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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.

www.thebulwark.com

427 episodes
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August 19 · 5 min
Tim Unboxes a Republican Candidate’s “Medical Device”
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Zach Lahn is the Republican candidate for governor of Iowa with a very unusual résumé and some very unconventional positions. Tim Miller and Brendan Hartnett dig into Lahn’s ties to Kansas and the Koch network, his investment in FirmTech and its award-winning “sex tech” device that Lahn insists is not a sex toy, and questions about whether he’s really an Iowan. They also examine Lahn’s opposition to mRNA vaccines, support for a total abortion ban, MAHA politics, his defense of Trump’s tariffs, and the other positions putting him on the far edge of the Republican field.Read Brendan's article: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/zach-lahn-please-stop-calling-the-award-winning-sex-toy-a-sex-toy-firmtech-iowa-governor-campaignWatch Tim’s take on Mike Collins: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/republicans-found-a-way-to-blow-georgia
August 19 · 9 min
MAGA Scumbag Cory Mills Just Learned What Trump’s Loyalty Is Worth
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Andrew Egger and Lauren Egan break down Florida’s Democratic primaries—and what Angie Nixon’s surprise Senate win means for Democrats in a state they’ve struggled to compete in. They discuss Nixon’s uphill battle against Republican Ashley Moody, David Jolly’s path for governor, and the awkward dynamic of having a self-described democratic socialist and a centrist Democrat at the top of the ticket. Plus, Cory Mills loses his primary despite Donald Trump’s endorsement. Read Lauren’s newsletter, The Opposition: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/the-opposition The Good Fight Tour: https://www.thebulwark.com/events
August 19 · 9 min
Julia Curlee and Errin Haines: Cowards Are Running This Country
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com When Trump came back into power, his administration leaned heavily on former CIA analyst Julia Curlee to help safeguard our national security. The first CIA officer to transition openly, Curlee had worked at the highest levels in the White House for years. But once her gender identity became public through a witch hunt, she was hounded out. Curlee talks with Tim about the chaos of Trump’s slash-and-burn firings, the administration’s demonizing of trans people, and how Mike Pence treated her with dignity and respect when she was his personal briefer. Plus: The 19th’s Errin Haines joins to discuss the Florida primaries, the Dems’ prospects in the South, the real backlash against the Callais decision, and AOC’s Woke 1 comments. And Tim asks The Bulwark community to help Venezuelan detainees Freddys Revilla and Edgarianny Gervis. Julia Curlee and Errin Haines join Tim Miller. show notes: * Katie Britt’s office: 202-224-5744 Britt’s chief of staff: Sean_Ross@britt.senate.gov and her subcommittee clerk Dave Roth at 202-224-4319 * Britt’s Twitter: @SenKatieBritt * Where Tim shared the letter and drawing that were sent to Britt * Curlee's Atlantic piece, "The Wrong Kind of American" * Mona's podcast, where Curlee will also be a guest later this week * Errin's newsletter, "The Amendment" * Tim's 'Take' on the detained Venezuelan family Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale NOW. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets. 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.
August 19 · 20 min
BREAKING: Trump Wants To Meet Kim Jong Un
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker went live to cover Trump’s newest push to meet North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Trump contradicting Jared Kushner on Iran. Plus they walk through what a typical Deputies Committee would look like in the NSC. The Good Fight Tour: https://www.thebulwark.com/events
August 18 · 19 min
Melania May Be Behind MAGA’s Natalie Harp Freakout
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Tim, JVL, and Andrew Egger discuss:-(Yet another) story of a former Trump voter seeing a loved one run into the immigration policies he voted for.-The faux outrage from MAGA-world at Sen. Jon Ossoff pointing out that Donald Trump and Natalie Harp travel together a lot.-Karoline Leavitt leaving the White House, and who might come next.-The Florida primary, and how Florida could become competitive in the fall.-Pete Hegseth traveling to Iowa. Is HE running?Plus:-Andrew breaks down the latest weird trend on right wing twitter: Postpartum Depression truthers.-Tim welcomes Nancy Mace to the YouTube content game. Bulwark LIVE: The Good Fight Tour is heading to the Southeast in October. Join Sarah, Tim, JVL and more for a night of politics among friends Oct 16-20. Presale links by location: * Get tickets for Columbia, South Carolina stop on October 16 * Get tickets for Charlotte, North Carolina stop on October 18 * Get tickets for Atlanta, Georgia stop on October 20 To snag your seats today—upgrade now and then head to TheBulwark.com/Events to access the presale. Get your tickets to Sarah's How to Eat an Elephant book tour in September! Her Chicago stop with Axe is on sale now. Watch, listen, and leave a comment. This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members.
