Trump is overseeing extrajudicial killings off the coast of Venezuela but nothing was going to stop him from getting a peace prize?even if it?s a fake one from super highly reputable FIFA. He also helped himself to a federal agency that used to work on peace initiatives, but which Elon DOGE?d. Democrats should embrace the spirit of McCain and focus on the massive corruption in the administration around crypto, the ballroom, the pardons, and more. At the same time, the Dems have a disconnect between leaders and the base over Israel, Netanyahu, and AIPAC. Plus, Candace may be less worried about the French taking her out than she plays on her podcast, and Fox doesn?t seem like it?s rooting for war in Venezuela.

Tommy Vietor joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Tommy's podcast, "Pod Save the World" 

Hillary on TikTok influencing young people's opinions on Israel 

Ben Rhodes's piece on Israel in the NYT

Tim's playlist
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Trump?s use of his pardon power is downright crazy, and that?s not even counting his rescue of a convicted drug kingpin. He?s also sabotaging his own redistricting plans in Texas by pardoning Rep. Henry Cuellar, and wasting taxpayer money absolving a sports executive who was indicted by his own Justice Department earlier this year. Meanwhile, down in NOLA, two men with a Napoleon complex are unleashing misery of the psychic and economic kind on the city through its ICE and Border Patrol operation. Plus, someone needs to scour the immigration history of Phil Mickelson?s family, and why is Tucker so obsessed with the gays?

Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.

Sam's 'Bulwark Take' on the DOJ attorney fired for not restoring Mel Gibson's gun rights

Lauren on the Dems itching to go after AI
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Trump?s rallies have been his signature event, but since he returned to the White House, he has stopped doing them. And his allies are worried he?s losing touch with voters, as well as his political antenna. Instead of traveling the country, he?s dining with billionaires, playing golf, and going abroad in search of his elusive peace prize. Meanwhile, he can?t stay awake in own Cabinet meetings. Plus, the heat is on Hegseth, the ex-Honduran president Trump pardoned bragged about stuffing drugs up the noses of Americans, and the results of the Tennessee special election are a good sign for Democrats?and a reminder for the party to go all-in on the gerrymandering war.

Jonathan Lemire joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Jonathan's piece on Trump not doing rallies The Atlantic on Germany permanently stationing troops beyond its borders 

There are no shortage of scandals plaguing Washington D.C. right now.

One that has captivated much of the political and media professions involves Olivia Nuzzi, a political writer formerly of the magazine New York, and now an editor with Vanity Fair, who was involved in a relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during the 2024 campaign.

Nuzzi?s relationship has provided incredible fodder for the press, not least because her ex-fiance, Ryan Lizza, has penned a multi-part series on the matter where he has unspooled numerous accusations against her and RFK Jr., in anticipation of the publication of Nuzzi?s book, American Canto, which was released Tuesday. Those accusations are quite serious, many of which Nuzzi addresses in her book, including an admission that she secretly aided RFK Jr.?s campaign. The more important ones, however, deal with RFK Jr. himself, including the charge that he has hid drug use and was both manipulative of and threatening to Nuzzi during their relationship.

Nuzzi has not discussed any of it on camera.

Until now.

In a sit down interview with Tim Miller, she talked about the ethical breaches that cost her her job, the conflict between her responsibilities as a reporter, the private relationship that blurred those boundaries, and the fear and isolation she experienced as the scandal unfolded. She describes withdrawing from the world, fleeing across the country, and trying to rebuild her sense of self while contending with public shaming and, what she saw as, the ?weaponization? of her personal life against her.

She also offers some insights and revelations regarding the now Health and Human Service secretary, who has denied the relationship. She and Tim discuss her relationship with RFK Jr. and the wreckage that followed, whether he continues to use drugs while occupying a cabinet post, what type of threats she felt, and why she didn?t feel compelled to speak up as it became clear that Kennedy was ascending to remarkable heights of political power.

They also discuss the broader political moment that shaped all of it: the Trump era?s constant tug between reality and spectacle, the corrosion of public trust, and the ways journalists become characters in the dramas they cover.

And they broach one of the more understated questions throughout this entire, sordid ordeal: why even bother writing this book to begin with? Nuzzi explains that writing was an act of survival and the clarity that came from separating herself from Washington, D.C.?s rituals and delusions. Along the way, she says, she became further entrenched in the delusions she was hoping to escape.
show notes

Buy American Canto by Olivia Nuzzi

As a candidate, Trump knew to steer clear of Project 2025. But as president, he embraced its deeply unpopular policy goals and it has been driving down his poll numbers. Meanwhile, what are we doing with Venezuela? No one in the administration has made a remotely convincing case for the intimidation campaign against President Maduro. And the boat bombings are putting members of our military in legal danger under the guidance of Hegseth. Plus, the threats against legislators in Indiana who aren't going along with redistricting, and the broad-based coalition standing up to ICE?including people in costumes and grannies on scooters?has been one of the most successful responses to Trump's immigration agenda.

Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Protect Democracy's web site Amanda's Substack "If You Can Keep It" on Substack Take advantage of Ridge?s Biggest Sale of the Year and GET UP TO 47% Off by going to https://www.Ridge.com/THEBULWARK #Ridgepod

Not only are the opportunities for personal financial gain for Trump and his White House cronies driving the administration?s foreign policy decisions, his tariffs look more and more about grift. Trump also inexplicably granted clemency to a private equity exec who ripped off ordinary Americans in a Ponzi scheme, while he plans a pardon for a former Honduran president who trafficked cocaine to America?even as he orders the bombings of suspected drug smugglers in the Caribbean. Meanwhile, on the immigration front, Border Patrol is moving into NOLA, and the administration is exploiting the heinous and tragic DC Guard shooting to try to rid the country of black and brown immigrants.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Bill's 'Bulwark on Sunday' on Trump's anti-immigrant agenda Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on Scott Jennings WSJ's piece, "Make Money Not War: Trump?s Real Plan for Peace in Ukraine" NYT on David Sacks Andy McCarthy on the killing of two survivors of a missile strike in the Caribbean Makeup-less Trump at Mar-a-Lago New Bulwark merch! 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!

Americans were already losing touch with basic decency before Trump came along?and he exploited that indecency, distrust, and division to win power. In his new novel, George Packer spins a story of an imaginary country that just collapses, and how ordinary people have to learn to live together again. Fiction has a way of making the real world more clear. Plus, Charlie Kirk?s influence on our political climate before his death, JD?s phoniness and lust for power, Trump may be flailing but he?s still amassed immense power, and how AI moving us away from the written word threatens our democracy.

The Atlantic?s George Packer joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.

show notes

George?s new book, ?The Emergency: A Novel?

Tim's playlist

George?s piece on Arizona and Charlie Kirk from last year

?The Talented Mr. Vance? piece by George

Other books by George:

?The Assassins? Gate?

?The Unwinding: An Inner History of the New America?

?Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal?

Trump needs to quit the games and his defamatory accusations about who's in the Epstein files, and just release the 300 gigabytes of data from the Epstein case?even if he has an army of elves trying to redact or whitewash any references or images of Trump himself. Meanwhile, the dismissal of charges against Comey and Tish James show how bad Team Trump is at political retribution. Plus, the commander-in-chief doesn't want members of the military hearing the truth, spies are listening in to Steve Witkoff, and is Weissmann going to sue Trump for defamation?

Andrew Weissmann joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Andrew's Substack Andrew and Mary McCord's podcast, "Main Justice" New Bulwark merch!

A troika of foreign policy amateurs?Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and JD Vance?are trying to impose a Russia-drafted peace plan on Ukraine. While Trump was in the loop, other senior officials in the administration were in the dark, even as Kushner was using backchannels to work with a Putin ally. Vance eagerly got on board because he?s desperate to stab Ukraine in the back and declare himself MAGA?s heir apparent for 2028. But rival Marco Rubio?who sees that Russia doesn?t really want peace?is working on an alternative deal.

Michael Weiss joins Tim Miller to break all the machinations down.

Michael's Substack, "Foreign Office" Michael's reporting at "The Insider" Today?s Morning Shots New Bulwark merch!
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Unrest has broken out in MAGA, and Mike Johnson looks like he?s losing control of the House?which means that Trump could be losing control of the party. And the fear of Trump is morphing into loathing because Republicans are not winning. Meanwhile, DOGE has ended in another total Elon failure: Not only was no money saved, the program?s biggest success was cutting assistance to the world?s most vulnerable people. Trump has only been ?fixing? the government to work for his grift. Plus, Mamdani showed real political skill in meeting Trump, but the left needs to cool it with its 'Trump is a populist' take. As MTG pointed out, he definitely is not.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes

'Bulwark on Sunday' with Bill and Catherine Most recent 'Shield of the Republic' Jon on the fraud in the health care system Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on Trump turning 'fascist' into a punchline The Bulwark's new merch! Don?t miss NOBL?s biggest Sale of the Year! Head to NOBLTravel.com for up to 62% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad

As a man who?s not used to losing, Trump is going through a bit of a rough patch since his party turned against him over the Epstein case. He?s flailing, lashing out, and acting afraid. After all, he knows how many times his name comes up in the Epstein files, and Ghislaine Maxwell continues to enjoy a bevy of special perks at her cushy prison for some reason. At the same time, the economy isn?t helping him, the stench of a lame duck is growing, and the threat of oversight by Dems after the midterms feels real. Plus, some skepticism about MTG?s new-found clarity, Fox and Trump?s war on Christmas, the crash of bitcoin, and the Kinzinger documentary.

Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

"The Last Republican," the Kinzinger documentary or watch on YouTube Kinzinger's Substack CBS News on the prediction market Kalshi Ghislaine Maxwell's special prison privileges Tim's playlist For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/THEBULWARK

Tim Cook and the other tech titans who dined with bone saw murderer MBS?and who?ve given millions to Trump to knock down our history for his gilded ballroom?expect the people who use their products every day to protect American democracy, while they reap its benefits to freely act against the public?s interest. Meanwhile, Trump?s special envoy is acting like an agent of the Russian government, and POTUS shows yet again that he is not a tough negotiator. Plus, Stephen Miller is spreading fear by design, Trump?s Epstein capitulation is still worth savoring, and Tim shares his postmortem on his Kamala interview.

The New Yorker?s Susan Glasser joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Susan and Peter Baker?s book, ?The Divider: Trump in the White House, 2017-2021? Tim?s interview with Kamala in Nashville TAKE THE SURVEY

Before a live audience in Nashville Tuesday, Kamala Harris discussed what it takes to fight back against Trump. But she also threw punches?against the corrupt and callous administration that's trying to gaslight Americans about Jeffrey Epstein, and the tech titans who are bending the knee to a tyrant. Also noteworthy: Both MTG and Mamdani come in for some praise. Plus, the power of a consumer boycott, the challenges of being No. 2 on the job, and the still stinging emotions around her 107-day campaign.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris joins Tim Miller.

show notes

"107 Days," by former VP Kamala Harris TAKE THE SURVEY
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The White House leaks may be more contained in Trump 2.0, but the slavish loyalists who POTUS has surrounded himself with do nothing to keep him within the bounds of the law, ethics, or decorum. So in this round, the chaos is more consequential for the country. Meanwhile, the administration may be prepping to bury the Epstein files. Plus, the bitterness and resentment that drives Trump, the war on truth is winning, and the Bidens' animosity toward Obama.

ABC's Jon Karl joins Tim Miller.

show notes:

Jon's new book, "Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America" TAKE THE SURVEY

Not a lot of people predicted that Trump would fold and let Congress vote on the release of the Epstein files. But his retreat shows that Democrats have more leverage than conventional wisdom has suggested, and they should not rule out long shots in the fight against Trump?s authoritarian project. Meanwhile, MAGA looks to be fracturing in real time and Trump looks more and more vulnerable?on his ballroom, falling asleep in meetings, and his constant reminders that he?s only out for himself. Plus, MTG?s possible Saul to Damascus moment, Border Patrol?s invasion of Charlotte, bombing Venezuela would not be America First, and the Epstein emails are a reminder of how gross and nauseating the elites can be. Go away, Larry Summers.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

 Chris Geidner on Greg Bovino's appalling misuse of E.B. White's legacy and "Charlotte's Web" Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Mark Hertling on Venezuela Tim's book, "Why We Did It" TAKE THE SURVEY
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Our commander-in-chief and breaker of mores can only muster the energy to beg Republicans to stop talking about Epstein. Where is the blustery guy who's declared that only suckers pay taxes and that he could shoot anyone on 5th Avenue? Because of the lame duck smell he's giving off?and the economic problems Trump himself brought on?he's not getting the support he needs from the outer MAGA media world that's obsessed with Epstein. Meanwhile, he's getting ready to have taxpayers pay off his cronies for trying to help steal the 2020 election. Plus, the four kinds of corruption in the Trump administration, the Caribbean boat bombings have driven down the price of cocaine, and the origins and modern flowering of antisemitism on the left and right.

David Frum joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

David's recent episode on the military buildup off the coast of Venezuela David's interview with Sarah this week Tim's playlist

Trump's involvement with Epstein is simultaneously a "hoax," but he was also a "perfect gentleman" when he spent hours with one of Epstein's underage victims, Virgina Giuffre, at Epstein's pad. And Trump was an FBI informant on Epstein's sex trafficking, but again, it's all a hoax. The White House and Fox's defense is not working, and Trump may be in the worst political shape he's been in since the aftermath of January 6. Meanwhile, the wealthy and powerful old men needing teenage girls raises huge questions about manhood and virility. Plus, the shutdown fight was a stress test for how far the Dems were willing to go in the face of an authoritarian, and the party's big tent strategy faces real headwinds.

Alex Wagner joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Alex's new podcast, "Runaway Country" The Atlantic's piece, "The Limits of the Democrats? Big Tent" Don?t get them socks. Get them premium wireless for $15/mo. Shop Mint Unlimited Plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/bulwark 

New Jersey?s governor-elect credits her big win last week to an affordability message?and ignoring the pundits. But Sherrill also tied rising costs and declining economic opportunity to Trump?s laser-like focus on the worldwide extortion racket he?s running out of the Oval Office. Plus, former D.C. cop Michael Fanone says the current FBI won?t follow up on the threats against him and his family, the Justice Department doesn?t seem too concerned about pedophilia, and ?snowflake? border patrol boss Greg Bovino has small-man complex.

Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and Michael Fanone join Tim Miller.
show notes

Tim's 'Bulwark Take' with Julie K. Brown Sarah and Andrew on the Epstein emails Tim and Dave Wasserman on Dems racking up redistricting wins Fanone's YouTube channel Will Sommer's reporting on The Blaze's pipe-bomb story Will on Kash's private jet problem Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood?delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/BULWARK.

