Bulwark Takes

Latest Episodes:

Mitt Romney: This is Why Nothing Gets Passed Anymore Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Jonathan Cohn speaks with Mitt Romney as he reflects on the 20th anniversary of Massachusetts’ landmark health care law. Romney discusses the origins of the plan, its influence on the Affordable Care Act, and why that kind of bipartisan problem-solving has all but disappeared from today’s politics.

Almost NOBODY Showed Up for Vance's TPUSA Event Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

The MAGA energy isn’t what it used to be—and the signs are everywhere. Tim Miller joined Nicolle Wallace, and looked at JD Vance’s empty event, growing fractures inside Trump’s base, and what it says about where things are heading. Plus, why Hungary’s election offers a surprising playbook for pushing back against authoritarian politics.

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/TAKES and use promo code TAKES at checkout

Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house

What Finally Broke Orbán’s Grip (w/ David Pressman) Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

Former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman joins Bill Kristol to discuss the stunning defeat of Viktor Orbán and what it reveals about how strongman systems actually fall. They explore how an anti-corruption message, not culture war fights, cut through and built a real movement. The conversation also digs into what American leaders can learn as they confront the rise of Trump-style politics.

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/TAKES and use promo code TAKES at checkout.

Two House Members Resign in Disgrace | Morning Shots Live Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol went live to cover the week's biggest stories.

Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/TAKES and use promo code TAKES at checkout.

Trump’s Weird DoorDash Stunt Backfires Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Egger and Catherine Rampell break down Donald Trump’s bizarre McDonald’s DoorDash photo op at the White House, meant to highlight his “no tax on tips” policy. What starts as an economic messaging push quickly goes off the rails when Trump presses a DoorDash driver on her vote and veers into culture war territory. They also dig into what Democrats can learn from this kind of populist messaging and the risks of trying to copy it without losing the plot on good policy.

For a limited time, get up to 20% off Bull Shot and FREE shipping when you text BULWARK20 to 64000. Message and data rates may apply.

Trump Posts (Then Deletes) Image of Himself as Jesus, Picks Fight with The Pope Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

JVL and Will Saletan are going live to cover Trump's bizarre posts, including an image of himself as Jesus and a long screed attacking the Pope.

For a limited time, get up to 20% off Bull Shot and FREE shipping when you text BULWARK20 to 64000. Message and data rates may apply.

Breaking Down Trump's Moronic FOX Interview Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

Trump called into FOX News for an interview to explain the Iran war—and quickly fell apart. Will Saletan methodically breaks down how Trump contradicted himself on Iran’s nuclear program, claimed total victory while admitting ongoing threats, and shrugged off rising gas prices and the economic fallout.

What the Hell Is Going On With Melania? (w/ Sarah Matthews) Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

Bill Kristol is joined by Sarah Matthews to discuss Melania, Donald, and how crazy are things now at the White House.

Trump’s Iran War Is Getting More Dangerous, Not Less (w/ Sen. Chris Coons) Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

Sam Stein is joined by Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) to discuss the escalating situation in Iran, warning that after 42 days and tens of billions of dollars, the U.S. is no better off and still lacks a clear strategy. Coons raises concerns about congressional authorization, potential backdoor war funding, and the risks of deeper escalation. The conversation also turns to domestic politics, including Pam Bondi and concerns about a more aggressive and loyal next attorney general under Trump. Finally, they discuss Melania Trump’s unusual press conference calling for more Epstein hearings.

‘The Pitt’ Star Ned Brower Knew the ICE Episode Was Important (w/ Ned Brower & Karen Tulin) Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

Ned Brower from 'The Pitt' and Karen Tumlin of the Justice Action Center join The Bulwark's hosts Sonny Bunch and Adrian Carrasquillo to discuss the impact of the "ICE episode"—and the Trump policies that it shone a light on. They discuss the reality behind ICE showing up in hospitals, what changed in U.S. policy, and why viewers—and real doctors and nurses—responded so strongly.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected