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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.

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208 episodes
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#1124
August 31 · 31 min
The President Is Posting Fake Bombings and Threatening Allies
Donald Trump is posting AI-generated war footage, threatening Canada, spreading dangerous vaccine misinformation, and flooding Truth Social with bizarre content—and Andrew Egger and Catherine Rampell are trying to make sense of it all. From the fake footage showing U.S. strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island to Trump’s bizarre AI videos about Canada, the president’s latest posting binge raises a bigger question: Does Trump know what’s real anymore? And when the president’s information diet is increasingly filled with AI slop designed to flatter his worldview, the consequences go far beyond embarrassing social media posts. Fall Show Tickets: thebulwark.com/events
#1123
August 31 · 53 min
MAGA Mondays: MAGA Influencers Secretly Working for the Pentagon
Sam Stein and Will Sommer went live to cover the Pentagon’s secret army of MAGA influencers, including the government employees allegedly working behind anonymous accounts to attack Pete Hegseth’s critics and target the left. Next, Milo Yiannopoulos has been deported. Watch the video to see Will break down the spectacular feud between Milo and Laura Loomer that helped get him there. Plus, the rise of a neo-Nazi boxing spectacle that drew thousands of spectators in Florida. If you want to understand the increasingly unhinged world of MAGA influencers, join The Bulwark. Will Sommer is one of the few reporters actually spending his days tracking these people, figuring out who they are, what they’re doing, and how their influence keeps spreading. Read more from Will: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/false-flag
#1122
August 30 · 12 min
Trump Wants the FCC to “Punish” NBC's Kristen Welker for Telling the Truth
Sam Stein and Ben Parker unpack a brutal 24 hours for press freedom: Trump threatening Kristen Welker with the FCC, journalists barred from G20 Treasury access, a leaked Pentagon assessment on Iran drawing threats against reporters, and big tech's silent complicity as DHS bypasses judges to subpoena journalists' data.
#1120
August 30 · 29 min
Politicians Loved Data Centers. Now They’re Running Away From Them. (w/ Nathaniel Rich)
Tim Miller talks with author and Tulane professor Nathaniel Rich about climate change, the growing backlash to data centers, their security and privacy risks, and Rich’s new novel, Cloudthief. They also discuss public anxiety about AI and technology, the appeal of scams and get-rich-quick thinking, and how people navigate a future that increasingly feels uncertain. Buy Cloudthief: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374619794/cloudthief/
#1121
August 30 · 36 min
The Trump Admin Found a Way to Make Mass Deportation Even Crueler
Bill Kristol talks with Jim Swift, reporting from Springfield, Ohio on ICE's crackdown on Haitians who lost protected status, and ACLU attorney Sarah Mehta on third-country deportations, "remigration," and the legal and legislative fights over immigration enforcement.
#1120
August 29 · 23 min
The Trio: You Won’t Believe What Marjorie Taylor Greene Did
Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Will Sommer give their takes on Milo Yiannopoulos being detained by ICE, Laura Loomer taking credit, and the latest bizarre fallout inside the MAGA world. Plus, a KKK/Nazi-linked staffer in the orbit of Georgia Senate candidate Mike Collins, Marjorie Taylor Greene’s unforgettable message to JVL, and the latest bizarre saga surrounding Colorado gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx. If the Trio’s particular brand of political insanity is your thing, watch the full video and subscribe to The Bulwark. There’s nowhere else you’ll get this kind of reporting and commentary on the characters Will is tracking—and there are plenty more freaks where these came from. You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Substack.
#1119
August 29 · 31 min
Trump Said He’d Target Illegal Immigration. That Was a Lie. (w/ Doug Rand)
Trump’s immigration crackdown isn’t just targeting people who entered the country illegally—it’s making it harder for legal immigrants, international students, nurses, and highly skilled workers to come to and stay in the United States. Catherine Rampell and Doug Rand, former senior advisor at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, break down how the administration is shutting down legal pathways, imposing massive new barriers on H-1B workers, and driving international talent toward other countries. Listen to Doug Rand's podcast, 'The Melting Pod' — https://meltingpod.org/ A quick note: This is the kind of conversation we want to do more of at The Bulwark: bringing in people who have actually worked inside the agencies and understand how these policies operate beyond the headlines. There aren’t many outlets putting out substantive conversations with experts like Doug, giving them the time to explain what’s changing and why it matters. If you value having that kind of expertise available—and accessible to everyone—becoming a Bulwark member helps us keep making it possible.
