Bulwark Takes

A critique of Washington’s deficit panic and how promises of massive spending cuts fell flat. A look at reports that the Iran war is costing up to $2 billion per day. A rundown of Elon Musk’s dramatic rhetoric about slashing spending and why those claims did not materialize. A contrast between grand fiscal promises and the reality of rising federal outlays.

Sarah Longwell, a political strategist and communications expert, previews her new book How to Eat an Elephant. She discusses persuading voters, building a communications playbook for Democrats, the role of communities in modern media, and how messaging choices shape public opinion on war and leadership.

Ryan Busse, a former firearms industry executive turned Democratic candidate for Montana’s 1st District, shares his take on the sudden retirements reshaping Montana politics. He discusses why the race may be wide open now. He explains his break with the gun industry, Montana’s gun culture, and why economic populism and cultural moderation could matter in statewide races.

A frank reaction to a heated Truth Social post about Iran and what it could signal for regional escalation. Questions about the logic of celebrating a collapsing Iran and the risks of refugees and wider instability. Discussion of possible U.S. ground troop plans and schemes to secure uranium and oil. Speculation about political motives tied to foreign business ties and media influence.

Joe Perticone, reporter and author of the Press Pass newsletter on Congress, breaks down a messy congressional scandal and its fallout. He walks through the affair, the ethics probe timing, and why resignation was delayed. He also profiles a controversial Republican contender with pro-gun rhetoric and troubling past statements.

Marc Polymeropoulos, former CIA officer and co-host of Eyes on Geopolitics, brings 26 years of Middle East and counterterrorism experience. He tackles Trump’s bold claim about picking Iran’s leader. He breaks down confusion in U.S. post-strike planning. He explores risks of covert Kurdish support amounting to regime change. He flags brain drain in intelligence agencies and shifting priorities in counterterrorism.

Catherine Rampell, opinion writer and economist behind the Receipts newsletter, breaks down the shock jobs report and why February showed a net loss. She explains how strikes, modeling quirks, and sector patterns shape the numbers. They discuss rising long‑term unemployment, Fed tradeoffs between growth and inflation, and how the Middle East conflict and shipping disruptions ripple through energy, commodities, and politics.

A tangled feud over a stolen truck of nicotine pouches sparks social media warfare and branding battles. Leaked young Republican chats reveal racist messages and bizarre inside references. A Republican candidate’s odd campaign stunts face scrutiny. A conspiracy-filled documentary links travel basketball stories to spy theories and family drama.

A fast-paced breakdown of Kristi Noem's sudden ouster from DHS and the dramatic public firing that followed. Discussion of the Kennedy hearing that exposed DHS spending and the possible setup behind it. A close look at Markwayne Mullin as the pick to replace her and what his record suggests for DHS tactics. Political fallout for Noem and how this reshapes 2028 calculations.

A fiery rundown of failed revenge investigations by the DOJ under Pam Bondi. Discussion centers on the New York Times’ report about the autopen probe and why it collapsed. A catalog of high‑profile attempts to target politicians and critics that never produced indictments. A critical look at shifting priorities toward politically charged probes.