In addition to the global energy shock brought on by Trump's war, mortgage rates are surging, and labor costs and prices are rising. And Republicans don't seem to have a plan except to spend more, blame trans kids, and feed Trump's megalomania by allowing him to put his ugly signature on our currency. Plus, JD thinks Americans are stupid, the gap between Bibi's and Trump's objectives vis-à-vis Iran continues to widen, and where is Marco Rubio?

Michael Steele joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

"The Weeknight" on MS Now  JVL's and Catherine's live show Friday on the state of the economy Find your local "No Kings" protest  Tim's playlist

For nearly 50 years, since the Ayatollah seized power in Iran and took Americans hostage, the U.S. has known that the regime could single-handedly shut down the Strait of Hormuz. Trump was reportedly warned of this threat, but the failed casino owner blew it off. And now Iran unilaterally controls 20% of the world?s oil supply and an even higher percentage of the fertilizer inventory. But the former vice president tells Tim that Trump?s judgment has been even worse on climate change. On the 20th anniversary of ?An Inconvenient Truth,? Gore discusses how the rest of the global economy has ?miraculously? responded to the climate threat. He also gives high marks to Mamdani, explains Trump?s use of fear, shares details about his relationship with Clinton?and how his actions after the 2000 election inspired Mike Pence on Jan. 6.

Former Vice President Al Gore joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Gore?s climate change training in Nashville in May More on Gore?s ?Climate Reality Project? Tim?s ?Bulwark Take? with Ezra Levin on Saturday?s ?No Kings? protests
Slow the growth of greys and get 15% off by using code THEBULWARK at Arey.com Take advantage of Ridge?s once-a-year anniversary sale and get UP TO 40% Off by going to https://www.Ridge.com/THEBULWARK #Ridgepod For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/thebulwark.

Trump's shamelessness has been his political superpower, but the regime in Tehran is seeing a desperate and panicked man doing the opposite of what he's said about Iran for the past decade. But his supporters are not likely to see the dangerous moment we are in unless or until they feel real economic pain personally. Plus, Markwayne Mullin is another shorty tough guy, the Dems don't understand our reality show politics, and how an alternate universe might look if Kamala were president and we weren't in a war.

Phil Gordon and Angie "Pumps" Sullivan join Tim Miller.

show notes:

The "I've Had It" podcast "IHIP News" podcast Phil's book, "Losing the Long Game: The False Promise of Regime Change in the Middle East" Markwayne's booster box To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THEBULWARK and use code THEBULWARK for both the code AND PASSWORD.

A war of choice may evolve into a war of necessity because the brains at the White House apparently did not anticipate that Iran?in response to the bombing campaign?would shut down the Strait of Hormuz, which the global economy depends on being open. It's also not a good look for the U.S. to be got by a power like Iran because China is watching. Plus, how the war is impacting the supply chain, the markets may be underpricing oil because traders keep banking on Trump to do his usual TACO, and Israel acting like an illiberal Middle Eastern regime is creating a disconnect with American Jews.

The Atlantic?s Jeffrey Goldberg and Bloomberg?s Joe Weisenthal join Tim Miller.

show notes

Where to catch Tim's Tuesday livestream at 8:30pm ET 

Jeffrey on Signalgate and Hegseth one year later 

The Atlantic's McKay Coppins on America's sports betting boom

Joe's "Odd Lots" podcast
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The man in charge is bluffing, blustering, and trying to manipulate the markets by claiming that the administration is in negotiations with Iran and was holding off on further military strikes. Israel's reaction was to drop more bombs on Iran, and the regime itself used Trump's own lines against him in its response. In any event, Iran has shown it can close the Strait of Hormuz, which is much more of a power move than the degradation of Tehran's missile capacity. With the war hitting Americans financially in their daily lives?and Trump now refusing a deal to fund TSA?the Dems have to hammer home that it's POTUS who has delivered higher gas prices and long lines at the airport. Plus, JD is in a job bind, the head of FEMA has a teleporting issue, and Trump showed utter depravity over the passing of Bob Mueller. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Monday's "Morning Shots" "Bulwark on Sunday" with Bill and Catherine Tim's and Bill's 'Bulwark Take' on Trump's reaction to Mueller's death Yeats' poem, "To a Friend Whose Work Has Come to Nothing" The real "Baghdad Bob" 

The U.S. is at war with the leading state sponsor of terror, and Donald Trump appointed Markwayne Mullin?a man with no counter-terrorism experience?to help defend the homeland. At the same time, Hegseth is a meathead, and the shoe designer at the top of the FBI is preoccupied with visiting all the places on his bucket list. This is the moment for Democrats to argue that Trump has made the country very vulnerable. Plus, the administration apparently did not consider worst case scenarios vis-à-vis Iran, the Iraq War planners look like pros in comparison, Denmark was seriously preparing for an American invasion of Greenland, and is Israel's conduct contributing to the growing antisemitism problem?

David Frum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

David's podcast

David encouraging Dems to get to the right of Trump on the war

Tim's playlist

For Talarico, it doesn't really matter whether Cornyn or Paxton wins their runoff battle. Either way, the Texas Democratic Senate candidate says he is running against the billionaire mega-donors and their corrupt system. To flip the Senate seat, he says he is speaking to the hearts of voters, avoiding media echo chambers, and campaigning on being both pro-immigrant and pro-border security. Plus, Trump's broken promises, Cornyn may be more corrupt than Paxton, Apostle Paul's thoughts on God's sausage, and a Shermanesque denial of the vegan accusations.