While Trump won the first time as an anti-status-quo hero, the low-trust podcast cranks like Rogan and Tim Dillon who put him back in the White House now see him as the establishment. And they?re making Trump own the economy, the security state of masked marauders and bombing campaigns?and his close ties to the tech companies. The Democrats have not had a better moment to run against the status quo since 2008. Meanwhile, the insidious anti-semitism from Candace and Tucker has reached insane levels. Plus, the accusations that Schumer was behind the cavers, the filibuster already favors Republicans, and the risks and rewards of candidates pursuing a high-attention strategy.

Chris Hayes joins Tim Miller.

show notes

"All In with Chris Hayes" on MS NOW "Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes Podcast" "The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource," Chris's latest book Marc Andreessen mocking the pope on Twitter Take advantage of Ridge?s Biggest Sale of the Year and GET UP TO 47% Off by going to https://www.Ridge.com/THEBULWARK #Ridgepod

The very online crowd is very upset, but Dems did fight like Republicans. This was a longer shutdown than anything the Tea Party pulled and real pain was being caused. And Democrats have now made the cost of healthcare front and center?while Republicans keep showing that they are the party of billionaires, Mar-a-Lago soirées, and golden ballrooms. Plus, President Al Capone pardoned all the people who tried to help him steal the 2020 election, pro-democracy Americans must stay united against the evil of the administration?s deportation policy, and the effort to keep POTUS in a bubble backfired big time Sunday night at the Commanders? stadium.

Will Saletan joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Will on Trump's disregard for his party Jon Chait on ending the shutdown without ending the filibuster The NYT on Venezuelans sent to CECOT in El Salvador Book referenced by Tim, "Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here" F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code BULWARK15 at theperfectjean.nyc/BULWARK15 #theperfectjeanpod Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR at mudwtr.com/THEBULWARK! #mudwtrpod

Our economy may be in the early days of stagflation, Democrats are winning the shutdown fight, and Republicans aren't getting help from the tariff king?who is just sticking his fingers in his ears and lying about the price of Thanksgiving dinner going down. Maybe it's time for the Dems to declare victory and let them reopen the government. Plus, Jeanine Pirro's complete humiliation over the sandwich guy case, and Rep. Jared Golden's retirement is a bracing reminder that Democrats must keep recruiting moderate candidates who can win in red districts.

Jessica Tarlov joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes

Jessica's "Raging Moderates" podcast with Scott Galloway Catherine's newsletter on stagflation, tariffs and how SCOTUS may save Christmas Tim's playlist 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!

Trump took it on the chin in Tuesday's elections, SCOTUS sounds skeptical about his tariffs, and his plan to 'gerry-rig' the midterms looks like it is slipping away?but he is still the most powerful president since FDR. And murmurs about a lame duck may prompt him to take even more extreme actions. Plus, the still infuriating inability to hold Trump accountable for trying to steal the 2020 election, and the long-term damage he has done to the DOJ.

Carol Leonnig and JVL join Tim Miller.

show notes Carol's new book, "Injustice" on the DOJ, Merrick Garland, and the Jack Smith investigations JVL's Wednesday Triad on Hispanic voters and 2028  Tim's 'Bulwark Take' with Rep. Pat Ryan on sports blackouts Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/BULWARK and use promo code BULWARK at checkout.

The huge Democratic wins in Virginia, New Jersey, NYC, and California spoke loud and clear?and make Trump?s 2024 supposed ?landslide? margin of 1.5% look even more wimpy. Trump is not delivering on his economic promises and the backlash was across the board. Voters are also rejecting the overreach of Stephen Miller?s nativist immigration policy, particularly Latino voters. One of the biggest impacts from Tuesday?s elections is that redistricting suddenly looks like it favors the Dems. Plus, what Mamdani could teach Democrats, and the bad place the Republicans put the party in by focusing on Trump?s random obsessions instead of talking about the concerns of voters.

Semafor?s Dave Weigel joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Dave?s election reaction piece Dave's book, "The Show That Never Ends: The Rise and Fall of Prog Rock"

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With Trump slashing SNAP benefits, Gov. Beshear is asking the people of Kentucky to look out for their neighbors so they don't go hungry?since the administration won't. Meanwhile, Trump's tariffs are hammering farmers in the Bluegrass State at the same time Republicans are sabotaging rural healthcare. And reporting from Chicago, Moran finds his hometown still full of tough, independent people who won't be pushed around. True to form: Moms, bystanders, and priests are standing up to immigration agents while Trump tries to flex the full force of his authoritarian ambitions. Plus, Norah O'Donnell did not stand up for the truth, and the legacy and patriotism of Dick Cheney.

Gov. Andy Beshear and Terry Moran join Tim Miller.

show notes

The Bulwark's Special Election Night Coverage at 8ET Bill and JVL on the legacy of Dick Cheney Terry's Substack Terry's recent reporting from Chicago Andrew's recent interview with Iowa's Rob Sand To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THEBULWARK and use code THEBULWARK for both the code AND PASSWORD.

