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The Bulwark Podcast

Tim Miller and guests discuss the latest political news for the flagship podcast of the Never Trump movement and the reality-based community. Every weekday we provide insightful analysis, political hot-takes, an unabashed defense of liberal democracy and long-form interviews that cut through the "both-sides" BS. Plus a few laughs to help you wash down the crazy. Bulwark+ members can get a totally ad-free version of the show delivered right to their favorite podcast player.

S2 E1023 · Thu, April 17, 2025
Ben Wittes: Sorry, We Still Have Due Process
The White House is doubling down on justifying its extra-judicial actions around Abrego Garcia by trying to incriminate him in the court of public opinion. But the government still can't take people off an American street and send them to a concentration camp without due process. Plus, Judge Boasberg is not letting Stephen Miller off the hook for defying his order to turn the Salvadoran-bound planes around. And while the administration tries to stir up outrage about one immigrant's marital problems, they admiringly describe the evil, blood-thirsty Vladimir Putin as a good guy. Ben Wittes joins Tim Miller. show notes CNBC on Chris Krebs leaving his company after being targeted by Trump Boasberg's probable cause finding to hold the goverment in criminal contempt Tim's 2019 Bulwark piece that he referenced Support Lawfare
S2 E1022 · Wed, April 16, 2025
Stephanie Ruhle: Only Trump Is Happy
Manufacturing orders are down, stocks are down, and mortgage rates are up. But Trump and his family are wealthier than they've ever been. He's got his Ponzi-like crypto scheme, his meme coin, and a boatload of big money types showing up at Mar-a-Lago trying to curry favors from him for some cold, hard cash. Meanwhile, Trump is play-acting like he has a strong hand, but he's begging China to make a deal. Plus, the administration is defunding science and our world-renowned medical centers to buy crypto. And the Abrego Garcia kidnapping and imprisonment has touched a nerve in surprising ways. Stephanie Ruhle joins Tim Miller. show notes Chuck Grassley getting grilled at town hall over Abrego Garcia WSJ story on Elon's 'legion of babies,' and their mothers (behind firewall) Mediaite summary of WSJ piece Bluesky post on the fake gold medallions in the Oval Office Bloomberg on United Airlines having two profit scenarios because of the trade war (gifted) *The Bulwark Podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp
S2 E1021 · Tue, April 15, 2025
Josh Barro: Total Idiocy
Trump & company want to turn us into Taiwan circa 1985. But the brilliant minds behind the idea of intentionally weakening the dollar are prioritizing making America a good place to manufacture rather than a good place to live. If the administration stays on this track, this country will have lower incomes, higher inflation, and weaker buying power—and more expensive beer and tomatoes. Maybe we were better off with Jared there. Meanwhile, in the Rust Belt, some Dems are arguing for a smarter version of tariffs. Plus, Abrego Garcia's union brothers want him home and Trump wants to fight with Harvard. Rep. Chris Deluzio and Josh Barro join Tim Miller. show notes Rep. Deluzio's NYT piece arguing for smarter tariffs Josh's NYT piece on how Trump is giving Dems a gift with his tariffs
S2 E1020 · Mon, April 14, 2025
Bill Kristol: Staring Down the Barrel
We are here: Trump is openly defying the Supreme Court while sitting side-by-side with a Latin American strongman who openly mocked our judicial system from inside the Oval Office. Trump so badly wants his one-man rule and Republicans keep helping him, while corporate America keeps trying to get on his good side. Meanwhile, the intimidation is chilling free speech on college campuses and within immigrant communities. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes JVL's emergency Triad from Sunday JVL's latest Triad The latest Focus Group on the fighting mood among Dem voters
S2 E1019 · Fri, April 11, 2025
David Frum: It's Too Late to Stop the Pain
Trump has effectively imposed a trade embargo on China, which means that after the inventory runs out, American retail will soon dry up. And since Europeans are already bypassing U.S. military contractors to beef up their defense spending —El Salvador is our only ally now— Trump is likely to do something desperate, like firing the Fed chair or seizing Greenland. American presidents decades from now will still be cleaning up what Trump did to this country in 2025. David Frum breaks down the insanity and stupidity of the vision behind the tariffs regime as well as the deep feelings of betrayal in Canada. If globalism means peace, prosperity, and commerce, then let's be globalists. David Frum joins guest host Jonathan V. Last for the weekend pod. show notes David's new Atlantic podcast David on screw manufacturing and the absurdity of Trump's tariffs David on how the tariffs will make smuggling great again Tim's playlist
S2 E1018 · Thu, April 10, 2025
Andrew Weissmann and Patrick Gaspard: Naked Corruption
Just before he paused the tariffs on Wednesday, an unusual spike in activity on the S&P 500 prompted speculation that Trump was orchestrating an insider trading scheme. After the markets closed, he joked with *the* Charles Schwab about how the financier had made $2.5 billion in trades that day. Meanwhile, Trump ordered the DOJ to investigate two former officials he regards as enemies—this comes on the heels of his efforts to intimidate law firms from taking on clients who oppose him. Plus, Trump's long obsession with white South Africans, and do Democrats listen too much to grassroots activist groups? Andrew Weissmann and Patrick Gaspard join Tim Miller. show notes Andrew's Substack Rep. Steve Horsford questioning whether the tariff pause was market manipulation
S2 E1017 · Wed, April 09, 2025
Catherine Rampell: Trump's Tariffmageddon
The White House is pumping out a lot of happy talk about countries wanting to make deals over the tariffs, but the tumult Trump has created has spread to the bond market. And that may be a sign that he has people so spooked about the U.S. economy that our Treasuries are no longer seen as a safe bet. Meanwhile, China has a lot of leverage here and may be using it. Plus, the Democrats' candidate recruiter for the midterms, Colorado's Jason Crow, discusses how to win back working class voters. Catherine Rampell and Rep. Jason Crow join Tim Miller. show notes Catherine's column, "Who will tell Trump he’s naked?" Catherine's column on the Senate GOP tax plan NYT profile of Jason Crow
S2 E1016 · Tue, April 08, 2025
Jonathan Cohn and Mark Lilla: Lobotomizing America
When it comes to biomedical research, America is already great. We are the world's leader in the field. But the Trump administration is gutting research and innovation on things like cancer, Alzheimer's, and arthritis—and the amputation of our scientific expertise under RFK, Jr. has been about as thoughtful as the tariffs rollout. Meanwhile, when it comes to the developing budget bill, Medicaid is getting some surprising red state support from people like Josh Hawley. Plus, when people willfully choose ignorance as a way to cope with an uncertain world. Professor Mark Lilla and The Bulwark's Jonathan Cohn join Tim Miller. show notes Mark Lilla's new book, "Ignorance and Bliss: On Wanting Not to Know" Mark's website Jonathan on Trump's cuts at child-care programs like Head Start
S2 E1015 · Mon, April 07, 2025
Bill Kristol: The High Cost of Stupidity
Part of the reason for the market bloodbath is because the finance wizzes didn't factor in that Trump would actually do the truly moronic thing he kept saying he would. Their shock over his recklessness is intensifying the crash. Meanwhile, a trio of administration fools trying to defend the tariffs—Lutnick, Bessent, and Hassett—showed there is no grand design to the trade war, White House infighting is getting hot enough that even Elon is subtweeting Trump, and the folks we elected over on the Hill could actually do something to try to stop the market carnage. Plus, new reporting on our government's kidnapping of migrants, Republicans in North Carolina are trying to steal a supreme court seat, and where is JD Vance? Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes JVL on the end of the American Age Lauren on the backlash against Dems in major law firms who are bending the knee 60 Minutes segment on migrants sent to the Salvadoran penal colony Tim's 'Bulwark Take' responding to the 60 Minutes report Tim talking with AEI's Stan Veuger about Trump's terrible tariff math The book, "The Captive Mind" by Polish poet Czeslaw Milosz
S2 E1014 · Fri, April 04, 2025
Adam Kinzinger: Mortal Damage to the American Empire
It's been great to live in America since World War II, but Trump is in the process of blowing up that whole order. Even Canada is looking to lead a new alliance, because how can other countries trust us after voters put the stupidest convicted American back in charge? And never forget that Russia is not on the tariff list—despite the fact that the US does more trade with Russia than a number of other countries on the list. Meanwhile, Trump opted to head to a golf tournament instead of attending the dignified return of the four dead servicemen who were killed in Lithuania. Plus, 9/11 truther Laura Loomer is running the National Security Council and we're still bombing the Houthis. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Video of Lithuanians paying homage to the four American soldiers who died in a training accident Tim's playlist
S2 E1013 · Thu, April 03, 2025
Mallory McMorrow and Tracy Alloway: A Self-Inflicted Crisis
The market plunge is just pure Trump chaos, and perfectly matches his record as a businessman. From his numerous bankruptcies and many failures—including his airline, his casinos, his university, his water, and his steaks—he's been running one long con. And the supposedly smart people who should have known better put him back in power, somehow thinking he would never do something like destroy global trade. Meanwhile, in Michigan, where there have already been job losses directly caused by Trump's tariff war, State Senator Mallory McMorrow announced she's running for the U.S. Senate—saying she's had enough of the leadership and the bullshit in DC. Bloomberg's Tracy Alloway and Mallory McMorrow join Tim Miller. show notes Tracy's Bloomberg podcast, "Odd Lots" Mallory McMorrow's Instagram Mallory's new book, “HATE WON’T WIN: Find Your Power and Leave This Place Better Than We Found It.”
S2 E1012 · Wed, April 02, 2025
Sam Stein: Elon Is Toxic
Musk was so high on his own supply that he thought he and his money were magic—but Wisconsin voters turned out in droves to prove to him just how toxic his brand and DOGE are. Meanwhile, the Dem base is looking highly engaged as they keep showing up for special elections in numbers Republicans used to deliver in off-cycle races. Plus, Cory Booker's epic filibuster, Mike Johnson gets owned by moms, and China will fill all the vacuums Trump is creating in science, foreign aid, and trade. Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.
S2 E1011 · Tue, April 01, 2025
Susan Rice: This Is Bloody Serious
The administration admits it mistakenly sent a Maryland father with protected status to the Salvadoran penal colony—but at the same time, it says the federal courts have no jurisdiction over him because he is now in a foreign country. If some of us have no due process, that opens the door to none of us having due process. Meanwhile, Trump's administration seems hellbent on destroying the U.S.-led world order, Marco Rubio is acting very un-American, and we actually do have long-standing protocols for how a president's national security team should discuss a military strike. Plus, Mother Jones reporters show the absurdity of ICE's assertions about migrant gang membership. Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice , along with Noah Lanard and Isabela Dias , join Tim Miller. show notes Atlantic piece on the Maryland father sent to El Salvador Tim's Bulwark Take on ICE's 'mistaken' deportation Mother Jones on the shoddy tattoo evidence being used to disappear migrants
S2 E1010 · Mon, March 31, 2025
Bill Kristol: Stiffen Your Spines, Democrats
If Joe Rogan is the voice in the wilderness on the disappearing of migrants to El Salvador, then the Democratic leadership really needs to rethink its cautiousness. Meanwhile, the Bluffer-in-Chief is musing about a third term and Elon seems to be skirting the law in Wisconsin over an election he claims will determine the fate of civilization. Plus, the tariffs threats are rattling the markets, Trump's gullibility with Putin is coming through loud and clear, and why does JD hate Europe so much? Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes The Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial on Boston Common Official trailer for the film, Glory Texas Democrat Veronica Escobar on the deportations to El Salvador Elon in a cheesehead *Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Go to surfshark.com/thebulwark for 4 extra months of Surfshark.
S2 E1009 · Fri, March 28, 2025
Amanda Carpenter: Daddy? No, Manny Trump
Trump is siccing the thought police on the Smithsonian, he's got an FBI task force set up to protect Elon's car company, and he's turning random tattoos into gang insignia—unless they're on Pete Hegseth. Meanwhile, Greenlanders did not come to play, Elise Stefanik gets benched, the DOJ won't do its real job, and next week's elections are making Republicans nervous. Plus, courage is contagious—make them come after everybody. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes "Hands Off" demonstrations on April 5 Protect Democracy's "If You Can Keep It" newsletter Tim and JVL on JD and Usha Vance's Greenland trip MTG lashing out at a British reporter Tim's playlist
S2 E1008 · Thu, March 27, 2025
Jon Lovett: A Worst Case Scenario Comes Into View
Trump so far is not delivering on his promised spike in deportations, but he is creating a permission structure where we lock up people without due process in a foreign gulag—and where masked, plainclothes officers in unmarked cars can grab an international student off the street because of her speech. Meanwhile, a Rolex-wearing Kristi Noem is shooting videos in front of people we've turned into hostages, the mainstream media is struggling to respond to the moment, we can't count on judges siding with the Constitution, Republicans refuse to be honest, and far too much of the public is not paying attention. Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller. show notes FDR's "Rendevous with Destiny" speech
S2 E1008 · Wed, March 26, 2025
Michael Weiss, Ben Smith, and Annie Karni: Radioactively Stupid
No matter how hard Republicans try to spin the sharing of top secret military attack plans on an insecure app, the colossal f***up of an administration that claimed it was rooting out incompetence is plain on its face. And while Jeffrey Goldberg told Tim Tuesday that he was mulling over releasing the Signal messages, he went ahead and did so after the administration accused him of lying and sneaking into the Signal group chat. Plus, Russia pretends to agree to a cease-fire, Breitbart kind of grows up, and a new book examines Capitol Hill's craziness—including Trump's control of the House GOP, Nancy Mace's delusions of grandeur, and Schumer's infinite faith in the Republican Party of old. Michael Weiss, Ben Smith, and Annie Karni join Tim Miller. show notes Annie's new book, "Mad House: How Donald Trump, MAGA Mean Girls, a Former Used Car Salesman, a Florida Nepo Baby, and a Man with Rats in His Walls Broke Congress" Ben's pod, "Mixed Signals" More on Tulsi's Vatican trip paid by a Belgian businessman with ties to the Kremlin Ben's interview with Megyn Kelly at Semafor Events Phillips O'Brien's Substack piece on the “Black Sea Ceasefire”
S2 E1007 · Tue, March 25, 2025
Jeffrey Goldberg and Peter Wehner: What's Going on with Our National Security?
Senior members of Trump's Cabinet got caught sharing attack plans—down to details of who they were planning to kill, and with what kind of weapons, while also wishing Godspeed to our soldiers—and now they'll say anything to get out of the jam they put themselves in. Also, JD Vance openly questioned the judgement of the president in front of those very senior Cabinet members. Meanwhile, vengeance has long been a defining feature of Trump, but the habits of his heart have also infected his supporters. And they've become a moral freak show cheering on deportations of families and starving Africans. Jeff Goldberg and Pete Wehner join Tim Miller. show notes Jeff's original scoop on getting texted war plans (gifted) Pete's piece on Trump's insatiable appetite for revenge Trump's 1992 interview with Charlie Rose
S2 E1006 · Mon, March 24, 2025
Live from Phoenix
Bill Kristol joined Tim Saturday in Arizona to rip the atrocious behavior of our government—depriving even lawful Venezuelan migrants of due process, and shipping them off to a mega-prison in San Salvador where they may be being tortured. Any Democratic politician failing to speak out on this is wrong politically, morally, and ethically. Meanwhile, the DOJ is gearing up to charge Tesla vandals with domestic terrorism and Trump sent a Putin fanboy and very useful idiot, Steve Witkoff, to negotiate over Ukraine. Plus, AOC, Bernie, and Bill 2003 vs. Bill 2025. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Time magazine piece on the Venezuelans deported to El Salvador Sam talking with Lindsay Toczylowski, who represents Andrys, the gay barber and Salvadoran prisoner Photos of Andrys as a barber/makeup artist Call your Democratic senator: 202-224-3121 . Immigrant Defenders Law Center The immigrants' rights division of the ACLU
S2 E1005 · Fri, March 21, 2025
Michael Lewis: Government Workers Aren't the Corrupt Ones
Trump loves to complain about the deep state while Elon claims he's rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse with all his mass firings. But DOGE should be looking higher up the food chain to target the graft: for example, the South African immigrant whose car company would not have gotten off the ground without the taxpayer money he still collects. In contrast, government workers are mainly mission-driven and they're not in it for the money. Michael's new collection of essays takes a look at some of the characters who populate our federal workforce, including people performing small miracles without fame and glory. Plus, the risk of Trump politicizing economic data and his plan to destroy whatever trust people still have in the government. Michael Lewis—and Sarah Vowell, who profiled a record keeper at the National Archives for the new book—join Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes The new book, "Who Is Government: The Untold Story of Public Service" Tim's "Bulwark Takes" on some of the men taken taken to the El Salvador prison camp Adrian's "Huddled Masses" newsletter on ICE deportations based on tattoos George Conway emergency pod on the Paul Weiss law firm caving to Trump Michael's book, "Losers: The Road to Everyplace but the White House" Tim's playlist
S2 E1004 · Thu, March 20, 2025
Wes Moore: The System Doesn't Work for a Lot of People
Trump is a vessel for frustration over the status quo, but he is not a vehicle for a solution—since he has no idea about how to make things better for anyone besides himself. He's made clear that his personal interests come before the country's, and he's willing to trade away the superpowers that made America the globe's Dream Team. The Democrats need to seize the moment to argue for a smarter, more humane way to do efficiency. Plus, the Maryland governor shares his disgust over DOGE's disrespect of veterans and discusses his commitment to elevating boys and men. Gov. Wes Moore joins Tim Miller. show notes Richard Reeves on Moore's commitment to help boys and men New York magazine on David Shor's 2024 election data
S2 E1003 · Wed, March 19, 2025
Ben Wittes: Putin Makes A Fool of Trump, Again
The Art of the Deal guy gave a master class on how to get worked over by Putin: First, wait around for an hour like an obedient puppy only to have your ceasefire proposal summarily rejected. Then, watch the Kremlin issue a statement that flatly contradicts your claims of what transpired during the phone call on Ukraine. Will there ever be a point when Putin embarrasses Trump so much that he has to defend his manhood? Plus, the possible interpretations of John Roberts's rebuke of Trump, and the administration's sacrifice of even more U.S. power—by silencing the Voice of America. Ben Wittes joins Tim Miller. show notes Ben's Lawfare piece on Trump destroying the Voice of America Tim's and Sam's interview with Tim Mak on the Trump-Putin phone call NYT story on the possibly deleted data on kidnapped Ukrainian children (gifted)
S2 E1002 · Tue, March 18, 2025
Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov: The Cheap Whore at the White House
The fastest growing demographic class in America is billionaires—we've gone from 500 to 2,500 in the past 10 years. And they know the cheapest, easiest way to get richer: Give a million bucks to Mr. Pay-to-Play in the Oval Office. Meanwhile, maybe just maybe POTUS's confidant in Moscow deposited some cash in his Swiss bank account AKA TrumpCoin, and that's why he is working so hard to get Ukraine to surrender. Also, Dems really need to focus on one or two issues to counter Trump's flood the zone strategy: like the threat to Social Security or questioning why Elon is not applying DOGE to his own Tesla subsidies. Plus, young men are the most anxious, depressed, and obese generation in history and we've really got to help them. Jessie Tarlov and Scott Galloway join Tim Miller. show notes Raging Moderates podcast
S2 E1001 · Mon, March 17, 2025
Bill Kristol: Give Back the Statue of Liberty
Trump is taking liberties with our country's role in the world as a land of hope and opportunity by summarily locking up and deporting law-abiding immigrants—including people with legitimate asylum claims, people here on proper visas, and people with minor errors in their paperwork. And it's all being done with intentional cruelty to convey the message: Don't even think of coming to Fortress America. Meanwhile, his tone-deaf billionaire treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, is mocking Americans for wanting cheap TVs. Plus, Schumer postpones his book tour as Democrats look elsewhere for a fighter, and Trump throws a late-night tantrum about Biden's pardons. show notes: White House sizzle reel of immigrants being sent to penal colony in El Salvador Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' conversation with Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
S2 E1000 · Fri, March 14, 2025
David French: Trump Admits He's Violating the Constitution
Trump & company aren't even attempting to create a pretext for why they're punishing the free speech of political opponents. They are basically confessing in writing to violating the First Amendment. At the same time, the administration claims it's throwing a Hamas supporter out of the country in the name of fighting antisemitism—while giving jobs to the 'right kind' of antisemites. Plus, MAGA turns on Amy Coney Barrett, Trump sees Canada as 'our Ukraine,' and we're looking at a party that is governing like it will never give up power. David French joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes David's column on Trump's attack on the First Amendment (gifted) Post that David referenced that was retweeted by Jessica Riedl Tim's playlist
S2 E999 · Thu, March 13, 2025
Sam Stein: How Do You Negotiate with Nihilists?
Democrats are stuck with two terrible options: Either facilitating a government shutdown or allowing Republicans to pass a spending bill that would defund D.C.'s police and schools. Meanwhile, CEOs are getting rattled by Trump's tariff and trade-war chaos, a 'Hispanic Hibernation' is leading to job loss, and Marco Rubio is turning Hamas supporter Mahmoud Khalil into a martyr—as the campus free speech warriors go missing. Plus, California congressman Jimmy Gomez joins Tim to discuss how Dems need to finesse their 'relatable' skills, and man up against the billionaire establishment. Sam Stein and Rep. Jimmy Gomez joins Tim Miller. show notes Morning Shots on Puma cutting jobs because of a 'Hispanic Hibernation' The Bulwark's tip line Mona on the Mahmoud Khalil case
Wed, March 12, 2025
Mark Hertling: Aiding and Abetting a War Criminal
Putin has been named a war criminal because of the Russian way of war in Ukraine—bombing Kyiv and other cities, attacking civilians and first aid workers, and destroying infrastructure. The administration's pause on aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine made the US complicit in those crimes. Meanwhile, Trump does not have any leverage to force Russia to comply with the proposed cease-fire. Plus, the escalating trade war with the EU harms our national security, our allies' hesitancy to share intelligence because of Tulsi, and the South African DOGE bro's laughably absurd attack on Mark Kelly. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller. show notes Hertling's Bulwark piece on the damage of Trump's pause on aid and intel sharing with Ukraine Hertling's Bulwark piece on a frozen conflict in Ukraine Andrew's interview with Sen. Mark Kelly
Tue, March 11, 2025
Will Sommer: Across the MAGA-Verse
To find out what's really going on in Trumpistan, the AP is out and random lifestyle Instagrammers and MAGA conspiracy posters are in. Meanwhile, hothead Dan Bongino couldn't join the FBI until he fulfills his commitments to his podcast advertisers, Seb Gorka—the new counterterrorism chief—is a prank caller, and RFK Jr. resurfaced to ordain beef tallow fries a healthy food choice. Plus, did Elon go to Trump with tears in his eyes, and ask, "Sir, will you buy one of my cars?" The Bulwark's new Senior Reporter Will Sommer joins Tim Miller. show notes Ben Dreyfuss tribute to Kevin Drum Tim's 2024 interview with Julie K. Brown about Jeffrey Epstein Bloomberg story on Don Jr's plans to monetize MAGA (gifted) New International Version of Proverbs 1:33
Mon, March 10, 2025
S.E. Cupp: The Outrage Is the Point
This time around, Trump has dispensed with the ribbon-cutting side of being president—he's just not giving average Americans anything to feel good about. Instead, his administration is defunding the police, freeing criminals, and welcoming home the alleged sexual predator Tate brothers. Meanwhile, Trump is also shrugging off the economic news even as Maria Bartiromo is raising the threat of a recession. Plus, our allies and trading partners are infuriated, and we've officially become one of the bad guys in Ukraine. S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim joined Bill for the "Bulwark on Sunday" "Bulwark Takes" on Apple Podcasts The Noah Smith piece Tim referenced
Fri, March 07, 2025
Tom Nichols: Covid Trump 2.0
They end up sounding ridiculous whenever they try—like the treasury secretary saying that access to cheap goods is not part of the American dream. At the same time, Trump’s circle of plutocrats don't seem to mind that the stock market is tanking. And while the administration is cutting Ukraine off from US intelligence to serve up an unjust peace, the Pentagon is on a CTRL-F "gay" delete rampage. Plus, Dems need to skip the kooky TikToks, and the SpaceX rocket explosion was only one part of Elon's very bad day. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Tom's piece about Dems acting too normal (gifted) Tim's interview with a reporter in Ukraine Clip from French senator's speech calling out Trump and Elon MAGA hat guy thinking he's gone into the lion's den at Disney World Debris from the latest SpaceX rocket explosion reentering the atmosphere over the Bahamas Tim's playlist
Thu, March 06, 2025
Neera Tanden and John Fetterman: They're Playing With People's Lives
Donald Trump is hurting the American people. The DOGE cuts are not only waging war on jobs, they're also harming the American public and undermining the safety, health, and economic well-being of everyday Americans. And by cowering to his favorite bully in Moscow, Trump is prepping the US to be a subservient partner of Russia. Plus, John Fetterman joins Tim to share his opposition to the campaigns against both transgender athletes and soldiers, and to chastise Dems for the way they received the POTUS in Congress. Sen. John Fetterman and Neera Tanden join Tim Miller. show notes Fetterman's tweet after the Senate blocked a ban on transgender athletes Fetterman's video on Trump's trans military ban Fetterman's tweet after Trump's address to Congress Neera's Center for American Progress
Wed, March 05, 2025
Jim Acosta: Trump Can't Take the Heat
Once upon a time, presidents used to take tough questions from the press, but the current White House occupant can't handle any scrutiny from cantankerous reporters. And on his sad and sulking days, he needs warm and fuzzy Newsmax in the press pool to envelop him with flattery. Meanwhile, the joint session of Congress address has become basically pointless, SCOTUS blocks Trump's usurpation of power by one single vote, and at Trump's behest, the CIA is punishing Zelensky because he won't cooperate with the administration's disinfo campaign. Plus, Democrats need to show voters they are genuinely furious. And if you've thought about running for office, now is the time to jump in—particularly in districts the Dems have tended to ignore. Amanda Litman and Jim Acosta join Tim Miller. show notes The Jim Acosta Show Amanda's 'Run for Something' When reporters rallied around Fox after Obama White House tried to shut it out
Tue, March 04, 2025
James Carville and Michael Weiss: The Whole Country Could Go Under
Trump is anti-American and seems to hate this country: How else can his behavior be explained? The tariffs, the austerity, the threat of a default, along with the corruption and grift— it feels like we're at the beginning stage of something that could go very, very bad. Meanwhile, Trump may not have the cards himself on Ukraine. Europe and the rest of the West have the economic might to continue to back Ukraine. And if that coalition maintains a united front, it would have the power to reject a 'peace' deal imposed by the US and Russia. James Carville and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller. show notes Carville's NYT piece on his advice to the Dems (gifted) Michael's piece on Europe backing Ukraine alone A Cybertruck getting pelted at the Orpheus parade in NOLA Monday night
Mon, March 03, 2025
Bill Kristol: Kleptocrats and Plutocrats
Trump is trying to chuck the post-WWII order and firmly pivot American foreign policy away from Europe and toward Putin—the poor guy who got dragged into totally-not-a-hoax Russia Russia Russia. And Lil' Marco and Lindsey rushed to defend Trump and JD against Zelensky, who dared to question in the Oval Office whether Putin could be trusted in any ceasefire deal. At the same time, DOGE is putting the lives of malnourished children and pregnant women at risk in the name of cost-cutting while Trump is planning to use taxpayer money to prop up crypto, so he and his cronies can personally profit off it even more. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Sam joins Bill for the most recent "Bulwark on Sunday" More on the USAID memo laying out Rubio's failure to provide life-saving foreign aid
Sun, March 02, 2025
BONUS EPISODE from Tim's New "FYPod"
Tim has a new Gen Z podcast, co-hosted by Cameron Kasky. The most recent episode is called "Nazi Parties Aren't Ragers," and features guest Joshua Rush, a former Disney Channel star turned political operative. Covid-19 locked up Gen Z during their formative years, and the GOP offered them a party. Sure, there’s some Nazism mixed in with the drinks, but during a loneliness pandemic, you take what highs you can get. Tim and Cam discuss how Covid helped push Gen Z right. Plus, Joshua Rush defends the activist tactics of Gen Z and explains how— in the face of nonstop nihilism—he still has optimism for the future of America. Joshua Rush joins Tim Miller and Cameron Kasky. show notes FYPod page
Fri, February 28, 2025
David Frum: Both Pro-Jesus and Pro-Sex Trafficking
Forget the Epstein files hullabaloo. Members of the Trump administration, perhaps at the urging of Barron Trump, seem to have directly intervened to get the travel ban lifted on the Tate brothers, who are charged with rape and sex trafficking in Europe. Meanwhile, a "Keep Christ in Christmas" extravaganza is being planned at the Kennedy Center, where Trump is now chair. Plus, the con behind crypto is going to run out of fools, CEOs are regretting their bet on Trump, Kash wants to run the FBI part-time from Vegas—and the Dems need to try on a little shamelessness and make Trump own the spiraling price of eggs. David Frum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes David's new piece on the Tate brothers (gifted) David's "Cautionary Tale for Trump Appointees" (gifted) Nevada Independent story on Kash and the Vegas timeshare megadonor WSJ on Kash's whirlwind start at the FBI Tim's playlist
Thu, February 27, 2025
Mike Murphy: The Chinese Own Elon
The not-so-shadow president's largest Tesla plant is in Shanghai, but the People's Republic of China has the pink slip and can take it back at any time. Meanwhile, China—the world's largest automaker—is working hard to eat into our car industry, and Trump, who fooled enough voters that he was a successful business tycoon, is happily talking about killing subsidies in the critical EV market—except for Tesla of course. Plus, bartender AOC is the best AOC, Bezos is one of the biggest corporate welfare profiteers, and Michael Fanone recounts how he dressed down larping Proud Boy trolls. Mike Murphy and Michael Fanone join Tim Miller. show notes Mike's EV Politics Project Hacks on Tap podcast Evan Perez story on Kash's very DOGE demand for a remodeled FBI office
Wed, February 26, 2025
Ruben Gallego and Zerlina Maxwell: Make Them Own It
Republicans are aiming to gut Medicaid to pay for trillions in tax cuts for the richest of Americans, and they're trying to hide it. The Dems need to bring the DC conversation home—hold town halls everywhere, tell voters what would happen, especially in rural MAGA areas where hospitals and trauma centers will close. Meanwhile, Trump is turning chaos at the border into chaos in the streets by having ICE grab people who haven't even committed crimes to pump up his deportation numbers. Plus, Elon's insatiable and scandalous quest for more money, the Dems' evolving media strategy, and how to help maintain mental health during these stressful times. Sen. Ruben Gallego and Zerlina Maxwell join Tim Miller. show notes Zerlina's show on SiriusXM Progress Channel 127 Zerlina's new Substack Will Selber's piece that Tim referenced
Tue, February 25, 2025
Ben Wittes: Who the F*** Are You?
Trump administration lawyers don't know or won't tell a federal judge who is running DOGE because Elon doesn't formally exist as part of the government he is trying to dismantle. And the administration is likely to lose many of the wrongful termination cases involving forest rangers, researchers, and the like—it will end up paying back wages and not save any money in the process. Meanwhile, we are not exactly confident that the FBI under Kash and meathead Dan will thoroughly investigate the recent bomb threat against Never Trumpers and police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan 6. Ben Wittes breaks it all down. Plus, Lawfare has been crushing it, and it's now out with a new podcast about the history of US-Ukrainian relations, hosted by Nastya Lapatina and Tyler McBrien. Ben Wittes, Anastasiia Lapatina, and Tyler McBrien join Tim Miller. show notes Episode 1 of Lawfare 's "Escalation" Lawfare 's home page The second episode of the Gen Z FYPod is out!
Mon, February 24, 2025
Bill Kristol and Jared Polis: Send In the Clown
Trump keeps filling out his administration with the unqualified and the inexperienced, including the recent addition of borderline literate hack Dan Bongino at the FBI. Meanwhile, Trump's Friday night DOD purge was another step in embedding autocracy in our government. Plus, Elon's and Vance's efforts to influence the German elections seem to have backfired. And before the Proud Boy drama and the bomb threat at the annual Principles First conference, Tim spoke with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis about the right way to cut government waste and build more houses—and how the Dems should polish their prosperity messaging. Gov. Jared Polis and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller. show notes Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" interview with Bob Kagan Principles First's "Declaration of Principles"
Fri, February 21, 2025
Adam Kinzinger: It's Starting to Happen
Boos at a Republican town hall in Fulton County, and boos at the White House: We're beginning to see signs of people refusing to be ruled by unelected billionaires, oligarchs and CEOs. This may be the time for Democrats with some heterodox views to run for office. Meanwhile, the supposedly free speech president and his shadow are trying to intimidate people from criticizing them—including a member of Congress and one of Elon's baby mamas. Plus, Trump's advisers seem more worried about Zelensky saying mean things about him than the fact that he wants to hand the spoils to the losing side of the war. Rep. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Tim's interview with CA Democrat Rep. Robert Garcia Sam's interview with FEMA chief who was fired and has now been rehired Evidence of Elon shadow-banning Grimes Kinzinger's substack Tim's playlist
Thu, February 20, 2025
David Graham and Pablo Torre: Is Lil Marco a Cuban Communist Agent?
If Marco Rubio was NOT playing the long game masquerading as a patriotic neocon who gets placed in the State Department to then give Russia everything it wanted, what would he be doing differently? Meanwhile, a Democratic version of the Tea Party may be brewing, the tensions between Elon and Russ Vought are likely to pop out, and a psychoanalyst needs to explain Mitch McConnell. Plus, the Saudis are getting their claws in our sports with a LIV-PGA deal and Trump's astonishingly corrupt involvement. And also -- Trump doesn't know ball. Pablo Torre and David Graham join Tim Miller. show notes David's forthcoming book, "The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America" David's newsletter on the Department of Education Pablo's podcast, "Pablo Torre Finds Out"
