Claim OwnershipThe Bulwark Podcast
Subscribed: 10,993Played: 1,260,332
Subscribe
© Bulwark Media
Description
Tim Miller and guests discuss the latest political news for the flagship podcast of the Never Trump movement and the reality-based community. Every weekday we provide insightful analysis, political hot-takes, an unabashed defense of liberal democracy and long-form interviews that cut through the "both-sides" BS. Plus a few laughs to help you wash down the crazy.
Bulwark+ members can get a totally ad-free version of the show delivered right to their favorite podcast player.
Bulwark+ members can get a totally ad-free version of the show delivered right to their favorite podcast player.
500 Episodes
Reverse
2Women candidates get asked different questions than male candidates—that's just a fact. Kamala has a whole team around her ready to handle queries about her ambition and the racist and sexist attacks. But this 100-day sprint also gives Kamala an advantage: an opportunity to show that she is the tougher, stronger, and more prepared leader. Jennifer Palmieri joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Jennifer's book, “She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World.”
Jennifer's book, "Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World"
Bulwark piece on former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Tim's playlist
Nancy Pelosi has amassed power through persuasion, and she had the nerve to push a sitting president off the ticket because she prioritized victory. Meanwhile, Kamala's veep pick is key to extending the new generation message—and wouldn't choosing Josh Shapiro be a good way to show she's not on the side of the flag-burning Hamasniks? Plus, mixed emotions for Joe Biden, and jealous Trump is back to being a total d**k. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
A.B.'s piece on Pelosi
The modern conservative movement has a built-in ratcheting-up mechanism, so that even when Republicans win, they act like they're losing and the country is on the verge of collapse. Even Democrats long for the days of responsible, Main Street conservatives. But today's GOP is racing headlong into authoritarianism, and the fever is not going to break until we defeat it. Rick Perlstein joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Rick on Project 2025
Rick on abortion
Rick on the "authoritarian ratchet"
We may have been conditioned to just accept candidates who share their meandering thoughts or end sentences with 'anyway.' But Kamala Harris is delivering a big upgrade, and showing how a good political speech gets done. Meanwhile, what would Kamala's winning coalition—and her path to 270—look like? Plus, Trump may be having some buyer's remorse over JD Vance. Ron Brownstein and Sam Stein join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Ron's piece on Kamala's path to 270
Sam's piece on how the Dems got their shit together
Ron's book, "Rock Me on the Water"
It's now the Kamala Harris parade, and James Carville has grabbed his whistle and baton for the march. The veteran strategist shares some campaign advice for the vice president and argues her 2020 message will play better in 2024—she's already being turned into a brat summer* icon. Meanwhile, Trump and Republicans may have been prematurely cocky. Tim Miller's pod today.
show notes
*The run-down on brat summer
USA Today piece on brat summer, published before Biden dropped out of race
The Charli XCX Trend, Explained
Tim Alberta piece that Tim referenced
After banging the drum for quite a while, Bill Kristol and Tim Miller got their wish, and the political world is scrambling for the 106-day sprint to the election— with Trump now officially the oldest presidential nominee in history. Is it Kamala time? What about the possible VP options? Tim's special weekend pod.
show notes:
https://x.com/brianbeutler/status/1814517879309553898?s=46
Republicans wanted a 'do no harm' convention, but it was too corporate and lacked any joie de vivre. And then they ended the affair with grievance, fasci Tucker, and 96 minutes of weird incoherence from Trump. Meanwhile, AOC gives a peak behind the scenes of what's going on with Democrats trying to push Biden out. S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Savannah Chrisley talking about her imprisoned parents at the RNC
Tim's playlist
Republicans are tamping down the crazy and the weird at the convention—like no election fraud, no abortion ban talk, and no vaccines—to present their dangerous agenda in a non-threatening way. Meanwhile, why can a 20-year-old buy 50 rounds of ammunition, but not a White Claw or a pack of cigarettes? Plus, we introduce a new Kamala-themed segment: The Coconut Meter. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes
NY Times analysis of Saturday's shooting
Trump's shark/electrocution anecdote was not a sign of deterioration. Trump is actually getting better at communicating a solid message in a carnivalesque atmosphere—and he's reaching people outside of MAGA. Plus, when Republicans talk about a message of unity, they are referring to the party, not the country. Jeff Sharlet joins Tim Miller from New Hampshire, while Joe Perticone checks in from Milwaukee.
show notes:
The Andy Kroll piece about J.D. Vance that Jeff mentioned
Joe's Press Pass dispatch from the convention on Tuesday
We’re heading to Dallas on September 5 for An Evening with The Bulwark. For more information and tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events.
