The Bulwark Podcast

Jeffrey Goldberg, an acclaimed author and journalist known for his incisive critiques of Trump, sheds light on the former president's disillusionment with American exceptionalism. He discusses Trump's lack of accountability from the media and paints a stark portrait of figures like Lindsey Graham and John Kelly, revealing their struggles amid Trump's tumultuous leadership. Goldberg also reflects on the deep-seated fears and loyalties in contemporary political dynamics, offering a nuanced take on the current state of American politics and the complex narratives that shape it.

Mark McKinnon, a seasoned political strategist and media consultant, discusses the stark contrast between the dystopian narratives pushed by Republicans and the optimistic discourse of Democrats, particularly Kamala Harris. He dives into the art of debate preparation and the impact of celebrity endorsements on voter engagement, especially among young voters. The conversation also touches on the bizarre clash between Laura Loomer and Marjorie Taylor Greene, and the troubling prevalence of conspiracy theories in political dialogue, all while emphasizing the importance of empathy in discussions about immigration.

S.E. Cupp, a CNN contributor and host of "Battleground," dives into the recent political debate, discussing how one candidate stumbled into traps set by Kamala Harris. With sharp humor, she critiques the dynamics of communication strategies and their impact on public perception, especially on topics like immigration and abortion. The conversation also highlights the emotional weight of reproductive rights and the importance of connecting political decisions to real consequences. Cupp shares insights on debate strategies and the role of celebrity endorsements in shaping voter opinions.

Symone Sanders Townsend, an MSNBC weekend show host, joins Olivia Nuzzi, a political journalist known for her deep dives into Trump’s psyche. They dissect the highly anticipated debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, focusing on Harris’s strategic advantages and the unique challenges she faces as a woman of color. They explore misconceptions about Black women's political roles, Trump's struggle with narrative creation, and the emotional weight of debates on voters. The conversation weaves humor with sharp political insights.

Bill Kristol, a prominent political commentator and founder of The Weekly Standard, joins U.S. Representative Colin Allred, known for his advocacy on social issues. They tackle pressing political dynamics, calling out the troubling normalization of violence tied to gun laws and school security. The conversation critiques figures like George W. Bush for their stances, while evaluating the Texas political landscape—including frustration with Ted Cruz and the shifting Republican ideals. Humor and personal anecdotes bring light to the anxieties of campaigning.

Tim Miller, a sharp political commentator, and Adam Kinzinger, a former U.S. Congressman and military pilot, dive into the chaotic landscape of Texas politics. They dissect Trump's bizarre comments, express discontent with Ted Cruz, and discuss the vital role of moderate Democrats. The duo also contemplates Kinzinger's potential return to Congress. Their conversation mixes political analysis with personal reflections on their deep ties to Texas, making for a lively and insightful discussion.

David Frum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author known for his insights on the Trump era, elaborates on the turbulent political landscape. He highlights Liz Cheney's surprising endorsements and the struggle within conservatism against extremist ideals. The discussion turns to troubling military influences during Trump's presidency and the alarming normalization of aggressive rhetoric. Frum also addresses the ongoing gun violence crisis in America, critiquing the disparities in gun control compared to other nations, all while advocating for a more inclusive political dialogue.

Neera Tanden, a domestic policy advisor to President Biden with a rich history in the Clinton and Obama administrations, joins Heidi Heitkamp, the former Senator and founder of the One Country Project. They discuss the persistent media challenges surrounding Trump, highlighting how he escapes scrutiny. The importance of connecting with rural voters and addressing sexist political discourse is also explored. Their insights on overcoming the urban-rural divide and the future of Democratic strategies are both engaging and thought-provoking.

Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Mona Charen, a savvy political commentator, dive into the complexities of Democrat unity and the challenges posed by rising conservatism. They discuss the efficacy of Kamala Harris in bridging party divides and the pressing issue of housing affordability. Schatz emphasizes the need for effective regulations that meet community demands, while Charen critiques the impact of Trump's divisiveness on conservative values, challenging listeners to consider the evolution of trust within the party and its implications for upcoming elections.

Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative commentator and co-founder of the Never Trump movement, joins to dissect the political landscape as the election approaches. He argues that Kamala Harris needs a more aggressive campaign strategy to resonate with voters. The conversation highlights the vital impact of clear stances on abortion rights and the intertwining of evangelical sentiments with political choices. Kristol also reflects on the personal nature of voter engagement and the need for thoughtful political discourse in today’s climate.