The Bulwark Podcast

Marc Caputo and Dan Goldman: Trump v. the United States Nov 20, 2024

The incompetent and compromised nominees Trump has assembled at record pace show how little regard he has for the essential functions our government provides. He wants to harness its power for his own ends, in a way that could put Americans and our national security at risk—but he can only do this if Congress is complicit. Meanwhile, the roundly-hated Matt Gaetz is providing cover for the sex abuse allegations against the other nominees, and the House majority margin may be razor thin.
Rep. Dan Goldman and Marc Caputo join Tim Miller.

Jen Psaki: Don't Speak to Me Nov 19, 2024

The Democrats focus too much on reaching white college-educated voters, and the threat to democracy was not the right closing message. Plus, Nancy Mace needs to get a life beyond getting MAGA street cred, no one wants to be in the same bathroom with MTG, and Jared Polis may be on to something with the hippie-ish libertarians.
Jen Psaki joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Gov. Polis tweet about RFK, Jr.
The governor's follow-up tweet

Bill Kristol: A Power Play for Autocracy Nov 18, 2024

Trump is flooding the zone with unqualified nominees who would destroy government norms and standards and create the kind of chaos that would let him do what he wants—and Senate Republicans may be too afraid of him to put up much resistance. Meanwhile, allies are already seeing the third world-style political decay, beyond the orgies and sexual assaults. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
"Art of the Surge" doc on Apple TV; Ep 5 has debate reaction backstage

Amanda Carpenter: Lessons from the Tea Party Era Nov 15, 2024

Ted Cruz and Jim DeMint ground things to a halt in the Senate quite effectively during the Obama era, and Democrats should take a cue from them for Trump's appointments: Demand hearings or hold their own. More broadly, the opposition has to be loud and make a scene, while also staying unified and focused. We are a big country with big ideas, and there are more of us than there are of them.
Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Part 1 of the "Behind the Bastards" podcast on RFK, Jr.
Tim's playlist

Rick Wilson and David Brooks: MAGA to the Max Nov 14, 2024

Trump's appointments—like degenerate Matt Gaetz and Putin stooge Tulsi Gabbard—are about his raw power and his stupid show, but are also a risk to our nation's security and institutions. Plus, America's diploma divide has trapped us in a caste society, where future leaders are being chosen based on how they performed on standardized tests at age 18.
David Brooks and Rick Wilson join Tim Miller.
show notes
Ed Whelan on Trump's recess appointment scheme (gifted)
David's cover story on the Ivy League (gifted)

Osita Nwanevu: Democrats Need A Better Story Nov 13, 2024

Republicans have been good at telling a story about the economy and how people should feel about it, and Democrats haven't responded in a sufficiently compelling way. Meanwhile, plucking Pete Hegseth off the Fox & Friends couch to run one of the biggest organizations in the world is a sign of how dumb the next administration will be.
Osita Nwanevu joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Osita's forthcoming book

Jon Lovett: The Worst People Are Happy Nov 12, 2024

The worst people believe their worldview has been validated, while the best people are uncertain, scared, and angry. But we have to stay focused on the menace, including the threat to officials Trump may target for revenge—and the immigrants whose cheap and willing labor helped build our economy.
Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller for a special crosspost with the "Lovett or Leave It" pod.
show notes
Speech by Otto Wels in March 1933
The 'Lovett or Leave It' podcast

Bill Kristol: A Pro-Putin America First Nov 11, 2024

The Trump team is moving quickly to sell out Ukraine, but it's not clear yet whether Putin would settle for taking a quarter of the country—or if he intends to crush it, so he can plant the Russian flag in Kiev. Meanwhile, Elon has been at Mar-a-Lago every day, expanding his oligarch résumé to include helping choose the incoming president's Cabinet and advisors. Plus, key Senate Republicans are already prepping to sacrifice their constitutional duties to advise and consent, and the election denialists on the left have to accept reality.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Charles Gaba's thread on the new 'Stop the Steal' conspiracy
Tim's appearance on the "Pablo Torre Finds Out" podcast

BONUS EPISODE with James Carville: We Are the Opposition Nov 09, 2024

It's time to get our opposition organized and develop a narrative about Trump. And one narrative that's likely to emerge is how he betrayed his voters. Plus, did Kamala's interview on "The View" seal her fate?
James Carville joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Carville documentary, "Winning Is Everything, Stupid" (post-election recut out 11/14)

Ben Wittes: Americans Elected a Serial Criminal to Be President Nov 08, 2024

The Trump trials were a cosmic democratic disaster, and the justice system did not do justice: Trump was not treated in the same way as other people who've stolen classified docs or tried to overthrow the election—and his conviction and indictments made him more qualified in MAGA's eyes. Plus, the Sotomayor/SCOTUS issue, aiding Ukraine before January 20, and avoiding the sound of Trump's voice.
Ben Wittes joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes

Ben's column, "Were the Trump Trials Pointless?"
Tim's playlist

Tom Nichols: This Is What They Want Nov 07, 2024

The American people made their choice, and the fight to preserve the global democratic coalition against the global authoritarian movement continues. But maybe letting those voters see unadulterated Trumpism in the White House, without the baby bumpers—at least for a little while—is how we save America. Plus, the price of eggs v fascism, and Trump is going to inherit a great economy and take credit for it.
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tom's most recent Atlantic Daily newsletter
Derek Thompson's piece mentioned by Tim (gifted)
Nick Catoggio's piece

Sarah Longwell and Jonathan V. Last: Election Debrief Nov 06, 2024

Kamala's tailored campaign message and ground game didn't matter. Voters were unhappy with Biden and didn't want a 'regular' politician. They also didn't care about the infrastructure bill or the CHIPS Act—but they do care about demagoguery and grievance.
Sarah and JVL join Tim to take in the pain, but also to chart The Bulwark's next phase: doing everything we can to protect our country, our democracy, and our institutions.

David Frum: Pride in the Fight Nov 05, 2024

Whatever happens tonight, Never Trumpers and voters should be proud that we rose to the challenge of Trump—and that a majority of Americans see through this fraudster. Meanwhile, a vote for Kamala is both a progressive and conservative choice. Plus, the Electoral College is crazy, Megyn is mad at the wrong people, and Tim's final prediction.
David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Reagan's closing statement in 1980 at the final debate with Carter
David's book mentioned in show, "Trumpocalypse"

Bill Kristol: Maybe It's Dobbs, After All Nov 04, 2024

Republicans are crowing about a big turnout of early rural voters and a decrease in African American voters in the cities. But the early vote also features a big gender gap, likely tied to abortion—an issue that was not on the ballot in 2020. And the Trump team has done a terrible job of not taking the air out of the issue. Plus, the Epstein tapes, Trump's lousy last two weeks, and The Bulwark's good and worthy fight.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Monday's Morning Shots newsletter
HuffPost story on Puerto Rican voters in Pennsylvania

Ann Selzer: How Could This Be? Nov 03, 2024

Few states are as red as Iowa, and yet the legendary Iowa pollster Ann Selzer found that Kamala has leapfrogged over Trump to take the lead there. The turnaround is due to women—particularly women 65 and older, who previously tilted toward Trump, but now favor Kamala 63% to 28%. Iowa's new strict abortion law could be a factor.
J. Ann Selzer joins Tim Miller for a special Sunday pod.
show notes
Des Moines Register story on the Iowa Poll
Des Moines Register story on Iowa's congressional races

Mehdi Hasan: Memory-Holing the Worst President Nov 01, 2024

The WSJ wants readers to think that Trump is too stupid to coup—despite Jack Smith's indictment showing a very clear plan. And for those on the left and right arguing that we survived once before, there are hundreds of thousands of people who would still be alive today if Trump had managed Covid better. Plus, the laughable GOP civility police, Kamala's potential trouble in Michigan, the MAGA ads that are simultaneously antisemitic, Islamaphobic, and misogynist, and the Green parties in Europe want Jill Stein to step aside.
Mehdi Hasan joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's playlist

Adam Kinzinger: All the Little Bros Oct 31, 2024

Trump and his pack of dude-bros are pitting men against women, even inside the home—the current Republican Party is definitely not pro-family or pro-marriage. Plus, Nikki's feelings are hurt, and Elon trucked in door-knockers for Trump who basically worked as indentured servants. How does this Putin-whispering patsy still have government contracts?
Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Tim's message to Nikki Haley voters

Alex Vindman and Lakshya Jain: No More Petty Tyrants Oct 30, 2024

The character of the nation is on the line: We have to stop an autocratic minority from imposing its will on the majority of Americans. And no question, Putin has been very easily manipulating Trump and Musk. Plus, Biden talking about garbage, spam polls, pollster herding, and the weakest swing states for Kamala.
Alex Vindman and Lakshya Jain join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Congressional candidate Eugene Vindman's web site
The fake family of Eugene's opponent in the open VA-7 seat

Robert Draper: The Prosecutor Oct 29, 2024

Kamala Harris sees the world as divided between those who follow the rules and those who break them—and that injustice requires action, not whining. And behind the story of a child of two high-achieving immigrants is a woman who remains loyal, reveres law and order, shows up prepared, and approaches challenges with a 'just the facts' linear style of thinking. Yet, she also maintains a level of inscrutability.
Robert Draper joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Draper's profile of Kamala

Robert Kagan and Bill Kristol: It's Already Happening Before our Eyes Oct 28, 2024

By de-prioritizing The Washington Post in his business empire, Jeff Bezos is showing exactly how a free press gets dismantled. Other corporate titans are also falling in line so they're not on the wrong side of Trump. Meanwhile, with the Klan-like rhetoric at Sunday's rally, MAGA is baring its teeth and showing us that its true essence is about white Christian supremacy. Plus, the Senate races, and Tim's reporting from outside MSG.
Bob Kagan—who resigned from WAPO on Friday—and Bill Kristol join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Bill and Bob's conversation on authoritarianism in 2019
Bob's book, "Rebellion," published in April
Bob's 2016 piece warning how fascism could come to America
Tim's message to Haley voters

Bret Stephens: Pray Kamala Wins Oct 25, 2024

Trump is corrosive to the soul of our democracy. He's a bigot, an ogre, and an isolationist. And for all the Reagan Republicans on the fence: If Trump gets back in, America won't have a healthy conservative movement again for generations. Plus, Kamala on Israel, and Elon's private foreign policy with Putin—he's working against our national security while helping himself to the treasury of the United States.
Bret Stephens joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

show notes:
Tim's playlist
Bret's 2018 piece on Musk being the Trump of Silicon Valley

David French: 2017 Trump Is Gone Oct 24, 2024

A whole faction of Red America thinks the judges and tax cuts in the first half of Trump's presidency were the 'real' Trump. But the Jan 6 'burn it all down' guy is the real version—as Tucker's weird parable about a violent and angry dad makes clear. Plus, MAGA's confidence in the election results, Cheney's abortion comments, and the surreal double standard where all the rules apply to Kamala, but none apply to Trump.
David French joins Tim Miller.

show notes:
David's latest newsletter, "Trump's Election Reversal Dreams Are Dead"

Jeffrey Goldberg and Catherine Rampell: The Un-American Oct 23, 2024

Donald Trump doesn't share our values or our norms, and he wants the privilege of being able to shoot down Americans in the street. And former officials who worked in his administration are frightened about what he could do to the country. Meanwhile, all the Hitler talk drowns out any talk about Kamala's proposed policies, which are more popular than people realize.
Jeffrey Goldberg and Catherine Rampell join Tim Miller.

show notes:

Goldberg's latest reporting on Trump's preoccupation with dictators
The NYT's interview with John Kelly
Rampell's piece on the popularity of Kamala's policies
Rampell's piece on Flint, MI's baby bonus
Rampell's piece about Trump losing his edge on the economy
Bulwark piece on McKinley and tariffs

Mitch Landrieu and Will Saletan: Trump Lives in the Mud Oct 22, 2024

The ex-POTUS has resolved that his route to regain power is creating hate, fear, and anger. Meanwhile, his little fascist from Santa Monica is planning to raid quinceañeras as part of a mass deportation. In contrast, Kamala promises to be a president for everybody—with fights only in the fields of democracy. Plus, Elon's despicable Nick Fuentes-grade ads targeting Jewish and Arab voters, and the MIA anti-Trump Republican men who are banking on Liz to do most of the talking.
Mitch Landrieu and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Some of Mayor Landrieu's favorite spots in NOLA

Tipitina's live music
Kingpin bar
N7 restaurant
Parkway Bakery & Tavern
Domilise's Po-Boy and Bar

Mallory McMorrow and Bill Kristol: Imagining a World Where Trump Is Irrelevant Oct 21, 2024

Remember those few weeks when Trump ceded the stage to Kamala and didn't do any campaigning? How glorious it was not to have to talk about him. Meanwhile, Kamala, Liz, and Sarah work to seal the deal with undecided voters, Moldova rejects the vote-buying oligarchs, and Lindsey, you're wrong: It's Trump, not Kamala, who's the most radical candidate in modern American history. Mallory McMorrow was recorded live at our Bulwark event in Detroit, and Bill Kristol joined Tim Miller for a recap of the weekend's political news.
show notes:

Gifted link to John Heilemann's interview with David Plouffe

Live from Philadelphia (Again) Oct 18, 2024

The Bulwark kicked off its weekend 'Swing State Swing" in the City of Brotherly Love Thursday before a packed house. George Conway, Sarah Matthews, and Tim talked about psychopaths, narcissists, and how voters need to understand that if Trump didn't even care what happened to his VP on Jan 6, he certainly doesn't care about them.
George Conway and Sarah Matthews join Tim Miller.

Bob Woodward: The Threat Is High Oct 17, 2024

Since the release of Woodward's "War," Gen. James Mattis has reached out to the journalist to endorse the book's warnings about Trump, and to urge that they not be downplayed. Plus, Kamala's counseling of Zelensky before the invasion of Ukraine, and how Russia really was on the nuclear brink and the Biden team pulled out all the stops to get them to step back. Bob Woodward joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Bob Woodward's book, "War"

Susan Rice and Mondaire Jones: The Dictator Hugger Oct 16, 2024

Amb. Rice says Trump is a "surrender monkey" who is all about building up Russia and China for his own benefit—and to the detriment of our national security. Meanwhile, his domestic policy is a platform of civil war on his fellow Americans. Plus, Mondaire Jones on one of the most important House races in the country. Amb. Susan Rice and Rep. Mondaire Jones join Tim Miller.

Tom Nichols: He's Bait for the 25th Amendment Oct 15, 2024

Trump's fitness for office is a central question now more than ever after his bizarre town hall Monday night, where instead of taking questions, he called out songs, bopped, and swayed—for 39 minutes. Plus, Kamala plans a trip into the lion's den on Fox News, Youngkin is utterly shameless, and we risk losing the norms that George Washington established for the U.S. presidency. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Gifted link to Tom's Atlantic cover piece
Tom on Glenn Youngkin

BONUS EPISODE with Jason Calacanis: The Civil War in Silicon Valley Oct 15, 2024

Trump used to be considered an existential threat throughout Silicon Valley, but now the tech world is split between Mark Cuban and Reid Hoffman on one side, and Elon and David Sacks on the latter. Elon & David's All-In Podcast friend "J-Cal" is on the fence. He explains that the Trump side's grievance has to do with Elizabeth Warren, socialism, DEI, the 'self-made' being attacked for being rich—and having their feelings hurts since Elon wasn't invited to the White House. Tim Miller tries to explain to J-Cal how silly these complaints are in this special bonus episode.

