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The Bulwark

The Bulwark

The Bulwark is home to Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, Bill Kristol, JVL, Sam Stein, Catherine Rampell and more. We are the largest pro-democracy bundle on Substack for news and analysis on politics and culture—supported by a community built on good faith.

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  • Tuesday · 6 min

    Republicans’ “Anti-Communist” Obsession Backfires Spectacularly

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Republicans spent their midterm convention warning that communists are coming for America. Will Saletan runs their own definition of “communism” against Donald Trump’s promises of $5,000 checks, government stakes in private companies, admiration for China, and even his jokes about being “the greatest communist in history”—and finds the GOP’s argument collapsing under its own weight.

  • Tuesday · 31 min

    BREAKING: Supreme Court REJECTS Trump's Mail-In Ballot Restrictions

    Sam Stein and Andrew Egger cover the breaking news that the Supreme Court has blocked Trump's executive order on mail-in ballots. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

  • Monday · 7 min

    Kennedy Center’s Bizarre Documents Are Pure Trumpian Madness

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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 (insane) ways the institution could honor him in return.Fall Show Tickets: thebulwark.com/events

  • Monday · 11 min

    Bill Kristol: It Always Comes Back to Trump/Russia

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com A Putin bestie who's involved with the kidnapping of Ukrainian children bankrolled Don Jr.'s island wedding for some mysterious reason. Kushner is calling on Ukraine to give in to Putin's territorial demands. And Trump himself is blaming Zelensky for the high cost of diesel even though prices shot up after Trump launched his war of choice. It's the whole Trump family that tends to remind us of their close ties to Russia, Russia, Russia. Meanwhile, POTUS is not troubled by China's involvement with the death of U.S. soldiers in the Mideast. Plus: Adam Hamilton in Kansas was on fire in his debate with Roger Marshall, the list of horrible Republican candidates keeps growing, and the fears about AI have broken wide open. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller. show notes: * ProPublica on the Russian oligarch bankrolling Don Jr.'s wedding * The Bulwark's campaign to help the Haitian community of Springfield * Tim's 'Take' on the debate between Mary Peltola and Dan Sullivan * Bill in "Morning Shots" on AI fears * The NYT on Roger Marshall suing patients for debts * The Trio 'Take' on Brandon Herrera * The Bulwark Store Bulwark LIVE: Benefit for SpringfieldSome moments require you to step up. Some require you to show up. That’s why The Bulwark is coming to Ohio. Join Tim, Sarah, JVL, Sam and friends Friday, September 25 at the Dayton Masonic Center for an evening of politics and fellowship. All profits from this event will be donated to those in Springfield who are in need. TheBulwark.com/events As always: Watch, listen, hit the like button or leave a comment. We want to hear from you. Ad-free editions of The Bulwark Daily are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members.

  • Monday · 5 min

    BOMBSHELL: Russian Oligarch Bankrolled Don Jr.’s Wedding

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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. 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 in this world and give them the time to explain what everyone else is missing. Bulwark+ members make that kind of work possible: not just chasing the biggest audience, but putting real expertise behind stories that deserve serious attention. 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 in this world and give them the time to explain what everyone else is missing. Help us grow by sharing this video with someone who likes to go deep, understand more, and hear real expertise. 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.

  • Monday · 5 min

    MAGA Mondays: Trump’s Handpicked Prosecutor QUITS After Just Five Months

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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 Jac…

  • Monday · 9 min

    Watch Mike Johnson Squirm Over Trump’s $5,000 Bribe

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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.

  • Sunday · 10 min

    This 6-Second Debate Clip Could Haunt GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Tim Miller takes on two political moments from the weekend that caught his attention. First, he discusses 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. A quick note: The Bulwark isn’t here to protect Democrats, Republicans, or anyone else from criticism. Our members give Tim the freedom to say when someone is right, call b******t when they’re wrong, and go after racism and hatred without worrying about whose side it embarrasses. Join us at https://www.thebulwark.com/join. 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.phpBo French’s previous controversial poll:https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article309580905.htmlAlaska Senate fisheries debate — Mary Peltola vs. Dan Sullivan: https://www.c-span.org/program/campaign-2026/alaska-us-senate-candidates-debate-fisheries-industry/685130Kansas Senate debate — Roger Marshall vs. Adam Hamilton:https://www.kwch.com/2026/09/10/candidates-kansas-governor-us-senate-debate-live-kansas-state-fair/

  • Sunday · 15 min

    America’s Most Powerful People Are Caving to Trump (w/ Richard North Patterson) | Bulwark on Sunday

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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. Follow Richard and read Tripwires. A quick note: Bulwark on Sunday gives Bill the space to step outside the daily news cycle and have longer conversations about how we got here—and where the country goes next. If you value having that kind of show in the Bulwark lineup, become a paid member and help us keep making it.