James Talarico joins Tim Miller before a live Bulwark audience.

POTUS is pretending the laws of supply and demand don't apply when it comes to the price of oil. And his long list of conflicting statements on the Strait of Hormuz is not providing any clarity on whether it will reopen to Western vessels anytime soon. But while Rep. Khanna successfully helped create the Epstein coalition, he says most of his Republican colleagues on the Hill are sticking with Trump's war narrative?though with a little less chest thumping. Plus, progressive Squad candidates came up short in Illinois, Joe Kent reportedly gave his resignation letter to Vance before Trump, conflating critiques of Israel with antisemitism is likely going to backfire politically, and why are three million Epstein files still being protected?

Rep. Ro Khanna joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Only a few tickets left for our LIVE show in Austin on Thursday: TheBulwark.com/Events.

A former MAGA influencer who saw the underbelly of the immense power and wealth around this administration says never-Trumpers should show compassion for people who are now feeling betrayed by him?and who are starting to have second thoughts about the cult they joined. Ashley, who is the mother of one of Elon's kids, also tells Tim that an increasing number of MAGA women are waking up to the fact that they've been used as pawns in the movement. Plus, Ric Grenell's desperate effort to land a job with Trump, the role of AIPAC in Tuesday's Illinois Democratic primary, and a pending congressional resolution on the West Bank.

Cam Kasky and Ashley St. Clair join Tim Miller.

show notes

FYPod on looksmaxxing in February 2025

FYPod's interview with Kat Abughazaleh 

Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.
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As the Iran war enters its third week, the Trump administration looks like it doesn?t know what it?s doing: It did not bother to consult U.S. allies before the military operation began but it now wants their help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz; POTUS keeps talking about his great victory even with Marine Expeditionary Forces en route; and the disruption in the oil markets is likely to last for months. In the face of the neutered Republican leaders in Congress, the Dems must be a hard ?No? on additional funding?unless it?s about helping our people to exit safely. Plus, FCC Chair Brendan Carr is threatening broadcasters for reporting the truth about the war, JD is hiding in the hedge, our enemies are less afraid of us, the "Donroe Doctrine" looks like a joke, and a major intra-right fight has broken out online.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Monday's "Morning Shots" Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Bob Kagan Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events. Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood?delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/BULWARK.

The Trump administration is preparing to deploy a Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East along with more warships. But that development was not Hegseth?s highest priority at his Pentagon briefing. His first order of business was attacking the media?even before mentioning the six fallen service members who were killed in a plane crash supporting the war in Iran. And while the administration may have finally narrowed down its reasons for launching the war alongside Israel, it hasn?t discussed the risks of the operation, or why it doesn?t seem to have an issue with Putin helping Iran in the fight. Plus, JD is skeptical about the war but won?t tell Trump to his face, oil prices are soaring while Russia cashes in, and don?t forget that the Department of Homeland Security is still shut down while our country is at war.

Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Tom on 'victory disease' in The Atlantic  French news channel with a split screen of bombs and Trump dancing Tim's playlist Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Event

We?re raining hellfire down on Iran and American soldiers have died, but that doesn?t stop Trump from hitting the links, doing a little dancing, or holding a revenge rally. His main preoccupation is his daily PR battle over the war?which currently involves arguing that higher gas prices are a good thing. And his ever dutiful backup chorus in Congress is happy to explain how ?freedom isn?t free.? Meanwhile, the immigration system has been so undone that we now have a shortage of seasonal workers. Plus, the absurd shoe-related loyalty test at the White House, a major Trump donor is trying to buy a Senate seat in Oklahoma, at least one white Afrikaner refugee has seen enough and wants to go home, Sam and Tim have new Cabinet member rankings, and some justice for JVL and Bill after Wednesday's pod.

Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.

show notes

JVL?s ?Triad? on Iran from Wednesday and Thursday Bill on the "epic failure" of the Iran war in "Morning Shots" Adrian and Jared on Markwayne Mullin Sam's and Catherine's 'Bulwark Take' on higher gas prices Tim's and Sam's year-end ranking of Cabinet members "Odd Lots" podcast Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events. Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/BULWARK and use promo code BULWARK at checkout. For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/THEBULWARK

One of the biggest America First fans tells Tim that he thought Trump 2.0 would be different because like-minded, high-level personnel?including the vice president and top DOD staff?were supposed to stop Trump from doing stupid wars like the strategic catastrophe unfolding in and around Iran. And Trump?s mass deportation was supposed to crack down on the labor practices of big business and Big Ag, but POTUS instead is sticking with the Chamber of Commerce status quo. Saagar now regrets his vote for Trump. Plus, the difference between MAGA and America First, a different take on Epstein, Venezuela red-pilled Trump, and the U.S. may be facing a major shortage of munitions because of the latest shock and awe campaign.