Bill Kristol: He's Not Hiding the Authoritarianism Anymore Oct 14, 2024

Trump's authoritarianism has intensified—with his calls for using military force against political opponents, taking away broadcast licenses, and deporting even legal immigrants. Plus, the panic meter, Kamala should make appeals to the Cavuto crowd on tariffs, and it's time to speak your mind on a microphone, Gen. Mattis. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Bill's interview with Jason Furman

Susan Glasser and Jared Polis: Shaking Up the Holdouts Oct 11, 2024

Barack Obama made a direct appeal to people who don't like Trump, but may end up voting for him anyway. Team Kamala has to keep up the drumbeat: Make clear that Trump has been running a rogue foreign policy out of Mar-a-Lago, that he's campaigning on raw hate, and that he's ready to hand over government power to Elon—who's already getting billions in subsidies. Plus, Trump's depiction of Aurora bears no resemblance to the real city in Colorado.
Susan Glasser and Gov. Jared Polis join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
Susan's latest column
Heidi Blake's New Yorker piece on the disappeared Saudi princesses
Tim's playlist

David Axelrod: Change Agent Oct 10, 2024

Voters have a real hunger for something beyond the constant state of pugilism and the weaponizing of every problem. In her closing arguments, Kamala needs to zero in on making Trump the incumbent and herself the person who can turn the page. Plus, MAGA's perpetual dumping on America, Obama's 2004 convention speech, and staying Zen while debating on CNN. David Axelrod joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Tim debating Dan Crenshaw
David's nonprofit supporting epilepsy research

James Carville: We Just Have to Win Oct 09, 2024

The information ecosystem is getting crazier than ever: The monster Trump created must be fed, even when the lies are too much for some MAGA members of Congress. Meanwhile, the disinfo around storm relief efforts have to be nipped in the bud, and Team Kamala needs to get their sharp elbows out for the final weeks. Plus, how a doc about Carville evolved in real time as he pressed to get Biden to drop out.
James Carville joins Tim Miller.
show notes

The new documentary about Carville, "Winning Is Everything, Stupid"
Press release from Rep. Chuck Edwards debunking Helene response myths

Timothy Snyder: The Politics of Impotence Oct 08, 2024

Trump and Vance are pioneering a form of politics where American power means nothing, everything is bad, and politicians focus on tearing people down—and getting other Americans to do the same. Plus, the challenge of defining freedom, why conservative Jews are giving Trump a pass on his antisemitism, and a good and insightful poll on the presidential race.
Timothy Snyder joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Snyder's new book, "On Freedom"
Sidney Blumenthal's piece on Trump's Hitlerian logic

Bill Kristol: The Musk of it All Oct 07, 2024

Do not sleep on this: The billionaire tech bros are on board with the authoritarian project so they can capture the regulatory state. They are showering Trump with money to win his favor and using Vance to lock in control of the Republican Party. Plus, Kamala unveils her media strategy, and the damage Israel has done to terror groups since Oct. 7 is significant. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Gifted Nate Cohn piece on the state of the race

BONUS EPISODE with Doug Emhoff: We Have a Mission Oct 04, 2024

The second gentleman says Kamala has really stepped it up for this abbreviated campaign, and is showing the country the most badass version of herself. He also promised that nothing will distract them from focusing on winning the election. Plus, Trump didn't know what hit him in the debate.
Doug Emhoff joins Tim Miller for a very special bonus episode.

John Dickerson: Hero Story Oct 04, 2024

Liz Cheney sticks to her values under incredible pressure in an old-fashioned Republican way. And she reminded us that Jan 6 is not in the past—but is directly tied to the threat from a presidency where loyalty is built around a lie. Plus, the politicizing of FEMA, Trump's baiting of the media to fact check, more Megyn derangement syndrome, and the longshoremen and job automation. John Dickerson joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

The Daily Report on CBS streaming
John's book, "The Hardest Job in the World: The American Presidency"
Tim's playlist

Kaitlan Collins: Still Surreal Oct 03, 2024

Jack Smith's filing on Jan 6 reads almost like a novel—with Trump shrugging about Pence having to be evacuated, mocking true believer Sidney Powell, and implicating himself with a damning phone-data footprint. Plus, life as a CNN anchor, the evolution of conservative media, and no, Megyn, Kaitlan is an Alabama girl.
Kaitlan Collins joins Tim Miller.

Jim Messina and Michael Weiss: Midwestern Nice Oct 02, 2024

The Harris campaign clearly opted not to send out an attack dog in last night's debate. While JD Vance helped the reputation of the Yale debate club, the coverage today is about abortion and Jan 6—Tim Walz's best lines. Meanwhile, the race remains a coin toss, and the legal drama over the election is already becoming a nightmare. Plus, Iran's ballistic missile attack and Israel's coming retaliation.
Jim Messina and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.

Lis Smith: Go After the Weird Angle Oct 01, 2024

JD Vance may be a good debater, but his creepy obsession with lady parts could put him on defense. Meanwhile, Kamala seems to embrace a more robust media strategy, the weakest alpha in history can't bear to face off with her again, and Trump is the last person who would help make Americans more healthy. Lis Smith joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Lis's book, "Any Given Tuesday: A Political Love Story"

Bill Kristol: Prepping A Closing Message Sep 30, 2024

While the Trump campaign is opting for trans panic, Kamala really needs to remind people to be alarmed about the disaster possibilities with Trump. Plus, an imbalance in campaign ads, the role of foreign policy in the election, getting assistance to the people of Western North Carolina— and the potential political fallout from Hurricane Helene.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
The Cheney-Lieberman VP debate in 2000
Bush 41 checking his watch in a town hall debate in 1992
Mark Caputo on Trump's attacks against Kamala over trans-related issues
Sarah's Focus Group episode on Gen Z voters, with Peter Hamby

Amanda Carpenter: Get With the Program, Already Sep 27, 2024

If Mitt Romney and Mike Pence really want to have influence over a future GOP, then they need to join the Cheneys in what may be the greatest cross-partisan movement in history. Meanwhile, the MAGA retribution agenda keeps ramping up, we need more Mark Cuban, and Kamala hits the border.
Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend podcast.
show notes

Mark Cuban on Theo Von's podcast
Amanda's analysis of the authoritarian playbook
Tim's playlist

Pete Buttigieg and A.B. Stoddard: Talk Is Cheap Sep 26, 2024

Trump likes to promise a manufacturing renaissance as though one isn't going on right now. But we also had a manufacturing recession when he was in office—and that was before Covid.
Plus, Kamala hits her stride talking about her plans, Clay Higgins is a lying, racist thug, the Democratic Party keeps holding lawbreakers to account, and we can see in Elise Stefanik's eyes how much she is faking it.
Pete Buttigieg and A.B. Stoddard join Tim Miller.

Dana Milbank: Fools on the Hill Sep 25, 2024

The current Congress is the most do-nothingest since 1861—when the Union was falling apart right before the Civil War. Speaker Mike Johnson is completely beholden to Trump, Republicans used Russian propaganda for their sham impeachment effort against Biden, and a clown car of Santos-style fakers are cruising to reelection. Plus, the prospect for chaos post-election is high if Trump loses. Dana Milbank joins Tim Miller.
show notes

Dana's new book, "Fools on the Hill: The Hooligans, Saboteurs, Conspiracy Theorists, and Dunces Who Burned Down the House"
Will's piece that Tim mentioned

Michael Medved: America Is No Accident Sep 24, 2024

Longtime conservative talk show host Michael Medved believes America was chosen for a special mission—Republicans used to understand that, but now it's the Democrats who are carrying on the patriotic, 'morning in America' idea. Meanwhile, fiscal conservatives shrug over Trump's promised tariffs, and the architect of Project 2025 reportedly killed his neighbor's dog with a shovel. Michael Medved joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Screenshot of National Review's 2016 cover, "Against Trump"
Michael's daily show
Abridged version of Michael's show
Michael's 'American Miracle' podcast Michael's book, "The American Miracle"

Bill Kristol: Trump's Just A Huckster at Heart Sep 23, 2024

Melania is selling Christmas ornaments, while Trump is offering up 99.9% silver coins—the vibe feels more like a going out of business sale than heading back to the White House. But then again, a new bearish NYT poll is worrisome, especially after a bullish one from NBC on Sunday. Plus, Kamala gets a chance to call Trump a ‘chicken’ for ducking a second debate, and the post-modern relativism of Republicans.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

Peter Hamby: Living the Racist Porn Message Board Life Sep 20, 2024

Mark Robinson thinks so much about porn, he wouldn't have enough head space or time to do the job of being North Carolina's governor. Meanwhile, the "Black Nazi" calls trans people and gays filthy. Plus, Kamala's confidence on the trail, the absurdity of the Trump campaign thinking she delivered a gun gaffe —and white people varietals in PA, WI, and NC.
Peter Hamby joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes

Tim Walz talking to high school bros
More Walz showing how to talk to voters
Neil King's book, "American Ramble"
Tim's playlist

Sam Stein and Susanne Craig: Look Beyond the Polls Sep 19, 2024

We're swimming in polling data, but we should also consider that Kamala has more money and a superior ground game. On the other hand though, she doesn't have a spouse promoting nude modeling experience. Plus, the sweeping narrative behind the 'Lucky Loser' who squandered his father's fortune.
Susanne Craig and Sam Stein join Tim Miller.
show notes
Susanne's new book about Trump, "Lucky Loser"

Tom Nichols: The Cat Was in the Basement Sep 18, 2024

JD Vance thought he had confirmation of his Haitian migrant conspiracy when a Springfield, OH resident filed a police report about her missing cat. But Miss Sassy was just in the basement, safe and sound. More seriously, Vance and Trump want everyone who's not on their team to shut up, so they can rile up their supporters and prime people for violence. Meanwhile, has the MAGA duo become such losers that even Joe Rogan and the bro-sphere have had enough?
Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Tom on Trump using an assassination attempt to inflame politics

Amy Walter: A 50-50 Race Sep 17, 2024

The presidential race is essentially tied, with movement on the margins that may not be picked up in polling. So prepare for a lot of mood swings in the next seven weeks. Amy Walter and Tim Miller dive deep into PA voters v WI voters, Penn State grad Trump fans, and the prospects for Kamala in NC v GA. Plus, a cliffhanger in the House.
show notes:

Vance's awkward missed fist bump with Marcy Kaptur

Bill Kristol: Fanning the Flames Sep 16, 2024

MAGA is trying to take political advantage of what was apparently a second assassination attempt on Trump, but it's not the Democrats who routinely encourage violence. Trump himself only recently joked about the attack on Paul Pelosi. Meanwhile, Vance admits he created stories about Haitian immigrants, the Des Moines Register poll points to the way the political winds are blowing, and finally some Emmy justice for "Hacks."
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Tim's interview with Carol Leonnig when she discusses the Secret Service
Bill's recent conversation with James Carville

Jeffrey Goldberg: Trump Doesn't Believe in America Sep 13, 2024

The former president doesn't think our country is exceptional, and the political press won't hold him to any standard because it has zero expectations of him. Plus, Lindsey Graham is an empty shell, John Kelly was nearly driven mad working for Trump, and JD Vance can't stop spinning conspiracies.
Jeffrey Goldberg joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes

Jeffrey's new book, “On Heroism: McCain, Milley, Mattis, and the Cowardice of Donald Trump"
Atlantic piece on Trump's diminished speech abilities
JVL's Triad newsletter from Thursday
Orlando Sentinel's straightforward headline about a Trump threat
Tim's playlist

Mark McKinnon: Taking Back the Freedom Agenda Sep 12, 2024

While Republicans paint a vision of America as a dystopian hellscape, Kamala is helping herself to the sunny optimism of Reagan and the Bushes. Plus, Taylor is breaking MAGA's brains and driving up voter registrations, Sarah Palin is no longer the worst VP candidate, and Laura Loomer is even too crazy for MTG. Mark McKinnon joins Tim Miller.

S.E. Cupp: A Sucker and a Loser Sep 11, 2024

Kamala laid trap after trap during the debate, and because he's so impulsive, Trump walked into every single one. And while he seethed, she was the normal and sane one—who came so prepared she was name-dropping missiles and tanks. It was a good night. S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller, who also shares his scoops from the spin room.
show notes:

S.E.'s show, "Battleground"

Symone Sanders Townsend and Olivia Nuzzi: Kamala v the Weirdo Sep 10, 2024

Trump and Kamala are meeting for the first time at tonight's debate, because in 2021, he took his ball, went home, and skipped the inauguration. Seven weeks after the change in the ticket, Trump still doesn't seem to know how to fight her— while Kamala will likely be focused on her message of fighting for the people vs Trump fighting for himself.
show notes:

Olivia's piece, "I Examined Donald Trump’s Ear — and His Soul — at Mar-a-Lago
Symone's MSNBC show, "The Weekend"

Bill Kristol and Colin Allred: What's So Hard about This, Pres. Bush? Sep 09, 2024

This is not a close call, Bush 43: Follow your vice president's lead and say you're voting for Kamala. Meanwhile, stay alarmed that this is a close race, and don't forget that JD cares more about guns than kids. Plus, after 12 years of Ted Cruz not caring about his state, have Texans had enough? Tim Miller spoke with Rep. Colin Allred at TribFest in Austin, and Bill Kristol joined for a political news roundup.
show notes
Tim on Kamala's new "Best People" ad featuring ex-Trump appointees

Live from Dallas Sep 06, 2024

Before a packed house in D-Town, Tim Miller and Adam Kinzinger covered it all, from Trump's incoherent muttering about childcare to his graveside camera-mugging. Plus big boos for Cruz, advice for Colin Allred, and should Kinzinger run for Congress from Texas? Our first of two live shows from the Lone Star State.

David Frum: Villains and Monsters Sep 05, 2024

After the decade we've been living through, we will remember the people like Liz Cheney, who have made the choices that really matter. Meanwhile, will the MAGA influencers who say they were unwitting Russian propagandists give their millions back? Plus, Tucker's praise and promotion of Holocaust denialism, Vance's pathological feelings about women, and the continuing tragedy of guns everywhere in America.
David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Frum's recent piece on the Gaza protesters

Neera Tanden and Heidi Heitkamp: Trump Playing the Media, Again Sep 04, 2024

The media still haven't figured out how to cover Trump, so they don't scrutinize even his most shocking statements—like when he claimed he had the right to interfere in the '20 election. Plus, Kamala's strong Indian mom, the Dems' improved response to sexist and racist attacks, winning rural voters, Mark Robinson's porn habits, and how it looks in Trump country.
Neera Tanden and Sen. Heidi Heitkamp join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Heitkamp's One Country Project
Heitkamp's "Hot Dish" podcast

Brian Schatz and Mona Charen: Democrats Don't Trust Happiness Sep 03, 2024

Kamala is showing that she's good at politics by uniting the party's coalition and making appeals to the center. But many Democrats can't help themselves and are just waiting for all hell to break loose. Plus, building affordable homes, conserving the republic vs. preserving conservative policies—and Walz, the everyman. Sen. Brian Schatz and Mona Charen join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Mona's piece, "What Are We Conserving?"
Pat Toomey on CNBC today

Bill Kristol: Stay on Offense Sep 02, 2024

Kamala looks to have a very narrow lead in the polls, but she needs to do more to drive Trump down—a good target would be his announcement that he's voting against protecting abortion rights in Florida. Plus, his sudden concern for Pence and Vance's copious podcast blathering.
Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller for a special Labor Day pod.
show notes:

USA Today piece about Will Selber
Hersh Goldberg-Polin's childhood bedroom with art about Jerusalem

Margaret Hoover: Kamala, the Real Apprentice Aug 30, 2024

Harris has been watching and learning about the ways of Washington, and she keeps sticking the landing like a gymnast. Meanwhile, Trump is desperately trying to unring the bell on abortion. Plus, what is his plan to delegitimize the election this time? PBS' Margaret Hoover joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.
show notes:

Margaret's Firing Line special, "Counting the Vote" on your local PBS station
Margaret's Firing Line documentary on YouTube
Tim's playlist
John Avlon's congressional campaign website

Adam Kinzinger: Trump Is Q Aug 29, 2024

Policy differences pale in comparison to maintaining self-governance and restoring sanity in the country—high time for the anti-Trumpers to endorse the candidate who's not posting crap like a 17-year-old in his parents' basement. Plus, the Arlington incident, jealous Megyn Kelly, and why Russia is freaking out about the Telegram-related arrest. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Will Selber on the Arlington episode and Section 60
Tickets for The Bulwark LIVE next week in Dallas

D.L. Hughley: Kamala Is the Main Character Aug 28, 2024

The pundit class keeps talking about how Trump hasn't figured out how to respond to Kamala—but she already knows how to deal with him. And the man who's used to controlling the narrative finds himself on the sidelines. Plus, maximizing the efficiency of Kamala's digital campaign over the next 10 weeks.
D.L. Hughley and Teddy Goff join Tim Miller.
show notes:

D.L.'s radio show, streaming
D.L.'s radio show, terrestrial options

Mark Leibovich: The Democrats' Rumor Mill Aug 27, 2024

Rumors have surfaced about Joe feeling sad and resentful about the re-energized party. At the same time, Kamala seems happy to share the limelight with party stars, like Pete Buttigieg. And over at Mar-a-Lago land, the flat-footed Trump campaign still doesn't know how to respond to the change in the Dem ticket. Plus, the mysterious and sketchy way Trump is allocating campaign contributions. Mark Leibovich and Juleanna Glover join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Mark's piece on the Buttigieg Bubble
Elaina Plott Calabro's piece on Kash Patel
Juleanna's essay for The New York Times on Trump's expenditures
The "YIMBYs for Harris" event Tim is part of
The Apple playlist link for Bulwark Pod music
Tim's Spotify list

Bill Kristol: Do Something Aug 26, 2024

Some of the people best suited to make the case against Trump are the jilted Cabinet members and others who worked with him—doing the right thing is never the wrong thing. Plus, McMaster's preposterous spin, appreciating the words Kamala didn't say in her speech, making Trump own RFK, Jr.'s antivax views, and the gamesmanship over the debates. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Adam Kinzinger on speaking at the Democratic convention
Tim on the big fish anti-Trumpers who should endorse Kamala already
Bill on the key line in Kamala's speech

A.B. Stoddard: Only in America Aug 23, 2024

Kamala delivered a real work of art—a perfect American story filled with love of country, democracy, family, and the pursuit of big dreams. She also spoke to the center of the electorate, and conveyed a strength to take on the bullies and protect the nation, all with a feminine touch. Meanwhile, the sitting black VP has positioned herself as the challenger against an incumbent Trump, infuriating him in the process. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

Elaina Plott Calabro interview about Kamala that Tim referenced
Tim's playlist

Al Franken: Mind Your Own Damn Business Aug 22, 2024

The former senator from Minnesota recounts his early fandom for Tim Walz and how he won an unlikely congressional race in 2006. Plus, Kamala finding her footing, the cowardly Republicans who are shying away from endorsing her, a floundering Trump, and Franken's 70s-era comedy. Al Franken joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
The 1976 SNL episode featuring Al and Elliott Gould's skit; costs $1.99 to watch

Jon Favreau: Understanding the Assignment Aug 21, 2024

Michelle Obama killed it last night, and did the job that every speaker at the Democratic convention should be doing: persuading the undecided to vote for Kamala. Plus, the inside scoop on her husband's big (... er small) moment, making sure young men know about the toxic crap in Project 2025, and embracing America's great, big, beautiful pluralism.
Jon Favreau joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

That big ( ... er small) moment
Jon's book

Beto O'Rourke: Air of Authenticity Aug 20, 2024

Kamala's genuine smile and Walz's empathetic version of manhood is coming through loud and clear—and may explain the joy that is coursing through the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Vance remains a popularity sinkhole. Plus, the prospects for Texas ever turning blue, Cancun Cruz, Latino voters, getting the young to the polls, and staying in to fight the good fight. Beto O'Rourke joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Beto's Texas voter registration group, "Powered by People"
Beto wrote about visiting Ulysses, Kansas in 2018

Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss: It's Showtime Aug 19, 2024

Kamala's first month as a presidential candidate before the Democratic convention has gone exceedingly well—she's been controlling the narrative, infuriating people like Ben Shapiro, and Trump can't get her pretty face out of his head. Meanwhile, Putin talks a big game, but Ukraine has surprised everyone with its incursion into Russia. Bill Kristol and Michael Weiss join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Dan Pfeiffer piece Tim mentioned
A.B.'s piece Tim referenced
Michael's stories at The Insider
WSJ story referenced by Michael (for Journal subscribers)

Brian Beutler: Vibe Shift Aug 16, 2024

Swapping out Biden for Kamala has been such a big mood boost that consumer confidence among Dems and independents is suddenly surging. Meanwhile, Trump keeps having Potemkin press conferences as a ploy to reclaim the narrative. Plus, Bond-style villains have made hating Project 2025 so easy, and the 'suckers and losers' guy again shows that he doesn't respect the troops.
Brian Beutler joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

Brian's piece on mass psychology
Tim's playlist

Dean Phillips and Mikie Sherrill: The Right Call Aug 15, 2024

Two Democratic members of Congress who called on Biden to pass the torch join Tim Miller today. Both Rep. Dean Phillips and Rep. Mikie Sherrill said it was voters who told them they wanted the party to turn the page.
Plus, more Tim Walz insights, and Vance's odd obsession with how females use their bodies throughout their lives.

Brian Tyler Cohen and Carol Leonnig: Go Inside the Bubble Aug 14, 2024

The anti-MAGA world should keep going on right-wing media platforms, and maybe embarrass their hosts in the process—like Buttigieg on Fox, and Tim on Tomi Lahren's show. Plus, the direct line between Secret Service failures in Butler, PA and the Dallas book depository. And will the FBI ever be able to confirm if Trump took a $10 million bribe from Egypt? Brian Tyler Cohen and Carol Leonnig join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Brian's new book, "Shameless: Republicans' Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy"
Carol's reporting on the $10 mil cash withdrawal from Egypt
Carol's book on the Secret Service, "Zero Fail"
8 Times Tim SCHOOLED Right-Wing Tomi Lahren on Her Own Show!
Will Selber's piece on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims
John Kerry campaign vets on how to respond to the Walz swiftboating
Will Selber and Ben Parker video on the Walz 'stolen valor' claims

Amanda Carpenter: Trump's Traumatic Month Aug 13, 2024

Trump may be holed up at Mar-a-Lago because he's afraid of another attempt on his life. Meanwhile, he keeps trying to take away Kamala's identity. Plus, the stunningly different way the media is handling hacked campaign docs in 2024, the threat from rando county clerks who may try to block the electoral vote count, and more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Bill Kristol and Christopher Cadelago: Increasingly Unhinged Aug 12, 2024

Biden's departure from the race has put Trump in a real funk. He's in denial about Kamala's crowds, he's publicly pining the loss of his preferred rival, and he's doubling down on his helicopter story—and conflating two different black CA politicians in the process. Plus, filling in the gaps in Kamala's inner circle. Bill Kristol and Chris Cadelago join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Cadelago's story on the other black politician who was in a helicopter with Trump that almost crashed

Cadelago's story on Kamala's 2020 staffing

Cadalago's story on tensions withing Kamala's campaign staff

Nate Silver: Underdog Story Aug 09, 2024

Kamala is now the star of a story involving a woman called into duty at a moment of crisis with a sitcom dad as a running mate—and Trump can see the danger. Nate Silver joins Tim Miller to explain what his polling model is showing. Plus, the survivorship bias of Elon-world risk takers, and good, old gambling tips. Your weekend pod.
show notes:

Nate's new book, "On the Edge The Art of Risking Everything," out Tuesday
Tim making the "conservative case" for Kamala
Tim's playlist

Adam Kinzinger: MAGA Hates America Aug 08, 2024

Trump and his supporters don't like America as it currently exists, and their veep pick JD Vance is like the U.S.-hating Code Pink, but in a suit.
Meanwhile, the Democrats have seized the patriotism mantle, à la the Republicans of the 80s. Plus, the sick, unhinged, and inaccurate attack on Tim Walz after his 24 years of service in the National Guard.
Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Kinzinger on the swiftboating of Walz
Kamala clapping back against some Gaza protesters on Wednesday

Peter Callaghan and Isaac Stanley-Becker: Veep Peeks Aug 07, 2024

Tim talks to a local Minnesota reporter to get the low-down on Tim Walz's recent political history, including where he falls on the progressive-to-moderate spectrum—as well as his weak spots from his tenure as governor, like the 2020 riots in Minneapolis.
Plus, JD Vance, as a senator, has been texting with a Holocaust-denying far-right fringe character, but won't take calls from high-ranking Ukrainian officials.
MinnPost's Peter Callaghan and the Washington Post's Isaac Stanley-Becker join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Peter's story on how Walz beat the odds to become the VP pick
Isaac's story on Vance's texts with Charles Johnson
Tim's book, "Why We Did It"

Adam Schiff and Michael Steele: A Stabilizing Force Aug 06, 2024

Tim Walz is a great foil for Kamala's West Coast vibe: He looks like he'll fix your car, then grab an Arby's sandwich before he goes duck hunting. And he's a perfect contrast to JD Vance, the callus-free faux hillbilly who went to Yale. Michael Steele weighs in on the veep pick. Then Rep. Adam Schiff joins Tim Miller to discuss decision to call on Biden to step aside, and "The Biggest Loser: Donald Trump."

Bill Kristol: Kama-Momentum Aug 05, 2024

Recent polls are showing some pretty significant movement to Harris, and she hasn't even had to play defense yet—though at some point she's going to. Meanwhile, Trump and Vance have had a strategically disastrous three weeks. Plus, RFK, Jr and the poor dead bear cub, the stock market sell-off, and Peter Thiel's lack of appreciation for how he has benefited from liberalism. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Joe Weisenthal on the stock market sell-off
The bear cub and RFK, Jr.

George Conway: Crazy in a Bad Way Aug 02, 2024

Donald Trump checks all the boxes of a person with narcissistic personality disorder, but the mainstream press goes out of its way not to cover his apparent pathologies—and ends up normalizing them.
George Conway wants to change the media narrative to stop the guy who only cares about himself from getting back in the Oval Office. Conway joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

George's Anti-Psychopath PAC
Rolling Stone piece by Alex Morris that George references
Post story on whether Trump took a $10 million payout from Egypt
Tim's playlist

Dan Pfeiffer: A Scared and Seething Trump Aug 01, 2024

We are witnessing a man who thought he was cruising to a landslide who's now afraid he doesn't know how to talk about Kamala—or how to beat her. Plus, he's also worried about that prison issue.
At the same time, the election has quickly shifted from a referendum on Joe Biden to one about the future vs. the past. Dan Pfeiffer joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:

Dan's Message Box newsletter

Fred Trump and Will Saletan: An Alpha Emerges Jul 31, 2024

Sure sounds like kind words and affection were in short supply in the Trump household in Queens. Perhaps if Donald had been hugged a little more, America would have been spared a lot of trouble—and Trump wouldn't have told his nephew that he wanted his disabled son to die. Meanwhile, Kamala and her team feel like they're in to win it: She's tacking to the center on the border, needling Trump, and projecting strength. Fred Trump and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Fred's book, “All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way"
Will's recent piece on Trump's threats
Will's video take on Trump's threats
Tim's playlist

Tom Nichols: Drama Queens About Everything Jul 30, 2024

Republican men used to be stoic and quiet technocrats, but now they're screechy and freaky. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris has a whole crop of strong, silent types to choose from as a running mate.
Plus, a shout-out to Charlie Sykes, movies Tim hasn't seen, and can we quit the identity-oriented Zooms for Kamala? Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom's piece on the manliness flip-flop
Tom's piece on Biden stepping aside
Charlie on how Never Trumpers really mean never
Trump's 400 kids remark

Bill Kristol: Weird and Extreme Jul 29, 2024

Democrats are leaning into the 'Republicans are weird and creepy' talking point—a strategy Tim has long advocated for. JD Vance is Exhibit A for this kind of profile, which explains the rumors about Trump possibly replacing him on the ticket.
Meanwhile, Kamala may have whittled down her veep choices to Shapiro, Kelly, and Walz. Plus, if anyone is going to turn the US into Venezuela, it's Trump, the insurrectionist. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

Jennifer Palmieri: The Making of the First Woman President Jul 26, 2024

Women candidates get asked different questions than male candidates—that's just a fact. Kamala has a whole team around her ready to handle queries about her ambition and the racist and sexist attacks. But this 100-day sprint also gives Kamala an advantage: an opportunity to show that she is the tougher, stronger, and more prepared leader. Jennifer Palmieri joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Jennifer's book, “She Proclaims: Our Declaration of Independence from a Man’s World.”
Jennifer's book, "Dear Madam President: An Open Letter to the Women Who Will Run the World"
Bulwark piece on former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
Tim's playlist

A.B. Stoddard: Focus Only on Winning Jul 25, 2024

Nancy Pelosi has amassed power through persuasion, and she had the nerve to push a sitting president off the ticket because she prioritized victory. Meanwhile, Kamala's veep pick is key to extending the new generation message—and wouldn't choosing Josh Shapiro be a good way to show she's not on the side of the flag-burning Hamasniks? Plus, mixed emotions for Joe Biden, and jealous Trump is back to being a total d**k. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

A.B.'s piece on Pelosi

Rick Perlstein: The Alternative Is Apocalyptic Jul 24, 2024

The modern conservative movement has a built-in ratcheting-up mechanism, so that even when Republicans win, they act like they're losing and the country is on the verge of collapse. Even Democrats long for the days of responsible, Main Street conservatives. But today's GOP is racing headlong into authoritarianism, and the fever is not going to break until we defeat it. Rick Perlstein joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Rick on Project 2025
Rick on abortion
Rick on the "authoritarian ratchet"

Sam Stein and Ron Brownstein: Now We're Talking Jul 23, 2024

We may have been conditioned to just accept candidates who share their meandering thoughts or end sentences with 'anyway.' But Kamala Harris is delivering a big upgrade, and showing how a good political speech gets done. Meanwhile, what would Kamala's winning coalition—and her path to 270—look like? Plus, Trump may be having some buyer's remorse over JD Vance. Ron Brownstein and Sam Stein join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Ron's piece on Kamala's path to 270
Sam's piece on how the Dems got their shit together
Ron's book, "Rock Me on the Water"

James Carville: Kamala-Gras Jul 22, 2024

It's now the Kamala Harris parade, and James Carville has grabbed his whistle and baton for the march. The veteran strategist shares some campaign advice for the vice president and argues her 2020 message will play better in 2024—she's already being turned into a brat summer* icon. Meanwhile, Trump and Republicans may have been prematurely cocky. Tim Miller's pod today.
show notes
*The run-down on brat summer
USA Today piece on brat summer, published before Biden dropped out of race
The Charli XCX Trend, Explained

Tim Alberta piece that Tim referenced

Bill Kristol: Biden Drops Out of Race Jul 21, 2024

After banging the drum for quite a while, Bill Kristol and Tim Miller got their wish, and the political world is scrambling for the 106-day sprint to the election— with Trump now officially the oldest presidential nominee in history. Is it Kamala time? What about the possible VP options? Tim's special weekend pod.
show notes:

https://x.com/brianbeutler/status/1814517879309553898?s=46

S.E. Cupp: Grieving the Insanity Jul 19, 2024

Republicans wanted a 'do no harm' convention, but it was too corporate and lacked any joie de vivre. And then they ended the affair with grievance, fasci Tucker, and 96 minutes of weird incoherence from Trump. Meanwhile, AOC gives a peak behind the scenes of what's going on with Democrats trying to push Biden out. S.E. Cupp joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

Savannah Chrisley talking about her imprisoned parents at the RNC
Tim's playlist

Adam Kinzinger: Everything Is on the Line Jul 18, 2024

Republicans are tamping down the crazy and the weird at the convention—like no election fraud, no abortion ban talk, and no vaccines—to present their dangerous agenda in a non-threatening way. Meanwhile, why can a 20-year-old buy 50 rounds of ammunition, but not a White Claw or a pack of cigarettes? Plus, we introduce a new Kamala-themed segment: The Coconut Meter. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes
NY Times analysis of Saturday's shooting

Jeff Sharlet and Joe Perticone: The Confidence of a Bully Jul 17, 2024

Trump's shark/electrocution anecdote was not a sign of deterioration. Trump is actually getting better at communicating a solid message in a carnivalesque atmosphere—and he's reaching people outside of MAGA. Plus, when Republicans talk about a message of unity, they are referring to the party, not the country. Jeff Sharlet joins Tim Miller from New Hampshire, while Joe Perticone checks in from Milwaukee.
show notes:

The Andy Kroll piece about J.D. Vance that Jeff mentioned
Joe's Press Pass dispatch from the convention on Tuesday

We’re heading to Dallas on September 5 for An Evening with The Bulwark. For more information and tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events.

