The Bulwark Podcast Bill Kristol: The Administration’s Stupid Ethnonationalism
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Feb 16, 2026 
Bill Kristol, conservative commentator and founder of The Weekly Standard, offers sharp takes on ethno-nationalism and presidential mythmaking. He criticizes Rubio’s Europe-focused cultural claims and the praise of Viktor Orban. They debate Democratic reactions, DHS and ICE credibility, and the political stakes of nationalism versus universalist American ideals.
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Street Mood Felt More Optimistic
- Tim Miller reports Mardi Gras attendees felt more optimistic about Trump's political standing this year.
- He recounts people telling him it 'feels like it might be over for him' compared with last year.
Cultural Lineage Is Hybrid, Not Pure
- The Rolling Stones and other popular music drew heavily from African American culture, undermining a neat Europe-only cultural lineage.
- Bill Kristol and Tim Miller stress America's culture is hybrid and built on contributions from enslaved and marginalized peoples.
Art's Universal Appeal Undercuts Ethno-Nationalism
- Great works of art have universal appeal beyond their origins, which contradicts narrow ethno-nationalist claims.
- Bill Kristol argues universalism and globalism in culture strengthen, not weaken, shared values.