Wed, February 19, 2025
Jared Moskowitz and Zeke Faux: Scams Galore
Crypto should be one of the biggest stories out of the Trump administration, but the crypto guys are really good at making it seem more complicated than it is. Bloomberg's Zeke Faux joins Tim to run down the ins-and-outs, and the players—including the Chinese businessman facing SEC charges who swears the $56 million he gave Trump has absolutely nothing, zero, zilch to do with his case. Meanwhile, we're about to find out how much Republicans really care about the deficit with the coming budget, and the Democrats must not cave. Plus, Elon's crappy math, America would not get anything out of Trump's deal with Russia, and Tuesday's violence in an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood in Brooklyn. Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Zeke Faux join Tim Miller. show notes Zeke's book, "Number Go Up: Inside Crypto's Wild Rise and Staggering Fall" Zeke on Chris Hayes's podcast
Tue, February 18, 2025
Susan Glasser: Giving Away the Store to Putin
Trump is A-OK with all the murder and mayhem Russia has unleashed on Ukraine, and he's making a mockery of all his enablers who claimed he'd do a Reagan-esque kind of deal. Instead, Ukraine wasn't even invited to the "peace" talks, while Trump tries to impose an extortion deal on the Ukrainian people for daring to fight back against the Russian invasion. Plus, the danger to our constitutional system if the main guy in the Oval Office defies a court order, the real live threat to the First Amendment from the White House's lockout of the Associated Press, and the origin story of Trump's obsession with Greenland. Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller. show notes Susan's latest New Yorker column Tim's new Gen Z politics show, "FYPod" The "Bulwark Takes" feed on Apple podcasts The NYT story on the Panama hotel that Susan mentioned Larry Diamond's piece in Persuasion
Mon, February 17, 2025
Bill Kristol: Taking A Wrecking Ball to the Government
Firing air traffic controllers over a busy holiday travel weekend, cutting a veterans crisis hotline, axing and then rehiring people who maintain and keep our nuclear arsenal safe: Musk and his minions aren't trying to "fix" the government. They're trying to make it more susceptible to Trump's personalized leadership. And the MIA Dems need to get out there and throw some punches since the media loves fights. Meanwhile, the US is now more of a problem than a solution on Ukraine, Elon's massive corruption isn't drawing anywhere near the same attention as Hunter/Burisma—and Bill Cassidy could just vote against Kash or delay his confirmation if he's really worried about the FBI. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller show notes Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' conversation with Eric Edeleman Don Moynihan's newsletter that Bill mentioned
Fri, February 14, 2025
Andrew Weissmann and Michael Weiss: Valentine's Massacre
Unlike the cowardly Republican senators who are rolling over in the face of Kash Patel's bald-faced lies, the men and women of the Justice Department are taking their oaths of office seriously by refusing to comply with a blatantly political order to dismiss corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. Meanwhile, Trump is just over the moon with Vladimir Putin—even though his army is performing quite poorly on the battlefield against Ukraine. Plus, the makeup heir advising Trump on foreign policy, Emil Bove is this moment's cartoon villain, and Pizzagate's Jack Posobiec is somehow inside the administration's inner circle. Andrew Weissmann and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Support "Orange Ribbons for Jamie" here, formed in honor of Parkland shooting victim Jaime Guttenberg Details on Zelensky offering Trump a Ukrainian boxer's championship belt Tim's playlist
Thu, February 13, 2025
Alex Wagner: The Poster Child for Corruption and Grift
While Elon claims he's storming the government to cut waste, he's also getting himself a big fat check for $400 million from the State Department for Tesla armored vehicles—though administration officials are now trying to hide the grift because the Trump glow does not extend to the weird dude. Meanwhile, McConnell may have voted against confirming RFK Jr, but he's the one who drew up the blueprint for breaking the rules. Plus, the asymmetry in passion between MAGA and the resistance, and Alex's new podcast looks at how people are being affected by the policies and promises of Trumpism. MSNBC’s Alex Wagner join Tim. show notes Trumpland with Alex Wagner Dave Weigel's piece that Tim referenced Axios piece that was mentioned
Wed, February 12, 2025
Carol Leonnig and Robert Putnam: Lies and Moral Obligations
If Republican senators had any shred of dignity left, they'd demand that Kash Patel answer why he brazenly lied under oath to them about the purge of agents at the FBI. Credible sources have come forward to say he was directing the whole thing. Meanwhile, Trump has leveled the playing field so companies doing business overseas can do all the bribing they want. Plus, our modern "boy problem," our genetic wiring to not be loners, and finding a way out of our polarization by seeing we have an obligation to respect and care for other people. Carol Leonnig and Bob Putnam join Tim Miller show notes Bob's "Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community" The documentary about Bob, "Join or Die" Bob's co-written book, "The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again"
Tue, February 11, 2025
Tom Malinowski: Fight the Power, Dems
The Democratic Party was made for different times, when rules were followed. But to preserve the basic power of Congress, and to prove that the Constitution is worth the paper it's printed on, the troublemakers in the Dem caucus have to get busy fighting over tariffs and a looming budget deal. Besides, Trump's strongest hand is performative outbursts—making threats and pretending he got something in return. Plus, Elon is giving away America's greatness, the EU should call Trump's bluff, and the Democrats should quit chasing donations from the social media companies that broke our democracy. Former congressman Tom Malinowski joins Tim Miller. show notes: Tom's Bulwark piece on how the Democrats should fight
Mon, February 10, 2025
Bill Kristol: The Law Be Damned
The new administration has been routinely breaking the law, including on Friday when it announced it was cutting funding for universities doing medical research, specifically in violation of legislation passed by Congress last year. And over the weekend, Trump, Musk, and Vance signaled a willingness to ignore court orders—a federal judge on Monday declared that the White House was doing just that in response to his order lifting a freeze on grant spending. Meanwhile, Trump designated himself the Supreme Leader over the Kennedy Center, and canned the national archivist perhaps because the agency happened to notice he was hoarding classified documents. Plus, at a time when we could use some decent role models, Jalen Hurts showed what it's like to win without being petty and consumed by grievance. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes JVL's Triad newsletter on how the Dems can win the USAID fight
Fri, February 07, 2025
Ezra Klein: The Resistance, Back from the Dead
Partly because of the courts and partly because the White House keeps stepping on rakes or trying to break everything, the Dems who were too chill about Trump pre- and post-election have fully moved into 'threat to the Republic' mode. Meanwhile, angry bureaucrats, particularly at the FBI, are digging in. But don't be sanguine because the administration is still trying to take a wrecking ball to the civil service— anything that goes wrong that involves the government though (like that measles outbreak in Texas) they're going to own from here on out. Plus, Trump's dirty energy policy, the challenge of getting his tax cuts through Congress, and Kanye goes all in on Hitler. Ezra Klein joins Tim on the weekend pod. show notes Ezra's forthcoming book with Derek Thompson, "Abundance" Ezra's show on YouTube Measles Outbreak Mounts Among Children in One of Texas’ Least Vaccinated Counties Tim's playlist
Thu, February 06, 2025
Michael Steele: Gum Up the Works
After the dumbest member of the Senate, Tommy Tuberville, was able to block military promotions for months during the Biden administration, Dems should not back down from slowing the roll of Kash and the other remaining abominable nominees. Meanwhile, more federal workers are going to have to speak up—lawsuits don't make good visuals. The nation needs to see the faces of the men and women who are our public servants. Plus, Elon's poll numbers slip, Trump's Gaza gambit is BS, and who is the new DNC Chair, Ken Martin? Michael Steele joins Tim Miller.
Wed, February 05, 2025
Ben Stiller: 'Severance,' but Real Life
With Elon's 20-something operatives running the Treasury Department, it's hard not to feel that we've been severed from reality and a better Earth someplace else. Ben Stiller talks with Tim about metaphysics, avoiding politics in public, and advocating for the millions of people displaced around the world. Plus, the origin story of Severance, Adam Scott, John Turturro, and whether the show is a metaphor for life itself. Also, Tim gives a pop quiz, Ben shares his love for the Knicks, and both ponder why there aren't good comedies anymore. Ben Stiller joins Tim Miller. show notes: Watch Severance The Albert Brooks film, 'Real Life.' Trailer for "Real Life' Ben's New York Times interview Video of one of Musk's engineers/operatives
Tue, February 04, 2025
Anne Applebaum: Outside the Rule of Law
If the Chinese hacked the U.S. government the way private citizen Elon has, it would be a major act of cyber warfare. And since Elon is a government contractor, he's now in a position to make policy calls that benefit his own companies and hurt his competitors—following the Russian oligarch model. We are in a completely lawless realm, and this is likely to continue until he is stopped. Meanwhile, government employees are being forced to choose between conforming or protecting the public. Plus, Elon is also sabotaging America's soft power and influence in Africa while he and the other tech overlords plot how to derail Europe's effort to regulate them. Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller. show notes Wired article on the young, inexperienced engineers helping Elon Anne's 2020 piece about complicity (gifted) Josh Marshall's piece about Elon's operative *already* rewriting code at the Treasury Department Book Anne mentioned, "The Captive Mind" Anne's piece, "Europe's Elon Musk Problem" (gifted)
Mon, February 03, 2025
Will Saletan and Scott Lincicome: A Crime Boss Has Taken Over
The president of the United States is putting his Jan 6 accomplices in charge of the Justice Department and the FBI, and clearing out any officials who would be willing to investigate the administration. It's anti-democratic, it's a coup, and it's allowing Elon and his 20-something DOGE buddies to act with impunity as they illegally access classified information and the Treasury's payment system. Meanwhile, the White House can't even get its messaging straight on the tariffs as they sabotage our relationship with allies in the process. Plus, the ethnic scapegoating continues and the Dems at the DNC go all Portlandia when they need to be fighting the aspiring authoritarians. Will Saletan and Scott Lincicome join Tim Miller. show notes Tim's interview with J.J. McCullough on Canada's retaliatory tariffs
Fri, January 31, 2025
Andrew Weissmann: A MAGAtocracy and a Babytocracy
While Republican senators worked to protect Kash Patel from answering some ver-wee hard questions at his confirmation hearing, not one of them had the audacity to suggest that he is the best person to lead the FBI. Meanwhile, the new administration is clearing out some of the most seasoned and effective veterans at the bureau who will be needed during a crisis. Plus, Elon is trying to get our private financial records at the Treasury Department, and Paramount is so worried that mean Mr. Trump would block a merger deal that it's ready to settle his frivolous, written-in-crayon lawsuit against "60 Minutes." Also, Tim makes an earnest plea to Sen. Bill Cassidy from the heart of New Orleans. Andrew Weissmann joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Weissmann's and Mary McCord's podcast, "Main Justice" Weissmann's Substack page Tim's playlist
Thu, January 30, 2025
Tommy Vietor: Deniability Is All That Matters
Republican senators don't care that Trump's nominees are lying—like Kash pretending he didn't know a Nazi-adjacent podcaster whose show he's been on eight times—because the confirmation process to them is all a game and truth is irrelevant. And nominees are also mad-flipping on their signatures issues: RFK, Jr. on vaccines, Tulsi on Edward Snowden, and Kash on the Jan 6 cop beaters. Meanwhile, RFK knows embarrassingly little about the programs he'd be administering, Democrats should try combat on for size, and the Fox hosts/reality show stars turned in quite a performance after the first plane crash in 16 years. Tommy Vietor joins Tim Miller.
Wed, January 29, 2025
Mona Charen: A Moment of Truth
Trump is trying to seize powers he doesn't have—like unilaterally rewriting laws and deciding on his own how he wants to spend money Congress appropriated for a particular purpose. Will the Supreme Court stop him? And if it rules against him, will he obey the court's orders? Plus, the money angle behind RFK, Jr.'s conspiracies, and Elon's attempt at a mass buyout is not about making the government leaner and meaner. He's trying to replace good, smart people with lackeys and flunkies, like Tucker Carlson's son. Mona Charen joins Tim Miller. Mona Charen joins Tim Miller. show notes Mona's piece on RFK and his anti-vax damage in Samoa Bulwark piece on Trump's high-speed power grab Adrian Carrasquillo's newsletter on Trump turning schools into immigration battlegrounds
Tue, January 28, 2025
Chris Hayes and Alex Kantrowitz: Trying To Break the Whole Thing
The directives putting a pause on federal grants and the firing of career DOJ prosecutors is about trying to make the entirety of the federal government the tool of the man occupying the presidency. And it's all illegal and unconstitutional. Meanwhile, Trump is exactly the kind of broken sociopath who can dominate the war for attention—the defining resource of our time. Plus, a rundown on DeepSeek, the new Chinese AI model, and why Bitcoin fans aren't more angry about the worthless, scammy Trump and Melania coins. Chris Hayes and Alex Kantrowitz join Tim Miller. show notes Chris's new book, “The Siren's Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource." Undercover video of Russ Vought on Project 2025, from August 2024 Alex's "Big Technology" on Substack Alex's "Big Technology" podcast
Mon, January 27, 2025
Bill Kristol: Trump Loves Fraud
Gullible Republicans have really been proving what they're made of recently, including Susan Collins, who claims Trump wants to root out corruption, even though his whole life has been a fraud—the water, the university, and "The Apprentice," just for starters. Meanwhile, the presidents of Mexico and Colombia are showing that they're not going to bend over in service of Trump's vanity. Plus, JD's Johnny-come-lately Catholicism, and the tech titans's clash with DEI may be helping the US lose the lead in AI. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: Colombian President Gustavo Petro's statement on Twitter (hit translate post) Timothée Chalamet on SNL
Fri, January 24, 2025
David French: Vengeance and Rage
Trump launched his first week back in office signaling to loyal followers that they are free to break the law on his behalf, while telling political opponents—including John Bolton and Mike Pompeo—that he'll put their lives at risk. Meanwhile, an office full of white faces is not evidence of a meritocracy, a shortage of VA nurses or prosecutors at the DOJ is not government efficiency, and Putin is different from the man he was during Trump's first term. Plus, the dangers of the word "invasion" in the immigration context. David French joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: John Mulaney's 'horse in the hospital' skit Tweet from Dan Crenshaw that Tim referenced David's latest newsletter (gifted) Tim's playlist
Thu, January 23, 2025
Sam Stein and Adrian Carrasquillo: We Are in a Simulation
Emotionally-stunted video game boys, who are also government contractors and/or quasi government officials, are fighting on Twitter, a POTUS who went all the way to SCOTUS to get immunity for presidents now would like the last president investigated, and America's premiere scientific research institution, the NIH, can't tell us about the bird flu—a widespread and potentially deadly virus that could mutate into a human pandemic. Meanwhile, the assault on immigration has stepped up, with raids now permitted at churches and schools. And DHS is targeting anyone who can be deported, regardless of whether or not they're a security threat. Adrian Carrasquillo and Sam Stein join Tim Miller. show notes https://x.com/arelisrhdz/status/1881397640849678362
Wed, January 22, 2025
Stephanie Ruhle: Unlimited Money and No Rules
All those CEOs cartwheeled down to Mar-a-Lago and then dutifully lined up at Trump's inauguration because they were fed up with social justice warriors and labor having more power—even if their bottom lines were never harmed in the process. Now, they want their next adrenaline rush and more government money without any pesky regulations hampering their highfalutin space-exploration dreams. But they may just pine for those DEI training sessions after the coming populist economic backlash. Stephanie Ruhle joins Tim Miller.
Tue, January 21, 2025
Tom Nichols: A Farce and a Sham
Trump tried to pencil out literal words in the Constitution and then freed 1,500 violent insurrectionists—while the media attempted to normalize it all. Meanwhile, much attention is being paid to Elon's salute, and not enough to the facts that he has an office at the White House, he's a government contractor, and paid a quarter of a billion dollars to get Trump elected. Plus, other Trump executive orders were pissy and petty, the 80s can no longer be called the decade of greed after Monday's Hunger Games vibe, and the Democrats are going to have a hard time resisting a risky 'eat the rich' path. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. show notes Tom's piece from Monday on the police responding to Jan 6 Tweets about the price of eggs v attending the inauguration, which Tom referenced LAST DAY : Make The Bulwark your home for coverage of Trump 2.0. Get 2 months FREE on an annual subscription of Bulwark+ now for exclusive content, ad-free commentary and more:
Mon, January 20, 2025
Bill Kristol: Resist the Nihilism
Trump wants us to believe that nothing matters, so we'll brush off all his corruption and grifting as though everybody does it. That's what aspiring authoritarians always do, including the guy who didn't place his hand on a Bible when he was sworn in today. Meanwhile, Trump just launched probably the biggest scam in the history of the presidency with his memecoin—ordinary people will lose real money, nothing like the small-ball amounts he scoops up with his shoes, mugs, and digital baseball cards. Plus, Biden's pardons, Trump's Day One executive orders, and seizing the means of content production with TikTok. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: Mark Hertling on the challenges of executing "shock and awe" TODAY AND TOMORROW ONLY: TODAY AND TOMORROW ONLY: Make The Bulwark your home for coverage of Trump 2.0. Get 2 months FREE on an annual subscription of Bulwark+ now for exclusive content, ad-free commentary and more. https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe
Fri, January 17, 2025
Ron Brownstein: Don't Take the Bait
Trump governed as a wartime president against blue America, so expect him to keep stirring up culture battles—but the Dems have to avoid getting drawn into them. Kamala and the party were undone in '24 by looking like they cared more about niche issues than putting food on the table. Meanwhile, Biden has left Trump a lot of room to consolidate a bigger coalition than he's ever had. Plus, for Republicans shrugging off climate change and threatening to withhold fire aid to California, here's a news flash: extreme weather is coming to a neighborhood near you. Ron Brownstein joins Tim Miller for the weekend show notes Ron's piece on 'late regime' presidencies Ron's interviews with Kamala's advisers Tim's interview with Rep. Jim Himes The book Ron referenced, "The Politics Presidents Make" Tim's playlist
Thu, January 16, 2025
Melissa Murray and John Avlon: The Dark Legal Clouds Ahead
Pam Bondi is likely to sail to confirmation—even if she's an election denier and pretends she was born yesterday—because she meets the simple qualifications of being a lawyer and former prosecutor, and because she's not a frat paddle come to life i.e. Matt Gaetz. But the fact that she wasn't able to clearly state that the U.S. is her client, not Donald Trump, is a giant red flag. Ditto for his personal lawyers also coming on board. Plus, the ominous removal of Mike Turner from the House intelligence committee, how Biden's farewell address stacked up, and what the locked-up shampoo bottles at CVS say about blue-state governance. Melissa Murray and John Avlon join Tim. show notes John's "How to Fix It" podcast Melissa's "Strict Scrutiny" podcast Biden's farewell address John's book, "Washington's Farewell"
Wed, January 15, 2025
Adam Kinzinger and Mark Kelly: Dirty Little Secret
Being secretary of defense is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. But after Pete Hegseth was plucked from a part-time Fox & Friends gig, Republican senators could only kiss his ass and act starstruck during his confirmation hearing—all to ensure he takes their calls when they need military equipment or contracts in their states. Meanwhile, Nancy Mace has been a con artist from the beginning, Trump nominated Nazi-curious Joe Kent to run the National Counterterrorism Center, and Tulsi thinks Edward Snowden is a hero. Sen. Mark Kelly and Rep. Adam Kinzinger join Tim Miller. show notes Tim's piece on Joe Kent courting the racist fringe vote when he ran for Congress
Tue, January 14, 2025
Peter Hamby: The Politics of a Firestorm
Real estate is everything in Los Angeles. Karen Bass's absence from the city when the fires broke out, and now her seeming aloofness, has instantly made her look unfit for the job of mayor. Even Gavin Newsom is distancing himself from Bass. Meanwhile, while we wait on the facts behind the fires, all the Silicon Valley VC guys and Elon need to shut the f*** up. Plus, Mike Johnson is a disgrace, Zuck has no inner core of values, and TikTok Zoomers need to get a better understanding of free speech and fascism. Venice resident Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller. show notes Mayor Bass ignoring a reporter's questions Peter's Puck piece on Karen Bass "Ecology of Fear" by Mike Davis Tim's interview with reporter Liz Weil on wildfires Zuck being awkward at the UFC fight Peter referenced
Mon, January 13, 2025
Bill Kristol: Cannons All the Way Down
Trump's favorite judge, Aileen Cannon, has been attempting to exercise authority she doesn't have over Jack Smith's required report on his investigations of the Jan 6 case and the hoarding of classified docs—but she'll be a model of loyalty that Trump will expect for all his judicial appointments. Meanwhile, it's a big week of hearings for his nominees, Wray could do more to oppose the politicization of the FBI, and what is up with Fetterman? Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Bob Kagan's Atlantic piece on Ukraine that Bill referenced
Fri, January 10, 2025
Amanda Carpenter: We Are Team Karen (Pence)
"Mother" Pence is owed an apology. She snubbed Trump so hard and so beautifully at Jimmy Carter's funeral—and wasn't about to make nice with the man who was all-in on Jan 6 rioters trying to lynch her husband. Meanwhile, the catturd crowd is mad at Amy Coney Barrett for not falling in line, and running off to Greenland while American neighborhoods are on fire is not America First. Plus, the risks of Trump dominating the battlespace with all the stupid stuff. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Amanda's and Protect Democracy newsletter Amanda's book, "Gaslighting America" Tim's playlist charity links: LA Fire Department Foundation California Fire Foundation Los Angeles Regional Food Bank United Way "Watch Duty," the nonprofit app that's been providing invaluable, real-time fire information
Thu, January 09, 2025
Derek Thompson and Elizabeth Weil: The Trend Toward Solitude
Americans have been spending more time alone—and less time doing face-to-face socializing—than we have for at least 60 years. And our alone time is impacting the economy, our politics, and our personalities, particularly among young people. Meanwhile, the fires in Los Angeles are a heartbreaking reminder that the California landscape was meant to burn—and it will keep happening whether we like it or not. Plus, the mystery around the sister of Sam Altman. Derek Thompson and Liz Weil join Tim Miller. show notes Derek's piece, "The Anti-Social Century" Derek's forthcoming book with Ezra Klein, "Abundance" Arlie Russell Hochschild's book, "Strangers in Their Own Land," referenced by Derek Hochschild's "Stolen Pride: Loss, Shame, and the Rise of the Right" "Palaces for the People" book Derek mentioned Liz's ProPublica piece on megafires Liz's piece, "This Isn't the California I Married" Liz's reporting on Sam Altman's sister, Annie
Wed, January 08, 2025
Liam Donovan and Brendan Boyle: The Great Grift
Trump talked a lot more about Hannibal Lecter during the campaign than one of his actual top priorities: extending his 2017 tax cuts. With those $4.5 trillion in cuts set to expire by the end of the year, that's the first major item of business for congressional Republicans. But how they get paid for will affect people's lives. Tim takes a deep dive into the reconciliation process that would allow Republicans to make deep cuts to programs without having to work with Democrats. Plus, the billionaire plutocrats staffing the new administration and the potential for corruption. Rep. Brendan Boyle and Liam Donovan join Tim Miller.
Tue, January 07, 2025
Charlie Warzel: Zuck Sucks Up to Trump
Mark Zuckerberg is doing all he can to get an audience with the big man at Mar-a-Lago, including praising Trump's (faux) free speech bona fides and restructuring Meta to eliminate fact-checking. Maybe it's because Zuck wants to show his middle finger to the mean tech reporters—or maybe it's because Trump threatened to imprison Zuck. Plus, the conspiracies around Jan 6 v 9/11, and the potential threat to our financial system from crypto. Charlie Warzel joins Tim Miller. show notes: Charlie's piece on internet brain rot Charlie's piece on crypto and the potential nightmare in Trump 2.0
Mon, January 06, 2025
Bill Kristol: The Preposterous and Ridiculous Lies About the FBI
Kash Patel's Jan 6 lie requires FBI officials to have been able to see into the future: to *know* that Trump would lose in 2020 and then try to get Congress to reverse the election results. And they also would have to have known they could get thousands of people to attack the Capitol—just to make MAGA look bad. Are GOP senators really going to clear this conspiracy theorist extraordinaire to run the bureau? Plus, the martyrology around Jan 6 and the mass exodus of journalists from The Washington Post. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: Tom Jocelyn and Norm Eisen on Kash Sgt. Gonell's reflection on Jan 6 Michael Kruse on Al Gore and Mike Pence
Fri, January 03, 2025
Jonathan Martin: A Resilient City
New Orleans is the most special city in America, but it's a place that also breaks your heart. Local leaders will have to reassure the world that the French Quarter is safe. Plus, Mike Johnson is bound up in a Gordian Knot, and Democrats are petrified of the wrath of leading progressive interest groups in DC— it's like the Dem Party's version of Trump's Twitter ire. Jonathan Martin joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Glen David Andrews leading a second line to reopen Bourbon Street on Thursday Jonathan's interview with Sen. Brian Schatz Tim's playlist
Thu, January 02, 2025
David Frum: Sociopaths and Political Tribalism
Apart from the death and carnage on New Years Day in New Orleans, Americans revealed another darkness once again: an eagerness to pin violence on someone who doesn't share their political world view. Meanwhile, Republicans rushed to attack the FBI as a way to justify confirming Kash Patel. Plus, Trump has tossed populism aside as he preps to be openly oligarchical, and the real threats TV journalists face. David Frum joins Tim Miller. show notes Chart shared by Marc Andreessen that Tim referenced The poem Churchill quoted during WWII that David mentioned
Tue, December 31, 2024
Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: We Are Sticking With the Mission
While some media outlets may be moving to accommodate Trump out of fear he'll target them, The Bulwark will not be recalibrating. We'll keep providing the (sometimes funny) content you expect, we'll try not to chase Trump's bait (Canada, Greenland, Panama), and we'll disaggregate the real from the trolling. Plus, when one of the worst people in the world makes a good point, and how much is Trump stuck with Elon? Sarah and JVL join Tim for the last show of 2024. Happy New Year! show notes The NBC News president’s comment on their Nebraska bread story that JVL referenced NBC segment on the Omaha bakery
Mon, December 30, 2024
Bill Kristol: Exploit the Rifts
MAGA v DOGE, the Christmas gift that keeps on giving, is an early sign of the coming infighting that could diminish Trump's power—we're definitely not seeing signs of an iron fist amid all that golfing and DJ-ing at Mar-a-Lago. Meanwhile, the world he'll be dealing with is far less stable than it was in 2017. Plus, a Carter appreciation, love for Chalamet's Dylan portrayal, and anticipation of a wild January. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim's Bannon interview Tim's dispatch from AmericaFest & Kari Lake Part Deux Bill's conversation with Eric Edelman The Post on retribution advocate Ivan Raiklin (gifted) Sonny's review of Chalamet's "A Complete Unknown"
Fri, December 27, 2024
'The Hottest Circle of Hell Is for Those Who Stay Neutral'
Do you have to pick a side in politics? That was the question Reason Magazine, the flagship publication of the libertarian movement, invited The Bulwark to debate. In a panel moderated by Reason features editor and Across the Movie Aisle co-host Peter Suderman, Sarah and Tim debated picking sides with Reason editors-at-large Matt Welch and Nick Gillespie. The debate was sharp, occasionally heated, enlightening, and definitely amusing. The results were . . . resounding. Watch for yourself.
Fri, December 20, 2024
Jon Favreau: Funny and Horrible
While it's still going to be bad, for the first time since the election we're beginning to see that we may actually have a little fun watching these idiots prove they don't know how to govern. Meanwhile, we've also got aspiring authoritarians on the left who think they're right at any cost. Plus, the challenge of holding on to American ideals, how to reach low-info voters, Tim's take from Phoenix on TPUSA, and can Tim make Jon cry? And one more Biden critique (that comes toward the end)... Merry Christmas. Jon Favreau joins Tim Miller. show notes: Jon's piece in The Atlantic Clip from Stavros Halkias about not voting Trump that Tim referenced Tim's playlist
Thu, December 19, 2024
Heather Cox Richardson: The Reality Show-ification of the Government
We are seeing in real time what it looks like to turn a democracy over to an oligarch, namely the unstable guy from South Africa who thinks he's going to be emperor of the universe. It's also authoritarian for that one unstable guy to threaten members of congress with job loss if they vote to provide hurricane relief or to rebuild part of the interstate highway system. Plus, the need for a pro-democracy media ecosystem, the difference between liberal and left, and the terribleness of the William McKinley era. Heather Cox Richardson joins Tim Miller. show notes Some of Heather's books: “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America" "Wounded Knee: Party Politics and the Road to an American Massacre" "West from Appomattox: The Reconstruction of America after the Civil War"
Wed, December 18, 2024
Mark Hertling: Putin's Weakness
Russia is on its weakest footing since it invaded Ukraine: Putin has destroyed his military, his economy is in the toilet, and the North Korean troops who've been deployed to help out are dying in waves on the battlefield. Why would the US bail Putin out? Meanwhile, MAGA world is trying to distract us with phony DEI issues in the military while we're dealing with some of the biggest challenges we've ever faced in the international space. Plus, with 180,000 US troops currently deployed overseas and 100+ Navy ships at sea, the DOD probably needs someone with a little more breadth of experience than a weekend talk show host on Fox. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Tim Miller. show notes Hertling's piece on the Army's and America's values Hertling's piece on North Korean troops fighting for Russia in Ukraine Tim and Sarah's live event with Reason magazine in DC Wednesday night
Tue, December 17, 2024
Tom Nichols: Don't Descend into Darkness
The existential dread has a strong pull, especially since Trump has made a lot of Americans worse people, but we've had other bad, immoral, and creepy presidents who've sullied the office. Meanwhile, Vance is basically the invisible man while Elon lives in Trump's bedroom, and Andreessen is loading up a pile of BS to justify his vote. Plus, a Tim v Tom Christmas playlist. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. show notes: Tom's audiobook version of "The Death of Expertise" Tim's Christmas playlist John Ganz book Tom and Tim referenced
Mon, December 16, 2024
Bill Kristol: Fake Nicey-Nicey Sh**t
ABC News and George Stephanopoulos have joined the preemptive capitulation parade by settling Trump's defamation suit—and by conspicuously paying out protection money ahead of the inauguration. The potential chilling effect on a key First Amendment issue is breathtaking. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney backs off of his criticism of Trump and Vance. Plus, the anti-oligarchic, semi-populist grounds for challenging the incoming administration. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: NYT piece Bill mentioned Bulwark debate on potentially ending Daylight Saving Time Bill's conversation with Jack Goldsmith
Fri, December 13, 2024
Anne Applebaum: Planning for a Techno-Oligarchic Regime
The billionaires rushing to get on board with Trump, and contributing millions for his inauguration, may have missed this key detail: Enhancing the power of a leader—to bend the rules and undermine the rule of law—is often very bad for business. Meanwhile, Team Trump is distracting the media and the public with the firehose of nominations. Plus, election laws v TikTok and Elon, how brutal regimes can quickly die, and the impact of Israel's campaigns on international law during wartime. Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller. Show notes: Anne's recent piece on Syria, and potentially other brutal regimes, falling quickly Video of Clarissa Ward finding a Syrian prisoner who didn't know about the fall of Assad Tim's playlist
Thu, December 12, 2024
Matt Yglesias and Tyler Austin Harper: Popularism v Populism
The origins of the Democratic party's current malaise include ineffective messaging on climate and economic policy, too rigid a tent on cultural issues, and Dem politicians just too scared to speak their mind. Like, Kamala could've turned the trans youth in sports convo into one about parents spending boatloads on sports camps so their kids can get into a good college. Plus, Christopher Wray chose the worst option. Matt Yglesias and Tyler Austin Harper join Tim Miller to hash it out. show notes: Tyler's new piece in The Atlantic Matt's "Common Sense Manifesto #4" from Slow Boring Ben Wittes piece in Lawfare on Chris Wray Book recommended by Tyler, "The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America"
Wed, December 11, 2024
Adam Kinzinger and Pat Ryan: Bring It On
Team Trump is trying to intimidate the opposition. Stop showing them your fear. Plus, Gaetz moves from AG nominee to low-rent MAGA cable channel host, and RT's girlfriend, Tulsi, could have access to the identities of our informants in Russia if she is confirmed. Meanwhile, as Dems plot a way forward, they need to be more clear about calling out the heroes and the villains: When you're trying to be everything to everyone, you're nothing. Adam Kinzinger and Rep. Pat Ryan join Tim Miller. show notes Kinzinger's Substack response to Trump's jail threat Jake Tapper's 2017 interview with Tulsi Gabbard after her meeting with Assad
Tue, December 10, 2024
Susan Glasser: A Lame Lame Duck
A sense of Biden's irrelevance has descended on Washington, with Trump flying off to Paris and meeting world leaders, and also openly conducting his own foreign policy—often at odds with the current US policy. Meanwhile, following the diminishment of our foes in the Middle East, and after all the assistance America gave to Israel and Ukraine, Biden isn't being given credit—or he's choosing not to take it. Plus, the MAGA media mob is doing all it can to get Trump's nominees through, and a postscript from Tim on the danger of romanticizing someone who was "radicalized" by a bad experience. Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller. show notes Susan's most recent column Cathy's piece last year on the Daniel Penny case Noah Smith piece on how insurance companies aren't the main villain in the healthcare system
Mon, December 09, 2024
Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss: Catastrophic Success
Trump is threatening members of Congress with jail and Republican senators may be circling the wagons around his nominees, but we still need to protect ourselves from a nihilistic mindset. Plus, cautious optimism and uncertainty after the fall of Syria's brutal dictatorship. And no, Tulsi: You were wrong. Assad was our enemy. Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller. Show notes: Tim's Triad piece on fighting a nihilistic mindset