Saagar Enjeti joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Tim's livestream Wednesday at 8:30pm ET on YouTube or Substack Saagar's show, "Breaking Points" Carville's 2009 book, "40 More Years: How the Democrats Will Rule The Next Generation" Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

Before the bombs and the missiles started falling on Iran, Trump sent Jared and Witkoff to try to cut a deal with Tehran. But his two favorite emissaries with no expertise in world affairs fundamentally misunderstood the Iranian mindset, and Trump grew impatient. Now, while Israel is likely trying to create a failed state in Iran, the U.S. seems to be looking for the quickest exit. Plus, the dystopia of ?Robocop,? "Brazil," and "Infinite Jest" may have arrived in real life, the Iran War?s potential impact on the Paramount-Warner Bros. deal, predictions for Sunday's Oscars ceremony, and Timothée Chalamet can do no wrong. Sonny Bunch and Laura Rozen join Tim MIller.

show notes

Laura's Substack Sonny on our dystopian parody Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events. Stay ready for anything with the American Giant Classic Full Zip. Go to https://www.american-giant.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code BULWARK. Thanks to American Giant for sponsoring the show! Learn a new Language and get up to 60% off your subscription at Babbel.com/BULWARK

Unless the administration is keeping some closely-guarded secret about why America went to war against Iran, the only thing officialdom is saying out loud is that Netanyahu wanted us to. And now Trump says he's waiting on Netanyahu to end it. But support for the state of Israel cannot make up for the fact that both the president and the prime minister are not to be trusted. Both Trump and Netanyahu are corrupt men who used their power to avoid being held accountable for their corruption. To be skeptical about the aims of the military operation is not antisemitic, but the fact that it is happening at all may contribute to the rising incidence of antisemitism. Plus, JD is in a tight spot, the administration keeps lying about our killing of Iranian schoolchildren, and Sarah's new book advises Democrats on how to win the comms war against Republicans.

Sarah Longwell joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Pre-order Sarah's book, "How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time" Stream "Memphis Belle," the film Sarah recommended Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events. Same night out ? way better morning with Cheers. For a limited time our listeners are getting 20% off their entire order by using code THEBULWARK at cheershealth.com/THEBULWARK #Cheers #ad

Republicans and the Supreme Court have put basically no guardrails on Trump, so he started a global war that is costing taxpayers $1 billion a day. He shrugs about soldiers dying, and he lies about the school full of children that Americans likely killed. And he's downright giddy that because he signed off on all the bombing of Iran, he may get to choose the country's new leader. At the same time, one of the few occasions when Republicans stood up to him resulted in the firing of his first Cabinet member, the scandalous Kristi Noem. Plus, new job loss numbers show how Trump continues to hurt the working class, fuel prices are rising, the administration is again helping Russia in its war on Ukraine, Rand Paul may have an issue with Noem's chosen successor, and have the Dems' chances of retaking the Senate improved?

Neera Tanden, with the Center for American Progress, joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

The Center for American Progress web site

Catherine on Trump's warflation

NPR on Neera's OMB nomination being pulled because of her tweets about GOP senators

Follow "Bulwark Takes" for breaking news coverage over the weekend

Tim's playlist

Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

Not only is Trump failing to provide any clarity on why the United States went to war against Iran, the administration is also sticking to its habit of declaring an emergency based on some arcane legal provision that supposedly gives the executive branch the power to do whatever it wants. It's almost as though the American legal system can justify authoritarianism if a lawyer can dig deep enough. And Anthropic is currently feeling the sting of this monarchical-style power grab. Meanwhile, the tech overlords wanted free rein on AI under Trump, but they got a Maoist approach instead. Plus, Mamdani's embrace of abundance, the movie industry's troubles, and how parents fall in love with their children.

Derek Thompson joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Derek's interview with Karim Sadjadpour on the "Plain English" pod Derek's Substack Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

The starting kit for a unified Democratic Party with the biggest, broadest tent should be calling out the billionaire class that is sabotaging our political system, our healthcare system, and driving up costs. Katz, the young media strategist who helped propel Mamdani to his historic win, says it's not enough for Dems to campaign on just hating Trump. Instead, they should take on Trump for breaking his promises about helping working people and being a peace president. Plus, Talarico's winning message in Texas, the risks of a horseshoe alliance between MAGA and the populist left, the algorithmic pipeline that feeds antisemitism, and Platner's appeal in Maine.

Morris Katz joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

The facts on the ground and the ludicrous statements speak for themselves: The administration inadequately planned for the execution of this war. That's likely why six service members were killed in an insufficiently protected facility. It's why our embassy in Riyadh and our consulate in Dubai were hit with drones. And the administration clearly does not have an exit plan. Venezuela had Trump thinking this could be a cakewalk, but in the Middle East, circumstances can change in a heartbeat. Plus, Israel's role in pushing for the military campaign, Marco's effort to pawn off responsibility for the war, and Gallego's endorsement of Graham Platner in the Maine Democratic Senate primary. Sen. Ruben Gallego and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling join Tim Miller.

show notes

Pre-order Hertling's new book, "If I Don't Return: A Father's Wartime Journal" Watch The Bulwark?s LIVE coverage of the Texas Senate primary on Substack YouTube Carol Leonnig's reporting on the firing of FBI agents with Iran expertise  Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

