#1155
September 15 · 33 min
BT
Bulwark Takes
The Bulwark
The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.
- 204 episodes
- Avg 31 min
- English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
- BT#1154September 14 · 25 min
Kennedy Center’s Bizarre Documents Are Pure Trumpian Madness
Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first-time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. #ad Catherine Rampell and Andrew Egger take on the pure Trumpian madness engulfing the Kennedy Center, which could close as early as Tuesday after Trump’s takeover drove away donors, performers, and audiences. Now his handpicked board says Trump may be the only person who can “rescue” it—and has laid out ten different ways the institution could honor him in return.
- BT#1153September 14 · 29 min
BOMBSHELL: Russian Oligarch Bankrolled Don Jr.’s Wedding
Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first-time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. #ad Marc Polymeropoulos and Michael Weiss give their takes on the ProPublica report that a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin secretly bankrolled Donald Trump Jr.’s lavish Bahamas wedding. They examine the counterintelligence implications of a Putin-connected figure giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to the president’s son, including the potential for leverage, access, compromise and influence inside Trump’s inner circle. They also discuss the oligarch’s connections to Russian ultra-nationalist groups and the war in Ukraine, including ties to an organization accused of helping abduct Ukrainian children. Plus, Mark and Michael explore what the FBI, Congress and national security-minded Republicans should do with the revelations and why the growing normalization of Russian influence could pose an even bigger threat. A quick note: We know Russian counterintelligence isn’t exactly algorithm bait. But when a story like this breaks, we want to be able to call up people who have spent their careers inside this world and give them the time to explain what everyone else is missing. Paid Bulwark members make that kind of work possible: not just chasing the biggest audience, but putting real expertise behind stories that deserve serious attention.
- BT#1152September 14 · 58 min
MAGA Mondays: Trump’s Handpicked Prosecutor QUITS After Just Five Months
ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first-time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. #ad Sam Stein and Will Sommer dig into the bombshell ProPublica report that a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin secretly bankrolled Donald Trump Jr.’s lavish Bahamas wedding. Then, they take a critical look at 60 Minutes’ investigation into the booming business of lobbying for presidential pardons, including its undercover sting of Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman. Plus, Will explains the bizarre circumstances surrounding the sudden resignation of Trump ally Joe diGenova’s resignation, and the latest saga involving MAGA influencer Matt Tardio and his bizarre “Antifa got me high” defense. All that, plus the truly strange story of Jacob Wohl’s dad and a very weird MAGA calendar. Read more from Will: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/maga-influencer-matt-tardio-defense-antifa-got-me-high
- BT#1151September 14 · 22 min
Watch Mike Johnson Squirm Over Trump’s $5,000 Bribe
Sam Stein and Will Saletan take on Mike Johnson’s defense of Republican congressional candidate Brandon Herrera despite the gun YouTuber’s grotesque comments about women and children—and the stark contrast with how Democrats police their own candidates. They also dissect Donald Trump’s proposed $5,000 payout if Republicans retain Congress, then debate the administration’s lack of urgency as AI insiders warn of catastrophic risks and Johnson invokes competition with China to resist rapid regulation.
- BT#1150September 13 · 19 min
This 6-Second Debate Clip Could Haunt GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan
Tim Miller breaks down two political moments from the weekend that caught his attention. First, he takes on the backlash from a Texas Republican candidate over viral photos of Indian American students celebrating a football game at the University of Texas, and why Republicans should be forced to answer for openly racist rhetoric from a candidate for statewide office. Then Tim turns to the Alaska Senate race and the debate between Mary Peltola and Dan Sullivan. He highlights Peltola’s argument that the Iran war is driving up fuel costs for Alaskan fishermen and families, as well as a viral debate moment when Sullivan has to look to Peltola for his answer during a yes-or-no question. To get tickets for upcoming Bulwark events—including our show for Springfield, OH—go to https://thebulwark.com/events. Relevant Links: Bo French’s posts about UT students / John Cornyn’s response: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/cornyn-bo-french-ut-students-tweet-22429931.php Bo French’s previous controversial poll: https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article309580905.html Alaska Senate fisheries debate — Mary Peltola vs. Dan Sullivan: https://www.c-span.org/program/campaign-2026/alaska-us-senate-candidates-debate-fisheries-industry/685130 Kansas Senate debate — Roger Marshall vs. Adam Hamilton: https://www.kwch.com/2026/09/10/candidates-kansas-governor-us-senate-debate-live-kansas-state-fair/
- BT#1149September 13 · 34 min
America’s Most Powerful People Are Caving to Trump (w/ Richard North Patterson) | Bulwark on Sunday
Bill Kristol and Richard North Patterson trace how America went from a seemingly conventional political system to Trump’s second term, where the institutions and powerful people expected to serve as guardrails have often failed to stand up to him. They look at the GOP’s transformation, economic insecurity, the capitulation of business and legal elites—and why the millions of ordinary Americans showing up for “No Kings” and other grassroots resistance give them reason for hope.
