The Bulwark Podcast

Derek Thompson, a writer and podcaster known for his insights on culture and economics, dives into the unexpected victory of DSA candidate Zoran Mamdani in NYC's Democratic primary. They discuss the importance of authentic messaging in politics during challenging times. The conversation also touches on the alarming effects of AI, groundbreaking medical advancements like Ozempic, and the intriguing proposition of shortening the NBA season to reduce player injuries. Thompson brings a mix of humor and optimism to these pressing issues.

Nicolle Wallace, the host of Deadline White House on MSNBC, brings her sharp insights on the Republican Party's silence in the face of Trump's actions, which she argues is a greater threat to democracy. She discusses the intricacies of political loyalties and the moral complexities that arise in today's landscape. Wallace also humorously reflects on personal anecdotes from the 2016 campaign and intricacies of family dynamics across differing political beliefs. Plus, she shares her motivations behind her new podcast, The Best People, and the future of political discourse.

Bill Kristol, Editor at Large at The Bulwark and a prominent political analyst, joins Tim Miller to discuss the precarious situation of Trump's leadership. They debate the implications of U.S. military actions in Iran and the risks posed by Trump's advisers in a crisis. The conversation touches on the disturbing trends in law enforcement militarization affecting immigrants and critiques the Democratic National Committee for failing to support strong candidates. Kristol also emphasizes the need for a political shift away from the current status quo.

Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and former owner of the Dallas Mavericks, discusses his unexpected consideration for the VP slot in 2024. He critiques the current administration's communication failures and the impact of economic policies on rural communities. The conversation shifts to the complexities of cryptocurrency, including skepticism towards meme coins and the SEC’s role. Cuban also shares insights on the intertwining of politics and AI, emphasizing personal connections in leadership, while delighting listeners with anecdotes about parenting and shooting hoops.

Mark McKinnon, a media advisor and co-host of The Circus, teams up with Dan Shapiro, former U.S. Ambassador to Israel. They delve into the current political climate, discussing how Trump's return could influence U.S. actions towards Iran. As they analyze military tensions and the complexities of foreign policy, they highlight the emotional toll of immigration policies and the fragility of compassionate conservatism. The duo also touches on unexpected political alliances and the shifting dynamics in American politics, making for an engaging conversation.

Ben Rhodes, former speechwriter and deputy national security advisor under President Obama, dives into the complexities of U.S. foreign policy regarding Iran and Israel. He explores Iran's precarious position and the potential consequences of military intervention. The conversation examines the fractures within the GOP on foreign policy and critiques the knowledge gaps in political discourse. Rhodes also highlights the importance of vigilance against rising authoritarianism and the necessity for Democrats to connect with voters over pressing issues.

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.