Bill Kristol and guest host Ben Parker break down the latest New York Times/Siena polling showing Democrats with a significant advantage on the generic congressional ballot heading into the midterms. They discuss why Democrats are now leading Republicans on the economy, cost of living, immigration, and foreign wars. They also examine the growing political problem Republicans face on artificial intelligence, with voters overwhelmingly opposed to new AI data centers in their communities. Bill explains why Democrats could use Trump’s aggressive stance on AI to put Republicans on the defensive.

Plus, the conversation turns to Kash Patel’s bizarre Senate hearing, including questions about the FBI’s hiring rules involving bestiality, and why the absurd exchange distracts from much more serious questions about the FBI. Ben and Bill also discuss Patel’s handling of the Epstein files and why the administration’s refusal to provide meaningful transparency could become a bigger issue in the midterm elections.

Check your brain and health the way I do. Function provides 160+ lab tests for $1/day and member pricing on advanced imaging. Join at functionhealth.com/BULWARKTAKES and use code BULWARKTAKES25 for a $25 credit.

Tim Miller gives his take on Trump’s latest manic posting spree, from AI and China to oil prices, Iran, Ukraine, and Trump’s repeated promises of tariff-funded “dividend” checks. Tim also takes on Trump’s claim that AI safety concerns are a “hoax” and his push to accelerate AI development with minimal guardrails.

Plus, a new federal watchdog report details disturbing conditions at Florida’s now-shuttered “Alligator Alcatraz,” where detainees were confined in small outdoor metal cages that officials described as “calming areas.”

Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first-time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. #ad

Join Sam Stein and Andrew Egger as they cover the breaking news that the Supreme Court has blocked Trump's executive order on mail-in ballots.

Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first-time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. #ad

Catherine Rampell and Andrew Egger take on the pure Trumpian madness engulfing the Kennedy Center, which could close as early as Tuesday after Trump’s takeover drove away donors, performers, and audiences. Now his handpicked board says Trump may be the only person who can “rescue” it—and has laid out ten different ways the institution could honor him in return.

Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first-time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. #ad

Marc Polymeropoulos and Michael Weiss give their takes on the ProPublica report that a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin secretly bankrolled Donald Trump Jr.’s lavish Bahamas wedding. They examine the counterintelligence implications of a Putin-connected figure giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to the president’s son, including the potential for leverage, access, compromise and influence inside Trump’s inner circle.

They also discuss the oligarch’s connections to Russian ultra-nationalist groups and the war in Ukraine, including ties to an organization accused of helping abduct Ukrainian children. Plus, Mark and Michael explore what the FBI, Congress and national security-minded Republicans should do with the revelations and why the growing normalization of Russian influence could pose an even bigger threat.

A quick note: We know Russian counterintelligence isn’t exactly algorithm bait. But when a story like this breaks, we want to be able to call up people who have spent their careers inside this world and give them the time to explain what everyone else is missing. Paid Bulwark members make that kind of work possible: not just chasing the biggest audience, but putting real expertise behind stories that deserve serious attention.

ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off any first-time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. #ad

Sam Stein and Will Sommer dig into the bombshell ProPublica report that a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin secretly bankrolled Donald Trump Jr.’s lavish Bahamas wedding. Then, they take a critical look at 60 Minutes’ investigation into the booming business of lobbying for presidential pardons, including its undercover sting of Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman. Plus, Will explains the bizarre circumstances surrounding the sudden resignation of Trump ally Joe diGenova’s resignation, and the latest saga involving MAGA influencer Matt Tardio and his bizarre “Antifa got me high” defense.

All that, plus the truly strange story of Jacob Wohl’s dad and a very weird MAGA calendar.

Read more from Will: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/maga-influencer-matt-tardio-defense-antifa-got-me-high

Sam Stein and Will Saletan take on Mike Johnson’s defense of Republican congressional candidate Brandon Herrera despite the gun YouTuber’s grotesque comments about women and children—and the stark contrast with how Democrats police their own candidates. They also dissect Donald Trump’s proposed $5,000 payout if Republicans retain Congress, then debate the administration’s lack of urgency as AI insiders warn of catastrophic risks and Johnson invokes competition with China to resist rapid regulation.

Tim Miller breaks down two political moments from the weekend that caught his attention. First, he takes on the backlash from a Texas Republican candidate over viral photos of Indian American students celebrating a football game at the University of Texas, and why Republicans should be forced to answer for openly racist rhetoric from a candidate for statewide office.

