The Bulwark Podcast

Piers Morgan: Polishing Trump's Turds

Piers Morgan joins to debate the merits of his centrist platforming, Trump's presidency, and media tribalism.

Bill Kristol: Trump Wants All-out Kleptocracy

Donald Trump is turning the presidency into an unprecedented kleptocracy fueled by blatant corruption and self-dealing.

Clint Smith: Make America What It Set Out to Be

Clint Smith examines how black military service members navigate a culture increasingly hostile to their contributions.

Susan Glasser: Our Money-Grubbing President

Donald Trump has abandoned post-Watergate norms to shamelessly monetize the presidency through massive foreign graft.

Maggie Haberman: A Gross and Messy White House

Maggie Haberman details how Donald Trump has fundamentally transformed the presidency into an unchecked, maximalist power.

David French: The Birthright Citizenship Ruling Should've Been 9-0

David French joins to explain why birthright citizenship remains settled law after the Supreme Court's 6-3 ruling.

John Dickerson: When the Media Helps Rewrite Reality

John Dickerson joins to discuss how the media and political actors are working together to redefine reality.

Jane Coaston: POTUS's Racism Notches Another Win

The Supreme Court’s ruling on Haitian status and the aggressive prosecution of protesters reveal a double standard.

Tom Nichols: Trump's Trashy 250 Celebration

Tom Nichols joins to discuss why the former president’s 250th anniversary speech was petty, nationalist, and trashy.

Peter Hamby: How Far Can the DSA Go?

New York's recent primary results highlight a rising DSA insurgent wave and the risks it poses to Democratic unity.

John Ganz: Trump’s Coalition of the Aggrieved

John Ganz explores how Trump’s erratic, populist coalition of the aggrieved echoes the radical right wing of the 1990s.

Bill Kristol: Call the Pool Police

Bill Kristol joins to discuss the farcical state of the Trump administration and the phony populism of JD Vance.

Ta-Nehisi Coates: Obama's Legacy in a Trump World

Ta-Nehisi Coates examines how Barack Obama's failure to imagine modern political decay shaped his presidential legacy.

Al Gore: Trump Has Made a Historic Mistake

Former Vice President Al Gore joins host Tim Miller to reflect on two decades of climate advocacy and offer a sharp critique of Donald Trump’s leadership. The conversation begins with a discussion on global security, specifically addressing the geopolitical implications of Iran's control over critical energy and fertilizer supplies, which Gore argues resulted from poor decision-making during the Trump administration. As they mark the 20th anniversary of An Inconvenient Truth, Gore examines the global economic shifts in response to the climate crisis and assesses the ongoing effectiveness of the Climate Reality Project. Beyond environmental policy, the episode explores the use of political fear, Gore’s past relationship with Bill Clinton, and the historical parallels between the 2000 election and the events of January 6. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the intersection of climate science, executive judgment, and the fragility of democratic norms.

Angie "Pumps" Sullivan and Phil Gordon: The Dumbest People Are Running this Country

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller is joined by guests Angie "Pumps" Sullivan and Phil Gordon to analyze the current state of American politics and foreign policy. The conversation centers on Donald Trump’s evolving strategy toward Iran, exploring how his recent actions contrast with his decade-long rhetoric and why his base remains largely unmoved by the potential dangers. The trio examines the disconnect between public perception and political reality, discussing why Trump’s supporters may only react when they experience direct economic hardship. The discussion also touches on the performative nature of modern political figures like Markwayne Mullin, the Democratic Party’s ongoing struggle to navigate the era of reality-show politics, and a speculative look at how the geopolitical landscape might differ under a Kamala Harris presidency. Listeners can expect a candid, incisive breakdown of today's most volatile political narratives.

Jeffrey Goldberg and Joe Weisenthal: Pandora's Box Has Been Opened

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller sits down with Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic and Joe Weisenthal of Bloomberg to analyze the escalating volatility in the Middle East and its global repercussions. The discussion centers on the risks posed by Iran, specifically how potential disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz could threaten the global economy and undermine American standing on the world stage, especially as China closely monitors the situation. The conversation also shifts to the domestic front, exploring how market traders are currently underpricing oil due to political assumptions. Furthermore, the guests address the growing ideological rift between Israel and segments of the American Jewish community as Israel adopts increasingly illiberal governance. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the intersection of geopolitical strategy, market fluctuations, and the shifting landscape of international alliances.

Bill Kristol: Trump Is in Way over His Head

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller is joined by Bill Kristol for a sharp critique of the Trump administration’s foreign policy and domestic leadership. The discussion centers on the president’s handling of escalating tensions with Iran, arguing that his attempts to project strength through bluster and market manipulation have backfired in the face of international reality. Kristol and Miller analyze the geopolitical stakes, specifically noting Iran’s strategic capacity to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz. Beyond foreign affairs, the conversation turns to domestic grievances, including the economic impact of rising gas prices and the political fallout from administrative gridlock. They also touch upon various controversies surrounding high-level officials and the president’s divisive rhetoric. Listeners can expect a candid assessment of the current administration’s trajectory and the political opportunities for the opposition to challenge the president's performance.

David Frum: A Very Bad Time for Bozos to Be in Charge

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller is joined by David Frum to analyze the concerning state of the current administration’s national security and leadership appointments. The discussion highlights a growing sense of alarm regarding the qualifications of key figures in the Trump administration, particularly in light of ongoing global tensions with Iran. Frum and Miller examine how the appointment of inexperienced individuals to critical defense roles leaves the United States uniquely vulnerable at a precarious moment in history. Beyond these domestic concerns, the conversation explores the broader geopolitical landscape, including the failures in strategic planning, historical comparisons to past conflicts, and the surprising international reactions to American foreign policy. Listeners can expect a sharp, critical deep dive into whether these leadership choices are compromising national safety and how the political opposition might effectively address these significant security lapses moving forward.

James Talarico: The Bulwark LIVE from Dallas

In this live episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller welcomes Texas State Representative James Talarico for an insightful conversation recorded before an audience in Dallas. Talarico shares his unique strategy for flipping a Senate seat in a challenging political landscape, emphasizing his commitment to engaging directly with voters’ hearts rather than relying on traditional media echo chambers. He discusses his populist approach to running against the influence of billionaire mega-donors and outlines his nuanced platform that balances pro-immigrant values with a focus on border security. Beyond his campaign strategy, the discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the potential corruption within Texas politics, criticism of Donald Trump’s unfulfilled promises, and some unexpected musings on theological perspectives and veganism. Listeners can expect a candid, spirited exchange that highlights Talarico's vision for political reform and his unconventional path toward challenging the status quo.

Ro Khanna: Trump Is in Denial

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, host Tim Miller sits down with Representative Ro Khanna to analyze the current political climate and the Biden administration's handling of complex geopolitical issues. The discussion kicks off with a critique of the White House’s approach to oil prices and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Representative Khanna provides insight into his legislative efforts and reflects on the prevailing attitudes among his Republican colleagues regarding the administration's foreign policy narratives. Beyond the primary interview, the conversation expands to cover recent developments in electoral politics, including the results of recent progressive primary challenges in Illinois. The episode also touches on internal shifts within the Republican party, the political risks associated with conflating critiques of Israel with antisemitism, and the lingering questions surrounding the status of protected Epstein-related records. Listeners can expect a deep dive into the intersection of policy and political strategy.