Bulwark Takes

Av The Bulwark

The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.

Episoder

Here’s What I Told the DNC Autopsy | Bulwark Narrated
Before the DNC released its unfinished autopsy report on May 21, The Bulwark published an exclusive behind-the-scenes article with an accounting of what happened inside the Biden and Harris presidential campaigns in 2024. It was written by Rob Flaherty who served as deputy campaign manager. Flaherty had been interviewed for the autopsy and, before anything was released from the DNC, felt it was critical to pull back the curtain on his view that Democrats ran a campaign built for a world that no longer exists. From his descriptions of a political brand failure, what happened during negotiations with Joe Rogan and the breakdowns he says happened around social media, it is a more complete "autopsy" than what was ultimately released. To bring Flaherty's piece to you as quickly as possible, we've used computer-generated narration with an intro by The Bulwark's Sam Stein.
68 min
Trump’s Insane Green Card Policy Doesn’t Have to Be Legal to Work (w/ Doug Rand)
Catherine Rampell welcomes former DHS official Doug Rand to take on Trump’s purposely chaotic new green card policy, why legal immigrants and Silicon Valley are panicking, and how the administration may be using confusion and fear to push people out of the country.Listen to Doug Rand's podcast, 'The Melting Pod' — https://meltingpod.org/
26 min
No Matter How Hard He Tries, JD Vance Will Never Be Cool
Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, Sam Stein, Van Lathan, Brian Tyler Cohen, Jon Favreau, Jane Coaston and Erin Gloria Ryan appeared on stage LIVE in Los Angeles on May 21, 2026.The Bulwark hosted a live quiz pitting the two teams against each other on the most obscure—and embarrassing—chapters of recent political history. Plus: the DNC autopsy gets roasted, California goes on trial, and JD Vance receives the takedown he deserves.
42 min
Reckoning With Trump’s Iran Defeat. Plus: The Meaning of Memorial Day (w/ Michael Wood)
Bill Kristol talks with Michael Wood about his military service and the debacle of Trump's Iran war.
41 min
BREAKING: Trump Nears Iran Deal—Pleasing No One
Tim Miller, Sam Stein & Andrew Egger went live to cover what appears to be an imminent deal to end the war in Iran.
24 min
The Trio: Why Does This Keep Happening to Republicans?
Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Will Sommer descend into the strangest corners of MAGA internet culture: January 6 reparations, Hunter Biden teaming up with Candace Owens, Nick Fuentes feuding with Tucker Carlson, and the surreal “Beartaria” compound where the internet’s saddest men are trying to build a right-wing utopia. Plus: San Diego Republican drama, burglar twinks, and more deeply cursed political lore.
27 min
Gas Prices Reach 4-Year High For Memorial Day Weekend | Receipts Live
Join Catherine Rampell and JVL at 12:30pm ET as they go live to discuss the biggest political, financial and economic stories of the week.Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/BULWARKTAKES to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.
57 min
BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard RESIGNS as Trump's Director of National Intelligence
Tim Miller and Andrew Egger are going live to give their takes on Tulsi Gabbard’s resignation from the Trump administration.Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/BULWARKTAKES to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.
29 min
Why Trump’s Favorite Shoe Company Is Fighting the White House (w/ Thomas Florsheim Jr.)
Catherine Rampell is joined by Thomas Florsheim Jr., whose company makes the president’s favorite shoe brand, to discuss what Trump’s tariff agenda has meant for his business. From skyrocketing import costs to supply-chain chaos to millions paid in tariffs, Thomas explains why reshoring production to the United States still doesn’t make economic sense. He describes the scramble to move manufacturing between countries, the hidden costs businesses face from constant policy uncertainty, and why his company ultimately sued the federal government over the tariffs.Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping during the Memorial Day Sale at https://www.bollandbranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes.Read more from Catherine Rampell: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/receipts
33 min
Todd Blanche Thinks You’re Dumb Enough to Believe This
Will Saletan gives his take on Todd Blanche’s embarrassing performance as Donald Trump’s acting Attorney General, and why his public defenses of the administration keep collapsing under scrutiny. From reviving debunked 2020 election claims to arguing that indictments themselves are proof of guilt, except when it comes to Trump, Blanche repeatedly finds himself trying to justify glaring double standards in real time. Will walks through Blanche’s interviews, the James Comey indictment, Trump’s public pressure on DOJ leadership, and how the Justice Department is shaped by loyalty to Trump rather than consistent legal principles.Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping during the Memorial Day Sale at https://www.bollandbranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes.
18 min
LIVE: Stop Blaming the DNC’s Failures on a Conspiracy. It’s Worse Than That.
Join Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Sam Stein live on the Bulwark tour bus, as they head to Los Angeles.Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping during the Memorial Day Sale at https://www.bollandbranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes.
20 min
Inside the Ebola Outbreak That Has Experts Sweating (w/ Dr. Craig Spencer)