Trump cannot enunciate a clear reason for why he's chosen to go to war against Iran, and the administration is not even bothering to coordinate a message that clarifies its objective. While the military campaign appears aimed at regime change, Hegseth denies it is. And instead of speaking directly to Americans, POTUS himself has taken on a Jekyll and Hyde approach to his rationales in a series of private interviews: he's waffled between "freedom," to installing a caretaker regime à la Venezuela, to maybe even revenge. In any event, the United States seems like it's being dog-walked by the Israelis and the Saudis, and the corrupt deals between the Trump family and Gulf Arab states may be a factor. Plus, anti-interventionist JD is in the cuck chair, and a preview of Tuesday's Senate primary in Texas.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Tim and Sarah on the administration's war messaging 'Bulwark on Sunday' with Bill, Tim, and Mark Hertling Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

Trump?s head is stuck in the 80s so he may not have noticed that cable is dying. All he can think about is getting his greedy little hands on CNN so he can make them say nice things about him. But independent outlets?like The Bulwark? are changing the media space and are beyond the reach of a corrupted FCC. Nevertheless, our screens are going to be filled with vast quantities of pro-MAGA propaganda. Meanwhile, Mamdani played to Trump?s 80s tabloid obsession to win a favor, which was good, but it was also something that would have the left howling in disgust if Hakeem had done it. Plus, Hegseth is bullying Anthropic because he wants to mass surveil Americans, how states can legally fight back against ICE and the administration?s election meddling, and the irony of cool, edgy, masculine men behaving like women with Mar-a-Lago face.

Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Tim and Andrew on Mamdani's latest White House visit Friday's "Morning Shots" The Focus Group Podcast on Apple and YouTube Protect Democracy's website Protect Democracy's lawsuit against ICE on behalf of Maine residents Protect Democracy on the Universal Constitutional Remedies Act Tim's playlist Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events. Snag the hoodie that will bring you comfort for life, the American Giant Classic Full Zip. Go to https://www.american-giant.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code BULWARK. Thanks to American Giant for sponsoring the show!

No matter how often Trump tries to change the subject, he keeps getting caught in his own attempted diversions. He blames Somali immigrants for importing bribery, corruption, and lawlessness while he sits behind the resolute desk taking a million dollar bribe to bitch about a new bridge. Or he showcases the US men's hockey team while his lying FBI director gets caught red-handed pretending he just happened to be in Italy when the team was playing. And the more Trump tries to run away from the Epstein case, the more blatant the administration's cover-up becomes. Plus, distancing from the craziest parts of the DSA is part of the anti-authoritarian project, Mamdani and AOC have avoided some of their fan base's worst impulses, Newsom put his name on a number of policies that will dog his ambitions, and the Dems need to reclaim improving public schools as one of their key issues.

The Atlantic?s Jon Chait joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on the Epstein records connected to Trump

Jon on the new Michigan-Canada bridge

Jon on the 2028 problems for Gavin

Jon on the corrupt circumstances around Bari at CBS

Tim on David Frum's podcast

Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

For just under two hours, Trump in his State of the Union address lied about the state of the economy, the cost of living, his tariffs, and even his immigration policy?claiming that he favors legal immigration while his armed, masked goons grab and imprison people who followed the law. And if Americans didn?t hear Trump discuss any real policy proposals in speech, it might be because he?s a bit distracted with his quest to capture more media outlets, including his longtime nemesis, CNN. Trump?s attempt to silence dissent has become the signature of his presidency. Plus, the paradoxes and conflicting signals on Iran, the sellout of bipartisan support for Ukraine, Vance finally has a job as VP, and POTUS only allows robotically remixed, Fox fever-dream women in his Cabinet.

Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Susan's column on the SOTU Susan on Trump's attacks on free speech Josh Barro's new pod, "Central Air" Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. TheBulwark.com/Events.

Apart from all the lies MAGA is forced to say in defense of Donald Trump, the movement is actually better at political organizing than Democrats. So while the Dems can pull off the massive No Kings rallies, the protests are just one day and the energy can fizzle away. But MAGA is really focused on turning out the vote so they can win. And they got the idea from the big tent campaign tactics that Obama deployed in 2008 and 2012. Plus, some advice on how Dem candidates can turn their communications into a superpower?like stop proposing solutions when voters are mad and just want to vent.

The New Yorker?s Charles Duhigg joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Charles's piece, "What MAGA Can Teach Democrats About Organizing?and Infighting"

Charles's book, "Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection"

Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. TheBulwark.com/Events.
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With a shooting at Mar-a-Lago and some real counterterrorism issues associated with Trump's threat of war on Iran, Kash Patel probably had more important matters to attend to than shotgunning beer with the U.S. hockey team. And the team itself might have remembered that Patel himself is standing in the way of investigating the murders of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. But too many people at the top don't give a crap, and others are taking their cue. And that includes the larger media, which has moved on from Minnesota, even though women are having to resort to giving birth at home out of fear that federal agents will snatch family members in the labor & delivery ward. Meanwhile Trump is aggressively promoting regime change in Iran, and Sam Altman sounds like he thinks Neo was the bad guy in "The Matrix." Plus, does Netanyahu's role in helping get Trump back into power?and perhaps pushing him to war? open up a political opportunity for Dems to put pressure on Israel?

