Tucker Carlson Looked Her in the Eyes and Lied
Will Saletan breaks down Tucker Carlson’s series of interviews with the New York Times and shows why his “apology tour” doesn’t hold up. From flat-out denials caught on tape to wild swings between moral outrage and shrugging off atrocities, the pattern is the story: in one moment he sounds reasonable, in the next he’s saying the exact opposite. Read Lulu Garcia-Navarro's article on Tucker Carl...
13m May 04
13m
Trump’s Golf Obsession, Groyper Conference Disaster, Daily Wire Layoffs | MAGA Monday
Will Sommer and Sam Stein are going live to cover the biggest news in the right wing fever swamp. For a limited time, listeners can get an exclusive $25 off AuraFrame's best-selling Carver Matframe at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARKTAKES with code BULWARKTAKES. Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego and Los Angeles in May: https://thebulwark.com/events
43m May 04
43m
Todd Blanche Melts Down Defending Absurd Comey Case
On ‘Meet the Press’, Todd Blanche, Trump’s Acting Attorney General, tries to defend the Justice Department’s indictment of James Comey, but the explanation doesn’t hold up particularly well under scrutiny. Sam Stein and Will Saletan take on the flimsy argument, the timeline, and why the case is drawing skepticism, not just from critics but with Republicans as well. Tickets for our Bulwark Live...
12m May 03
12m
Nobody Believed Orbán Could Lose. Then It Happened. (w/ H. David Baer)
H. David Baer joins Bill Kristol for Bulwark on Sunday to discuss the lessons of Hungary. Read Baer's article in The Bulwark (https://www.thebulwark.com/p/how-peter-magyar-toppled-viktor-orban-illiberal-regime-hungary) Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego and Los Angeles in May (https://thebulwark.com/events)
39m May 03
39m
Marc Elias: This is the End of the Voting Rights Act
Tim Miller talks with Democracy Docket's Marc Elias about the mess unfolding in Louisiana, where votes are already being cast—and now the election itself could be reset. Marc explains the Supreme Court decision reshaping the Voting Rights Act, the rush to redraw maps across multiple states, and why both parties are bracing for a full-on redistricting war ahead of 2026. Tickets for our Bulwark ...
32m May 03
32m
Scott Jennings Threw a Fit on Live Television
Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Will Sommer discuss a chaotic CNN panel blowup, the strange rise of Scott Jennings as cable news’ go-to defender, and the surreal world of MAGA-themed cruises—from a “Gulf of America” getaway to a gay conservative cruise that left Tim stunned. They talk about the escalating Candace Owens feud and lawsuit drama, plus one of the weirdest political clips you’ll see all w...
27m May 02
27m
He Voted for Trump Twice. Now He’s Running for Senate as a Democrat. (w/ Kyle Sweetser)
Sarah Longwell is joined by Kyle Sweetser, a former Trump voter and lifelong Republican who is now running for Senate in Alabama as a Democrat. Sweetser explains how Trump-era tariffs impacted his business, why January 6 pushed him into political activism, and why he believes Democrats can compete in deep red states by directly challenging MAGA politics instead of avoiding the fight. They also ...
24m May 02
24m
Catherine Rampell & JVL on Oil Price Spikes, Awful Inflation, Record Debt | Receipts Live
Catherine Rampell and JVL went live to discuss the week's economic and financial news. For a limited time, listeners can get an exclusive $25 off AuraFrame's best-selling Carver Matframe at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARKTAKES with code BULWARKTAKES. Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego and Los Angeles in May: https://thebulwark.com/events
53m May 01
53m
This Democrat Smells Blood in Deep Red Florida (w/ Bale Dalton)
Tim Miller talks with Navy veteran and former NASA Chief of Staff Bail Dalton, who’s running for Congress in a deep red Florida district Democrats usually ignore—but may now be in play. They dig into his opponent, Rep. Cory Mills' the mountain of scandals and lies, and why Trump-era chaos could open the door for an upset. For a limited time, listeners can get an exclusive $25 off AuraFrame's b...