Then Tim turns to the Alaska Senate race and the debate between Mary Peltola and Dan Sullivan. He highlights Peltola’s argument that the Iran war is driving up fuel costs for Alaskan fishermen and families, as well as a viral debate moment when Sullivan has to look to Peltola for his answer during a yes-or-no question.

To get tickets for upcoming Bulwark events—including our show for Springfield, OH—go to https://thebulwark.com/events.

Relevant Links:

Bo French’s posts about UT students / John Cornyn’s response:
https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/trending/article/cornyn-bo-french-ut-students-tweet-22429931.php

Bo French’s previous controversial poll:
https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article309580905.html

Alaska Senate fisheries debate — Mary Peltola vs. Dan Sullivan: https://www.c-span.org/program/campaign-2026/alaska-us-senate-candidates-debate-fisheries-industry/685130

Kansas Senate debate — Roger Marshall vs. Adam Hamilton:
https://www.kwch.com/2026/09/10/candidates-kansas-governor-us-senate-debate-live-kansas-state-fair/

Bill Kristol and Richard North Patterson trace how America went from a seemingly conventional political system to Trump’s second term, where the institutions and powerful people expected to serve as guardrails have often failed to stand up to him. They look at the GOP’s transformation, economic insecurity, the capitulation of business and legal elites—and why the millions of ordinary Americans showing up for “No Kings” and other grassroots resistance give them reason for hope.

Tim Miller takes a closer look at Kansas Sen. Roger Marshall, whose record as a doctor is under new scrutiny after a New York Times investigation found that he sued more than 700 patients over medical debt, with 81 ultimately arrested after missing court dates. Plus: Marshall’s views on healthcare and vaccines, his support for Trump’s Iran war and tariffs, and his record of going along with the president even as Kansans face higher costs.

Related Links:

The New York Times: “A Doctor Sued 700 Patients for Debts; 81 Were Arrested. Now He’s a Senator.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/us/politics/roger-marshall-obgyn-doctor-debts.html

STAT: “Two months ago, this doctor was delivering babies. Now he’s at the nexus of the Obamacare fight”
https://www.statnews.com/2017/03/03/roger-marshall-kansas-obamacare/

The Kansas City Star: “Roger Marshall calls Kansas cabin home. Official trips took him near $1.2M Florida house”
https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article292974104.html

The Beacon: “Why 30 hospitals in Kansas and 12 in Missouri are at risk of closure”
https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2026/01/08/why-30-rural-hospitals-in-kansas-and-12-in-missouri-are-at-risk/

The Bulwark: Sam Stein and Tim Miller interview Adam Hamilton
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/sam-stein-and-adam-hamilton-trumps

Watch more in Tim's series about the worst Republicans running in the 2026 midterm: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdXT8ySfDKu0

Sam Stein and Sonny Bunch unpack Sonny’s experience covering the Republican Party’s bizarre midterm convention in Dallas where they almost didn't let him in the arena.

Sonny walks through the convention’s strange credentialing saga, the overwhelming focus on Donald Trump, and an event that seemed less like a traditional party convention and more like a celebration of Trump himself. From Trump memorabilia and a pledge to the president to a convention floor united around Trump, Sonny explains what the GOP looks like up close and why the party appears to have no identity beyond Donald Trump.

They also discuss the surprising prominence of Charlie Kirk at the convention, JD Vance’s appeal to Kirk’s legacy while defending Trump’s Iran policy, and the one issue that actually appeared to divide attendees.

Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) break down the latest escalation across the Middle East, including an attack on Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, a critical alternative route designed to move oil around the Strait of Hormuz. With the pipeline damaged and the Houthis taking control of key positions along the Red Sea, the region’s major shipping routes are facing growing disruption.

The attacks threaten far more than oil. The Bab al-Mandab and Red Sea are critical routes for food, grain, packaged goods and cargo moving between the Gulf, Europe, Asia and Africa. Mark explains why Iran and the Houthis appear to have the initiative, why the U.S. is increasingly responding rather than setting the terms of the conflict, and how Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Pakistan and NATO could become entangled as the war continues to expand.

Plus, the Somali pirates becoming active again and shippers now face another threat once they make it through the region’s increasingly dangerous choke points.