- BT#1148September 12 · 24 min
GOP Senator Had His Patients ARRESTED Over Medical Bills
Tim Miller takes a closer look at Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, whose record as a doctor is under new scrutiny after a New York Times investigation found that he sued more than 700 patients over medical debt, with 81 ultimately arrested after missing court dates. Plus: Marshall’s views on healthcare and vaccines, his support for Trump’s Iran war and tariffs, and his record of going along with the president even as Kansans face higher costs. Related Links: The New York Times: “A Doctor Sued 700 Patients for Debts; 81 Were Arrested. Now He’s a Senator.” https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/us/politics/roger-marshall-obgyn-doctor-debts.html STAT: “Two months ago, this doctor was delivering babies. Now he’s at the nexus of the Obamacare fight” https://www.statnews.com/2017/03/03/roger-marshall-kansas-obamacare/ The Kansas City Star: “Roger Marshall calls Kansas cabin home. Official trips took him near $1.2M Florida house” https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article292974104.html The Beacon: “Why 30 hospitals in Kansas and 12 in Missouri are at risk of closure” https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2026/01/08/why-30-rural-hospitals-in-kansas-and-12-in-missouri-are-at-risk/ The Bulwark: Sam Stein and Tim Miller interview Adam Hamilton https://www.thebulwark.com/p/sam-stein-and-adam-hamilton-trumps Watch more in Tim's series about the worst Republicans running in the 2026 midterm: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXT8ySfDKu0
- BT#1146September 12 · 25 min
The RNC Convention Was Basically a Trump Cult Meeting
Sam Stein and Sonny Bunch unpack Sonny’s experience covering the Republican Party’s bizarre midterm convention in Dallas where they almost didn't let him in the arena. Sonny walks through the convention’s strange credentialing saga, the overwhelming focus on Donald Trump, and an event that seemed less like a traditional party convention and more like a celebration of Trump himself. From Trump memorabilia and a pledge to the president to a convention floor united around Trump, Sonny explains what the GOP looks like up close and why the party appears to have no identity beyond Donald Trump. They also discuss the surprising prominence of Charlie Kirk at the convention, JD Vance’s appeal to Kirk’s legacy while defending Trump’s Iran policy, and the one issue that actually appeared to divide attendees.
- BT#1147September 12 · 23 min
Command Post: Saudi Arabia’s Oil Pipeline Hit With Multiple Attacks
Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) break down the latest escalation across the Middle East, including an attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, a critical alternative route designed to move oil around the Strait of Hormuz. With the pipeline damaged and the Houthis taking control of key positions along the Red Sea, the region’s major shipping routes are facing growing disruption. The attacks threaten far more than oil. The Bab al-Mandab and Red Sea are critical routes for food, grain, packaged goods and cargo moving between the Gulf, Europe, Asia and Africa. Mark explains why Iran and the Houthis appear to have the initiative, why the U.S. is increasingly responding rather than setting the terms of the conflict, and how Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and NATO could become entangled as the war continues to expand. Plus, the Somali pirates becoming active again and shippers now face another threat once they make it through the region’s increasingly dangerous choke points. Your health matters and taking care of yourself shouldn’t be complicated. Head to Zocdoc.com/BulwarkTakes to get started and check that appointment off your to-do list.