Fri, December 06, 2024
Jamelle Bouie: Bad at Being President
Trump may have authoritarian aspirations, but he's very bad at governing and managing—four weeks into the transition, he's had two major Ls. Meanwhile, Democrats have to rebuild their connection to voters with local party clubs, and not wait until an election year. Plus, a reverse cancel culture is silencing any conversation about the role that gender and race played in Kamala's loss. And finding solace in the words of Frederick Douglass. Jamelle Bouie joins Tim Miller. show notes: Jamelle's column about one of Frederick Douglass's final speeches Tim's playlist
Thu, December 05, 2024
David French: We Are in the Bad Multiverse
Kash Patel is making legal threats to try to silence his critics, and Tulsi Gabbard wouldn't even be able to get a security clearance in the regular job market: The parade of incompetence is so bad that Pete Hegseth is being described as the most unqualified Cabinet nominee in American history—and that's before the rape and alcoholism. Plus, Bluesky v Twitter, Russia is running out of military equipment, and are preemptive pardons a good idea? David French joins Tim Miller. show notes Steve Schale's Bulwark piece on the Democratic Party The Southern Baptist Convention's 1998 "Resolution on Moral Character of Public Officials" Longer version of Jake Tapper clip
Wed, December 04, 2024
Rep. Mikie Sherrill: Who Will Be In Charge of Our National Security?
We're going back to a president who can't be bothered to read his briefing books. So who will be getting in the ear of the man who had the judgment to choose Pete Hegseth in the first place? Plus, blue state governors v Trump, the need for more mid-range housing, the role of women in modern combat, and Tim reads more from the mailbag. New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill joins Tim Miller.
Tue, December 03, 2024
Michael Weiss and Thomas Zimmer: Competent and Radical
Russ Vought, Trump's nominee to run the Office of Management and Budget—and a Project 2025 author—believes we are living in a post-constitutional America and that any check on Trump's power would be illegitimate. And what's really scary is that Vought knows how the government works. Meanwhile, jihadi technocrats effortlessly took over Syria's second-largest city because Assad's protectors—Russia and Iran—are a bit distracted. Plus, Ukraine prepares for Trump. Michael Weiss and Georgetown's Thomas Zimmer join Tim Miller. show notes Zimmer's piece on Russ Vought Michael's piece on the fall of Aleppo Cathy Young's latest regarding Russia's war on Ukraine
Mon, December 02, 2024
Bill Kristol and Elaina Plott Calabro: A Sordid Lot
Kash Patel, who could potentially run the FBI, is a compulsive liar who can't keep his facts straight about his work experience or even where he was born. Aside from being a player in the attempted coup, even Trump loyalists are alarmed by his devotion to the president-elect. Meanwhile, by pardoning Hunter, Biden is not only putting his family ahead of the public interest, he's also giving a giant gift to Trump. Plus, more details on Pete Hegseth's disqualifying behavior, and Trump's avenue for getting around the Senate confirmation process. Elaina Plott Calabro and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller. show notes: Elaina's profile of Kash Patel Patel's target list Jack Goldsmith on Trump getting around the Senate confirmation process Tim and Sam on Biden's pardon of Hunter Tim and Sam on Pete Hegseth's mom
Wed, November 27, 2024
Jonathan Chait: A Scary Clown
Pete Hegseth may have a winning Fox & Friends smile, but his desire to shoot protesters, commit war crimes, and purge non-MAGA leaders from the military aligns with Trump's views—and is probably the reason why he was nominated for defense secretary. Plus, Republicans won without offering a middle-class economic agenda, and the ties between the Democrats' loss and the party's busy-body language police. Jonathan Chait joins Tim Miller. show notes Chait's piece on Pete Hegseth Tim's Thanksgiving playlist
Tue, November 26, 2024
George Will: Democracy Rests on Persuasion
For those living under a gray cloud because of what the American electorate has done, it's time to get to work on changing opinions. People who follow the news and read op-eds may be in a minority, but salient minorities have propelled history. On the 50th anniversary of George Will's tenure at The Washington Post, George joins Tim to discuss the power of criticizing presidents and saying what you think. Plus, Tim reads from the mailbag and serves up some advice for dealing with Trump-supporting relatives at the Thanksgiving table. George Will joins Tim Miller show notes George on his first 50 years as a columnist George's first column for The Post An appreciation of the Iron Man of America's oped pages Mona's tribute to George
Mon, November 25, 2024
Bill Kristol: We Were Right To Be Alarmed
The danger of Trump's nominees is that the main condition of employment—aside from being on Fox—is their fealty to him, and a willingness to go along with the ideological fervor of Stephen Miller, Russ Vought and JD Vance. Meanwhile, the math may not add up for Tulsi, Sarah McBride shows grace and dignity in response to Nancy Mace, and Trump goes weirdly quiet. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Clip of Sarah McBride on MSNBC
Fri, November 22, 2024
Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: The Lonely Boy Club
The country is now paying for the pathologies of the oligarchs and baddies who were stuffed into lockers when they were kids. And let's be honest: A chunk of MAGA doesn't mind the sexual assaults at all—they "put women in their place." Meanwhile, Gaetz's replacement, Pam Bondi, was an active member of the attempted coup, Elon's plan to slash the federal workforce would cut a minuscule part of the budget, the oil men don't want to produce more oil, and Democrats have to go back to their 90s-style economic messaging. Sarah and JVL join Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes The Secret Podcast JVL's Triad newsletter from Thursday Tim's playlist
Thu, November 21, 2024
Sam Harris: Our Democracy Is Already Unraveling
Because Trump wasn't penalized for trying to steal the 2020 election, our democracy has already been damaged. And he was laying the groundwork to do it again in '24, with the assistance of MAGA's opportunistic election fraud lies. Meanwhile, David Sacks & co would never let Trump run any of their businesses, but they're all in on his Alex Jones-grade lies. Plus, was Kamala done in by not responding to the anti-trans ad? And 90% of what's wrong with Elon is his Twitter addiction. Sam Harris joins Tim Miller.
Wed, November 20, 2024
Marc Caputo and Dan Goldman: Trump v. the United States
The incompetent and compromised nominees Trump has assembled at record pace show how little regard he has for the essential functions our government provides. He wants to harness its power for his own ends, in a way that could put Americans and our national security at risk—but he can only do this if Congress is complicit. Meanwhile, the roundly-hated Matt Gaetz is providing cover for the sex abuse allegations against the other nominees, and the House majority margin may be razor thin. Rep. Dan Goldman and Marc Caputo join Tim Miller.
Tue, November 19, 2024
Jen Psaki: Don't Speak to Me
The Democrats focus too much on reaching white college-educated voters, and the threat to democracy was not the right closing message. Plus, Nancy Mace needs to get a life beyond getting MAGA street cred, no one wants to be in the same bathroom with MTG, and Jared Polis may be on to something with the hippie-ish libertarians. Jen Psaki joins Tim Miller. show notes Gov. Polis tweet about RFK, Jr. The governor's follow-up tweet
Mon, November 18, 2024
Bill Kristol: A Power Play for Autocracy
Trump is flooding the zone with unqualified nominees who would destroy government norms and standards and create the kind of chaos that would let him do what he wants—and Senate Republicans may be too afraid of him to put up much resistance. Meanwhile, allies are already seeing the third world-style political decay, beyond the orgies and sexual assaults. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes "Art of the Surge" doc on Apple TV; Ep 5 has debate reaction backstage
Fri, November 15, 2024
Amanda Carpenter: Lessons from the Tea Party Era
Ted Cruz and Jim DeMint ground things to a halt in the Senate quite effectively during the Obama era, and Democrats should take a cue from them for Trump's appointments: Demand hearings or hold their own. More broadly, the opposition has to be loud and make a scene, while also staying unified and focused. We are a big country with big ideas, and there are more of us than there are of them. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Part 1 of the "Behind the Bastards" podcast on RFK, Jr. Tim's playlist
Thu, November 14, 2024
Rick Wilson and David Brooks: MAGA to the Max
Trump's appointments—like degenerate Matt Gaetz and Putin stooge Tulsi Gabbard—are about his raw power and his stupid show, but are also a risk to our nation's security and institutions. Plus, America's diploma divide has trapped us in a caste society, where future leaders are being chosen based on how they performed on standardized tests at age 18. David Brooks and Rick Wilson j oin Tim Miller. show notes Ed Whelan on Trump's recess appointment scheme (gifted) David's cover story on the Ivy League (gifted)
Wed, November 13, 2024
Osita Nwanevu: Democrats Need A Better Story
Republicans have been good at telling a story about the economy and how people should feel about it, and Democrats haven't responded in a sufficiently compelling way. Meanwhile, plucking Pete Hegseth off the Fox & Friends couch to run one of the biggest organizations in the world is a sign of how dumb the next administration will be. Osita Nwanevu joins Tim Miller. show notes Osita's forthcoming book
Tue, November 12, 2024
Jon Lovett: The Worst People Are Happy
The worst people believe their worldview has been validated, while the best people are uncertain, scared, and angry. But we have to stay focused on the menace, including the threat to officials Trump may target for revenge—and the immigrants whose cheap and willing labor helped build our economy. Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller for a special crosspost with the "Lovett or Leave It" pod. show notes Speech by Otto Wels in March 1933 The 'Lovett or Leave It' podcast
Mon, November 11, 2024
Bill Kristol: A Pro-Putin America First
The Trump team is moving quickly to sell out Ukraine, but it's not clear yet whether Putin would settle for taking a quarter of the country—or if he intends to crush it, so he can plant the Russian flag in Kiev. Meanwhile, Elon has been at Mar-a-Lago every day, expanding his oligarch résumé to include helping choose the incoming president's Cabinet and advisors. Plus, key Senate Republicans are already prepping to sacrifice their constitutional duties to advise and consent, and the election denialists on the left have to accept reality. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Charles Gaba's thread on the new 'Stop the Steal' conspiracy Tim's appearance on the "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast
Sat, November 09, 2024
BONUS EPISODE with James Carville: We Are the Opposition
It's time to get our opposition organized and develop a narrative about Trump. And one narrative that's likely to emerge is how he betrayed his voters. Plus, did Kamala's interview on "The View" seal her fate? James Carville joins Tim Miller. show notes Carville documentary, "Winning Is Everything, Stupid" (post-election recut out 11/14)
Fri, November 08, 2024
Ben Wittes: Americans Elected a Serial Criminal to Be President
The Trump trials were a cosmic democratic disaster, and the justice system did not do justice: Trump was not treated in the same way as other people who've stolen classified docs or tried to overthrow the election—and his conviction and indictments made him more qualified in MAGA's eyes. Plus, the Sotomayor/SCOTUS issue, aiding Ukraine before January 20, and avoiding the sound of Trump's voice. Ben Wittes joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Ben's column, "Were the Trump Trials Pointless?" Tim's playlist
Thu, November 07, 2024
Tom Nichols: This Is What They Want
The American people made their choice, and the fight to preserve the global democratic coalition against the global authoritarian movement continues. But maybe letting those voters see unadulterated Trumpism in the White House, without the baby bumpers—at least for a little while—is how we save America. Plus, the price of eggs v fascism, and Trump is going to inherit a great economy and take credit for it. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. show notes Tom's most recent Atlantic Daily newsletter Derek Thompson's piece mentioned by Tim (gifted) Nick Catoggio's piece
Wed, November 06, 2024
Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: Election Debrief
Kamala's tailored campaign message and ground game didn't matter. Voters were unhappy with Biden and didn't want a 'regular' politician. They also didn't care about the infrastructure bill or the CHIPS Act—but they do care about demagoguery and grievance. Sarah and JVL join Tim to take in the pain, but also to chart The Bulwark's next phase: doing everything we can to protect our country, our democracy, and our institutions.
Tue, November 05, 2024
David Frum: Pride in the Fight
Whatever happens tonight, Never Trumpers and voters should be proud that we rose to the challenge of Trump—and that a majority of Americans see through this fraudster. Meanwhile, a vote for Kamala is both a progressive and conservative choice. Plus, the Electoral College is crazy, Megyn is mad at the wrong people, and Tim's final prediction. David Frum joins Tim Miller. show notes Reagan's closing statement in 1980 at the final debate with Carter David's book mentioned in show, "Trumpocalypse"
Mon, November 04, 2024
Bill Kristol: Maybe It's Dobbs, After All
Republicans are crowing about a big turnout of early rural voters and a decrease in African American voters in the cities. But the early vote also features a big gender gap, likely tied to abortion—an issue that was not on the ballot in 2020. And the Trump team has done a terrible job of not taking the air out of the issue. Plus, the Epstein tapes, Trump's lousy last two weeks, and The Bulwark's good and worthy fight. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller . show notes Monday's Morning Shots newsletter HuffPost story on Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania
Sun, November 03, 2024
Ann Selzer: How Could This Be?
Few states are as red as Iowa, and yet the legendary Iowa pollster Ann Selzer found that Kamala has leapfrogged over Trump to take the lead there. The turnaround is due to women—particularly women 65 and older, who previously tilted toward Trump, but now favor Kamala 63% to 28%. Iowa's new strict abortion law could be a factor. J. Ann Selzer joins Tim Miller for a special Sunday pod. show notes Des Moines Register story on the Iowa Poll Des Moines Register story on Iowa's congressional races
Fri, November 01, 2024
Mehdi Hasan: Memory-Holing the Worst President
The WSJ wants readers to think that Trump is too stupid to coup—despite Jack Smith's indictment showing a very clear plan. And for those on the left and right arguing that we survived once before, there are hundreds of thousands of people who would still be alive today if Trump had managed Covid better. Plus, the laughable GOP civility police, Kamala's potential trouble in Michigan, the MAGA ads that are simultaneously antisemitic, Islamaphobic, and misogynist, and the Green parties in Europe want Jill Stein to step aside. Mehdi Hasan joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim's playlist
Thu, October 31, 2024
Adam Kinzinger: All the Little Bros
Trump and his pack of dude-bros are pitting men against women, even inside the home—the current Republican Party is definitely not pro-family or pro-marriage. Plus, Nikki's feelings are hurt, and Elon trucked in door-knockers for Trump who basically worked as indentured servants. How does this Putin-whispering patsy still have government contracts? Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim's message to Nikki Haley voters
Wed, October 30, 2024
Alex Vindman and Lakshya Jain: No More Petty Tyrants
The character of the nation is on the line: We have to stop an autocratic minority from imposing its will on the majority of Americans. And no question, Putin has been very easily manipulating Trump and Musk. Plus, Biden talking about garbage, spam polls, pollster herding, and the weakest swing states for Kamala. Alex Vindman and Lakshya Jain join Tim Miller. show notes: Congressional candidate Eugene Vindman's web site The fake family of Eugene's opponent in the open VA-7 seat
Tue, October 29, 2024
Robert Draper: The Prosecutor
Kamala Harris sees the world as divided between those who follow the rules and those who break them—and that injustice requires action, not whining. And behind the story of a child of two high-achieving immigrants is a woman who remains loyal, reveres law and order, shows up prepared, and approaches challenges with a 'just the facts' linear style of thinking. Yet, she also maintains a level of inscrutability. Robert Draper joins Tim Miller. show notes: Draper's profile of Kamala
Mon, October 28, 2024
Robert Kagan and Bill Kristol: It's Already Happening Before our Eyes
By de-prioritizing The Washington Post in his business empire, Jeff Bezos is showing exactly how a free press gets dismantled. Other corporate titans are also falling in line so they're not on the wrong side of Trump. Meanwhile, with the Klan-like rhetoric at Sunday's rally, MAGA is baring its teeth and showing us that its true essence is about white Christian supremacy. Plus, the Senate races, and Tim's reporting from outside MSG. Bob Kagan —who resigned from WAPO on Friday—and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller. show notes: Bill and Bob's conversation on authoritarianism in 2019 Bob's book, "Rebellion," published in April Bob's 2016 piece warning how fascism could come to America Tim's message to Haley voters
Fri, October 25, 2024
Bret Stephens: Pray Kamala Wins
Trump is corrosive to the soul of our democracy. He's a bigot, an ogre, and an isolationist. And for all the Reagan Republicans on the fence: If Trump gets back in, America won't have a healthy conservative movement again for generations. Plus, Kamala on Israel, and Elon's private foreign policy with Putin—he's working against our national security while helping himself to the treasury of the United States. Bret Stephens joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Tim's playlist Bret's 2018 piece on Musk being the Trump of Silicon Valley
Thu, October 24, 2024
David French: 2017 Trump Is Gone
A whole faction of Red America thinks the judges and tax cuts in the first half of Trump's presidency were the 'real' Trump. But the Jan 6 'burn it all down' guy is the real version—as Tucker's weird parable about a violent and angry dad makes clear. Plus, MAGA's confidence in the election results, Cheney's abortion comments, and the surreal double standard where all the rules apply to Kamala, but none apply to Trump. David French joins Tim Miller. show notes: David's latest newsletter, "Trump's Election Reversal Dreams Are Dead"
Wed, October 23, 2024
Jeffrey Goldberg and Catherine Rampell: The Un-American
Donald Trump doesn't share our values or our norms, and he wants the privilege of being able to shoot down Americans in the street. And former officials who worked in his administration are frightened about what he could do to the country. Meanwhile, all the Hitler talk drowns out any talk about Kamala's proposed policies, which are more popular than people realize. Jeffrey Goldberg and Catherine Rampell join Tim Miller. show notes: Goldberg's latest reporting on Trump's preoccupation with dictators The NYT's interview with John Kelly Rampell's piece on the popularity of Kamala's policies Rampell's piece on Flint, MI's baby bonus Rampell's piece about Trump losing his edge on the economy Bulwark piece on McKinley and tariffs
Tue, October 22, 2024
Mitch Landrieu and Will Saletan: Trump Lives in the Mud
The ex-POTUS has resolved that his route to regain power is creating hate, fear, and anger. Meanwhile, his little fascist from Santa Monica is planning to raid quinceañeras as part of a mass deportation. In contrast, Kamala promises to be a president for everybody—with fights only in the fields of democracy. Plus, Elon's despicable Nick Fuentes-grade ads targeting Jewish and Arab voters, and the MIA anti-Trump Republican men who are banking on Liz to do most of the talking. Mitch Landrieu and Will Saletan join Tim Miller. show notes: Some of Mayor Landrieu's favorite spots in NOLA Tipitina's live music Kingpin bar N7 restaurant Parkway Bakery & Tavern Domilise's Po-Boy and Bar
Mon, October 21, 2024
Mallory McMorrow and Bill Kristol: Imagining a World Where Trump Is Irrelevant
Remember those few weeks when Trump ceded the stage to Kamala and didn't do any campaigning? How glorious it was not to have to talk about him. Meanwhile, Kamala, Liz, and Sarah work to seal the deal with undecided voters, Moldova rejects the vote-buying oligarchs, and Lindsey, you're wrong: It's Trump, not Kamala, who's the most radical candidate in modern American history. Mallory McMorrow was recorded live at our Bulwark event in Detroit, and Bill Kristol joined Tim Miller for a recap of the weekend's political news. show notes: Gifted link to John Heilemann's interview with David Plouffe
Fri, October 18, 2024
Live from Philadelphia (Again)
The Bulwark kicked off its weekend 'Swing State Swing" in the City of Brotherly Love Thursday before a packed house. George Conway, Sarah Matthews, and Tim talked about psychopaths, narcissists, and how voters need to understand that if Trump didn't even care what happened to his VP on Jan 6, he certainly doesn't care about them. George Conway and Sarah Matthews join Tim Miller.
Thu, October 17, 2024
Bob Woodward: The Threat Is High
Since the release of Woodward's "War," Gen. James Mattis has reached out to the journalist to endorse the book's warnings about Trump, and to urge that they not be downplayed. Plus, Kamala's counseling of Zelensky before the invasion of Ukraine, and how Russia really was on the nuclear brink and the Biden team pulled out all the stops to get them to step back. Bob Woodward joins Tim Miller. show notes Bob Woodward's book, "War"
Wed, October 16, 2024
Susan Rice and Mondaire Jones: The Dictator Hugger
Amb. Rice says Trump is a "surrender monkey" who is all about building up Russia and China for his own benefit—and to the detriment of our national security. Meanwhile, his domestic policy is a platform of civil war on his fellow Americans. Plus, Mondaire Jones on one of the most important House races in the country. Amb. Susan Rice and Rep. Mondaire Jones join Tim Miller.
Tue, October 15, 2024
Tom Nichols: He's Bait for the 25th Amendment
Trump's fitness for office is a central question now more than ever after his bizarre town hall Monday night, where instead of taking questions, he called out songs, bopped, and swayed—for 39 minutes. Plus, Kamala plans a trip into the lion's den on Fox News, Youngkin is utterly shameless, and we risk losing the norms that George Washington established for the U.S. presidency. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. show notes Gifted link to Tom's Atlantic cover piece Tom on Glenn Youngkin
Tue, October 15, 2024
BONUS EPISODE with Jason Calacanis: The Civil War in Silicon Valley
Trump used to be considered an existential threat throughout Silicon Valley, but now the tech world is split between Mark Cuban and Reid Hoffman on one side, and Elon and David Sacks on the latter. Elon & David's All-In Podcast friend "J-Cal" is on the fence. He explains that the Trump side's grievance has to do with Elizabeth Warren, socialism, DEI, the 'self-made' being attacked for being rich—and having their feelings hurts since Elon wasn't invited to the White House. Tim Miller tries to explain to J-Cal how silly these complaints are in this special bonus episode.
Mon, October 14, 2024
Bill Kristol: He's Not Hiding the Authoritarianism Anymore
Trump's authoritarianism has intensified—with his calls for using military force against political opponents, taking away broadcast licenses, and deporting even legal immigrants. Plus, the panic meter, Kamala should make appeals to the Cavuto crowd on tariffs, and it's time to speak your mind on a microphone, Gen. Mattis. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: Bill's interview with Jason Furman
Fri, October 11, 2024
Susan Glasser and Jared Polis: Shaking Up the Holdouts
Barack Obama made a direct appeal to people who don't like Trump, but may end up voting for him anyway. Team Kamala has to keep up the drumbeat: Make clear that Trump has been running a rogue foreign policy out of Mar-a-Lago, that he's campaigning on raw hate, and that he's ready to hand over government power to Elon—who's already getting billions in subsidies. Plus, Trump's depiction of Aurora bears no resemblance to the real city in Colorado. Susan Glasser and Gov. Jared Polis join Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Susan's latest column Heidi Blake's New Yorker piece on the disappeared Saudi princesses Tim's playlist
Thu, October 10, 2024
David Axelrod: Change Agent
Voters have a real hunger for something beyond the constant state of pugilism and the weaponizing of every problem. In her closing arguments, Kamala needs to zero in on making Trump the incumbent and herself the person who can turn the page. Plus, MAGA's perpetual dumping on America, Obama's 2004 convention speech, and staying Zen while debating on CNN. David Axelrod joins Tim Miller. show notes: Tim debating Dan Crenshaw David's nonprofit supporting epilepsy research
Wed, October 09, 2024
James Carville: We Just Have to Win
The information ecosystem is getting crazier than ever: The monster Trump created must be fed, even when the lies are too much for some MAGA members of Congress. Meanwhile, the disinfo around storm relief efforts have to be nipped in the bud, and Team Kamala needs to get their sharp elbows out for the final weeks. Plus, how a doc about Carville evolved in real time as he pressed to get Biden to drop out. James Carville joins Tim Miller. show notes The new documentary about Carville, "Winning Is Everything, Stupid" Press release from Rep. Chuck Edwards debunking Helene response myths
Tue, October 08, 2024
Timothy Snyder: The Politics of Impotence
Trump and Vance are pioneering a form of politics where American power means nothing, everything is bad, and politicians focus on tearing people down—and getting other Americans to do the same. Plus, the challenge of defining freedom, why conservative Jews are giving Trump a pass on his antisemitism, and a good and insightful poll on the presidential race. Timothy Snyder joins Tim Miller. show notes Snyder's new book, "On Freedom" Sidney Blumenthal's piece on Trump's Hitlerian logic
Mon, October 07, 2024
Bill Kristol: The Musk of it All
Do not sleep on this: The billionaire tech bros are on board with the authoritarian project so they can capture the regulatory state. They are showering Trump with money to win his favor and using Vance to lock in control of the Republican Party. Plus, Kamala unveils her media strategy, and the damage Israel has done to terror groups since Oct. 7 is significant. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Gifted Nate Cohn piece on the state of the race
Fri, October 04, 2024
BONUS EPISODE with Doug Emhoff: We Have a Mission
The second gentleman says Kamala has really stepped it up for this abbreviated campaign, and is showing the country the most badass version of herself. He also promised that nothing will distract them from focusing on winning the election. Plus, Trump didn't know what hit him in the debate. Doug Emhoff joins Tim Miller for a very special bonus episode.
Fri, October 04, 2024
John Dickerson: Hero Story
Liz Cheney sticks to her values under incredible pressure in an old-fashioned Republican way. And she reminded us that Jan 6 is not in the past—but is directly tied to the threat from a presidency where loyalty is built around a lie. Plus, the politicizing of FEMA, Trump's baiting of the media to fact check, more Megyn derangement syndrome, and the longshoremen and job automation. John Dickerson joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: The Daily Report on CBS streaming John's book, "The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency" Tim's playlist
Thu, October 03, 2024
Kaitlan Collins: Still Surreal
Jack Smith's filing on Jan 6 reads almost like a novel—with Trump shrugging about Pence having to be evacuated, mocking true believer Sidney Powell, and implicating himself with a damning phone-data footprint. Plus, life as a CNN anchor, the evolution of conservative media, and no, Megyn, Kaitlan is an Alabama girl. Kaitlan Collins joins Tim Miller.
Wed, October 02, 2024
Jim Messina and Michael Weiss: Midwestern Nice
The Harris campaign clearly opted not to send out an attack dog in last night's debate. While JD Vance helped the reputation of the Yale debate club, the coverage today is about abortion and Jan 6—Tim Walz's best lines. Meanwhile, the race remains a coin toss, and the legal drama over the election is already becoming a nightmare. Plus, Iran's ballistic missile attack and Israel's coming retaliation. Jim Messina and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
Tue, October 01, 2024
Lis Smith: Go After the Weird Angle
JD Vance may be a good debater, but his creepy obsession with lady parts could put him on defense. Meanwhile, Kamala seems to embrace a more robust media strategy, the weakest alpha in history can't bear to face off with her again, and Trump is the last person who would help make Americans more healthy. Lis Smith joins Tim Miller. show notes Lis's book, "Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story"
Mon, September 30, 2024
Bill Kristol: Prepping A Closing Message
While the Trump campaign is opting for trans panic, Kamala really needs to remind people to be alarmed about the disaster possibilities with Trump. Plus, an imbalance in campaign ads, the role of foreign policy in the election, getting assistance to the people of Western North Carolina— and the potential political fallout from Hurricane Helene. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes The Cheney-Lieberman VP debate in 2000 Bush 41 checking his watch in a town hall debate in 1992 Mark Caputo on Trump's attacks against Kamala over trans-related issues Sarah's Focus Group episode on Gen Z voters, with Peter Hamby
Fri, September 27, 2024
Amanda Carpenter: Get With the Program, Already
If Mitt Romney and Mike Pence really want to have influence over a future GOP, then they need to join the Cheneys in what may be the greatest cross-partisan movement in history. Meanwhile, the MAGA retribution agenda keeps ramping up, we need more Mark Cuban, and Kamala hits the border. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend podcast. show notes Mark Cuban on Theo Von's podcast Amanda's analysis of the authoritarian playbook Tim's playlist
Thu, September 26, 2024
Pete Buttigieg and A.B. Stoddard: Talk Is Cheap
Trump likes to promise a manufacturing renaissance as though one isn't going on right now. But we also had a manufacturing recession when he was in office—and that was before Covid. Plus, Kamala hits her stride talking about her plans, Clay Higgins is a lying, racist thug, the Democratic Party keeps holding lawbreakers to account, and we can see in Elise Stefanik's eyes how much she is faking it. Pete Buttigieg and A.B. Stoddard join Tim Miller.
Wed, September 25, 2024
Dana Milbank: Fools on the Hill
The current Congress is the most do-nothingest since 1861—when the Union was falling apart right before the Civil War. Speaker Mike Johnson is completely beholden to Trump, Republicans used Russian propaganda for their sham impeachment effort against Biden, and a clown car of Santos-style fakers are cruising to reelection. Plus, the prospect for chaos post-election is high if Trump loses. Dana Milbank joins Tim Miller. show notes Dana's new book, "Fools on the Hill: The Hooligans, Saboteurs, Conspiracy Theorists, and Dunces Who Burned Down the House" Will's piece that Tim mentioned
Tue, September 24, 2024
Michael Medved: America Is No Accident
Longtime conservative talk show host Michael Medved believes America was chosen for a special mission—Republicans used to understand that, but now it's the Democrats who are carrying on the patriotic, 'morning in America' idea. Meanwhile, fiscal conservatives shrug over Trump's promised tariffs, and the architect of Project 2025 reportedly killed his neighbor's dog with a shovel. Michael Medved joins Tim Miller. show notes: Screenshot of National Review's 2016 cover, "Against Trump" Michael's daily show Abridged version of Michael's show Michael's 'American Miracle' podcast Michael's book, "The American Miracle"
Mon, September 23, 2024
Bill Kristol: Trump's Just A Huckster at Heart
Melania is selling Christmas ornaments, while Trump is offering up 99.9% silver coins—the vibe feels more like a going out of business sale than heading back to the White House. But then again, a new bearish NYT poll is worrisome, especially after a bullish one from NBC on Sunday. Plus, Kamala gets a chance to call Trump a ‘chicken’ for ducking a second debate, and the post-modern relativism of Republicans. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
Fri, September 20, 2024
Peter Hamby: Living the Racist Porn Message Board Life
Mark Robinson thinks so much about porn, he wouldn't have enough head space or time to do the job of being North Carolina's governor. Meanwhile, the "Black Nazi" calls trans people and gays filthy. Plus, Kamala's confidence on the trail, the absurdity of the Trump campaign thinking she delivered a gun gaffe —and white people varietals in PA, WI, and NC. Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Tim Walz talking to high school bros More Walz showing how to talk to voters Neil King's book, "American Ramble" Tim's playlist
Thu, September 19, 2024
Sam Stein and Susanne Craig: Look Beyond the Polls
We're swimming in polling data, but we should also consider that Kamala has more money and a superior ground game. On the other hand though, she doesn't have a spouse promoting nude modeling experience. Plus, the sweeping narrative behind the 'Lucky Loser' who squandered his father's fortune. Susanne Craig and Sam Stein join Tim Miller. show notes Susanne's new book about Trump, "Lucky Loser"
Wed, September 18, 2024
Tom Nichols: The Cat Was in the Basement
JD Vance thought he had confirmation of his Haitian migrant conspiracy when a Springfield, OH resident filed a police report about her missing cat. But Miss Sassy was just in the basement, safe and sound. More seriously, Vance and Trump want everyone who's not on their team to shut up, so they can rile up their supporters and prime people for violence. Meanwhile, has the MAGA duo become such losers that even Joe Rogan and the bro-sphere have had enough? Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. show notes: Tom on Trump using an assassination attempt to inflame politics
Tue, September 17, 2024
Amy Walter: A 50-50 Race
The presidential race is essentially tied, with movement on the margins that may not be picked up in polling. So prepare for a lot of mood swings in the next seven weeks. Amy Walter and Tim Miller dive deep into PA voters v WI voters, Penn State grad Trump fans, and the prospects for Kamala in NC v GA. Plus, a cliffhanger in the House. show notes: Vance's awkward missed fist bump with Marcy Kaptur
Mon, September 16, 2024
Bill Kristol: Fanning the Flames
MAGA is trying to take political advantage of what was apparently a second assassination attempt on Trump, but it's not the Democrats who routinely encourage violence. Trump himself only recently joked about the attack on Paul Pelosi. Meanwhile, Vance admits he created stories about Haitian immigrants, the Des Moines Register poll points to the way the political winds are blowing, and finally some Emmy justice for "Hacks." Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes Tim's interview with Carol Leonnig when she discusses the Secret Service Bill's recent conversation with James Carville
Fri, September 13, 2024
Jeffrey Goldberg: Trump Doesn't Believe in America
The former president doesn't think our country is exceptional, and the political press won't hold him to any standard because it has zero expectations of him. Plus, Lindsey Graham is an empty shell, John Kelly was nearly driven mad working for Trump, and JD Vance can't stop spinning conspiracies. Jeffrey Goldberg joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes Jeffrey's new book, “On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump" Atlantic piece on Trump's diminished speech abilities JVL's Triad newsletter from Thursday Orlando Sentinel's straightforward headline about a Trump threat Tim's playlist
Thu, September 12, 2024
Mark McKinnon: Taking Back the Freedom Agenda
While Republicans paint a vision of America as a dystopian hellscape, Kamala is helping herself to the sunny optimism of Reagan and the Bushes. Plus, Taylor is breaking MAGA's brains and driving up voter registrations, Sarah Palin is no longer the worst VP candidate, and Laura Loomer is even too crazy for MTG. Mark McKinnon joins Tim Miller.
Wed, September 11, 2024
S.E. Cupp: A Sucker and a Loser
Kamala laid trap after trap during the debate, and because he's so impulsive, Trump walked into every single one. And while he seethed, she was the normal and sane one—who came so prepared she was name-dropping missiles and tanks. It was a good night. S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller, who also shares his scoops from the spin room. show notes: S.E.'s show, "Battleground"
Tue, September 10, 2024
Symone Sanders Townsend and Olivia Nuzzi: Kamala v the Weirdo
Trump and Kamala are meeting for the first time at tonight's debate, because in 2021, he took his ball, went home, and skipped the inauguration. Seven weeks after the change in the ticket, Trump still doesn't seem to know how to fight her— while Kamala will likely be focused on her message of fighting for the people vs Trump fighting for himself. show notes: Olivia's piece, "I Examined Donald Trump’s Ear — and His Soul — at Mar-a-Lago Symone's MSNBC show, "The Weekend"