CBS News heavily edited its ?60 Minutes? interview with Trump, not only removing his lies about 2020, but also conveniently cutting the part about how the news show paid him off for his bogus lawsuit over a Kamala interview last year. That payoff may well have been how the one-time legendary news network landed a 90-minute interview with Trump to begin with. Meanwhile, the ?peace? president is conducting an illegal war in the Caribbean, and also happens to know nothing about the crypto magnate he just pardoned?even though he?s funneling billions to the Trump family?s crypto venture. Plus, Dems are definitely united in wanting the party to show some cojones, Republicans are trying some rage bait against Mamdani, and the ?strong? president who won a ?big? mandate has not been invited to campaign the night before tomorrow?s elections.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Ryan Goodman Monday's "Morning Shots"

It?s hard to find a better example of seizing the means of production than our government seizing an equity stake in a company?which Trump keeps doing over and over again. And what do the diehard Republican capitalists have to say about all this socializing of the private sector? Nothing, of course. But they definitely were up in arms over Bill Kristol saying he?d probably vote for Mamdani if he still lived in NYC, and that voting for Cuomo was ridiculous. Plus, the crypto-based bribery of Trump and his family is flourishing, SNAP cuts and Head Start closures will have a big impact on rural areas, businesses have been trying to find ways to lower their tariff burden since Trump won last November, and the potential ties between recent layoffs and the AI arms race.

The Bulwark?s Catherine Rampell joins Tim Miller for the Halloween weekend pod. 
show notes

Tim's playlist

Tim's Halloween playlist

President Trump meets with Xi Jinping and agrees to an embarrassingly one-sided trade deal, as the ?China Hawks? in the administration cower. Meantime, the government shutdown moves to a more painful phase, with funding for SNAP expiring on Nov. 1. Former Sen. Heidi Heitkamp joins Tim to discuss how the chaos from Trump?s trade wars has already hurt farmers, how Democrats should play their next moves on the shutdown, and her surprising support for Mamdani/Platner style candidates.

show notes:

The One Country Project?s Hot Dish Podcast

From the jump, the administration has been all about the memes, owning the libs, and pissing people off. But Abby says she wants Trump?s supporters to have a chance to share their points of view on her show?and be challenged in real time. Meanwhile, during the weirdest shutdown ever, Republicans are at risk on SNAP and Obamacare subsidies. And policing the Caribbean and the Pacific to commit summary executions is not America First. Plus, the roots of Bernie Sanders?s populist campaigns were planted by Jesse Jackson?s runs for the presidency in ?84 and ?88. But Trump too also echoes Jackson as a political figure?through their use of celebrity, personality, and similar outsider populist messaging.

Abby Phillip joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Abby's book, "A Dream Deferred: Jesse Jackson and the Fight for Black Political Power"

CNN's NewsNight with Abby Phillip

Tim and Bill on Trump creepiest propaganda yet

While the inhumane and aggressive tactics unfolding in Chicago are repelling many Americans, they are having the opposite effect among Trump's top aides. The Kristi Noem clique wants more? much more? of the Border Patrol's "Midway Blitz" around the country, and they're busy purging local ICE leadership in a number of cities in an attempt to dramatically ramp up the pace of deportations. Meanwhile, Trump keeps talking like he's all for regime change in Venezuela. Plus, how conspiracy and our phones helped fuel the rise of global populism, why the left and right yearn for a struggle in an age of peace and prosperity, and the modern effort to reclaim the word 'liberal.'

Frank Fukuyama and Sam Stein join Tim Miller.

show notes:

Adrian's recent reporting from Chicago Isaac Chotiner's interview with Karine Jean-Pierre Frank on Substack Frank's "Liberalism and Its Discontents" and his "The End of History and the Last Man" "Termination Shock," referenced by Frank

Trump was so embarrassed by Canada using Reagan?s warnings about tariffs that he had a little hissy fit and decided to punish Americans for buying Canadian goods. And by the way, stuffed shirt Scott Bessent: Real American soybean farmers are being hurt by tariffs while you bail out Argentina and pretend that your dainty hands are tilling the soil on the farmland you bought as an investment. Meanwhile, the White House isn?t even pretending that it?s going after corrupt moneyed interests, as the Trump family rolls in dough from the most entrenched swampy types in DC. Plus, Dems get pressure on the shutdown and Trump weighs in on the VP gimmick for 2028.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Scott Bessent saying he's a soybean farmer

Monday's "Morning Shots"
For a limited time only, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping, when you head to Smalls.com/THEBULWARK.