JVL joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Tim plays the guest on Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday"

Sonny and Tim assess the aesthetics of Trump's performance at his press conference

JVL's "Triad" about what he saw in Minnesota

The Wright Thompson Bulwark pod interview that Tim referenced

The Atlantic on the other aid programs being cut

Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. TheBulwark.com/Events.
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Of course, SCOTUS struck down Trump?s stupid tariffs. Nearly every legal expert in America said they were unconstitutional, but we have had to live with them for more than a year. Now, he?s threatening war on Iran apparently because it?s not fair that Obama got a Nobel and he didn?t. Meanwhile, as we approach the fourth anniversary of Russia?s war on Ukraine, Putin still holds out hope he can seize all of the country. Plus, Marco is working on getting Cuba to be the next domino to fall, Trump?s Board of Peace is pushing a complete fantasy in Gaza, the battle against ICE in Minnesota is not over, and gold medal-winner Alysa Liu?a California lib, and a child of an immigrant?represents the shining city on a hill. She is America. Michael Weiss joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Michael's Substack Alysa Liu's gold-winning performance The Gettysburg Address Tim's playlist Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/THEBULWARK and use gift code THEBULWARK25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code BULWARK at https://www.oneskin.co/BULWARK #oneskinpod

The junior senator from Minnesota joined Tim on Wednesday for the first show of a two-night Bulwark run at the historic Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis?the city that caught ICE off-guard with its "radical empathy" and kick-ass organizing skills. It was the "secret sauce" of Minnesotans that looks to have federal agents winding down their operation there. Plus, Democrats need to continue to hold the line on DHS funding, the incompetent clown atop the DoD and other loser Republicans, the Senate is fundamentally broken, and the beauty of retiring to make way for a new generation of leaders.

Sen. Tina Smith joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

Most Democratic politicians are scared to criticize each other. They also fear dinging former presidents, or the various groups that make up the party?s broad coalition. And too many Dem candidates are afraid to color outside the lines, even if voters want them to be less establishment and more like regular people. Can the party get it together before the midterms? Plus, Trump?s threat of war against Iran, and his reported intent to kill Netflix?s bid to takeover Warner Discovery?potentially giving him power over CBS, CNN, Fox, and TikTok.

The Atlantic?s Mark Leibovich joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Mark's Atlantic piece, "The Democrats Aren?t Built for This"

Jonathan Alter on Trump's attempt to scuttle a Netflix-Warner deal

Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, we have a handful of seats still available for tonight's show in Minneapolis. TheBulwark.com/Events.

From FCC Chair Brendan Carr?who keeps trying to silence the political opinions of late night TV comedians, to DHS pressuring social media companies to expose anti-ICE accounts, and to the willingness of serial killer RFK, Jr and his MAHA cohort to stack up dead children so they can keep their antivax con going?it?s clear the shamelessness of MAGA knows no bounds. But even if the coalition that delivered Trump?s victory in ?24 has been shattered, the Dems have to skip the seven-point policy plans and focus on the economy and Trump?s corruption. And Dem candidates need to do their own tweeting. Plus, the potential legal peril for Kristi and Corey, Virginia went big and bold against Republicans on redistricting, and an homage to Jesse Jackson.

Rick Wilson joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Will Sommer on Bannon's legal trouble with his memecoin 

Jonathan on the FDA's anti-vaccine agenda

Rick on how the pro-democracy coalition is winning 

Colbert's banned interview with James Talarico 

Abby Phillip's book on Jesse Jackson, "A Dream Deferred" 

Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, we have a handful of seats still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18. TheBulwark.com/Events.

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The white Anglo-Saxon supremacy in Trumpland is so over the top that even child-of-Cuban-immigrants Marco Rubio claims America?s common cultural heritage is European. But then with a schizophrenic touch, our secretary of state went on to endorse the reelection of Viktor Orban, who has decidedly turned Hungary away from Western democratic values. In response, some high-profile Democrats weighed in, including AOC from Munich. Plus, we are constantly reminded to not trust anything DHS says, the Dems should not agree to give one more penny to ICE, and Marco: The music of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones would not have existed without African American culture.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for the holiday pod.

show notes

Monday's "Morning Shots" Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus,,we have a handful of seats still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18. TheBulwark.com/Events. NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind ? security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad

In addition to protesting and voting, we have another option hiding in plain sight against this administration: our economic power. Scott says resistance should also include unsubscribing?from one or more streaming platforms, from LLMs, or from ride hailing platforms. Stick it to the CEOs who are enabling Trump and take a piece of hide out of Big Tech, especially Tim Cook?s Apple. There should be an economic downside to supporting ICE. After all, the day Alex Pretti was murdered, Cook was at the White House for a ?Melania? screening. Plus, the weak job growth numbers under Trump, the shabby state of our healthcare system, the dangers v. the benefits of AI, the unregulated predictions markets are a breeding ground for bad actors, and young men need to get off their screens, and focus on being healthy, smart, and kind.

Scott Galloway joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Scott's "Resist and Unsubscribe" "Notes on Being a Man," Scott's latest book The Prof G podcasts "Raging Moderates" pod with Scott and Jessica Tarlov "Pivot" podcast with Scott and Kara Swisher Tim's playlist Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, we have a handful of seats still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18. TheBulwark.com/Events.