August 18 · 13 min
Tom Nichols: Impotence at the White House
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Trump is flailing so badly on Iran. He dispatched Jared Kushner to negotiate with the regime but then denies that any talks are happening at all. He also threatened to bomb one ally and hammered another for not helping him fight his war. And somehow, in all of this, Kushner—a private businessman and a consultant for the Saudis—is meeting with Hamas officials and Netanyahu while also looking out for his own financial interests. Plus: a primer on why we keep troops in South Korea, Hegseth may be mulling a presidential run, and Gen Alpha may save us all. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller. show notes: * "The Next Level" podcast—out later on Tuesday * Tim on another family being held at the Dilley detention facility * The Gen Alpha TikTok video Tim mentioned Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale NOW. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets. 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.
August 18 · 3 min
Tim and Will Infiltrate the Seedy Side of MAGA’s DC
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Tim Miller is back in DC and it's somehow crazier than he left it. With National Guard troops patrolling Dupont Circle, Tim recruits Will Sommer for a scavenger hunt through Trump's Washington: a $500K-to-join MAGA club co-founded by Don Jr., the bar where Rand Paul's son got into it with Rep. Mike Lawler, the strip mall club where Bessent allegedly threatened to punch out Bill Pulte, and a visit to Mitch McConnell's house, where nobody's quite sure who's home.Read more from Will: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/false-flag
August 18 · 20 min
Morning Shots Live: Trumpworld Erupts When Reporter Asks About Natalie Harp
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Andrew Egger and Ben Parker went live to cover the Republican election deniers in 2020 now running for office, the company that put out a bogus poll on purpose, Trump’s latest threats against an American ally, and the White House response to a question about Natalie Harp. Read Morning Shots: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/morningshots The Good Fight Tour: h…
August 18 · 11 min
A 7-Year-Old Trapped in Hell Is Begging Senator Katie Britt for Help
Tim Miller shares the story of a Venezuelan family — a pregnant mother, father, and their 7-year-old daughter — who have spent weeks detained at the Dilley detention facility in Texas, despite doing everything the Trump administration has asked of immigrants seeking to leave the country. The family followed every legal step: they applied for asylum, never missed an ICE check-in, and when they decided to return to Venezuela, they went through the official self-deportation process. Instead of being sent home, they were arrested and detained.For more on the Texas Immigration Law Council: https://txilc.org/Call Sen. Katie Britt: 202-224-5744 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
August 17 · 11 min
Trump Explodes at CNN Reporter During Wild Press Conference
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com JVL and Andrew Egger give their takes on Donald Trump’s latest chaotic press conference, from his bizarre claims about talking with Kim Jong Un to his demand that South Korea pay up for U.S. protection. They also look at Trump’s latest comments on the Iran war, the state of the USS Abraham Lincoln, and his increasingly strange defense of his White House ballroom. Plus: Trump lashes out at a CNN reporter, calls the press “fake news,” and insists his ballroom will be bulletproof and missile-proof.Read more from JVL: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thetriadRead more from Andrew: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/morningshots
August 17 · 12 min
Andrew Egger: Trump’s Travels with Natalie
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Thanks to a shrewdly-timed Jon Ossoff campaign event, a lot more people are suddenly learning about young and blonde Trump confidante Natalie Harp AKA ‘the human printer’—and one of only three aides who accompanied POTUS on his catering truck-secret flight escape. Meanwhile, Trump is lending a hand to white-collar criminals and expanding his extortion and bribery options with his crypto firm. Plus: the flat-out lies about Fauci and miscarriages, Andrew loves the Great Lakes, the tariffs have done so much damage that even Sherrod Brown is against them, and Tim has some choice words about the primary challenge against Jared Moskowitz in Florida. Andrew Egger joins Tim Miller. show notes: * Catherine's piece on Trump trying to destroy the shell company registry * Tim on crazy, stupid Republicans running in the miderms. First up: Mike Collins * Andrew's critique of Politico's piece on Trump's tariffs in "Morning Shots" * Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale starting August 18. Watch your inbox for details. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets. 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.
August 17 · 5 min
Debunking MAGA’s Outrageous Puppy-Killer Smear Against Abdul El-Sayed
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Jonathan Cohn gives his take on the viral “puppy killer” attack against Abdul El-Sayed—and explains how a misleading story about Detroit’s animal control department became a powerful piece of political misinformation. The reality is far different from the headline. El-Sayed inherited an animal control system plagued by neglect and abuse, and the department improved significantly after he took over. Jonathan breaks down how the Daily Mail, right-wing influencers, Republican candidates and Fox News helped spread the story and why this episode is a warning about how easily misinformation can overwhelm the truth.Read more from Jonathan: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/debunking-maga-puppy-killer-smear-against-abdul-el-sayed
August 17 · 13 min
BREAKING: Trump Threatens to Bomb Oman, Praises North Korea | Command Post
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker went live to cover Trump threatening to bomb Oman, an ally, as a deal to end the war in Iran remains elusive. Plus, Trump praised North Korea over the weekend and cancelled our military drills with South Korea. Read more from Mark: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/canceling-military-exercises-hurts-us-south-korea…
August 16 · 29 min
Frank Kendall and the Weapons of Tomorrow
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Eric and Eliot discuss the week’s jackassery, including the administration’s stripping former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall of his security clearance for innocuous comments about Trump’s new Qatari-donated Air Force One. They then discuss the irresponsibility of Trump’s using that aircraft to travel to a NATO summit being held adjacent to a war zone. They also cover the new diplomatic alignment among Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East, the changes in leadership in Iran, and the rival missile campaigns of Russia and Ukraine in their ongoing war. Frank Kendall then joins the show to discuss his new book, Lethal Autonomy: The Future of Warfare Whether We Like It or Not, and his determination not to be silenced or intimidated by the Trump administration. Reminder: Shield of the Republic will be going independent soon! Subscribe at shieldoftherepublic.com and follow @ShieldPod on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Lethal Autonomy: The Future of Warfare Whether We Like It or Not: https://a.co/d/0g3rRF6s Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.
