The Bulwark Podcast

Bill Kristol, a conservative commentator and founder of The Bulwark, joins Tim Miller to discuss alarming ICE tactics in New Orleans, likening them to a bygone era of racial profiling. They critique the administration’s lack of transparency in lethal airstrikes and question Trump's agricultural welfare payments. Kristol also reveals rumors about Kristi Noem's removal from DHS, while exploring the strategic implications of Democrats tackling healthcare costs. The duo even finds a moment to commend Ted Cruz for a surprising tweet.

Tommy Vietor, former White House spokesperson and co-host of popular political podcasts, discusses Trump’s controversial actions in foreign policy. He critiques the extrajudicial killings off Venezuela and the absurdity of Trump being awarded a fake peace prize. The conversation also dives into the disconnect within the Democratic Party regarding Israel and AIPAC, along with a strong call for anti-corruption reform. They tackle the implications of Trump's pardons and the need for Democrats to regain credibility with a proactive stance on ethics.

Sam Stein, a journalist and managing editor, joins to dissect Trump's controversial use of his pardon power, including bizarre cases involving a drug kingpin and a Texas executive. They highlight the chaos these pardons create within the GOP and redistricting efforts. The conversation also tackles the disturbing impact of ICE operations on New Orleans' economy and community. Lastly, they dive into the political absurdities surrounding public figures like Phil Mickelson, questioning the implications of their rhetoric on broader societal issues.

Jonathan Lemire, a veteran White House reporter for The Atlantic, joins Tim Miller to dissect Donald Trump's political distancing. They discuss Trump's absence from rallies, raising concerns about his connection with voters, as he opts for golf and millionaire dinners. Lemire highlights Trump's shift towards foreign policy ambitions and the influence of wealth on his decisions. The duo also touches on Trump's snoozing during Cabinet meetings, the media's friendly biases, and recent political developments, notably in Tennessee, that signal potential Democratic gains.

Olivia Nuzzi, a political journalist and Vanity Fair editor, shares insights from her tumultuous experience covering politics and her relationship with RFK Jr. She opens up about ethical breaches that led to her public shaming and job loss. Nuzzi reflects on the balance of personal and professional lines in journalism, the isolation she faced, and the emotional turmoil tied to the political landscape. Through her new book, American Canto, she illustrates her journey of self-discovery amidst scandal and personal crisis.

Amanda Carpenter, a senior writer at Protect Democracy and author of 'IF YOU CAN KEEP IT', joins Tim Miller to unpack the fallout from Trump's embrace of Project 2025 and its unpopularity, which is sinking his poll numbers. They delve into the controversial boat bombings in Venezuela and question the administration's aims, legal ramifications, and military accountability. Additionally, Carpenter highlights successful grassroots coalitions challenging Trump's immigration policy and the troubling threats against Indiana legislators resisting redistricting.

In this discussion, Bill Kristol, a renowned political analyst and neoconservative thinker, dives into the unsettling impacts of Trump's policies on immigration and foreign relations. He reveals how personal financial motives may skew foreign policy, with surprising clemency decisions igniting controversy. The duo tackles recent Border Patrol deployments in New Orleans and highlights the harrowing local consequences. Kristol warns of systemic corruption threatening democratic norms, asserting civic action is crucial to curbing aggressive enforcement practices.

George Packer, Staff writer at The Atlantic and bestselling author, dives into the factors that paved the way for Trump, arguing that societal decay and division were already in play. He discusses his new novel that explores themes of societal collapse and our struggle to coexist. Packer warns about the dangers of AI undermining literacy and democratic discourse. He critiques figures like Charlie Kirk and J.D. Vance, while also offering a glimpse of hope through the resilience of communities and individuals.

Andrew Weissmann, a former DOJ prosecutor and MSNBC legal analyst, dives into some explosive topics. He urges Trump to release the long-awaited Epstein files, addressing defamatory accusations aimed at him. Weissmann ponders the legal ramifications of suing Trump and emphasizes the need for transparency for Epstein's victims. The discussion covers political incompetence in retribution cases against figures like Comey and Tish James, as well as the troubling implications of politicizing the military and leaks in intelligence.

Michael Weiss, a seasoned reporter specializing in Russia and international security, joins Tim Miller to dissect the clandestine maneuvers surrounding Ukraine's peace negotiations. They unravel the audacious attempts by Jared Kushner, JD Vance, and others to impose a Russia-drafted plan, revealing the involvement of mysterious fixers and elite back channels. Weiss highlights internal GOP tensions, Marco Rubio's pushback, and the precarious balance of power as Ukraine navigates these machinations. Expect sharp insights on the chaotic state of foreign policy and Trump's role in this unfolding drama.