Sen. Brian Schatz joins Sam Stein to explain why Democrats suddenly have a shot at winning Senate races in deep-red states, how they plan to hold Trump’s corrupt officials accountable, and why he doubts JD Vance has what it takes to succeed Trump. From the possibility of impeaching Trump administration officials to Vance’s struggle to connect with MAGA voters, Schatz offers an unusually candid look at what comes next.

Sam Stein and Andrew Egger break down Donald Trump’s bizarre and disturbing Ohio rally, from his repeated comments about Senator Jon Husted’s physique to mocking a woman who was assaulted by a fellow rallygoer for wearing a shirt demanding the release of the Epstein files. Trump revived his racist lies about Haitian immigrants in Springfield and embraced embattled Republican Rep. Max Miller despite allegations of abuse.

Plus, Trump claims Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an energy ceasefire that neither side says exists. Sam and Andrew discuss Trump’s increasingly grievance-driven rallies, his lack of a positive vision for voters, and the disturbing implications of a president who seems willing to declare reality into existence.

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MAGA thought it had a career-ending scandal on James Talarico. Instead, it got a spectacular humiliation. Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down how the conspiracy unraveled, including the full phone call obtained by The Bulwark that exposed the holes in the story. Plus, the federal raid on Ilhan Omar’s home, Pete Hegseth’s public execution plans, and the latest MAGA infighting.

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Michael Weiss and Marc Polymeropoulos give their takes on Trump’s latest deal with Vladimir Putin and why Trump suddenly announced an energy ceasefire. Sources tell Michael that Ukraine was blindsided by this weekend’s series of announcements from Trump as his approach only benefits Moscow even more. They also examine the threat to intelligence sharing, the future of U.S. weapons sales to Ukraine, and why Europe is increasingly preparing to defend itself without Washington.

Plus, the latest revelations surrounding U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, mounting pressure for her removal, and the corruption concerns threatening U.S.-Greek relations. Finally, there's new investigative reporting on Havana syndrome and a major new book challenging the U.S. government’s long-standing position on the mysterious condition.

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Trump’s midterm problem may be far worse than it was in 2018, and the warning signs are showing up in places Republicans never expected. Bill Kristol and veteran political analyst Ron Brownstein examine Trump’s collapsing support among core MAGA voters, the surprising Senate races emerging in deep-red states, and how a Democratic wave could reshape the Supreme Court for decades.

This episode is a little taste of Receipts, Catherine Rampell’s brand-new show from The Bulwark, where she follows the money, cuts through the economic spin, and exposes who’s really paying the price for Trump’s policies. Subscribe to Receipts wherever you listen to podcasts:

Apple Podcasts:  ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/receipts-with-catherine-rampell/id6807470569 Spotify:  ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1O2Z2akwyonpAsbxyMqBTV
Scott Bessent thinks he’s the smartest guy in the room, but his disastrous financial record and increasingly strange public statements tell another story. Catherine Rampell and Sam Stein dissect the Treasury secretary’s jaw-dropping Axios interview, then Catherine talks with an American cheesemaker whose business has been hammered by Trump’s trade wars, supposedly designed to protect farmers like him.

Sam Stein and Catherine Rampell give their takes on Trump’s decision to buy oil from Putin, just weeks after Trump signed Lindsey Graham’s Russia sanctions bill into law. Instead of increasing pressure on Russia, Trump is opening the door to Russian fuel exports that could help bankroll Putin’s war on Ukraine.

Plus, they examine the bill’s loopholes, whether the deal will actually lower fuel prices, and why Trump is pressuring Ukraine to stop attacking Russian oil refineries. As Zelensky pushes back, Trump’s deal risks a major rupture in U.S.-Ukraine relations.

Tim Miller takes a closer look at Ohio Senate candidate Jon Husted, whose carefully crafted moderate persona masks a record of corruption allegations, MAGA loyalty, and political opportunism. From his ties to Ohio’s utility scandal and donations from Jeffrey Epstein associate Les Wexner to his opposition to releasing the Epstein files, Husted has plenty of explaining to do.