Mon, September 09, 2024
Bill Kristol and Colin Allred: What's So Hard about This, Pres. Bush?
This is not a close call, Bush 43: Follow your vice president's lead and say you're voting for Kamala. Meanwhile, stay alarmed that this is a close race, and don't forget that JD cares more about guns than kids. Plus, after 12 years of Ted Cruz not caring about his state, have Texans had enough? Tim Miller spoke with Rep. Colin Allred at TribFest in Austin, and Bill Kristol joined for a political news roundup. show notes Tim on Kamala's new "Best People" ad featuring ex-Trump appointees
Fri, September 06, 2024
Live from Dallas
Before a packed house in D-Town, Tim Miller and Adam Kinzinger covered it all, from Trump's incoherent muttering about childcare to his graveside camera-mugging. Plus big boos for Cruz, advice for Colin Allred, and should Kinzinger run for Congress from Texas? Our first of two live shows from the Lone Star State.
Thu, September 05, 2024
David Frum: Villains and Monsters
After the decade we've been living through, we will remember the people like Liz Cheney, who have made the choices that really matter. Meanwhile, will the MAGA influencers who say they were unwitting Russian propagandists give their millions back? Plus, Tucker's praise and promotion of Holocaust denialism, Vance's pathological feelings about women, and the continuing tragedy of guns everywhere in America. David Frum joins Tim Miller. show notes: Frum's recent piece on the Gaza protesters
Wed, September 04, 2024
Neera Tanden and Heidi Heitkamp: Trump Playing the Media, Again
The media still haven't figured out how to cover Trump, so they don't scrutinize even his most shocking statements—like when he claimed he had the right to interfere in the '20 election. Plus, Kamala's strong Indian mom, the Dems' improved response to sexist and racist attacks, winning rural voters, Mark Robinson's porn habits, and how it looks in Trump country. Neera Tanden and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp join Tim Miller. show notes: Heitkamp's One Country Project Heitkamp's "Hot Dish" podcast
Tue, September 03, 2024
Brian Schatz and Mona Charen: Democrats Don't Trust Happiness
Kamala is showing that she's good at politics by uniting the party's coalition and making appeals to the center. But many Democrats can't help themselves and are just waiting for all hell to break loose. Plus, building affordable homes, conserving the republic vs. preserving conservative policies—and Walz, the everyman. Sen. Brian Schatz and Mona Charen join Tim Miller. show notes: Mona's piece, "What Are We Conserving?" Pat Toomey on CNBC today
Mon, September 02, 2024
Bill Kristol: Stay on Offense
Kamala looks to have a very narrow lead in the polls, but she needs to do more to drive Trump down—a good target would be his announcement that he's voting against protecting abortion rights in Florida. Plus, his sudden concern for Pence and Vance's copious podcast blathering. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for a special Labor Day pod. show notes: USA Today piece about Will Selber Hersh Goldberg-Polin's childhood bedroom with art about Jerusalem
Fri, August 30, 2024
Margaret Hoover: Kamala, the Real Apprentice
Harris has been watching and learning about the ways of Washington, and she keeps sticking the landing like a gymnast. Meanwhile, Trump is desperately trying to unring the bell on abortion. Plus, what is his plan to delegitimize the election this time? PBS' Margaret Hoover joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod. show notes: Margaret's Firing Line special, "Counting the Vote" on your local PBS station Margaret's Firing Line documentary on YouTube Tim's playlist John Avlon's congressional campaign website
Thu, August 29, 2024
Adam Kinzinger: Trump Is Q
Policy differences pale in comparison to maintaining self-governance and restoring sanity in the country—high time for the anti-Trumpers to endorse the candidate who's not posting crap like a 17-year-old in his parents' basement. Plus, the Arlington incident, jealous Megyn Kelly, and why Russia is freaking out about the Telegram-related arrest. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller. show notes: Will Selber on the Arlington episode and Section 60 Tickets for The Bulwark LIVE next week in Dallas
Wed, August 28, 2024
D.L. Hughley: Kamala Is the Main Character
The pundit class keeps talking about how Trump hasn't figured out how to respond to Kamala—but she already knows how to deal with him. And the man who's used to controlling the narrative finds himself on the sidelines. Plus, maximizing the efficiency of Kamala's digital campaign over the next 10 weeks. D.L. Hughley and Teddy Goff join Tim Miller. show notes: D.L.'s radio show, streaming D.L.'s radio show, terrestrial options
Tue, August 27, 2024
Mark Leibovich: The Democrats' Rumor Mill
Rumors have surfaced about Joe feeling sad and resentful about the re-energized party. At the same time, Kamala seems happy to share the limelight with party stars, like Pete Buttigieg. And over at Mar-a-Lago land, the flat-footed Trump campaign still doesn't know how to respond to the change in the Dem ticket. Plus, the mysterious and sketchy way Trump is allocating campaign contributions. Mark Leibovich and Juleanna Glover join Tim Miller. show notes: Mark's piece on the Buttigieg Bubble Elaina Plott Calabro's piece on Kash Patel Juleanna's essay for The New York Times on Trump's expenditures The "YIMBYs for Harris" event Tim is part of The Apple playlist link for Bulwark Pod music Tim's Spotify list
Mon, August 26, 2024
Bill Kristol: Do Something
Some of the people best suited to make the case against Trump are the jilted Cabinet members and others who worked with him—doing the right thing is never the wrong thing. Plus, McMaster's preposterous spin, appreciating the words Kamala didn't say in her speech, making Trump own RFK, Jr.'s antivax views, and the gamesmanship over the debates. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: Adam Kinzinger on speaking at the Democratic convention Tim on the big fish anti-Trumpers who should endorse Kamala already Bill on the key line in Kamala's speech
Fri, August 23, 2024
A.B. Stoddard: Only in America
Kamala delivered a real work of art—a perfect American story filled with love of country, democracy, family, and the pursuit of big dreams. She also spoke to the center of the electorate, and conveyed a strength to take on the bullies and protect the nation, all with a feminine touch. Meanwhile, the sitting black VP has positioned herself as the challenger against an incumbent Trump, infuriating him in the process. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Elaina Plott Calabro interview about Kamala that Tim referenced Tim's playlist
Thu, August 22, 2024
Al Franken: Mind Your Own Damn Business
The former senator from Minnesota recounts his early fandom for Tim Walz and how he won an unlikely congressional race in 2006. Plus, Kamala finding her footing, the cowardly Republicans who are shying away from endorsing her, a floundering Trump, and Franken's 70s-era comedy. Al Franken joins Tim Miller. show notes: The 1976 SNL episode featuring Al and Elliott Gould's skit; costs $1.99 to watch
Wed, August 21, 2024
Jon Favreau: Understanding the Assignment
Michelle Obama killed it last night, and did the job that every speaker at the Democratic convention should be doing: persuading the undecided to vote for Kamala. Plus, the inside scoop on her husband's big (... er small) moment, making sure young men know about the toxic crap in Project 2025, and embracing America's great, big, beautiful pluralism. Jon Favreau joins Tim Miller. show notes: That big ( ... er small) moment Jon's book
Tue, August 20, 2024
Beto O'Rourke: Air of Authenticity
Kamala's genuine smile and Walz's empathetic version of manhood is coming through loud and clear—and may explain the joy that is coursing through the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Vance remains a popularity sinkhole. Plus, the prospects for Texas ever turning blue, Cancun Cruz, Latino voters, getting the young to the polls, and staying in to fight the good fight. Beto O'Rourke joins Tim Miller. show notes: Beto's Texas voter registration group, "Powered by People" Beto wrote about visiting Ulysses, Kansas in 2018
Mon, August 19, 2024
Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss: It's Showtime
Kamala's first month as a presidential candidate before the Democratic convention has gone exceedingly well—she's been controlling the narrative, infuriating people like Ben Shapiro, and Trump can't get her pretty face out of his head. Meanwhile, Putin talks a big game, but Ukraine has surprised everyone with its incursion into Russia. Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller. show notes: Dan Pfeiffer piece Tim mentioned A.B.'s piece Tim referenced Michael's stories at The Insider WSJ story referenced by Michael (for Journal subscribers)
Fri, August 16, 2024
Brian Beutler: Vibe Shift
Swapping out Biden for Kamala has been such a big mood boost that consumer confidence among Dems and independents is suddenly surging. Meanwhile, Trump keeps having Potemkin press conferences as a ploy to reclaim the narrative. Plus, Bond-style villains have made hating Project 2025 so easy, and the 'suckers and losers' guy again shows that he doesn't respect the troops. Brian Beutler joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Brian's piece on mass psychology Tim's playlist
Thu, August 15, 2024
Dean Phillips and Mikie Sherrill: The Right Call
Two Democratic members of Congress who called on Biden to pass the torch join Tim Miller today. Both Rep. Dean Phillips and Rep. Mikie Sherrill said it was voters who told them they wanted the party to turn the page. Plus, more Tim Walz insights, and Vance's odd obsession with how females use their bodies throughout their lives.
Wed, August 14, 2024
Brian Tyler Cohen and Carol Leonnig: Go Inside the Bubble
The anti-MAGA world should keep going on right-wing media platforms, and maybe embarrass their hosts in the process—like Buttigieg on Fox, and Tim on Tomi Lahren's show. Plus, the direct line between Secret Service failures in Butler, PA and the Dallas book depository. And will the FBI ever be able to confirm if Trump took a $10 million bribe from Egypt? Brian Tyler Cohen and Carol Leonnig join Tim Miller. show notes: Brian's new book, "Shameless: Republicans' Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy" Carol's reporting on the $10 mil cash withdrawal from Egypt Carol's book on the Secret Service, "Zero Fail" 8 Times Tim SCHOOLED Right-Wing Tomi Lahren on Her Own Show! Will Selber's piece on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims John Kerry campaign vets on how to respond to the Walz swiftboating Will Selber and Ben Parker video on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims
Tue, August 13, 2024
Amanda Carpenter: Trump's Traumatic Month
Trump may be holed up at Mar-a-Lago because he's afraid of another attempt on his life. Meanwhile, he keeps trying to take away Kamala's identity. Plus, the stunningly different way the media is handling hacked campaign docs in 2024, the threat from rando county clerks who may try to block the electoral vote count, and more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller. show notes: A.B.'s piece on Republican election officials refusing to certify a Harris win Tim's 2021 story on voting machine tampering coming from inside the MAGA house Tweet thread on Florida's smooth election process
Mon, August 12, 2024
Bill Kristol and Christopher Cadelago: Increasingly Unhinged
Biden's departure from the race has put Trump in a real funk. He's in denial about Kamala's crowds, he's publicly pining the loss of his preferred rival, and he's doubling down on his helicopter story—and conflating two different black CA politicians in the process. Plus, filling in the gaps in Kamala's inner circle. Bill Kristol and Chris Cadelago join Tim Miller. show notes: Cadelago's story on the other black politician who was in a helicopter with Trump that almost crashed Cadelago's story on Kamala's 2020 staffing Cadalago's story on tensions withing Kamala's campaign staff
Fri, August 09, 2024
Nate Silver: Underdog Story
Kamala is now the star of a story involving a woman called into duty at a moment of crisis with a sitcom dad as a running mate—and Trump can see the danger. Nate Silver joins Tim Miller to explain what his polling model is showing. Plus, the survivorship bias of Elon-world risk takers, and good, old gambling tips. Your weekend pod. show notes: Nate's new book, "On the Edge The Art of Risking Everything," out Tuesday Tim making the "conservative case" for Kamala Tim's playlist
Thu, August 08, 2024
Adam Kinzinger: MAGA Hates America
Trump and his supporters don't like America as it currently exists, and their veep pick JD Vance is like the U.S.-hating Code Pink, but in a suit. Meanwhile, the Democrats have seized the patriotism mantle, à la the Republicans of the 80s. Plus, the sick, unhinged, and inaccurate attack on Tim Walz after his 24 years of service in the National Guard. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller. show notes: Kinzinger on the swiftboating of Walz Kamala clapping back against some Gaza protesters on Wednesday
Wed, August 07, 2024
Peter Callaghan and Isaac Stanley-Becker: Veep Peeks
Tim talks to a local Minnesota reporter to get the low-down on Tim Walz's recent political history, including where he falls on the progressive-to-moderate spectrum—as well as his weak spots from his tenure as governor, like the 2020 riots in Minneapolis. Plus, JD Vance, as a senator, has been texting with a Holocaust-denying far-right fringe character, but won't take calls from high-ranking Ukrainian officials. MinnPost's Peter Callaghan and the Washington Post's Isaac Stanley-Becker join Tim Miller. show notes: Peter's story on how Walz beat the odds to become the VP pick Isaac's story on Vance's texts with Charles Johnson Tim's book, "Why We Did It"
Tue, August 06, 2024
Adam Schiff and Michael Steele: A Stabilizing Force
Tim Walz is a great foil for Kamala's West Coast vibe: He looks like he'll fix your car, then grab an Arby's sandwich before he goes duck hunting. And he's a perfect contrast to JD Vance, the callus-free faux hillbilly who went to Yale. Michael Steele weighs in on the veep pick. Then Rep. Adam Schiff joins Tim Miller to discuss decision to call on Biden to step aside, and "The Biggest Loser: Donald Trump."
Mon, August 05, 2024
Bill Kristol: Kama-Momentum
Recent polls are showing some pretty significant movement to Harris, and she hasn't even had to play defense yet—though at some point she's going to. Meanwhile, Trump and Vance have had a strategically disastrous three weeks. Plus, RFK, Jr and the poor dead bear cub, the stock market sell-off, and Peter Thiel's lack of appreciation for how he has benefited from liberalism. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: Joe Weisenthal on the stock market sell-off The bear cub and RFK, Jr.
Fri, August 02, 2024
George Conway: Crazy in a Bad Way
Donald Trump checks all the boxes of a person with narcissistic personality disorder, but the mainstream press goes out of its way not to cover his apparent pathologies—and ends up normalizing them. George Conway wants to change the media narrative to stop the guy who only cares about himself from getting back in the Oval Office. Conway joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: George's Anti-Psychopath PAC Rolling Stone piece by Alex Morris that George references Post story on whether Trump took a $10 million payout from Egypt Tim's playlist
Thu, August 01, 2024
Dan Pfeiffer: A Scared and Seething Trump
We are witnessing a man who thought he was cruising to a landslide who's now afraid he doesn't know how to talk about Kamala—or how to beat her. Plus, he's also worried about that prison issue. At the same time, the election has quickly shifted from a referendum on Joe Biden to one about the future vs. the past. Dan Pfeiffer joins Tim Miller today. show notes: Dan's Message Box newsletter
Wed, July 31, 2024
Fred Trump and Will Saletan: An Alpha Emerges
Sure sounds like kind words and affection were in short supply in the Trump household in Queens. Perhaps if Donald had been hugged a little more, America would have been spared a lot of trouble—and Trump wouldn't have told his nephew that he wanted his disabled son to die. Meanwhile, Kamala and her team feel like they're in to win it: She's tacking to the center on the border, needling Trump, and projecting strength. Fred Trump and Will Saletan join Tim Miller. show notes: Fred's book, “All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way" Will's recent piece on Trump's threats Will's video take on Trump's threats Tim's playlist
Tue, July 30, 2024
Tom Nichols: Drama Queens About Everything
Republican men used to be stoic and quiet technocrats, but now they're screechy and freaky. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has a whole crop of strong, silent types to choose from as a running mate. Plus, a shout-out to Charlie Sykes, movies Tim hasn't seen, and can we quit the identity-oriented Zooms for Kamala? Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. show notes: Tom's piece on the manliness flip-flop Tom's piece on Biden stepping aside Charlie on how Never Trumpers really mean never Trump's 400 kids remark
Mon, July 29, 2024
Bill Kristol: Weird and Extreme
Democrats are leaning into the 'Republicans are weird and creepy' talking point—a strategy Tim has long advocated for. JD Vance is Exhibit A for this kind of profile, which explains the rumors about Trump possibly replacing him on the ticket. Meanwhile, Kamala may have whittled down her veep choices to Shapiro, Kelly, and Walz. Plus, if anyone is going to turn the US into Venezuela, it's Trump, the insurrectionist. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
Fri, July 26, 2024
Jennifer Palmieri: The Making of the First Woman President
Women candidates get asked different questions than male candidates—that's just a fact. Kamala has a whole team around her ready to handle queries about her ambition and the racist and sexist attacks. But this 100-day sprint also gives Kamala an advantage: an opportunity to show that she is the tougher, stronger, and more prepared leader. Jennifer Palmieri joins Tim Miller. show notes: Jennifer's book, “She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World.” Jennifer's book, "Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World" Bulwark piece on former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern Tim's playlist
Thu, July 25, 2024
A.B. Stoddard: Focus Only on Winning
Nancy Pelosi has amassed power through persuasion, and she had the nerve to push a sitting president off the ticket because she prioritized victory. Meanwhile, Kamala's veep pick is key to extending the new generation message—and wouldn't choosing Josh Shapiro be a good way to show she's not on the side of the flag-burning Hamasniks? Plus, mixed emotions for Joe Biden, and jealous Trump is back to being a total d**k. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller. show notes: A.B.'s piece on Pelosi
Wed, July 24, 2024
Rick Perlstein: The Alternative Is Apocalyptic
The modern conservative movement has a built-in ratcheting-up mechanism, so that even when Republicans win, they act like they're losing and the country is on the verge of collapse. Even Democrats long for the days of responsible, Main Street conservatives. But today's GOP is racing headlong into authoritarianism, and the fever is not going to break until we defeat it. Rick Perlstein joins Tim Miller. show notes: Rick on Project 2025 Rick on abortion Rick on the "authoritarian ratchet"
Tue, July 23, 2024
Sam Stein and Ron Brownstein: Now We're Talking
We may have been conditioned to just accept candidates who share their meandering thoughts or end sentences with 'anyway.' But Kamala Harris is delivering a big upgrade, and showing how a good political speech gets done. Meanwhile, what would Kamala's winning coalition—and her path to 270—look like? Plus, Trump may be having some buyer's remorse over JD Vance. Ron Brownstein and Sam Stein join Tim Miller. show notes: Ron's piece on Kamala's path to 270 Sam's piece on how the Dems got their shit together Ron's book, "Rock Me on the Water"
Mon, July 22, 2024
James Carville: Kamala-Gras
It's now the Kamala Harris parade, and James Carville has grabbed his whistle and baton for the march. The veteran strategist shares some campaign advice for the vice president and argues her 2020 message will play better in 2024—she's already being turned into a brat summer* icon. Meanwhile, Trump and Republicans may have been prematurely cocky. Tim Miller's pod today. show notes *The run-down on brat summer USA Today piece on brat summer, published before Biden dropped out of race The Charli XCX Trend, Explained Tim Alberta piece that Tim referenced
Sun, July 21, 2024
Bill Kristol: Biden Drops Out of Race
After banging the drum for quite a while, Bill Kristol and Tim Miller got their wish, and the political world is scrambling for the 106-day sprint to the election— with Trump now officially the oldest presidential nominee in history. Is it Kamala time? What about the possible VP options? Tim's special weekend pod. show notes: https://x.com/brianbeutler/status/1814517879309553898?s=46
Fri, July 19, 2024
S.E. Cupp: Grieving the Insanity
Republicans wanted a 'do no harm' convention, but it was too corporate and lacked any joie de vivre. And then they ended the affair with grievance, fasci Tucker, and 96 minutes of weird incoherence from Trump. Meanwhile, AOC gives a peak behind the scenes of what's going on with Democrats trying to push Biden out. S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Savannah Chrisley talking about her imprisoned parents at the RNC Tim's playlist
Thu, July 18, 2024
Adam Kinzinger: Everything Is on the Line
Republicans are tamping down the crazy and the weird at the convention—like no election fraud, no abortion ban talk, and no vaccines—to present their dangerous agenda in a non-threatening way. Meanwhile, why can a 20-year-old buy 50 rounds of ammunition, but not a White Claw or a pack of cigarettes? Plus, we introduce a new Kamala-themed segment: The Coconut Meter. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller. show notes NY Times analysis of Saturday's shooting
Wed, July 17, 2024
Jeff Sharlet and Joe Perticone: The Confidence of a Bully
Trump's shark/electrocution anecdote was not a sign of deterioration. Trump is actually getting better at communicating a solid message in a carnivalesque atmosphere—and he's reaching people outside of MAGA. Plus, when Republicans talk about a message of unity, they are referring to the party, not the country. Jeff Sharlet joins Tim Miller from New Hampshire, while Joe Perticone checks in from Milwaukee. show notes: The Andy Kroll piece about J.D. Vance that Jeff mentioned Joe's Press Pass dispatch from the convention on Tuesday We’re heading to Dallas on September 5 for An Evening with The Bulwark . For more information and tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events .
Tue, July 16, 2024
Alyssa Farah Griffin: National Unity Is Not Where the GOP Is
J.D. Vance is an incredibly polarizing figure, and his addition to the ticket signals a complete realignment of the Republican Party. Plus, he gave the single-worst response to the assassination attempt on Trump. Meanwhile, democracy is a team sport, and Democrats are playing a dangerous game. Alyssa Farah Griffin joins Tim Miller. show notes: Full speech from Mark Robinson, GOP gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina
Mon, July 15, 2024
Bill Kristol: Not Resigned to a Trump Presidency
We begin with a rejection of the fatalist rhetoric from the left. It may be an uphill battle, but the pro-democracy forces have to keep our morale up and be creative. Also the debate around political rhetoric after the assassination attempt is way out ahead of the facts and needs some context. Plus, the Republican convention, Aileen Cannon’s ludicrous dismissal, Axios’ credulous report on Trump’s new tone, and the VP pick. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: The 2019 piece Tim referenced
Sun, July 14, 2024
Sam Stein: Violence Is Not the Answer
In this bonus episode following the assassination attempt on Trump, The Bulwark's managing editor Sam Stein joins Tim Miller to discuss the precarious moment we are in, how to dial back the temperature, and how both parties should respond to the violence. show notes: Bill Maher on the shooting Rep. Andy Kim's response to the shooting
Fri, July 12, 2024
Amanda Carpenter: A Life or Death Bet
Not having dementia is not enough to change the dynamic. Biden needs a proactive message against Trump. Meanwhile, you don't have to play 'Connect the Dots' to see the overlap between Project 2025 and Trump—and members of the media claiming he has a 'new tone' are like frogs in boiling water. Plus, more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter is back with Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Tim's playlist The Authoritarian Playbook for 2025
Thu, July 11, 2024
David French: Trump Tries To Run Away from the Christian Nationalists
Inviting "populist slut hero" Amber Rose to speak at the Republican convention and adjusting the platform on abortion—Trump is trying to distance himself from MAGA's Christian fundamentalist ranks. Meanwhile, the Christian Nationalist project to turn the constitutional clock back 70 years continues apace. Plus, the effort to get Biden to leave the ticket is not a conspiracy—but the sign of a working party. David French joins Tim Miller. show notes David's recent column on the Supreme Court
Wed, July 10, 2024
Ezra Klein: A Path to Defeat
Top Democrats say they don't see a way for Biden to win, and some are resigning themselves to being the resistance against Trump, despite the threat he poses to our democracy. Batten down the hatches—this interview is a tough listen. Ezra Klein joins Tim Miller. show notes Ezra's piece from February Ezra's book recommendation, "Health and Safety: A Breakdown"
Tue, July 09, 2024
Bakari Sellers and Elaina Plott Calabro: The Case for Riding with Biden
This is not a moment for a politician's origin story or soaring oratory. Some think that means dancing with the one that brung ya. But maybe it’s a moment for someone who could prosecute the case against Donald Trump—making it a perfect time to reintroduce Kamala Harris to voters. Elaina Plott Calabro and Bakari Sellers join Tim Miller. show notes Elaina's story, "The White House’s Kamala Harris Blunder"
Mon, July 08, 2024
Bill Kristol: The Joe Biden Survival Plan
It would have been nice if Biden had gone on Morning Joe the day after the debate instead of waiting 11 days. But he still is not providing a forward-looking message or explaining why he's the one to beat Trump. Meanwhile, Kamala is showing what an aggressive, proactive campaign looks like. Plus, Project 2025 moves into the spotlight, and the good news for democracy coming from overseas.
Fri, July 05, 2024
Annie Lowrey: The Worst Best Economy
Housing prices, the cost of insurance, and sticker shock at the supermarket are still stressing Americans out even while the economy is booming. Annie Lowrey joins Tim Miller to discuss the limited housing stock, the economic benefits of immigrant labor, and shrinking income inequality. Plus, the media does shape opinion, but Joe Biden's oldness is self-evident. show notes: Annie's piece on the worst best economy Annie's book on universal basic income, "Give People Money" Annie's piece on inflation
Thu, July 04, 2024
Clint Smith: A Reckoning with History
Author, poet, and native New Orleanian Clint Smith grew up in the city that was the heart of the domestic slave trade, but realized his understanding of the history within himself and his country was inadequate. So he set out to write the type of book he should have had in high school. On this Independence Day, we pulled a special selection from the Tim Miller Bulwark archive. Plus, love for the Crescent City, and dads getting too much credit for pulling their weight. show notes Clint's book, "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America" Clint's book of poetry, "Above Ground" Clint's "The Man Who Became Uncle Tom" Tim's 4th of July playlist Jefferson's letter
Wed, July 03, 2024
Jon Lovett: Unprecedented Times
The quiet coming from the White House sure suggests that the people around the president don't think Joe at his best can overcome Joe at his worst. Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller to discuss all the possible options as the world waits for Biden to say what he's going to do.
Tue, July 02, 2024
Ben Wittes and Steven Shepard: He Is Still a Criminal
No matter how much the Supreme Court pretends that the words 'high crimes and misdemeanors' are not explicitly in the Constitution, Donald Trump is still a disqualified law-breaker and is exactly the kind of guy the Founding Fathers warned us about. Character is now the only real check on presidential power. Plus, if push comes to shove, what are the basic rules that govern a change at the top of the ticket? Ben Wittes and Steven Shepard join Tim Miller.
Mon, July 01, 2024
Tom Nichols: Political Malpractice
All Americans who love this country and hate Donald Trump deserve answers about Thursday's abysmal performance—and how we are going to move forward. And do not answer our doubts about Biden and his staff with a MAGA-style blaming-the-press bit. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recklessly assists Trump yet again, and Bannon goes to the big house. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. show notes: Mika Brzezinski on Joe Biden
Fri, June 28, 2024
Sarah Longwell, Jonathan V. Last, and Jonathan Martin: A Disaster
The Secret Pod makes an emergency appearance to work through last night's terrible performance by Biden and to urge the Democratic Party to do the responsible thing in this moment. And Jonathan Martin discusses the strategy behind Biden's failed gamble and whether sitting Democrats would actually publicly push the president to leave the ticket. Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Martin join Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Claire McCaskill on Biden's performance David Frum on the debate Tim's playlist
Thu, June 27, 2024
Kate Bedingfield and Marc Caputo: Debate Day
Former White House comms director Kate Bedingfield serves up some keen insights into Poppa Joe—he is a night person, he regularly seeks out Jill's opinion, and he is a calming influence. And he's probably not as anxious as Tim Miller is about tonight's debate. Meanwhile, Marc Caputo reports from Magaville on Trump's posturing that he is definitely, absolutely not at all prepping for the debate. Your pre-fight night comfort food to calm the jitters. show notes: Kevin Williamson piece Tim mentioned
Wed, June 26, 2024
Stuart Stevens: I think Joe Biden Has Been A Great President
So many of the people who worked around POTUS 44 think no one will ever be as good as Obama, but Stuart Stevens argues that Democrats need to make the case that Joe Biden is a great president. Meanwhile, Dems on Tuesday showed they are the one party holding their crazy people to account. Plus, Vance is too smart to be Trump's VP pick, more Republicans need to follow Kinzinger's example, and Ole Miss, college sports and civil rights. Tim Miller's show today. show notes: Stuart's latest book, "The Conspiracy to End America" Stuart's book, "The Last Season: A Father, a Son, and a Lifetime of College Football" Wright Thompson's piece on Ole Miss in 1962 Stuart's piece on calling Biden a great president
Tue, June 25, 2024
Symone Sanders-Townsend: Don't Say We Didn't Warn You
Project 2025 sounds mundane, but it would institutionalize Trumpism, eliminate the Department of Education, mass deport 11 million people, and turn the Department of Health and Human Services into the Department of "Life." Plus, more from the mailbag, and Biden finding the sweet spot between Uncle Joe and punching Trump in the face. Symone Sanders-Townsend joins Tim Miller. show notes: Symone's interview on Project 2025 MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024 event in September Tim's Mount Rushmore of political books: "What It Takes: The Way to the White House" "Losers," by Michael Lewis "Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail '72" Harry McPherson's "A Political Education"
Mon, June 24, 2024
Jared Polis and Bill Kristol: Live from Denver
Gov. Jared Polis says Biden should focus on what he'll do for the American people in his campaign, rather than getting caught up in the crazy of Trump. Plus, guns, weed, the value of talking across party lines, and how Colorado is trying to avoid California's housing and growth problems. Tim Miller was live with Polis on Friday. And Bill Kristol joined Monday to discuss Trump's penchant for lying and to preview Tuesday's primaries.
Fri, June 21, 2024
Jane Coaston: He's So Not a Badass
Trump is not drawing support from black voters because of his criminality—that's just MAGA's bigotry of low expectations. Meanwhile, he's now promising a green card to every foreign Harvard grad to please tech bro donors. Plus, the attempt to create a race war over Caitlin Clark, the annoying liberals on the coasts are creating MAGA reactionaries, and more from the mailbag. Jane Coaston joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Reid Hoffman's reply to David Sacks Tim interviews Reid Hoffman Tim's playlist
Thu, June 20, 2024
Adam Kinzinger: Bat**** Crazy
Felon 45 didn't even really like being president and no one is taking his ludicrous tariff plan seriously—but Republicans can't stop tripping over each other to show him their fealty. Plus, Putin's desperate trip to North Korea, Netanyahu shows his ingratitude to Biden, the national debt keeps growing, and Trump's fond memories for his glory days on The Apprentice.
Wed, June 19, 2024
George Packer: Phoenix, the Most American City
Phoenix is a microcosm of the big issues in the election and the country generally, including political extremism, climate change, and the border. But when it comes to the state's water crisis, Arizonians are showing signs of sanity—by accepting facts and downplaying partisanship. Could the city be a guide for America's future? George Packer joins Tim Miller. show notes: George's piece on Phoenix George's 2019 piece on his son's education
Tue, June 18, 2024
Lauren Windsor and Ben Wittes: A Deep Rot
Justice Alito and his wife seem to have some pretty deep and dark feelings about the people they dislike. Tim Miller also asks Lauren Windsor about the ethics of her undercover recordings. Plus, Ben Wittes shares his predictions for a presidential immunity ruling, his praise for Amy Coney Barrett's handing of the case, and his observations about the criminals Trump unapologetically hangs out with. show notes: Justice Alito's 2022 Notre Dame speech Lawfare's piece on a presidential self-pardon
Mon, June 17, 2024
Will Saletan: Nonstop Shamelessness
Trump visited an African American church in Detroit and the pews were filled with white people; Republicans keep flooding social media with cropped videos to smear Biden; and foreign policy hawks, like Tom Cotton, now say we should be standing up to our allies, not Putin. MAGA land can't quit its shamelessness. Will Saletan joins Tim Miller, who is back from vacation. show notes: Detroit reporter shared images from Trump's Black church event
Thu, June 13, 2024
Jonathan V. Last and Ben Raderstorf: Retribution Agenda
Republicans had a tête-à-tête with Trump to remind him how, if he wins, he should extend the tax cuts before he gets tied up with punishing all his enemies. Meanwhile, should Biden suggest extending the tax cuts so CEOs can end their flirtation with authoritarianism? Plus, the value of 'agreeing to disagree' in the pro-democracy coalition. JVL and Protect Democracy's Ben Raderstorf join guest host Amanda Carpenter. show notes: Protect Democracy's "If you can keep it" newsletter JVL's newsletter piece on Truth Social JVL's newsletter piece on the Epoch Times
Wed, June 12, 2024
Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer: The Inside Story of the Fall of Roe
A coalition of Christian lawyers, activists, and politicians methodically and secretly took down Roe, and in the process, outsmarted Democrats who believed they had permanently won on the issue of abortion. And the end of Roe v Wade is just the beginning of an effort to roll back the sexual revolution. Lisa Lerer and Elizabeth Dias join guest host A.B. Stoddard today. show notes: Elizabeth's and Lisa's book, "The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America"
Tue, June 11, 2024
Jennifer Senior: Secrets and Lies
Pulitzer-Prize winning Jen Senior joins Tim Miller for a free-form conversation about jail-bound, faux martyr Steve Bannon, the debilitating reality of living with long Covid, unearthing a family trauma, and how Americans with differing political persuasions can find their way to back to each other. show notes: Jen's story on her Aunt Adele Jen's "On Grief," originally published as the Pulitzer-winning, "What Bobby McIlvane Left Behind."
Mon, June 10, 2024
Bill Kristol: Tuberville's Policy Is the Same as Trump's
Tommy Tuberville's know-nothing appeasement of Putin lines up exactly with where the ex-POTUS is—Biden should be making Trumpworld squirm over that fact. Plus, the antisemitic white nationalists who could be back at the White House next year, the far-right's momentum in Europe, and the curious case of why Trump would be reluctant to release the Epstein file. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
Fri, June 07, 2024
Mike Madrid: The Latino Century
Young Latinos are a giant emerging voter bloc with populist leanings—who also favor tougher border security. If Trump was to win reelection, it would ironically be because these voters put him over the top. How can Democrats reach them? Mike Madrid joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. Plus, in a mega-mailbag segment, Tim gets personal and shares the story of his daughter's adoption. show notes: Mike's new book, "The Latino Century" Tim's playlist
Thu, June 06, 2024
Adam Kinzinger: The New Axis Power Alliance
