Bulwark Takes

Republican Senator Thom Tillis makes waves with a fiery floor speech against Trump's budget bill, which threatens Medicaid for over 600,000 North Carolinians. Tensions rise as he addresses the broken promises of healthcare funding. The discussion dives into the widening gap between moderate Republicans and their party amid growing partisan conflicts. With trust at stake, the political consequences of these budget cuts could reshape future elections and challenge the integrity of the GOP.

Jonathan Cohn, a health policy reporter, joins to discuss the impending passage of the controversial 'Big Beautiful Bill.' They delve into the alarming cuts to Medicaid and the ACA, predicting millions could lose health coverage. Cohn highlights the discord within the Republican Party as they grapple with the consequences of their decisions, especially regarding healthcare and clean energy. Political pressures, especially from Trump, create a disconnect between their rhetoric and reality, leaving vulnerable populations at risk.

Thomas Joscelyn is a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, specializing in counterterrorism and national security. In this engaging discussion, he delves into Trump's authoritarian impulses and the political landscape post-election. They explore the normalization of aggressive immigration policies and the troubling politicization of the Department of Justice. Joscelyn critiques the risks of this authoritarian drift, emphasizing the necessity of safeguarding constitutional principles and civil rights amid an evolving political climate.

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Drezner, a Tufts professor and author renowned for blending horror with international politics, reveals how zombie scenarios illuminate global relations. They explore themes of cooperation and resilience, fueled by films like '28 Days Later.' Drezner creatively applies international relations theories to a hypothetical zombie apocalypse, drawing parallels to real-world pandemics and government responses. The conversation highlights public trust during crises and critiques the anti-vaccine movement in today's context.

RFK Jr. is attempting to make wearable health tech trendy with a massive ad push, but his supporters are outraged, fearing government surveillance. The backlash centers on concerns over data privacy and the intertwined interests of tech companies. Meanwhile, the bizarre feud between the Liver King and Joe Rogan unfolds, raising eyebrows over extreme diets and their ties to the wellness movement. The hosts mix humor and critique as they navigate these controversial health initiatives and the cult-like zeal surrounding them.

The lingering shadow of 2020 continues to haunt politics. Tim Miller highlights Donald Trump's troubling ties with a propagandist from a pillow news network. Meanwhile, Gavin Newsom’s bold lawsuit against Fox News raises questions about truth and accountability. The podcast dives into media ethics and the repercussions of spreading misinformation, showing how these legal battles reflect ongoing struggles in political narratives. It's a captivating discussion on the emotional fallout from the election and the fight against misleading media.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, a strong advocate for healthcare and economic growth, dives into the concerning impacts of a Republican healthcare bill threatening Medicaid. He discusses impending cuts that could harm vulnerable populations and lead to rural hospital closures. Beshear highlights the economic fallout of such changes, warning of potential job losses in the healthcare sector. He also touches on the challenges posed by shifts in automotive industry policies, emphasizing the need for strategic investment in green energy to bolster Kentucky's economy.

Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and author of "Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes," dives into the recent Supreme Court ruling that limits nationwide injunctions. She discusses the implications for Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order and explores how this decision reshapes the courts' power dynamics with the executive branch. Litman also highlights potential consequences for civil rights enforcement and the evolving judicial processes for future administrations.

The latest discussion dives into Jeff Bezos's controversial attempts to align himself with Donald Trump, revealing the lengths billionaires will go to for power. There's a deep examination of how corporate politics can corrupt, particularly with Bezos using his media influence to sway public opinion. The conversation also critiques the implications of such relationships on democracy and the integrity of journalism, especially with his ownership of a major news outlet.

Sam Stein and Tim Miller tackle alarming comments from GOP Reps suggesting the deportation of a naturalized U.S. citizen. They delve into how such incendiary rhetoric is a troubling sign of normalization in political discourse. The hosts highlight the implications for free speech and the urgent need to address racism within political narratives. They further explore how these extreme statements can evolve into real policies, reinforcing the importance of vigilance against toxic political tactics.