Alyssa Farah Griffin: National Unity Is Not Where the GOP Is Jul 16, 2024

J.D. Vance is an incredibly polarizing figure, and his addition to the ticket signals a complete realignment of the Republican Party. Plus, he gave the single-worst response to the assassination attempt on Trump. Meanwhile, democracy is a team sport, and Democrats are playing a dangerous game. Alyssa Farah Griffin joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Full speech from Mark Robinson, GOP gubernatorial candidate in North Carolina

Bill Kristol: Not Resigned to a Trump Presidency Jul 15, 2024

We begin with a rejection of the fatalist rhetoric from the left. It may be an uphill battle, but the pro-democracy forces have to keep our morale up and be creative. Also the debate around political rhetoric after the assassination attempt is way out ahead of the facts and needs some context. Plus, the Republican convention, Aileen Cannon’s ludicrous dismissal, Axios’ credulous report on Trump’s new tone, and the VP pick. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

The 2019 piece Tim referenced

Sam Stein: Violence Is Not the Answer Jul 14, 2024

In this bonus episode following the assassination attempt on Trump, The Bulwark's managing editor Sam Stein joins Tim Miller to discuss the precarious moment we are in, how to dial back the temperature, and how both parties should respond to the violence.
show notes:

Bill Maher on the shooting
Rep. Andy Kim's response to the shooting

Amanda Carpenter: A Life or Death Bet Jul 12, 2024

Not having dementia is not enough to change the dynamic. Biden needs a proactive message against Trump. Meanwhile, you don't have to play 'Connect the Dots' to see the overlap between Project 2025 and Trump—and members of the media claiming he has a 'new tone' are like frogs in boiling water. Plus, more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter is back with Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Tim's playlist
The Authoritarian Playbook for 2025

David French: Trump Tries To Run Away from the Christian Nationalists Jul 11, 2024

Inviting "populist slut hero" Amber Rose to speak at the Republican convention and adjusting the platform on abortion—Trump is trying to distance himself from MAGA's Christian fundamentalist ranks. Meanwhile, the Christian Nationalist project to turn the constitutional clock back 70 years continues apace. Plus, the effort to get Biden to leave the ticket is not a conspiracy—but the sign of a working party. David French joins Tim Miller.
show notes
David's recent column on the Supreme Court

Ezra Klein: A Path to Defeat Jul 10, 2024

Top Democrats say they don't see a way for Biden to win, and some are resigning themselves to being the resistance against Trump, despite the threat he poses to our democracy. Batten down the hatches—this interview is a tough listen. Ezra Klein joins Tim Miller.
show notes
Ezra's piece from February
Ezra's book recommendation, "Health and Safety: A Breakdown"

Bakari Sellers and Elaina Plott Calabro: The Case for Riding with Biden Jul 09, 2024

This is not a moment for a politician's origin story or soaring oratory. Some think that means dancing with the one that brung ya. But maybe it’s a moment for someone who could prosecute the case against Donald Trump—making it a perfect time to reintroduce Kamala Harris to voters. Elaina Plott Calabro and Bakari Sellers join Tim Miller.
show notes
Elaina's story, "The White House’s Kamala Harris Blunder"

Bill Kristol: The Joe Biden Survival Plan Jul 08, 2024

It would have been nice if Biden had gone on Morning Joe the day after the debate instead of waiting 11 days. But he still is not providing a forward-looking message or explaining why he's the one to beat Trump. Meanwhile, Kamala is showing what an aggressive, proactive campaign looks like. Plus, Project 2025 moves into the spotlight, and the good news for democracy coming from overseas.

Annie Lowrey: The Worst Best Economy Jul 05, 2024

Housing prices, the cost of insurance, and sticker shock at the supermarket are still stressing Americans out even while the economy is booming. Annie Lowrey joins Tim Miller to discuss the limited housing stock, the economic benefits of immigrant labor, and shrinking income inequality. Plus, the media does shape opinion, but Joe Biden's oldness is self-evident.
show notes:

Annie's piece on the worst best economy
Annie's book on universal basic income, "Give People Money"
Annie's piece on inflation

Clint Smith: A Reckoning with History Jul 04, 2024

Author, poet, and native New Orleanian Clint Smith grew up in the city that was the heart of the domestic slave trade, but realized his understanding of the history within himself and his country was inadequate. So he set out to write the type of book he should have had in high school. On this Independence Day, we pulled a special selection from the Tim Miller Bulwark archive. Plus, love for the Crescent City, and dads getting too much credit for pulling their weight.
show notes

Jon Lovett: Unprecedented Times Jul 03, 2024

The quiet coming from the White House sure suggests that the people around the president don't think Joe at his best can overcome Joe at his worst. Jon Lovett joins Tim Miller to discuss all the possible options as the world waits for Biden to say what he's going to do.

Ben Wittes and Steven Shepard: He Is Still a Criminal Jul 02, 2024

No matter how much the Supreme Court pretends that the words 'high crimes and misdemeanors' are not explicitly in the Constitution, Donald Trump is still a disqualified law-breaker and is exactly the kind of guy the Founding Fathers warned us about. Character is now the only real check on presidential power. Plus, if push comes to shove, what are the basic rules that govern a change at the top of the ticket? Ben Wittes and Steven Shepard join Tim Miller.

Tom Nichols: Political Malpractice Jul 01, 2024

All Americans who love this country and hate Donald Trump deserve answers about Thursday's abysmal performance—and how we are going to move forward. And do not answer our doubts about Biden and his staff with a MAGA-style blaming-the-press bit. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court recklessly assists Trump yet again, and Bannon goes to the big house. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Mika Brzezinski on Joe Biden

Sarah Longwell, Jonathan V. Last, and Jonathan Martin: A Disaster Jun 28, 2024

The Secret Pod makes an emergency appearance to work through last night's terrible performance by Biden and to urge the Democratic Party to do the responsible thing in this moment. And Jonathan Martin discusses the strategy behind Biden's failed gamble and whether sitting Democrats would actually publicly push the president to leave the ticket. Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Martin join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

Claire McCaskill on Biden's performance
David Frum on the debate
Tim's playlist

Kate Bedingfield and Marc Caputo: Debate Day Jun 27, 2024

Former White House comms director Kate Bedingfield serves up some keen insights into Poppa Joe—he is a night person, he regularly seeks out Jill's opinion, and he is a calming influence. And he's probably not as anxious as Tim Miller is about tonight's debate. Meanwhile, Marc Caputo reports from Magaville on Trump's posturing that he is definitely, absolutely not at all prepping for the debate. Your pre-fight night comfort food to calm the jitters.
show notes:

Kevin Williamson piece Tim mentioned

Stuart Stevens: I think Joe Biden Has Been A Great President Jun 26, 2024

So many of the people who worked around POTUS 44 think no one will ever be as good as Obama, but Stuart Stevens argues that Democrats need to make the case that Joe Biden is a great president. Meanwhile, Dems on Tuesday showed they are the one party holding their crazy people to account. Plus, Vance is too smart to be Trump's VP pick, more Republicans need to follow Kinzinger's example, and Ole Miss, college sports and civil rights. Tim Miller's show today.
show notes:

Stuart's latest book, "The Conspiracy to End America"
Stuart's book, "The Last Season: A Father, a Son, and a Lifetime of College Football"
Wright Thompson's piece on Ole Miss in 1962
Stuart's piece on calling Biden a great president

Symone Sanders-Townsend: Don't Say We Didn't Warn You Jun 25, 2024

Project 2025 sounds mundane, but it would institutionalize Trumpism, eliminate the Department of Education, mass deport 11 million people, and turn the Department of Health and Human Services into the Department of "Life." Plus, more from the mailbag, and Biden finding the sweet spot between Uncle Joe and punching Trump in the face. Symone Sanders-Townsend joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Symone's interview on Project 2025
MSNBC Live: Democracy 2024 event in September

Tim's Mount Rushmore of political books:

Jared Polis and Bill Kristol: Live from Denver Jun 24, 2024

Gov. Jared Polis says Biden should focus on what he'll do for the American people in his campaign, rather than getting caught up in the crazy of Trump. Plus, guns, weed, the value of talking across party lines, and how Colorado is trying to avoid California's housing and growth problems. Tim Miller was live with Polis on Friday. And Bill Kristol joined Monday to discuss Trump's penchant for lying and to preview Tuesday's primaries.

Jane Coaston: He's So Not a Badass Jun 21, 2024

Trump is not drawing support from black voters because of his criminality—that's just MAGA's bigotry of low expectations. Meanwhile, he's now promising a green card to every foreign Harvard grad to please tech bro donors. Plus, the attempt to create a race war over Caitlin Clark, the annoying liberals on the coasts are creating MAGA reactionaries, and more from the mailbag. Jane Coaston joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

Reid Hoffman's reply to David Sacks
Tim interviews Reid Hoffman
Tim's playlist

Adam Kinzinger: Bat**** Crazy Jun 20, 2024

Felon 45 didn't even really like being president and no one is taking his ludicrous tariff plan seriously—but Republicans can't stop tripping over each other to show him their fealty. Plus, Putin's desperate trip to North Korea, Netanyahu shows his ingratitude to Biden, the national debt keeps growing, and Trump's fond memories for his glory days on The Apprentice.

George Packer: Phoenix, the Most American City Jun 19, 2024

Phoenix is a microcosm of the big issues in the election and the country generally, including political extremism, climate change, and the border. But when it comes to the state's water crisis, Arizonians are showing signs of sanity—by accepting facts and downplaying partisanship. Could the city be a guide for America's future? George Packer joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

George's piece on Phoenix
George's 2019 piece on his son's education

Lauren Windsor and Ben Wittes: A Deep Rot Jun 18, 2024

Justice Alito and his wife seem to have some pretty deep and dark feelings about the people they dislike. Tim Miller also asks Lauren Windsor about the ethics of her undercover recordings. Plus, Ben Wittes shares his predictions for a presidential immunity ruling, his praise for Amy Coney Barrett's handing of the case, and his observations about the criminals Trump unapologetically hangs out with.
show notes:

Justice Alito's 2022 Notre Dame speech
Lawfare's piece on a presidential self-pardon

Will Saletan: Nonstop Shamelessness Jun 17, 2024

Trump visited an African American church in Detroit and the pews were filled with white people; Republicans keep flooding social media with cropped videos to smear Biden; and foreign policy hawks, like Tom Cotton, now say we should be standing up to our allies, not Putin. MAGA land can't quit its shamelessness. Will Saletan joins Tim Miller, who is back from vacation.
show notes:

Detroit reporter shared images from Trump's Black church event

Jonathan V. Last and Ben Raderstorf: Retribution Agenda Jun 13, 2024

Republicans had a tête-à-tête with Trump to remind him how, if he wins, he should extend the tax cuts before he gets tied up with punishing all his enemies. Meanwhile, should Biden suggest extending the tax cuts so CEOs can end their flirtation with authoritarianism? Plus, the value of 'agreeing to disagree' in the pro-democracy coalition. JVL and Protect Democracy's Ben Raderstorf join guest host Amanda Carpenter.
show notes:

Protect Democracy's "If you can keep it" newsletter
JVL's newsletter piece on Truth Social
JVL's newsletter piece on the Epoch Times

Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer: The Inside Story of the Fall of Roe Jun 12, 2024

A coalition of Christian lawyers, activists, and politicians methodically and secretly took down Roe, and in the process, outsmarted Democrats who believed they had permanently won on the issue of abortion. And the end of Roe v Wade is just the beginning of an effort to roll back the sexual revolution. Lisa Lerer and Elizabeth Dias join guest host A.B. Stoddard today.
show notes:

Elizabeth's and Lisa's book, "The Fall of Roe: The Rise of a New America"

Jennifer Senior: Secrets and Lies Jun 11, 2024

Pulitzer-Prize winning Jen Senior joins Tim Miller for a free-form conversation about jail-bound, faux martyr Steve Bannon, the debilitating reality of living with long Covid, unearthing a family trauma, and how Americans with differing political persuasions can find their way to back to each other.
show notes:

Jen's story on her Aunt Adele
Jen's "On Grief," originally published as the Pulitzer-winning, "What Bobby McIlvane Left Behind."

Bill Kristol: Tuberville's Policy Is the Same as Trump's Jun 10, 2024

Tommy Tuberville's know-nothing appeasement of Putin lines up exactly with where the ex-POTUS is—Biden should be making Trumpworld squirm over that fact. Plus, the antisemitic white nationalists who could be back at the White House next year, the far-right's momentum in Europe, and the curious case of why Trump would be reluctant to release the Epstein file. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.

Mike Madrid: The Latino Century Jun 07, 2024

Young Latinos are a giant emerging voter bloc with populist leanings—who also favor tougher border security. If Trump was to win reelection, it would ironically be because these voters put him over the top. How can Democrats reach them? Mike Madrid joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod. Plus, in a mega-mailbag segment, Tim gets personal and shares the story of his daughter's adoption.
show notes:
Mike's new book, "The Latino Century"
Tim's playlist

Adam Kinzinger: The New Axis Power Alliance Jun 06, 2024

This D-Day is a good reminder that the growing nationalist movement across the globe aims to undermine the alliance between free and democratic countries. Meanwhile, Trump gets two stooges on the House Intelligence Committee who will have access to top national defense secrets. Plus, his New York conviction is the Big Lie 2.0, and Biden's executive order on immigration. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Piece on Jared's anti-NATO memorial
The Allahpundit piece Tim mentioned
New Republic story on Tucker and Erik Prince

Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com

Will Saletan and McKay Coppins: Fear and Loathing Jun 05, 2024

Trump and MAGA, with all their banana republic claims, are not being America First—they're being anti-American, and renouncing the country they live in. Meanwhile, the WSJ goes dog bites man on Biden, Europeans are fixated on our election and terrified Trump will win, and the GOP's new Hunter-inspired concern about enforcing gun laws. Plus, will Mitt endorse Joe? McKay Coppins and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes:

McKay's piece, "What Europe Fears"
JVL's response to Romney
Clip from Seinfeld's first Izzy Mandelbaum episode

Ritchie Torres and Ben Smith: Pride and Priors Jun 04, 2024

Rep. Ritchie Torres joins Tim Miller to discuss how to win working-class voters, his Dickensian upbringing, and Israel under the microscope of 24-hour news. Plus, mental health, Pride, and Trump as the GOP's new lord and savior. Then, Ben Smith talks about Americans fragmenting the media universe, and the Epoch Times grift.
show notes:

Torres talking about being a Zionist after being heckled
New Yorker piece on Guo Wengui that Ben mentioned

Bill Kristol: Rally Around the Flag Jun 03, 2024

This is a good moment for Biden to proudly raise the flag right-side up, and share his love of America—even as his Justice Department's prosecution of Hunter gets underway. Meanwhile, the extremism from the country-in-distress crowd continues to be over-the-top, including Felon 45 emboldening vigilante groups to act on his behalf. Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

ABC News video of WWII vets arriving in France
Other footage of US vets at Charles-de-Gaulle Airport
Vets arriving in Normandy
James Carville on Bill Kristol's pod

Ben Wittes and Ron Filipkowski: Guilty! May 31, 2024

Donald Trump collaborated with a slimy crew to break the law, and it may have swung the 2016 election. Russia's election interference was troubling—and so is the National Enquirer's. And the deranged response from MAGA goons to his conviction only shows how much Trumpworld operates like an organized crime syndicate. Ben Wittes and Ron Filipkowski join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Tim's interview with Ron on The Next Level
Tim's playlist
Tim's special GUILTY! playlist

Derek Thompson: Negativity Bias May 30, 2024

America is currently stuck in a negativity vibe, and it's shaping the media we consume, impacting how we look at the economy, and contributing to the anxiety of our teens. Can we fairly blame it all on Donald Trump? Plus, the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama and the age of the do-it-all center in the NBA. Derek Thompson joins Tim Miller.
Show Notes:

https://blueprint2024.com/analysis/optimism-pessism-youth-poll/

David Frum: Complete Chaos May 29, 2024

If Trump were to win, his plans to sabotage the Justice Department and consolidate power would plunge the country into chaos: Our government would be disabled, Americans would pour into the streets, and our enemies would be very happy. Plus, Alito is not being on the level, and a helpful primer on Mexico's election this weekend.
show notes:

Press Advance podcast episode when Tim was a guest

John Heilemann: Piss and Vinegar May 28, 2024

If persuadable voters are going to back an octogenarian, they are going to need to see less caution—and more piss and vinegar from Biden to combat Trump's "me strong, you weak" schtick. Meanwhile, TFG and RFK, Jr face-planted at the Libertarian convention, James Carville's advice for the Dems, and a tribute to an American original, Bill Walton.
show notes:

Biden in 2020 calling a voter fat, and a "damn liar"
Biden's address at West Point
Heilemann's Puck newsletter

Sarah Longwell and A.B. Stoddard: Won't Get Fooled Again May 24, 2024

First off, Nikki, you're canceled. And while Trump's out on bail flaunting his partnership with Putin and showcasing two men charged with murder, too many members of the media are covering 2024 like it's a normal campaign. Plus, Ted Cruz gets owned, Alito has too many flags, and Dems keep sending progressive DAs packing.
show notes:

Kaitlin Colllins' full exchange with Cruz on accepting election results
Tim's interview with SF DA Brooke Jenkins
Tim's playlist

Jasmine Crockett: Nikki Haley and B6 May 23, 2024

Rep. Jasmine Crockett joins Tim Miller to talk about the origins of "bleach blond bad built butch body," what it's like to work with a House GOP that spends most of its time on pro-Trump messaging instead of serving the public, and African American voters in 2024. Plus, Tim's thoughts on Nikki Haley.