Members of the administration, like Stephen Miller, who spend hours every day kissing Trump?s ass look so pathetic?but since the time of the ancients, courtiers have gone to great lengths to degrade themselves before the vain and vindictive. And one lesson for the ages is to not compromise with an extortionist: it will only lead to more extortion and more pressure because the extortionist wants everything. Meanwhile, Elon?s brain is broken, Peter Thiel spends too much time at dinner parties, Trump?s media diet allows no time for presidential reflection, and authoritarians can be seductive. Plus, Tim sees the redistricting fight looking better for Democrats, and argues that the best way to shut down the talk of a decrepit Trump running in ?28 is to make sure the Dems win the House in 2026.

Ryan Holiday joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. 

show notes

Ryan's new book, "Wisdom Takes Work"  Ryan's book, "Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue" Tim and JVL's interview with Ryan about being a dad The Daily Stoic Podcast Tim's playlist

The convicted felon was legitimately prosecuted for hoarding classified docs at Mar-a-Lago. And he was justifiably investigated over the numerous contacts he and his associates had with Russian nationals during 2016. But Trump feels he has endured so much pain and suffering from all the probing that he's owed a quarter of a billion dollars in damages from hard-working American taxpayers. Meanwhile, his hired tool of revenge, Lindsey Halligan, is hard at work pursuing really weak cases against Comey and Tish James when she's not sending mean girl texts.
 
Lawfare's Anna Bower and Ben Wittes join Tim Miller.

show notes

Anna on her Signal chat with Lindsey Halligan Lawfare's Molly Roberts on the weak case against James Ben's Substack

One of the promises of this country has been the freedom to walk down the street without being harassed by the government. But even being an American citizen isn't stopping ICE agents from grabbing people with passports or IDs?and detaining them for hours. At the same time, many of the thugs and sadists who want to do the grabbing and snatching are pathetically failing basic physical fitness tests. Plus, JD is painfully unfunny, Republicans calling Democrats 'terrorists' has real world consequences, and Dems need more normal people running for office?but they should save the wild card candidates for long shot races.

Jon Favreau joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Pod Save America interview with Graham Platner The Atlantic on "ICE?s ?Athletically Allergic? Recruits" Tickets for Crooked Con in DC in November Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood?delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/BULWARK.

Putin?s friend in the White House may be back in his safe space with his kindred spirit in Moscow, but Trump is finding that he has limited leverage on Ukraine to end the war on Putin?s terms. He wants so badly to be crowned the ?Prince of Peace,? but he has no vim and vigor to get there?and Zelensky actually said ?No? to Trump. Meanwhile, the Gaza ceasefire looks precarious. Plus, former press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on stepping away from the two-party system, the lingering anger over how Trump was allowed to win, and the fallout from emphasizing Biden?s legacy at the expense of Kamala?s ?24 campaign.

Karine Jean-Pierre and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
show notes

Michael?s Substack ?Foreign Office? Story from ?The Insider,? ?Our people poisoned Navalny? WSJ article on Havana Syndrome Karine Jean-Pierre's book Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code THEBULWARK at mudwtr.com/THEBULWARK! #mudwtrpod Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to www.joindeleteme.com/BULWARK and use promo code BULWARK at checkout.

Nearly seven million Americans peacefully took to the streets out of their love for this country, and Trump in response acted out like a toddler obsessed with his own poop. Indeed, our commander-in-chief really does have more affinity for the Sharia law dictators in the sand kingdoms than he does for Saturday?s true patriots. This may be the moment when the Dems and its allies take the patriotism banner back from Republicans. Plus, the lengths the administration went to imprison immigrants in El Salvador, the Dem base wants a fight over the shutdown, and Trump keeps serving up reasons why the Trump/Russia conspiracy has survived for so long.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Miles Bruner's Bulwark piece on leaving the GOP

Jon Cohn on the Americans caught in the shutdown vice

The FT on the volatile Trump-Zelensky meeting last week

Bill and Sarah on a successful "No Kings"

The Post on the El Salvador prison deal
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The administration under sticky fingers Trump is now pretending it cares about the sanctity of classified documents, while it seems that Marco Rubio is the one pushing for regime change in Venezuela. In California, the redistricting ballot measure has been seen as one of the most significant battles in the November election, but the Supreme Court may end up disrupting the Dem?s effort to retake the House next year. Plus, Democrats are winning the under-covered shutdown fight, but why is Schumer meddling in the Maine and Michigan Senate primary fights? And the right-wingers complaining about Bad Bunny are such nerd losers.

Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. 

show notes

Peter's piece on the CA redistricting measure

Ben Wittes's Lawfare on the Bolton indictment

Book rec from Peter: "Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here"

Peter's pod, "The Powers That Be: Daily"

Nate Cohn on the SCOTUS case that could hand Republicans the House

Tim's playlist

The U.S. has been a model for other aspiring democracies since 1776. At the same time, the idea of America as the leader of the democratic world has also had a unifying effect at home. It?s what has kept this diverse country of many faiths and ethnicities together, and it has been our national identity. But with Trump actively undermining those ideals, what will we be unified around? Plus, the potential new whites-favored refugee policy, Trump?s psychological comfort to the Russian war effort, Hegseth got himself a state media press room at the Pentagon, JD is totally cool with lots of Nazi talk?and could the administration be trying to start a war in Venezuela so it can expand its militaristic crackdown on the streets here?