Jonathan Cohn is joined by Dr. Craig Spencer to break down the growing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa, why global health officials are sounding the alarm, and how Trump-era cuts to public health infrastructure could affect the response. Spencer is an emergency medicine physician and Ebola survivor. During the historic 2014 outbreak, he treated patients and then contracted Ebola himself, became one of the most visible voices during that crisis. Dr. Spencer explains why this outbreak has experts more worried than past Ebola flare-ups, how Ebola actually spreads, and why it is very different from a respiratory virus like COVID.Read more from Jonathan Cohn: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-decimated-our-global-health-network-then-ebola-hit-outbreakGet 20% off your first order, plus free shipping during the Memorial Day Sale at https://www.bollandbranch.com/bulwarktakes with code bulwarktakes.
22 min
Trump Just Said Something Shocking About Israel
JVL and Andrew Egger give their takes on Donald Trump’s bizarre comments about wanting to be prime minister of Israel, his relationship with Netanyahu, and his supposed “99%” approval rating in Israel. They also break down the growing MAGA divide over Israel and Iran, Thomas Massie’s defeat, and why Trump’s political instincts may finally be slipping. Plus: the Republican backlash to Trump’s billion-dollar ballroom and what it says about a president governing like he has nothing left to lose.Text TAKES to 64000 for your 2 free gifts with the purchase of any Pocket Hose Ballistic hose. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from Pocket Hose. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply. Text STOP at any time to opt out. Text HELP for additional Information. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at https://PocketHose.com/terms.
22 min
Just Say It: Trump is Unwell
Donald Trump turns 80 next month, but Democrats still seem reluctant to make his age and health a political issue. Sam Stein and Lauren Egan give their takes on the questions about Trump’s bruised hands, dentist visits, public appearances, and why the overall transparency about Trump's health hasn't become a bigger story even after Republicans spent years relentlessly attacking Joe Biden over age and decline. Plus: Sam attempts to test Trump’s concealer explanation himself.Read more from Lauren's reporting: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/democrats-trump-aging-elderly-very-old-hands-makeupText TAKES to 64000 for your 2 free gifts with the purchase of any Pocket Hose Ballistic hose. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from Pocket Hose. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply. Text STOP at any time to opt out. Text HELP for additional Information. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at https://PocketHose.com/terms.
14 min
Why in the World Are We Pulling Troops out of Poland? | Command Post
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker went live on Wednesday morning to give their takes on NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's comments about the Strait of Hormuz and the reported plan by the U.S. and Israel to install Mahmoud Ahmadinejad back to power in Iran. Plus, Ben and Mark break down why Pete Hegseth's decision to pull troops out of Poland makes no sense and dismiss Vance's ridiculous comments about Trump and Ukraine.Text TAKES to 64000 for your 2 free gifts with the purchase of any Pocket Hose Ballistic hose. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from Pocket Hose. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply. Text STOP at any time to opt out. Text HELP for additional Information. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at https://PocketHose.com/terms.
51 min
Trump Humiliates John Cornyn With Paxton Endorsement
Donald Trump just endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over longtime Senator John Cornyn. Tim Miller joined Chris Jansing on MS Now to say it’s one of the most humiliating political rejections imaginable. After years of defending Trump, flattering Trump, and publicly groveling for Trump’s approval, Cornyn still got tossed aside in favor of Paxton, a scandal-plagued MAGA loyalist. Tim breaks down why Trump’s endorsement matters, what it says about the Republican Party, and why Democrats believe James Talarico could now have a real opening in Texas.Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code BULWARKTAKES.
17 min
BREAKING: Thomas Massie Loses Primary Against Trump-Backed Challenger
Sam Stein and JVL give their takes on Rep. Thomas Massie's primary loss to Trump-backed challenger Ed Gallrein.Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code BULWARKTAKES.
43 min
Every MAGA Grifter in America is Lined Up for a Piece of Trump’s Slush Fund
Andrew Egger and Will Sommer take on the chaos erupting inside the January 6th world now that Trump's $1.776 billion "weaponization" slush fund is real — including two MAGA lawyers in an all-out war over who gets to skim 30% off the rioters' windfall, and one miraculous lung recovery that happened to coincide with the fund's announcement.Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code BULWARKTAKES.The Trio is live in San Diego on Wednesday, May 20th—grab your tickets at https://thebulwark.com/events.
18 min
Trump’s Old and Shrinking Republican Party | Morning Shots LIVE
Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol went live to discuss the terms of Trump’s $1.776 billion slush fund for his fans, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defending the outrageous fund to Congress, Trump’s slipping poll numbers. Plus, amid a war in Iran and surging gas prices, Trump has his eyes on one thing: the ballroom.Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code BULWARKTAKES.
46 min
A Congressman Called His Penis a Pine Cone. We Have Questions.
Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Will Sommer are finally doing it live—and before they hit the stage in San Diego, they’re warming up with the week’s most unhinged news from MAGA World. Trump is amplifying bizarre (flattering?) information about Thomas Massie’s sex life. Hunter Biden is going on Candace Owens. And a January 6th grifter made a miraculous recovery the moment reparations money appeared.The Trio is live in San Diego on Wednesday, May 20th—grab your tickets at https://thebulwark.com/events.Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code BULWARKTAKES.
15 min