James Comey and Ben Wittes: A Demagogue Our Founders Feared May 22, 2024

Former FBI Director James Comey joins Tim Miller to discuss the choices he made in 2016, the DOJ's self-sabotaging avoidance of the media, and how to maintain your integrity and principles in the face of a lying, lawless bastard. Plus, Ben Wittes in New York updates the status of the Trump trial, and praises the fairness of Judge Merchan.
show notes:

Comey's new crime novel
Ben on Judge Merchan

Rick Wilson: The Reich Stuff May 21, 2024

The "unified Reich" reference was no accident: Trump is aiming to both fire up the base and court public controversy. Meanwhile, Giuliani is hawking sedition coffee, Marco Rubio is auditioning for secretary of state, and the UN had a dumbass reaction to the Iranian president's death. Rick Wilson joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:

https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-killing-of-roger-fortson

Tom Nichols: The Cult Around the Sad Boy from Queens May 20, 2024

Trump has embraced the culture war on guns and abortion, but he is somehow being painted as a moderate again. Meanwhile, Giuliani and Abbott served up fresh reminders that MAGA thinks law and order doesn't apply to them. And today's authoritarians aren't anti-elite—it's just that the wrong elites are in charge. Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.
show notes:
Tom's piece about Carla, the cat

Anne Applebaum: A New Propaganda War May 17, 2024

Russia, China, and their authoritarian allies are working overtime to poison the idea of democracy everywhere in the world. It's a theme so heartily embraced by MAGA, their messaging is often the same. Plus, coup sympathizer Samuel Alito, Ukraine's high-tech gains and low-tech losses, and our risk of being outflanked by foreign influence in 2024.
Join Tim, Sarah JVL in Denver June 21. Gov Jared Polis is our guest.
Tickets at TheBulwark.com/events.
show notes:
Anne's Atlantic cover story
Anne's forthcoming book, "Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who to Run the World."
Tim's playlist

Joe Walsh: Red Lines May 16, 2024

This election is about being a grownup and making a choice. One candidate is clearly preferable, and a protest vote sends a message to no one. Meanwhile, Biden is not waiting to take the fight to Trump, and Democrats have to call out culture war ugliness. Plus, another installment of "The Right Stuff." Joe Walsh joins Tim Miller today.

Ben Wittes and Brody Mullins: Code Red May 15, 2024

Michael Cohen substantiated 99% of what's needed to prove Trump's hush money reimbursement scheme—and so far, Cohen held his own under the weak defense counsel's cross-exam. Plus, are we past the peak power of the corporate lobbying world? Ben Wittes and the WSJ's Brody Mullins join Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Brody Mulllins' book, "“The Wolves of K Street: The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Big Government.”
Ben on Michael Cohen, Day 2

Eddie Glaude Jr.: Biden Needs to Thread the Needle May 14, 2024

Joe has to tell campus protesters it's OK to disagree with him—and that they can hold him to account. But if they want to keep the ability to protest, they can't let the knuckle-dragging troglodyte back into power. Plus, pressuring Cornel West, white people are losing their damn minds, again—and is Gen Z really the catastrophic generation? Eddie Glaude joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Eddie's latest book, "We Are the Leaders We Have Been Looking For."
Eddie's "Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul."

Will Saletan: Trolls and Liars May 13, 2024

Today's GOP is not a governing party—it's a grievance and trolling party, and Trump has the nihilist vote all locked up. Meanwhile, Lindsey Graham and others are pushing a Hiroshima model in response to Gaza. And because we all still need to laugh, the pod now has a new segment, "The Right Stuff." Will Saletan joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:

Jonathan Karl on Johnny McEntee
CBS News segment on the mother rescued from Gaza

Mark Leibovich: The Oracle of Washington May 10, 2024

Mike Johnson may have seen the light in the SCIF, but is he scheming with Trump for Jan 6, 2025? Plus, imagining Gavin Newsom 2028 if we get to keep our elections, Biden's age still makes every supporter nervous, Kevin McCarthy's vendetta, and Nikki, the wild card. Mark Leibovich joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
Show notes:

Mark's "Thank You for Your Servitude"
Mark's "This Town"
Tim's playlist

Ben Wittes and Ro Khanna: Stormy Rafah May 09, 2024

In New York, we are getting the trial we deserve: It's not about high principles and democracy, but the trashy celebrity culture America let into the White House. Meanwhile, Biden grows more impatient over Israel's plans for Rafah. Plus, the dark overlords of Silicon Valley, and a "new economic patriotism.” Rep. Ro Khanna and Ben Wittes join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Lawfare Daily podcast episode on Israel/Gaza
Full clip from Khanna's conversation with Jewish and Arab students

Adam Kinzinger: A Small Man May 08, 2024

The ex-POTUS who claims he was taken down by the deep state is looking even smaller in court, getting scolded by the judge and sitting through testimony about how he and Melania don't sleep in the same bed. Plus, RFK Jr.'s brain worm, winning over the still-going Haley voters, and the plan to ban porn. Adam Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Tim's interview with Tammy Baldwin
Tim's interview with Colin Allred

Elizabeth Neumann and Geoff Duncan: Republican Voters Against Trump May 07, 2024

Two conservatives describe their break with Trump. Former DHS official Elizabeth Neumann saw both the mafia culture up close and Trump's disinterest in doing the work of being president. He also exploits the rising extremism in the evangelical church. And former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan says he's voting for Biden, and tells Tim Miller that "doing the right thing will never be the wrong thing."
show notes:

Elizabeth's new book, "Kingdom of Rage: The Rise Of Christian Extremism And The Path Back to Peace.”
Geoff's book, "GOP 2.0"

Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger: Lying Is the Price of Admission May 06, 2024

Any apprentice who wants to join Trump's ticket has to prove they won't accept the election results unless Trump wins—and Tim Scott shows he is a willing collaborator. Plus, most students aren't on the side of the protesters, the threat to Biden from the sense of disorder, and the pathology of Kristi Noem. Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger join Tim Miller.
show notes:
Politico story on nonprofits funding Gaza protests

Live from Philly May 03, 2024

Will Saletan and (Hubert Humphrey alum) Bill Kristol join Tim Miller before a live audience in Philadelphia to discuss the uncanny parallels to 1968, the big 420 news, and the South now living back in pre-Roe days. Will there be a monster backlash?
show notes
Tim's playlist

Gov. Josh Shapiro: We Can Do Big Things May 02, 2024

The governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, sits down with Tim Miller in Philly to talk about the kind of language that wins over voters, the campus protests, finding the sweet spot on public safety and crime, and getting sh*t done.
show note:
This interview was recorded late Wednesday afternoon.

Ben Wittes and Eric Cortellessa: Trump's Autocratic Agenda May 01, 2024

Trump went on the record, explaining how in a second term, his staff would only be (election denying) loyalists, he'd run a massive deportation operation, and states could freely monitor women's pregnancies. Meanwhile, evidence of his election interference in 2016 piles up in New York. Ben Wittes and Eric Cortellessa join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Trump Makes the Cover of Time magazine
Trump interview transcript
Lawfare's NY Trial Dispatch, Week 2
The Next Level episode mentioned by Ben

Bakari Sellers: We Are in a Dark Moment Apr 30, 2024

In the very hot summer of George, Breonna, and Ahmaud, we seemed to be on the brink of a third Reconstruction. But that moment from 2020 was lost. Now, we're in a time when people like Tucker and Charlie Kirk talk about racial equality as white oppression. Bakari Sellers joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:

Bakari's new book, "The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now."

Christians and Political Power Apr 29, 2024

Political power often changes the church more than the church changes those in power—the most glaring example is the damage Trump has done to the credibility of the white evangelical world. Plus, Bill Barr is a liar, and the evolution of Mike Johnson. Peter Wehner joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

AP story on Bill Barr and the Mueller Report
Pete's piece on the forgotten radicalism of Jesus Christ

Simon Rosenberg: I Think We're Going to Kick His Ass Apr 26, 2024

The polling isn't there yet, but Biden is delivering on the job, MAGA is extreme and dangerous, the GOP is a dumpster fire, and Trump is the ugliest political figure in our lifetimes. After a hellish week at SCOTUS, some hopium for the weekend pod from Simon Rosenberg. Plus, Tim Miller reads from the mailbag.
show notes:

Simon's Hopium newsletter
Tim's playlist
George Conway's hat
Tim on Dan Savage's pod
Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com

Mark Joseph Stern and Dave Weigel: A Bad Day for Jack Smith Apr 25, 2024

To Alito, Thomas, Kavanaugh, and Gorsuch, the real threat to democracy is not Trump's attempts to steal the election—but the DOJ's effort to hold him accountable. Plus, the story behind the protesters' masks, activists v Biden, and reading the tea leaves from the Pennsylvania primary. Mark Joseph Stern and Dave Weigel join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Weigel's mask story
Marc Caputo on the Jan 6 case

Olivia Nuzzi and Dana Mattioli: A Deflated Trump Apr 24, 2024

The one-time most powerful man in the world is now being told when to sit, when to stand, and what he's permitted to say. Scenes from the New York courthouse, with Olivia Nuzzi. Plus, Dana Mattioli discusses her book on Amazon, a modern-day Standard Oil, with huge power across numerous industries—but which is also on the outs in DC.
show notes:

Dana's book, "The Everything War: Amazon’s Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power."

Frank Bruni: The Age of Grievance Apr 23, 2024

Tocqueville noted that Americans forever brood over advantages they do not possess, but now our grievance culture has run amok. From the aggrieved-in-chief, Trump, who just can't catch a break, to the social justice warriors who apply the same lens to every situation, we're losing the line between what is righteous and what is bratty. Frank Bruni joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:

Frank's book, "The Age of Grievance."

Tom Mauser and Bill Kristol: Columbine, 25 Years On Apr 22, 2024

Tom Mauser lost his son, Daniel, in the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. He joins Tim Miller to discuss his long fight against gun violence, small victories over the NRA, and the continuing inspiration of his son. Plus, Bill Kristol on marginalizing Trump over Ukraine, how Biden could use some FDR, and the Columbia protests.
show notes:

https://danielmauser.com/

Amanda Carpenter: Welcome to Coalition Government Apr 19, 2024

Hey, look: Republicans and Democrats are working together! Meanwhile, Trump is still trying to destroy our institutions, Bill Barr is comfortable playing Russian roulette, and Mark Esper speaks the truth. Plus, more from the mailbag. Amanda Carpenter joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

Amanda on the pardon power
Amanda's piece about Trump's attacks on the courts
Bill Kristol's interview with Mark Esper
The Times' Mike Bender on Trump's VP contenders
Trump being scared of a bald eagle
Trump claiming a protester was from ISIS
Tim's playlist

Ali Vitali and Will Saletan: An Epiphany on Ukraine? Apr 18, 2024

Mike Johnson shows hints of Reaganism with his new push for a foreign aid bill that includes support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Republicans in Arizona self-own on abortion, the GOP in DC flails on a staged impeachment, and Biden makes a populist move on tariffs. Ali Vitali and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes:

VOTE HERE for Will Saletan's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' podcast
Sen. Chris Murphy's Bulwark piece
Ali's book, "Electable"

David Sanger: New Cold Wars Apr 17, 2024

For 30 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the United States lived in a delusion that Russia and China could not touch us. And while Americans are not all that interested in the rest of the world, the rest of the world is interested in us. Plus, Biden and Bibi don't like each other. David Sanger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Sanger's just published book, "New Cold Wars."

Ross Douthat: Elite Outrage Is Not Enough Apr 16, 2024

Trump wins voters who don't read The New York Times or listen to The Bulwark Podcast, and elite opposition may not be enough to defeat him. Ross Douthat joins Tim Miller for a spirited debate about what the conservative movement gave away in sacrifice to Trump on world leadership, abortion, and democracy.
show notes:

Douthat's recent piece on the pro-life movement

**Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1, and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events

Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes: The Split-Screen Reality Apr 15, 2024

While Biden spent the weekend helping fend off Iran's missile and drone attack, supposedly pro-Israel Trump embraced the anti-Israel chant, "Genocide Joe," at his rally. Meanwhile, the trial involving the first time Trump allegedly broke the law to win an election gets underway. Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes join Tim Miller.
**Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1 and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events

show notes:

Eliot Cohen's piece in The Atlantic

Jonathan Chait: Trump Broke the Scales Apr 12, 2024

Pound for pound, the media treats Trump better than any Democrat. Plus, talking about abortion in a way that wins the most votes, NPR and identity politics, Biden gets too little credit for bipartisan deals, and the first big sign of softening support for Israel on the populist right. Jon Chait joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes
VOTE HERE for Will Saletan's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' podcast
O.J. verdict live on Oprah
The guy behind the 1864 Arizona abortion law
Tim’s Playlist
Goose x Vampire Weekend

Isaac Arnsdorf and Joe Perticone: Trying to Finish What They Started Apr 11, 2024

Steve Bannon fueled the rise of MAGA by offering true believers a sense of community and purpose. A new book tells the story of ordinary Americans swept up in the movement. Plus, hanging out at the DC jail with the Jan 6 choir, and the House drama over Ukraine and FISA. Isaac Arnsdorf and Joe Perticone join Tim Miller.
show notes:

Isaac's book, "Finish What We Started"

Olivia Nuzzi: Kari Lake Is No Meryl Streep Apr 10, 2024

Kari Lake can deliver a good performance, but she's not really a true believer, as her flip on the Arizona abortion law shows. Plus, the normal part of life near the border, the specter of violence at MAGA rallies, and the grueling but necessary function of covering Trump for the long haul. Olivia Nuzzi joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Olivia's new piece on the AZ Senate race and the border
Matt Labash profile of Roger Stone
Trailer for "A Face in the Crowd"
*Graphic: Palin's pre-Thanksgiving interview with turkeys

Adam Kinzinger: Yes, Russian Propaganda Is Infecting the GOP Apr 09, 2024

Two powerful Republican congressmen say some of their colleagues are advancing Russian propaganda, but they're still letting Moscow Marjorie run the show. Plus, Biden needs to hammer the GOP on Ukraine, Trump's weird smell, and how the Bush 43 contingent in Texas can help KO Ted Cruz. Kinzinger joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Tim's article on Red Dog Democrats
Trump ad, with his head blocking out the sun

Bill Kristol: Pure Oligarchic Greed Apr 08, 2024

Trump's billionaire donors had it so bad under Obama, Clinton, and RINO presidents that they just have to go with the authoritarian. Plus, the return of s**thole countries, women's hoops and culture war killjoys, a follow-up on white rural rage, and Trump's latest abortion position. Kristol joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