Tim also examines Husted’s role in bringing data centers to Ohio, his support for the Iran war and Trump’s tariffs, his dismissive comments about people living in poverty, and his decision to hire a political director with a history of Nazi imagery and white nationalist associations. As Husted tries to appeal to both MAGA Republicans and swing voters, Tim makes the case for why Ohioans should reject his candidacy and send Sherrod Brown back to the Senate.

Sam Stein and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) give their takes on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s plan to livestream the execution of the Fort Hood shooter, Nidal Hasan, and why turning an execution into a public spectacle raises serious moral questions. Hertling explains the potential toll on soldiers ordered to carry out the firing squad and warns that the spectacle could inflame tensions rather than deter future attacks.

After we recorded, Vice President JD Vance addressed Hegseth’s plan, saying he wasn’t sure the livestream would actually happen and adding, “If it’s ultimately livestreamed, I’m not gonna be watching it.”

They also break down the latest developments in the Iran war, including Trump’s pledge not to launch new attacks before the midterm elections, the growing risks of further escalation across the region, and newly released footage showing Iranian drone strikes on U.S. military installations in the Middle East. The Pentagon’s $43.6 billion estimate for the cost of the war may dramatically understate the damage as we look at the destroyed military equipment and facilities and the munition supply spent.

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Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Democratic strategist Lis Smith join a live audience at Dartmouth for a spirited debate about Trump’s collapsing political fortunes, the GOP’s future under JD Vance, the Democrats’ struggle to rebuild their coalition, and the wide-open 2028 presidential race. Plus, a sobering question: What happens if Trump loses Congress and decides to go rogue?

Tim Miller gives his take on JD Vance’s fumbling attempt to define socialism and the hypocrisy at the heart of MAGA’s attacks on Democrats. Asked why socialist candidates are gaining ground across the country, Vance pivots to immigration and transgender athletes instead of explaining what socialism actually means.
But while Republicans warn that Democrats are bringing socialism to America, the Trump administration is expanding government control over the economy, intervening in private enterprise, and using the power of the state to target political enemies. 

Tim explains why the administration’s own policies undermine its anti-socialist rhetoric, how Vance’s answer exposes the weakness of MAGA’s midterm message, and why the word games are more than just a political joke.

This episode is sponsored by The New York Times.

Sam Stein speaks with Eric Deters, the man at the center of the Wall Street Journal’s explosive report on Kimberly Guilfoyle. Deters describes his relationship with Guilfoyle, the hundreds of thousands of dollars he spent in Trump world, and his claims that she promised access and favors in exchange for money.

Deters explains why he came forward and why he says Guilfoyle asked him for another $100,000 to pay off her credit card. He also details her attempts to connect him with Tucker Carlson and Billy Long, her warnings to stop putting things in writing, and why he now says, “I feel like a dumbass.”

Lawsuits against Dr. Abubakar Atiq Durrani alleged that more than 500 patients received unnecessary surgeries. However, there are no precise numbers as to how many patients in total received those surgeries, how many children received those surgeries or how many of them died because of those procedures.

In addition, Jared Kushner received a $2 billion investment for his private equity firm from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, not a $3 billion investment.

This episode is sponsored by The New York Times.

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Sam Stein, Marc Polymeropoulos, and Michael Weiss are going live to take on the bombshell Wall Street Journal report that reveals Kimberly Guilfoyle’s extraordinary private messages with a Trump donor, including a $100,000 request to pay her Amex bill and repeated warnings to stop creating a paper trail.

Read the Wall Street Journal's reporting: https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/guilfoyle-amex-donor-100-000-0e02cdc3?st=8Rg5Hy&reflink=article_copyURL_share

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Will Saletan breaks down the Maine Senate debate between Republican incumbent Susan Collins and Democratic challenger Troy Jackson, and why Collins is struggling to separate herself from Donald Trump in a state where the president remains deeply unpopular.

