Bulwark Takes

Will Saletan dives into Donald Trump’s controversial pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández, exposing how it clashes with anti-drug efforts. He critiques Republican senators, highlighting Markwayne Mullin's flawed defense and Roger Marshall's evasion tactics. Saletan dissects Trump's claim that the prosecution was politically motivated and argues against Tom Cotton's geopolitical justification. Rand Paul’s strong condemnation stands out, as Saletan concludes that many Republicans show silence and cowardice instead of opposing this troubling action.

Hosts discuss the bizarre elements of Trump's recent rally, from recycled schtick to strange compliments about his staff. They explore whether he remains energetic or is out of touch and critique his muddled economic messaging. Highlights include Trump's claims of Black voter support, rambling jabs at 'Sleepy Joe,' and a lengthy rant against Ilhan Omar. The episode captures unsettling crowd reactions, showcasing a mix of old tricks and odd tactics that underpin a disturbing atmosphere.

In this engaging discussion, investigative reporter Andrew Kaczynski, known for his expertise in archival research, delves into the implications of Pete Hegseth's past comments on military law. Kaczynski reveals how Hegseth defended troops against unlawful orders in 2016, contrasting sharply with his current critiques of Democrats. The duo examines the Uniform Code of Military Justice and the significance of holding politicians accountable for their words. Kaczynski also shares insights on his research methods and the broader impact of exposing political hypocrisy.

Justin Elliott, an investigative reporter at ProPublica, joins Tim Miller to dissect troubling Trump mortgage records. They delve into the significance of occupancy clauses in mortgages, arguing that having two 'primary' residences could indicate fraud. Elliott reveals details about Trump's mortgages near Mar-a-Lago and questions whether these records could lead to prosecution. The conversation also touches on the hypocrisy in prosecutorial practices, highlighting how other officials have faced similar scrutiny.

Join Catherine Rampell, a sharp columnist and economist, alongside Sonny Bunch, a savvy cultural commentator, as they dive into the intense Warner Bros. bidding war featuring Jared Kushner's unexpected involvement. They dissect the political ties of Paramount and Trump's allies, the surprising strategies behind Netflix's bid, and the potential consequences for theaters and filmmaking. The discussion also touches on regulatory pressures, the stakes of media consolidation, and the implications for cultural creativity in Hollywood.

The podcast dives into the sensational feud between Benny Johnson and Milo Yiannopoulos, opening a window into the chaotic realm of right-wing politics. Allegations about Benny's sexuality spark sparks while George Santos stuns as a voice of reason. The hosts explore the implications of this infighting for the legacy of TPUSA and question the ethics surrounding outing. They dissect how sexuality is weaponized for influence, revealing a tangled web of personal and political motives driving the drama.

Tim Miller interviews Roger Sollenberger, an investigative reporter known for his deep dive into the controversial Congressman Cory Mills. They explore Mills's troubling financial dealings and a shocking history of personal scandals, including allegations of assault. Roger reveals Mills’s bizarre rescue operation in Afghanistan and discusses his complicated web of relationships, including a secretive religious conversion. This conversation sheds light on how Mills’s questionable actions could impact his political future.

Tim Miller dives into the recent ICE raids in Louisiana, revealing how they prioritize political spectacle over genuine public safety. He discusses the low percentage of arrestees with criminal records and the alarming lack of coordination with local officials. The podcast highlights the community's fear and economic fallout from these actions, alongside personal stories of displacement. Miller argues there's little evidence these operations enhance safety or community wellbeing, contrasting this with the powerful resistance born from faith and activism.

Sam Stein dives into the bewildering world of Donald Trump’s pardons, highlighting the unexpected pardon of Rep. Henry Cuellar. He dissects the chaos it created among Republicans, especially given the lack of coordination with party leaders. Cuellar’s re-election bid raises eyebrows, following Trump's unspoken expectation of loyalty. The conversation also shifts to the controversial pardon of the former Honduran president, revealing the political headaches it brings for the GOP. Stein argues that these nonsensical pardons could seriously hurt Republican credibility.

Sen. Mark Warner, a prominent figure in national security and intelligence oversight, shares his insights on the controversial September 2nd boat strike. He calls for transparency regarding the full video of the incident and questions the legal and moral implications of the strike's execution. Warner raises concerns about the erosion of the intelligence community and warns that political manipulation could hinder vital alliances and intelligence sharing. He also stresses the need for proper congressional authorization and reflects on the broader implications for U.S. governance and national security.