21m May 01
21m
After 75 Days of Shutdown, They End It Like This? (w/ Jake Sherman)
Sam Stein talks with Jake Sherman about a week of House chaos that somehow ended in a string of wins—key bills passed, a shutdown quietly ended, and hardliners once again backed down. They break down why the threats never stick, how Mike Johnson keeps his conference in line, and why Republicans are still sticking with Trump even as his numbers slide—plus what it all means for redistricting and ...
23m May 01
23m
BREAKING: Trump Ditches MAHA Surgeon General, Bashes GOP Senator, Nominates Fox Contributor
Sam Stein and Jonathan Cohn are going live to cover Trump's newest Surgeon General nominee, Dr. Nicole Saphier, a Fox News contributor. After pulling Casey Means' nomination, Trump bashed GOP Senator Bill Cassidy for opposing Means. Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARKTAKES. Promo Code BULWARKTAKES Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego and Los Angeles in...
27m Apr 30
27m
The Joke Tim Couldn’t Say on Live TV
Tim Miller was all over MS NOW, talking about Trump’s $400 million “gold ballroom” obsession as his poll numbers slide and voters feel squeezed. He breaks down why the GOP’s usual message machine—coordinated distractions, echo chamber spin, and nonstop attacks—is suddenly falling flat, with backlash over Iran, rising gas prices, and broken promises piling up. For a limited time, listeners can ...
13m Apr 30
13m
Trump Is WAY Too Stupid To Pull Off a False Flag
Tim Miller unloads on the wave of “false flag” theories spreading after the White House Correspondents’ Dinner incident, calling out how quickly people abandon basic facts when politics takes over. Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARKTAKES. Promo Code BULWARKTAKES
24m Apr 30
24m
Hegseth Acts Like A Child In Front of Congress
Sam Stein and Will Saletan give their takes on Pete Hegseth’s heated appearance on Capitol Hill, where questions about the $25 billion war with Iran quickly turned into personal attacks and repeated deflections. Hegseth spent much of his time avoiding accountability, focusing instead on blaming Democrats, raising questions about how he is approaching one of the most consequential national secur...
22m Apr 29
22m
Are Young People Trying to Escape the Internet?
Conor Kilgore and Rachel Janfaza discuss why Noah Kahan has become a defining voice for Gen Z—and what his music reveals about a generation shaped by COVID, social media overload, and constant comparison. They get into the mental health themes, the push to log off and reconnect with real life, and why so many young people feel nostalgic for a world they never actually lived in. Exclusive $25-o...
23m Apr 29
23m
Hegseth’s Takeover of Military Newspaper (w/ Jacqueline Smith) | Command Post
The Pentagon is under fire after the Jacqueline Smith, ombudsman for Stars and Stripes, says she was dismissed for raising concerns about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. What does this mean for press independence inside the military? Read more from Jacqueline's op-ed: https://www.stripes.com/opinion/2026-04-23/stripes-former-ombudsman-pentagon-trying-to-silence-21465037.html For a limited tim...
33m Apr 29
33m
Paramount Asks FCC To Approve Up to 100% Foreign Ownership of CBS, CNN
Sonny Bunch and Catherine Rampell break down a wave of major FCC developments shaping the future of American media. Paramount is asking the FCC to approve up to 100% foreign ownership in a massive media deal that could impact CBS and CNN. Foreign money is flowing deeper into American news—and regulators may be on the verge of signing off. Meanwhile, the FCC is also reviewing Disney’s broadcast ...
24m Apr 29
24m
Tim Miller Has Some BRUTAL Advice for Democrats (w/ Lib & Learn)
Tim Miller joins the Lib & Learn podcast to discuss the WHCD incident, the media spin that followed, and why both parties keep getting the moment wrong. He explains the real problem inside the Democratic coalition, how the GOP’s viral messaging machine works, and what it would actually take for Democrats to win again. Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARKTAKES. Prom...