ICE failed in its operation in Minnesota because the people would not bend to their terror campaign. Minneapolis residents also maintained incredible discipline in their resistance and totally let Trump down by keeping a check on any potential riotous behavior. Meanwhile, the El Paso airport closure shows the administration?s continuing communication problems, and Bondi?s performance before the House Oversight Committee was so over-the-top bad, it?s even getting panned on the right. Plus, Bongino is a con artist and a loser, the Dems have an increasing number of pickup opportunities in red states, Nick Fuentes of all people is providing a little clarity on the state of Republicans, and exactly how many pardoned J6 insurrectionists have gone on to commit child sex abuse? We?re losing count.

Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Country First's campaign to push back on politicization of the National Guard Kinzinger on his event with Democrats in Anderson, Indiana Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, we have a handful of seats still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18. TheBulwark.com/Events. Exclusive $35-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARK. Promo Code BULWARK Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/BULWARK and use promo code BULWARK at checkout.

Trump may keep telling Ukrainians their country is about to collapse, and Putin may keep bombing their power plants?leaving them miserably cold during one of the harshest winters in years? but Ukrainians are not giving up, and they?re not backing down. On the streets of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odessa, Ben found defiance, the will to fight and survive, and a still lingering sentimental attachment to America. But during his recent visit, he also felt embarrassed to be American because of our own resident bully who constantly manufactures faux problems for us to fight about?like the 2020 Fulton County vote count, yet again. Plus, the disorganization and staff shortages in the US Attorneys offices and a tribute from a former Postie to the great news organization Jeff Bezos is vandalizing.

Not only did Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick go to the Epstein island, a sultan from the UAE, who sent a ?torture video? to Epstein, also attended Trump?s first inaugural. That would be the same country where the royal family secretly bought half of the Trump family?s crypto venture?right before he was inaugurated a second time. For some reason, Sultan bin Sulayem was one of six powerful and wealthy men whose names were redacted in the Epstein files by the DOJ. Thank you, congressmen Khanna and Massie. Also, Lauren Boebert saw something in the unredacted files that led her to call for Ghislaine Maxwell to be moved back to a higher security prison. Plus, the administration wants to be feared but also loved, the benefits of being on Bluesky, and a eulogy for The Washington Post?s sports section.

Jane Coaston joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Jane's podcast, "What A Day" Barron's on how there's only one enforcement lawyer left in the Chicago CFTC Crooked Media on Substack Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, a small number of seats are still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18. TheBulwark.com/Events. Get 20% off when you go to trustandwill.com/BULWARK

Trump of course hated Bad Bunny's halftime performance, but even he wasn't running the Turning Point alternative at Mar-a-Lago. And a couple of Olympic skiers expressing disapproval of ICE or calling for love and respect for immigrants and their fellow Americans sent MAGA into hyperdrive?with calls for the athletes to be denaturalized and deported. Meanwhile, Kash Patel stopped an investigation into the killing of Renee Good because it could make Trump look bad, and this is the week for Dems to stay on offense over the DHS funding bill. Plus, Jon Ossoff hit the right notes in a key speech in Georgia, the National Review is reporting on Trump's corruption, Lutnick did George Costanza-grade lying over his business ties to Epstein, and no, Tim is not running for Senate.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Monday's "Morning Shots" Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Ron Brownstein Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on the National Review's reporting on Trump's corruption Tim and Andrew on how Dems may be winning the DHS funding fight Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, a small number of seats are still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18. TheBulwark.com/Events. For their buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to 3DayBlinds.com/THEBULWARK.

Trump casually posted a racist video and the White House essentially told Americans to calm down. Convicted felons are being treated better than rounded-up immigrants in detention centers. And the evangelicals' favorite president doesn't seem to understand the meaning of the word, prayer. Still, Republicans on The Hill are seeing the broad unpopularity of ICE's behavior in Minnesota and may be starting to distance themselves from the policies they funded. Plus, a simple measure beyond masks that could really rein in ICE, the extensive structural damage at the DOJ, trads keep rationalizing cruelty, and why is SCOTUS taking so long on the tariffs case? Also, Tim puts David in the squirm chair with a Kid Rock v. Bad Bunny lyrics quiz.

David French joins Tim Miller for the Super Bowl weekend pod.

show notes:

David on ending immunity for federal agents Chris Geidner on government lawyer Julie Le David's tweet about "tradlife" Tim, Sam, and Will Sommer on Elijah Schaefer JVL on the Beatitudes in "The Triad" David's recent piece on liberalism The NYT on Katie Britt Tim's playlist Tickets are now on sale for our LIVE shows in Dallas on March 18 and in Austin on March 19. Plus, a small number of seats are still available for our second show in Minneapolis on February 18. https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events

The massive layoffs at Jeff Bezos's Washington Post involve more than just the financial situation at the paper. The Amazon founder's real priority is keeping Donald Trump happy so the money keeps flowing from his lucrative government contracts. And the man worth $260 billion will do what it takes, even if that means hollowing out a great news organization and potentially turning it into a MAGA-friendly outlet. Maybe having the economy so dependent on government contracts?with an erratic, megalomaniac at the top of the food chain?is not such a good idea. The former executive editor at The Post says Bezos should turn the paper into a nonprofit. Plus, the origin story of "Democracy Dies in Darkness," and the profiteering and corruption in the administration is not getting the press attention it deserves.