Jackson repeatedly tied Collins to Trump on the Iran war, tariffs, abortion, health care and the Republican tax and spending bill, while Collins tried to emphasize her independence and point to the work she has done for Maine. But with Collins having cast several crucial votes for Trump’s agenda, Will explains why her strategy of distancing herself from the president may be difficult to sell to voters.

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Lauren Egan travels to Kansas to report on one of the most surprising Senate races of the 2026 midterms, where Democrat Adam Hamilton is running neck-and-neck with Republican incumbent Roger Marshall. A new New York Times poll shows the race in a dead heat, and Republicans are now pouring millions of dollars into Kansas as they scramble to defend a seat they once considered safe.

Hamilton, a former pastor, makes the case that rising costs, health care concerns, tariffs and the war in Iran are pushing some Kansas voters away from Republicans. He also argues that Democrats can win back voters in the heartland by moving toward the center and focusing on affordability, dignity and bipartisan problem-solving.

Lauren talks with Hamilton supporters about why they think Kansas could finally be ready to elect a Democrat to the Senate for the first time in nearly a century, and asks Hamilton how he plans to win over Republicans and voters who remain skeptical of the Democratic Party.

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Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker discuss the U.S. decision to pull B-1 bombers out of the United Kingdom over concerns about Iranian drone attacks, and what the move reveals about the changing nature of modern warfare. They examine the growing vulnerability of U.S. military bases, the risks to American forces at home and abroad, and what the threat means for NATO and America’s alliances.

Plus, Hertling breaks down Pete Hegseth’s six new Pentagon initiatives, including Project Meridian, a new effort to study the future of warfare led by Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey, and Newt Gingrich. They also examine Hegseth’s proposed autonomous warfare command and a new Office of Religious Affairs.

Reporter Michael Weiss and former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos break down a staggering spy scandal involving the former head of German intelligence, an alleged Iranian plot targeting U.S. bombers in Britain, and the increasingly strange questions surrounding Kimberly Guilfoyle in Greece. Plus: why Russian intelligence operatives are suspected of leaving a particularly vile calling card in politicians’ homes.

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Ben Parker and Bill Kristol discuss Donald Trump’s increasingly frantic attacks as Republicans face a surprisingly competitive Senate race in South Carolina, including Trump’s use of an anti-trans slur against Democratic candidate Annie Andrews. They examine what the race says about the Republican Party’s standing heading into the midterms and whether Democrats could make gains in traditionally red states.

Plus, Ben and Bill dig into the corruption allegations surrounding Trump’s foreign policy, including his family’s business interests and deals involving Russia, Venezuela and the Middle East. They also discuss the withdrawal of U.S. B-1 bombers from Britain, the broader retreat of American power in Europe, and concerns over a mysterious illness linked to a plague research facility in Russia.

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Tim Miller gives his take on the Democrats who are already arguing against investigating Donald Trump’s corporate allies, warning that accountability cannot be sacrificed in the name of avoiding political “retribution.” He argues that companies and executives who participated in or benefited from Trump’s corruption should face scrutiny, and that Democratic oversight in 2027 will be critical to uncovering what actually happened.

If Democrats want to restore the rule of law, he argues, they need to make clear that corruption has consequences, including for the powerful people and companies that helped enable Trump.

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Catherine Rampell and Jonathan Cohn give their takes on Donald Trump’s latest checks to Americans, including $500 payments to some ACA marketplace enrollees and $90 payments to certain Medicare recipients. They explain where the money is coming from, why the ACA payments may lack clear legal authority, and how diverting money from healthcare outreach could further undermine the Affordable Care Act.

Plus, Catherine and Jonathan discuss reports of a possible plague outbreak in Russia, what is known about the death of a laboratory worker, and why the Trump administration’s retreat from global health programs and international cooperation could leave the U.S. less prepared for the next major outbreak.

