The Bulwark Podcast

Bill Kristol, a renowned political analyst and editor, joins Tim Miller for a deep dive into recent tragedies, including a shooting at Brown University and the alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide. They critique Trump's grotesque reaction to the murder of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, while also discussing the role of social media algorithms in pushing conspiracy theories. The duo reflects on the GOP's shifting identity, Trump's waning political vigor, and recent electoral setbacks for Republicans. It's a compelling examination of our current political landscape.

Alyssa Farah Griffin, former White House spokesperson and political commentator, joins to discuss Indiana Republicans' surprising stance against Trump's influence. She highlights the growing threats of antisemitism and extremism among online conservatives. The duo analyzes demographic shifts and questions Trump's electability today, emphasizing the need for the GOP to evolve. Alyssa critiques Kamala Harris’s communication style and shares insights on media propagandists influencing public discourse. A thought-provoking chat on the future of conservatism!

David French, an opinion columnist and legal commentator, joins Tim Miller to dissect the worrisome dynamics within the GOP as MAGA begins to fracture. They discuss the alarming rise of extremist elements in local Republican politics and explore the implications of a politicized FBI targeting progressive groups. French highlights the administration's troubling actions, likening their military conduct to war crimes. Additionally, they critique the toxic influence of figures like Tucker Carlson and Andrew Tate, showing how these voices manipulate discontent and undermine societal norms.

Neera Tanden, President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and veteran policy adviser, dives into the tangled web of Trump's economy and political maneuverings. She critiques Trump’s economic messaging, particularly his unfounded claims about rising costs. Tanden analyzes recent Democratic successes in battleground elections and highlights the GOP's failure to present a viable healthcare alternative. With a focus on accountability, she calls for reforms to tackle corruption and offers insights on effective strategies to win over independents.

Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling joins to dissect Trump's critical views on Europe and the implications for U.S. security. He argues that America may need Europe more than ever and discusses the shortcomings of Trump’s negotiating team with Putin. Hertling highlights growing tensions in the Pentagon and the risks of recent Venezuela boat strikes, calling them performative. He also emphasizes the importance of military ethics and the challenges of unlawful orders, while paying tribute to fallen service members.

Bill Kristol, a conservative commentator and founder of The Bulwark, joins Tim Miller to discuss alarming ICE tactics in New Orleans, likening them to a bygone era of racial profiling. They critique the administration’s lack of transparency in lethal airstrikes and question Trump's agricultural welfare payments. Kristol also reveals rumors about Kristi Noem's removal from DHS, while exploring the strategic implications of Democrats tackling healthcare costs. The duo even finds a moment to commend Ted Cruz for a surprising tweet.

Tommy Vietor, former White House spokesperson and co-host of popular political podcasts, discusses Trump’s controversial actions in foreign policy. He critiques the extrajudicial killings off Venezuela and the absurdity of Trump being awarded a fake peace prize. The conversation also dives into the disconnect within the Democratic Party regarding Israel and AIPAC, along with a strong call for anti-corruption reform. They tackle the implications of Trump's pardons and the need for Democrats to regain credibility with a proactive stance on ethics.

Sam Stein, a journalist and managing editor, joins to dissect Trump's controversial use of his pardon power, including bizarre cases involving a drug kingpin and a Texas executive. They highlight the chaos these pardons create within the GOP and redistricting efforts. The conversation also tackles the disturbing impact of ICE operations on New Orleans' economy and community. Lastly, they dive into the political absurdities surrounding public figures like Phil Mickelson, questioning the implications of their rhetoric on broader societal issues.

Jonathan Lemire, a veteran White House reporter for The Atlantic, joins Tim Miller to dissect Donald Trump's political distancing. They discuss Trump's absence from rallies, raising concerns about his connection with voters, as he opts for golf and millionaire dinners. Lemire highlights Trump's shift towards foreign policy ambitions and the influence of wealth on his decisions. The duo also touches on Trump's snoozing during Cabinet meetings, the media's friendly biases, and recent political developments, notably in Tennessee, that signal potential Democratic gains.

Olivia Nuzzi, a political journalist and Vanity Fair editor, shares insights from her tumultuous experience covering politics and her relationship with RFK Jr. She opens up about ethical breaches that led to her public shaming and job loss. Nuzzi reflects on the balance of personal and professional lines in journalism, the isolation she faced, and the emotional turmoil tied to the political landscape. Through her new book, American Canto, she illustrates her journey of self-discovery amidst scandal and personal crisis.