Bulwark Takes

Sam Stein shares the inspiring story of Mikaela Naylon, a 16-year-old cancer patient who lobbied Congress for a vital pediatric cancer research bill, the Give Kids a Chance Act. Despite legislative hurdles and setbacks, her advocacy sparked renewed hope for the bill's passage. The podcast delves into the challenges hindering pediatric cancer research, highlights exciting momentum from recent House votes, and emphasizes the emotional impact of Michaela's journey and message of hope. With key lawmakers rallying behind the cause, there’s cautious optimism for future progress.

Will Sommer, an investigative reporter known for his insights on right-wing media and conspiracy theories, dives deep into the Blaze’s dramatic pipe-bomb reporting failure. He explains the flawed gait analysis that wrongly accused an innocent woman and the chaos that ensued after her alibi surfaced. Sommer discusses the potential legal ramifications for the Blaze, especially amidst the emergence of the real suspect, Brian Cole. With implications for right-wing narratives and the Blaze's future, this conversation shines a light on the dangers of sensationalist journalism.

The absurdity of Donald Trump receiving FIFA's first-ever Peace Prize is hilariously dissected. The hosts explore the surreal ceremony, complete with awkward moments and bizarre trophy imagery. They discuss the corruption vibes and mutual image-laundering between FIFA and Trump, especially ahead of the U.S. World Cup. Trump's strange remarks about football and his past 'peace' awards add to the comedy. Finally, they debate whether more fake prizes could keep Trump distracted, weighing the economic implications.

Tim Miller and JVL dissect a controversial video that has divided Congress. They highlight Jim Himes’ alarm over the legality of a 'double tap' strike that resembles an attack on shipwrecked sailors. In contrast, Senator Tom Cotton defends the strikes, labeling smugglers as narco-terrorists, but his macho justification earns criticism. The hosts also note ironies in the narrative surrounding the boat's condition and raise questions about conflicting accounts. They wrap up by contrasting Cotton's fervor with Senator Wicker's more cautious approach.

The hosts dive into the unsettling implications of Scott Bessent's recent NYT interview, highlighting his alarming political posturing. They discuss how Bessent's demeanor feels more like a performance than a genuine discourse, raising questions about trust during a financial crisis. The conversation takes a critical turn as they analyze Bessent's economic claims and the dangers of appointing a political hack to the Fed. The potential risks to the economy are emphasized, underscoring the importance of having a trustworthy Treasury Secretary.

Sam Stein and Catherine Rampell dive into the bizarre world where corporate America flatters Donald Trump. They explore wild gestures like the Diet Coke trophy and discuss how companies prioritize political appeasement over genuine business strategies. Recent examples show firms offering donations and even reviving Rush Hour 4 as a means to smooth mergers. The duo examines the economic toll of corruption and how businesses distort their decisions to avoid presidential scrutiny, all while sharing hilariously absurd gifts to win favor.

Trump's latest cabinet meeting turned into a surreal spectacle with praise, nods, and even some snoozing. The hosts dive into Pete Hegseth's conflicting claims regarding military strikes in Venezuela, raising important legal questions. There's a sharp critique of the Pentagon press corps, highlighting their uncritical support for the administration. Trump’s amusing remarks about Dulles Airport spark a debate over regional preferences, adding a lighthearted twist to the serious discussions.

Will Saletan, a journalist specializing in policy and national-security issues, joins Sam Stein to unravel Trump’s controversial pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez. They dissect how Trump's rationale crumbled under scrutiny, particularly the lack of evidence and vetting. Saletan highlights the damaging implications for U.S. credibility in drug enforcement and the chilling effects on witness safety. This discussion reveals a troubling pattern of Trump favoring corrupt leadership, raising alarms for future policy.

Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, a public-health expert and former CDC official, joins to discuss the FDA's controversial 'vaccine-death' email. He critiques the email for lacking transparency and fostering panic. Daskalakis highlights concerns over the CDC's rewritten autism webpage, arguing it misrepresents vaccine safety. He also addresses the impact of changing ACIP dynamics and warns about misinformation regarding the hepatitis B birth dose. Throughout, he advocates for trusting local health authorities over political figures.

Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General Mark Hertling joins Ben Parker to dissect the Pentagon's denials around a controversial kill order at sea. Hertling asserts that targeting incapacitated survivors would violate military law. They question the administration's claims of terrorist identities and the legal basis for the strike. The duo explores the pressures faced by senior officers and the ambiguous chain of command. They call for a thorough investigation into the moral leadership and decision-making behind these orders.