The Bulwark Podcast

Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief of Ziteo and author of 'Win Every Argument,' joins Tim Miller for a deep dive into political dilemmas. They critique misleading media narratives around Trump's presidency and the accountability necessary for historical events like January 6th. The conversation shifts to the role of young voters, especially within Arab American communities, and the troubling rise of divisive political ads. Hasan also addresses the curious case of Jill Stein and the risks she poses for electoral strategies, all while balancing anxiety about Trump's potential comeback with a sense of hope.

Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, a veteran and founder of Country First, dives deep into the dysfunction of today's GOP. He discusses how Trump and his allies are damaging family values and pitting genders against each other. The conversation touches on Nikki Haley's struggles within the party and highlights the bizarre tactics used by figures like Elon Musk to manipulate political narratives. Kinzinger emphasizes the urgent need for a pro-democracy movement and critiques the isolationist tendencies creeping into modern Republican policies.

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.