- BT#1145September 11 · 50 min
Receipts Live: Diesel Prices Soar to $6 a Gallon, Inflation Outpaces Wages
Catherine Rampell and JVL break down the latest inflation numbers and why the Trump administration is desperately trying to convince Americans that rising prices are actually good news. Inflation hit 3.4% in August, real wages are falling behind, consumer confidence is sinking, and diesel prices have crossed $6 a gallon for the first time. They also give their takes on the looming fight between Trump and the Federal Reserve, as Kevin Warsh faces a potentially impossible choice between doing what the economy requires and doing what Trump wants. Plus, they take a closer look at Trump’s promise to send Americans $5,000 checks and why the plan may be even dumber than it sounds. Your health matters and taking care of yourself shouldn’t be complicated. Head to Zocdoc.com/BulwarkTakes to get started and check that appointment off your to-do list. Read more from Catherine: https://www.thebulwark.com/receipts
- BT#1144September 11 · 17 min
Stephen Miller’s Wife Has Some Explaining to Do
Will Sommer and Andrew Egger dig into Katie Miller’s previously undisclosed financial stake in Elon Musk’s xAI and why it may shed new light on her relentless promotion of Grok. Miller has posted hundreds of times repeatedly attacked OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies while boosting Grok as the AI for “true patriots.” But the Washington Post found through White House financial disclosures that she owns roughly $1 million in xAI stock. After the Post broke the story, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson rushed to defend Katie and instead of declining to comment, Ferguson accused the Post of partisan attacks. Your health matters and taking care of yourself shouldn’t be complicated. Head to https://Zocdoc.com/BulwarkTakes to get started and check that appointment off your to-do list. Read Will’s False Flag newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/false-flag …and for more Andrew Egger, check out Morning Shots: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/morningshots
- BT#1144September 11 · 1 hr 50 min
Live Coverage of JD Vance's Midterm Convention Speech
Join Tim Miller, Sonny Bunch, Lauren Egan and Andrew Egger as they cover JD Vance's midterm convention speech live. For 3 Day Blinds’ buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to https://3DayBlinds.com/BULWARKTAKES.
- BT#1141September 10 · 43 min
Trump Wants to Take the Guardrails Off AI. What Could Go Wrong?
Catherine Rampell and Andrew Egger take on the increasingly hard-to-dismiss warnings about superintelligent AI, after an Anthropic researcher quit over fears that the technology could eventually threaten humanity. They ask whether anyone can actually control increasingly powerful AI, whether the Trump administration is making the problem worse, and why Washington seems so unprepared for what may be coming. Plus: Hunter Biden launches a meme coin—and it goes about as well as you’d expect. For 3 Day Blinds’ buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to https://3DayBlinds.com/BULWARKTAKES. Read Andrew's Morning Shots newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/our-orange-napoleon-wants-a-big-arch-arlington-memorial-trump-burgum-ai-openai-anthropic-extinction-risk-911-september-11-canada-trade-war Jeff Stein — “Sam Altman Privately Rejected Giving OpenAI Shares to the Government”: https://washingtonsun.com/technology/sam-altman-privately-rejected-open-ai-government-equity
- BT#1143September 10 · 59 min
MAGA Thursdays: Laura Loomer Is Picking Fights at Trump’s MAGA Convention
Will Sommer and Sam Stein went live for a special Thursday edition of MAGA Mondays. They give their takes on the fallout from Trump’s marathon RNC midterm convention speech, including his bizarre promise to give every American adult a $5,000 “dividend” if Republicans win the midterms. The proposed payout could cost more than $1 trillion, and even some MAGA figures are questioning where the money would come from. They also react to Vivek Ramaswamy’s painfully awkward attempt to look like a baseball player in a campaign video, Nick Shirley’s struggle with spelling, Milo Yiannopoulos hinting at a conversion to Islam, Laura Loomer’s latest convention grievances, and the strange saga surrounding Elijah Schaffer and Kash Patel's girlfriend. For 3 Day Blinds’ buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to https://3DayBlinds.com/BULWARKTAKES.