Your health matters and taking care of yourself shouldn’t be complicated. Head to Zocdoc.com/BulwarkTakes to get started and check that appointment off your to-do list.

Catherine Rampell and JVL break down the latest inflation numbers and why the Trump administration is desperately trying to convince Americans that rising prices are actually good news. Inflation hit 3.4% in August, real wages are falling behind, consumer confidence is sinking, and diesel prices have crossed $6 a gallon for the first time.

They also give their takes on the looming fight between Trump and the Federal Reserve, as Kevin Warsh faces a potentially impossible choice between doing what the economy requires and doing what Trump wants.

Plus, they take a closer look at Trump’s promise to send Americans $5,000 checks and why the plan may be even dumber than it sounds.

Your health matters and taking care of yourself shouldn’t be complicated.  Head to Zocdoc.com/BulwarkTakes to get started and check that appointment off your to-do list.

Read more from Catherine: https://www.thebulwark.com/receipts

Will Sommer and Andrew Egger dig into Katie Miller’s previously undisclosed financial stake in Elon Musk’s xAI and why it may shed new light on her relentless promotion of Grok. Miller has posted hundreds of times repeatedly attacked OpenAI, Anthropic, and other AI companies while boosting Grok as the AI for “true patriots.” But the Washington Post found through White House financial disclosures that she owns roughly $1 million in xAI stock.

After the Post broke the story, FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson rushed to defend Katie and instead of declining to comment, Ferguson accused the Post of partisan attacks.

Your health matters and taking care of yourself shouldn’t be complicated.  Head to https://Zocdoc.com/BulwarkTakes to get started and check that appointment off your to-do list.

Read Will’s False Flag newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/false-flag

…and for more Andrew Egger, check out Morning Shots: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/morningshots

Join Tim Miller, Sonny Bunch, Lauren Egan and Andrew Egger as they cover JD Vance's midterm convention speech live.

For 3 Day Blinds’ buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to https://3DayBlinds.com/BULWARKTAKES.

Catherine Rampell and Andrew Egger take on the increasingly hard-to-dismiss warnings about superintelligent AI, after an Anthropic researcher quit over fears that the technology could eventually threaten humanity. They ask whether anyone can actually control increasingly powerful AI, whether the Trump administration is making the problem worse, and why Washington seems so unprepared for what may be coming. Plus: Hunter Biden launches a meme coin—and it goes about as well as you’d expect.

For 3 Day Blinds’ buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to https://3DayBlinds.com/BULWARKTAKES.

Read Andrew's Morning Shots newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/our-orange-napoleon-wants-a-big-arch-arlington-memorial-trump-burgum-ai-openai-anthropic-extinction-risk-911-september-11-canada-trade-war

Jeff Stein — “Sam Altman Privately Rejected Giving OpenAI Shares to the Government”: https://washingtonsun.com/technology/sam-altman-privately-rejected-open-ai-government-equity

Will Sommer and Sam Stein went live for a special Thursday edition of MAGA Mondays. They give their takes on the fallout from Trump’s marathon RNC midterm convention speech, including his bizarre promise to give every American adult a $5,000 “dividend” if Republicans win the midterms. The proposed payout could cost more than $1 trillion, and even some MAGA figures are questioning where the money would come from.

They also react to Vivek Ramaswamy’s painfully awkward attempt to look like a baseball player in a campaign video, Nick Shirley’s struggle with spelling, Milo Yiannopoulos hinting at a conversion to Islam, Laura Loomer’s latest convention grievances, and the strange saga surrounding Elijah Schaffer and Kash Patel's girlfriend.

For 3 Day Blinds’ buy 1 get 1 50% off deal, head to https://3DayBlinds.com/BULWARKTAKES.

This is a long one, folks! If you're not strong enough to endure Trump's speech, skip to 2:07:00 for post-ordeal commentary.

Join Sam Stein, Catherine Rampell, Will Sommer and Sonny Bunch for live coverage of Donald Trump's keynote address to the RNC's midterm convention.

Try Larineco Pouches for nicotine-free focus plus daily enamel support, with 50mg of caffeine, L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, and nano-hydroxyapatite in every pouch. Get up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/bulwarktakes

Sam Stein and Michael Weiss take on Steve Witkoff’s groveling meeting with Vladimir Putin, the growing power struggle inside Trump’s administration over Russia, and why CIA Director John Ratcliffe is emerging as a counterweight to Witkoff’s approach. Plus, Weiss explains why the reality on the battlefield may be considerably worse for Putin than the conventional wisdom suggests.