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Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes on Kash Patel’s engagement, Benny Johnson facing a lawsuit from two anti-ICE protesters, and The Daily Wire’s new pro-ICE movie being filmed in Livingston, Montana. The film reportedly recreates the shooting of Renee Good before turning it into a fictionalized action story involving ICE agents, Antifa, MS-13 and a heroic Korean grocer. And you’ll never believe who just joined the film as a producer—especially given the production’s security problems.

Plus, Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign is facing another leaked recording, with the Texas Republican sounding increasingly frustrated by the national party’s control over his campaign.

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Tim Miller takes on Vivek Ramaswamy’s attempt to show off his strength at a campaign event, then turns to Jon Ossoff’s message to young voters about why they can’t afford to give in to despair and the case for turning frustration and rage into political action. Plus: Tim’s thoughts about James Baldwin and the long history of people overcoming seemingly impossible odds.

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Will Saletan lays out the case against Donald Trump that Jack Smith never got to present at trial. Drawing from Smith’s testimony before Congress, Will looks at the evidence that Trump was repeatedly told the truth about the 2020 election by his own advisers, Republican officials, and Justice Department officials and chose to ignore it.

From Georgia and Pennsylvania to the January 6 attack on the Capitol, Will walks through what prosecutors would have shown a jury about Trump’s election lies, his efforts to pressure officials, and his refusal to stop the violence after it began.

Bill Kristol is joined by Andrew Egger, reporting fresh from Ohio after an extraordinary day on the ground: the funeral of 20-year-old Haitian immigrant Pierre Damas Bel in Springfield, followed by Donald Trump’s rally nearby.

A bombshell New York Times/Siena poll shows Democrats running surprisingly strong across traditionally red states, including Texas, Alaska, Ohio, Iowa, and Kansas. Catherine Rampell and Bill Kristol explain what the numbers actually tell us, why Trump’s erosion with his own voters matters, and whether this is what a real electoral wave looks like.

Donald Trump posted Tom Cotton’s private phone number because the Arkansas senator is blocking his push for permanent daylight saving time. Will Saletan and Joe Perticone take on the strange fight, the golf-industry interests behind it, and why Trump is picking on one of his own loyal allies with Republicans already staring down a brutal midterm environment.

Ben Parker puts Bulwark publisher Sarah Longwell through an AMA on how a Democratic House should investigate the Trump administration, what focus groups reveal about James Talarico’s path in Texas, and how a future Democratic president should balance accountability with reform. Longwell also discusses universal health care, the post-Trump GOP field, why The Bulwark hired a former Trump aide, and criticism of her advice to Democrats in 2024.

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Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down the leaked script for the Daily Wire’s upcoming fictional movie Pawn Shop, a pro-ICE thriller set amid an imagined Antifa siege of a Minneapolis pawn shop. They discuss the film’s fictionalized version of the Renee Good shooting, its portrayal of ICE agents, Antifa and MS-13, the “rooftop Korean” storyline, and the movie’s many conservative-media tropes. Will also explains how the production has caused protests in Livingston, Montana, where the movie is being filmed.

Read more from Will: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/daily-wire-quietly-shooting-pro-ice-movie-pawn-shop-renee-good-ben-shapiro

Catherine Rampell and Andrew Egger break down Donald Trump’s bizarre new interview with Time Magazine, from his claims about having the “highest” IQ to his ever-changing story about how long the war in Iran was supposed to last.

They also discuss Trump’s claim that annihilating Iran would create peace, his latest attempt to rewrite his four-to-six-week timeline, his complaints about “negative” questions, and his fixation on the White House renovations and other personal projects.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) joins Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker to share her takes on what she learned from her recent trips to Hungary and Poland and what those lessons could mean for America after the Trump era.

Slotkin explains how countries can recover from authoritarianism, why she believes the U.S. needs to “Trump-proof” its government, and why Democrats need a new generation of leaders with big and bold ideas. She also discusses the growing grassroots pressure around government surveillance, the need for congressional oversight of war powers, and the threat she sees to the American middle class and the American dream.

