Are We Approaching the Best Case Scenario?
Apparently, this is the week for so-called moderate Republicans to come out and voice their support for Trump, despite no one asking them too. This included former Sen. Richard Burr, who finds no contradiction between a vote for Trump and his vote to impeach him for Jan. 6. Plus, what's the best case scenario for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign, and how likely is it we'll get it in Nove...
58m Aug 14, 2024
58m
Kamala's Left Field Veep Pick
Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, and everyone but Never-Trump Republicans is happy! Plus, Donald Trump makes an insane Truth Social post where he fantasizes about President Joe Biden getting back into the race. Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL (https://zbiotics.com/pages/am-nextlevel) to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.
42m Aug 07, 2024
42m
The Simone and Josh Show (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
The conservatives who hate Simone Biles and the progressives who don't like Josh Shapiro. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe
36m Aug 02, 2024
36m
The Trump Campaign Implodes
The campaign has completely turned on its head after Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic Party’s nominee. She’s got the right message, the right mentality, and an excited base that could propel her to a win against Donald Trump in November. The Trump campaign, by the way, is completely panicking, as shown by its public shunning of Project 2025 and second guessing of Sen. JD Vanc...
58m Jul 31, 2024
58m
Kamala's Upside Potential (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
If she crosses over to become a mainstream cultural figure, then watch out . . . Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe
29m Jul 26, 2024
29m
Kamala's Perfect Storm
President Biden stepping off the ticket and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris has led to a huge vibe shift with Democrats. Can Harris ride this wave to November? What are her strengths and weaknesses? And who should she pick as her own veep? Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL Head to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL (https://www.lum...
53m Jul 24, 2024
53m
Secret Podcast Preview: The Republican Convention After-Action Report
Trump, Tucker, J.D. Vance, and the beginning of the real campaign. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe
27m Jul 19, 2024
27m
Bent Knees
The Republican Nation convention is underway, and every former critic still in the party, from Donald Trump’s new veep JD Vance to Nikki, is bending the knee in a show of unity. Plus, the Biden campaign continues to go after critics in the part who think he should step aside, even as the map to victory continues to shrink. We’re heading to Dallas on September 5 for An Evening with The Bulwark....
59m Jul 17, 2024
59m
Blue MAGA
In some concerning ways, President Biden has taken a page out of Donald Trump’s book some in his party pressure him to leave the ticket, and a few of his supporters are attacking anyone opposed to his place atop the Democratic ticket. At the same time, some Democrats who publicly, and accurately, call another Trump term a serious threat to democracy don’t really think that’s the case, and thei...
51m Jul 10, 2024
51m
Group Therapy (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Being in the out-group. Again. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
28m Jul 05, 2024
28m
Burdened by What Currently Is
Voters, not just pundits and donors, are in a panic over whether President Joe Biden should remain atop the ticket, with more and more Americans calling for him to step aside for Democrats to have the best shot of protecting the country from another rump presidency. Is Vice President Kamala Harris the only person who could replace him? Or should the Democratic Party try to put a popular midwes...
53m Jul 03, 2024
53m
At Least Insanity is Honest
Yesterday's primary results kicked out Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman, but welcomed back Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, because the Dems have standards. Plus, polls show more voters, somehow, think Donald Trump will be better for Democracy than President Biden, but can the current president turn things around with tomorrow's debate? Will Saletan subs in for Sarah on today's episode! Go to lume...
46m Jun 26, 2024
46m
The Dark Level: Is Nothing Sacred?
In this special TNL/Dark Side mash-up, JVL & A.B. attempt to break Tim's resolve by discussing President Biden's concerning showing in a new Ann Selzer poll, Black voters’ waning support for Biden, the rallying of CEOs to Donald Trump's cause, and the culture war drama surrounding Caitlin Clark. Note: There will be no new episode of The Next Level until Wednesday, June 26th. Get started with ...
46m Jun 17, 2024
46m
Trump's Truth Has No Value
Hunter Biden's conviction might be beneficial for Joe Biden's campaign, but that hasn't stopped the GOP from dismissing the justice they claim to crave and spreading conspiracies the trial was orchestrated by the "deep state." Plus, Donald Trump's Truth Social is producing an embarrassingly small amount of money, new inflation numbers, the issue of crime, and Sonny, subbing in for Tim, gives h...
51m Jun 12, 2024
51m
Five Months Out From November
The GOP continues to be all in on Donald Trump, even after a conviction, choosing to blame the deep state rather than do a single thing to deter the felon's comeback. But have the polls shifted in President Biden's favor since the verdict? Plus, Trump and Biden's dual Time interviews, Biden takes new executive action on immigration and Sen. Joe Manchin leaves the Democratic Party. Head to FACT...
51m Jun 05, 2024
51m
Is He Guilty? (The Secret Podcast Preview)
It's the only question that matters. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a live show in Denver on June 21. Tickets are on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events (http://thebulwark.com/events) .
33m May 31, 2024
33m
The Grist for the Grievance Mill
The jury in Trump’s trial is now deliberating, and the gang discusses the impact a conviction, hung jury or acquittal could have on the election. Plus, the scandal surrounding SCOTUS Justice Samuel Alito continues to escalate, and the Democrats are in total freakout mode as polls continue to show Trump winning against President Biden. Head to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL (https://www.lumen.me/?utm_so...
