It Might Happen Here (The Secret Podcast Preview)
Sarah and JVL look at the polling and the vibes and come to slightly different conclusions. Then Sarah lets it rip about John Kelly. (Again.) And then JVL goes to the Dark Place. It’s a real journey. 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
26m Oct 25, 2024
26m
All the Fascist's Men
The gang reacts to the revelations that Gen. John Kelly, Donald Trump’s former chief of staff during his administration, believe the former president is a fascist and admired Adolf Hitler’s generals. This should be the October surprise, but the media seems incapable of treating it with the time and gravity the news requires. Meanwhile, Trump’s defenders claim Kelly to be a liar or minimize the...
51m Oct 23, 2024
51m
Live from Pittsburgh!
Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Jonathan V. Last stop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on their swing state tour. They discuss the state of the race, Donald Trump's support from billionaires, RFK Jr. joining the Trump cabinet, the Trump campaign wanting Nikki Haley to help them out while Trump insults her, and why, with the polls indicating a coin clip race, our gang still thinks Kamala Harris will ...
59m Oct 20, 2024
59m
Closing Argument: He's Insane!
The gang talks Donald Trump’s bizarre town hall that turned into a concert, and how it presents the clearest closing argument for Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign: the man’s lost his marbles. Plus the media’s insufficient job holding Trump and his surrogates, like Gov. Glenn Youngkin, accountable, and insights into Tim’s interview with tech bro Jason Calacanis. Get 20% off plus free sh...
1hr 6m Oct 16, 2024
1hr 6m
The Agony of St. Larry (The Secret Podcast Preview)
You know when someone says something that’s both obvious and profound and it crystallizes something you’ve long felt but couldn’t articulate? That’s what Angela Alsobrooks did to Larry Hogan last night and it was something else. Also: Sarah and JVL talk about the swing-state vibe shift in Trump’s direction and the idea that Trump has a ceiling. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free epi...
34m Oct 11, 2024
34m
AAAAHHHHH!
MAGA’s lies about hurricanes affecting the U.S. are as ridiculous as they are dangerous, leading some in the GOP to try to debunk the false reality their party created. Plus, Bob Woodward’s new book contains disturbing allegations of Donald Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin, both during and since his time in the White House, and Sarah gives some insights into her recent Nevada focus grou...
57m Oct 09, 2024
57m
So Much Rage
Let’s be honest, the gang loathes JD Vance with a burning passion and wanted Tim Walz destroy him. Instead, Walz was Mr. Midwest Nice. Did he miss an opportunity? Or was it exactly what the Harris campaign needed? Plus, the gang give their thoughts on the International Longshoremen’s Association’s strike and Judge Aileen Cannon getting another case related to Donald Trump. Get 15% off OneSkin ...
56m Oct 02, 2024
56m
The Latest Trump Scam (The Secret Podcast Preview)
Sarah can’t stop JVL from talking about the $100,000 Trump Watch. It’s pure candy this week. Also: A look ahead to Walz versus Vance. And is Kamala Harris “doing enough”? 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 Sep 27, 2024
29m
Where'd Walz Go?
The gang discuss Gov. Tim Walz’s lack of media appearances compared to Sen. JD Vance, Vice President Kamala Harris’s media strategy, Sen. Mitt Romney continuing to not endorse Harris, despite being fearful of Donald Trump’s wrath, and the ethics of online gambling! Go to greenchef.com/nextlevelclass (https://www.greenchef.com/pages/podcast?c=NEXTLEVELCLASS&mealsize=3-2&discount_comm_id=b386032...
55m Sep 25, 2024
55m
The Way of the Flesh (The Secret Podcast Preview)
Republican candidates and boat parades. 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 Sep 20, 2024
36m
Trump Bets it All on Male Voters
Post-debate movement is looking promising for Vice President Harris. Is the race still a tossup? It could come down to turnout between Harris’s newly enthused electorate and Donald Trump’s disgruntled male voters. Plus, the Trump campaign’s continued repugnant smears on Haitian migrants are having real-life consequences the ticket just doesn’t seem to care about. Upgrade your closet with Rhone...
54m Sep 18, 2024
54m
The Big Debate: JVL Likes MTG!?!? (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Sarah and JVL go 10 rounds on the the debate, and fact checking, and the proper role of moderators and news organizations in holding candidates accountable for presenting misinformation. 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
37m Sep 13, 2024
37m
Alpha Harris
Vice President Kamala Harris exceeded all expectations during her debate against a beta Donald Trump. The gang breaks down their thoughts on the debate, swing voter reactions, and potential ways it could affect the race. Plus, Tim gives some insight into his time in the spin room post-debate, including the fiery interactions with Sen. Lindsey Graham and other pro-Trump personalities. Head to l...
58m Sep 11, 2024
58m
LIVE Debate Reaction
Sarah Longwell, Jonathan V. Last, Tim Miller, Sam Stein and AB Stoddard give their immediate reactions to the Harris vs. Trump debate! Watch the full livestream on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/-xqxl2ICGPo?feature=share
35m Sep 11, 2024
35m
The Anti-Cheneys (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Plus: Russian operatives and Nazi historians. 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
34m Sep 06, 2024
34m
The GOP is Not Going Back
The gang talk what Kamala Harris needs to do in her debate against Trump to reignite her momentum, Republicans who want Donald Trump to lose to save their party, political yards signs and more! Check out Tim’s video on Harris’s “accent changes” here: https://youtu.be/wludyr3riKY Get 15% off OneSkin with the code NEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Head to ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL ...
1hr 4m Sep 04, 2024
1hr 4m
We're Not Fluffing Around
It's been a month since all three of our gang have recorded the show together, so they're delving deep into the state of the presidential race now that the DNC has concluded. Plus, Tim, Sarah and JVL all get their own rant on what's infuriated them in politics. Head to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL (https://www.lumen.me/?utm_source=sp-influencer&utm_medium=podcast&utm_id=sp1081&utm_banner=sp1081-pc-20...
1hr 22m Aug 28, 2024
1hr 22m
Everything Is Good. Too Good. (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
JVL and Bill Kristol talk about the unsettling feeling that the campaign is going . . . really well. 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
19m Aug 16, 2024
19m
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....
1hr Jul 17, 2024
1hr
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