NewsPoliticsNews CommentarySociety & Culture

Bulwark Takes

The Bulwark

The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.

Play

Open in

275 episodes
Avg 30 min
English

Episodes 275

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#1290
Today · 40 min
Neo-Nazi Accidentally Livestreams Himself Performing Sex Act | MAGA Wednesdays
Sam Stein and Will Sommer return for a special Wednesday edition of MAGA Mondays, and the stories are somehow even more embarrassing than usual. A neo-Nazi leader accidentally livestreams himself performing a sex act, Mark Levin has a very public meltdown over his AOL account, and a lawsuit exposes fresh allegations of foreign money and luxury gifts flowing through Trumpworld. Plus, James Fishback is hit with a $4 million judgment, Vivek Ramaswamy disappears from Twitter, and the MAGA media circus prepares to crown its Citizen Journalist of the Year. Get fresh, chef-crafted meals delivered right to your door with Tempo! For a limited time, get 60% OFF your first box at https://www.tempomeals.com/BULWARKTAKES. Rules and restrictions may apply.
#1289
Today · 20 min
Dropkick Murphys Frontman Says MAGA Fans Are Finally Turning on Trump (w/ Ken Casey)
Sarah Longwell sits down with Dropkick Murphys frontman Ken Casey to talk about the election, the working-class voters turning away from Trump, and why Democrats can’t afford to waste this moment. After helping rally musicians and artists to speak out against Trump, Casey says the fight is far from over. He wants Democrats to investigate Trump’s corruption, hold his administration accountable, get money out of politics, and deliver on the economic promises that brought voters back. He also has a warning for Democrats: if they fail to follow through, he’ll be just as loud calling them out as he has been fighting MAGA. Make eating well easier with Tempo! Get fresh, chef-crafted, dietitian-approved meals delivered to your door, with over 20 recipes to choose from each week. Each meal is ready in just two minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious, nutritious lunch or dinner without the prep. For a limited time, get 60% off your first box at https://www.tempomeals.com/BULWARKTAKES.
#1287
Today · 18 min
Listen to the Moment a Math Teacher’s Former Students Realize He Won (w/ Jake Johnson)
Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅ : https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored A high school math teacher just pulled off one of the most remarkable upsets of the midterms. Tim Miller talks with Minnesota Congressman-elect Jake Johnson, who ran a campaign staffed largely by his former students and flipped a district Republicans won by 17 points just two years ago. Johnson recounts the nail-biting election night, explains how his working-class upbringing shaped his politics, and lays out his plans to take on Trump’s tariffs, ICE, and Washington corruption. Video of the Jake Johnson victory party courtesy Brian Arola at MinnPost: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2127181301231774
#1288
Yesterday · 36 min
Trump Was Warned About the Spy in Nvidia CEO’s Bed
Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅ : https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored Michael Weiss and Marc Polymeropoulos examine the explosive allegations that a Chinese intelligence operative used a honey trap to get close to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, potentially exposing some of America’s most sensitive AI technology. Marc explains how honey traps work, how foreign intelligence services use sex and blackmail to recruit targets, and why this alleged operation could have serious national security consequences. But the biggest questions may be about the Trump administration: U.S. intelligence reportedly uncovered the relationship, Marco Rubio allegedly warned the White House, and Trump still appears unwilling to take the threat seriously. Plus, why the scandal raises fresh questions about Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and the administration’s willingness to confront foreign espionage. And a look at some of the most notorious honey trap operations in intelligence history.
#1286
Yesterday · 37 min
Desperate Hegseth Lashes Out Amid Impeachment Efforts | Command Post
Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅ : https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored Pete Hegseth is facing impeachment, and his response is to blame the media, attack Congress, and hide behind American troops. Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) dissect Hegseth’s combative Pentagon press conference, his defense of controversial military operations, and his refusal to take responsibility for civilian casualties and questionable orders. They also examine how Hegseth has turned the job of Secretary of Defense into a partisan political operation, why he has failed to grow into the role, and what an impeachment fight could mean for the Pentagon.
#1285
Monday · 17 min
BREAKING: Trump Hosts Ridiculous Press Conference with UFC CEO Dana White
