The Bulwark Podcast

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.

Margaret Hoover, a PBS host known for her special 'Counting the Vote,' discusses Kamala Harris's impressive navigation of complex political issues, including fracking and immigration. The conversation highlights Trump's ongoing struggles with abortion and attempts to delegitimize elections. Hoover emphasizes the urgency of electoral engagement, particularly among women, and the significance of reforms in ensuring election integrity post-January 6th. The podcast also explores the tensions of interviewing Republican politicians in the current landscape.

Adam Kinzinger, a former politician known for his fierce criticism of Donald Trump, dives into the current political landscape and the urgent need for pro-democracy candidates. He discusses how Trump's return to conspiracy rhetoric threatens national stability, while emphasizing the importance of accountability in the GOP. The conversation touches on the Arlington incident, the impact of early voting, and the recent developments in Ukraine. Kinzinger and the host also share a humorous critique of political antics and the absurdities within today's media narratives.

D.L. Hughley, a celebrated comedian and insightful commentator, teams up with Teddy Goff, a savvy digital strategist, to discuss Kamala Harris's adeptness in navigating the political landscape against Trump. They highlight how she's already in control of the narrative while critiquing the superficial strategies aimed at younger voters. The conversation delves into identity, authenticity in politics, and the challenges faced by Black women. It also touches on memorable fashion moments in politics and the media's obsession with image over substance.