Anne Applebaum joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Anne's new piece, "The Beacon of Democracy Goes Dark" Anne on the Nobel Peace Prize winner "Ukraine?s Plan to Starve the Russian War Machine," by Anne Ian McEwan's "What We Know" ? second recommendation this week! F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code BULWARK15 at theperfectjean.nyc/BULWARK15 #theperfectjeanpod

Republicans in Congress know that what they?re doing is deeply unpopular?on healthcare, supporting troops in the streets, and on redistricting. That?s why they?re basically in hiding, plotting new ways to try to shift the narrative. But because they?ve given their Constitutional power away to Trump & company, unelected officials in the administration are now making the taxing and spending decisions. Meanwhile, Trump has another monument in the works. Plus, Democrats and the Senate race in Maine, another military strike in the Caribbean, and MTG may be a bellwether of MAGA?s future.

Heather Cox Richardson joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Heather on Trump's proposed arch that would disrupt the Lincoln Memorial Heather on how Congressional Republicans have abdicated their power

After a court temporarily blocked the deployment of Guard troops in Illinois, ICE agents began ramping up their operations around Chicagoland. They are now demanding that residents produce their papers?particularly if they have brown skin. Officers stand outside churches holding Spanish-language Mass or they go into tourist areas to confront people, including U.S. Citizens. If someone doesn?t have an ID with them, they?ll be detained. The power-hungry officials around Trump, including Stephen Miller, are likely behind the enhanced menacing. Meanwhile in Israel, the resilience of the surviving hostages?after a sustained campaign of deprivation?is worthy of celebration. Plus, the Hamas executions of Gazans, our American pharoah?s comfort with Middle East strongmen, and even Newsmax says the new Pentagon press rules are a bridge too far.

Gov. JB Pritzker and The Atlantic?s Frank Foer join Tim Miller.

show notes

Sam's 'Bulwark Take' with former Amb. Dan Shapiro Frank's book, "World Without Mind: The Existential Threat of Big Tech" Ian McEwan's "What We Can Know," referenced by Frank Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code THEBULWARK at https://www.Ridge.com/THEBULWARK #Ridgepod

Peaceful protesters in Chicago and Portland have been so clever and effective at ridiculing the masked Stasi agents in their cities that the political momentum for putting troops on the street feels like it?s petering out. And while Republicans keep smearing this weekend?s No Kings day as about hating America, the real ?Hate America? side is the one calling patriots ?terrorists? because they intend to exercise their First Amendment rights. Meanwhile, the Comey and Tish James indictments are all about Trump?s mental illness and narcissism. Plus, the joy and the sadness around the release of the hostages, the Dems look to be winning the shutdown fight despite their messaging, and it may take a generation before the Justice Department is restored to its rightful role of ensuring the rule of law.

 Former Trump attorney Ty Cobb and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.
show notes

Lauren on Dems and protesters mocking Trump

Monday's "Morning Shots"

When Bill was hit with a pie

The administration may be trying to lay the groundwork for Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act by invading Chicago, but the real human stories are breaking through: ordinary Chicagoans are outraged that good, decent immigrants are being snatched off the street and their families? lives ruined. And while Kristi Noem keeps promoting the bad guys that are being rounded up, ICE is also treating American citizens abhorrently. Plus, from our live show in D.C., Rep. Sarah McBride talks with Sarah Longwell about the need for a big tent coalition without purity tests, and how the Dem demands for a renewal of the ACA subsidies is also a challenge to Trump?s authoritarian power grab.

Jacob Soboroff joins Tim Miller and Rep. Sarah McBride was live with Sarah Longwell.

show notes

Stephen Miller discussing plenary authority on CNN Tim's 'Bulwark Take' with George Retes Jacob's book, "Separated: Inside an American Tragedy" Stephen Markely's book, "The Deluge," referenced by Tim "City of Quartz," by Mike Davis, referenced by Jacob Tix for MSNBC live show Saturday in NYC Tim's playlist

ICE and other armed federal agents are doing their best to incite violence in blue cities so they can help Trump realize his unfulfilled dream from 2020 to impose a military crackdown. At the same time, Trump can only point to what happened in Portland five years ago during Black Lives Matter protests to try to bolster his case. Meanwhile, Comey has a pretty good shot to get his case dismissed?thanks in part to a Truth Social post that was supposed to be a DM to Bondi directing her to go after his enemies. Plus, doubts around the longterm sustainability of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, the butch-up cosplay behind the blowing up of boats off of Venezuela, and the real power of conservative media influencers like Candace and Tucker. Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.

Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Adrian on ICE's propaganda videos Amit Segal's newsletter Tim referenced, "It's Noon in Israel" Katie Porter's interview with local CBS reporter; starts around 13:45

Trump's TikTok deal looks like classic crony capitalism as well as open theft. But China has bigger fish to fry with trade than its TikTok algorithm?which led Congress last year to ban the app in the U.S. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley thinks they're building a machine god with AI, but we really may be heading into catastrophe. Plus, the armed invasion of Chicago, Sam Altman seems disconnected from reality, and Tim Cook's pathetic bending over for backwards for Trump.