Marty Baron joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Marty's book, "Collision of Power: Trump, Bezos, and The Washington Post" Tickets on sale Friday for our live shows in Dallas and Austin in March, and our second Minnesota show is selling out. Go to: TheBulwark.com/Events. Visit www.functionhealth.com/THEBULWARK and use gift code THEBULWARK25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.

Donald Trump is going to do everything he can to hold onto his near monopoly on power after the midterms. Beyond his scheme to invoke the Insurrection Act through a riot he?s trying to will into being in Minneapolis, he could also declare foreign election interference?or claim there was skullduggery afoot in Los Angeles or Georgia precincts. Anything to stall or stop the new Congress from being seated. Who?s going to stop him? Meanwhile, America will get the short end of the stick under his stupid new National Security Strategy. Plus, Dem elites since 2016 have failed to appreciate the economic despair among so many Americans, and some spiritual guidance for getting back to the moral and political pillars of the Declaration of Independence.

Marianne Williamson and Bob Kagan join Tim Miller.

show notes

Bob's recent piece in The Atlantic

Marianne's Substack

Due to popular demand, we've added a second show in Minneapolis on Wednesday, February 18. Tickets are now on sale at TheBulwark.com/Events.

From dads standing guard at school doors, to Costco moms delivering food to people afraid to leave home, and to the ICE spotters patrolling the streets? everyday Minnesotans have been standing up to the Trump administration?s terror campaign with a vibrant sense of community that Stephen Miller apparently did not even consider a possibility. And while most of the rank-and-file activists are not particularly ideological, leftwing protestors are now creating tensions as they try to play a more visible role with dumpster fires and barricades. Plus, Tim makes an urgent plea to the Democratic candidates in the Texas Senate race to skip the racial politics and focus instead on what voters care about.
 
Minneapolis activist and social media firebrand Will Stancil joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Due to popular demand, we're adding a second show in Minneapolis on Wednesday, February 18. Tickets go on sale Feb 4. Check here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events)
The Atlantic on the neo-Nazi cartoon where Will is the main character
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JD originally made a name for himself as an economic populist but now spends all his time lying and ignoring the woes of the white working class. Stephen Miller is far more interested in authoritarianism than the American worker. And the biggest MAGA warrior of all, Steve Bannon, was downright smitten with Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is busy trying to hide the identities of other co-conspirators in the Epstein documents. Plus, the CBP has no business being deployed on the streets of American cities, Tulsi wants foreign election interference, the good news in a Texas special election result, Trump is flailing at another business?the Kennedy Center?and Bad Bunny previews his message for the Super Bowl halftime show.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Monday's "Morning Shots"

Bannon's "interview" with Epstein

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In the wake of the massive winter storm, the power is still out in some places, trees are down, and the death toll continues to rise. And where is FEMA? Don?t pester Trump about it because he is very busy going after political opponents like Don Lemon, re-litigating once again his 2020 loss in Georgia, and keeping up his terror campaign in Minnesota in hopes of invoking the Insurrection Act. Plus, he?s got a side hustle orchestrating the payment of $10 billion in taxpayer money to him and his family. Meanwhile, there?s a pretty stinky smell of corruption around the new Fed chair pick, Lindsey Graham wants in on the grift, and where are all the bros who just had to vote for Trump because of Biden?s supposed reign of cancel culture?

Michael Steele joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Michael's show, "The Weeknight" Tim and Andrew on the FBI raid at the Georgia elections office Follow "Bulwark Takes" for our weekend coverage Tickets for our Bulwark LIVE show in Minneapolis Tim's playlist

Trump has decidedly built a white supremacist army within the government. And this was always the risk when the Department of Homeland Security was created after 9-11. Influential people warned at the time that our norms would not protect us against someone who was determined to violate them using DHS. At the same time, white people are putting themselves on the line in a way that is reminiscent of the abolitionists. Plus, some often overlooked elements of the Civil Rights Movement, Jared Kushner?s offensive and absurd vision for a ?New Gaza,? and the destruction of a jewel of journalism that was CBS.

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show notes

Ta-Nehisi's most recent piece in Vanity Fair The CBS interview with Ta-Nehisi referenced in the show Tickets for the live show in Minnesota go on sale Friday

The mass deportation operation was supposed to be about the manly men pulling out all the stops in defense of Western civilization, which they claim is being brought down by brown and black immigrants. But it is the multi-racial, multi-faith people of Minneapolis who are fighting?at the risk of their own lives?for the cause of community, neighborhoodism, and social cohesion. And that is not the same social cohesion of JD Vance, who thinks white people need to live next door to other white people. Meanwhile, MAGA?s dreams that Trump had flipped Hispanic voters sure doesn?t seem to be the case in the Rio Grande Valley, where people are feeling disrespected by ICE and not free to be themselves. Plus, the current state of Second Amendment politics, and some much-needed ridicule of Stephen Miller.

The Atlantic's Adam Serwer and Texas-15 congressional candidate Bobby Pulido join Tim Miller.

show notes

Adam's piece in The Atlantic Adam?s book, ?The Cruelty Is the Point?  Bobby's campaign web site

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The deployment of dangerous, untrained, and violent federal agents on the streets of Minneapolis met its match in a massive, organized, nonviolent resistance that truly showed what democracy looks like. And though the ostensible immigration enforcement operation is not over, the administration thought the tough guys would easily prevail. But Gov. Walz says the real strength was with the ordinary and decent Minnesotans who stood their ground to continue protesting and documenting the agents? behavior. Plus, was it the neocons or the white nationalists that most shaped Tucker?s views? And how much does JD owe his career to Tucker?