White Rural Rage episode

Ron Brownstein: A Republican Realignment? Apr 05, 2024

While Trump's calling card is stoking white grievance, he's making unprecedented inroads with Black and Hispanic voters. But in a twist, Biden is matching or even exceeding his support among white voters from 2020. Plus, the perils of Michigan and RFK, Jr., and more from the mailbag. Ron Brownstein joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

Ron's piece on Trump's support among nonwhite voters
RFK speech from 1968
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=1acb0411ebdc43fa

Ruth Ben-Ghiat: There Is No Alternative Apr 04, 2024

Republicans can't get off the Trump highway to hell, but business and media elites are also cozying up to him in case he returns to power. Meanwhile, Trump's project to legalize crimes and delegitimize democracy continues. Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:

Umberto Eco's essay on fascism
Ruth's book, "Strongmen"

Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Marc Caputo: The Least Productive Congress Apr 03, 2024

The 118th Congress has made history: by removing a speaker, expelling a member, and holding sham impeachment hearings. Without Dem votes, the government would have shut down multiple times. Plus, the home insurance crisis, abortion politics, and the Democrats' uphill climb in Florida. Rep. Moskowitz and Marc Caputo join Tim Miller.
show notes
Steve Schale's Bulwark piece on Florida
Tim's interview with Fred Guttenberg

Stephen Richer and Will Saletan: Kari Lake Lied Apr 02, 2024

Kari Lake said she'd fight to the bitter end to prove the AZ governor's race was stolen from her, but in court she essentially conceded that it was all a lie. Plus, the danger of the white grievance movement, the Florida abortion ruling, and a shout-out to Caitlin Clark. Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer and Will Saletan join Tim Miller.
show notes
https://stephenricher.com/
Vote for Will's 'Corruption of Lindsey Graham' here
'The Corruption of Lindsey Graham' limited series

Bill Kristol: Easter Egg (T)roll Apr 01, 2024

MAGA spent the holiday weekend arguing that Trump is more faithful than Biden, and also managed to slip in a possible dog whistle to evangelicals about Catholics. Plus, the value of Never Again Trump voters, early Senate polls, and Tim Miller reads from the mailbag. Kristol joins Tim today.
show notes:

Tim's Triad note about Widespread Panic from 2020

A.B. Stoddard: Liz Cheney Groupie Mar 29, 2024

Cheney makes clear where she comes down on the POTUS rematch and is showing ex-Trumpworld figures how it's done. Plus, the 'Dallas' and 'Dynasty' show at the RNC, Biden's unforced error with anti-Trump Republicans, and 'Genocide Joe' campus activists are not the Dem base. A.B. Stoddard joins Tim Miller for the Easter weekend Bulwark Pod.
show notes:

Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Tim’s Playlist
Article on Biden with a super soaker
Tim and Eric Levine on MSNBC: https://youtu.be/N7Or-ORaW30

David Frum: American North Korea Mar 28, 2024

Republicans have entrapped themselves with the promise of a massive surveillance state for American women. Plus, how Never Trumpers can put Biden over the top, the dangers of RFK, Jr.'s super pac money, Hamas may have gotten what it wanted, and a remembrance of Miranda Frum. David Frum joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Frum's piece on the passing of his daughter
Frum on Trump's self-sabotaging campaign
Reagan's "Morning in America" ad
Reagan '84 ad with the Statue of Liberty

Justin Kanew and Justin Fenton: Tennessee, Laboratory of Theocracy Mar 27, 2024

As local news is hollowed out, rightwing news fills in the gaps. In Tennessee—ground zero for the culture war—Justin Kanew's site, The Tennessee Holler, holds leaders to account. Kanew joins Tim Miller on the anniversary of the Nashville school shooting. Plus, an update on the bridge disaster from Baltimore Banner reporter Justin Fenton.
show notes:

The Tennessee Holler
The Baltimore Banner
Baltimore bridge collapse (around 5:40)
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, as a high school student, dressed in drag

Don Lemon: Elon Is a Troll Mar 26, 2024

Elon Musk, for all his keyboard courage, couldn't handle Don Lemon's Q and A, but then sicced his Twitter minions on the ex-CNN host after their interview. Plus, a surprising take on Tucker—and a shout-out to Rachel Maddow and other MSNBC anchors speaking out against the Ronna McDaniel hire. Lemon joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

The Don Lemon Show

Bill Kristol and Joe Perticone: The Quitters Mar 25, 2024

Mike Gallagher is following Ken Buck out the House door, as they both abandon their jobs, their voters, and any sense of public service. Plus, MTG threatens Mike Johnson, Lisa Murkowski signals she may leave the GOP, and Lil Marco auditions for the VEEP stakes. Kristol and Perticone join Tim Miller today.

Tom Schaller and Paul Waldman: White Rural Rage Mar 22, 2024

Rural white voters wield outsized power in our democracy, yet they are also more likely to support violence as a political tool—and to hold antidemocratic views. Meanwhile, rural whites enjoy the perk of being seen as the "real" Americans. Waldman and Schaller join Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:
Tom and Paul's book
Tim’s Playlist

Jake Tapper: American Scandal Mar 21, 2024

It used to be that politicians who had affairs, took bribes, and paid people off lost their office or lost their base. Tapper joins Tim to discuss his CNN series, "United States of Scandal," as well as his role in freeing a wrongly convicted man. Plus, rising antisemitism on the left and right.
show notes:

https://www.cnn.com/videos/title-2411812
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/03/cj-rice-philadelphia-exonerated/677787/
Fundraiser for C.J. Rice

Stephen Hayes: Grading Biden Mar 20, 2024

A recent editorial in The Dispatch rejected both Trump and Biden as acceptable choices in 2024. Tim takes strong exception to that position, arguing it's a danger to democracy. Today, a debate between Steve and Tim over how to handle the choice in this year's election. Plus, an agreement on spending.
show notes:

The Dispatch editorial on the Trump-Biden rematch
Matt Yglesias on spending

Susan Glasser: An Edifice of Lies Mar 19, 2024

Trump's 2024 lies are not just the familiar ones about a 'rigged election' and 'Sleepy Joe.' He's also unleashing a flood of untruths about Biden and his record that gets filtered through the media mill and reduced to background noise. Plus, Putin's Potemkin victory. Glasser joins Tim today.
show notes:

Susan's most recent column

Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes: A Subversive Enterprise Mar 18, 2024

Trump stands and salutes the insurrectionists during the national anthem, and may rehire the treasonous Paul Manafort to help out in '24. Plus, the dust settles on the Fani Willis' prosecution in Georgia, and Aileen Cannon seriously entertains Trump's absurd claim in the docs case. Kristol and Wittes join Tim.

Amanda Carpenter: Is Trump Depressed? Mar 15, 2024

He lost, he's low on campaign cash, and he's juggling criminal court dates. Are the bad things he says about America a projection of how he feels about himself? Plus, Candace's crazy new crazy conspiracy, MAGA nuts in swing states, and the most alarming threat from a Trump 2.0. Amanda joins Tim for the weekend pod.
show notes

https://www.authoritarianplaybook2025.org/

Josh Barro: Dear Fed, Please Lower Interest Rates Mar 14, 2024

One of the biggest reasons voters are not happier about the economy is because interest rates are much higher than they were few years ago. Plus, publicity-hound RFK Jr's self-own, more from the mailbag, and should Sotomayor retire this year? Barro joins Tim today.
show notes

Josh arguing for Sotomayor's retirement
ABC News story Tim mentioned

Sasha Issenberg: Politics, Disinformation, and 2024 Mar 13, 2024

In 2016, the Trump campaign used microtargeting to suppress the Clinton vote. Since then, digital malfeasance has become the dominant subplot in our politics. How did the Biden team respond to 'Sleepy Joe' and 'Creepy Joe' in 2020, and what's the game plan for viral disinfo in '24? Issenberg joins Tim today.
show notes

By Sasha:
The Lie Detectives
The Engagement

Evan Osnos: Biden Brims with Confidence Mar 12, 2024

Biden has the air of a man with no doubt about his campaign strategy—which is not exactly soothing to some Democrats and Never Trumpers. Plus, Hur's questionable framing of his report, the RNC bloodbath, jealous elites, and Tucker can't get no respect. Osnos joins Tim today.
show notes
By Evan:
Joe Biden's Last Campaign
Rules for the Ruling Class
Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now
Wildland: The Making of America's Fury
Plus:
Richard Ben Cramer's "What It Takes"

Bill Kristol and Sarah Longwell: Is the Wishcasting Over? Mar 11, 2024

Old guy Biden got Ezra Klein to back down—and Kristol a little bit as well. Plus, Orbán at Mar-a-lago, the fallout from the "illegal" immigrant line, and Longwell joins Tim to read from the mailbag, and highlight this week's Focus Group pod.
show notes:

Bill's interview of Timothy Snyder
Send your mailbag questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com

Ben LaBolt and Will Saletan: The Stakes of the Moment Mar 08, 2024

The White House explains why Biden led his State of the Union speech with the threats to democracy at home and abroad. Plus, MAGA's meltdown over Biden's vigor, Mike Johnson's squirming, and Katie Britt's freakish performance. WH Comms Director LaBolt and Saletan join Tim for the weekend pod.
show notes:

Democratic response to Reagan's '85 SOTU, moderated by Bill Clinton

Tim’s Playlist
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=duwnuIpGRxeVWDSkrwaD1w&pi=u-QDtY_MnOS0mV

Tom Nichols: The GOP Needs a Fake Joe Biden Mar 07, 2024

Republicans keep painting Biden as an antifa-loving, Iran-coddling communist as they try to create a moral equivalence with Trump. Plus, McConnell won't even stand by his wife, the Russian wing of the GOP wants to defund the police, and Katie Porter: Give us a break. Nichols joins Tim today.
show notes:
New edition of 'The Death of Expertise,' out April 3

Errin Haines: A Not So Super Tuesday Mar 06, 2024

The Biden campaign is facing a buyer's market among voters and will really have to up its persuasion game, particularly with voters of color. Plus, Nikki packs it in, Republicans went for the craziest SOBs, and Kamala's coming heavy lift on the campaign trail. Haines joins Tim Miller today.

Catherine Rampell: Trump Would Be Bad News for the Economy Mar 05, 2024

Trump's plans to add tariffs and shrink the labor force— via an immigration crackdown— would likely reignite inflation. Plus, Biden's secret energy boom, and how the recent immigration surge has been a gift to the economy. Rampell joins Tim today.
show notes:
Rampell on the economic benefits of the immigration surge
Rampell on Trump's economic policy plans

Bill Kristol and Ben Wittes: We Still Have to Do the Work Mar 04, 2024

The courts aren’t taking care of Trump and we can’t live in denial about the state of play. Meanwhile, words keep failing him at his weird rallies—and telling Romney voters you don't need them doesn't seem all that smart when Nikki gets 30% of the vote. Kristol rejoins Tim, and Wittes is back for a mini-Trump Trials.
show notes:
Send your questions here: BulwarkPodcast@TheBulwark.com
Tim's Not My Party: https://t.snapchat.com/SnxQ5aG0

Kara Swisher: A Tech 'Tough Love' Story Mar 01, 2024

Tech has allowed some very bad people to do some very bad things—including in the democracy arena. Swisher joins Tim for the weekend pod to share her burns of Elon, Trump and the vampires of Silicon Valley. Plus, a capitalist case for government doing more to rein in Big Tech.
show notes:
Kara's new memoir, "Burn Book"
Tim's Walter Isaacson interview

Jamie Weinstein: The Cowardice of Mitch McConnell Feb 29, 2024

McConnell wouldn't put the stake in the heart of Trump—will that overshadow his legacy? Plus, Dan Crenshaw is not happy, debating Gaza & media bias, and it's up to 'we the people,' not the courts, to save us from Trump. The Dispatch's Weinstein joins Tim Miller today.
show notes:
Weinstein's interview with Crenshaw
Finding Matt Drudge pod

John Avlon: Winning Back the House from the MAGA Minions Feb 28, 2024

The MAGA crew in the House is against majoritarian democracy and thinks bipartisanship is bad—Democrats are the only big tent party now. Avlon explains his moment of moral clarity in deciding to run for Congress. Plus, what happened to his former boss, Rudy Giuliani?
show notes:
Avlon's essay on 9/11

Tim’s Playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0dApY6YT48kTh6j9xFDQch?si=duwnuIpGRxeVWDSkrwaD1w&pi=u-QDtY_MnOS0mV

Matt Yglesias and Brian Beutler: The Left Hits Biden Harder than Trump Feb 27, 2024

In our first crossover pod, Tim queries Yglesias and Beutler about Biden's Gaza response, and why Dems aren't holding Kushner hearings—or raising hell about the GOP's promotion of fake oppo from a Russian spy. Then catch the tables getting turned on Tim on the Politix pod Wednesday.
show notes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politix/id1485109198

Bill Kristol: A Shot of Hopium Feb 26, 2024

Voters who backed Haley in South Carolina are not buying the American carnage message, and may represent a kind of gettable voter in swing states. Plus, the shamelessness of Stefanik, the enduring racism of Trump, and a defense of Archie Bunker. Kristol is back with Tim Miller.

Bonus Episode: South Carolina Circus Special Feb 24, 2024

Tim is joined by John Heilemann, Jennifer Palmieri, and Mark McKinnon, his former colleagues from "The Circus," for a South Carolina primary preview. Plus, the prospects for a post-Trump GOP, and some advice for the Biden campaign: Normalize his gaffes.

Rob Reiner and Dan Partland: God & Country Feb 23, 2024

Christian nationalism is not only a threat to democracy, but also to Christianity itself. Prominent evangelicals, like David French and Russell Moore, break it all down in a new documentary, "God & Country." Charlie Sykes is also in the film. Reiner and Partland take it to 11 with Tim Miller today.
show notes:

https://godandcountrythemovie.com/
Billy Crystal and Bill Kristol ad

Glenn Thrush and Tim Mak: Russia's Plots Against the West Feb 22, 2024

A rundown on double agent Alexander Smirnov, and Republicans' eagerness to amplify information sourced from Russia. And in Ukraine, feelings of betrayal on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion. Thrush and Mak join Tim Miller.
show notes:

https://www.counteroffensive.news/
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/20/us/politics/fbi-informant-hunter-biden.html

Katie Couric: Not A Libtard Feb 21, 2024

Couric revisits the impact of her Sarah Palin interview, and shares her views with Tim on the evolution of the GOP, the #MeToo movement in the media, and Kamala's tendency to rely too much on her talking points.

Jane Coaston: The Culture War of Absurdity Feb 20, 2024

Charlie Kirk hates Taylor, pro sports, Disney—and anything normal. Plus, the Alabama ruling on frozen embryos, the House is now the destination for Republicans who want to do nothing but court fame, and Heath Mayo also joins Tim to discuss this weekend's Principles First summit.
show notes
https://www.principlesfirst.us/summit/2024/

Bill Kristol: A Tacky, Low-Life Con Man Feb 19, 2024

The vulgar carnival barker used the holiday weekend to hawk crummy, over-priced sneakers, and compare himself to Navalny. Plus, the House skips town before voting on Ukraine aid, and Haley now declines to say whether she'd vote for Trump. Kristol is back with Tim Miller.

Ben Wittes: Putin's Cheerleaders Feb 16, 2024

Alexei Navalny heroically stood up to Putin, but Tucker and MAGA's worst actors can't get enough of the Russian leader—and Russia itself. Plus, another anti-Biden witness bites the dust, and Fani Willis' table-turning moment. Wittes joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.
show notes:

Navalny's investigation into Putin's $1.3 billion Black Sea villa

Robert Draper: The Talented Mr. Meadows Feb 15, 2024

The immunity order Mark Meadows has in the election subversion case could be a big problem for Trump. But his habit of lying could be a problem for Jack Smith. Plus, is Sinema finished with politics? And the Tea Party when it was kinda sane. Draper joins Tim Miller.
show notes:

Draper's piece on Meadows
Draper's piece on Kyrsten Sinema

Rep. Dean Phillips: The Pitch Feb 14, 2024

The congressman states his case for why he's challenging Biden, and Tim Miller grills him.