Former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos and national security reporter Michael Weiss take on the attempted hijacking of a flight bound for Tel Aviv, a suspected plot targeting an air base in Britain, and the troubling signs that Iran may be taking its fight abroad. They also ask whether America is prepared for a renewed terror threat as experienced counterterrorism personnel and resources are pulled toward other priorities.

Sam Stein and Ben Parker give their takes on Pete Hegseth’s bizarre State of the Force address, from his “no fatties, no weirdos” vision for the military to his fixation on testosterone, wokeness and American universities.

They also dig into Hegseth’s new Project Meridian, which will bring together Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich to study the future of warfare, as well as his proposal to have governors compete for new troop deployments. Sam and Ben discuss Hegseth’s attacks on the press, his history of purging military leaders and advisory boards, and the growing signs that he may have his eyes on a political future beyond the Pentagon.

Plus, why does Hegseth’s vision seem so focused on domestic political enemies while the U.S. is dealing with actual wars and threats from countries like Iran and China?

Ken Paxton is caught on tape blaming Donald Trump for hurting his Senate campaign, telling a small group of donors that Trump’s Texas convention actually hurt his numbers. The New York Times first reported on the leaked recording, which came from a small Paxton fundraiser where an attendee recorded the conversation. JVL and Andrew Egger break down Paxton’s donor problems, his reliance on Trump’s financial support, and what the recording reveals about his struggling campaign.

They also discuss Paxton’s political baggage, the Texas Senate race against James Talarico, and Angela Paxton’s unusual argument that Republicans should keep the seat “in the family” despite their ongoing divorce.

Plus, why the Paxton campaign’s struggles could reveal deeper problems for Texas Republicans and the MAGA movement.

Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) give their takes on Pete Hegseth’s reported plan to cut 20% of the military’s general and flag officers, and what that could mean for military leadership, congressional oversight, and civilian-military relations. They also discuss Hegseth’s push to remake Department of Defense schools, including curriculum changes and book bans, as well as growing concerns about the Pentagon’s handling of military casualty reporting.

Plus, U.S. Ambassador to China David Perdue’s odd comments that Trump reportedly offered to sell U.S. weapons to China and the end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq after more than two decades.

Sam Stein and Andrew Egger give their takes on Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt’s disastrous attempt to catch former special counsel Jack Smith in a perjury trap during a Senate Judiciary hearing. Schmitt thought he had a smoking gun showing Smith was in Atlanta for a Hawks game on the same day as a controversy involving Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. But there was one problem: Smith wasn’t at the Hawks game. The text messages Schmitt’s team found were apparently referring to the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team, who were playing in Maryland that same day.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar quickly pointed out the apparent mix-up, while Schmitt continued to defend his questioning even after accusing Smith of perjury. Sam and Andrew also discuss the poor timing of this faceplant after Axios reported that Eric Schmitt was being floated as a possible running mate for JD Vance in 2028.

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Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol give their takes on Jack Smith’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Smith defended his decision to prosecute Donald Trump and said he would make the same decision regardless of whether Trump were a Republican or Democrat. They also discuss Republicans’ focus on the former special counsel, Chuck Grassley’s accusations against Smith, and Bill’s argument that the hearing amounts to a “perjury trap.”

Then, Andrew makes the case for Democrats to keep impeachment on the table if they retake power in 2026, arguing that Trump’s use of government resources for political messaging and other alleged abuses could warrant renewed scrutiny. Bill and Andrew compare the current political environment with Trump’s 2019 impeachment and debate what Democrats should do if they regain control of Congress.

Plus, Bill lays out why he sees a broader 2026 Senate map as potentially competitive, including races in states that have traditionally been difficult terrain for Democrats.