1hr 29m Apr 29
1hr 29m
EXCLUSIVE: Trump Is Sticking His Face On YOUR Passport
Sam Stein and Ben Parker break down a Bulwark exclusive that the State Department is putting Trump's face on U.S. passports, as part of "America 250." Sam and Ben walk through what the redesign would actually include, why it’s unprecedented, and how it fits into a broader pattern of Trump branding across federal symbols and institutions. Plus, they break down how we reached out to the White Hou...
15m Apr 29
15m
Melania Joins Trump’s War on Jimmy Kimmel | Morning Shots
Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol are going live at 10am ET to discuss the week's biggest news items. Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego and Los Angeles in May: https://thebulwark.com/events For a limited time, listeners can get an exclusive $25 off AuraFrame's best-selling Carver Matframe at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARKTAKES with code BULWARKTAKES.
47m Apr 28
47m
Could the Florida Gerrymander Blow Up on the GOP? (w/ Marc Caputo)
Sam Stein welcomes Axios' Marc Caputo to discuss Florida’s new redistricting map—and the legal storm it’s about to trigger. Governor Ron DeSantis has unveiled a plan that could shift Florida’s congressional delegation from 20–8 to as much as 24–4 in favor of Republicans. But there’s a major problem: Florida’s constitution explicitly bans partisan gerrymandering. So how is this happening? Right...
21m Apr 28
21m
MAGA Turns Shooting Into Ballroom Pitch | MAGA Mondays
Sam Stein and Will Sommer are going live to discuss how Trump's allies are relentlessly using the WHCD shooting to push the new ballroom, the fascinating details of the individual reactions from Trump cabinet members to the shooting, and the absurd fight at the Substack party. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code BULWARKTAKES.
43m Apr 27
43m
White Supremacy on the Right (w/ Tom Joscelyn) | Bulwark on Sunday
Bill Kristol and Tom Joscelyn went live to discuss white supremacy in the online Right and why they're obsessed with attacking the Southern Poverty Law Center.
37m Apr 26
37m
LIVE: WHCD Shooting—What We Know Now, What’s Next
Bill Kristol and Sam Stein are going live to discuss the aftermath of the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Shooting.
23m Apr 26
23m
LIVE: Gunfire at White House Correspondents’ Dinner; Trump Holds Press Event
Sam Stein reacts live to the shooting at the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and Trump's press event afterward.
22m Apr 26
22m
Explaining "Never Trump" to David Pakman
Tim Miller joins David Pakman for a wide-ranging conversation on Trump’s unraveling, the “MAGA betrayal” moment among anti-war influencers, and what comes next for the right. They discuss why some of Trump’s loudest supporters feel misled, who actually drives conservative media, and how Never Trump has evolved into something broader. Plus: how to talk to voters who are starting to reconsider—an...
24m Apr 25
24m
Trump Botched The Easiest Photo Op Ever
Catherine Rampell and Sarah Matthews take on the botched White House photo op that went viral. Donald Trump hosted the 2025 NCAA champion Georgia Bulldogs women’s tennis team—but puts them in the background and skips their handshake. They break down the optics, the politics, and what it reveals about the “women’s sports” talking point. Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego and LA in ...
17m Apr 25
17m
Trump’s Pick to Lead The Navy Is a Walking Red Flag
Sam Stein and Jared Poland give their takes on Trump’s new acting Navy secretary, Hung Cao. From viral podcast clips to resurfaced campaign interviews, Cao leans hard into “alpha male” rhetoric, conspiracy-adjacent claims about witches, and extreme takes on immigration, NATO, and the military. It’s a wild collection of moments, including comments about “peeing standing up,” calling ICE on peopl...
15m Apr 25
15m
California’s Governor Race Is Absolute Chaos
Sarah Longwell breaks down California’s chaotic governor’s race, where 61 candidates and a fractured Democratic field could open the door for Republicans. In polls, Xavier Becerra is quietly rising as the “safe” choice  with Katie Porter still facing questions about her personal baggage, and billionaire Tom Steyer took most of the heat on the debate stage. All of this as Republicans, like Steve...
