Bulwark Takes

A lively rundown of Laura Loomer’s rough reception in New Delhi and the confrontations over her inflammatory social-media history. A deep dive into Tucker Carlson’s recent claim about CIA monitoring and the debate over its plausibility. Coverage of the messy Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin spat, plus a bizarre Newt Gingrich nuclear-for-canal idea and the satire that inspired it.

Robert Kagan, foreign-policy scholar and historian at Brookings, offers a crisp take on U.S. strategy in a possible Iran war. He weighs the choice between long-term commitment or rapid withdrawal. He discusses fractured alliances, Europe and energy pressures, risks to Asia and the Gulf, and whether military moves will deter rivals or invite wider instability.

They unpack the contradiction of declaring Iran “decimated” while asking other countries to secure the Strait of Hormuz. They debate the realism and risks of inviting China into Gulf security. They examine threats to broadcasters linked to warnings about coverage and the use of power to intimidate media outlets.

A wild social-media sting pulls an extremist agitator into a To Catch a Predator-style trap. The hosts trace stunts, provocative jokes, and how online hunter groups publicized the materials. A public clash between two conservative media figures exposes shifting alliances. The conversation also links inflammatory comments about immigration and genetics to a wider pattern of bigotry.

Catherine Rampell, opinion columnist and economist who analyzes macro data and labor markets, unpacks the big GDP downgrade and why initial estimates shift. She talks about stubborn inflation and its policy drivers. They also trace global fallout: Strait of Hormuz disruptions, oil and fertilizer shocks, and the geopolitical winners and losers.

Tim Mak, investigative war reporter who founded Iran War Dispatches, shares on-the-ground reporting from Iran and Ukraine. He explores why Iran’s regime has held up, the ecological fallout and refugee patterns, risks of broader regional strikes and ground intervention, and how oil prices and depleted air defenses shape U.S. strategy and global stability.

Katie Couric, veteran broadcast journalist and author, drops by to tackle breaking domestic security news and the Iran conflict. They discuss synagogue ramming and homegrown attack risks. Conversation covers Iran’s new leadership, asymmetric weapons and strategic resilience. They also touch on Kash Patel’s FBI training links to the manosphere and a pop-culture TV obsession.

Catherine Rampell, opinion writer and author on economics and policy, breaks down the sudden GOP shift on gas prices. She discusses inflation trends, how war and tariffs lifted costs, and why calls for sacrifice or financial literacy ring hollow. Short, sharp takes on presidential limits, global market links, and political fallout.

They unpack fury among pro-Trump podcasters over a possible Iran conflict and how anti-war supporters might peel away. The conversation highlights voter regret about economic promises and how that could reshape turnout. They explore Republican nervousness over mass deportation plans and surprising local fallout from those policies.

A freewheeling live hangout covering campaign memories, behind-the-scenes media stories, and debates about outreach to persuadable voters. Casual pop culture detours include shoe talk, influencer antics, and eyebrow conspiracies. The conversation ranges from Iran tensions and regional strikes to prep routines, podcasting ideas, and memories from past campaigns.