Bulwark Takes

Mark Cuban joins Jonathan Cohn to give his take on why America’s healthcare system is broken and what it would take to fix it. Cuban breaks down prescription drug pricing, the role of PBMs, and how his Cost Plus Drug Company is making medications affordable for millions. Cuban also weighs in on system reforms, transparency, and whether U.S. healthcare can ever work for everyone.

Tim and Sam dive into the chaotic world of Trump’s cabinet, assessing members from the 'livable' to the 'worst of the worst.' They passionately debate positions, with figures like Kristy Noem and Pete Hegseth drawing fierce criticism. While analyzing lesser-known officials, they highlight the disastrous policies of Pam Bondi and Scott Turner, and tackle the troubling influence of Russ Vought. The duo wraps up by naming the most damaging cabinet member of 2025, sparking a lively discussion on blame and political fallout.

Daisy Rockwell, translator, writer, and granddaughter of the iconic painter Norman Rockwell, passionately discusses her grandfather's legacy. She critiques the Department of Homeland Security's use of his art to promote an anti-immigrant narrative, voicing the family's deep outrage. Rockwell's shift towards civil rights themes is explored, as Daisy highlights how his values clash with current appropriation. She also shares her thoughts on how he might respond to today's sociopolitical climate, emphasizing the importance of understanding his true beliefs.

Ryan Goodman, a law professor and co-editor of Just Security, joins Bill Kristol to dissect the latest twists in the Epstein investigation. They discuss the DOJ's handling of document releases, revealing ten co-conspirators and implications for powerful figures, including Trump. The conversation uncovers withheld memos, missing witness statements, and questionable redactions. Goodman argues that the DOJ may be playing political games, while survivors push for transparency and accountability as the battle for justice continues into 2026.

Derek Owen, an investigative reporter and co-author of an in-depth piece on FBI counterintelligence, joins R.M. Schneiderman, another investigative journalist, to discuss the FBI's tumultuous evolution post-9/11. They reveal how past failures reshaped counterintelligence and highlight the impact of political influences, particularly Kash Patel's role. The conversations touch on pressing threats from China, notable espionage cases, and internal tensions within the Bureau. Anecdotes from their investigation bring to life the complexities of contemporary national security.

Jared Poland, a digital producer at Bulwark known for his engaging experiments, joins Sam Stein to investigate a peculiar claim about Donald Trump’s bruised hand. They discuss the White House’s explanation, which suggests excessive handshaking and aspirin usage caused the bruising. To test this, Jared conducts a handshake experiment, recording 315 shakes with visitors. While he reports soreness the next day, no bruising appears. The duo reflects on the validity of the claim and the fun of gimmick journalism, hinting at future experiments to come.

This holiday-themed parody takes a humorous look at Trump's antics in 2025. It includes a comedic twist on foreign jets and lavish awards, dramatically reimagining The 12 Days of Christmas. Highlights feature bizarre gifts like golden trophies from world leaders and Olympic medals, alongside a lighthearted jab at Trump's past. The catchy tune grows with each verse, building a hilarious list of outrageous honors. It’s a festive exploration of Trump's grifts, all wrapped up in a cheeky musical sketch.

Mona Charen, a conservative columnist and commentator, serves as the judge for a lively review of The Bulwark's 2025 predictions. The discussion covers Trump's health and presidential pardons, with Charen awarding points for accuracy. The panel scores high for predictions about MAGA infighting but misses on forecasts of physical altercations and cabinet shake-ups. They also debate the likelihood of Mark Cuban's presidential run and the timing of an AI bubble. This entertaining analysis of recent political events reveals just how challenging predicting the future can be!

In a surprising holiday twist, Trump spent Christmas Eve relentlessly posting threats at media outlets. Tim Miller delves into the irony of Trump’s calls to revoke broadcast licenses for networks he dislikes. The discussion highlights Trump’s personal attacks on Stephen Colbert and how his late-night rants reflect deeper issues of obsession and political messaging. Linking the chaos to economic troubles, Tim encourages listeners to prioritize community over online outrage, urging everyone to enjoy family time instead of rage-posting.

Sam and Sarah dive into the wild world of online hate mail, delivering laughs through roasting each other’s worst comments. They candidly address anti-Semitic remarks and reflect on personal criticisms, like haircuts and pop culture gaps. With a mix of humor and self-awareness, they tackle listener complaints about interruptions and critique. The pair encourages a deeper wit in insults while wrapping up their playful dive into internet vitriol, leaving listeners entertained and thoughtful.