Bulwark Takes

Wait, did TRUMP Show Democrats How to Win? (w/ Adam Jentleson) | Focus Group
This episode argues that Democrats can build a 'supermajority' by embracing 'heterodoxy' and focusing on voters' material concerns, drawing lessons from figures like Donald Trump and Zoron Mumdani.

Are Georgia Republicans Already Surrendering To Jon Ossoff? (w/ Greg Bluestein) | Focus Group
Georgia's primary elections reveal widespread voter fatigue, Republican dejection over their Senate candidates against Jon Ossoff, and a complex Democratic gubernatorial race marked by electability concerns and a former Republican's surprising bid.

$5 Gas Is Just the Beginning. It Gets MUCH Worse. | The Next Level
The hosts dissect the escalating political 'winner-take-all' mentality, from partisan redistricting to the potentially catastrophic global economic fallout of the Iran war, arguing for aggressive, persuasive political action.

Trump's Tariffs Trashed the Economy. Why Won't We Say That? (w/ Matt Bennett) | Mona Charen Show
Matt Bennett of Third Way dissects the Democratic Party's brand crisis, arguing that extreme progressive positions alienate crucial moderate voters and hinder electoral success, while advocating for a return to pragmatic, centrist policies on issues like immigration, crime, and trade.

These Trump Voters Think He Staged His Own Assassination Attempt (w/ David Frum) | Focus Group
Even disaffected Trump voters and Democrats are convinced that recent alleged assassination attempts on Trump were staged, highlighting a profound crisis of trust fueled by the former president's own rhetoric.

Secret Podcast Preview: JVL Wants Every Trump Voter to Know One Thing...
JVL and Sarah Longwell dissect the evolving political landscape, from Trump voter regret and the gerrymandering 'arms race' to the rise of populist candidates and the core mission of preserving liberal democracy.

Will JVL Survive These Focus Groups of Catholic Voters? | The Focus Group
This episode dissects how Catholic voters, both Trump and Harris supporters, navigate the complex intersection of their faith and political allegiances, revealing a significant shift towards prioritizing political identity over traditional religious doctrine.

Trump’s Base Might Stay Home (w/ Amy Walter) | Focus Group
Disillusioned Trump voters, driven by economic woes, the Iran war, and the Epstein files, are showing a significant enthusiasm gap that could lead to them staying home, posing a major threat to Republican electoral prospects.

Swing Voters Absolutely HATE Trump's Iran War (w/ Ashley Parker) | The Focus Group
Swing voters are deeply alienated by Trump's Iran war and economic policies, viewing his administration as increasingly out of touch and driven by personal whim rather than national interest.

The “F-Trump” Ad That Broke the Illinois Senate Race | The Focus Group
An Illinois Senate primary reveals how an aggressive, profane anti-Trump ad can cut through a crowded media landscape, polarizing voters but significantly shifting poll numbers, while a well-funded frontrunner struggles with a lack of coherent narrative.

Sarah Longwell: No One Should Trust this Government | The Bulwark Podcast
The hosts argue that Trump's nihilism and isolation from reality are driving a poorly conceived war with Iran, leading to economic pain and eroding public trust, while also reshaping voter perceptions of US foreign policy and Israel.

Sarah’s Little Secret is Out | Bulwark on Sunday
Sarah Longwell unveils her new book, 'How to Eat an Elephant One Voter at a Time,' detailing critical shifts in political communication, the power of community, and strategic insights for Democrats to effectively counter Trumpism.

NEW POLLS: Trump’s Iran War is Deeply Unpopular
Early polling indicates broad public disapproval for Trump's military strikes against Iran, particularly among independents and even some of his base, challenging his 'America First' platform.

Is This Republican Senator Too Normal for Republicans? (w/ Eric Benson)
Texas's Republican Senate primary reveals a profound shift in voter priorities, where legislative effectiveness is a liability and scandal-plagued 'fighters' are preferred over traditional politicians.

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.

Is a Blue Wave Coming in November? (w/ Dave Wasserman) | Mona Charen Show
Dave Wasserman, an editor at the Cook Political Report, analyzes why the 2026 midterm elections will not replicate the 'blue wave' of 2018, citing shifts in the political landscape, economic factors, and strategic differences.

Trump Built a Party That Can’t Survive Him (w/ Conor Kilgore) | The Focus Group
This episode traces the evolution of Republican voter sentiment towards Donald Trump, revealing how initial reluctance transformed into tribal loyalty and the implications for the party's post-Trump future.
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