Try Larineco Pouches for nicotine-free focus plus daily enamel support, with 50mg of caffeine, L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, and nano-hydroxyapatite in every pouch. Get up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/bulwarktakes

Related Links:

Financial Times — US spy chief prepares for greater role in Russia-Ukraine talks
https://www.ft.com/content/d0557d25-78b5-45d8-bb33-d655e859d803

The Wall Street Journal — How Putin Got His Preferred U.S. Envoy: Come Alone, No CIA
https://www.wsj.com/world/putin-witkoff-russia-envoy-04da229d

Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) look back at 9/11, Trump’s bizarre remarks at a commemoration, and the lessons Hertling wishes America had learned over the last 25 years. Then they turn to the escalating Iran war, attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, Pete Hegseth’s sidelining of Gen. Christopher Donahue, and the Pentagon’s effort to identify and remove transgender service members through their medical records.

Try Larineco Pouches for nicotine-free focus plus daily enamel support, with 50mg of caffeine, L-Theanine, Alpha GPC, and nano-hydroxyapatite in every pouch. Get up to 50% off at https://buylarine.com/bulwarktakes

Links:

Mark Hertling: “A Letter to Myself on 9/11”
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/a-letter-to-myself-on-911-september-11-world-trade-center-pentagon-al-qaeda-afghanistan-iraq-anniversary-war-terror

The New York Times: “Inside the Battle to Save One Pioneering General From Hegseth’s Purge”
 https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/06/us/politics/hegseth-army-general-donahue.html

Federal News Network: “Pentagon searching medical records to identify transgender troops”
 https://federalnewsnetwork.com/defense-main/2026/09/pentagon-searching-medical-records-to-identify-transgender-troops/

Military.com: “Pentagon Moves Out on Transgender Ban After Supreme Court Ruling”
 https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/05/09/about-1000-troops-slated-immediate-separation-under-reinstated-transgender-ban.html

Sam Stein and Will Sommer preview Trump’s strangely low-energy midterm convention, where Republicans are skipping town, lawmakers are being asked to cough up $25,000, and even the convention website has become an embarrassment. Plus, they discuss the increasingly bizarre campaign attacks coming from Elon Musk’s PAC and Ken Paxton—and what they say about the GOP’s plan for 2026.

Find your next fall favorites at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://www.quince.com/BULWARKTAKES. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.

The Bulwark will be watching the convention so you don’t have to—including live coverage when Vance and Trump take the stage. Join us as a member to support more of the reporting, analysis, and ridicule that goes into making sense of this stuff.

Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol discuss Donald Trump’s increasingly erratic social media posts, his proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, and the GOP’s Trump-centered midterm convention in Dallas as the elections draw closer. They also consider the expanding Senate battlefield, looming Supreme Court decisions affecting voting, and what a possible wave election could mean for Republicans.

Find your next fall favorites at Quince. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to https://www.quince.com/BULWARKTAKES. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too.

Plus, we have huge news about the Bulwark’s Fall tour: Pete Buttigieg will be joining the gang for the Sunday, October 18 show in Charlotte, NC! Get your tickets at https://thebulwark.com/events.

Like this video? You’ll love the Morning Shots newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/morningshots

Catherine Rampell and Joe Perticone discuss the growing signs that Republicans see Trump as a midterm liability, from candidates scrubbing his photos and endorsements from their websites to vulnerable members finding excuses to skip his big convention. They also look at the collapse of the MAGA merch business, Trump’s post about renaming New Mexico, and Kash Patel’s embarrassing AI-generated FBI propaganda.