46m May 29, 2024
46m
It Doesn't Matter Which Reich Trump Meant
It's been a a chaotic week in GOP politics, with Donald Trump sharing a video hyping up a "United Reich, SCOTUS Justice Alito's upside down flag revelation, and a new MAGA conspiracy making the rounds claiming the FBI tried to assassinate Trump. Oh, and voters continue to see the economy as horrendous, while failing to register Trump as a socially conservative radical. Join Tim, Sarah and JVL...
50m May 22, 2024
50m
Only the Worst People (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Sarah and JVL talk about Samuel Alito’s flag, Greg Abbott’s favorite murderer, MTG’s spectacle, and Bob Menendez’s gold bars. The scumbags are ascendent and it is glorious. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a live show in Denver on June 21. Tickets are on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events (http://...
28m May 18, 2024
28m
The Next Level Live in DC!
The gang was live in D.C. last night to talk President Biden challenging Donald Trump to a debate in June. The former president accepted the early debate, but is it a smart move from the White House? Plus, the gang dives deep on where they stand on recent polling and the mindset of “the people,” and ponder whether they would vote for former GOP. Gov. Larry Hogan for the open Maryland senate se...
57m May 16, 2024
57m
Stormy with a Chance of Guilty (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Sarah and JVL talk about the cross examination of Stormy Daniels, Biden’s move to deny Israel heavy ordinance, Marco Rubio’s VP quest, and all of the anti-anti-Trumpers getting ready to jump back on side. It’s a big episode. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
32m May 10, 2024
32m
You Don't Want to Hear All the Stormy Details
Stormy Daniels takes the stand in one of Trump's trials, while Judge Aileen Cannon indefinitely delays another! Plus, what's the difference between former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and former Speaker Paul Ryan? One will does the right thing and vote for Joe Biden, while the other can only bring himself to write-in another conservative. Head to FACTORMEALS.com/thenextlevel5 (https://www.fac...
45m May 08, 2024
45m
Why Kim Jong-Un Underestimated Kristi Noem (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Also: Trump's first criminal trial is going great. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
28m May 03, 2024
28m
It's Always Dark in Trump's America (Live from Philadelphia)
The gang went to Philly and hosted a live event where they discussed the terrifying new Time magazine interview with Donald Trump, and why everyone is talking about college protests instead! Plus, a dark deep dive into how Americans can still choose to elect Trump and a debate on which Republican has embarrassed themselves the most auditioning to be his veep.
59m May 02, 2024
59m
The Supreme Court Won't Save Us (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
And it's not clear that the SCOTUS would want to, even if it could. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
30m Apr 26, 2024
30m
The Tabloid Candidate
David Pecker’s testimony in Trump's trial highlights how his lies and misinformation dominated his 2016 campaign. And Marco Rubio's pathetic attempt to become Trump's veep has led him to vote against funding for Ukraine, but the gang is pretty sure conservative "normies" will eat the selection up. Plus, the potential for RFK Jr. to hurt Trump, rather than Biden, the reason why foreign aid fina...
54m Apr 24, 2024
54m
Catch Up: Sununu, Johnson, and DJT (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Sarah was out of pocket and off the grid all week. JVL was doing his best work in Overtime. So they play a rapid-fire game of catch up on everything Sarah missed. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
22m Apr 19, 2024
22m
The Trial of Donald J. Trump
Speaker Mike Johnson is battling Marjorie Taylor Greene's attempt to oust him while also crafting legislation to give foreign allies aid, a tall task given how continually chaotic his slim majority has been. Plus, jurors are selected for Donald Trump's trial, while JVL and A.B., subbing in for Sarah, give their thoughts on Tim's interview with Ross Douthat. Get tickets to see Sarah, Tim & JVL...
52m Apr 17, 2024
52m
What Trump Did to Pro-Life Inc. (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
And cancer finally catches up with O.J. Simpson. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
27m Apr 12, 2024
27m
The 1860s are Back!
The OG trio is back to discuss the Arizona Supreme Court's upholding of an 1864 law banning nearly all abortions in the state.
51m Apr 10, 2024
51m
The Economy Keeps Getting Better (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Tim subs in for Sarah to talk new economic data that hopefully starts to make Americans feel good enough to vote for President Biden! Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
12m Apr 05, 2024
12m
Enemies and Traitors Working Together
Nikki Haley pulled a decent chunk of the Wisconsin primary vote, despite being out of the race for weeks, while the Governor of Nebraska is taking the lead of Charlie Kirk when it comes to changing their electoral college system. Plus, while JVL is out on Spring Break, Andrew Eggers joins Tim and Sarah to discuss their absent colleague's piece about Donald Trump running for a third term! Go to...
48m Apr 03, 2024
48m
Cable News Is Kabuki Theater (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Ronna McDaniel wasn't hired to analyze the news. She was hired to play a part. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
24m Mar 29, 2024
24m
The Big Lie is Hiring Up!