Bulwark Takes

Episoder

Here’s What I Told the DNC Autopsy | Bulwark Narrated

Trump’s Insane Green Card Policy Doesn’t Have to Be Legal to Work (w/ Doug Rand)

No Matter How Hard He Tries, JD Vance Will Never Be Cool

Reckoning With Trump’s Iran Defeat. Plus: The Meaning of Memorial Day (w/ Michael Wood)

BREAKING: Trump Nears Iran Deal—Pleasing No One

The Trio: Why Does This Keep Happening to Republicans?

Gas Prices Reach 4-Year High For Memorial Day Weekend | Receipts Live

BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard RESIGNS as Trump's Director of National Intelligence

Why Trump’s Favorite Shoe Company Is Fighting the White House (w/ Thomas Florsheim Jr.)

Todd Blanche Thinks You’re Dumb Enough to Believe This

LIVE: Stop Blaming the DNC’s Failures on a Conspiracy. It’s Worse Than That.

Inside the Ebola Outbreak That Has Experts Sweating (w/ Dr. Craig Spencer)

Trump Just Said Something Shocking About Israel

Just Say It: Trump is Unwell

Why in the World Are We Pulling Troops out of Poland? | Command Post

Trump Humiliates John Cornyn With Paxton Endorsement

BREAKING: Thomas Massie Loses Primary Against Trump-Backed Challenger

Every MAGA Grifter in America is Lined Up for a Piece of Trump’s Slush Fund

Trump’s Old and Shrinking Republican Party | Morning Shots LIVE

A Congressman Called His Penis a Pine Cone. We Have Questions.

The Bulwark Podcast

Candace

Letters from an American

On the Media

The NPR Politics Podcast

Episoder

Here’s What I Told the DNC Autopsy | Bulwark Narrated

Trump’s Insane Green Card Policy Doesn’t Have to Be Legal to Work (w/ Doug Rand)

No Matter How Hard He Tries, JD Vance Will Never Be Cool

Reckoning With Trump’s Iran Defeat. Plus: The Meaning of Memorial Day (w/ Michael Wood)

BREAKING: Trump Nears Iran Deal—Pleasing No One

The Trio: Why Does This Keep Happening to Republicans?

Gas Prices Reach 4-Year High For Memorial Day Weekend | Receipts Live

BREAKING: Tulsi Gabbard RESIGNS as Trump's Director of National Intelligence

Why Trump’s Favorite Shoe Company Is Fighting the White House (w/ Thomas Florsheim Jr.)

Todd Blanche Thinks You’re Dumb Enough to Believe This

LIVE: Stop Blaming the DNC’s Failures on a Conspiracy. It’s Worse Than That.

Inside the Ebola Outbreak That Has Experts Sweating (w/ Dr. Craig Spencer)

Trump Just Said Something Shocking About Israel

Just Say It: Trump is Unwell

Why in the World Are We Pulling Troops out of Poland? | Command Post

Trump Humiliates John Cornyn With Paxton Endorsement

BREAKING: Thomas Massie Loses Primary Against Trump-Backed Challenger

Every MAGA Grifter in America is Lined Up for a Piece of Trump’s Slush Fund

Trump’s Old and Shrinking Republican Party | Morning Shots LIVE

A Congressman Called His Penis a Pine Cone. We Have Questions.

Lignende podkaster

The Bulwark Podcast

Candace

Letters from an American

On the Media

The NPR Politics Podcast