Joe Perticone, The Bulwark — “Sorry, Mr. President. I Have a Thing.”
https://www.thebulwark.com/p/sorry-mr-president-i-have-a-thing-republican-midterm-convention-trumpapalooza-dallas-gop

New York Times — "As Midterms Approach, Republicans Find There Is No Escape From Trump" https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/06/us/politics/trump-miderm-elections-republicans.html

Axios — “‘We’re stuck’: GOP accepts Trump’s all-about-me midterms”
https://www.axios.com/2026/09/05/republicans-stuck-trump-midterms

The Wall Street Journal — “In Trump’s Second Term, the MAGA Merchandise Boom Is Going Bust”
https://www.wsj.com/politics/in-trumps-second-term-the-maga-merchandise-boom-is-going-bust-725bc43a

CBS News — “At the FBI, a history of hiring prostitutes or stealing from employer may no longer be a barrier to being hired”
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/fbi-candidates-prostitutes-theft/

Tim Miller sits down with New York Magazine’s Ben Terris to discuss his extraordinary reporting on Donald Trump’s obsession with the new White House ballroom. Ben spent 90 minutes with Trump, toured the ballroom construction site, and got a firsthand look at the massive project, which is already employing hundreds of workers.

Trump claims the ballroom is being built with “nuclear concrete” strong enough to withstand a nuclear blast. He also opened up to Ben about why he’s so determined to build it, agreeing that nobody else would build monuments to him after he’s gone.

Read more from Ben: https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/donald-trump-white-house-ballroom-helipad-reflecting-pool-supreme-court.html

Bill Kristol and Sarah Longwell discuss Longwell’s new book, How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time, tracing the origins of The Bulwark and their efforts to oppose Trump while drawing lessons from years of voter focus groups. They consider how the media environment has changed, what Democrats can learn from Republican political infrastructure, how a broad pro-democracy coalition can manage internal disagreements, and what a successful strategy against Trumpism could look like.

Buy Sarah's book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Eat-Elephant-Voter-Time/dp/B0GR8JRW71

Tim Miller and Sam Stein take on Fox firing Maria Bartiromo after she reportedly shared internal network information with the Trump White House, and revisit some of her most infamous conspiracy-theory moments. Then, they discuss the wild IG report on former Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, featuring strip clubs, an alleged affair, drinking on the job, staffers organizing her closet, and a suspiciously convenient trip to Vegas. Plus, Trumpworld unveils a bizarre Apprentice-style competition featuring Nicki Minaj and Dean Cain.

Mark Hertling and Ben Parker react live to Trump dismissing the mounting costs of the Iran war as “small potatoes.”

Catherine Rampell and JVL break down Donald Trump’s latest economic claims—and explain why his understanding of interest rates, inflation, and economic growth is so badly detached from reality.

They also dig into a disturbing new trend: European countries are moving gold and other assets out of the United States as allies increasingly worry that Trump could weaponize America’s financial power against them. From Greenland and tariffs to threats of sanctions and asset seizures, the trust that once made the U.S. dollar the world’s safe haven is starting to erode.

Plus: The Federal Reserve’s looming clash with the White House, the reliability of U.S. economic data, and why boring, predictable leadership might actually be good for the economy.

And there’s big news for Receipts: Catherine is expanding the show with a second weekly episode featuring economists, experts, politicians, and other guests to explain how Trump’s economic agenda affects your everyday life.

Read more from Catherine's newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/europe-gold-fled-the-nazis-now-its-fleeing-trump

Donald Trump wants Ken Paxton in the Senate, but he really wishes Paxton would do something about those ugly outfits. Trump has repeatedly praised Paxton as a loyal ally while taking bizarrely personal shots at his clothes, his appearance, and his interviews.

Joe Perticone and Sonny Bunch give their takes on Trump’s obsession with how people look, the president’s apparent role as America’s new fashion police, and the truly questionable Ken Paxton fit that started it all. We examine the oversized shoes, the golf polo, the $40,000 watch, and why Joe thinks Paxton may have gone straight from the golf course to the campaign trail.

Will Saletan takes on Trump’s Venezuela oil deal, as the president openly brags that Venezuelan oil has already paid for the war “many times over” and Republicans argue that U.S. oil companies deserve benefits for the next 100 years. Saletan follows the money—and shows how the administration is putting oil profits ahead of the free elections it once promised.

Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/bulwarktakes to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.

Read Will's article: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-is-keeping-venezuela-dictatorship-in-business-oil-deal-delcy-rodriguez

A quick note: This is the kind of work Bulwark membership makes possible: not chasing the daily outrage, but giving Will Saletan the space to build a comprehensive case from beginning to end, show you the evidence, and explain exactly how all the pieces fit together. If you appreciate this, please consider paid membership.