The RNC, now under Lara Trump, is asking candidates if they believe the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump, creating a new litmus test for Republicans who want to work in politics. Plus, Republicans politicize the tragic Baltimore bridge collapse, Candace Owens is out at the Daily Wire, and Donald Trump grifts off selling bibles! Will Saletan subs in for Sarah on this week's episode! H...
52m Mar 27, 2024
52m
Ohio Says Goodbye to Anything Other Than MAGA
Trump-endorsed businessman Bernie Moreno easily won the GOP senate primary in Ohio on Tuesday, and will face off against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in November. Dems are thrilled, because they think the MAGA candidate and his scandals give them their best shot at keeping the seat. And how many votes is Nikki Haley getting after dropping out? What does it mean for the general election? Plus,...
51m Mar 20, 2024
51m
The Trumps Welcome the RNC into the Family
Lara Trump's takeover of the RNC has led to massive lay offs and looks to be steering the political organization towards paying off Trump's legal bills. Essentially, get ready for the RNC to be just another limb of the Trump campaign. Plus, Robert Hur testifies before Congress, defending his controversial report where he made a low assessment of President Biden's mental faculties. And Rep. Nan...
53m Mar 13, 2024
53m
Biden's State of the Union Masterclass (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
May we interest you in a t-shirt? Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
25m Mar 08, 2024
25m
This is the End, Our Primary Friends
Super Tuesday has come to the close, and so has the entire 2024 primary season. Nikki Haley has dropped out, essentially sealing to deal on another Trump vs. Biden rematch. How are the hosts feeling now that the GOP is sprinting towards November with an aspiring dictator at the top of their ticket? Listen to find out! Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL (https://zbiotics.com/pages/am-nextlevel) to ge...
53m Mar 06, 2024
53m
Trump and Biden Went to Texas (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
We finally got the Trump-Biden split-screen. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
22m Mar 01, 2024
22m
Biden Goes on Offense
Both President Joe Biden and Donald Trump scored big victories in their respective Michigan primaries, but what do the numbers tell us about the general election? Regardless, Biden is finally speaking in public more, and taking shots at both Trump and the GOP while he's at it. Senate Republicans are also on the verge of killing a bill to protect IVF, with Senator J.D. Vance calling the Democra...
47m Feb 29, 2024
47m
Live from Principles First!
Listen to Sarah Longwell, Jonathan V. Last and A.B. Stoddard live on stage at the 2024 Principles First Summit!
46m Feb 26, 2024
46m
Together. Again. (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Everything, everywhere, all at once. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
14m Feb 23, 2024
14m
The Dying Star Witness
The House GOP's key informant for their impeachment efforts against President Joe Biden has charged with lying about his the Biden family's business dealings in Ukraine. How is this not a bigger deal! Plus, the gang discuss Nikki Haley's vow to stay in the race as the South Carolina primary approaches, as well as the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 proposals for Donald Trump if he wins anot...
54m Feb 22, 2024
54m
Genuine Patriots and Useful Idiots (The Secret Podcast Preview)
A study in contrast. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/it-follows
31m Feb 16, 2024
31m
Dems Took All the Reliable Voters
Dems continue their special election winning streak by flipping expelled Congressman George Santos' seat. Is it reason to be optimistic for November? And did the GOP sinking the border deal contribute? Plus, Sarah is back and responds to opinions President Joe Biden is too old and needs to step aside, and the gang debate whether Nikki Haley will ultimately endorse Donald Trump. Learn more abo...
49m Feb 15, 2024
49m
It Follows (The Secret Podcast Preview)
Once authoritarianism enters the political realm, it distorts everything. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/it-follows
30m Feb 09, 2024
30m
Mike Makes a Mess & Ronna Romney Runs Away
It's been a mess of a week for the GOP. Senate Republicans tanked their own bipartisan border bill, while House Republicans failed to deliver the votes to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, and provide aid to Israel. The DC Court of Appeals also ruled that former President Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution, just as RNC chair Ronna McDaniel steps down to make w...
55m Feb 08, 2024
55m
Here's Why Trump is Beatable (with Tristan Snell)
Tim is joined by attorney Tristan Snell, who helped lead the prosecution of Trump University. They discuss the case and delve into the best legal strategies to take on Donald Trump with, so that the tyrant can finally be held accountable for his crimes. Buy Tristan's book, "Taking Down Trump: 12 Rules For Prosecuting Donald Trump By Someone Who Did It Successfully," here: https://www.penguinra...
50m Feb 04, 2024
50m
Joe Tells Us What He Really Thinks About Trump (The Secret Podcast Preview)
Also: How not to live and/or die with the polls over the next 9 months.
27m Feb 02, 2024
27m
MAGA Loses Their Minds Over Taylor Swift
Biden is still down in the polls, but is it still too soon to take them seriously? Sarah has thoughts on which of the swing states Biden has to win, and she disagrees with JVL's thoughts on Nikki Haley finally going after Trump. Plus, the Trump endorsements are really starting to get to Tim, and MAGA rages against Taylor Swift for being a successful, popular liberal. Go to greenchef.com/60next...
57m Feb 01, 2024
57m