Bulwark Takes

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.

Jonathan Cohn, an acclaimed author and healthcare policy expert, joins Sam Stein to dissect the GOP's recent healthcare turmoil after significant Medicaid cuts were blocked. Cohn reveals the implications of the Senate parliamentarian's ruling and explores whether Republicans can pivot from this setback. He demystifies the reconciliation process and the Byrd rules, illustrating its complexities. The conversation highlights how these changes could affect low-income Americans and the broader political landscape, raising questions about accountability in healthcare legislation.

Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller discuss the growing voter backlash against Trump’s healthcare cuts, revealing bipartisan discontent over proposed Medicaid changes. They emphasize the 'Home of the Brave' campaign, which highlights personal stories of those harmed by Trump's policies. The conversation stresses the power of storytelling in driving political engagement and the pressing need for unity in addressing injustices. Additionally, frustrations over delays in veterans' funeral arrangements are explored, showcasing significant concerns about the administration’s neglect of veteran issues.

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, joins Tim Miller to discuss alarming new tactics in the Trump administration's immigration policy. They reveal the chilling practice of deporting immigrants not just to their home countries but to dangerous third nations. This leaves individuals stranded and vulnerable. The conversation also highlights the harrowing stories of refugees facing injustices and the urgent human rights implications of these deportation practices.

John Avlon, a political analyst and former New York office seeker, joins the discussion on Zohran Mamdani's surprising victory in the NYC mayoral primary. They analyze how this win signifies a shift away from Andrew Cuomo and the growing concerns among moderate Democrats. The conversation highlights the importance of authenticity in political communication and the need for strategies that resonate with younger and independent voters. They also advocate for open primaries to enhance voter engagement and tackle pressing urban issues.

Bill and Tim dive into the intriguing dynamics of the New York mayoral race, highlighting Zoran Mondani's rise as a Democratic Socialist. They discuss the implications of ranked choice voting and voter demographics across boroughs, revealing tensions between progressive and centrist candidates. The conversation also covers Zoran's innovative campaigning techniques that resonate with working-class concerns. Tune in for insights on the evolving Democratic Party and how emerging political movements are shaping the future of urban governance.