James Carville: Mock Him Feb 13, 2024

Much of MAGA thinks Trump was sent by God, but King Cyrus probably didn't wear a diaper. Don't skimp on the mockery. Plus, Dems and male voters, jealousy over Taylor+Travis, and the catch-22 of Robert Hur. Carville joins Tim Miller for Mardi Gras.

Bill Kristol and A.B. Stoddard : Soak Up the Schadenfreude Feb 12, 2024

A Super Bowl W for Dark Brandon & the Deep State brings MAGA tears. Plus, Mike Gallagher steps aside as no profile in courage, NATO allies are alarmed about a Trump 2.0, and a debate over Biden staying in the race. Kristol and Stoddard join Tim Miller for his inaugural show as host of The Bulwark Pod.

David French and Bill Kristol: The Age Thing Feb 09, 2024

The special counsel's report on Biden's docs—and a gaffe about Mexico—have placed Joe's age and memory front and center in the campaign. Plus, SCOTUS's potential undermining of part of the 14th Amendment, and Charlie Sykes signs off with the very first guest of the pod. David French and Bill Kristol join Charlie.

He's Staying on the Ballot Feb 08, 2024

The Supreme Court sounded ready to reject a Colorado ruling that barred Trump from the state ballot. Plus, reading the tea leaves on the next phase for Trump's immunity claim, and the thin factual record against Fani Willis. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Tom Nichols: Citizen Trump Feb 07, 2024

The Supreme Court's legitimacy would really be on the line if it took up Trump's completely lunatic immunity theory after the D.C. Circuit's airtight rejection of it. Plus, the four Republican Parties in the House, and not-a-journalist Tucker's suck up to Putin. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes.

Jonathan Taplin: The End of Reality Feb 06, 2024

Four billionaires—Musk, Zuckerberg, Thiel, and Andreessen—are part of an antidemocratic turn in the tech world. This interlocked directorate of Silicon Valley has helped bring us to this time of post-truth reality, online chaos, and mob violence. Jonathan Taplin joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:

Jon's "The End of Reality"

The Fifth Avenue Rapist Feb 05, 2024

J.D. Vance has extended Trump's Fifth Avenue immunity claim to sexual assault, espionage, RICO, and election stealing—as he angles for the VP slot. Plus, the border bill Republicans have always wanted. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Michael Steele: Let it Rip, Joe Feb 02, 2024

Surprise, surprise, Biden drops F-bombs when he talks about the former insurrectionist president. Plus, Mike Johnson is Trump's punk, and the RNC is behind in the campaign money race after spending lavishly on luxury hotels and private jets. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

We're Talking Real Money Feb 01, 2024

Trump hasn't re-defamed E. Jean Carroll, so it basically takes about $83 million to get him to shut up. Plus, the big risk in the Georgia case, MAGA will be rooting for San Francisco, and Charlie talks about getting off the hamster wheel. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Joe Klein & John Ellis: A Torrent of Stupid Jan 31, 2024

MAGA has put Taylor at the top of its enemies list, Greg Abbott is inviting another Jan 6 at the border, and GOP governors have come out for just ignoring the Supreme Court. Plus, the potential tech disruptors in the election will set your hair on fire. Joe Klein and John Ellis join Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/night-owls/id1724583637
https://josephklein.substack.com/
https://substack.com/@newsitems

Brian Klaas: Why Everything We Do Matters Jan 30, 2024

The world feels like it's falling apart, and black swan events are on the rise. Is this the result of our unquenchable thirst for optimization and efficiency—as we try to tame an untameable world? Brian Klaas joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his new book, "Fluke."
show notes:

Fluke: Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters

Will Saletan: The New Nikki Jan 29, 2024

Haley has taken a hard turn against Trump, and is calling on him to 'man-up' and explain why he grew the debt and why he praises President Xi. Meanwhile, most Senate Republicans are doing Trump's bidding on the border bill. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Edward Luce: Why Big Business Is Caving to Trump Jan 26, 2024

Tax cuts and a gutted regulatory state are a big draw for Wall Street. But under a Trump 2.0, it would be the aspiring monopolists—not the publicly-traded "corporatists"—who would be the winners. Democracy isn't the only thing on the line. Ed Luce joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
show notes:

https://www.ft.com/content/8fbf3a47-f622-46cc-ac06-17732cecc313

Just What Putin Wanted Jan 25, 2024

Moscow Mitch capitulated to Trump's electoral interests, Justice Scalia speaks from beyond, Lindsey may have flipped on Trump in Georgia, and reading the tea leaves on why the presidential immunity ruling is taking so long. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-justice-scalia-thought-about-whether-presidents-are-officers-of-the-united-states

Benjy Sarlin: Wake up to Reality Jan 24, 2024

As we pivot from primary season to the general election, Biden is telling Democrats to accept that Trump will be the nominee. Meanwhile, the ex-POTUS is doing 'peak Trump'—talking about Jan 6, his legal cases, and calling E. Jean Carroll a liar. Semafor's Benjy Sarlin joins Charlie Sykes

Michael Kruse: Trump's Grand Finale Jan 23, 2024

As a longtime legal combatant, probably no one else on earth is more prepared to leverage four prosecutions than Donald Trump—he's made an art form of attacking the courts, our justice system, and the rule of law for 50-plus years. Politico's Michael Kruse joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:

https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/12/donald-trump-indictments-legal-system-00135151
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2024/01/22/new-hampshire-primary-voter-00136850

Will Saletan: A Rogue Presidency Jan 22, 2024

Trump wants to put his knee on the neck of America with a violent, illegal presidency. Plus, the self-abasement of DeSantis and Tim Scott, Nikki waits 'til the 11th hour to punch harder, and Stefanik readies for her close-up. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Amanda Carpenter: The Authoritarian Playbook Jan 19, 2024

Donald Trump has been making extreme promises on the campaign trail. And unlike in 2016, this time he has a team drawing up the plans for implementing them. Amanda Carpenter joins Charlie Sykes to explain how Trump would follow through on his most anti-democratic pledges in a second term.
show notes:
Report from Amanda and Protect Democracy
PDF version

Complete and Total Immunity Jan 18, 2024

No, American presidents don't need to be able to commit crimes to do their job. Plus, Trump is begging to be made a victim of a big, bad judge, and looking like someone who plays a lawyer on TV does not make you a good lawyer. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Tina Nguyen: The MAGA Diaries Jan 17, 2024

The young people who show up at CPAC and Turning Point events are there because of a deeply entrenched grassroots effort to draw in new soldiers of the conservative movement. The inside story from a journalist who got out. Plus, a diagnosis of Tucker Carlson. Puck's Tina Nguyen joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-MAGA-Diaries/Tina-Nguyen/9781982189693

A.B. Stoddard: Dead Ends after Iowa Jan 16, 2024

Almost half of Iowa's caucus-goers voted for someone besides Trump—evidence that a criminal defendant preaching to the choir can only go so far. Meanwhile, Haley makes up her own reality, DeSantis crawls to South Carolina, and the Trump suck-ups plot against McConnell. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
Chris Christie Ending His White House Bid
Politico piece Charlie and A.B. referenced

Will Saletan: The GOP Surrenders before First Vote Jan 15, 2024

Republicans are racing to bend the knee before the Iowa caucuses even start, while also looking like they want border chaos. Plus, racial resentment right now is worse than at the time of Martin Luther King. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Karen Tumulty: The World's Biggest Victim Jan 12, 2024

As Trump prepares to clean up in the Iowa caucuses, his campaign narrative has gone full 'Trump: The Victim.' Expect more court appearances and more temper tantrums. Meanwhile, Haley and DeSantis are acting like there's a contest. Karen Tumulty joins Charlie Sykes from frigid Iowa for the weekend pod.

The MAGA Pathology Jan 11, 2024

Chris Christie dropping out shows that one party is at war with the idea of democratic self-government. Meanwhile, Trump's Fifth Avenue comment makes a comeback as a legal argument, and shades of the Russia investigation reappear. Award-winning* Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
Ben's award from Zelensky

Mark Hertling: Defending American Values Jan 10, 2024

While North Korea has jumped in to arm Russia, Republicans in Congress are dallying over supporting Ukraine. Plus, presidential hit squads, Lloyd Austin's hospitalization, and the tinderbox in the Mideast. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Charlie Sykes today.

Tim O'Brien: The Most Corrupt President. Ever. Jan 09, 2024

Trump is hoping for a market crash on Biden's watch, vowing revenge prosecutions, and plotting on how much he can grift off of foreign countries if he gets back in the Oval Office. He'll certainly be on the take for more than the millions he made the first time. Tim O'Brien joins Charlie Sykes today.

Will Saletan: Erasing History Jan 08, 2024

Jan 6 insurrectionists are innocent, and the Art of the Deal guy could've taught Lincoln how to negotiate an end to the Civil War—the Republican Party is dedicated to erasing history. Plus, Biden's baiting of Trump, the loser. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Tom Nichols: Claudine Gay Had to Go Jan 05, 2024

Harvard was justified in protecting its academic standards and the institution itself. But people are taking the DEI bait over Gay, instead of seeing that Project Trump is about discrediting institutions that stand for integrity and standards. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

What Will the Supreme Court Do? Jan 04, 2024

SCOTUS will have to take up up the insurrectionist clause, after Colorado and Maine took steps to remove Trump from their ballots. Plus, Trump's absurd and audacious immunity claim. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Susan Glasser: The Fever Won't Break Jan 03, 2024

The Trump experience can't just be undone—we are a different country now, and we're not going back to the status quo before his presidency. Plus, watch Trump try to steal the idea of defending democracy from Biden, just like he stole 'fake news' from Hillary. Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes today.

Will Saletan: The Guts to Tell the Truth Jan 02, 2024

Chris Christie makes clear he's not dropping out, because Nikki Haley is not the one we've been waiting for. Plus, with House Republicans signaling they may pull the plug on Ukraine aid, the war there is escalating. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for a new year of Charlie and Will Monday.

The Day After: The Night My Father Scared America Dec 22, 2023

ABC's The Day After, the 1983 drama about a nuclear strike on America, was the most-watched movie in television history. It had a profound impact on Ronald Reagan, and led to shifts in our nuclear policy. A.B. Stoddard tells the story of her father's role in changing the course of history. The Bulwark Podcast presents: The Day After: The Night My Father Scared America.
show notes:

A.B.'s article from November

Sam Wasson: A Francis Ford Coppola Story Dec 21, 2023

Coppola is like a Method actor behind the camera—living the movie to make the movie. For The Godfather, he became like a godfather. And most famously, the method behind the making of Apocalypse Now was a descent into madness. Author Sam Wasson joins guest host Sonny Bunch today.
show notes:

Wasson's new book: "The Path to Paradise"

Yair Rosenberg: Israel Is Not a White Colonial Project Dec 20, 2023

The left is lazily applying American ideas about racial identity and intersectionality to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Atlantic's Yair Rosenberg joins guest host Ben Parker today.

Anne Applebaum: The Irreparable Damage of a Second Term Dec 19, 2023

Anne Applebaum discusses a ray of hope in Europe with the defeat of Poland's authoritarian government, while also contemplating the consequences for NATO and America's place in the world if Trump were to be reelected. Mona Charen sits in for Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/12/ukraine-russia-frozen-assets/676390/
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/01/trump-2024-reelection-pull-out-of-nato-membership/676120/

Will Saletan: Trump Is Anti-America Dec 18, 2023

On the stump in New Hampshire, Trump parroted Putin condemning the American political system. Plus, the tension among Democrats over Israel, Christie v Haley, and it's either Biden or the end of democracy in 2024. Will Saletan joins guest host A.B. Stoddard for a special A.B. and Will Monday.

Ready for 2024? Dec 15, 2023

It was a year of heroes and zeros, highs and lows, and shocks and fizzles. Mona Charen, A.B. Stoddard, and Will Saletan join Charlie Sykes for a special send-off to 2023.

Jack Smith Calls Trump's Bluff Dec 14, 2023

The special counsel is short-circuiting Trump's foot-dragging strategy and mining his phone data to uncover a mountain of new evidence against the ex-POTUS. Plus, the beginning of the end of Giuliani, and getting busted in Brussels. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Where Have All the Democrats Gone? Dec 13, 2023

Democrats used to be the party of the common man and woman, but they have taken a back seat to Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and Wall Street. In the process, the party has been hemorrhaging working-class voters. Can they win them back? Ruy Teixeira joins Charlie Sykes today.
show notes:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250877499/wherehaveallthedemocratsgone

David Frum: A Dark Path Dec 12, 2023

If Trump wins, the first crime of his second term will be committing perjury—when he swears to defend the Constitution. Plus, Republicans aren't really looking for a deal on the border: They're trying to rationalize abandoning Ukraine. David Frum joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:

https://www.theatlantic.com/press-releases/archive/2023/12/atlantics-janfeb-issue-next-trump-presidency/676227/

Will Saletan: Political Delusion Dec 11, 2023

Kevin swears that Trump will stop with the retribution talk. Meanwhile, the aspiring dictator says it's a hoax that Democrats call him a threat to democracy. Plus, the Arab Americans who claim they won't back Biden, and the Texas abortion case. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Tim Alberta: American Idolatry Dec 08, 2023

Is the Almighty, who made heaven and earth, also biting his nails over next year's election? Tim Alberta joins Charlie Sykes to discuss the evangelicals who worship America, a 500-year moment for Christianity, and the organized crime syndicate Jerry Falwell built. Christmas comes early on the weekend pod.
show notes:

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-kingdom-the-power-and-the-glory-tim-alberta?variant=41012408516642

A.B. Stoddard: No One Feared Kevin Dec 07, 2023

And now no one is afraid of Mike Johnson—so he won't be able to lead either. Plus, a Christie-Haley alliance is starting to materialize, Marjorie Taylor Greene now has no sugar daddy, and Liz Cheney reminds us that we have one job. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/01/donald-trump-second-term-policies/676176/

https://www.axios.com/2023/12/07/trump-loyalty-cabinet-2025-carlson-miller-bannon

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/12/05/donald-trump-authoritarian-rule-second-term-maga/

Liz Cheney: A Clear and Present Danger Dec 06, 2023

Donald Trump will never be the lesser of two evils. We must unite, look beyond partisanship, and vote in ways that will maintain the republic. Liz Cheney joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.
show notes:

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/liz-cheney/oath-and-honor/9780316572064/?lens=little-brown

Philip Bump: The GOP Stumbles Towards Impeachment Dec 05, 2023

The smoking gun turns out to be a dud, but James Comer and the Republicans move ahead on their evidence-free Biden impeachment inquiry. The Washington Post’s Philip Bump joins Charlie Sykes on today’s podcast.

Will Saletan: The #MeToo Fail Dec 04, 2023

The progressives both-sidesing the sexual violence against Israeli women and girls has only added to the horrors of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Plus, Trump won't take 'No' for an answer, and Lindsey Graham capitulates to the anti-Ukraine isolationists. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Adam Kinzinger: Why Trump 2.0 Will Be Worse Dec 01, 2023

Trump wants to weaponize the office of the presidency, and who would stop him? We have a built-in weakness of basing our constitutional norms on the honor system. Plus, the Democrats have a Hamas problem. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

The Banality of Crazy Nov 30, 2023

From Elon to Trump to Kanye, public decompensation is a part of our culture now. Plus, Georgia's inadequate investigation of the potential Trump-related conspiracy to copy election software, and the uncertainty of a verdict before Election Day. Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-gbi-missed-in-coffee-county

Michael Steele: The GOP's Humiliation Kink Nov 29, 2023

This is the era of political humiliation: From Kevin nursing Trump back to health after Jan 6, to dominatrixes who get paid to mock your political views. Plus, the Koch network is doing it backwards. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes.

David French: It's a Cult Nov 28, 2023

Don't underestimate the power of the belief that Trump is part of a prophecy for many evangelicals. And don't underestimate the general lack of knowledge about Trump's corruption. Plus, putting pressure only on Israel does Hamas' work for them. David French joins Charlie Sykes.