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Michael Weiss and Marc Polymeropoulos are back to give their takes on the latest allegations of corruption and counterintelligence concerns surrounding the Trump administration, including Alina Habba’s star-studded wedding and the appearance of FBI Director Kash Patel alongside a former informant who was suspected of being a double agent.

They also look at U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle and her relationship with a Greek lobbyist, allegations that she pressured Greek officials over energy contracts, and claims that she threatened to help bring down the Greek government. Plus, Michael and Marc discuss the FBI’s leadership turmoil after a top deputy resigned.

Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down the latest drama on the online right, from a bizarre AI video posted by Trump aide Dan Scavino to the growing influence of QAnon conspiracy theories inside Trump world. Will explains why QAnon followers believe Scavino was sending them a coded signal and what the reaction reveals about the movement.

Plus, the pro-data-center party bringing a strange mix of MAGA, tech, and online-right figures together in Washington, Mark Halperin’s warnings about Republican prospects, and the growing fight over anti-Indian rhetoric on the right. Sam and Will also discuss disgusting comments from Texas railroad commissioner candidate Bo French, including previously deleted posts found by CNN's KFile calling for the execution of Barack Obama.

Trump says he’s banning news organizations over negative coverage. Then his own officials go on TV and insist that’s not what’s happening. Will Saletan meticulously breaks down Todd Blanche’s defense of Trump’s press crackdown, Mike Waltz getting confronted with the president’s own words, and the shifting story about the war with Iran.

Trump’s White House is racking up losses, picking fights with the press, and increasingly operating without anyone willing to tell the president no. Bill Kristol talks with former Trump White House deputy press secretary Sarah Matthews about what’s happening behind the scenes, why Republicans are suddenly putting some distance between themselves and Trump, and why she fears things could get even more reckless after the midterms.

Catherine Rampell and Will Sommer take on Trump’s escalating war on the White House press, the amateur-hour MAGA media operation stepping in to replace the traditional White House pool, and Byron Donalds’ awkward attempt to put a little distance between himself and Trump. Plus, Kimberly Guilfoyle’s misadventures as ambassador to Greece involve a mysterious lobbyist, questionable energy dealings, a middle-of-the-night trip to Albania, a shattered vodka venture, and one extraordinary warning to a U.S. ally.

Byron Donalds removes Trump references from his campaign website:
 https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2026/09/22/byron-donalds-removes-trump-mentions-florida-governor-campaign-website/

Trump responds by announcing two rallies with Byron Donalds:
 https://floridapolitics.com/archives/821961-trump-to-rally-twice-with-byron-donalds-ahead-of-election-day-says-donalds-would-lose-if-he-dropped-trump/

The Mystery Man Shadowing Kimberly Guilfoyle as She Pushes Deals Across Europe: https://www.wsj.com/articles/kimberly-guilfoyle-mystery-man-energy-5adeb541?mod=hp_lead_pos10

Listen to Catherine's new show, Receipts!

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/receipts-with-catherine-rampell/id6807470569

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1O2Z2akwyonpAsbxyMqBTV?si=7d81ca2f299e4409

Marc Polymeropoulos and Michael Weiss examine the growing Russian threat in Europe, separating the real danger of Russian sabotage and state terrorism from the media panic over a potential Russian invasion of NATO territory. They discuss the intelligence briefing that sparked concerns across Europe, how the assessment has since been revised downward, and why Russia’s escalating sabotage campaign could still lead to a dangerous mass-casualty event.

They also examine how Europe can respond to Russian aggression, the role of NATO and Article 5, and why Russia may be testing how willing the West is to push back.

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Jon Ossoff is running so far ahead in Georgia that his strength is starting to shape the races around him. Tim Miller and Lauren Egan look at the striking gap between Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms, whether Ossoff can drag the Democratic ticket across the finish line, and why the governor’s race could wind up determining whether he has a real shot at the presidency in 2028.

