Bulwark Takes

The podcast dives into Trump's aggressive deportation strategies, spotlighting heart-wrenching stories like newlyweds caught in a green card sting. Discussion centers on shifting Hispanic voter sentiments and the stark realities behind deportation statistics. JVL and Sarah explore how personal connections affect views on immigration and why public perceptions clash with enforcement realities. Influencers like Joe Rogan voice their betrayal, while the hosts debate the consequences of populist promises versus practical outcomes in policy.

Julia Alexander, a media correspondent and expert in streaming and television, joins to dissect the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel's suspension. She reveals a staggering sixfold increase in Disney+ and Hulu cancellations as viewers reacted strongly. Julia explains how this backlash surpasses past controversies like Netflix’s 'Cuties,' highlighting complex audience dynamics and parasocial relationships. The discussion also touches on Disney's challenges with subscriber growth, the potential impact of sports broadcasts, and the implications for corporate decisions in the face of public sentiment.

Jonathan Cohn, a keen political commentator, sheds light on the enduring impact of "All the President's Men" on journalism. He discusses how the film serves as a foundational myth, illustrating the power of institutions in a polarized era. Cohn contrasts the Watergate scandal with today's constant political chaos, arguing that modern scandals fail to sway public opinion. The conversation explores the evolution of reporting techniques, the rise of whataboutism, and the urgent need for principled journalism in today’s landscape.

Political analyst Bill Kristol joins JVL to dissect President Trump's unusual briefing to U.S. generals. They explore Trump's blend of clownish rhetoric and authoritarian undertones, noting the generals' silence during his remarks. Kristol raises alarms about the potential conflict between military oaths and loyalty to Trump. They discuss Hegseth's controversial messaging and its impact on military cohesion, alongside concerns about politicized promotions eroding professional integrity. The conversation highlights the implications for democracy and military norms.

Tim Miller, a political commentator and co-founder of The Bulwark, dives into MAGA's backlash against Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance. He argues that this reaction reflects MAGA's struggle for cultural dominance and rising frustration within their base. Miller shares his experience at a Bad Bunny concert, showcasing how diverse pop culture resonates beyond political bubbles. He further discusses the NFL's choice to prioritize global appeal and analyzes the fractures within the MAGA coalition, highlighting a shift in cultural influence.

Hosts delve into Trump's dramatic tariffs, starting with a bewildering 100% tax on foreign movies. They explore the peculiar impact on North Carolina furniture makers and the confusion surrounding trade policies. Small businesses express concern as costs surge, while farmers scramble for bailouts after trade wars. Legal challenges to these tariffs raise questions about judicial influence. Overall, they highlight the chaotic effects of U.S. trade policy on global relations and the uncertainty it creates for the future.

Tim Miller and Will Saletan dissect JD Vance's inflammatory claims about the government shutdown, highlighting his misleading connection to undocumented immigrants' healthcare. They tackle Vance's controversial comments linking criticism to violence and unpack the weak Comey indictment, contrasting it with stronger cases against Trump. The duo critiques Vance's messaging strategy, questioning its efficacy with voters. They also reflect on the real consequences of funding cuts for healthcare and debate whether Vance's strategic dishonesty is even more damaging than Trump's straightforwardness.

Martin Wendell Jones, a Canadian-based contributor and Bulwark editor, joins the lively show to spice up the Canadian trivia segment. They explore outrageous Trump remarks, the Comey indictment, and delve into the cultural quirks of Canada, including Tim Hortons and CFL. The banter covers how media pushback shapes public discourse, while the hosts reflect on recent alarming headlines and playfully rank the worst cabinet officials. A night filled with humor, political insight, and a touch of trivia makes for a dynamic discussion across the border.

Sam and Will dive into the bizarre world of an AI-generated video where Trump and Lara Trump promote fictional 'Med-Beds.' They explore the murky origins of this sci-fi healing technology linked to QAnon. The hosts speculate on how Trump stumbled upon these wild claims and how his followers reacted with excitement. They also discuss the contradictions in the med-bed narrative and warn about real scams targeting the desperate. Tune in for an entertaining analysis of social media's impact on conspiracy culture!

Hosts explore the eyebrow-raising conspiracy theory that the FBI staged January 6th, tracing its curious origins and its wild ride up to political figures. They dissect a questionable claim involving 274 supposed FBI agents at the riot, highlighting the misinterpretations and misrepresentations behind it. The conversation shifts to how high-profile figures like Trump and Kash Patel have amplified the narrative, causing public confusion. The discussion wraps with critiques of political leaders who embrace such unfounded theories.