This D-Day is a good reminder that the growing nationalist movement across the globe aims to undermine the alliance between free and democratic countries. Meanwhile, Trump gets two stooges on the House Intelligence Committee who will have access to top national defense secrets. Plus, his New York conviction is the Big Lie 2.0, and Biden's executive order on immigration. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller. show notes: Piece on Jared's anti-NATO memorial The Allahpundit piece Tim mentioned New Republic story on Tucker and Erik Prince Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Wed, June 05, 2024
Will Saletan and McKay Coppins: Fear and Loathing
Trump and MAGA, with all their banana republic claims, are not being America First—they're being anti-American, and renouncing the country they live in. Meanwhile, the WSJ goes dog bites man on Biden, Europeans are fixated on our election and terrified Trump will win, and the GOP's new Hunter-inspired concern about enforcing gun laws. Plus, will Mitt endorse Joe? McKay Coppins and Will Saletan join Tim Miller. show notes: McKay's piece, "What Europe Fears" JVL's response to Romney Clip from Seinfeld's first Izzy Mandelbaum episode
Tue, June 04, 2024
Ritchie Torres and Ben Smith: Pride and Priors
Rep. Ritchie Torres joins Tim Miller to discuss how to win working-class voters, his Dickensian upbringing, and Israel under the microscope of 24-hour news. Plus, mental health, Pride, and Trump as the GOP's new lord and savior. Then, Ben Smith talks about Americans fragmenting the media universe, and the Epoch Times grift. show notes: Torres talking about being a Zionist after being heckled New Yorker piece on Guo Wengui that Ben mentioned
Mon, June 03, 2024
Bill Kristol: Rally Around the Flag
This is a good moment for Biden to proudly raise the flag right-side up, and share his love of America—even as his Justice Department's prosecution of Hunter gets underway. Meanwhile, the extremism from the country-in-distress crowd continues to be over-the-top, including Felon 45 emboldening vigilante groups to act on his behalf. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: ABC News video of WWII vets arriving in France Other footage of US vets at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport Vets arriving in Normandy James Carville on Bill Kristol's pod
Fri, May 31, 2024
Ben Wittes and Ron Filipkowski: Guilty!
Donald Trump collaborated with a slimy crew to break the law, and it may have swung the 2016 election. Russia's election interference was troubling—and so is the National Enquirer's. And the deranged response from MAGA goons to his conviction only shows how much Trumpworld operates like an organized crime syndicate. Ben Wittes and Ron Filipkowski join Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Tim's interview with Ron on The Next Level Tim's playlist Tim's special GUILTY! playlist
Thu, May 30, 2024
Derek Thompson: Negativity Bias
America is currently stuck in a negativity vibe, and it's shaping the media we consume, impacting how we look at the economy, and contributing to the anxiety of our teens. Can we fairly blame it all on Donald Trump? Plus, the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama and the age of the do-it-all center in the NBA. Derek Thompson joins Tim Miller. Show Notes: https://blueprint2024.com/analysis/optimism-pessism-youth-poll/
Wed, May 29, 2024
David Frum: Complete Chaos
If Trump were to win, his plans to sabotage the Justice Department and consolidate power would plunge the country into chaos: Our government would be disabled, Americans would pour into the streets, and our enemies would be very happy. Plus, Alito is not being on the level, and a helpful primer on Mexico's election this weekend. show notes: Press Advance podcast episode when Tim was a guest
Tue, May 28, 2024
John Heilemann: Piss and Vinegar
If persuadable voters are going to back an octogenarian, they are going to need to see less caution—and more piss and vinegar from Biden to combat Trump's "me strong, you weak" schtick. Meanwhile, TFG and RFK, Jr face-planted at the Libertarian convention, James Carville's advice for the Dems, and a tribute to an American original, Bill Walton. show notes: Biden in 2020 calling a voter fat, and a "damn liar" Biden's address at West Point Heilemann's Puck newsletter
Fri, May 24, 2024
Sarah Longwell and A.B. Stoddard: Won't Get Fooled Again
First off, Nikki, you're canceled. And while Trump's out on bail flaunting his partnership with Putin and showcasing two men charged with murder, too many members of the media are covering 2024 like it's a normal campaign. Plus, Ted Cruz gets owned, Alito has too many flags, and Dems keep sending progressive DAs packing. show notes: Kaitlin Colllins' full exchange with Cruz on accepting election results Tim's interview with SF DA Brooke Jenkins Tim's playlist
Thu, May 23, 2024
Jasmine Crockett: Nikki Haley and B6
Rep. Jasmine Crockett joins Tim Miller to talk about the origins of "bleach blond bad built butch body," what it's like to work with a House GOP that spends most of its time on pro-Trump messaging instead of serving the public, and African American voters in 2024. Plus, Tim's thoughts on Nikki Haley.
Wed, May 22, 2024
James Comey and Ben Wittes: A Demagogue Our Founders Feared
Former FBI Director James Comey joins Tim Miller to discuss the choices he made in 2016, the DOJ's self-sabotaging avoidance of the media, and how to maintain your integrity and principles in the face of a lying, lawless bastard. Plus, Ben Wittes in New York updates the status of the Trump trial, and praises the fairness of Judge Merchan. show notes: Comey's new crime novel Ben on Judge Merchan
Tue, May 21, 2024
Rick Wilson: The Reich Stuff
The "unified Reich" reference was no accident: Trump is aiming to both fire up the base and court public controversy. Meanwhile, Giuliani is hawking sedition coffee, Marco Rubio is auditioning for secretary of state, and the UN had a dumbass reaction to the Iranian president's death. Rick Wilson joins Tim Miller today. show notes: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-killing-of-roger-fortson
Mon, May 20, 2024
Tom Nichols: The Cult Around the Sad Boy from Queens
Trump has embraced the culture war on guns and abortion, but he is somehow being painted as a moderate again. Meanwhile, Giuliani and Abbott served up fresh reminders that MAGA thinks law and order doesn't apply to them. And today's authoritarians aren't anti-elite—it's just that the wrong elites are in charge. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. show notes: Tom's piece about Carla, the cat
Fri, May 17, 2024
Anne Applebaum: A New Propaganda War
Russia, China, and their authoritarian allies are working overtime to poison the idea of democracy everywhere in the world. It's a theme so heartily embraced by MAGA, their messaging is often the same. Plus, coup sympathizer Samuel Alito, Ukraine's high-tech gains and low-tech losses, and our risk of being outflanked by foreign influence in 2024. Join Tim, Sarah JVL in Denver June 21. Gov Jared Polis is our guest. Tickets at TheBulwark.com/events . show notes: Anne's Atlantic cover story Anne's forthcoming book, "Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who to Run the World." Tim's playlist
Thu, May 16, 2024
Joe Walsh: Red Lines
This election is about being a grownup and making a choice. One candidate is clearly preferable, and a protest vote sends a message to no one. Meanwhile, Biden is not waiting to take the fight to Trump, and Democrats have to call out culture war ugliness. Plus, another installment of "The Right Stuff." Joe Walsh joins Tim Miller today.
Wed, May 15, 2024
Ben Wittes and Brody Mullins: Code Red
Michael Cohen substantiated 99% of what's needed to prove Trump's hush money reimbursement scheme—and so far, Cohen held his own under the weak defense counsel's cross-exam. Plus, are we past the peak power of the corporate lobbying world? Ben Wittes and the WSJ's Brody Mullins join Tim Miller today. show notes: Brody Mulllins' book, "“The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government.” Ben on Michael Cohen, Day 2
Tue, May 14, 2024
Eddie Glaude Jr.: Biden Needs to Thread the Needle
Joe has to tell campus protesters it's OK to disagree with him—and that they can hold him to account. But if they want to keep the ability to protest, they can't let the knuckle-dragging troglodyte back into power. Plus, pressuring Cornel West, white people are losing their damn minds, again—and is Gen Z really the catastrophic generation? Eddie Glaude joins Tim Miller. show notes: Eddie's latest book, "We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For." Eddie's "Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul."
Mon, May 13, 2024
Will Saletan: Trolls and Liars
Today's GOP is not a governing party—it's a grievance and trolling party, and Trump has the nihilist vote all locked up. Meanwhile, Lindsey Graham and others are pushing a Hiroshima model in response to Gaza. And because we all still need to laugh, the pod now has a new segment, "The Right Stuff." Will Saletan joins Tim Miller today. show notes: Jonathan Karl on Johnny McEntee CBS News segment on the mother rescued from Gaza
Fri, May 10, 2024
Mark Leibovich: The Oracle of Washington
Mike Johnson may have seen the light in the SCIF, but is he scheming with Trump for Jan 6, 2025? Plus, imagining Gavin Newsom 2028 if we get to keep our elections, Biden's age still makes every supporter nervous, Kevin McCarthy's vendetta, and Nikki, the wild card. Mark Leibovich joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. Show notes: Mark's "Thank You for Your Servitude" Mark's "This Town" Tim's playlist
Thu, May 09, 2024
Ben Wittes and Ro Khanna: Stormy Rafah
In New York, we are getting the trial we deserve: It's not about high principles and democracy, but the trashy celebrity culture America let into the White House. Meanwhile, Biden grows more impatient over Israel's plans for Rafah. Plus, the dark overlords of Silicon Valley, and a "new economic patriotism.” Rep. Ro Khanna and Ben Wittes join Tim Miller. show notes: Lawfare Daily podcast episode on Israel/Gaza Full clip from Khanna's conversation with Jewish and Arab students
Wed, May 08, 2024
Adam Kinzinger: A Small Man
The ex-POTUS who claims he was taken down by the deep state is looking even smaller in court, getting scolded by the judge and sitting through testimony about how he and Melania don't sleep in the same bed. Plus, RFK Jr.'s brain worm, winning over the still-going Haley voters, and the plan to ban porn. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller. show notes: Tim's interview with Tammy Baldwin Tim's interview with Colin Allred
Tue, May 07, 2024
Elizabeth Neumann and Geoff Duncan: Republican Voters Against Trump
Two conservatives describe their break with Trump. Former DHS official Elizabeth Neumann saw both the mafia culture up close and Trump's disinterest in doing the work of being president. He also exploits the rising extremism in the evangelical church. And former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan says he's voting for Biden, and tells Tim Miller that "doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing." show notes: Elizabeth's new book, "Kingdom of Rage: The Rise Of Christian Extremism And The Path Back to Peace.” Geoff's book, "GOP 2.0"
Mon, May 06, 2024
Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger: Lying Is the Price of Admission
Any apprentice who wants to join Trump's ticket has to prove they won't accept the election results unless Trump wins—and Tim Scott shows he is a willing collaborator. Plus, most students aren't on the side of the protesters, the threat to Biden from the sense of disorder, and the pathology of Kristi Noem. Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger join Tim Miller. show notes: Politico story on nonprofits funding Gaza protests
Fri, May 03, 2024
Live from Philly
Will Saletan and (Hubert Humphrey alum) Bill Kristol join Tim Miller before a live audience in Philadelphia to discuss the uncanny parallels to 1968, the big 420 news, and the South now living back in pre-Roe days. Will there be a monster backlash? show notes Tim's playlist
Thu, May 02, 2024
Gov. Josh Shapiro: We Can Do Big Things
The governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, sits down with Tim Miller in Philly to talk about the kind of language that wins over voters, the campus protests, finding the sweet spot on public safety and crime, and getting sh*t done. show note: This interview was recorded late Wednesday afternoon.
Wed, May 01, 2024
Ben Wittes and Eric Cortellessa: Trump's Autocratic Agenda
Trump went on the record, explaining how in a second term, his staff would only be (election denying) loyalists, he'd run a massive deportation operation, and states could freely monitor women's pregnancies. Meanwhile, evidence of his election interference in 2016 piles up in New York. Ben Wittes and Eric Cortellessa join Tim Miller. show notes: Trump Makes the Cover of Time magazine Trump interview transcript Lawfare's NY Trial Dispatch, Week 2 The Next Level episode mentioned by Ben
Tue, April 30, 2024
Bakari Sellers: We Are in a Dark Moment
In the very hot summer of George, Breonna, and Ahmaud, we seemed to be on the brink of a third Reconstruction. But that moment from 2020 was lost. Now, we're in a time when people like Tucker and Charlie Kirk talk about racial equality as white oppression. Bakari Sellers joins Tim Miller today. show notes: Bakari's new book, "The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now."
Mon, April 29, 2024
Christians and Political Power
Political power often changes the church more than the church changes those in power—the most glaring example is the damage Trump has done to the credibility of the white evangelical world. Plus, Bill Barr is a liar, and the evolution of Mike Johnson. Peter Wehner joins Tim Miller. show notes: AP story on Bill Barr and the Mueller Report Pete's piece on the forgotten radicalism of Jesus Christ
Fri, April 26, 2024
Simon Rosenberg: I Think We're Going to Kick His Ass
The polling isn't there yet, but Biden is delivering on the job, MAGA is extreme and dangerous, the GOP is a dumpster fire, and Trump is the ugliest political figure in our lifetimes. After a hellish week at SCOTUS, some hopium for the weekend pod from Simon Rosenberg. Plus, Tim Miller reads from the mailbag. show notes: Simon's Hopium newsletter Tim's playlist George Conway's hat Tim on Dan Savage's pod Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Thu, April 25, 2024
Mark Joseph Stern and Dave Weigel: A Bad Day for Jack Smith
To Alito, Thomas, Kavanaugh, and Gorsuch, the real threat to democracy is not Trump's attempts to steal the election—but the DOJ's effort to hold him accountable. Plus, the story behind the protesters' masks, activists v Biden, and reading the tea leaves from the Pennsylvania primary. Mark Joseph Stern and Dave Weigel join Tim Miller. show notes: Weigel's mask story Marc Caputo on the Jan 6 case
Wed, April 24, 2024
Olivia Nuzzi and Dana Mattioli: A Deflated Trump
The one-time most powerful man in the world is now being told when to sit, when to stand, and what he's permitted to say. Scenes from the New York courthouse, with Olivia Nuzzi. Plus, Dana Mattioli discusses her book on Amazon, a modern-day Standard Oil, with huge power across numerous industries—but which is also on the outs in DC. show notes: Dana's book, "The Everything War: Amazon’s Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power."
Tue, April 23, 2024
Frank Bruni: The Age of Grievance
Tocqueville noted that Americans forever brood over advantages they do not possess, but now our grievance culture has run amok. From the aggrieved-in-chief, Trump, who just can't catch a break, to the social justice warriors who apply the same lens to every situation, we're losing the line between what is righteous and what is bratty. Frank Bruni joins Tim Miller today. show notes: Frank's book, "The Age of Grievance."
Mon, April 22, 2024
Tom Mauser and Bill Kristol: Columbine, 25 Years On
Tom Mauser lost his son, Daniel, in the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. He joins Tim Miller to discuss his long fight against gun violence, small victories over the NRA, and the continuing inspiration of his son. Plus, Bill Kristol on marginalizing Trump over Ukraine, how Biden could use some FDR, and the Columbia protests. show notes: https://danielmauser.com/
Fri, April 19, 2024
Amanda Carpenter: Welcome to Coalition Government
Hey, look: Republicans and Democrats are working together! Meanwhile, Trump is still trying to destroy our institutions, Bill Barr is comfortable playing Russian roulette, and Mark Esper speaks the truth. Plus, more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Amanda on the pardon power Amanda's piece about Trump's attacks on the courts Bill Kristol's interview with Mark Esper The Times' Mike Bender on Trump's VP contenders Trump being scared of a bald eagle Trump claiming a protester was from ISIS Tim's playlist
Thu, April 18, 2024
Ali Vitali and Will Saletan: An Epiphany on Ukraine?
Mike Johnson shows hints of Reaganism with his new push for a foreign aid bill that includes support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Republicans in Arizona self-own on abortion, the GOP in DC flails on a staged impeachment, and Biden makes a populist move on tariffs. Ali Vitali and Will Saletan join Tim Miller. show notes: VOTE HERE for Will Saletan's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' podcast Sen. Chris Murphy's Bulwark piece Ali's book, "Electable"
Wed, April 17, 2024
David Sanger: New Cold Wars
For 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the United States lived in a delusion that Russia and China could not touch us. And while Americans are not all that interested in the rest of the world, the rest of the world is interested in us. Plus, Biden and Bibi don't like each other. David Sanger joins Tim Miller. show notes: Sanger's just published book, "New Cold Wars."
Tue, April 16, 2024
Ross Douthat: Elite Outrage Is Not Enough
Trump wins voters who don't read The New York Times or listen to The Bulwark Podcast, and elite opposition may not be enough to defeat him. Ross Douthat joins Tim Miller for a spirited debate about what the conservative movement gave away in sacrifice to Trump on world leadership, abortion, and democracy. show notes: Douthat's recent piece on the pro-life movement **Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1, and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events
Mon, April 15, 2024
Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes: The Split-Screen Reality
While Biden spent the weekend helping fend off Iran's missile and drone attack, supposedly pro-Israel Trump embraced the anti-Israel chant, "Genocide Joe," at his rally. Meanwhile, the trial involving the first time Trump allegedly broke the law to win an election gets underway. Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes join Tim Miller. **Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1 and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events show notes: Eliot Cohen's piece in The Atlantic
Fri, April 12, 2024
Jonathan Chait: Trump Broke the Scales
Pound for pound, the media treats Trump better than any Democrat. Plus, talking about abortion in a way that wins the most votes, NPR and identity politics, Biden gets too little credit for bipartisan deals, and the first big sign of softening support for Israel on the populist right. Jon Chait joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes VOTE HERE for Will Saletan's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' podcast O.J. verdict live on Oprah The guy behind the 1864 Arizona abortion law Tim’s Playlist Goose x Vampire Weekend
Thu, April 11, 2024
Isaac Arnsdorf and Joe Perticone: Trying to Finish What They Started
Steve Bannon fueled the rise of MAGA by offering true believers a sense of community and purpose. A new book tells the story of ordinary Americans swept up in the movement. Plus, hanging out at the DC jail with the Jan 6 choir, and the House drama over Ukraine and FISA. Isaac Arnsdorf and Joe Perticone join Tim Miller. show notes: Isaac's book, "Finish What We Started"
Wed, April 10, 2024
Olivia Nuzzi: Kari Lake Is No Meryl Streep
Kari Lake can deliver a good performance, but she's not really a true believer, as her flip on the Arizona abortion law shows. Plus, the normal part of life near the border, the specter of violence at MAGA rallies, and the grueling but necessary function of covering Trump for the long haul. Olivia Nuzzi joins Tim Miller. show notes: Olivia's new piece on the AZ Senate race and the border Matt Labash profile of Roger Stone Trailer for "A Face in the Crowd" *Graphic: Palin's pre-Thanksgiving interview with turkeys
Tue, April 09, 2024
Adam Kinzinger: Yes, Russian Propaganda Is Infecting the GOP
Two powerful Republican congressmen say some of their colleagues are advancing Russian propaganda, but they're still letting Moscow Marjorie run the show. Plus, Biden needs to hammer the GOP on Ukraine, Trump's weird smell, and how the Bush 43 contingent in Texas can help KO Ted Cruz. Kinzinger joins Tim Miller. show notes: Tim's article on Red Dog Democrats Trump ad, with his head blocking out the sun
Mon, April 08, 2024
Bill Kristol: Pure Oligarchic Greed
Trump's billionaire donors had it so bad under Obama, Clinton, and RINO presidents that they just have to go with the authoritarian. Plus, the return of s**thole countries, women's hoops and culture war killjoys, a follow-up on white rural rage, and Trump's latest abortion position. Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: White Rural Rage episode
Fri, April 05, 2024
Ron Brownstein: A Republican Realignment?
While Trump's calling card is stoking white grievance, he's making unprecedented inroads with Black and Hispanic voters. But in a twist, Biden is matching or even exceeding his support among white voters from 2020. Plus, the perils of Michigan and RFK, Jr., and more from the mailbag. Ron Brownstein joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Ron's piece on Trump's support among nonwhite voters RFK speech from 1968 https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=1acb0411ebdc43fa
Thu, April 04, 2024
Ruth Ben-Ghiat: There Is No Alternative
Republicans can't get off the Trump highway to hell, but business and media elites are also cozying up to him in case he returns to power. Meanwhile, Trump's project to legalize crimes and delegitimize democracy continues. Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins Tim Miller today. show notes: Umberto Eco's essay on fascism Ruth's book, "Strongmen"
Wed, April 03, 2024
Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Marc Caputo: The Least Productive Congress
The 118th Congress has made history: by removing a speaker, expelling a member, and holding sham impeachment hearings. Without Dem votes, the government would have shut down multiple times. Plus, the home insurance crisis, abortion politics, and the Democrats' uphill climb in Florida. Rep. Moskowitz and Marc Caputo join Tim Miller. show notes Steve Schale's Bulwark piece on Florida Tim's interview with Fred Guttenberg
Tue, April 02, 2024
Stephen Richer and Will Saletan: Kari Lake Lied
Kari Lake said she'd fight to the bitter end to prove the AZ governor's race was stolen from her, but in court she essentially conceded that it was all a lie. Plus, the danger of the white grievance movement, the Florida abortion ruling, and a shout-out to Caitlin Clark. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer and Will Saletan join Tim Miller. show notes https://stephenricher.com/ Vote for Will's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' here 'The Corruption of Lindsey Graham' limited series
Mon, April 01, 2024
Bill Kristol: Easter Egg (T)roll
MAGA spent the holiday weekend arguing that Trump is more faithful than Biden, and also managed to slip in a possible dog whistle to evangelicals about Catholics. Plus, the value of Never Again Trump voters, early Senate polls, and Tim Miller reads from the mailbag. Kristol joins Tim today. show notes: Tim's Triad note about Widespread Panic from 2020
Fri, March 29, 2024
A.B. Stoddard: Liz Cheney Groupie
Cheney makes clear where she comes down on the POTUS rematch and is showing ex-Trumpworld figures how it's done. Plus, the 'Dallas' and 'Dynasty' show at the RNC, Biden's unforced error with anti-Trump Republicans, and 'Genocide Joe' campus activists are not the Dem base. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller for the Easter weekend Bulwark Pod. show notes: Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com Tim’s Playlist Article on Biden with a super soaker Tim and Eric Levine on MSNBC: https://youtu.be/N7Or-ORaW30
Thu, March 28, 2024
David Frum: American North Korea
Republicans have entrapped themselves with the promise of a massive surveillance state for American women. Plus, how Never Trumpers can put Biden over the top, the dangers of RFK, Jr.'s super pac money, Hamas may have gotten what it wanted, and a remembrance of Miranda Frum. David Frum joins Tim Miller. show notes: Frum's piece on the passing of his daughter Frum on Trump's self-sabotaging campaign Reagan's "Morning in America" ad Reagan '84 ad with the Statue of Liberty
Wed, March 27, 2024
Justin Kanew and Justin Fenton: Tennessee, Laboratory of Theocracy
As local news is hollowed out, rightwing news fills in the gaps. In Tennessee—ground zero for the culture war—Justin Kanew's site, The Tennessee Holler , holds leaders to account. Kanew joins Tim Miller on the anniversary of the Nashville school shooting. Plus, an update on the bridge disaster from Baltimore Banner reporter Justin Fenton. show notes: The Tennessee Holler The Baltimore Banner Baltimore bridge collapse (around 5:40) Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, as a high school student, dressed in drag
Tue, March 26, 2024
Don Lemon: Elon Is a Troll
Elon Musk, for all his keyboard courage, couldn't handle Don Lemon's Q and A, but then sicced his Twitter minions on the ex-CNN host after their interview. Plus, a surprising take on Tucker—and a shout-out to Rachel Maddow and other MSNBC anchors speaking out against the Ronna McDaniel hire. Lemon joins Tim Miller. show notes: The Don Lemon Show
Mon, March 25, 2024
Bill Kristol and Joe Perticone: The Quitters
Mike Gallagher is following Ken Buck out the House door, as they both abandon their jobs, their voters, and any sense of public service. Plus, MTG threatens Mike Johnson, Lisa Murkowski signals she may leave the GOP, and Lil Marco auditions for the VEEP stakes. Kristol and Perticone join Tim Miller today.
Fri, March 22, 2024
Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman: White Rural Rage
Rural white voters wield outsized power in our democracy, yet they are also more likely to support violence as a political tool—and to hold antidemocratic views. Meanwhile, rural whites enjoy the perk of being seen as the "real" Americans. Waldman and Schaller join Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Tom and Paul's book Tim’s Playlist
Thu, March 21, 2024
Jake Tapper: American Scandal
It used to be that politicians who had affairs, took bribes, and paid people off lost their office or lost their base. Tapper joins Tim to discuss his CNN series, "United States of Scandal," as well as his role in freeing a wrongly convicted man. Plus, rising antisemitism on the left and right. show notes: https://www.cnn.com/videos/title-2411812 https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/cj-rice-philadelphia-exonerated/677787/ Fundraiser for C.J. Rice
Wed, March 20, 2024
Stephen Hayes: Grading Biden
A recent editorial in The Dispatch rejected both Trump and Biden as acceptable choices in 2024. Tim takes strong exception to that position, arguing it's a danger to democracy. Today, a debate between Steve and Tim over how to handle the choice in this year's election. Plus, an agreement on spending. show notes: The Dispatch editorial on the Trump-Biden rematch Matt Yglesias on spending
Tue, March 19, 2024
Susan Glasser: An Edifice of Lies
Trump's 2024 lies are not just the familiar ones about a 'rigged election' and 'Sleepy Joe.' He's also unleashing a flood of untruths about Biden and his record that gets filtered through the media mill and reduced to background noise. Plus, Putin's Potemkin victory. Glasser joins Tim today. show notes: Susan's most recent column
Mon, March 18, 2024
Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes: A Subversive Enterprise
Trump stands and salutes the insurrectionists during the national anthem, and may rehire the treasonous Paul Manafort to help out in '24. Plus, the dust settles on the Fani Willis' prosecution in Georgia, and Aileen Cannon seriously entertains Trump's absurd claim in the docs case. Kristol and Wittes join Tim.
Fri, March 15, 2024
Amanda Carpenter: Is Trump Depressed?
He lost, he's low on campaign cash, and he's juggling criminal court dates. Are the bad things he says about America a projection of how he feels about himself? Plus, Candace's crazy new crazy conspiracy, MAGA nuts in swing states, and the most alarming threat from a Trump 2.0. Amanda joins Tim for the weekend pod. show notes https://www.authoritarianplaybook2025.org/
Thu, March 14, 2024
Josh Barro: Dear Fed, Please Lower Interest Rates
One of the biggest reasons voters are not happier about the economy is because interest rates are much higher than they were few years ago. Plus, publicity-hound RFK Jr's self-own, more from the mailbag, and should Sotomayor retire this year? Barro joins Tim today. show notes Josh arguing for Sotomayor's retirement ABC News story Tim mentioned
Wed, March 13, 2024
Sasha Issenberg: Politics, Disinformation, and 2024
In 2016, the Trump campaign used microtargeting to suppress the Clinton vote. Since then, digital malfeasance has become the dominant subplot in our politics. How did the Biden team respond to 'Sleepy Joe' and 'Creepy Joe' in 2020, and what's the game plan for viral disinfo in '24? Issenberg joins Tim today. show notes By Sasha: The Lie Detectives The Engagement
Tue, March 12, 2024
Evan Osnos: Biden Brims with Confidence
Biden has the air of a man with no doubt about his campaign strategy—which is not exactly soothing to some Democrats and Never Trumpers. Plus, Hur's questionable framing of his report, the RNC bloodbath, jealous elites, and Tucker can't get no respect. Osnos joins Tim today. show notes By Evan: Joe Biden's Last Campaign Rules for the Ruling Class Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now Wildland: The Making of America's Fury Plus: Richard Ben Cramer's "What It Takes"
Mon, March 11, 2024
Bill Kristol and Sarah Longwell: Is the Wishcasting Over?
Old guy Biden got Ezra Klein to back down—and Kristol a little bit as well. Plus, Orbán at Mar-a-lago, the fallout from the "illegal" immigrant line, and Longwell joins Tim to read from the mailbag, and highlight this week's Focus Group pod. show notes: Bill's interview of Timothy Snyder Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Fri, March 08, 2024
Ben LaBolt and Will Saletan: The Stakes of the Moment
The White House explains why Biden led his State of the Union speech with the threats to democracy at home and abroad. Plus, MAGA's meltdown over Biden's vigor, Mike Johnson's squirming, and Katie Britt's freakish performance. WH Comms Director LaBolt and Saletan join Tim for the weekend pod. show notes: Democratic response to Reagan's '85 SOTU, moderated by Bill Clinton Tim’s Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=duwnuIpGRxeVWDSkrwaD1w&pi=u-QDtY_MnOS0mV
Thu, March 07, 2024
Tom Nichols: The GOP Needs a Fake Joe Biden
Republicans keep painting Biden as an antifa-loving, Iran-coddling communist as they try to create a moral equivalence with Trump. Plus, McConnell won't even stand by his wife, the Russian wing of the GOP wants to defund the police, and Katie Porter: Give us a break. Nichols joins Tim today. show notes: New edition of 'The Death of Expertise,' out April 3
Wed, March 06, 2024
Errin Haines: A Not So Super Tuesday
The Biden campaign is facing a buyer's market among voters and will really have to up its persuasion game, particularly with voters of color. Plus, Nikki packs it in, Republicans went for the craziest SOBs, and Kamala's coming heavy lift on the campaign trail. Haines joins Tim Miller today.
Tue, March 05, 2024
Catherine Rampell: Trump Would Be Bad News for the Economy
Trump's plans to add tariffs and shrink the labor force— via an immigration crackdown— would likely reignite inflation. Plus, Biden's secret energy boom, and how the recent immigration surge has been a gift to the economy. Rampell joins Tim today. show notes: Rampell on the economic benefits of the immigration surge Rampell on Trump's economic policy plans
Mon, March 04, 2024
Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes: We Still Have to Do the Work
The courts aren’t taking care of Trump and we can’t live in denial about the state of play. Meanwhile, words keep failing him at his weird rallies—and telling Romney voters you don't need them doesn't seem all that smart when Nikki gets 30% of the vote. Kristol rejoins Tim, and Wittes is back for a mini-Trump Trials. show notes: Send your questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com Tim's Not My Party: https://t.snapchat.com/SnxQ5aG0
Fri, March 01, 2024
Kara Swisher: A Tech 'Tough Love' Story
Tech has allowed some very bad people to do some very bad things—including in the democracy arena. Swisher joins Tim for the weekend pod to share her burns of Elon, Trump and the vampires of Silicon Valley. Plus, a capitalist case for government doing more to rein in Big Tech. show notes: Kara's new memoir, "Burn Book" Tim's Walter Isaacson interview
Thu, February 29, 2024
Jamie Weinstein: The Cowardice of Mitch McConnell
McConnell wouldn't put the stake in the heart of Trump—will that overshadow his legacy? Plus, Dan Crenshaw is not happy, debating Gaza & media bias, and it's up to 'we the people,' not the courts, to save us from Trump. The Dispatch's Weinstein joins Tim Miller today. show notes: Weinstein's interview with Crenshaw Finding Matt Drudge pod
Wed, February 28, 2024
John Avlon: Winning Back the House from the MAGA Minions
The MAGA crew in the House is against majoritarian democracy and thinks bipartisanship is bad—Democrats are the only big tent party now. Avlon explains his moment of moral clarity in deciding to run for Congress. Plus, what happened to his former boss, Rudy Giuliani? show notes: Avlon's essay on 9/11 Tim’s Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=duwnuIpGRxeVWDSkrwaD1w&pi=u-QDtY_MnOS0mV
Tue, February 27, 2024
Matt Yglesias and Brian Beutler: The Left Hits Biden Harder than Trump
In our first crossover pod, Tim queries Yglesias and Beutler about Biden's Gaza response, and why Dems aren't holding Kushner hearings—or raising hell about the GOP's promotion of fake oppo from a Russian spy. Then catch the tables getting turned on Tim on the Politix pod Wednesday. show notes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politix/id1485109198
Mon, February 26, 2024
Bill Kristol: A Shot of Hopium
Voters who backed Haley in South Carolina are not buying the American carnage message, and may represent a kind of gettable voter in swing states. Plus, the shamelessness of Stefanik, the enduring racism of Trump, and a defense of Archie Bunker. Kristol is back with Tim Miller.
Sat, February 24, 2024
Bonus Episode: South Carolina Circus Special
Tim is joined by John Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri, and Mark McKinnon, his former colleagues from "The Circus," for a South Carolina primary preview. Plus, the prospects for a post-Trump GOP, and some advice for the Biden campaign: Normalize his gaffes.
Fri, February 23, 2024
Rob Reiner and Dan Partland: God & Country
Christian nationalism is not only a threat to democracy, but also to Christianity itself. Prominent evangelicals, like David French and Russell Moore, break it all down in a new documentary, "God & Country." Charlie Sykes is also in the film. Reiner and Partland take it to 11 with Tim Miller today. show notes: https://godandcountrythemovie.com/ Billy Crystal and Bill Kristol ad
Thu, February 22, 2024
Glenn Thrush and Tim Mak: Russia's Plots Against the West
A rundown on double agent Alexander Smirnov, and Republicans' eagerness to amplify information sourced from Russia. And in Ukraine, feelings of betrayal on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. Thrush and Mak join Tim Miller. show notes: https://www.counteroffensive.news/ https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/20/us/politics/fbi-informant-hunter-biden.html
Wed, February 21, 2024
Katie Couric: Not A Libtard
Couric revisits the impact of her Sarah Palin interview, and shares her views with Tim on the evolution of the GOP, the #MeToo movement in the media, and Kamala's tendency to rely too much on her talking points.
Tue, February 20, 2024
Jane Coaston: The Culture War of Absurdity
Charlie Kirk hates Taylor, pro sports, Disney—and anything normal. Plus, the Alabama ruling on frozen embryos, the House is now the destination for Republicans who want to do nothing but court fame, and Heath Mayo also joins Tim to discuss this weekend's Principles First summit. show notes https://www.principlesfirst.us/summit/2024/
Mon, February 19, 2024
Bill Kristol: A Tacky, Low-Life Con Man
The vulgar carnival barker used the holiday weekend to hawk crummy, over-priced sneakers, and compare himself to Navalny. Plus, the House skips town before voting on Ukraine aid, and Haley now declines to say whether she'd vote for Trump. Kristol is back with Tim Miller.
Fri, February 16, 2024
Ben Wittes: Putin's Cheerleaders
Alexei Navalny heroically stood up to Putin, but Tucker and MAGA's worst actors can't get enough of the Russian leader—and Russia itself. Plus, another anti-Biden witness bites the dust, and Fani Willis' table-turning moment. Wittes joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: Navalny's investigation into Putin's $1.3 billion Black Sea villa
Thu, February 15, 2024
Robert Draper: The Talented Mr. Meadows
The immunity order Mark Meadows has in the election subversion case could be a big problem for Trump. But his habit of lying could be a problem for Jack Smith. Plus, is Sinema finished with politics? And the Tea Party when it was kinda sane. Draper joins Tim Miller. show notes: Draper's piece on Meadows Draper's piece on Kyrsten Sinema
Wed, February 14, 2024
Rep. Dean Phillips: The Pitch
The congressman states his case for why he's challenging Biden, and Tim Miller grills him.
Tue, February 13, 2024
James Carville: Mock Him