Casey Newton joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Casey's Platformer newsletter Casey's "Hard Fork" podcast JVL's emergency 'Triad' on Chicago Tim's 'Bulwark Take' on DHS using Zach Bryan's music in a propaganda video Tucker's interview with Sam Altman 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!

A new kind of McCarthyism has settled in at the Justice Department, where career prosecutors?including those handling tough national security cases?are getting canned for voicing any opposition to politically-motivated demands from top DOJ officials. And those who survive the ongoing purge are literally working in fear that they are being surveilled by the FBI. Meanwhile, MTG may play a role in resolving the shutdown. Plus, Tapper?s timely new book, his maybe/maybe not text interview with Trump, and the heat he?s still taking over his earlier Biden book.

Jake Tapper joins Tim Miller.

show notes

Jake's new book out Tuesday, "Race Against Terror" Jake and Alex Thompson's book on Biden, "Original Sin" Bulwark Live in DC (10/8) with special guest Rep. Sarah McBride
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ICE is intentionally provoking violence in the nation?s cities and then glorifying it with their crack video team. Meanwhile, the rhetoric coming from Trump true believers about their desire for a ?benevolent? authoritarian strongman is truly alarming. But governors and members of the judiciary are behaving like we still have a republic ?and that the insurrectionist president can?t just deploy Guard troops in whatever state he wants. Plus, the Dems should consider broadening their aims with the shutdown, and Jane Fonda is reviving her father?s McCarthy-Era free expression group.

Jane Fonda and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.

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show notes

Monday's "Morning Shots"

Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Ryan Goodman

Fonda's Committee for the First Amendment

"Bulwark Takes" podcast

Lauren on Geoff Duncan's campaign for governor in Georgia

Tim at Barstool HQ with KFC

Pic of Kristi Noem working out

Where to watch the Fonda's 1971 film, "Klute"

Bulwark Live in DC (10/8) with special guest Rep. Sarah McBride
On sale at TheBulwark.com/events.
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promo code BULWARK at checkout.

President Trump?s loyalty purges continue. Prosecutors are fired from the U.S. attorney?s office in Eastern Virginia, including people who had nothing to do with the Comey case. And Kash Patel pushes out an FBI agent in training for displaying a rainbow flag in his workspace. Meanwhile, reports surface that Marco Rubio is leading a push among Trump?s top aides to topple Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. The Atlantic?s Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller to discuss.

Bulwark Live in DC (10/8) with Sarah, Tim and JVL. Tickets on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events. Tim's playlist

The Trump administration is turning up the heat now that the government has shut down, cancelling billions for green projects, targeting funding for infrastructure in New York and threatening mass firings of federal workers. Democrats, meanwhile, are trying to hold the line in the Senate with their demands about health care. Elsewhere, the White House is asking a group of top universities to join a compact supporting the president?s political agenda so that they can get federal funds. MSNBC?s Symone Sanders-Townsend joins Tim Miller to talk about the shut down fight and whether the president has overplayed his hand, how Democrats can eventually win seats back in the Senate and what the administration?s pressure on academia is really all about.

Show Notes:

Bulwark Live in DC (10/8) with Sarah, Tim and JVL. Tickets on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events.

A government shutdown begins, as a standoff over spending enters what could be a painful phase. And President Trump kicks off the week warning his military leaders about facing an invasion from within. Ken Burns joins Tim Miller to talk about his new documentary, ?The American Revolution,? what lessons from history he tries to apply our current politics and how the country has navigated unrest in the past.

Show Notes:

Bulwark Live in DC (10/8) and NYC (10/11) with Sarah, Tim and JVL are on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events.

Pete Hegseth convenes the military?s top leaders to complain about fat troops and generals and plug his book. Meanwhile, Charlie Kirk?s assassination continues to drive debate about how to confront MAGA as a cultural and political movement. David Jolly, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Florida, joins Tim to talk about his campaign, why he switched parties and how he thinks he can reverse his state?s political trajectory. Then, The Ringer?s Van Lathan talks with Tim about our recent interview with Ezra Klein and what political conversations about beating MAGA are missing.

Show Notes:

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President Trump orders the National Guard to be deployed to Portland, Ore., after declaring it a war-ravaged city. And reports surface that the administration is considering strikes in Venezuela. Meanwhile, the military?s top generals are on their way to Quantico for a mysterious meeting called by Pete Hegseth that the president now wants to crash. Congressional leaders meet with the White House with the clock running out on the window to avert a government shutdown. And the nation reels after a weekend of violence in Michigan and North Carolina.

Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

Show Notes:

Arnold and Porter NSPM-7 Memo Bulwark Live in DC (10/8) and NYC (10/11) with Sarah, Tim and JVL are on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events.