Sam Stein and Tim Miller went live to watch Trump unravel at an impromptu press conference, where he dodges questions about a Chinese spy allegedly tied to Nvidia’s CEO, walks back any suggestion of easing his immigration crackdown, and lashes out at reporters who press him on Putin and Pete Hegseth. Plus, Trump tries to recruit UFC boss Dana White as his press secretary and gets shot down in spectacularly awkward fashion. Give the gift of quality this holiday season with Quince. Shop premium cashmere, Italian leather, fine jewelry, and more at prices 50–80% less than similar brands. Cashmere sweaters start at just $60, with free shipping and 365-day returns. Download the Quince app for exclusive offers or visit https://www.quince.com/bulwarktakes. When asked where you heard about Quince, select The Bulwark Takes to support the show.
#1283
Monday · 13 min
Trump Stabs His Most Loyal Republicans in the Back
Will Saletan breaks down Donald Trump’s response to the Republican Party’s midterm wipeout, as the president scrambles to blame everyone but himself. Trump claims the Alaska election should be overturned, insists he would have won if he were on the ballot, and throws Republican candidates under the bus after previously endorsing them. He turns on Greg Abbott, attacks Fox News for reporting unfavorable polls, and blames Senate Republicans. After a historic defeat, Trump is pointing the finger at everyone but himself. Give the gift of quality this holiday season with Quince. Shop premium cashmere, Italian leather, fine jewelry, and more at prices 50–80% less than similar brands. Cashmere sweaters start at just $60, with free shipping and 365-day returns. Download the Quince app for exclusive offers or visit https://www.quince.com/bulwarktakes. When asked where you heard about Quince, select The Bulwark Takes to support the show.
#1284
Monday · 56 min
Trump’s Interview Sends MAGA Into a Full-Blown Meltdown | MAGA Mondays
Will Sommer and Sam Stein look at the growing cracks in Trump’s MAGA coalition after the midterm losses. Trump is floating a possible immigration deal with Democrats, sending hardliners like Megyn Kelly and The Blaze into a frenzy. Trump, nearly a week after the election, is now pushing baseless claims that the midterms were stolen. Plus, Laura Loomer’s paid political posts are coming under scrutiny, Russell Brand’s prison sentence raises questions about MAGA’s embrace of accused predators, and a fight over corruption inside Trump’s White House is getting uglier. Give the gift of quality this holiday season with Quince. Shop premium cashmere, Italian leather, fine jewelry, and more at prices 50–80% less than similar brands. Cashmere sweaters start at just $60, with free shipping and 365-day returns. Download the Quince app for exclusive offers or visit https://www.quince.com/bulwarktakes. When asked where you heard about Quince, select The Bulwark Takes to support the show.
#1283
Monday · 22 min
Todd Blanche’s CNN Interview Could Come Back to Bite Him
Todd Blanche went on CNN to defend Trump’s threats to imprison Democrats, dismiss allegations against Susie Wiles, and promise to protect Stephen Miller from congressional scrutiny. Will Saletan and Catherine Rampell break down the interview and explain how Blanche, in trying to head off investigations, may be giving Democrats even more reasons to investigate him.
#1282
Sunday · 42 min
Mike Murphy Asks: Will The GOP Finally Cut Trump Loose? | Bulwark on Sunday
After Trump’s crushing midterm defeat, could Republicans finally decide they’re better off without him? Bill Kristol and veteran Republican strategist Mike Murphy examine the growing turmoil inside Trump’s White House, Stephen Miller’s rise to power, Pete Hegseth’s uncertain future, and the possibility of a Nixon-style collapse. They also look ahead to 2028 and explain why JD Vance may have a much tougher road than anyone expects.
#1281
Sunday · 38 min
Picking the Biggest 2026 GOP Loser Is Harder Than You Think
There were so many spectacular Republican failures in 2026 that Tim Miller and Sam Stein decided to turn them into a fantasy draft. From Vivek Ramaswamy and Ken Paxton to the candidates who somehow managed to lose in deep-red states, Tim and Sam compete to assemble the ultimate roster of MAGA losers, reliving the terrible campaigns, astonishing defeats, and self-inflicted wounds along the way.
#1281
Saturday · 27 min
Stephen Miller May Now Be the De Facto President
Trump’s response to a crushing midterm defeat? Putting Stephen Miller in charge of the White House. Bill Kristol and former Trump aide Sarah Matthews discuss why Miller could become the de facto president, how his appointment could reshape the balance of power inside the administration, and whether Pete Hegseth’s desperate displays of loyalty can save his job as the Iran war drags on.
#1280
Saturday · 18 min
Democrat Who Flipped a Red Seat Reveals the Shocking Question Voters Kept Asking (w/ Zack Mullock)
Almost nobody thought Jeff Van Drew’s seat was in play. But Zack Mullock pulled off one of the election’s biggest upsets, defeating the Trump loyalist in a supposedly safe Republican district. The congressman-elect joins Tim Miller to explain how he won over Republican voters, why Trump’s ICE crackdown and Iran war became political liabilities, and what Democrats need to do with their new majority.