Much of MAGA thinks Trump was sent by God, but King Cyrus probably didn't wear a diaper. Don't skimp on the mockery. Plus, Dems and male voters, jealousy over Taylor+Travis, and the catch-22 of Robert Hur. Carville joins Tim Miller for Mardi Gras.
Mon, February 12, 2024
Bill Kristol and A.B. Stoddard : Soak Up the Schadenfreude
A Super Bowl W for Dark Brandon & the Deep State brings MAGA tears. Plus, Mike Gallagher steps aside as no profile in courage, NATO allies are alarmed about a Trump 2.0, and a debate over Biden staying in the race. Kristol and Stoddard join Tim Miller for his inaugural show as host of The Bulwark Pod.
Fri, February 09, 2024
David French and Bill Kristol: The Age Thing
The special counsel's report on Biden's docs—and a gaffe about Mexico—have placed Joe's age and memory front and center in the campaign. Plus, SCOTUS's potential undermining of part of the 14th Amendment, and Charlie Sykes signs off with the very first guest of the pod. David French and Bill Kristol join Charlie.
Thu, February 08, 2024
He's Staying on the Ballot
The Supreme Court sounded ready to reject a Colorado ruling that barred Trump from the state ballot. Plus, reading the tea leaves on the next phase for Trump's immunity claim, and the thin factual record against Fani Willis. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Wed, February 07, 2024
Tom Nichols: Citizen Trump
The Supreme Court's legitimacy would really be on the line if it took up Trump's completely lunatic immunity theory after the D.C. Circuit's airtight rejection of it. Plus, the four Republican Parties in the House, and not-a-journalist Tucker's suck up to Putin. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes.
Tue, February 06, 2024
Jonathan Taplin: The End of Reality
Four billionaires—Musk, Zuckerberg, Thiel, and Andreessen—are part of an antidemocratic turn in the tech world. This interlocked directorate of Silicon Valley has helped bring us to this time of post-truth reality, online chaos, and mob violence. Jonathan Taplin joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: Jon's "The End of Reality"
Mon, February 05, 2024
The Fifth Avenue Rapist
J.D. Vance has extended Trump's Fifth Avenue immunity claim to sexual assault, espionage, RICO, and election stealing—as he angles for the VP slot. Plus, the border bill Republicans have always wanted. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, February 02, 2024
Michael Steele: Let it Rip, Joe
Surprise, surprise, Biden drops F-bombs when he talks about the former insurrectionist president. Plus, Mike Johnson is Trump's punk, and the RNC is behind in the campaign money race after spending lavishly on luxury hotels and private jets. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, February 01, 2024
We're Talking Real Money
Trump hasn't re-defamed E. Jean Carroll, so it basically takes about $83 million to get him to shut up. Plus, the big risk in the Georgia case, MAGA will be rooting for San Francisco, and Charlie talks about getting off the hamster wheel. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Wed, January 31, 2024
Joe Klein & John Ellis: A Torrent of Stupid
MAGA has put Taylor at the top of its enemies list, Greg Abbott is inviting another Jan 6 at the border, and GOP governors have come out for just ignoring the Supreme Court. Plus, the potential tech disruptors in the election will set your hair on fire. Joe Klein and John Ellis join Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-owls/id1724583637 https://josephklein.substack.com/ https://substack.com/@newsitems
Tue, January 30, 2024
Brian Klaas: Why Everything We Do Matters
The world feels like it's falling apart, and black swan events are on the rise. Is this the result of our unquenchable thirst for optimization and efficiency—as we try to tame an untameable world? Brian Klaas joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his new book, "Fluke." show notes: Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters
Mon, January 29, 2024
Will Saletan: The New Nikki
Haley has taken a hard turn against Trump, and is calling on him to 'man-up' and explain why he grew the debt and why he praises President Xi. Meanwhile, most Senate Republicans are doing Trump's bidding on the border bill. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, January 26, 2024
Edward Luce: Why Big Business Is Caving to Trump
Tax cuts and a gutted regulatory state are a big draw for Wall Street. But under a Trump 2.0, it would be the aspiring monopolists—not the publicly-traded "corporatists"—who would be the winners. Democracy isn't the only thing on the line. Ed Luce joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. show notes: https://www.ft.com/content/8fbf3a47-f622-46cc-ac06-17732cecc313
Thu, January 25, 2024
Just What Putin Wanted
Moscow Mitch capitulated to Trump's electoral interests, Justice Scalia speaks from beyond, Lindsey may have flipped on Trump in Georgia, and reading the tea leaves on why the presidential immunity ruling is taking so long. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-justice-scalia-thought-about-whether-presidents-are-officers-of-the-united-states
Wed, January 24, 2024
Benjy Sarlin: Wake up to Reality
As we pivot from primary season to the general election, Biden is telling Democrats to accept that Trump will be the nominee. Meanwhile, the ex-POTUS is doing 'peak Trump'—talking about Jan 6, his legal cases, and calling E. Jean Carroll a liar. Semafor's Benjy Sarlin joins Charlie Sykes
Tue, January 23, 2024
Michael Kruse: Trump's Grand Finale
As a longtime legal combatant, probably no one else on earth is more prepared to leverage four prosecutions than Donald Trump—he's made an art form of attacking the courts, our justice system, and the rule of law for 50-plus years. Politico's Michael Kruse joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/12/donald-trump-indictments-legal-system-00135151 https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/22/new-hampshire-primary-voter-00136850
Mon, January 22, 2024
Will Saletan: A Rogue Presidency
Trump wants to put his knee on the neck of America with a violent, illegal presidency. Plus, the self-abasement of DeSantis and Tim Scott, Nikki waits 'til the 11th hour to punch harder, and Stefanik readies for her close-up. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, January 19, 2024
Amanda Carpenter: The Authoritarian Playbook
Donald Trump has been making extreme promises on the campaign trail. And unlike in 2016, this time he has a team drawing up the plans for implementing them. Amanda Carpenter joins Charlie Sykes to explain how Trump would follow through on his most anti-democratic pledges in a second term. show notes: Report from Amanda and Protect Democracy PDF version
Thu, January 18, 2024
Complete and Total Immunity
No, American presidents don't need to be able to commit crimes to do their job. Plus, Trump is begging to be made a victim of a big, bad judge, and looking like someone who plays a lawyer on TV does not make you a good lawyer. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Wed, January 17, 2024
Tina Nguyen: The MAGA Diaries
The young people who show up at CPAC and Turning Point events are there because of a deeply entrenched grassroots effort to draw in new soldiers of the conservative movement. The inside story from a journalist who got out. Plus, a diagnosis of Tucker Carlson. Puck's Tina Nguyen joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-MAGA-Diaries/Tina-Nguyen/9781982189693
Tue, January 16, 2024
A.B. Stoddard: Dead Ends after Iowa
Almost half of Iowa's caucus-goers voted for someone besides Trump—evidence that a criminal defendant preaching to the choir can only go so far. Meanwhile, Haley makes up her own reality, DeSantis crawls to South Carolina, and the Trump suck-ups plot against McConnell. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: Chris Christie Ending His White House Bid Politico piece Charlie and A.B. referenced
Mon, January 15, 2024
Will Saletan: The GOP Surrenders before First Vote
Republicans are racing to bend the knee before the Iowa caucuses even start, while also looking like they want border chaos. Plus, racial resentment right now is worse than at the time of Martin Luther King. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, January 12, 2024
Karen Tumulty: The World's Biggest Victim
As Trump prepares to clean up in the Iowa caucuses, his campaign narrative has gone full 'Trump: The Victim.' Expect more court appearances and more temper tantrums. Meanwhile, Haley and DeSantis are acting like there's a contest. Karen Tumulty joins Charlie Sykes from frigid Iowa for the weekend pod.
Thu, January 11, 2024
The MAGA Pathology
Chris Christie dropping out shows that one party is at war with the idea of democratic self-government. Meanwhile, Trump's Fifth Avenue comment makes a comeback as a legal argument, and shades of the Russia investigation reappear. Award-winning* Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes : Ben's award from Zelensky
Wed, January 10, 2024
Mark Hertling: Defending American Values
While North Korea has jumped in to arm Russia, Republicans in Congress are dallying over supporting Ukraine. Plus, presidential hit squads, Lloyd Austin's hospitalization, and the tinderbox in the Mideast. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Charlie Sykes today.
Tue, January 09, 2024
Tim O'Brien: The Most Corrupt President. Ever.
Trump is hoping for a market crash on Biden's watch, vowing revenge prosecutions, and plotting on how much he can grift off of foreign countries if he gets back in the Oval Office. He'll certainly be on the take for more than the millions he made the first time. Tim O'Brien joins Charlie Sykes today.
Mon, January 08, 2024
Will Saletan: Erasing History
Jan 6 insurrectionists are innocent, and the Art of the Deal guy could've taught Lincoln how to negotiate an end to the Civil War—the Republican Party is dedicated to erasing history. Plus, Biden's baiting of Trump, the loser. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, January 05, 2024
Tom Nichols: Claudine Gay Had to Go
Harvard was justified in protecting its academic standards and the institution itself. But people are taking the DEI bait over Gay, instead of seeing that Project Trump is about discrediting institutions that stand for integrity and standards. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, January 04, 2024
What Will the Supreme Court Do?
SCOTUS will have to take up up the insurrectionist clause, after Colorado and Maine took steps to remove Trump from their ballots. Plus, Trump's absurd and audacious immunity claim. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Wed, January 03, 2024
Susan Glasser: The Fever Won't Break
The Trump experience can't just be undone—we are a different country now, and we're not going back to the status quo before his presidency. Plus, watch Trump try to steal the idea of defending democracy from Biden, just like he stole 'fake news' from Hillary. Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes today.
Tue, January 02, 2024
Will Saletan: The Guts to Tell the Truth
Chris Christie makes clear he's not dropping out, because Nikki Haley is not the one we've been waiting for. Plus, with House Republicans signaling they may pull the plug on Ukraine aid, the war there is escalating. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for a new year of Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, December 22, 2023
The Day After: The Night My Father Scared America
ABC's The Day After, the 1983 drama about a nuclear strike on America, was the most-watched movie in television history. It had a profound impact on Ronald Reagan, and led to shifts in our nuclear policy. A.B. Stoddard tells the story of her father's role in changing the course of history. The Bulwark Podcast presents: The Day After: The Night My Father Scared America. show notes: A.B.'s article from November
Thu, December 21, 2023
Sam Wasson: A Francis Ford Coppola Story
Coppola is like a Method actor behind the camera—living the movie to make the movie. For The Godfather, he became like a godfather. And most famously, the method behind the making of Apocalypse Now was a descent into madness. Author Sam Wasson joins guest host Sonny Bunch today. show notes: Wasson's new book: "The Path to Paradise"
Wed, December 20, 2023
Yair Rosenberg: Israel Is Not a White Colonial Project
The left is lazily applying American ideas about racial identity and intersectionality to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Atlantic's Yair Rosenberg joins guest host Ben Parker today.
Tue, December 19, 2023
Anne Applebaum: The Irreparable Damage of a Second Term
Anne Applebaum discusses a ray of hope in Europe with the defeat of Poland's authoritarian government, while also contemplating the consequences for NATO and America's place in the world if Trump were to be reelected. Mona Charen sits in for Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/12/ukraine-russia-frozen-assets/676390/ https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/01/trump-2024-reelection-pull-out-of-nato-membership/676120/
Mon, December 18, 2023
Will Saletan: Trump Is Anti-America
On the stump in New Hampshire, Trump parroted Putin condemning the American political system. Plus, the tension among Democrats over Israel, Christie v Haley, and it's either Biden or the end of democracy in 2024. Will Saletan joins guest host A.B. Stoddard for a special A.B. and Will Monday.
Fri, December 15, 2023
Ready for 2024?
It was a year of heroes and zeros, highs and lows, and shocks and fizzles. Mona Charen, A.B. Stoddard, and Will Saletan join Charlie Sykes for a special send-off to 2023.
Thu, December 14, 2023
Jack Smith Calls Trump's Bluff
The special counsel is short-circuiting Trump's foot-dragging strategy and mining his phone data to uncover a mountain of new evidence against the ex-POTUS. Plus, the beginning of the end of Giuliani, and getting busted in Brussels. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Wed, December 13, 2023
Where Have All the Democrats Gone?
Democrats used to be the party of the common man and woman, but they have taken a back seat to Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and Wall Street. In the process, the party has been hemorrhaging working-class voters. Can they win them back? Ruy Teixeira joins Charlie Sykes today. show notes: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250877499/wherehaveallthedemocratsgone
Tue, December 12, 2023
David Frum: A Dark Path
If Trump wins, the first crime of his second term will be committing perjury—when he swears to defend the Constitution. Plus, Republicans aren't really looking for a deal on the border: They're trying to rationalize abandoning Ukraine. David Frum joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.theatlantic.com/press-releases/archive/2023/12/atlantics-janfeb-issue-next-trump-presidency/676227/
Mon, December 11, 2023
Will Saletan: Political Delusion
Kevin swears that Trump will stop with the retribution talk. Meanwhile, the aspiring dictator says it's a hoax that Democrats call him a threat to democracy. Plus, the Arab Americans who claim they won't back Biden, and the Texas abortion case. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, December 08, 2023
Tim Alberta: American Idolatry
Is the Almighty, who made heaven and earth, also biting his nails over next year's election? Tim Alberta joins Charlie Sykes to discuss the evangelicals who worship America, a 500-year moment for Christianity, and the organized crime syndicate Jerry Falwell built. Christmas comes early on the weekend pod. show notes: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-kingdom-the-power-and-the-glory-tim-alberta?variant=41012408516642
Thu, December 07, 2023
A.B. Stoddard: No One Feared Kevin
And now no one is afraid of Mike Johnson—so he won't be able to lead either. Plus, a Christie-Haley alliance is starting to materialize, Marjorie Taylor Greene now has no sugar daddy, and Liz Cheney reminds us that we have one job. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/01/donald-trump-second-term-policies/676176/ https://www.axios.com/2023/12/07/trump-loyalty-cabinet-2025-carlson-miller-bannon https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/05/donald-trump-authoritarian-rule-second-term-maga/
Wed, December 06, 2023
Liz Cheney: A Clear and Present Danger
Donald Trump will never be the lesser of two evils. We must unite, look beyond partisanship, and vote in ways that will maintain the republic. Liz Cheney joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast. show notes: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/liz-cheney/oath-and-honor/9780316572064/?lens=little-brown
Tue, December 05, 2023
Philip Bump: The GOP Stumbles Towards Impeachment
The smoking gun turns out to be a dud, but James Comer and the Republicans move ahead on their evidence-free Biden impeachment inquiry. The Washington Post’s Philip Bump joins Charlie Sykes on today’s podcast.
Mon, December 04, 2023
Will Saletan: The #MeToo Fail
The progressives both-sidesing the sexual violence against Israeli women and girls has only added to the horrors of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Plus, Trump won't take 'No' for an answer, and Lindsey Graham capitulates to the anti-Ukraine isolationists. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, December 01, 2023
Adam Kinzinger: Why Trump 2.0 Will Be Worse
Trump wants to weaponize the office of the presidency, and who would stop him? We have a built-in weakness of basing our constitutional norms on the honor system. Plus, the Democrats have a Hamas problem. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, November 30, 2023
The Banality of Crazy
From Elon to Trump to Kanye, public decompensation is a part of our culture now. Plus, Georgia's inadequate investigation of the potential Trump-related conspiracy to copy election software, and the uncertainty of a verdict before Election Day. Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-gbi-missed-in-coffee-county
Wed, November 29, 2023
Michael Steele: The GOP's Humiliation Kink
This is the era of political humiliation: From Kevin nursing Trump back to health after Jan 6, to dominatrixes who get paid to mock your political views. Plus, the Koch network is doing it backwards. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes.
Tue, November 28, 2023
David French: It's a Cult
Don't underestimate the power of the belief that Trump is part of a prophecy for many evangelicals. And don't underestimate the general lack of knowledge about Trump's corruption. Plus, putting pressure only on Israel does Hamas' work for them. David French joins Charlie Sykes.
Mon, November 27, 2023
Will Saletan: Trump’s Pee-wee Herman Moment
Trump wants you to know that he remembers who the president is. Plus, the asymmetry in the hostage-prisoner exchanges, linking reform of asylum rules to aid for Ukraine and Israel, and is Christie helping Haley? Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, November 24, 2023
Amir Tibon: Terrible Choices for Israel
Hamas triggered the Gaza war—and signed the death warrants of thousands of Palestinians—when it purposefully targeted civilians on 10/7. Israeli journalist Amir Tibon joins guest host Mona Charen to discuss how his family survived the terror attack, Netanyahu's failures, Biden's support, and the bad options for post-war rule in Gaza.
Wed, November 22, 2023
We Are Living in a Post-Rational World
A disconnect from reality has descended on the US: Republicans practice fantasy politics day and night, Trump is out to paint Biden as corrupt, and Americans think the economy is in the crapper. Plus, family love and loss, and gratitude for a good ending. JVL joins guest host A.B. Stoddard.
Tue, November 21, 2023
Karen Tumulty: The Sununu Effect in New Hampshire
New Hampshire voters are famously contrarian, and the non-MAGA set is showing up for Haley and Christie ahead of the first-in-the-nation primary. Plus, a Rosalynn Carter appreciation, and the 'Lord of the Flies' vibe in the House. Karen Tumulty joins Charlie Sykes from New Hampshire. show notes: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/20/rosalynn-carter-place-in-history/
Mon, November 20, 2023
Will Saletan: The Annihilation of Truth
We are in an age where internet randos are beating out reality. Plus, Haley's abortion dance, the cowardice of DeSantis, another Biden panic poll, and the Steve Bannon wing feels like it has the wind at their backs. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, November 17, 2023
The Bulwark Live, with Brian Stelter
Fox launched the Big Lie based on a random email from a woman in Minnesota who heard voices in the supermarket. And its viewers wanted to be told that Trump was robbed of reelection. Brian Stelter has the receipts, and joins Charlie Sykes for our live show in Washington, D.C. show notes: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Network-of-Lies/Brian-Stelter/9781668046906
Thu, November 16, 2023
Too Crazy for Rudy
One person we can be certain will not be called as a witness in Georgia: nutty Sidney Powell. Plus, the unsettled Trump trial calendar, one way we may get to 'hear' Chutkan's trial, and the missing funding for Ukraine. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Wed, November 15, 2023
Peter Wehner: A Polite Zealot
We may have averted a government shutdown for the moment, but the new speaker of the House believes dinosaurs were on Noah's Ark. Pete Wehner joins Charlie Sykes for a deep dive on Mike Johnson. Plus, the closing of the American mind on the right. show notes: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/polite-zealotry-mike-johnson/675845/ https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/06/opinion/trump-allan-bloom-republicans.html
Tue, November 14, 2023
George Conway: Trump Knows He's a Criminal
Deep down, Trump knows the truth, and is running again to stay out jail—just like authoritarian leaders do in other countries. Plus, the new non-MAGA initiative to protect the rule of law. George Conway joins Charlie Sykes today.
Mon, November 13, 2023
Will Saletan: Punish the Vermin
Very powerful and strong Donald Trump is promising his supporters the freedom to go after the people they don't like if he returns to the White House. Plus, pathological lying fascists, Hamas tunnels, and the day after in Gaza. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, November 10, 2023
Flooding the Zone
Jack Smith's office filed an epic motion this week laying out the central role of Trump's lies in the election subversion case. Meanwhile, the ex-POTUS will never just shut-up. Plus, the proper way to dispose of dog poop bags. Yes, you read that right. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes Ben's piece from 2016: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-and-powers-american-presidency-part-i
Thu, November 09, 2023
A.B. Stoddard: Insane and Surreal
Trump wants to melt the constitutional order, but NBC didn't bother to ask the also-rans about that at their debate. Meanwhile, Vivek would've embarrassed Steve Bannon, DeSantis was less cringy, and normal Nikki may be the last one standing—before she concedes. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
Wed, November 08, 2023
Greg Lukianoff: The Canceling of the American Mind
When Gen Z began attending college and demanding protection from speech, the left argued that cancel culture was a myth. But now that the anti-Zionism bias on campus is clear, consequence culture suddenly feels very real. Greg Lukianoff joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Canceling-of-the-American-Mind/Greg-Lukianoff/9781668019146
Tue, November 07, 2023
Cassidy Hutchinson: Why I Testified
Next year's election is not a vote for a Democrat or a Republican: It's a vote for the survival of our nation. Cassidy Hutchinson joins Charlie Sykes to discuss her break with Trump world, speaking truth to power, and steering herself back to the right side of history. show notes: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Enough/Cassidy-Hutchinson/9781668028285
Mon, November 06, 2023
Will Saletan: Don't Panic
Recent polls have some Democrats reverting to bed-wetting, Christie calls out the deplorables, and Scalise is an election-denying weasel. Plus, Biden and Gaza, and the left's support for Hamas. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, November 03, 2023
Tim Miller: Trump Keeps Telling Us
Trump is glorifying insurrectionist prisoners, Bannon-world is using Confederate code words, and Republicans and a lot of the media are just pretending this radicalizing talk isn't happening. Plus, Mike Johnson's thoughts on dinosaurs and gay people. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, November 02, 2023
McKay Coppins: The Last Temptation of Mitt Romney
Romney's journey from the party's standard-bearer to its pariah is also a story of the dramatic transformation of the GOP. And his nomination in 2012 was a false indicator that the center would hold. McKay Coppins joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his new book, "Romney: A Reckoning." show notes: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Romney/McKay-Coppins/9781982196202
Wed, November 01, 2023
Insurrection and Its Consequences
A Colorado case will determine whether Trump should be kept off the ballot there because of that annoying little insurrection issue. Plus, founding father wisdom, the gag order is back, and a quiz on left-wing antisemitism. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Tue, October 31, 2023
Adam Kinzinger: Renegade
The former congressman says he wasn't always fighting the good fight, and that he feels some responsibility for the GOP's descent into dysfunction—and the rise of people like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his raw and personal new book, "Renegade." show notes: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723495/renegade-by-adam-kinzinger-with-michael-dantonio/
Mon, October 30, 2023
Our Exhausted Politics
Trump talked about a new Muslim ban and the media barely covered it. Meanwhile, the House only could choose a pro-coup speaker. The biggest danger to democracy is simple exhaustion. Plus, Biden and the alpha male issue. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, October 27, 2023
Josh Kraushaar: The Pro-Hamas Left
The vast majority of Democrats support Israel, but a very loud, younger segment on the left is lending its support to the terrorist group Hamas—with marches on university campuses, extremist slogans, and outright hatred toward Jews. Josh Kraushaar joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, October 26, 2023
The Bulwark: Live from New Orleans
Sarah, Mona, and Sonny join Tim in The Big Easy to talk about new Speaker Mike Johnson, Biden, Israel, and left-wing antisemitism.
Wed, October 25, 2023
Flipping Is in the Air
Jenna Ellis will not be the last flip in Georgia, former Trump water carrier Michael Cohen testifies about the fudged books, and the confusing case of Mark Meadows. Plus, Republicans are backing "Jim Jordan in drag" for speaker. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Tue, October 24, 2023
Jonathan Martin: The Antibodies Resisting the Virus
Remnants of the pre-Trump party are hanging on and putting the brakes on MAGA in the House, B-lister lawyer Jenna Ellis shows her deep loyalty to Trump, and Biden is ignoring the biggest threat to his reelection. Jonathan Martin joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/18/gop-party-house-speaker-00122371
Mon, October 23, 2023
The GOP Is a Failed State
House Republicans don't have a platform, and in the absence of Trump, they can't pull together. Plus, the anti-Israel left vs Biden, and the fallout from Hamas' hospital propaganda campaign. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, October 20, 2023
John Avlon: Is the Center Finding Its Spine?
Republican threats and bullying have finally gone too far when it comes to Jim Jordan. But what about the red line that has to be crossed for stable governance? A deal with the Dems. John Avlon joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, October 19, 2023
A Bad Day for the Kraken
Sidney Powell pleaded guilty and agreed to testify for the state in Georgia—Trump's legal woes just took a turn for the worse. Plus, Jim Jordan's bad day, and a plea for social media types to wait for the facts before weighing in on the Israel-Hamas war. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/on-strategy-law-and-morality-in-israel-s-gaza-operation https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/to-gag-or-not-to-gag-a-first-amendment-showdown-in-the-jan.-6-case
Wed, October 18, 2023
Ryan Reilly: The Sleuths Who Helped Nab Jan 6 Rioters
Ordinary Americans pored through reams of digital evidence to ID hundreds of people who stormed the Capitol. And in the process, the sedition hunters became an invaluable resource to a technologically-strained FBI. Plus, figuring out what's real and what's not in the internet age. Ryan Reilly joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ryan-j-reilly/sedition-hunters/9781541701809/?lens=publicaffairs
Tue, October 17, 2023
Kara Swisher: Jim Jordan, Legislative Terrorist
Jim Jordan spent the weekend bullying moderates, but threatening shame on social media and Fox may not be enough. Plus, narcissistic tech bros and the fake videos and disinformation around the Israel-Hamas war. Kara Swisher joins Charlie Sykes today.
Mon, October 16, 2023
Will Saletan: Don't Forget Who Jim Jordan Is
Jordan was not just another Republican who voted against the election—he was behind the scenes in strategy meetings plotting how to keep the election's loser in power. Plus, the laws of war and Israel v Hamas. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, October 13, 2023
Tom Nichols: Testing the System 'Til It Breaks
The Republicans elevated fringe players who have no interest in governing, and now they don't have enough members to get the House functioning again. Meanwhile, the international bad guys are trying to break the system. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. show notes: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/left-jewish-suffering-israel-hamas/675621/ https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/opinion/columnists/israel-gaza-massacre-left.html
Thu, October 12, 2023
An Undue Risk of Conviction
Jack Smith signaled he will be able to prove why Trump held onto the classified documents. Plus, Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, chaos in the House, and the pro-Hamas left’s justification of murder. Ben Wittes joins Charles Sykes for The Trump trials. show notes: https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/how-not-to-respond-to-a-terrorist
Wed, October 11, 2023
Susan Glasser: A Superpower in Crisis
The U.S. is knee-deep in the war in Ukraine, and now another potentially enormous war in the Mideast may draw us in. At the same time, military and ambassadorial appointments have been blocked, and we don’t have a speaker of the House. Our own political crisis is undermining America's role in the world. Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/10/16/trial-by-combat
Tue, October 10, 2023
Steve Inskeep: Kevin Is No Lincoln
Lincoln's political skills were a key part of his legacy, but the politics he practiced were not like today's base-oriented version. He didn't demonize people—and built a majority with people he disagreed with. The House GOP currently has lost sight of that. Steve Inskeep joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his new book on Lincoln, "Differ We Must." show notes: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670070/differ-we-must-by-steve-inskeep/
Mon, October 09, 2023
Will Saletan: Israel's 9/11
The attack by Hamas on Israel was barbaric, but the incursion—by land, sea, and air—was also sophisticated. And it was an Israeli intel failure. Meanwhile, Republicans are trying to score political points at home by blaming the Biden administration—and trying to figure out how to end the paralysis in the House. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, October 06, 2023
The GOP’s Rubik’s Cube for Morons
The Republicans have been on a trajectory to get a Jim Jordan-style speaker for 11 years, and the Democrats couldn’t have stopped it. Plus, Liz Cheney speaks truth, Greg Gutfeld has a Napoleon complex, and Trump spills nuclear secrets. Tim MIller’s back with Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, October 05, 2023
The Crazed Slavering Jackal Caucus
The Crazed Slavering Jackal Caucus is running the GOP. Plus, Giuliani's drinking may undermine Trump's defense in the Jan 6 case, Fani Willis gets her first flip, and Trump may say he's just embellishing, but claiming the Trump Tower apartment is 3x its actual size is just plain lying. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/the-game-theory-of-a-vacant-speakership https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-heck-happened-in-coffee-county-georgia
Wed, October 04, 2023
Tim O'Brien: The Hollow Men
Kevin McCarthy aspired to the speakership for his resume, not because of legislative talents. In the end, he was a victim of hubris. And in NYC, Trump is acting like Yosemite Sam, shooting himself in the foot, and fearing the loss of Trump Tower. Tim O'Brien joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-10-02/new-york-says-trump-committed-fraud-now-comes-the-price-tag?srnd=undefined
Tue, October 03, 2023
Dana Milbank: The Chair Was Already Vacant
Kevin McCarthy hasn't been doing much of anything all year as speaker, except lurching from crisis to crisis and leading from behind. Meanwhile, Trump is much more angry about being seen as less rich than potentially going to prison. Dana Milbank joins Charlie Sykes.
Mon, October 02, 2023
Will Saletan: Everybody Hates Matt Gaetz
The bipartisan loathing of Gaetz is almost a kumbaya moment. Meanwhile, Trump likes to say the US is turning into a third world country, and he's working on that with his calls to shoot shoplifters and execute drug dealers. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, September 29, 2023
David Frum: The Kraken Is Never Coming
The first impeachment hearing was panned on both sides, while House Republicans keep promising a new unicorn. Plus, the GOP is not going to follow Trump's abortion pivot, Biden gets an assist from Cindy McCain, and charting the future of conservatism. David Frum joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. show notes: https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/jack-beatty/the-rascal-king/9780306810022/
Thu, September 28, 2023
A.B. Stoddard: A Completely Pointless Debate
The kids' table debate was a cacophony of speed talking, interruptions, and yelling. Plus, Milley responds to the death threat, more Dems tell Menendez to go, and the bonfire continues to burn on Capitol Hill, with McCarthy handing out the books of matches. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/trump-sold-out-pro-lifers
Wed, September 27, 2023
Trump’s Empire of Fraud
The ex-POTUS has been put out of business in New York, after his fraud was found so overwhelming that no trial was needed. Meanwhile, his lawyers are prepping for Alito and Thomas to weigh in on a gag order, and some Republicans go Team Menendez. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Tue, September 26, 2023
Will Saletan: The Politics of Atonement
Cassidy Hutchinson atones. Bob Menendez refuses. Plus: the government shutdown about nothing. And MAGA’s war on (checks notes) Taylor Swift. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Mon, September 25, 2023
Trump Ever After: Live from TribFest
Olivia Nuzzi, Bret Stephens, and Ben Terris joined Charlie Sykes on stage in Austin over the weekend. While the Dems have Gretchen Whitmer to look forward to, the GOP's future may be people like Vivek—because the base must be entertained. Meanwhile, we may be facing a government shutdown because Gaetz and Boebert think it will increase their celebrity status.
Fri, September 22, 2023
Yascha Mounk: The Identity Trap
Our democratic order is facing a two-front war. While the immediate crisis may be from the right, the left is presenting its own threats—which only helps make far-right populism stronger. Political scientist and democracy hipster Yashca Mounk discusses his new book with Charlie Sykes on the weekend pod. show notes: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/712961/the-identity-trap-by-yascha-mounk/
Thu, September 21, 2023
A Raging Bull Elephant
Trump is trying to intimidate witnesses and jurors in the election case, and Chutkan's only remedy may be to move up the trial date. Plus, Republicans embarrassed themselves with the AG, the Epps conspiracy may never go away, and a new witness emerges in the docs case. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/on-clerks-and-caimans-jeffrey-clark-s-removal-hearing https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-s-motion-for-recusal-of-judge-chutkan-is-extraordinarily-weak
Wed, September 20, 2023
Manu Raju: The Hostage Crisis on Capitol Hill
House Republicans are bickering and calling each other names, while the Matt Gaetz caucus threatens to hold the country hostage with a government shutdown. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans think the dress code change is the most important story of the week. Manu Raju joins Charlie Sykes.
Tue, September 19, 2023
Ruy Teixeira: Biden’s Working Class Blues
The system feels rigged for the millionaires and the billionaires, and the populist red lights are flashing for 2024. Can the Democrats get back to being for the little guy, or will the man with the golden toilets convince them he's on their side? The Liberal Patriot's Ruy Teixeira joins Charlie Sykes.
Mon, September 18, 2023
Will Saletan: In Defense of Kristen Welker
Trump threw the pro-life movement under the bus in his NBC interview, and essentially pleaded the Fifth on Jan 6. Plus, Jack Smith wants a gag order, and Boebert the groper generated some amazing headlines. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, September 15, 2023
Anne Applebaum: Musk Buys Russia’s Lies
The billionaire was duped by Russian nuclear propaganda, but he's not the only one in the West who worries about provoking Russia by helping Ukraine. Plus, Putin's role in the far-right echo chamber, and why Romney stood up to Trump. Anne Applebaum joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. show notes: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/09/elon-musk-let-russia-scare-him/675282/
Thu, September 14, 2023
Did the FBI Get a Pass on Jan 6?