#1118
August 29 · 26 min
Karoline Leavitt Is Getting Out. George Conway Thinks He Knows Why
Karoline Leavitt is leaving the White House and George Conway has a few thoughts about her tenure as Donald Trump’s press secretary. Andrew Egger and George give their takes on Leavitt’s talent for lying, deflecting, insulting reporters, and never losing her cool, even when defending the indefensible. They also look at the potential candidates to replace her, including CNN’s Scott Jennings, and ask whether he has what it takes to become Trump’s next professional gaslighter. Watch as George makes the case as to why replacing Leavitt may be harder than it looks. Get your tickets for The Bulwark's Good Fight Tour this October, coming to Charlotte, Columbia, and Atlanta. (https://www.thebulwark.com/events)
#1117
August 28 · 49 min
Receipts Live: Trump Has Absolutely No Idea How Trade with Canada Works
Sam Stein and Catherine Rampell give their takes on Trump’s escalating trade war with Canada and why Canada may be looking to China and other countries as more reliable partners. Plus, Trump says the Strait of Hormuz is “open.” So why does the actual data tell a very different story? Watch Catherine break it down and share what the administration doesn’t want you to look at. Read more from Catherine's reporting: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/receipts Tickets for our Good Fight Tour: https://www.thebulwark.com/events
#1116
August 28 · 15 min
Why Did Trump Pick This Loser to Run a Swing State?
Tim Miller and Joe Perticone give their takes on Stacy Garrity, Pennsylvania’s Trump-endorsed Republican nominee for governor and one of the country’s most committed election deniers. From her role in the January 5, 2021 rally in Harrisburg to her refusal to back away from Trump’s election lies, Garrity has built her political career around MAGA loyalty. Plus, Joe shares some memorable stories from covering Andy Biggs and explains why some of the nicest politicians can be among the worst for the country. Visit https://upwork.com right now and post your job for free. Read more from Joe: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/we-are-not-prepared-for-election-denying-swing-state-governors Check out these previous episodes in Tim's "worst Republicans" series. - Mike Collins: https://youtu.be/dCGutIrGS1M?si=RcHzqPpRipUuncv0 - Andy Biggs: https://youtu.be/MlJGh86jzKs?si=Ubc_jcJyh1HRBjsw - Zach Lahn: https://youtu.be/0NFPrcBWHSw?si=J7ASh_2v0tY5kC9x Watch TNL for a discussion of the South Carolina primary: https://youtu.be/bVAzs6YLayo?si=TQqTvBgNULQgmpHU
#1115
August 27 · 30 min
BREAKING: Trump Orders Lake Ontario Renamed to "Lake America"
Sam Stein and Andrew Egger went live to cover Trump order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America." They give their takes on the absurdity of it, the cost, and why Trump’s latest map-making stunt is a perfect snapshot of a president who seems increasingly out of ideas and out of touch. Plus, they dig into Trump’s bizarre claims about the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. missile shortages caused by the Iran war, and why the administration is suddenly asking Russia for favors. Visit https://upwork.com right now and post your job for free. Good Fight Tour tickets: https://www.thebulwark.com/events
#1114
August 27 · 17 min
Talarico’s Texas Surge Should Terrify Republicans
Tim Miller joins Katy Tur on MS NOW for his take on Trump’s growing disconnect with voters on the economy and affordability—and why his billionaire bubble may be making that problem worse. Tim breaks down new polling showing a dramatic swing toward Democrat James Talarico in key Texas districts and explains why the Texas Senate race is increasingly within Democrats’ reach. Plus, Trump plans to use his massive super PAC war chest to promote himself ahead of the midterms and that could backfire on Republicans. Visit https://upwork.com right now and post your job for free. Watch The Moment with Katy Tur on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/katy-tur-reports
#1114
August 27 · 22 min
Trump’s Immigration Policy Is Sending People to Their Deaths
Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Tim Miller gives his take on the intentional cruelty and escalating human cost of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown—from a five-year-old boy detained by ICE on his way to soccer to the father of a U.S. Navy sailor being detained, with the White House defending the decision. Plus, ICE is planning a facility in Louisiana that could hold women and children, developed by the company that operates the state’s notorious Angola prison. Now, immigrants are being sent back to dangerous areas of Haiti and Guatemala, and even deported to countries they aren’t from. In some cases, people sent back to dangerous areas have been killed. Tim breaks down the growing list of horrifying cases and what they reveal about the administration’s immigration policy.
