The Bulwark Podcast

Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative political commentator and contributing editor at The Bulwark, joins Tim Miller to discuss the shifting dynamics of current elections. They dive into the gender gap in early voting, particularly linked to abortion, and analyze how the Dobbs decision could shape the political landscape. Kristol also critiques the Trump team's handling of these issues, touches on concerning voter trends, and reflects on the implications of violent rhetoric in today’s politics.

Ann Selzer, President of Selzer & Company and renowned Iowa pollster, discusses a surprising lead for Kamala Harris in Iowa's polls. She highlights how shifting voter sentiments, particularly among women 65 and older, play a crucial role in this unexpected trend. The conversation dives into the implications of Iowa's new strict abortion law and how it may be reshaping political dynamics. Ann emphasizes the complexities of polling accuracy and the importance of understanding demographic trends in navigating electoral outcomes.

Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief of Ziteo and author of 'Win Every Argument,' joins Tim Miller for a deep dive into political dilemmas. They critique misleading media narratives around Trump's presidency and the accountability necessary for historical events like January 6th. The conversation shifts to the role of young voters, especially within Arab American communities, and the troubling rise of divisive political ads. Hasan also addresses the curious case of Jill Stein and the risks she poses for electoral strategies, all while balancing anxiety about Trump's potential comeback with a sense of hope.

Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger, a veteran and founder of Country First, dives deep into the dysfunction of today's GOP. He discusses how Trump and his allies are damaging family values and pitting genders against each other. The conversation touches on Nikki Haley's struggles within the party and highlights the bizarre tactics used by figures like Elon Musk to manipulate political narratives. Kinzinger emphasizes the urgent need for a pro-democracy movement and critiques the isolationist tendencies creeping into modern Republican policies.

The character of the nation is on the line: We have to stop an autocratic minority from imposing its will on the majority of Americans. And no question, Putin has been very easily manipulating Trump and Musk. Plus, Biden talking about garbage, spam polls, pollster herding, and the weakest swing states for Kamala.  Alex Vindman and Lakshya Jain join Tim Miller. show notes: Congressional candidate Eugene Vindman's web site The fake family of Eugene's opponent in the open VA-7 seat

Robert Draper, a New York Times reporter and author of "To Start a War," dives deep into Kamala Harris's political persona. He discusses her unique worldview, viewing politics as a battle between rule-followers and rule-breakers. Draper explores Harris's rich immigrant background and how it influences her political ambitions. He also addresses the challenges women of color face in politics, shedding light on her relationship with her estranged father and her resilience through adversity.

Robert Kagan, a political scientist from the Brookings Institution and author of "Rebellion," teams up with Bill Kristol, a prominent conservative commentator. They discuss the alarming rise of authoritarianism in America, emphasizing the dangerous shift within the Republican Party towards extreme rhetoric. The duo critiques corporate leaders like Jeff Bezos for their role in undermining a free press and democracy itself. They also analyze Senate race dynamics and the perils of crony capitalism, urging vigilance against the normalization of fascist tendencies.

Bret Stephens, a Pulitzer Prize-winning opinion columnist for the New York Times and former editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, shares his sharp insights alongside Tim Miller. They dive deep into the corrosive effects of Trump's potential return on democracy and discuss the implications of leadership disinhibition. The conversation shifts to the intertwining of tech powers, particularly Elon Musk's foreign policy impacts. Stephens also evaluates the complexities of voting choices, netting a thought-provoking look at Kamala Harris's strategic positioning in contemporary politics.

David French, an Opinion columnist for the New York Times and co-host of the legal podcast Advisory Opinions, delves into the complexities of Trumpism and its lingering effects on the GOP. He discusses how many within Red America idolize pre-January 6 Trump, contrasting that with the chaotic reality of his later supporters. The conversation also sheds light on Liz Cheney's views on abortion post-Dobbs, and the polarizing dynamics that define current political engagements, especially in the lead-up to the next election.

Donald Trump doesn't share our values or our norms, and he wants the privilege of being able to shoot down Americans in the street. And former officials who worked in his administration are frightened about what he could do to the country. Meanwhile, all the Hitler talk drowns out any talk about Kamala's proposed policies, which are more popular than people realize.Jeffrey Goldberg and Catherine Rampell join Tim Miller.show notes:Goldberg's latest reporting on Trump's preoccupation with dictatorsThe NYT's interview with John KellyRampell's piece on the popularity of Kamala's policiesRampell's piece on Flint, MI's baby bonusRampell's piece about Trump losing his edge on the economyBulwark piece on McKinley and tariffs