Tim Miller joins Nicolle Wallace to discuss why the Republican Party can see Trump dragging it toward a midterm disaster but still can’t bring itself to break away. They also discuss the horrifying death of a young Haitian immigrant targeted by Trump’s deportation crackdown and the administration’s escalating efforts to interfere with voting—moves Tim argues could spark a backlash of their own.

Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/bulwarktakes to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.

Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house

Read more about Protect Democracy: https://protectdemocracy.org/how-you-can-protect-democracy/

MAGA pollster Rich Baris joins Tim Miller to explain why Republicans may be underestimating just how competitive the 2026 Senate map could become. Baris says that Michigan and Georgia are effectively locks for Democrats Abdul El-Sayed and Jon Ossoff. He also sees Democratic opportunities in states Republicans have long considered safe—including Kansas, Nebraska, Montana, Texas, and Ohio.

Tim and Rich also talk about why Republican messaging about “socialism” is missing the point. Voters are far more worried about the cost of living, paying their bills, and affording everyday life than they are about scary ideological labels. Rich says it's clear that Trump is betraying the coalition that put him back in the White House. The war, affordability, immigration, and social-media trolling are all alienating voters who once found his approach entertaining and effective.

For a limited time, Tempo is offering our listeners 60% off your first box! Go to https://TempoMeals.com/BulwarkTakes

Sam Stein and former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos give their takes on Russia’s attempted attacks in Germany, the growing threat of Russian hybrid warfare across Europe, and why Germany’s muted response could invite even more aggression. They also dig into the extraordinary contradiction at the heart of U.S. policy: American intelligence is helping Ukraine fight Russia while the Trump administration cozies up to Putin and welcomes Russia back onto the world stage.

Plus, Sam and Marc take a closer look at the Trump administration’s strange new Venezuela oil deal, the questions it raises about American power and influence, and the increasingly uncomfortable gap between the GOP’s rhetoric about socialism and what the administration is actually doing.

For a limited time, Tempo is offering our listeners 60% off your first box! Go to https://TempoMeals.com/BulwarkTakes

There’s big news from The Bulwark: Marc and investigative journalist Michael Weiss are launching a brand-new podcast, Reporter and the Spy. The show will explore the fascinating intersection of journalism and espionage, drawing on their firsthand experience reporting from and operating in the world’s most dangerous places.

Subscribe to The Bulwark so you don’t miss Reporter and the Spy when it launches this fall. If you value independent reporting, sharp analysis, and people who actually know what they’re talking about, become a subscriber today.

The USS Abraham Lincoln finally returns to port after nearly 300 days at sea—and the visible wear and tear is a stark reminder of the strain being placed on the U.S. military.

Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) discuss the Navy’s mounting readiness challenges, the Pentagon’s purge of senior Army leaders, and the departure of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. They also break down what leaked Pentagon orders reveal about commanders’ concerns over the sustainability of ongoing operations in Iran and why the warnings coming from inside the military deserve attention.

Plus: Trump’s potential Navy secretary pick, and the Pentagon’s bizarre new plan to fix defense acquisition with a “Shark Tank”-style competition.

Read Mark Hertling’s reporting and analysis: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/leaks-from-hegseth-orders-book-warning-risk-iran-war-hormuz-military-commanders-munitions

For a limited time, Tempo is offering our listeners 60% off your first box! Go to https://TempoMeals.com/BulwarkTakes

A 20-year-old Haitian college student, Pierre Damas Bel, came to America to study, play soccer, serve in JROTC, and pursue a career in medicine. Instead, he was placed with an ankle monitor, bullied and humiliated by classmates, and made to feel like a criminal despite having committed no crime.

Tim Miller and Sam Stein discuss Pierre’s tragic death, the human cost of Trump’s immigration crackdown, and the cruelty being inflicted on Haitian immigrants by Trump and JD Vance.

Tim and JVL on JD Vance's book: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/a-dramatic-reading-of-jd-vances-awful

For a limited time, Tempo is offering our listeners 60% off your first box! Go to https://TempoMeals.com/BulwarkTakes

We’ll be honest—stories about the human cost of this administration’s policies are devastating. But they matter, and paid Bulwark members give us the freedom to cover them anyway—without having to let the algorithm decide which stories deserve attention. Join us and help make that important work possible.

Sam Stein and Lauren Egan give their takes on the behind-the-scenes scramble for campaign staff, the Democrats already courting operatives in early primary states, and why South Carolina is suddenly such a crucial piece of the 2028 puzzle. They also debate just how massive the Democratic field could get and where the next presidential campaigns may set up shop.

Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering our audience 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code BULWARKTAKES for 30% off.

A quick note: Lauren’s reporting in The Opposition is already being passed around the group chats of campaign staffers, operatives, and political pros trying to figure out what’s coming next. If you want to read the same reporting insiders are reading, sign up and get The Opposition in your inbox: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/2028-democratic-presidential-primary-is-quietly-raging-staffers

Andrew Egger has uncovered one of the strangest congressional candidate stories you’ll hear all year: a woman facing federal fraud charges in Illinois appears to have resurfaced as a different candidate in Florida and denied being the same person.

Plus, Dan Driscoll’s stunning resignation exposes the deepening chaos at the Pentagon, Bill Kristol explains why Pete Hegseth may be harder for Trump to get rid of than you think, and the Supreme Court clears the way for Trump’s White House ballroom.

Read more from Andrew's piece: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/we-found-her-the-most-absurd-general-election-candidate-te-brown-illinois-florida-congress-fraud-primary-election-putin-whale-orca-polar-bear-russia-ukraine

Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering our audience 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code BULWARKTAKES for 30% off.

Tim Miller and a secret guest take on JD Vance’s disastrous trip to Michigan, from his awkward attempt to defend Trump’s deeply unpopular data-center push to an astonishing 9/11 gaffe and an ugly attack on Abdul El-Sayed’s Muslim faith. Tim breaks down the hypocrisy behind Vance’s “populist” persona—and eventually, he blows his lid.

If you value having an outlet that can call out this kind of garbage without pulling punches, become a paid Bulwark member. Your support helps us keep making things like this every day.

Donald Trump is posting AI-generated war footage, threatening Canada, spreading dangerous vaccine misinformation, and flooding Truth Social with bizarre content—and Andrew Egger and Catherine Rampell are trying to make sense of it all.

From the fake footage showing U.S. strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island to Trump’s bizarre AI videos about Canada, the president’s latest posting binge raises a bigger question: Does Trump know what’s real anymore? And when the president’s information diet is increasingly filled with AI slop designed to flatter his worldview, the consequences go far beyond embarrassing social media posts.

Fall Show Tickets: thebulwark.com/events

Sam Stein and Will Sommer went live to cover the Pentagon’s secret army of MAGA influencers, including the government employees allegedly working behind anonymous accounts to attack Pete Hegseth’s critics and target the left. Next, Milo Yiannopoulos has been deported. Watch the video to see Will break down the spectacular feud between Milo and Laura Loomer that helped get him there. Plus, the rise of a neo-Nazi boxing spectacle that drew thousands of spectators in Florida.

If you want to understand the increasingly unhinged world of MAGA influencers, join The Bulwark. Will Sommer is one of the few reporters actually spending his days tracking these people, figuring out who they are, what they’re doing, and how their influence keeps spreading.

Read more from Will: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/false-flag

Sam Stein and Ben Parker unpack a brutal 24 hours for press freedom: Trump threatening Kristen Welker with the FCC, journalists barred from G20 Treasury access, a leaked Pentagon assessment on Iran drawing threats against reporters, and big tech's silent complicity as DHS bypasses judges to subpoena journalists' data.

Tim Miller talks with author and Tulane professor Nathaniel Rich about climate change, the growing backlash to data centers, their security and privacy risks, and Rich’s new novel, Cloudthief. They also discuss public anxiety about AI and technology, the appeal of scams and get-rich-quick thinking, and how people navigate a future that increasingly feels uncertain.

Buy Cloudthief: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374619794/cloudthief/

Bill Kristol talks with Jim Swift, reporting from Springfield, Ohio on ICE's crackdown on Haitians who lost protected status, and ACLU attorney Sarah Mehta on third-country deportations, "remigration," and the legal and legislative fights over immigration enforcement.

Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Will Sommer give their takes on Milo Yiannopoulos being detained by ICE, Laura Loomer taking credit, and the latest bizarre fallout inside the MAGA world. Plus, a KKK/Nazi-linked staffer in the orbit of Georgia Senate candidate Mike Collins, Marjorie Taylor Greene’s unforgettable message to JVL, and the latest bizarre saga surrounding Colorado gubernatorial nominee Victor Marx.