#1279
Saturday · 23 min
Democrat Pulls Off Incredible Upset With Just $56,000 (w/ LaKesha Womack)
She spent just $56,000 to defeat one of North Carolina’s most powerful Republicans—and the man who helped gerrymander his own congressional district. Tim Miller talks with Congresswoman-elect LaKesha Womack about her astonishing upset, her path from a near-death experience to Congress, and the last-minute legal controversy she believes was meant to derail her campaign. Give the gift of quality with Quince! Shop cashmere sweaters starting at $60, premium outerwear, and more. Visit https://www.quince.com/bulwarktakes for free shipping and 365-day returns.
#1278
Friday · 40 min
BREAKING: Trump Picks Stephen Miller to Replace Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff
After a crushing midterm defeat, Donald Trump is firing Susie Wiles as chief of staff and replacing her with Stephen Miller. Sam Stein, Andrew Egger, and JVL react to the stunning shakeup, Trump’s search for someone to blame, Miller’s disturbing record, and what his promotion could mean for immigration policy, political retaliation, and Trump’s growing rivalry with JD Vance. Give the gift of quality with Quince! Shop cashmere sweaters starting at $60, premium outerwear, and more. Visit https://www.quince.com/bulwarktakes for free shipping and 365-day returns.
#1277
Friday · 39 min
The Trio Meets the Most Revolting Man in MAGA’s Universe
Tim Miller, Sam Stein and Will Sommer are back together to celebrate the midterm results and take a victory lap over MAGA’s spectacular election night failures. They break down JD Vance getting roasted by the manosphere, Tim Pool’s election meltdown, and the humiliating defeats of MAGA candidates like Brandon Herrera. Plus, Laura Loomer and Benny Johnson spiral over the results, Will introduces the trio to one of the internet’s most influential right-wing streamers (and his truly horrifying living conditions), and Russell Brand is convicted of rape and sexual assault after appearing alongside Trump administration officials just weeks before his trial. Give the gift of quality with Quince! Shop cashmere sweaters starting at $60, premium outerwear, and more. Visit https://www.quince.com/bulwarktakes for free shipping and 365-day returns.
#1277
Friday · 23 min
Ohio Democrat Pulls Off Stunning 20-Point Swing in Trump Country (w/ Don Leonard)
Don Leonard just pulled off a stunning upset in Ohio, defeating a Republican incumbent in a district Trump won by 10 points. The congressman-elect joins Tim Miller to discuss how he did it, his arrest at a No Kings protest, his plans to dismantle ICE, Trump’s treatment of Haitian immigrants, and why he believes JD Vance has betrayed his working-class roots. This episode is sponsored by Casper. Get a better night’s sleep with Casper’s comfortable, long-lasting mattresses. Right now, buy a King mattress for the price of a Queen or a Queen mattress for the price of a Full when you visit https://casper.com.
#1275
Thursday · 35 min
Trump’s Crushing Defeat Just Changed How the World Sees America
Trump’s midterm shellacking has changed the political equation at home and abroad. Former CIA officer Marc Polymeropoulos and journalist Michael Weiss discuss the celebrations among America’s allies, what the results mean for Ukraine and the war in Iran, Netanyahu’s costly bet on MAGA, and the congressional scrutiny awaiting Trump’s inner circle. Plus, why JD Vance and Elon Musk may be among the election’s biggest losers. This episode is sponsored by Casper. Get a better night’s sleep with Casper’s comfortable, long-lasting mattresses. Right now, buy a King mattress for the price of a Queen or a Queen mattress for the price of a Full when you visit https://casper.com.
#1276
Thursday · 28 min
JB Pritzker Has NEVER Seen an Election Like This in His Life
After a historic Democratic midterm victory, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker joins Sam Stein to explain why Democrats can’t afford to waste their newfound power. He lays out his aggressive agenda for Congress, calls out corporate leaders and fellow Democrats who caved to Trump, and unloads on JD Vance for suddenly distancing himself from the Iran war. Plus, why Pritzker thinks the election could finally loosen Trump’s grip on Republicans. Ready to be him? Visit https://hims.com/bulwarktakes to get personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair loss, sex, testosterone, and more.
#1275
November 4 · 17 min
Abdul El-Sayed Has Some Choice Words for Mike Rogers
Trump and Vance threw everything they had at Abdul El-Sayed, but Michigan voters elected him to the U.S. Senate by seven points. In an exclusive interview with Jonathan Cohn, El-Sayed reflects on the anti-Muslim attacks against him, why he believes Republicans’ strategy failed, and his plans to challenge Trump and shake up Democratic leadership. Ready to be him? Visit https://hims.com/bulwarktakes to get personalized, affordable care for weight loss, hair loss, sex, testosterone, and more.

Showing 1–20 of 275 episodes