#1113
August 26 · 37 min
Command Post: Top General Reportedly Retired Over Investigation Into Kid Rock Flyby
Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) give their takes on Trump’s latest claims that the U.S. has “really dominated” Iran, the Pentagon’s purge of senior military leaders, and reports that a top Army official was pushed out after opening an investigation into the bizarre Kid Rock helicopter flyby. Plus, they discuss reports that the Navy could rename an aircraft carrier planned to honor Doris Miller, the Black sailor and Medal of Honor recipient who became a hero at Pearl Harbor—and name it after Trump instead. Read more from Mark: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-pentagons-purge-at-stars-and-stripes-hegseth-firing-military-newspaper-aircraft-carrier-iran-war
#1112
August 26 · 40 min
Wall Street Legend Calls Out Scott Bessent (w/ Bob Elliott)
Stanley Druckenmiller just delivered a brutal public rebuke of his former protégé, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Catherine Rampell is joined by Bob Elliott, co-founder and chief investment officer at Unlimited, for his take on what’s behind Druckenmiller’s criticism and why Bessent’s bond-market strategy may be making things worse. They also discuss Bessent’s failed attempt to push down long-term interest rates, the erosion of confidence in U.S. economic policymakers, and what Druckenmiller’s intervention says about the growing divide on Trump’s economic team. Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics.
#1112
August 26 · 39 min
What Is Trump’s CIA Director Doing in Moscow?
CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s surprise trip to Moscow has raised major questions: Is he there to warn Putin, negotiate over Ukraine, or deliver a message about Russia’s escalating covert attacks across Europe? Reporter Michael Weiss and former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos break down Ratcliffe’s unexpected visit, the intelligence warnings about possible Russian provocations against NATO, and the growing campaign of sabotage and attacks targeting European infrastructure. Plus, they turn to the U.S.-Canada trade war and the extraordinary strain being placed on one of America’s closest allies. Sleep cooler this summer with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes.
#1110
August 25 · 16 min
Rep. Jared Huffman: Pete Hegseth Is Preparing for a Religious War
Congressman Jared Huffman joins Joe Perticone for his take on the rise of Christian nationalism and the religious movements reshaping the American right. Huffman, the author of "No Prophets: The Fight to Save Democracy from Christian Nationalism," explains how he believes Christian nationalism has become increasingly powerful and entrenched in American politics, from the events of January 6 to the highest levels of government. They also discuss JD Vance, “just war” theory, the rise of the “Rad Trad” movement, Pete Hegseth’s crusade rhetoric, and the religious factions influencing MAGA. Read more from Joe: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/presspass Sleep cooler this summer with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at BollAndBranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes.
#1111
August 25 · 35 min
Morning Shots Live: Trump Is Coming for Lake Ontario
Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol went live to cover Trump's dumbest idea yet: renaming Lake Ontario to "Lake America." Plus, Andrew and Bill give their takes on the Supreme Court's decision Monday regarding Trump's executive order on mail-in voting and ICE deports the wife of an active-duty Army sergeant. Sleep cooler this summer with Boll & Branch. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://BollandBranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes.
#1108
August 25 · 21 min
Republicans Don’t Want Trump Anywhere Near the Midterms
Katy Tur hosts Sam Stein, Mona Charen, and others for a wide-ranging discussion of Donald Trump’s role in the 2026 midterms, his focus on sporting events and legacy projects, turnover in the White House, Jared Kushner’s meeting with Hakeem Jeffries, and the growing political backlash to AI and data centers. Watch The Moment with Katy Tur on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/katy-tur-reports
#1108
August 25 · 21 min
Tim Miller Loses It Over MAGA’s Sick Attack on a Political Prisoner
Tim Miller breaks down the ugly smears fueling Michigan’s Senate race, why Mike Rogers’ allies have him furious, and how Republicans are scrambling to distract voters from Trump’s struggling economy. This video is sponsored by The New York Times. Watch On the Line with Alicia Menendez on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/on-the-line

Showing 121–140 of 208 episodes