J.D. Vance is an incredibly polarizing figure, and his addition to the ticket signals a complete realignment of the Republican Party. Plus, he gave the single-worst response to the assassination attempt on Trump. Meanwhile, democracy is a team sport, and Democrats are playing a dangerous game. Alyssa Farah Griffin joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Full speech from Mark Robinson, GOP gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina
We begin with a rejection of the fatalist rhetoric from the left. It may be an uphill battle, but the pro-democracy forces have to keep our morale up and be creative. Also the debate around political rhetoric after the assassination attempt is way out ahead of the facts and needs some context. Plus, the Republican convention, Aileen Cannon’s ludicrous dismissal, Axios’ credulous report on Trump’s new tone, and the VP pick. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
The 2019 piece Tim referenced
In this bonus episode following the assassination attempt on Trump, The Bulwark's managing editor Sam Stein joins Tim Miller to discuss the precarious moment we are in, how to dial back the temperature, and how both parties should respond to the violence.
show notes:
Bill Maher on the shooting
Rep. Andy Kim's response to the shooting
Not having dementia is not enough to change the dynamic. Biden needs a proactive message against Trump. Meanwhile, you don't have to play 'Connect the Dots' to see the overlap between Project 2025 and Trump—and members of the media claiming he has a 'new tone' are like frogs in boiling water. Plus, more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter is back with Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Tim's playlist
The Authoritarian Playbook for 2025
Inviting "populist slut hero" Amber Rose to speak at the Republican convention and adjusting the platform on abortion—Trump is trying to distance himself from MAGA's Christian fundamentalist ranks. Meanwhile, the Christian Nationalist project to turn the constitutional clock back 70 years continues apace. Plus, the effort to get Biden to leave the ticket is not a conspiracy—but the sign of a working party. David French joins Tim Miller.
show notes
David's recent column on the Supreme Court
Top Democrats say they don't see a way for Biden to win, and some are resigning themselves to being the resistance against Trump, despite the threat he poses to our democracy. Batten down the hatches—this interview is a tough listen. Ezra Klein joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Ezra's piece from February
Ezra's book recommendation, "Health and Safety: A Breakdown"
This is not a moment for a politician's origin story or soaring oratory. Some think that means dancing with the one that brung ya. But maybe it’s a moment for someone who could prosecute the case against Donald Trump—making it a perfect time to reintroduce Kamala Harris to voters. Elaina Plott Calabro and Bakari Sellers join Tim Miller.
show notes
Elaina's story, "The White House’s Kamala Harris Blunder"
It would have been nice if Biden had gone on Morning Joe the day after the debate instead of waiting 11 days. But he still is not providing a forward-looking message or explaining why he's the one to beat Trump. Meanwhile, Kamala is showing what an aggressive, proactive campaign looks like. Plus, Project 2025 moves into the spotlight, and the good news for democracy coming from overseas.
Housing prices, the cost of insurance, and sticker shock at the supermarket are still stressing Americans out even while the economy is booming. Annie Lowrey joins Tim Miller to discuss the limited housing stock, the economic benefits of immigrant labor, and shrinking income inequality. Plus, the media does shape opinion, but Joe Biden's oldness is self-evident.
show notes:
Annie's piece on the worst best economy
Annie's book on universal basic income, "Give People Money"
Annie's piece on inflation
Author, poet, and native New Orleanian Clint Smith grew up in the city that was the heart of the domestic slave trade, but realized his understanding of the history within himself and his country was inadequate. So he set out to write the type of book he should have had in high school. On this Independence Day, we pulled a special selection from the Tim Miller Bulwark archive. Plus, love for the Crescent City, and dads getting too much credit for pulling their weight.
show notes
Clint's book, "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America"
Clint's book of poetry, "Above Ground"
Clint's "The Man Who Became Uncle Tom"
Tim's 4th of July playlist
Jefferson's letter
The quiet coming from the White House sure suggests that the people around the president don't think Joe at his best can overcome Joe at his worst. Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller to discuss all the possible options as the world waits for Biden to say what he's going to do.
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
Rick. Hard to listen to Wisconsin twang speaking Val Girl style. You know, you know, you know, you know, you know, like, right, you know? Right? You know? I trust you have a good editor and copy editor, especially your "famous" article. Whew.
Ugly few months? I'm sorry, you think this gets better after the election?
No buckling up needed by me. I do not know what you meant.
If Biden determines that Trump is a grave danger to the nation, and that there is no institution that can rein him in, will he then be immune if he has Trump killed by a drone strike on Mar a Lago? I wonder why talking heads in the pundit class have not postulated that?