Romney's text message to Mitch McConnell renews questions about what law enforcement knew ahead of the attack on the Capitol. Plus, the weak counter-programming planned for Trump's prosecutions, and the foolish ploy against Judge Chutkan. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for the Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/five-observations-about-the-georgia-special-purpose-grand-jury-report
Wed, September 13, 2023
A.B. Stoddard: McCarthy's Month from Hell
The speaker is trying to sate the MAGA wing with a sham impeachment, and maybe a government shutdown, but it will never be satisfied. Plus, Ignatius steps into the fray on Biden, and a badly behaved Boebert gets ejected. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: Lauren Boebert being escorted from a performance of the "Beetlejuice" musical in Denver. https://youtu.be/FSwq_AIg-tE?si=aPteAoF5lPhARiZF https://newrepublic.com/post/175322/democrats-raskin-letter-subpoena-jared-kushner-affinity-partners
Tue, September 12, 2023
James Hohmann: Kevin in a Vise
McCarthy has caved on an impeachment inquiry so he can hold onto his gavel. Meanwhile, Congress should really be investigating Elon Musk's power as a defense contractor and his potential conflicts of interest. James Hohmann joins Charlie Sykes.
Mon, September 11, 2023
Will Saletan: Lying Dog-Faced Pony Soldier
Biden giving a press conference while jet-lagged may not quell rising concerns about his age. Plus, Kamala sticks to the script on abortion, Trump can't wait to sic his AG on opponents, and Good Nikki faces off with Bad Nikki. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, September 08, 2023
Tim Miller: Down to Clown
Tucker is in some corner of Elon's basement testing to see what he can get away with, while Elon is cozying up with Putin. Plus, Santos' oppo on himself, and the potential Saudi deal. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, September 07, 2023
Trump Keeps Admitting His Crimes
Trump did himself no favors talking to Hugh Hewitt, the Proud Boys could've spared themselves a lot of prison time, the Fulton case may move quickly, E. Jean Carroll wins again, and when will the cascade of witness flipping start? Lawfare's Ben Wittes and Roger Parloff join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
Wed, September 06, 2023
Adam Kinzinger: Trump Ignited the Proud Boys
Never forget it was Donald Trump telling the Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by" which ultimately set Jan 6 in motion. And now he's retconning that day as some kind of 1776 moment. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes today.
Tue, September 05, 2023
Will Saletan: The Hammer Philosophy of Governing
Republican leaders in Wisconsin sound like they're planning an end-run around democracy, Musk is running with one of the oldest antisemitic tropes in the world, and even MAGA Republicans in Texas don't like Ken Paxton. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes today.
Fri, September 01, 2023
Tim Miller: Heroes and Zeroes of the GOP
How different would things be if other Republicans had stood up to MAGA like the way Kemp did for Fani Willis? Plus, Ted Cruz tried on beer-swilling tough guy, Candace sampled the Trump playbook, and the BS behind the political consultant game. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the long weekend pod.
Thu, August 31, 2023
Justice for Ruby and Shaye
Giuliani is going to pay $$$$ for defaming Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss—and Trump may too, for his financial statements in New York. Meanwhile, ex-POTUS faces a criminal trial before the RNC, and Mark Meadows sounded wishy-washy in Georgia. Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/mark-meadows-takes-the-stand https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-has-jan.-6-trial-date-and-it-s-the-eve-of-super-tuesday
Wed, August 30, 2023
Mike Murphy: The Psychopath vs The Cynic
Does cynical Nikki Haley have the guts to run an edgier campaign? Plus, Vivek's Hermain Cain moment, Iowa's unpredictable caucus voters, and the denialism about Grandpa Joe. Mike Murphy joins Charlie Sykes today.
Tue, August 29, 2023
2024 Will Be a Train Wreck
From Trump's court calendar to concerns about Biden's age, we may be underestimating how bad next year could be. Plus, Mark Meadows' dubious claims about Georgia, Vivek and the show, lefty book bans, and the MAGA mob effort to blackmail us out of a constitutional republic. David French joins Charlie Sykes.
Mon, August 28, 2023
Charlie and Will Monday: Vivek’s BS
The new hotness, Ramaswamy, is serving up a load of bull. Plus, the risks of our political gerontocracy, the mug shot heard 'round the world, and of course, most GOP presidential candidates would vote for a convicted felon before Biden. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.
Fri, August 25, 2023
Tim Miller: We Told You So
We were always going to get this first-of-its-kind presidential portrait. What else would you expect from a con man and a criminal? But this is all because of the choices Trump made, and because the party has refused to take every single off-ramp. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, August 24, 2023
A.B. Stoddard: A Pointless Exercise?
At Wednesday's debate, Ramaswamy touched all the MAGA erogenous zones, Haley had a great night while Tim Scott did not, and DeSantis seemed to shrink even more. But as the debate audience made clear, no one can say bad things about the No. 1 guy's crimes. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
Wed, August 23, 2023
When the Hammer Comes Down
Almost nothing concentrates the mind more than an indictment, so expect other minor players in Trumpland—especially in Georgia—to flip on the don. Plus, the constitutional argument for blocking Trump's candidacy. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for a special edition of The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/dry-run-ouster-county-official-insurrectionist-creates-ominous-precedents-trump
Tue, August 22, 2023
Tom Nichols: Our Surreal Moment
Trump's co-defendants don't even dispute what they're accused of doing—they just claim it wasn't illegal. Plus, will the debate penetrate Fox's hermetically sealed silos, despite the ex-president's attempt to counter-program? Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes today.
Mon, August 21, 2023
Joe Perticone and Mona Charen: Trusting the Chronic Liar over the Pastor
The base gives Trump higher marks for speaking truth than they give to religious leaders, Vivek will be targeted at the debate, DeSantis turns on MAGA, Biden needs to tackle the age issue, and the media keeps both-sidesing political scandal. Joe Perticone and Mona Charen join Charlie Sykes.
Fri, August 18, 2023
DeSantis’s WTF Memo
The governor of Florida is being treated like a low-IQ child. Meanwhile, Trump hasn't been treated like the common criminal he is: mugshot him, weigh him, jail him. Plus, the Democrats' Senate leadership is MIA. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
Thu, August 17, 2023
Thumbprints on a Conspiracy?
Could Trump have been dumb enough to use Twitter DMs for his plot? Plus, the dangers of not fearing the law, the politics of four indictments, and the irony of whining about election fraud and then being indicted for conspiring to commit it. Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-fulton-county-indictment-an-initial-examination https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-heck-happened-in-coffee-county-georgia
Wed, August 16, 2023
Christopher Miller: The War Came to Us
A one-time Peace Corps volunteer, Chris Miller was posted to Ukraine, fell in love with it, and decided to stay. Now, he's one of the best Ukraine correspondents. Miller joins Charlie Sykes to discuss Zelensky, the state of the war, and Ukraine's existential fight. show notes: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/war-came-to-us-9781399406857/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, August 15, 2023
A.B. Stoddard: All the Ex-President's Conspirators
Donald Trump has been a low-rent mobster for his entire career, and now he's getting the indictment he deserves. And this time, some of co-conspirators are likely to flip. Plus, how the Big Lie plays at next week's debate. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, August 14, 2023
Ep.7: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
Even with Trump out of the White House, Lindsey Graham says that Trump is the organizing principle of the Republican Party. And everything that the senator once valued—national security, human rights, and the Constitution—plays second fiddle to his loyalty to Trump. This special series, The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, has been presented by The Bulwark Podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, August 11, 2023
Tim Miller: They're Still Humoring Him
Remember one of the worst quotes in history about just 'humoring' Trump after he lost in '20? Well, he's creating another threatening climate. Plus, Tim's reporting trip to Iowa, Pence gets a little loose, and Tim and Charlie share some life advice. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, August 10, 2023
Trump Baits the Judge
The ex-POTUS's ugly threats and intimidation against Jack Smith, Fani Willis, and Judge Chutkan will only escalate. Plus, the fake electors are the real voter fraud, there's likely evidence of crimes inside Trump's Twitter account, and the risks of prosecution vs letting him walk. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, August 09, 2023
Will Hurd: Don't Kiss Your Opponent's Butt
The former Texas congressman says he's running for president because America deserves a sane conservative party—while Trump is running to stay out of prison. And licking Trump's boots is no way to beat him. Hurd joins Charlie Sykes today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, August 08, 2023
Jake Tapper: "All the Demons Are Here"
The CNN anchor and author re-visits the 70s with a new thriller, featuring a Murdoch-esque character getting his toehold in American journalism, and Evel Knievel—a Trump precursor—reimagined as a presidential candidate. Plus, the media's Trump coverage and Fox's lucrative lies. Jake Tapper joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jake-tapper/all-the-demons-are-here/9780316424387/?lens=little-brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, August 07, 2023
Ep. 6: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
After the 2020 election, Lindsey Graham had a chance to be free—of Donald Trump, and all the rationalizing he had done for four years. But the senator was no longer his own man: He now belonged to Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, August 04, 2023
Adam Kinzinger: The Rhetoric Is Getting More Dangerous
Lindsey Graham says the federal courts in DC are illegitimate, the FBI is being called the Gestapo, and Charlie Kirk is casually talking about an execution of Joe Biden. How do we come back from this? Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, August 03, 2023
Trump’s Bogus Defenses
Trump defenders are arguing that the charges in the latest indictment infringe on his free speech rights, but using words to carry out crimes is not protected by the First Amendment. Plus, Pence gets a backbone, and the tough new judge on the scene. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-big-one-trump-is-indicted-for-jan.-6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, August 02, 2023
Susan Glasser: An Offense against Democracy Itself
Jack Smith has filed a case for the ages. It's not only an indictment of the Big Lie itself, but also of the charlatans who knowingly and consciously used fraud, deceit, and violence to try to impose their political will when they had failed through democratic means. Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, August 02, 2023
Bonus Episode: Listen to the Third Indictment
A federal grand jury indicted Donald Trump on Tuesday with a series of crimes related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The 45-page indictment accuses Trump of three conspiracies, plus a fourth count of allegedly obstructing an official proceeding. This bonus episode of The Trump Trials is a reading of the second federal indictment, and was produced using an artificial voice generator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, August 01, 2023
David French: Building a Legal Wall around Trump
Trump's high floor of support—the voters who think God sent him to save the country—combined with some of Biden's weaknesses, can put Trump back in the White House. Plus, the success of our legal institutions, and the puzzling DeSantis campaign. David French joins Charlie Sykes today. show notes: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/20/opinion/jan-6-legal.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, July 31, 2023
Ep. 5: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
By the time of the Ukraine scandal and impeachment, Lindsey Graham and other Republicans had grown tired of defending Trump's corrupt behavior. But they didn't blame Trump—they blamed the investigators, and essentially handed Trump the power to do as he pleased. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, July 28, 2023
Bonus Episode: Listen to the Superseding Indictment
Federal prosecutors have added new charges against Trump in the classified documents case, including his alleged efforts to have security camera footage deleted at Mar-a-Lago. This bonus episode of The Trump Trials is a reading of the superseding indictment, and was produced using an artificial voice generator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, July 28, 2023
Russell Moore: "Losing Our Religion"
We are living in a time when an evangelical pastor can literally quote Jesus Christ and a theo-bro will tell him he's weak and woke. How did we get here? And do we get out? Dr. Russell Moore discusses his new book on the weekend pod with Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709965/losing-our-religion-by-russell-moore/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, July 27, 2023
The Power of Whataboutism
Republicans are going to launch an impeachment inquiry against Biden to divert attention from the crimes of the ex-POTUS, Rudy is an admitted defamer, and Trump's lawyers met with Jack Smith. Plus, deciphering the screw-up around Hunter's plea deal. Lawfare's Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-last-time-the-justice-department-prosecuted-election-interference-under-section-241 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, July 26, 2023
Asa Hutchinson: Why I’m Doing This
The presidential candidate and former Arkansas governor wants to take the Republican Party in the direction of public service and conservative principles—and away from Donald Trump, who has made it a losing party that is only about him. Gov. Asa Hutchinson joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/elaine-massacre-of-1919-1102/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, July 25, 2023
The Drama and Reality of 'Oppenheimer'
The film captures the race against the Nazis to develop the first atomic bomb, and Oppenheimer's genius and torment as well. Mona Charen and Sonny Bunch sit in for Charlie Sykes to break it down. *INCLUDES SPOILERS* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, July 24, 2023
Ep. 4: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
After the 2018 midterms, Lindsey Graham moved to a new stage of collaboration with Trump. Graham was no longer just protecting him from accountability—he began helping Trump to usurp power. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, July 21, 2023
Will Saletan: All for the Fan Service
The dick pics, RFK, jr,'s testimony, and McCarthy's promise to expunge impeachment records are all for the base. Plus, DeSantis should GTFO of Twitter, the legitimacy of the courts needs to be preserved, and never forget that the ex-POTUS is a RAPIST. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, July 20, 2023
Indictment Day
Jack Smith will move very quickly on a new indictment, numerous court appearances and trials can be quite disruptive to a presidential campaign, and Trump may have violated civil rights laws by trying to block qualified votes from being counted. Lawfare's Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/judge-cannon-holds-a-hearing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, July 19, 2023
Miles Taylor: Imagining a Trump 2.0
Plans are already being drawn up for Trump's revenge plans in a second term, including special counsels to investigate Trump's enemies, a "Sue the Blue" DOJ targeting Democrats, and judicial gerrymandering. Plus, Trump's incestuous Ivanka fantasies. Miles Taylor joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Blowback/Miles-Taylor/9781668015988 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, July 18, 2023
Tom Nichols: Jack Smith Is Not Screwing Around
Going after a former president for an attempted coup had seemed like 'mission impossible,' but the special counsel is going big. Meanwhile, Republicans defending him don't seem to care about their country or the Constitution, and the only job Trump could get now is POTUS. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes. show notes : https://www.harpercollins.com/products/rock-me-on-the-water-ronald-brownstein?variant=39387579023394 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, July 17, 2023
Ep. 3: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
After Trump's first year in office, the power shifted in Washington. Republicans went from humoring Trump to fearing him. Lindsey Graham surrendered to Trump, and began demonizing anyone who posed a threat to him. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, July 14, 2023
Why Are People Still Sticking With Trump After All This?
Cassidy Hutchinson and Sarah Matthews had gumption, while the grown-ass men who were their bosses did not. Plus, the billion $$$ cottage industry around Trump isn't backing him because they believe in him, DeSantis should be ashamed, and what it's like to be on The View. Alyssa Farah joins guest host Tim Miller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, July 13, 2023
Indictments for All the President's Men?
Prosecuting Trump for Jan 6 presents novel issues, but that's not the case when it comes to Giuliani, Flynn, and Mark Meadows—and charges may be imminent. Plus, a grand jury is seated in Georgia, the Oath Keepers may serve more time, and focus groups are reacting to Trump's legal woes. Ben Wittes joins guest host Sarah Longwell for The Trump Trials. show notes: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/they-ll-be-in-the-room-where-it-happens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, July 12, 2023
Philip Bump: The Self-Disappearing Informant
House Republicans keep stepping on rakes when it comes to Hunter Biden: Turns out their 'missing informant' is a fugitive accused of working for the Chinese government. Plus, Dairy Queen is a red-country restaurant and Trump is still an outsider. Philip Bump joins guest host Sonny Bunch. show notes: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/10/trump-iowa-dairy-queen/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, July 11, 2023
Jay Nordlinger: The Poisonous Nature of Strength Worship
The masculinity contest in the Republican presidential primary ramps up, Chris Christie keeps dropping truth bombs, and the trans issue is the new wall. Plus, Sweden, Ukraine and NATO, and a debate over ending legacy admissions. Jay Nordlinger joins guest host Mona Charen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, July 10, 2023
Ep. 2: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
Within days of the 2016 election, Lindsey Graham began transforming into Trump's chief apologist—in an effort to influence him on national security and foreign policy. But to get Trump to stand up to tyrants overseas, the senator soon found himself willing to compromise on rule of law at home. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan. Read The Corruption of Lindsey Graham in PDF or Kindle formats at thebulwark.com/lindseygraham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, July 07, 2023
Tommy Vietor: David Plouffe Would Have Murdered Us
How Obamaworld views the weird attempt by Team DeSantis to mimic Ted Cruz's failed 2016 campaign. Plus, Dems need to stop worrying about Biden and Kamala gaffes, pols like Gavin Newsom need to go on Joe Rogan, and Tim Miller has a world news quiz. Tommy Vietor joins Tim, who's sitting in for Charlie Sykes on the weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, July 06, 2023
Trump Is Going Down
The docs case against Trump is bigger than Snowden's, the people of South Florida should be cut more slack as a jury pool, and the media is largely ignoring the case of the armed Jan 6 defendant who was outside Obama's home. Ben Wittes joins guest host Tim Miller for The Trump Trials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, July 05, 2023
A.B. Stoddard: Governing Is for Wimps
House Republicans are racing to the crazy again as they try to nail down who they're going to impeach. Plus, gaming out why Biden gets so little credit for the economy, and the GOP presidential debate stage may end up quite small. A.B. Stoddard joins guest host Mona Charen. show notes: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2023/07/05/no_matter_who_shows_the_debates_will_bolster_trump_149457.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, July 03, 2023
Ep. 1: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
Lindsey Graham was once one of Donald Trump's fiercest critics—before becoming one of his most important collaborators. His eventual capitulation is really a story about what happened to the whole Republican Party. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan. Read The Corruption of Lindsey Graham in PDF or Kindle formats at thebulwark.com/lindseygraham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, June 30, 2023
Mark Hertling: How Dangerous Were the Trump Docs?
If Trump wanted to impress a memoir writer with classified documents, wouldn't he also want to do the same with Putin and MBS? Plus, will the US supply cluster munitions to Ukraine? And the nesting doll of dysfunction in Russia. Lt. Gen Mark Hertling joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, June 30, 2023
TRAILER The Bulwark Podcast Presents: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham
Will Saletan has a story to tell: It’s about what’s happened to the United States since Donald Trump began his rise to power eight years ago. It’s about authoritarianism in our own country. But it's not a story about Trump. It’s about his collaborators, and in particular, one collaborator: Senator Lindsey Graham. This special summer podcast series will explain what happened to Graham, and how the story of his gradual corruption can help us to understand how an entire political party, and half of our country, fell under the sway of a candidate, and then a president, who openly attacks democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. "The Corruption of Lindsey Graham" starts July 3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, June 29, 2023
Trump’s Bravado Defense
Charging Trump for Jan 6 just got meaningfully harder after a Supreme Court ruling that has nothing to do with storming the Capitol. Plus, Rudy was Queen for a Day, John Eastman loses in a big way, and the end of affirmative action in higher ed. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, June 28, 2023
Seth Masket: Trending Trump
Grassroots Republican leaders increasingly favor Trump, and he's getting significantly more coverage on CNN than the other candidates. Plus, when Democrats lose, they tend to move to the center. When Republicans do, they tend to move harder right. Seth Masket joins Charlie Sykes today. show notes: https://smotus.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, June 27, 2023
Ben Terris: It's Not Going Back to Normal
Why is DC so weird? The Washington Post's Ben Terris describes his hitchhiker's guide through the backrooms of Washington to show why normal is not coming back after Trump. Today's pod with Charlie Sykes. show notes: The Big Break by Ben Terris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, June 26, 2023
Will Saletan: A Wannabe Coup
After this weekend's mutiny in Russia, the world is suddenly seeing Putin in a new light. Meanwhile, America's wannabe authoritarian goes full martyr, and Chris Christie is making it safe to say Voldemort again. Will Saletan joins guest host Mona Charen today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, June 23, 2023
Tim O'Brien: A Clown Rodeo
The celebrification of running for president continues to grow, Boebert and MTG are a couple of ignoramuses, Schiff gets censured instead of Santos, RFK Jr is a Putin stooge, and Trump is a joke—but the joke's on us. Tim O'Brien joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, June 22, 2023
Trump’s TV Strategy
Trump keeps undermining his own defense, but he's not wrong that if he wins, he can make the cases against him go away. Plus, John Durham gets humiliated again, and justice was served on behalf of police officer Michael Fanone. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, June 21, 2023
Andrew Weissmann: Jack Smith Cometh
Special Counsel Jack Smith is racing the clock, Justices Alito and Thomas seem to be taking cues from Donald Trump's "What are you gonna do about it?" approach to following rules, Republicans are against the IRS and gun laws unless Hunter is involved, and Barr's about-face is way too little, way too late. Andrew Weissmann joins Charlie Sykes today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, June 20, 2023
Chris Christie: Why I Want to Beat Trump
Gov. Christie joins Charlie Sykes to explain campaign strategy, his error in judgment in 2016, and how Trump knows he lost. Plus, why Trump voters expect him to join the candidate debates, and the worst manager in the history of the presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, June 19, 2023
Will Saletan: Welcome to the Resistance, Bill Barr
Former AG Barr protected Trump while he obstructed justice, but he's now staked out a spot in the anti-Trump coalition. Plus, Tim Scott tests out being a hack, Pence lacks self-awareness, and did Merrick Garland self-deter? Will Saletan's back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, June 16, 2023
Tim Miller: A Season of Grifters and Crackpots
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has found the sweet spot in the horseshoe— between QAnon-ers waiting for JFK, Jr. and the weirdo, anti-vaxxers in the Dems. Plus, grifting tech bros, the likely malice behind No Labels, and Marco's relief that Trump is (probably) not a spy. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, June 15, 2023
Jack Smith's Steely-Eyed Gaze
The special prosecutor had his eyes on Trump during the arraignment, but Trump—who seemed tired and resigned—didn't even look at him once. Plus, what if Judge Aileen Cannon assists the ex-POTUS with his defense? Lawfare's Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trials of Trump. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, June 14, 2023
Adam Kinzinger: The Freak Prom
Trump likes to convey that he is invincible and has a massive army of people behind him. But he's scared and deflated. And many in the cult behind him are wanna-be celebs—or were the uncool kids in high school. Plus, the Freedom Caucus revolt in the House. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, June 13, 2023
Michael Weiss: Perp Walks and Counteroffensives
Even after winning the White House, Trump is still the consummate grifter who's got no time for political correctness or following the law—whether it's a parking ticket or a federal crime. Plus, the Ukrainian counteroffensive and the dam disaster. Michael Weiss joins Charlie Sykes today. show notes: https://twitter.com/michaeldweiss/status/1668358841895927813?s=20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, June 12, 2023
Will Saletan: A World Series of Whataboutism
Republicans spent the weekend defending Trump by pointing to Biden, Pence, other ex-presidents, and of course, Hillary. In MAGA-land, he's always exempt from responsibility. Meanwhile, their excuses could set off a mob—again. Will Saletan's back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sat, June 10, 2023
Listen to the Indictment
This is a reading of the classified documents indictment against former President Trump that was unsealed by the Justice Department on Friday. Parts of the text have been edited for clarity and ease of listening. The recording was produced using an artificial voice generator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, June 09, 2023
Tim Miller and Bill Kristol: Rally Around the Felon
Fox calls Trump's prosecution an insurrection. The GOP shrug off his hoarding, hiding, and sharing of top secret national security docs. But our justice system is working, and the feds are going to perp walk an ex-POTUS for the first time. Bill Kristol and Tim Miller join Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, June 08, 2023
Wait, Is This Guy a Freakin' Criminal?
Jack Smith will need a barn burner of a case, rich in facts, and one that holds up under the scrutiny of conservative legal analysts on Fox. Plus, Pence is simultaneously for the rule of law and letting Trump slide. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, June 07, 2023
A.B. Stoddard: Christie Brought the Hot Sauce
Chris Christie launched his presidential campaign by calling out Trump—and hit him on the kleptocracy, the hypocrisy, and the lying. Plus, the Freedom Caucus punishes McCarthy, Licht only had an elevator pitch—not a plan for CNN, and the PGA rolls over for the Saudis. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, June 06, 2023
Astead Herndon: Our Broken Politics
Too many of today's politicians don't care that they are undermining their own parties with messages the general public doesn't support. Plus, the donor class grifting of No Labels, and how the Scott Walker era in Wisconsin prepared us for the Trump era. Astead Herndon joins Charlie Sykes. show notes: https://www.nytimes.com/column/election-run-up-podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, June 05, 2023
Will Saletan: The Dem’s RFK, Jr. Problem
Steve Bannon and company are helping give anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy a boost in the polls, Trump gets challenged from the right on foreign policy, Haley is fantastically cynical, and CNN tried to make Trump happy. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, June 02, 2023
Tim Miller: Normal v Crazy
It wasn't like the boring 90s, but politics this week felt almost normal. Meanwhile, Trump's bleats are getting more demented and DeSantis is all-in on attacking him for fast-tracking a vaccine. Plus, the war on Pride Month. Tim Miller is back with Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, June 01, 2023
Lordy, There Are Tapes
Trump's own recorded words appear to undercut his already weak defense that he had declassified the documents he took from the White House—and he may have invited a charge under the Espionage Act. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for the latest edition of The Trump Trials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, May 31, 2023
Michael Steele: We're Way Past Kumbaya
The media thinks the GOP base could still want 'Morning in America,' Citizens United is keeping no-hopers in the race, Charlie totally called it on Tara Reade Biden made McCarthy grow up, and MAGA world turns to infighting. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, May 30, 2023
Tom Nichols: Knuckleheads with Flamethrowers
McCarthy cut a normal deal with Biden when the GOP caucus couldn't agree on what to demand—beyond just shouting and pounding the table. Plus, missing Brezhnev, waiting for a haymaker, and DeSantis is angry and weird, but not as dangerous as Trump. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, May 26, 2023
Luke Russert: Look for Me There
In the summer of 2016, on the eve of the Republican and Democratic conventions, Luke Russert—an NBC News star and a scion of media royalty—walked away from it all. Russert joins Charlie Sykes for a special Memorial Day weekend pod to share a story of parental love, loss, and finding your own way. show notes: https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/9780785291817/look-for-me-there/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, May 25, 2023
Indictment Time?
Jack Smith is wrapping up his investigation into the Mar-a-Lago classified document collection, and Trump world is bracing for indictments. Plus, defamation, court dates, and the actor playing a human launches his presidential campaign. Ben Wittes and Quinta Jurecic join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, May 24, 2023
David Frum: Losing the Dominance Primary
DeSantis claims he doesn't back down, but most of the time, he is flinching and cowering—and now he's allowing Musk to push him around. Plus, Trump v Kamala, felons can't vote for themselves in Florida, and the Russians fighting for Ukraine. David Frum joins Charlie Sykes today. show notes: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/05/joe-biden-health-versus-donald-trump-indictments/673989/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/05/durham-report-fbi-trump-russia/674088/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, May 23, 2023
Philip Bump: Running Against Reality
Reality is Kari Lake's biggest opponent, Tim Scott is warmly welcomed into a growing candidate field, Biden gets blamed for guns, and younger voters are more likely to vote for Democrats. Plus, did Twitter grave-rob a username for DeSantis? The Washington Post's Philip Bump joins Charlie Sykes today. show notes: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/696653/the-aftermath-by-philip-bump/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, May 22, 2023
Will Saletan: Is Tim Scott Running a Potemkin Campaign?
Are Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, and Mike Pence really running for the VP slot—or a chance to increase their speaking fees? Plus, Trump is still an extortionist, the GOP's not a serious governing party, and Fox created the market for the homeless vet hoax. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, May 19, 2023
The Bulwark: Live from New York
Charlie Sykes and Tim Miller held court on the Upper West Side Thursday night, weighing in on Rudy's medical experiments on himself, Disney's humiliation of DeSantis, Trump's legal setbacks in his own hometown, and more. Plus, Charlie and Tim play "Name That Musical" for your weekend pod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, May 18, 2023
Steve Vladeck: The Supreme Court's Shadow Docket
Justice Alito frequently complains that critics of the court are trying to delegitimize it. But it's the Supreme Court's own actions—including its late-night, unsigned, and unexplained decisions on the shadow docket— that are undermining the institution. Steve Vladeck joins Charlie Sykes today. show notes https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/stephen-vladeck/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, May 17, 2023
Durham's Fizzle
John Durham didn't report anything new, and he took longer to produce less useful material than Mueller did to expose Russian election interference in 2016—Mueller also had Flynn and Manafort indicted. Plus, only Benedict Arnold has fallen as far as Rudy. Ben Wittes is back for The Trump Trials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, May 16, 2023
Anne Applebaum: The Case for a Complete Ukrainian Victory
Ukraine's freedom is on the line, but America's role in the world is also at stake. And if a democratic Ukraine can win against autocratic Russia, the world's geopolitics could be altered for a generation. Anne Applebaum joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast. show notes: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/06/counteroffensive-ukraine-zelensky-crimea/673781/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mon, May 15, 2023
Will Saletan: We Are Not the Crazy Ones
DeSantis tries to pretend he's normal, James Comer can't find his Biden informants, Republicans are disappointed there's not a bigger crisis at the border, Trump wants Mike QAnon Flynn back as an adviser, and Lindsey can't stop rationalizing. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday. https://specialto.thebulwark.com/p/the-corruption-of-lindsey-graham?itm_source=parsely-api Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fri, May 12, 2023
Richard Reeves: The Trouble with Boys
Girls are blowing past boys in school, and while most men are poorer than they were 50 years ago, women's incomes have risen across the board. A new kind of gender inequality is drawing men into MAGA's poisonous politics. Richard Reeves joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend podcast. show notes: https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780815739883/Of-Boys-and-Men-Why-the-Modern-Male-Is-Struggling-Why-It-Matters-and-What-to-Do-about-It Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Thu, May 11, 2023
Trump vs Law and Order
From promising a general amnesty to Jan 6 rioters, to re-victimizing E. Jean Carroll on CNN's town hall, and calling a police officer a thug, Trump is sure making it easy for Biden to claim the mantle of law and order. Tim Miller, Ben Wittes, and Roger Parloff join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wed, May 10, 2023
The Counteroffensive Against Trump—and Putin
Turns out that being a star doesn't allow you to get away with sexual assault after all. The GOP still has an 'Access Hollywood' choice, but now there's a $5 million jury verdict. Plus, Tim Mak joins Charlie Sykes from Ukraine to discuss his reporting on life during wartime, beyond "the booms and the bangs." show notes: https://counteroffensive.substack.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tue, May 09, 2023
Felix Salmon: The New Not Normal Economy
Globalism is dead, the remote work revolution is here to stay, and more people are pursuing their big dreams in smaller cities. The Covid pandemic ushered in a new YOLO economic era. Axios' Felix Salmon joins Charlie Sykes today to discuss the upsides and the downsides. show notes : https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-phoenix-economy-felix-salmon?variant=40694169796642 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bulwark Podcast

