The Bulwark Podcast

Lina Khan, former FTC chair and Columbia Law professor, dives deep into the complexities of antitrust law and its implications for democracy. She critiques the Trump administration’s favoritism toward elites and explores how economic populism can shift power dynamics. Khan emphasizes the need for robust antitrust regulations to support competition, particularly in tech. Amidst serious discussions, she humorously shares anecdotes about her cat, adding a light touch to the heavy topics at hand.

Stuart Stevens, a seasoned political consultant and writer, emphasizes the need for Democrats to adopt a more aggressive strategy against what's termed as Trumpism. He passionately argues that appalling political appointments and misinformation must be confronted directly. The conversation delves into the current political climate, highlighting extreme factions within the Republican Party and the erosion of democratic norms. Stevens advocates for accountability in politics and critiques the implications of an America First foreign policy on global relations.

Jonathan V. Last, Editor of 'Triad' and co-host of 'The Secret Podcast,' shares insights on the precarious state of American democracy. He discusses how red states are increasing their control through strategic redistricting and military posturing. The internal chaos at the CDC regarding the COVID vaccine raises questions about public trust and accountability. Last also examines Trump's foreign policy and the shifts towards a post-American global order, warning of the looming threat posed by rising authoritarian regimes.

Tom Nichols, a Professor emeritus at the Naval War College and writer for The Atlantic, shares his insights on the troubling dynamics of American politics. He humorously likens Trump to a dysfunctional child, exploring how media and supporters excuse his reckless behavior. The conversation touches on the damaging impact of power maneuvers within government and raises concerns about transparency regarding presidential health. Nichols also critiques the shallow political narratives surrounding key issues, advocating for expertise and strategic dissent in governance.

Sam Stein, managing editor at The Bulwark, and Talmon Smith, an economics reporter at The New York Times, dive into the alarming resignations at the CDC over anti-vaccine pressures. They highlight the potential threats from domestic terrorism and discuss Trump's risks to the Fed's independence. The duo also critiques shifting Democratic attitudes toward Israel and examines the latest developments in Ukraine, while reflecting on New Orleans' resilience against climate change. It’s a captivating mix of public health, politics, and social issues.

Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor to President Biden, reacts to how Trump's return has benefited China, contrasting last year's isolation to today's situation. He discusses the dangers of allowing China access to U.S. microchips and the weakening of alliances amid a chaotic political landscape. Sullivan also addresses the evolving U.S.-Israel relationship, the urgent crisis in Gaza, strategies for pressuring Putin, and the complexities of Biden's potential re-election. His insights blend urgency with a critical look at current foreign policy challenges.

Susan Glasser, a Staff writer at The New Yorker, dives deep into the chaotic landscape of American politics. She discusses Trump's alarming tactics against political rivals, such as targeting Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The conversation highlights how Trump's actions threaten institutional independence and the ramifications of escalating political retribution. They also dissect the bizarre, live-streamed nature of the presidency today and the disturbing visibility of Trump's influence in Washington, drawing poignant parallels to authoritarian regimes.

Bill Kristol, Editor-at-large of The Bulwark and former chief of staff to Vice President George H.W. Bush, joins the conversation to discuss the alarming trajectory toward authoritarianism in America. He addresses the militarization of policing and the consequences of purging dissenting military leaders. Kristol explores corporate loyalty under political pressure, the immigration system's ethical concerns, and the importance of coalition-building in the Democratic primary. He also examines the implications of the transgender military ban and the ongoing Gaza conflict, advocating for open dialogue on these critical issues.

Tommy Vietor, co-host of Pod Save America, discusses the unsettling realities of Trump's security state. He delves into the FBI raid on John Bolton's home, exploring its implications for national security and political intimidation. The conversation touches on the potential misuse of military forces in urban areas and the chilling effects on intelligence professionals under Trump. Vietor also critiques the Democratic Party's struggle towards effective engagement with voters amidst the backdrop of urgent issues like immigration, environmental politics, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Garry Kasparov, former world chess champion and dissident, and Jerusalem Demsas, editor-in-chief of The Argument, dive deep into the rising threats to democracy. They explore Kasparov's transition from chess prodigy to a fierce advocate for democratic values, emphasizing the fragility of institutions in the U.S. amid geopolitical tensions. The duo dissects the problematic Trump-Putin relationship, the impact of historical narratives on politics, and the launch of a new media outlet aimed at revitalizing liberal discourse. The conversation reflects on engaging diverse views to tackle modern challenges.