Thank you for voicing your concerns after the debate. I share your feelings.
long time listener lifetime Democrat what the hell happened between the state of the union and now? he was so vibrant, so astute, it was a great state of the union, it's like two different people. I heard JB Pritzker's name brought up this morning and I think it's a great idea. not a woman, not a jew, not gay etc. because the evangelicals and the silent majority in the midwest are never going to elect somebody Jewish, a woman, or gay. they're just not. I'm trying to be pragmatic here..
I like, you know, like right, you know, right, like, like, like, agree wholeheartedly. She ought to be very nice to her editors. So parochial at 30 something too. Trashing my hometown NYC, like, you know, a dweeb, right?
I hope this woman writes more clearly than she speaks
Tim, happy to be your copy editor, gratis. Exercise regimen, not exercise regimenT. Cheers.
Adam, the tax plan you tout added Trillions to the debt. Social Security would be fine if the wealthy were taxed at the same rate as the self insured for all their income. Construction workers cannot work til they are 70. Other countries have universal healthcare and social services. Maybe tax breaks for millionaires and oil companies are not good for countries.
Love Bulwark Podcast, y'all. But,Tim, please, you are a writer, yes? Please stop saying tenant when you mean tenet. Please. You are too smart, no?
Adam is so right about the elder abuse! On the Pantsuit Politics podcast, Beth told about interviewing her grandmother for a show, and she said Trump ruined her 80s because he's been everywhere and lives rent-free in our heads. I can get angry thinking about how much Trump's chaos was a big part of my husband's last days on earth. I know now that I should have diverted his attention, although he wanted to watch the news. I now limit my own media diet and reactions. Stop abusive ad tactics!
Ode to Philadelphia, MS. Since St. Ron you Republicans hunted, captured, and converted racists into your voters. And GOP polluted and perverted. But shoot, don't worry nuthin' really bad gonna happen. Except: Thomas Alito Beer boy Bret Catholic Coney B. But don't worry. Elect Reagan. USA,USA. Felt good, huh? Worked for the Bushes Worked for Trump Told yourself that Haley is honorable, different? No it's the racism stupid & the tax cuts fools. It's a million COVID deaths. Thanks ex-GOPers
Yes show the work I love it. As for SNAP make ads playing on heart strings, voice over statistics about children without food and end with pics of white kids. For loan relief talk about people trying to get into the trades who need help because they can't keep earn enough while in CC trade school, then end on scenes of white people and say the GOP opposes such aid. Haley is a POS. My rant: there's pundiNt ain't a word, and it is verse-us not verse. Peace.
Comey another "conservative" (what did you all say you are conserving,again?) who speaks out once he gets out. Profile in the usual bullshit. Where are the conservative Republicans who saw Trump from inside, who stayed to help "control" him, but did not. Kelly, et al silent as the "loser" dead soldiers. Give me AFB! Cowards all. Comey, sounds reasonable, reflecting on his tough choices as he torpedoed HRC, and go on shows to hawk his books. Wow. Man, your soft touch with him was cringe worthy.
"...and Steve Bannon, looking like someone destroyed the painting he had hidden in his closet." 🤣😂🤣😂 Another blessing of the Trump era - finding out that some conservatives are actually quite funny when they loosen up! 😊
Interesting conversation. Fertilizer for fascism is everywhere, huh? By the way, upside down flags have historically been a sign of distress or a state of emergency... I might do it to demonstrate my horror with the anti-democratic pit MAGA is dragging us into, while the MAGAots down the street might do it to protest "the steal." Per U.S. flag code, the flag should never be displayed upside down "except as a signal of dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property." Cheers.
I doubt that Joe Walsh and I would agree about many policies, but I'm proud to call him my fellow countryman. This has been one of the best parts of the Trump years - realizing how much I actually have in common with so many conservatives when things get down to brass tacks. It makes me really hopeful. I've really enjoyed learning more about conservatives like the Bulwark with a newly open mind, since now I know they're sincerely patriotic and I can trust them.
Who the hell is Jonah? No, don't tell me. He does not interest me at all.
Ms. Neumann: US based Nazi summer camps, Lindbergh, Fish, Langer, Wheeler, Lundeen, Pelley's White Shirts, Father Coughlin's Christian Front, and many other far right, antisemitic, "Christian" movements in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s were armed. US armories were robbed factories blown up. A former RC my take on "Christians" following Jesus Christ who support or work with Donald Trump runs cynical to scornful. I think Jesus would agree as he damned hypocrites and fed the poor and healed the sick.