
Bulwark Takes
The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.
Latest episodes

Apr 17, 2025 • 26min
Elon Musk’s Sick Breeding Plan
Dive into the bizarre world of Elon Musk's family as he juggles at least 14 children with multiple partners. The discussion unveils contentious relationships, complicated lawsuits, and a controversial perspective on procreation that raises eyebrows. Explore the ethical dilemmas of high-profile parenthood and the challenges faced by the women involved. With a touch of modern natalism's complexities, ponder the societal implications of such a 'breeding plan' and Musk's infamy in navigating personal relationships.

Apr 16, 2025 • 7min
Newsom Slams Trump with Lawsuit, Sends Love to Canada
California Governor Gavin Newsom is shaking things up with a bold lawsuit against the Trump administration over tariffs that could hit the state's economy hard. Meanwhile, he's rolling out the red carpet for Canadian tourists, hoping to boost California's appeal as a travel destination. This discussion also critiques how Democratic governors respond to federal policies and emphasizes the need for a more proactive tourism strategy. Expect a mix of legal drama and heartfelt invitations to Canada!

Apr 16, 2025 • 18min
Revealed: Trump’s Deportation Lies and Smears Unravel Fast
Greg Sargent, a columnist at The Washington Post, dives into the shocking story of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, wrongfully deported by the Trump administration despite dubious evidence linking him to MS-13. He exposes the flawed investigations and the implications for due process in America. Sargent critiques the administration's defiance of the Supreme Court and discusses how political rhetoric impacts immigration policy. The conversation also touches on evolving approaches to immigration under both Trump and Biden, revealing the complexities of public sentiment.

Apr 16, 2025 • 15min
Democrats Are Rebuilding — But With Whom?
Lauren Egan, the resident dim whisperer at The Bulwark, dives deep into the Democrats' evolving strategy amidst shifting leadership dynamics. She discusses Senator Cory Booker's recent filibuster as a sign of change and Senator Chris van Hollen's trip to El Salvador, which indicates new priorities for the party. Egan highlights the struggle to distance from Biden's legacy while identifying fresh voices and innovative messaging that can resonate with voters, particularly in light of rising right-wing challenges.

Apr 16, 2025 • 19min
Harvard Makes A Stand Against Trump’s Crackdown
Join Bill Kristol and Jonathan Cohn, a senior policy advisor to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former HuffPost correspondent, as they dive into Harvard's response to Trump's funding threats. They discuss the broader implications for universities and free speech, the legal battles over federal grants, and the disconnect between policymakers and public sentiment. Cohn also touches on the challenges of standing against authoritarianism and the shifting public opinion on immigration, adding a layer of urgency to the conversation.

Apr 15, 2025 • 17min
GOP Silent as Trump Goes Full Dictator
Joe Perticone, a Congressional reporter, discusses the chilling silence from Republicans as Donald Trump blurs the lines of democracy. He explores the troubling responses—or lack thereof—from GOP members during critical controversies. The conversation highlights the nuanced language used by some Republican figures and the alarming implications of Congressional inaction on accountability and civil liberties. Perticone warns of the dangers posed by Trump's influence, underlining the need for vigilant journalism to hold lawmakers accountable.

Apr 15, 2025 • 34min
Trump's Malignant Stupidity Could Screw Us All (w/ Paul Krugman) | WTF 2.0
Paul Krugman, a renowned economist and columnist, joins the conversation to dissect Trump’s chaotic tariff policies and their self-inflicted economic crises. He elaborates on how these unpredictable decisions create havoc in global trade and threaten business confidence. The dialogue shifts to the bond market’s peculiarities, recession risks, and the fragility of the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency. Finally, Krugman highlights the alarming rise of authoritarianism in America, scrutinizing the implications for civil liberties and democratic processes.

Apr 15, 2025 • 34min
Trump Can Be Stopped — Here’s How | Bulwark on Sunday with Bill Kristol & Sarah Longwell
In this discussion, analysts dive into Trump's declining approval ratings linked to economic turmoil. They compare his strategies to Reagan’s, portraying the potential impact of inflation and recession on voter trust. The conversation turns to the Democratic Party's struggle for bold leadership to tackle extremism, reflecting voter dissatisfaction. They explore grassroots activism and the power of personal stories in political narratives. Enhanced clarity in economic communication is emphasized as crucial in countering misinformation and rallying public support.

Apr 15, 2025 • 8min
JD Vance Fumbles—Literally!
Join Tim Miller and Pablo Torre, host of 'Pablo Torre Finds Out,' as they dive into JD Vance's cringe-worthy moment with the Ohio State football team at the White House. They hilariously dissect the intersection of sports and politics while evaluating public personas in the social media age. The conversation touches on the absurdity of political performances, pokes fun at trophy mishaps, and reflects on the chaotic charm of Vance's public image as a symbol of authenticity—or lack thereof. Expect laughs and insightful commentary!

Apr 14, 2025 • 6min
Trump Blames Zelenskyy for Starting War After Palm Sunday Massacre
Tim Miller dissected Trump's bizarre claim that Zelenskyy sparked the Ukraine war, revealing a glimpse into Trump's insecurities and envy. The conversation highlighted how such comments can undermine global stability and escalate misinformation about the conflict. The speakers caution against the dangers of twisting narratives in the ongoing crisis, emphasizing the need for factual understanding as tensions rise. It's a deep dive into leadership flaws that can have far-reaching consequences.