  • September 12 · 9 min

    Trump Used to Fantasize About Killing Suspects. Now He’s Doing It.

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Mona talks with Adam Isacson and John Walsh of the Washington Office on Latin America about Operation Southern Spear, the Trump administration’s deadly strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, and the secret legal theory being used to justify them. They examine the killing of survivors in a second strike, Pete Hegseth’s purge of military lawyers, the evidence that the campaign hasn’t reduced the cocaine supply, and why U.S. allies are increasingly wary of sharing intelligence that could be used in the strikes. Further reading: WOLA — Killing Spree: Extrajudicial Executions in the U.S. Boat Strikes Campaign The Washington Post — Deadly U.S. boat strikes have failed to curb cocaine supply, Pentagon and DEA officials say Reuters — We bought everything needed to make $3 million worth of fentanyl. All it took was $3,600. Programming note: This Wednesday join us for the next edition of The Bulwark Book Club to discuss The Odyssey! Mona Charen and Sonny Bunch will discuss Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation and Emily Wilson’s translation of the epic LIVE with Bulwark+ members at 1:30 p.m. EDT. Drop your questions, comments, and thoughts on The Odyssey in the comments on this post. Watch your inbox for a link on Wednesday to see the show live. A replay will be available as part of the Mona Charen Show. Ad-free editions of The Mona Charen Show are exclusively available for Bulwark+ members. Access this member edition in the Bulwark App—now available on Apple and Google. Or set up the ad-free edition of this Bulwark show on your player of choice using your private RSS feed here.

  • September 12 · 4 min

    GOP Senator Had His Patients ARRESTED Over Medical Bills

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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.htmlSTAT: “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.htmlThe 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 Hamiltonhttps://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

  • September 12 · 5 min

    The RNC Convention Was Basically a Trump Cult Meeting

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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.

  • September 12 · 9 min

    Something's Happening in Texas (with Chris Hooks)

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Against all odds, Democrats still have a chance in the Texas Senate race. So, is it because Ken Paxton is bad, or because of James Talarico's Nice Young Man energy? Turns out, both.Veteran Texas journalist Christopher Hooks of Texas Monthly joins Sarah to talk about Ken Paxton's sordid history in Texas Republican politics, how Texas Trump voters are responding to James Talarico, whether the race for governor may turn competitive, and how data centers and Flock surveillance cameras are presenting an opportunity to recapture some disaffected Trump voters. Sarah’s Focus Group Newsletter, coming on Tuesday, will have more insights into in this Texas race. Watch, listen, and leave a comment. Show links: * Chris Hooks: Ken Paxton Now Has to Do the Unthinkable: Try * Just announced: Pete Buttigieg is joining the gang—Tim, Sarah, JVL and Sam—for Bulwark LIVE: Charlotte at the Carolina Theatre on October 18. Head TheBulwark.com/Events for ticket and to learn more about our Good Fight Tour stops in Columbia, S.C, and Atlanta. * Get tickets for our Ohio live show, benefitting the Springfield, OH community.

  • September 12 · 7 min

    Command Post: Saudi Arabia’s Oil Pipeline Hit With Multiple Attacks

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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.

  • September 11 · 11 min

    Mehdi Hasan: 9/11's Fallout 25 Years Later

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Rudy Giuliani and others who purport to represent the families of 9/11 victims ginned up the idea that it would be wrong for the Muslim mayor of NYC to attend Friday's memorial at ground zero. Republican politicians and Laura Loomer keep pushing their trash Islamification conspiracy. And a law-abiding Muslim family has been imprisoned for five months because Rubio declared them a national security threat—and most of the media could care less. At the same time, Tucker has a new, large Muslim fan base because they like what he's saying about Gaza and the Palestinians, even though he's a solid anti-Muslim bigot who just hates the Jews more right now. Plus: Trump seems to really like communism, JD has never publicly said he opposes the Iran war but he keeps leaking that he's against the administration's signature foreign policy initiative, and Hunter is a crypto-scamming mess.Mehdi Hasan joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: * Mehdi’s Zeteo news site * Tim’s piece for the 20th anniversary of 9/11 * Tim on the Iranian family Marco is imprisoning * The Bulwark store * Tim’s playlist * Closing song - Orville Peck - It’s the End of the World Bulwark LIVE: Benefit for SpringfieldSome moments require you to step up. Some require you to show up. That’s why The Bulwark is coming to Ohio. Join Tim, Sarah, JVL, Sam and friends Friday, September 25 at the Dayton Masonic Center for an evening of politics and fellowship. All profits from this event will be donated to those in Springfield who are in need. As always: Watch, listen, hit the like button or leave a comment. We want to hear from you. Ad-free editions of The Bulwark Daily are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Tim Miller’s Bulwark Daily is available wherever you get podcasts and on YouTube. New shows drop each weekday afternoon. If you like the show, leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen. Add The Bulwark Daily to your player of choice, here.