The New Yorker's Jason Zengerle and Gov. Tim Walz join Tim Miller.

show notes:

Jason's new book, "Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind" Tim's 'Take' with reporter Ben Terris about Trump's health claims To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THEBULWARK and use code THEBULWARK for both the code AND PASSWORD.

The Trump administration?s version of the Stasi murdered Alex Pretti in cold blood because he was exercising his First Amendment right to peacefully assemble and his Second Amendment right to carry a licensed firearm. But in MAGA land, those rights only apply to the people on their side, not all Americans. The few Republicans who are starting to feel queasy about menacing agents running around our cities should also recognize that they are complicit in the killings of Pretti and Renee Good because they funded them. As for the Dems, they should be considering maximalist demands?like ending the occupation of the Twin Cities?since the serial liars in the administration are acting like they?re above the law. Plus, Tim Cook and the other CEOs who helped fund the golden ballroom or showed up to the ?Melania? screening Saturday night are also complicit.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Follow "Bulwark Takes" for breaking news and weekend coverage Monday's "Morning Shots" For a limited time, save up to $300 on the Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times, by visiting Tovala.com/BULWARK and using code BULWARK.

Trump is taking billion dollar bribes for his ?Board of Peace,? where he can pretend he?ll be the head of a new world order in partnership with Putin. He?s also looking for his next foreign policy adventure since he didn?t get any mileage with Greenland or Iran. And he?s acting like socialist-fascist Juan Perón?taking stakes in U.S. companies while continuing to sic the American gestapo on the Twin Cities. Meanwhile, a handful of House Dems took a bad vote to fund DHS. Plus, the latest in the annals of unlikeable JD, Gavin?s trolling of MAGA has served him well, Trump is no friend to the domestic auto industry, CEOs are so short-sighted, and Kash Patel is a total clown.

Mike Murphy joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Andrew's reporting on DHS's lies in Minnesota Tim's 'Take' on JD's press conference in Minneapolis More on Mike's polling on the potential CA wealth tax measure "Hacks on Tap" podcast Jonathan Chait on the problems with Newsom's record The NYT on Kash Patel Tim's playlist

Donald Trump is so enamored with Vladimir Putin he doesn't even know the Russian leader is regularly making fun of him in ways that can?t easily be translated. Trump is also running the White House like it's the Kremlin, with backdoor deals, quick enrichment schemes, nefarious activities, and cronies calling the shots?while people in official positions, like Marco, are just fig leaves. It?s the exact kind of political world where Putin flourishes. And his operation against the United States continues apace. Plus, the backstory on the proposed Venezuela-Ukraine swap, Trump's TACO on Greenland, Canada and Europe have had enough of the U.S. and buying American, Western allies don?t trust Vance?s dependence on tech bros, and hello: Ozempic is a Danish drug.

The one and only Fiona Hill joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Fiona's memoir, " There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century" Fiona's book, "Mr. Putin: The Operative in the Kremlin" David Frum's interview with Fiona

In his rambling mess of a speech at Davos, Trump confused Iceland and Greenland, and demonstrated that he doesn't understand how NATO works. The infamous draft-dodger also seemed to call Truman and Eisenhower "stupid" for not just taking Greenland after WWII. Nevertheless, his threat to somehow get the island is undermining our international rules-based order. Plus, the secret, imperfect alliance in Congress that is blocking anti-trans legislation, the growing Dem opposition to the DHS funding bill, and the need to fight the trust deficit in the country ?and the anger-tainment that is driving it.

Delaware's Rep. Sarah McBride joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Sam's, JVL's and Andrew's reaction to the Davos speech McBride's column in Delaware's News Journal Get 20% off when you go to trustandwill.com/BULWARK

The Republican Party may be deeply unpopular, but the Democratic Party is even more so. The Dems' brand is weak despite the success of the off-year elections in 2025. To have a shot at winning back the Senate in the midterms, and the White House in 2028, the most successful Dems will be the ones who run against the status quo of their own party. In the meantime, Dems should be aggressively holding Republicans responsible for the tariffs, the threat against Greenland, and the terrorizing of Minnesotans? because they're not stopping the administration. Plus, cowardly CEOs, how to use A.I. as a political issue, and Trump & co's efforts to silence Americans.

 Veteran strategist David Plouffe joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Plouffe's NYT piece

Tim's interview with Ryan Grim, the recent lefty guest Tim referenced
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The president's demented rant that the United States has to take Greenland because the Nobel committee has not awarded him his much coveted peace prize is farcical and embarrassing?we are in 25th Amendment territory. At the same time, Trump's alternate claim that conquering the island is about being tough on Russia is so phony since he's busy trying to help give Ukraine to Putin. Meanwhile, ICE agents' constant videotaping of members of the public may be tied to their use of facial recognition software. Plus, in this particularly horrible period of news, we are remembering the hope and optimism that pushed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to fight for a better America.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Tim's interview with "Minnesota Angry Man," Chris Ostroushko 

The holiday-themed Bulwark Pod with Wright Thompson 

Monday's "Morning Shots"
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