Ben Wittes: Sorry, We Still Have Due Process

Stephanie Ruhle: Only Trump Is Happy

Josh Barro: Total Idiocy

Bill Kristol: Staring Down the Barrel

David Frum: It's Too Late to Stop the Pain

Andrew Weissmann and Patrick Gaspard: Naked Corruption

Catherine Rampell: Trump's Tariffmageddon

Jonathan Cohn and Mark Lilla: Lobotomizing America

Bill Kristol: The High Cost of Stupidity

Adam Kinzinger: Mortal Damage to the American Empire

Mallory McMorrow and Tracy Alloway: A Self-Inflicted Crisis

Sam Stein: Elon Is Toxic

Susan Rice: This Is Bloody Serious

Bill Kristol: Stiffen Your Spines, Democrats

Amanda Carpenter: Daddy? No, Manny Trump

Jon Lovett: A Worst Case Scenario Comes Into View

Michael Weiss, Ben Smith, and Annie Karni: Radioactively Stupid

Jeffrey Goldberg and Peter Wehner: What's Going on with Our National Security?

Live from Phoenix

Michael Lewis: Government Workers Aren't the Corrupt Ones

Wes Moore: The System Doesn't Work for a Lot of People

Ben Wittes: Putin Makes A Fool of Trump, Again

Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov: The Cheap Whore at the White House

Bill Kristol: Give Back the Statue of Liberty

David French: Trump Admits He's Violating the Constitution

Sam Stein: How Do You Negotiate with Nihilists?

Mark Hertling: Aiding and Abetting a War Criminal

Will Sommer: Across the MAGA-Verse

S.E. Cupp: The Outrage Is the Point

Tom Nichols: Covid Trump 2.0

Neera Tanden and John Fetterman: They're Playing With People's Lives

Jim Acosta: Trump Can't Take the Heat

James Carville and Michael Weiss: The Whole Country Could Go Under

Bill Kristol: Kleptocrats and Plutocrats

BONUS EPISODE from Tim's New "FYPod"

David Frum: Both Pro-Jesus and Pro-Sex Trafficking

Mike Murphy: The Chinese Own Elon

Ruben Gallego and Zerlina Maxwell: Make Them Own It

Ben Wittes: Who the F*** Are You?

Bill Kristol and Jared Polis: Send In the Clown

Adam Kinzinger: It's Starting to Happen

David Graham and Pablo Torre: Is Lil Marco a Cuban Communist Agent?

Jared Moskowitz and Zeke Faux: Scams Galore

Susan Glasser: Giving Away the Store to Putin

Bill Kristol: Taking A Wrecking Ball to the Government

Andrew Weissmann and Michael Weiss: Valentine's Massacre

Alex Wagner: The Poster Child for Corruption and Grift

Carol Leonnig and Robert Putnam: Lies and Moral Obligations

Tom Malinowski: Fight the Power, Dems

Bill Kristol: The Law Be Damned

Ezra Klein: The Resistance, Back from the Dead

Michael Steele: Gum Up the Works

Ben Stiller: 'Severance,' but Real Life

Anne Applebaum: Outside the Rule of Law

Will Saletan and Scott Lincicome: A Crime Boss Has Taken Over

Andrew Weissmann: A MAGAtocracy and a Babytocracy

Tommy Vietor: Deniability Is All That Matters

Mona Charen: A Moment of Truth

Chris Hayes and Alex Kantrowitz: Trying To Break the Whole Thing

Bill Kristol: Trump Loves Fraud

David French: Vengeance and Rage

Sam Stein and Adrian Carrasquillo: We Are in a Simulation

Stephanie Ruhle: Unlimited Money and No Rules

Tom Nichols: A Farce and a Sham

Bill Kristol: Resist the Nihilism

Ron Brownstein: Don't Take the Bait

Melissa Murray and John Avlon: The Dark Legal Clouds Ahead

Adam Kinzinger and Mark Kelly: Dirty Little Secret

Peter Hamby: The Politics of a Firestorm

Bill Kristol: Cannons All the Way Down

Amanda Carpenter: We Are Team Karen (Pence)

Derek Thompson and Elizabeth Weil: The Trend Toward Solitude

Liam Donovan and Brendan Boyle: The Great Grift

Charlie Warzel: Zuck Sucks Up to Trump

Bill Kristol: The Preposterous and Ridiculous Lies About the FBI

Jonathan Martin: A Resilient City

David Frum: Sociopaths and Political Tribalism

Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: We Are Sticking With the Mission

Bill Kristol: Exploit the Rifts