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Lauren Egan’s Opposition newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/the-opposition

New YouGov poll: Ossoff leads Collins by 10 while the governor’s race is effectively tied:
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/new-2026-georgia-poll-ossoff-leads-senate-race-governor-race-tied

Jon Ossoff’s Georgia race stirs talk of a 2028 presidential run:
https://www.ft.com/content/90714056-d364-43d9-9411-9bde92f966b3

Chris Christie says he’s considering another presidential run:
https://www.wmur.com/article/chris-christie-run-president-92226/73842195

Tim Miller gives his take on the Republican candidates who are suddenly calling for an end to the Iran war after repeatedly supporting it. John James, Mike Rogers, Tom Tiffany and Ashley Hinson are all trying to distance themselves from the war, but Tim asks the obvious question: What is their actual plan to end it? They don't have one.

Plus, Tim also looks at Roger Marshall’s attempt to distance himself from the Trump administration’s ICE policies.

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Sam Stein, Brendan Hartnett and Will Sommer discuss the chaos surrounding the White House press corps after CNN, Politico and MS NOW were banned from the White House, then allowed back on the premises but haven't gotten reassurances that CNN would be allowed back into the TV pool.

They also take on the right-wing media’s attempt to create its own version of the White House press pool, including technical failures, a lack of basic pool protocol and footage that appeared to show Trump’s motorcade too closely. Plus, they examine the launch of “Trump TV,” a White House livestream featuring hours of looping Trump footage that drew only a small audience.

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Andrew Egger is joined by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore to give his take on Maryland’s new AI regulations, the rapid growth of data centers, and the need for guardrails around increasingly powerful AI models. Moore explains why he believes AI is moving faster than government safeguards, criticizes the White House’s approach, and raises concerns about Trump’s personal financial stake in the AI boom.

They also discuss AI safety, potential benefits in government and healthcare, and whether the U.S. should cooperate with China on regulating increasingly powerful AI systems.

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Tim Miller steps outside the bubble for a conversation with Brandon Weichert, a former Trump supporter and American Greatness writer who has become deeply disillusioned with the administration. They take on Trump’s Iran war, his growing foreign-policy mess, the GOP’s increasingly dangerous midterm map, and what could happen if Democrats take back Congress.

Watch more on Mario Nawfal’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/marionawfal

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JVL and Lawfare's Benjamin Wittes take on the strange legal fight over Trump’s ballroom and proposed triumphal arch, including why standing may be the biggest obstacle to stopping them and what John Roberts’ dissent could be signaling to future challengers. They also dig into a bigger question: whether Congress, the courts, and the power of the purse can actually constrain a president determined to push ahead anyway.

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A quick note: Look, there probably aren’t many media outlets willing to spend 45 minutes going extremely deep on the finer points of standing, appropriations law, and Trump’s ballroom. We are that kind of outlet. If you’re the kind of person who appreciates that, become a paid Bulwark member and help us keep doing this.

Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) break down President Trump’s extraordinary comments at the United Nations about Venezuela, including his claim that “to the victor belong the spoils.” Hertling explains why that language raises serious questions under international law and walks through the laws and treaties that prohibit pillage and establish a nation’s sovereignty over its natural resources.

They also discuss the growing power of the Houthis in Yemen, Saudi Arabia’s complicated relationship with the United States, and what Riyadh could do if it can no longer rely on American support. Hertling also weighs in on Secretary Pete Hegseth’s new system for evaluating senior military officers and the history Hegseth is invoking to defend it.

Rep. Jim Himes, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, joins Marc Polymeropoulos and Michael Weiss for his take on the major national security risks surrounding the Trump administration.

Himes explains the counterintelligence concerns surrounding the reported Russian financing of Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding and why the access to Trump’s inner circle at the event could have created an unusually soft target for Russian intelligence. They also discuss the intelligence community’s warnings about war with Iran, and the possibility of another Middle East conflict.

Plus, Russia’s war in Ukraine, Trump’s negotiations with Vladimir Putin, John Ratcliffe’s role in the talks, and the ongoing investigation into Havana syndrome and anomalous health incidents.

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