August 16 · 7 min
Trump’s New AG Just Made a Stunning Admission on Meet the Press
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Will Saletan takes on Kristen Welker’s Meet the Press interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, arguing that Blanche’s evasions on Justice Department independence, Trump’s influence over prosecutions, January 6 pardons, and a proposed compensation fund expose him as a loyalist ready to do the president’s bidding.
August 16 · 16 min
Cassidy is Still Lame, MTG Lights Up Scott Jennings, GOP Wants Price Controls?!
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Andrew Egger and Catherine Rampell discuss Sen. Bill Cassidy’s criticism of vaccine policy after his vote to confirm RFK Jr., questions surrounding Mitch McConnell’s prolonged absence, growing support for price controls in the GOP, the political fallout from Trump’s tariffs, and the Navy’s potential multibillion-dollar warship redesign to suit the president’s aesthetic preferences.
August 15 · 4 min
Republicans Accused of Horrible Things Have a Perfect Excuse: Donald Trump
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Will Saletan gives his take on how Republicans accused of serious misconduct have learned to survive scandal. All they have do is follow Donald Trump’s example: never resign, deny everything, attack the accusers, call the investigation “political,” and invoke Trump’s own history as proof that they can stay in the fight. From Duncan Hunter and Matt Gaetz to George Santos, Cory Mills and Max Miller, Will walks through how Trump has become the model for Republican politicians facing allegations, investigations and convictions — with endorsements, pardons and political support often waiting on the other side. Read more from Will: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/how-to-survive-a-republican-scandal-imitate-trump
August 15 · 10 min
MAGA’s Future Is in Florida (with Will Sommer)
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com The battle lines of the next Republican primary are being drawn in Florida’s Republican primary for governor. There’s a ‘MAGA establishment’ frontrunner running with Donald Trump’s endorsement (but who a lot of Republicans aren’t that excited about). There’s a flamboyantly racist groyper with a wild personal life. And there’s a more Ron DeSantis-aligned candidate struggling to catch on. False Flag author Will Sommer joins Sarah to talk about: * The Florida governor’s race * The future of the America First faction that Tucker Carlson is leading * The growing dissatisfaction among rank-and-file Trump voters Bulwark LIVE: The GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam, and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale starting August 18. Watch your inbox for details. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets. How to Eat an Elephant book tour is coming in September. Join Sarah and friends at one of these stops: Washington, D.C. | New York City | Boston | Los Angeles | San Francisco | Chicago | Kenyon College Chicago and Kenyon College stops are on sale now and NYC is almost sold out!Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for all the details. Full ad-supported episodes of The Focus Group are available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Hit that like 🤍 button and share this episode with a friend. Watch, listen, and leave a comment.
August 15 · 5 min
James Talarico Just Gave Democrats a Red-State Blueprint
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com Tim Miller joins Alicia Menendez to discuss widespread calls for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign, Trump’s continued support for him, Democrats’ affordability message, and efforts to recruit stronger young candidates for down-ballot races nationwide.Watch One the Line with Alicia Menendez on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/on-the-line
August 14 · 7 min
Sarah Longwell: Dems, Go on Offense FFS
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.com When Graham Platner’s campaign was imploding, Republicans made sure to hang him around every Democrat's neck. Now, Democrats need to make Republicans own Rep. Max Miller, the alleged violent domestic abuser. That definitely includes Neverland Ranch fan Mike Lawler. Plus: Tim reads from the mailbag, more and more focus group voters are seeing that Trump only cares about his vanity projects, Joe Rogan does not seem to be following the news, Woke 1 got some things wrong but not "Abolish ICE," Sarah is sounding kind of left on healthcare, and Bill K is mayor of The Bulwark. Sarah Longwell joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. show notes: * Pre-order Sarah's book here * More details on Sarah's book tour * Latest episode of "The Secret Podcast" * GoFundMe for Maryam Tahmasebi and her family * Tim's playlist * Books/readings recommended: “The Correspondent,” “What It Takes,” “Primary Colors,” “This Town,” “Game Change,” “Stoner,” “The Federalist Papers,” MLK’s “I Have a Dream,” “Letter from Birmingham Jail” and “The History of the Peloponnesian War” * Recommended films: Idiocracy, Face in the crowd, Primary Colors * Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale starting August 18. Watch your inbox for details. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets. 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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