrant background and how it influences her political ambitions. He also addresses the challenges women of color face in politics, shedding light on her relationship with her estranged father and her resilience through adversity.

Robert Kagan, a political scientist from the Brookings Institution and author of "Rebellion," teams up with Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative commentator. They discuss the alarming rise of authoritarianism in America, emphasizing the dangerous shift within the Republican Party towards extreme rhetoric. The duo critiques corporate leaders like Jeff Bezos for their role in undermining a free press and democracy itself. They also analyze Senate race dynamics and the perils of crony capitalism, urging vigilance against the normalization of fascist tendencies.

Bret Stephens, a Pulitzer Prize-winning opinion columnist for the New York Times and former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, shares his sharp insights alongside Tim Miller. They dive deep into the corrosive effects of Trump's potential return on democracy and discuss the implications of leadership disinhibition. The conversation shifts to the intertwining of tech powers, particularly Elon Musk's foreign policy impacts. Stephens also evaluates the complexities of voting choices, netting a thought-provoking look at Kamala Harris's strategic positioning in contemporary politics.

David French, an Opinion columnist for the New York Times and co-host of the legal podcast Advisory Opinions, delves into the complexities of Trumpism and its lingering effects on the GOP. He discusses how many within Red America idolize pre-January 6 Trump, contrasting that with the chaotic reality of his later supporters. The conversation also sheds light on Liz Cheney's views on abortion post-Dobbs, and the polarizing dynamics that define current political engagements, especially in the lead-up to the next election.

Donald Trump doesn't share our values or our norms, and he wants the privilege of being able to shoot down Americans in the street. And former officials who worked in his administration are frightened about what he could do to the country. Meanwhile, all the Hitler talk drowns out any talk about Kamala's proposed policies, which are more popular than people realize. Jeffrey Goldberg and Catherine Rampell join Tim Miller. show notes: Goldberg's latest reporting on Trump's preoccupation with dictators The NYT's interview with John Kelly Rampell's piece on the popularity of Kamala's policies Rampell's piece on Flint, MI's baby bonus Rampell's piece about Trump losing his edge on the economy Bulwark piece on McKinley and tariffs

Mitch Landrieu, former mayor of New Orleans, and Will Saletan, a keen political commentator, dive into the murky waters of current politics. They discuss how Trump cultivates division through hate and fear while examining Kamala's vision for inclusive leadership. The duo also tackles the ideological split in the GOP, spotlighting Liz Cheney's stance against authoritarianism. They reflect on New Orleans' recovery post-Katrina and touch on the implications of recent political marketing trends, especially regarding immigration. A riveting conversation!

Mallory McMorrow, a Michigan State Senator advocating for abortion rights, joins Bill Kristol, a conservative political commentator. They discuss the brief glory of a Trump-less political landscape, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and compassionate governance in Michigan. The conversation delves into the shifting dynamics of loyalty within the Republican Party, highlighted by Liz Cheney's stance against Trump. They also explore the implications of a potential second Trump term and the parallels between U.S. politics and Moldova's struggles.

George Conway, a lawyer and vocal critic of Donald Trump, joins Sarah Matthews, a former Trump White House aide who resigned during the Capitol riot. They dive into the psychological traits of Trump, dissecting his narcissism and its implications for leadership. The discussion highlights the alarming indifference Trump showed towards his VP on January 6, drawing parallels to voter experiences. Conway and Matthews also touch on the importance of integrity and accountability in politics, sharing anecdotes that blend serious critique with moments of humor.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Bob Woodward, renowned for his investigative work on Watergate and 9/11, discusses critical moments in recent history. He highlights General James Mattis's endorsement of his book, warning against downplaying Trump's threats. Woodward delves into Kamala Harris's strategic counsel to Ukraine and the Biden administration's efforts to prevent nuclear escalation amid Russian tensions. He also critiques the lack of accountability in Trump’s leadership, drawing troubling comparisons to Nixon's presidency.