Bulwark Takes

Trump's About to Start a War. Washington Is Asleep (w/ Mark Leibovich) | The Bulwark Podcast
Mark Leibovich and Tim Miller discuss the Democratic Party's struggle with identity and messaging, contrasting it with Trump's populist appeal and alarming potential actions, including a reported high chance of war with Iran.

Trump is Crashing Out And We're LOVING It | The Next Level
The hosts dissect recent polling data and unfolding controversies, including the Epstein files and cultural missteps, to argue that Donald Trump is experiencing a significant decline in public and party support.

Yes, Democrats Could Win the Senate in 2026 (w/ Ron Brownstein)
Despite a historically challenging Senate map, Democrats have a clear pathway to winning the Senate in 2026, primarily dependent on sustained high disapproval of Donald Trump, especially among working-class white voters.

The Moment the GOP Finally Squirmed | Secret Podcast
A deep dive into the GOP's uncomfortable reaction to Trump's overtly racist social media post and the broader implications for political tolerance and voter priorities.

Tim Miller: Bannon’s Bluff Will Backfire
Tim Miller asserts that Steve Bannon's threats of voter intimidation for the 2026 midterm elections are fake bluster designed to backfire by motivating opposition.

When Elon Musk’s Psychotic AI Turned on Will Stancil | The Bulwark Podcast
Activist Will Stancil details Minneapolis's community-led ICE surveillance system and the personal impact of Elon Musk's Grok AI targeting, while the host critiques the Democratic party's primary rhetoric.

These Idiots Want to End Gay Marriage
The Bulwark hosts dismantle a new anti-gay marriage campaign, exposing its flawed 'children's welfare' premise and highlighting its political miscalculation amidst broader societal issues.

This Isn’t What These Trump Supporters Voted For (w/ Adrian Carrasquillo) | Focus Group
Recent high-profile ICE killings and child detentions are eroding support for aggressive immigration enforcement among Trump voters, shifting their focus from border security to accountability and human rights.

Trump Cuts Cabinet Meeting Short, Dodges Questions
Donald Trump's recent cabinet meeting was unusually short, lacked press questions, and featured controversial statements on housing, interest rates, and public health, signaling potential political anxiety and a shift in policy messaging.

The Next Level LIVE: Lil’ Greg Bovino Sent Home; Tom Homan In
The hosts dissect the political fallout from recent ICE actions, including Gregory Bovino's demotion, the debate over impeaching Christy Gnome, and the shifting public opinion on immigration enforcement, highlighting the hypocrisy of conservative Second Amendment arguments.

BREAKING: Gov. Walz To Meet With Homan, Doesn’t Know Who Killed Pretti | The Bulwark Podcast
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz details the federal government's 'assault' on his state, the lack of transparency surrounding protester deaths, and his resolve to hold federal agents accountable despite political pressures.

Trump Moves Bovino Out of Minneapolis, Homan Takes Over
The Trump administration is de-escalating its controversial Minneapolis ICE operation, replacing hardline leadership and softening rhetoric after significant political backlash.

The Minneapolis Shooting Demands a REAL Investigation (w/ Andrew Weissmann)
Andrew Weissmann and Sarah Longwell dissect the Minneapolis ICE shooting, arguing the administration's immediate, untruthful narrative and lack of independent investigation are a dangerous pattern eroding public trust and constitutional rights.

Swing Voters Are Creeped Out by JD Vance (w/ Will Sommer) | The Focus Group
Swing voters express unease with JD Vance while showing 'strange new respect' for Marco Rubio, signaling a complex and evolving landscape for the post-Trump Republican party, heavily influenced by online personalities and niche cultural grievances.

Trump Looks Unwell on the World Stage (w/ Mike Murphy) | The Bulwark Podcast
Veteran political strategist Mike Murphy and host Tim Miller dissect Donald Trump's erratic international behavior, the Republican Party's complicity, and the dangerous 'short-termism' driving current economic and political decisions.

Trump Advisors Freak Out Over Backlash to Viral ICE Videos (w/ Marc Caputo)
Internal GOP polling reveals significant erosion in public support for Trump's immigration policies, driven by viral videos depicting aggressive ICE tactics, causing concern among his advisors despite his continued commitment to mass deportations.

These Swing Voters Can’t Afford Trump Anymore (with Jonathan Chait) | The Focus Group
Swing voters, including former Trump supporters, are increasingly disillusioned with his second administration due to economic struggles, healthcare cuts, and a foreign policy perceived as self-serving and contrary to 'America First' promises.

George Conway Wants To Confront Trump’s Madness | The Bulwark Podcast
George Conway, a former Republican and lawyer, explains his congressional run as a direct fight against Donald Trump, advocating for aggressive oversight, impeachment, and legislative reforms to prevent future presidential abuses of power.

Trump Doesn’t Have a Strategy. He’s Just Dumb. | The Next Level
This episode dissects Trump's foreign policy actions in Venezuela and his rhetoric on Greenland, arguing they stem from personal impulse rather than strategic doctrine, exposing deep rifts within the Republican party and eroding America's global standing.

Bill and Sarah Ask: How Bad Can It Get? | Bulwark on Sunday
Bill Crystal and Sarah Longwell dissect the Trump administration's impulsive foreign policy in Venezuela, revealing profound concerns about its lack of planning, potential for domestic authoritarianism, and the critical need for a long-term 'offense mentality' from pro-democracy forces.
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