The Bulwark Podcast

Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative from California focused on technology policy and high-profile oversight, discusses the push for transparency on Epstein files. He tackles U.S. strategy toward Iran, the politics around oil prices and the Strait of Hormuz. He also reflects on shifting MAGA support for war, debates over Israel criticism, and proposals for AI policy and worker ownership.

Cameron Kasky, youth activist and March for Our Lives co‑founder turned human‑rights advocate, and Ashley St. Clair, former right‑wing influencer now speaking out about leaving MAGA and legal fights over AI image abuse. They discuss life inside conservative influencer networks, doubts and disengagement from MAGA, AI image manipulation and lawsuits, first‑hand reporting from the West Bank, and related U.S. policy debates.

Bill Kristol, editor-at-large and conservative foreign policy commentator, breaks down the fallout from recent Iran strikes. He talks alliances fraying, allies refusing to secure the Strait of Hormuz, and whether escalation or a premature victory claim will come next. They also cover GOP infighting, threats to press freedom, and the economic shock rippling through oil and supply chains.

Tom Nichols, political scientist and Naval War College professor emeritus known for national security commentary. He dissects recent Iran-war developments and whether US moves signal escalation. He worries about leadership failures, cognitive decline, and shrinking military and diplomatic capacity. He also explores how the conflict reshapes oil markets, benefits Russia, and strains homeland security.

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.

Saagar Enjeti, right-wing populist commentator and co-host of Breaking Points, reflects on America First ideas and why they diverged from Trump 2.0. He discusses Iran policy as a strategic catastrophe, worries about munitions shortages, how military spectacle shaped decisions, Epstein as a financial operator, debates on immigration and social conservatism, and the shifting political coalitions shaping the future.

Sonny Bunch, culture editor known for film and media commentary, and Laura Rozen, foreign policy reporter focused on Iran, join Tim Miller. They trace muddled January Iran talks and regional fallout. They argue about whether modern tech resembles Robocop-style dystopia, unpack AI, attention economy harms, and even how a potential Iran war could reshape media deals and awards season.

Sarah Longwell, a political consultant and publisher known for voter analysis, discusses skepticism about the government's motives and trustworthiness. She examines U.S. actions in the Iran conflict, rising oil prices, civilian casualties, and Israel's influence on decision making. She also previews her book on winning voters by listening and improving Democratic messaging.

Neera Tanden, policy expert and CEO of the Center for American Progress, weighs in on presidential power and institutional failures. They tackle unchecked war-making and its economic toll. They discuss civilian casualties, sanction choices toward Russia, and Senate battleground strategies. Short, sharp takes on accountability, working-class pain, and political calculations.

Not only is Trump failing to provide any clarity on why the United States went to war against Iran, the administration is also sticking to its habit of declaring an emergency based on some arcane legal provision that supposedly gives the executive branch the power to do whatever it wants. It's almost as though the American legal system can justify authoritarianism if a lawyer can dig deep enough. And Anthropic is currently feeling the sting of this monarchical-style power grab. Meanwhile, the tech overlords wanted free rein on AI under Trump, but they got a Maoist approach instead. Plus, Mamdani's embrace of abundance, the movie industry's troubles, and how parents fall in love with their children.Derek Thompson joins Tim Miller.show notes Derek's interview with Karim Sadjadpour on the "Plain English" pod Derek's Substack Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.