The Bulwark Podcast

James Carville, a legendary Democratic strategist known for his role in Bill Clinton's campaigns, discusses the turbulent political landscape today. He critiques the surge of misinformation in politics and urges the need for effective messaging. Carville shares fascinating insights about his new documentary, 'Winning Is Everything, Stupid,' including how it evolved as events unfolded. He emphasizes the urgency of engaging young voters and highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in leadership.

Timothy Snyder, a Yale history professor and expert on authoritarianism, digs into the troubling dynamics of modern politics. He discusses how figures like Trump and Vance create a culture of despair and division. The conversation explores the unsettling parallels between historical fascism and today's political climate, highlighting the rise of antisemitism. Snyder also delves into the complexities of freedom in America and the importance of state involvement in ensuring equitable conditions, alongside an insightful analysis of recent polling trends.

Bill Kristol, Editor-at-large of The Bulwark and a seasoned political commentator, discusses the troubling alliance between billionaire tech moguls and authoritarian movements. He highlights how these figures are influencing the Republican Party and showering Trump with financial backing. Kristol also analyzes the geopolitical implications of Israel's actions since October 7, the risks of political violence fueled by inflammatory rhetoric, and the responsibility of influential figures in today's polarized climate.

Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States, shares his insights on the recent campaign dynamics, praising Vice President Kamala Harris for her impressive performance. He discusses the challenges and significance of presidential debates, emphasizing the need for unity against anti-Trump sentiments. A highlight includes his commitment to combating anti-Semitism, with a focus on fostering safe cultural spaces in academia. The conversation also lightens up with reflections on culinary delights and a spirited debate on sports legends.

John Dickerson, anchor at CBS's The Daily Report and author of "The Hardest Job in the World," joins Tim Miller to discuss the political landscape post-January 6. They delve into Liz Cheney's steadfast values amidst pressure and the implications for the GOP. The conversation also covers FEMA's leadership failures during crises, the role of misinformation in disaster reporting, and the socio-economic impacts of port strikes and automation. They emphasize the need for accountability and nuanced discussions in today's political climate.

Kaitlan Collins, a CNN anchor celebrated for her incisive White House reporting, joins Tim Miller for a captivating discussion. They dive into the intriguing details of Trump’s legal challenges surrounding January 6, revealing his disregard for key events. Collins shares insights on the unique pressures of being a CNN anchor and reflects on the shifting conservative media landscape. The conversation also humorously touches on the 'deep state' and balancing work-life amidst the chaos of politics, offering a mix of serious analysis and lighthearted banter.

Jim Messina, a seasoned political strategist and campaign manager for Obama's 2012 re-election, teams up with Michael Weiss, an expert on Russia’s intelligence as the editor of The Insider. They dive into the strategies of current political races, analyzing debate performances and the importance of voter engagement among key demographics. The conversation also touches on immigration communication tactics and the geopolitical implications of military actions abroad. Expect insights that blend sharp political analysis with a touch of humor!

Lis Smith, a Democratic strategist and author of "Any Given Tuesday," dives into the peculiarities of the current political landscape. She discusses the fallout from recent debates, particularly how JD Vance's controversial views may backfire. The conversation highlights Kamala Harris's evolving media strategy and the implications of upcoming vice-presidential debates. Smith urges the need for authenticity in political discourse while also touching on serious topics like abortion and immigration, showcasing the complex dynamics at play in shaping voter perceptions.

Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative commentator and strategist known for his role in the Never Trump movement, joins Tim Miller for a deep dive into political messaging. They discuss the urgency for Kamala Harris to counter Trump’s trans panic narrative and the significant role of foreign policy in the election. Kristol emphasizes the need to address swing voters’ concerns around abortion and cultural issues, while critiquing extreme rhetoric in campaigns. The duo also reflects on the political implications of disasters like Hurricane Helene on election strategies.

Amanda Carpenter, a writer and editor at Protect Democracy and co-author of "The Authoritarian Playbook for 2025," joins Tim Miller to discuss pressing political dynamics. They touch on Mitt Romney and Mike Pence's potential roles in a cross-partisan movement, the ramping up of the MAGA retribution agenda, and Kamala Harris's border security initiatives. Carpenter shares insights into immigration politics and the distortions surrounding voter fraud narratives. The conversation delves into the influence of tech titans on political discourse and accountability in the aftermath of January 6th.