  • September 11 · 16 min

    It’s Getting Worse

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Bill Kristol sat in for Sarah today and JVL wore a little treat for everyone to mark the occasion. In case you’re not watching the video, the surprise is here. It’s amazing and you’re going to want one. After that unveiling, JVL and Bill talked about JD Vance’s speech, Iran’s devastating attacks on a Saudi pipeline and two oil tankers, and how Trump is both crippling and corrupting the U.S. military. And then they have a philosophical conversation about terrorism and the liberal order. It’s good stuff. show notes: * Just announced: Bulwark LIVE: Benefit for Springfield We’re heading to Ohio Friday, September 25 to raise awareness and funds for the Haitian community under siege in Springfield. Join Sarah, Tim, JVL, Sam and friends for an evening of politics and fellowship at the Dayton Masonic Center. All profits will be donated to CONFIRM ORG AND LINK HERE * How to Eat an Elephant is here. Sarah did her part by writing a book on how to get out of this mess, now we need all of you to help make sure this one gets on all the best sellers lists. OR! * Woke Bill Kristol merch is here! COME HANG WITH THE GANG—Sarah, Tim, JVL, Sam and friends—during our Bulwark LIVE: Good Fight Tour this October 16-20: 🎤Friday, October 16 at The Senate in Columbia, S.C.—Will Sommer joins the gang on stage. Is Columbia ready for the Trio? 🎤Sunday, October 18 at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte, N.C.—special guest Pete Buttigieg joins the gang with Catherine Rampell and Lauren Eagan. 🎤Tuesday, October 20 at The Eastern in Atlanta, Ga.—Gen. Mark Hertling and the Morning Shots duo—Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol—join the gang for this final stop. Tickets are on sale now through the links above or through TheBulwark.com/Events. At Bulwark LIVE we can promise you a night of fellowship and politics with lots of laughs—and maybe a few tears too. We’ll keep you sane. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+.

  • September 11 · 5 min

    Receipts Live: Diesel Prices Soar to $6 a Gallon, Inflation Outpaces Wages

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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…

  • September 11 · 6 min

    Stephen Miller’s Wife Has Some Explaining to Do

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com 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. 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

  • September 10 · 4 min

    Sarah Longwell and Pedro Gonzalez: Meet the Young MAGA Edgelords—and the One Who Got Away

    This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com As Sarah explains in her new book, Trump has been so successful teaching a new generation of Republicans about the political value of vice signaling that Nazi talk and racism has become the norm among young MAGA edgelords. Disdain for women is also a key element. One former true believer, Pedro, says the right sees all of Trump's corruption and abuse of power as justified because he's focused on the country's true enemies: brown people, immigrants, and their white allies. And Vance buddying up to the racists shows that he is the real heir apparent to Trump. Plus, Tucker is not well, Trump keeps lying about handing out money, Pence can't seem to come to terms with how he enabled this moment we're in, and Pedro's anti-Tim tweets before his Road to Damascus moment.Sarah Longwell and Pedro Gonzalez join Tim Miller. show notes: * Sarah's book, "How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time" * Pedro's Substack * Pedro's piece in The Nation * The Bulwark, including Tim, live tonight on YouTube or Substack * Cormac McCarthy's "The Road," mentioned by Pedro Bulwark LIVE: Benefit for SpringfieldSome moments require you to step up. Some require you to show up. That’s why The Bulwark is coming to Ohio. Join Tim, Sarah, JVL, Sam and friends Friday, September 25 at the Dayton Masonic Center for an evening of politics and fellowship. All profits from this event will be donated to those in Springfield who are in need. As always: Watch, listen, hit the like button or leave a comment. We want to hear from you. Ad-free editions of The Bulwark Daily are available exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Tim Miller’s Bulwark Daily is available wherever you get podcasts and on YouTube. New shows drop each weekday afternoon. If you like the show, leave a comment and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen. Add The Bulwark Daily to your player of choice, here.

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