- BT#1142September 10 · 2 hr 31 min
Live Coverage of Trump's Midterm Convention Speech
This is a long one, folks! If you're not strong enough to endure Trump's speech, skip to 2:07:00 for post-ordeal commentary. Join Sam Stein, Catherine Rampell, Will Sommer and Sonny Bunch for live coverage of Donald Trump's keynote address to the RNC's midterm convention. Try Larineco Pouches for nicotine-free focus plus daily enamel support, with 50mg of caffeine, L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, and nano-hydroxyapatite in every pouch. Get up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/bulwarktakes
- BT#1141September 9 · 23 min
Steve Witkoff’s Groveling to Putin Was Painful to Watch (w/ Michael Weiss)
Sam Stein and Michael Weiss take on Steve Witkoff’s groveling meeting with Vladimir Putin, the growing power struggle inside Trump’s administration over Russia, and why CIA Director John Ratcliffe is emerging as a counterweight to Witkoff’s approach. Plus, Weiss explains why the reality on the battlefield may be considerably worse for Putin than the conventional wisdom suggests. Try Larineco Pouches for nicotine-free focus plus daily enamel support, with 50mg of caffeine, L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, and nano-hydroxyapatite in every pouch. Get up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/bulwarktakes Related Links: Financial Times — US spy chief prepares for greater role in Russia-Ukraine talks https://www.ft.com/content/d0557d25-78b5-45d8-bb33-d655e859d803 The Wall Street Journal — How Putin Got His Preferred U.S. Envoy: Come Alone, No CIA https://www.wsj.com/world/putin-witkoff-russia-envoy-04da229d
- BT#1140September 9 · 41 min
More Iran Attacks, Oil Problems Worsen, Tanker-for-Tanker Strategy | Command Post Live
Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) look back at 9/11, Trump’s bizarre remarks at a commemoration, and the lessons Hertling wishes America had learned over the last 25 years. Then they turn to the escalating Iran war, attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, Pete Hegseth’s sidelining of Gen. Christopher Donahue, and the Pentagon’s effort to identify and remove transgender service members through their medical records. Try Larineco Pouches for nicotine-free focus plus daily enamel support, with 50mg of caffeine, L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, and nano-hydroxyapatite in every pouch. Get up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/bulwarktakes Links: Mark Hertling: “A Letter to Myself on 9/11” https://www.thebulwark.com/p/a-letter-to-myself-on-911-september-11-world-trade-center-pentagon-al-qaeda-afghanistan-iraq-anniversary-war-terror The New York Times: “Inside the Battle to Save One Pioneering General From Hegseth’s Purge” https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/06/us/politics/hegseth-army-general-donahue.html Federal News Network: “Pentagon searching medical records to identify transgender troops” https://federalnewsnetwork.com/defense-main/2026/09/pentagon-searching-medical-records-to-identify-transgender-troops/ Military.com: “Pentagon Moves Out on Transgender Ban After Supreme Court Ruling” https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/05/09/about-1000-troops-slated-immediate-separation-under-reinstated-transgender-ban.html
- BT#1139September 9 · 16 min
Trump’s Big Midterm Convention Is Already Looking Like a Flop
Sam Stein and Will Sommer preview Trump’s strangely low-energy midterm convention, where Republicans are skipping town, lawmakers are being asked to cough up $25,000, and even the convention website has become an embarrassment. Plus, they discuss the increasingly bizarre campaign attacks coming from Elon Musk’s PAC and Ken Paxton—and what they say about the GOP’s plan for 2026. Find your next fall favorites at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://www.quince.com/BULWARKTAKES. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. The Bulwark will be watching the convention so you don’t have to—including live coverage when Vance and Trump take the stage. Join us as a member to support more of the reporting, analysis, and ridicule that goes into making sense of this stuff.
- BT#1138September 8 · 38 min
Trump Spent the Weekend Posting Truly Unhinged Stuff | Morning Shots
Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol discuss Donald Trump’s increasingly erratic social media posts, his proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, and the GOP’s Trump-centered midterm convention in Dallas as the elections draw closer. They also consider the expanding Senate battlefield, looming Supreme Court decisions affecting voting, and what a possible wave election could mean for Republicans. Find your next fall favorites at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://www.quince.com/BULWARKTAKES. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. Plus, we have huge news about the Bulwark’s Fall tour: Pete Buttigieg will be joining the gang for the Sunday, October 18 show in Charlotte, NC! Get your tickets at https://thebulwark.com/events. Like this video? You’ll love the Morning Shots newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/morningshots