14m Apr 24
14m
BREAKING: Worst Consumer Sentiment in History; DOJ Drops Criminal Probe of Chair Powell
Catherine Rampell and JVL are going live to cover the week's biggest developments in the world of finance and the economy. Read Catherine Rampell's 'Receipts' Newsletter (https://www.thebulwark.com/s/receipts) Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego and LA in May (https://thebulwark.com/events)
43m Apr 24
43m
Tim Miller Nukes Grotesque “Pastor” Doug Wilson
Tim Miller appeared on Piers Morgan Uncensored and got into a heated on-air clash with a right-wing “pastor” while dismantling the case for Trump’s war with Iran. Watch more Piers Morgan Uncensored: https://www.youtube.com/piersmorganuncensored Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego and LA in May: https://thebulwark.com/events
17m Apr 24
17m
Kash Patel SNAPS at Reporter on Live TV
Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down a chaotic day involving Kash Patel. First, Patel snaps at a reporter when pressed about his own lawsuit, turning a simple question into a total meltdown. They also dig into the Justice Department’s indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center, explaining the allegations and why the case is already raising serious questions. Finally, they examine a troubling...
23m Apr 24
23m
Republicans Have 7 Months Left to Bury the Epstein Files
The Epstein files are back in the news and JVL and Will Sommer are here to break down the latest. Republicans are now weighing whether to recommend a pardon for convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. At the same time, the Department of Justice’s internal watchdog is launching a review into how the Epstein files were handled, raising new questions about what was released, what was withheld,...
11m Apr 24
11m
Katie Couric LIVE on Trump's AWFUL Polls, GOP's Gerrymander Faceplant, WHCD Drama
Katie Couric is joining JVL and Bill Kristol to talk about Trump's dismal approval polling, the GOP's failed attempt to gain an edge in the House via gerrymandering, and the upcoming White House Correspondents Dinner.
1hr 7m Apr 22
1hr 7m
BOMBSHELL: The Kennedy Center Isn’t Closed For “Renovations”—It’s Bankrupt! (w/ Josef Palermo)
Sonny Bunch speaks with whistleblower Josef Palermo, who saw the collapse of the Kennedy Center from the inside. The Kennedy Center president Ric Grenell and the Trump administration said the shutdown was about renovations. But Palermo says the real story is financial collapse, political interference, and a dramatic shift away from the institution’s mission. From six-figure ticket markups to a ...
21m Apr 22
21m
We’re Running Low on Munitions—Just Seven Weeks Into the War
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker are discussing the week's major military and foreign policy news. The Bulwark is going to Southern California! Go to https://thebulwark.com/events to learn more.
48m Apr 22
48m
BREAKING: Virginia Redistricting Referendum PASSES
Tim Miller and Bill Kristol give their takes on a major election night development in Virginia as voters approve a redistricting referendum that reshapes the state’s congressional map and clears the way for a potential 10–1 Democratic advantage. The result marks a significant political victory for Democrats, who moved aggressively to counter Republican-led gerrymandering efforts in other states...
15m Apr 22
15m
Laura Loomer’s Unhinged Crusade Is Eating the Right Alive
Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Will Sommer break down the explosive feud between Candace Owens and Laura Loomer, including the shocking “sexual predator” and gay husband accusations flying back and forth. The trio takes on Donald Trump’s teased MAGA media rankings and builds their own list of winners, losers, and the truly unhinged figures in Trumpworld. Plus, why a devoted Nick Fuentes supporter w...
38m Apr 22
38m
BREAKING: A Truly Unhinged Trump Interview | Morning Shots LIVE
Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol are going live at 10am ET on April 21 to cover the week's biggest news items. Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes to find and instantly book a doctor you love today.
47m Apr 21
47m
The MAGA Heir No One Took Seriously… Until Now
Andrew Egger talks with JVL about a 2028 scenario that sounds ridiculous at first… until you actually walk through the logic. A surprise contender is polling near the top of the GOP field and could have a clearer path to the nomination than anyone wants to admit. They break down why the Republican primary may be effectively frozen for 2028, how the MAGA base shapes the field, and why some of th...