If the Trio’s particular brand of political insanity is your thing, watch the full video and subscribe to The Bulwark. There’s nowhere else you’ll get this kind of reporting and commentary on the characters Will is tracking—and there are plenty more freaks where these came from.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube or Substack.

Trump’s immigration crackdown isn’t just targeting people who entered the country illegally—it’s making it harder for legal immigrants, international students, nurses, and highly skilled workers to come to and stay in the United States. Catherine Rampell and Doug Rand, former senior advisor at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, break down how the administration is shutting down legal pathways, imposing massive new barriers on H-1B workers, and driving international talent toward other countries.

Listen to Doug Rand's podcast, 'The Melting Pod' — https://meltingpod.org/

A quick note: This is the kind of conversation we want to do more of at The Bulwark: bringing in people who have actually worked inside the agencies and understand how these policies operate beyond the headlines. There aren’t many outlets putting out substantive conversations with experts like Doug, giving them the time to explain what’s changing and why it matters. If you value having that kind of expertise available—and accessible to everyone—becoming a Bulwark member helps us keep making it possible.

Karoline Leavitt is leaving the White House and George Conway has a few thoughts about her tenure as Donald Trump’s press secretary. Andrew Egger and George give their takes on Leavitt’s talent for lying, deflecting, insulting reporters, and never losing her cool, even when defending the indefensible. They also look at the potential candidates to replace her, including CNN’s Scott Jennings, and ask whether he has what it takes to become Trump’s next professional gaslighter. Watch as George makes the case as to why replacing Leavitt may be harder than it looks.

Get your tickets for The Bulwark's Good Fight Tour this October, coming to Charlotte, Columbia, and Atlanta. (https://www.thebulwark.com/events)

Sam Stein and Catherine Rampell give their takes on Trump’s escalating trade war with Canada and why Canada may be looking to China and other countries as more reliable partners.

Plus, Trump says the Strait of Hormuz is “open.” So why does the actual data tell a very different story? Watch Catherine break it down and share what the administration doesn’t want you to look at.

Read more from Catherine's reporting: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/receipts

Tickets for our Good Fight Tour: https://www.thebulwark.com/events

Tim Miller and Joe Perticone give their takes on Stacy Garrity, Pennsylvania’s Trump-endorsed Republican nominee for governor and one of the country’s most committed election deniers. From her role in the January 5, 2021 rally in Harrisburg to her refusal to back away from Trump’s election lies, Garrity has built her political career around MAGA loyalty. Plus, Joe shares some memorable stories from covering Andy Biggs and explains why some of the nicest politicians can be among the worst for the country.

Visit https://upwork.com right now and post your job for free.

Read more from Joe: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/we-are-not-prepared-for-election-denying-swing-state-governors

Check out these previous episodes in Tim's "worst Republicans" series.

- Mike Collins: https://youtu.be/dCGutIrGS1M?si=RcHzqPpRipUuncv0
- Andy Biggs: https://youtu.be/MlJGh86jzKs?si=Ubc_jcJyh1HRBjsw
- Zach Lahn: https://youtu.be/0NFPrcBWHSw?si=J7ASh_2v0tY5kC9x

Watch TNL for a discussion of the South Carolina primary: https://youtu.be/bVAzs6YLayo?si=TQqTvBgNULQgmpHU

Sam Stein and Andrew Egger went live to cover Trump order to rename Lake Ontario to "Lake America." They give their takes on the absurdity of it, the cost, and why Trump’s latest map-making stunt is a perfect snapshot of a president who seems increasingly out of ideas and out of touch. Plus, they dig into Trump’s bizarre claims about the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. missile shortages caused by the Iran war, and why the administration is suddenly asking Russia for favors.

Visit https://upwork.com right now and post your job for free.

Good Fight Tour tickets: https://www.thebulwark.com/events

Tim Miller joins Katy Tur on MS NOW for his take on Trump’s growing disconnect with voters on the economy and affordability—and why his billionaire bubble may be making that problem worse. Tim breaks down new polling showing a dramatic swing toward Democrat James Talarico in key Texas districts and explains why the Texas Senate race is increasingly within Democrats’ reach. Plus, Trump plans to use his massive super PAC war chest to promote himself ahead of the midterms and that could backfire on Republicans.

Visit https://upwork.com right now and post your job for free.

Watch The Moment with Katy Tur on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/katy-tur-reports