Politics
**Bulwark Takes**

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.

Latest Episodes:

Pete Buttigieg TORCHES Host Over Trump Economy Spin Apr 11, 2026

Show notes

Tim Miller gives his take on the heated CNBC Squawk Box exchange between Pete Buttigieg and Joe Kernen over Trump’s economy, gas prices, and the war in Iran. Kernen tries to argue with weak MAGA talking points about Biden-era inflation and partisan blame, but Buttigieg pushes back so well that Kernen's co-host literally laughs at him. Tim breaks down why Buttigieg’s approach is resonating and how bad it is for the state of pro-Trump economic defenses.

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BREAKING: UMICH Consumer Sentiment Hits Lowest Point EVER | Receipts LIVE Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Catherine Rampell and JVL are going live to talk about the the week's financial news.

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MAGA Influencers Are Salivating Over Jailing Each Other Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Sam Stein and Will Sommer dive into the latest MAGA meltdown: a rumored DOJ probe into conservative influencers allegedly taking foreign money. From imagined arrests to twisted punishments, MAGA figures from Benny Johnson and Catturd to Laura Loomer are eating their own, accusing each other while ignoring the real ideological splits.

Melania Breaks from White House, Calls for Public Epstein Hearings Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Egger and Will Sommer break down Melania Trump’s bizarre and unexpected White House statement on Jeffrey Epstein. After speaking and not answering any questions, Melania forcefully denied any involvement with Epstein, while also calling past email exchanges with Ghislaine Maxwell as “casual” and “trivial.” We dig into the timing, the messaging, and what could be driving this sudden need to get ahead of the Epstein story inside Trump world.

Did the Pentagon Threaten the Vatican? Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

JVL talks with Ed Condon of The Pillar about the escalating clash between the Vatican and the Trump administration after Pope Leo’s comments on the Iran war. They unpack the shocking report that a Vatican ambassador was confronted by the Pentagon, JD Vance’s awkward response, and why the American pope likely won’t be visiting the U.S. anytime soon.

Read more from Ed Condon: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/when-will-leo-come-home

Democrats Surge in Surprise Special Election Wins Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Tim Miller joins Nicolle Wallace on MS Now to give his take on the wave of Democratic momentum. From a massive Wisconsin Supreme Court victory to a surprising swing in Georgia, Democrats are seeing major gains even in places Republicans thought were safe. Tim explains why one number matters more than anything right now. A fourteen point shift. If that trend holds, states like Texas, Florida, Iowa, and Alaska could all be in play in the midterms. He also shares what he is hearing from Democratic organizers across the country and why there is still a disconnect between voters who want to help and campaigns that need volunteers.

Trump Says The Strait Is “Open.” So Why Isn’t Anyone Moving? (w/ Sal Mercogliano) Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Egger talks with shipping expert Sal Mercogliano about his initial reaction to the ceasefire with Iran and what it really means for global shipping with the Strait of Hormuz. Despite claims that the strait is open, most vessels remain stuck or are forced to navigate Iran’s “toll booth,” creating uncertainty for trade and commerce. Sal explains how Iran’s control could permanently reduce shipping capacity and generate massive revenue for Iran, with ripple effects that may take up to 40 weeks to fully recover. We also cover the humanitarian situation for mariners, the economic stakes for oil and global trade, and what the US and other countries are doing or not doing to respond.

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Watch more of Sal’s videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT_yBgKSiwb3WP4ACPnF5nA

Trump Went to War Without a Plan. Now He's Scrambling to Get Out. (w/ Tom Nichols) | Command Post Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Tom Nichols join Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker to discuss the bleak reality of Trump’s Iran war—where early strikes gave way to confusion, a shaky “ceasefire,” and no clear endgame. They explain how tactical hits didn’t translate into strategic success, why the U.S. may be in a worse position now, and what this reveals about decision-making, military leadership, and the absence of a real plan.

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BREAKING: Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz; Delusional Leavitt Presser Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

JVL and Andrew Egger went live reacting to Karoline Leavitt's totally divorced from reality press conference as Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz.

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Tim Miller vs. Rep. Gottheimer: War Debate Gets HEATED Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Rep. Josh Gottheimer joins Tim Miller for a heated debate over the war with Iran—where even pro-war lawmakers admit they still don’t know the plan. They clash over whether weakening Iran justifies the risks, rising costs at home, and the lack of clear objectives, while digging into Trump’s leadership, Israel’s role, and the looming War Powers showdown in Congress.

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