The Bulwark Podcast Sam Stein: The Ridiculously Unserious President
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Mar 12, 2026 
Sam Stein, managing editor and political reporter, offers sharp commentary on U.S. politics and foreign policy. He dissects the Iran conflict and its unclear aims. He highlights economic fallout from the war and bizarre White House rituals like the shoe loyalty test. He also covers immigration breakdowns, a strange Oklahoma Senate maneuver, and chaotic presidential behavior during crisis.
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War Costs Bite Domestic Budgets
- The war's early cost was roughly $1.5 billion per day, quickly eroding fiscal arguments used against domestic spending.
- Miller compares the seven-day $11.3 billion tab to domestic program budgets like Obamacare subsidies.
Fertilizer Shortages Threaten Food Prices
- Disruptions to Persian Gulf oil and fertilizer (urea) supply chains will drive higher agricultural and grocery prices.
- Miller highlights New Orleans' fertilizer hub and China's export ban as drivers of spring-cost increases.
Crawfish Plants Idle From Visa Shortages
- Louisiana crawfish processors face idle plants because temporary migrant workers can't enter due to tightened immigration rules.
- Tim Miller laments empty peeling rooms and warns seasonal labor shortages will raise produce and seafood prices.