26m Apr 20
26m
Is Mike Waltz Saying We Should Bomb HOSPITALS?
Will Saletan takes on Trump's threats to destroy Iran’s infrastructure—and the chilling defense from top officials who say “all options” includes targets that blur into civilian life. As the language shifts from bridges to hospitals and schools, the question isn’t just strategy—it’s how far the U.S. is willing to go. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/bulw...
16m Apr 20
16m
Major MAGA Figures Say Trump’s Assassination Attempt Was Staged | MAGA Monday
Sam Stein and Will Sommer went live to discuss the week's biggest developments in the right-wing fever swamp. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/bulwarktakes. The Bulwark is headed to Southern California! Go to https://thebulwark.com/events to get your tickets for our LA and San Diego live shows.
45m Apr 20
45m
Holy Cow, THIS Is How You Beat Trump!
Sam Stein and Sarah Longwell take on why two Democrats are breaking through, and what the rest of the party is still getting wrong. They look at standout appearances from Jon Ossoff and Pete Buttigieg, focusing on message discipline, authenticity, and why showing up in tough places matters more than chasing the latest podcast trend.
22m Apr 20
22m
Trump’s Bleating Iran Strategy Is Spiraling Out of Control
Sam Stein and Sarah Longwell discuss the latest chaos in Trump’s Iran strategy, from collapsing negotiations to escalating threats that may be pushing the U.S. toward a much bigger conflict, and the growing concern that even his own team is managing around him.
15m Apr 19
15m
Bill Kristol & Ryan Goodman: How Trump Could Weaponize Surveillance
NYU law professor Ryan Goodman joins Bill Kristol to discuss how surveillance powers could be used—and abused—by the Donald Trump administration. Plus, a broader look at Trump's escalating clashes with the rule of law and what, if anything, Congress can still do to push back.
40m Apr 19
40m
Where Did the Campus Protests Go in Trump 2.0?
Rachel Janfaza and Lauren Egan explore a striking political shift: campus protests that once followed every move of Democrats have all but vanished under Trump—even amid a growing conflict with Iran. From massive campus shutdowns to near silence, what happened to Gen Z activism? They discuss protest fatigue, fear of consequences, changing campus rules, and a deeper cultural shift among young vo...
24m Apr 18
24m
BREAKING: Strait of Hormuz is ALREADY Closed Again
Tim Miller takes on fast-moving developments after Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz again and fires on commercial ships—less than a day after Donald Trump said it would "never" close again. Plus: Trump’s appearance with Joe Rogan, his response to the crisis, and his decision to shut down questions from reporters.
13m Apr 18
13m
BOMBSHELL: FBI Director Reportedly Drinking, Missing Work, Sometimes Unreachable
Tim Miller reacts to a jaw-dropping article in The Atlantic which alleges that FBI Director Kash Patel was repeatedly unreachable on the job—including an incident where security considered breaching a locked door to wake him. From a bizarre meltdown over a computer login to allegations of heavy drinking, missed briefings, and weekends in Vegas, Tim takes on this shocking report. Read Sarah Fit...
12m Apr 18
12m
Tim Miller: Trump’s “Deal” Doesn’t Add Up
Tim Miller joined Katy Tur on MS Now to walk through the growing gap between what Trump is claiming and what Iran is actually saying—highlighting major sticking points like enriched uranium and the fragile status of the Strait of Hormuz. Is this a real breakthrough… or just another rushed attempt to declare victory. Plus, Tim and Jonathan Cohn dig into new signs the White House may be quietly b...
20m Apr 18
20m
Trump Says Strait Is Open, Wants to Cut Iran a $20B Check | Receipts LIVE
JVL and Catherine Rampell are going live to cover Trump's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is open, the potential $20B Iran could get from the U.S., and Catherine's latest reporting on the White House blaming corporate greed for their economic woes. Read more from Catherine's newsletter here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/when-all-else-fails-just-blame-corporate-greed-greedflation Read m...
47m Apr 17
47m