Will Saletan: Trump’s Pee-wee Herman Moment Nov 27, 2023

Trump wants you to know that he remembers who the president is. Plus, the asymmetry in the hostage-prisoner exchanges, linking reform of asylum rules to aid for Ukraine and Israel, and is Christie helping Haley? Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Amir Tibon: Terrible Choices for Israel Nov 24, 2023

Hamas triggered the Gaza war—and signed the death warrants of thousands of Palestinians—when it purposefully targeted civilians on 10/7. Israeli journalist Amir Tibon joins guest host Mona Charen to discuss how his family survived the terror attack, Netanyahu's failures, Biden's support, and the bad options for post-war rule in Gaza.

We Are Living in a Post-Rational World Nov 22, 2023

A disconnect from reality has descended on the US: Republicans practice fantasy politics day and night, Trump is out to paint Biden as corrupt, and Americans think the economy is in the crapper. Plus, family love and loss, and gratitude for a good ending. JVL joins guest host A.B. Stoddard.

Karen Tumulty: The Sununu Effect in New Hampshire Nov 21, 2023

New Hampshire voters are famously contrarian, and the non-MAGA set is showing up for Haley and Christie ahead of the first-in-the-nation primary. Plus, a Rosalynn Carter appreciation, and the 'Lord of the Flies' vibe in the House. Karen Tumulty joins Charlie Sykes from New Hampshire.
show notes:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/11/20/rosalynn-carter-place-in-history/

Will Saletan: The Annihilation of Truth Nov 20, 2023

We are in an age where internet randos are beating out reality. Plus, Haley's abortion dance, the cowardice of DeSantis, another Biden panic poll, and the Steve Bannon wing feels like it has the wind at their backs. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

The Bulwark Live, with Brian Stelter Nov 17, 2023

Fox launched the Big Lie based on a random email from a woman in Minnesota who heard voices in the supermarket. And its viewers wanted to be told that Trump was robbed of reelection. Brian Stelter has the receipts, and joins Charlie Sykes for our live show in Washington, D.C.
show notes:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Network-of-Lies/Brian-Stelter/9781668046906

Too Crazy for Rudy Nov 16, 2023

One person we can be certain will not be called as a witness in Georgia: nutty Sidney Powell. Plus, the unsettled Trump trial calendar, one way we may get to 'hear' Chutkan's trial, and the missing funding for Ukraine. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Peter Wehner: A Polite Zealot Nov 15, 2023

We may have averted a government shutdown for the moment, but the new speaker of the House believes dinosaurs were on Noah's Ark. Pete Wehner joins Charlie Sykes for a deep dive on Mike Johnson. Plus, the closing of the American mind on the right.
show notes:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/polite-zealotry-mike-johnson/675845/

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/06/opinion/trump-allan-bloom-republicans.html

George Conway: Trump Knows He's a Criminal Nov 14, 2023

Deep down, Trump knows the truth, and is running again to stay out jail—just like authoritarian leaders do in other countries. Plus, the new non-MAGA initiative to protect the rule of law. George Conway joins Charlie Sykes today.

Will Saletan: Punish the Vermin Nov 13, 2023

Very powerful and strong Donald Trump is promising his supporters the freedom to go after the people they don't like if he returns to the White House. Plus, pathological lying fascists, Hamas tunnels, and the day after in Gaza. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Flooding the Zone Nov 10, 2023

Jack Smith's office filed an epic motion this week laying out the central role of Trump's lies in the election subversion case. Meanwhile, the ex-POTUS will never just shut-up. Plus, the proper way to dispose of dog poop bags. Yes, you read that right. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes

Ben's piece from 2016: https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-and-powers-american-presidency-part-i

A.B. Stoddard: Insane and Surreal Nov 09, 2023

Trump wants to melt the constitutional order, but NBC didn't bother to ask the also-rans about that at their debate. Meanwhile, Vivek would've embarrassed Steve Bannon, DeSantis was less cringy, and normal Nikki may be the last one standing—before she concedes. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.

Greg Lukianoff: The Canceling of the American Mind Nov 08, 2023

When Gen Z began attending college and demanding protection from speech, the left argued that cancel culture was a myth. But now that the anti-Zionism bias on campus is clear, consequence culture suddenly feels very real. Greg Lukianoff joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Canceling-of-the-American-Mind/Greg-Lukianoff/9781668019146

Cassidy Hutchinson: Why I Testified Nov 07, 2023

Next year's election is not a vote for a Democrat or a Republican: It's a vote for the survival of our nation. Cassidy Hutchinson joins Charlie Sykes to discuss her break with Trump world, speaking truth to power, and steering herself back to the right side of history.
show notes:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Enough/Cassidy-Hutchinson/9781668028285

Will Saletan: Don't Panic Nov 06, 2023

Recent polls have some Democrats reverting to bed-wetting, Christie calls out the deplorables, and Scalise is an election-denying weasel. Plus, Biden and Gaza, and the left's support for Hamas. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Tim Miller: Trump Keeps Telling Us Nov 03, 2023

Trump is glorifying insurrectionist prisoners, Bannon-world is using Confederate code words, and Republicans and a lot of the media are just pretending this radicalizing talk isn't happening. Plus, Mike Johnson's thoughts on dinosaurs and gay people. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

McKay Coppins: The Last Temptation of Mitt Romney Nov 02, 2023

Romney's journey from the party's standard-bearer to its pariah is also a story of the dramatic transformation of the GOP. And his nomination in 2012 was a false indicator that the center would hold. McKay Coppins joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his new book, "Romney: A Reckoning."
show notes:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Romney/McKay-Coppins/9781982196202

Insurrection and Its Consequences Nov 01, 2023

A Colorado case will determine whether Trump should be kept off the ballot there because of that annoying little insurrection issue. Plus, founding father wisdom, the gag order is back, and a quiz on left-wing antisemitism. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Adam Kinzinger: Renegade Oct 31, 2023

The former congressman says he wasn't always fighting the good fight, and that he feels some responsibility for the GOP's descent into dysfunction—and the rise of people like Marjorie Taylor Greene. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his raw and personal new book, "Renegade."
show notes:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723495/renegade-by-adam-kinzinger-with-michael-dantonio/

Our Exhausted Politics Oct 30, 2023

Trump talked about a new Muslim ban and the media barely covered it. Meanwhile, the House only could choose a pro-coup speaker. The biggest danger to democracy is simple exhaustion. Plus, Biden and the alpha male issue. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Josh Kraushaar: The Pro-Hamas Left Oct 27, 2023

The vast majority of Democrats support Israel, but a very loud, younger segment on the left is lending its support to the terrorist group Hamas—with marches on university campuses, extremist slogans, and outright hatred toward Jews. Josh Kraushaar joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

The Bulwark: Live from New Orleans Oct 26, 2023

Sarah, Mona, and Sonny join Tim in The Big Easy to talk about new Speaker Mike Johnson, Biden, Israel, and left-wing antisemitism.

Flipping Is in the Air Oct 25, 2023

Jenna Ellis will not be the last flip in Georgia, former Trump water carrier Michael Cohen testifies about the fudged books, and the confusing case of Mark Meadows. Plus, Republicans are backing "Jim Jordan in drag" for speaker. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Jonathan Martin: The Antibodies Resisting the Virus Oct 24, 2023

Remnants of the pre-Trump party are hanging on and putting the brakes on MAGA in the House, B-lister lawyer Jenna Ellis shows her deep loyalty to Trump, and Biden is ignoring the biggest threat to his reelection. Jonathan Martin joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/10/18/gop-party-house-speaker-00122371

The GOP Is a Failed State Oct 23, 2023

House Republicans don't have a platform, and in the absence of Trump, they can't pull together. Plus, the anti-Israel left vs Biden, and the fallout from Hamas' hospital propaganda campaign. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

John Avlon: Is the Center Finding Its Spine? Oct 20, 2023

Republican threats and bullying have finally gone too far when it comes to Jim Jordan. But what about the red line that has to be crossed for stable governance? A deal with the Dems. John Avlon joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

A Bad Day for the Kraken Oct 19, 2023

Sidney Powell pleaded guilty and agreed to testify for the state in Georgia—Trump's legal woes just took a turn for the worse. Plus, Jim Jordan's bad day, and a plea for social media types to wait for the facts before weighing in on the Israel-Hamas war. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/on-strategy-law-and-morality-in-israel-s-gaza-operation

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/to-gag-or-not-to-gag-a-first-amendment-showdown-in-the-jan.-6-case

Ryan Reilly: The Sleuths Who Helped Nab Jan 6 Rioters Oct 18, 2023

Ordinary Americans pored through reams of digital evidence to ID hundreds of people who stormed the Capitol. And in the process, the sedition hunters became an invaluable resource to a technologically-strained FBI. Plus, figuring out what's real and what's not in the internet age. Ryan Reilly joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ryan-j-reilly/sedition-hunters/9781541701809/?lens=publicaffairs

Kara Swisher: Jim Jordan, Legislative Terrorist Oct 17, 2023

Jim Jordan spent the weekend bullying moderates, but threatening shame on social media and Fox may not be enough. Plus, narcissistic tech bros and the fake videos and disinformation around the Israel-Hamas war. Kara Swisher joins Charlie Sykes today.

Will Saletan: Don't Forget Who Jim Jordan Is Oct 16, 2023

Jordan was not just another Republican who voted against the election—he was behind the scenes in strategy meetings plotting how to keep the election's loser in power. Plus, the laws of war and Israel v Hamas. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Tom Nichols: Testing the System 'Til It Breaks Oct 13, 2023

The Republicans elevated fringe players who have no interest in governing, and now they don't have enough members to get the House functioning again. Meanwhile, the international bad guys are trying to break the system. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/10/left-jewish-suffering-israel-hamas/675621/
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/opinion/columnists/israel-gaza-massacre-left.html

An Undue Risk of Conviction Oct 12, 2023

Jack Smith signaled he will be able to prove why Trump held onto the classified documents. Plus, Trump’s claim of presidential immunity, chaos in the House, and the pro-Hamas left’s justification of murder. Ben Wittes joins Charles Sykes for The Trump trials.
show notes:
https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/how-not-to-respond-to-a-terrorist

Susan Glasser: A Superpower in Crisis Oct 11, 2023

The U.S. is knee-deep in the war in Ukraine, and now another potentially enormous war in the Mideast may draw us in. At the same time, military and ambassadorial appointments have been blocked, and we don’t have a speaker of the House. Our own political crisis is undermining America's role in the world. Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/10/16/trial-by-combat

Steve Inskeep: Kevin Is No Lincoln Oct 10, 2023

Lincoln's political skills were a key part of his legacy, but the politics he practiced were not like today's base-oriented version. He didn't demonize people—and built a majority with people he disagreed with. The House GOP currently has lost sight of that. Steve Inskeep joins Charlie Sykes to discuss his new book on Lincoln, "Differ We Must."
show notes:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/670070/differ-we-must-by-steve-inskeep/

Will Saletan: Israel's 9/11 Oct 09, 2023

The attack by Hamas on Israel was barbaric, but the incursion—by land, sea, and air—was also sophisticated. And it was an Israeli intel failure. Meanwhile, Republicans are trying to score political points at home by blaming the Biden administration—and trying to figure out how to end the paralysis in the House. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

The GOP’s Rubik’s Cube for Morons Oct 06, 2023

The Republicans have been on a trajectory to get a Jim Jordan-style speaker for 11 years, and the Democrats couldn’t have stopped it. Plus, Liz Cheney speaks truth, Greg Gutfeld has a Napoleon complex, and Trump spills nuclear secrets. Tim MIller’s back with Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

The Crazed Slavering Jackal Caucus Oct 05, 2023

The Crazed Slavering Jackal Caucus is running the GOP. Plus, Giuliani's drinking may undermine Trump's defense in the Jan 6 case, Fani Willis gets her first flip, and Trump may say he's just embellishing, but claiming the Trump Tower apartment is 3x its actual size is just plain lying. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/p/the-game-theory-of-a-vacant-speakership
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-heck-happened-in-coffee-county-georgia

Tim O'Brien: The Hollow Men Oct 04, 2023

Kevin McCarthy aspired to the speakership for his resume, not because of legislative talents. In the end, he was a victim of hubris. And in NYC, Trump is acting like Yosemite Sam, shooting himself in the foot, and fearing the loss of Trump Tower. Tim O'Brien joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2023-10-02/new-york-says-trump-committed-fraud-now-comes-the-price-tag?srnd=undefined

Dana Milbank: The Chair Was Already Vacant Oct 03, 2023

Kevin McCarthy hasn't been doing much of anything all year as speaker, except lurching from crisis to crisis and leading from behind. Meanwhile, Trump is much more angry about being seen as less rich than potentially going to prison. Dana Milbank joins Charlie Sykes.

Will Saletan: Everybody Hates Matt Gaetz Oct 02, 2023

The bipartisan loathing of Gaetz is almost a kumbaya moment. Meanwhile, Trump likes to say the US is turning into a third world country, and he's working on that with his calls to shoot shoplifters and execute drug dealers. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

David Frum: The Kraken Is Never Coming Sep 29, 2023

The first impeachment hearing was panned on both sides, while House Republicans keep promising a new unicorn. Plus, the GOP is not going to follow Trump's abortion pivot, Biden gets an assist from Cindy McCain, and charting the future of conservatism. David Frum joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.dacapopress.com/titles/jack-beatty/the-rascal-king/9780306810022/

A.B. Stoddard: A Completely Pointless Debate Sep 28, 2023

The kids' table debate was a cacophony of speed talking, interruptions, and yelling. Plus, Milley responds to the death threat, more Dems tell Menendez to go, and the bonfire continues to burn on Capitol Hill, with McCarthy handing out the books of matches. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/trump-sold-out-pro-lifers

Trump’s Empire of Fraud Sep 27, 2023

The ex-POTUS has been put out of business in New York, after his fraud was found so overwhelming that no trial was needed. Meanwhile, his lawyers are prepping for Alito and Thomas to weigh in on a gag order, and some Republicans go Team Menendez. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Will Saletan: The Politics of Atonement Sep 26, 2023

Cassidy Hutchinson atones. Bob Menendez refuses. Plus: the government shutdown about nothing. And MAGA’s war on (checks notes) Taylor Swift. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Trump Ever After: Live from TribFest Sep 25, 2023

Olivia Nuzzi, Bret Stephens, and Ben Terris joined Charlie Sykes on stage in Austin over the weekend. While the Dems have Gretchen Whitmer to look forward to, the GOP's future may be people like Vivek—because the base must be entertained. Meanwhile, we may be facing a government shutdown because Gaetz and Boebert think it will increase their celebrity status.

Yascha Mounk: The Identity Trap Sep 22, 2023

Our democratic order is facing a two-front war. While the immediate crisis may be from the right, the left is presenting its own threats—which only helps make far-right populism stronger. Political scientist and democracy hipster Yashca Mounk discusses his new book with Charlie Sykes on the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/712961/the-identity-trap-by-yascha-mounk/

A Raging Bull Elephant Sep 21, 2023

Trump is trying to intimidate witnesses and jurors in the election case, and Chutkan's only remedy may be to move up the trial date. Plus, Republicans embarrassed themselves with the AG, the Epps conspiracy may never go away, and a new witness emerges in the docs case. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/on-clerks-and-caimans-jeffrey-clark-s-removal-hearing
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-s-motion-for-recusal-of-judge-chutkan-is-extraordinarily-weak

Manu Raju: The Hostage Crisis on Capitol Hill Sep 20, 2023

House Republicans are bickering and calling each other names, while the Matt Gaetz caucus threatens to hold the country hostage with a government shutdown. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans think the dress code change is the most important story of the week. Manu Raju joins Charlie Sykes.

Ruy Teixeira: Biden’s Working Class Blues Sep 19, 2023

The system feels rigged for the millionaires and the billionaires, and the populist red lights are flashing for 2024. Can the Democrats get back to being for the little guy, or will the man with the golden toilets convince them he's on their side? The Liberal Patriot's Ruy Teixeira joins Charlie Sykes.

Will Saletan: In Defense of Kristen Welker Sep 18, 2023

Trump threw the pro-life movement under the bus in his NBC interview, and essentially pleaded the Fifth on Jan 6. Plus, Jack Smith wants a gag order, and Boebert the groper generated some amazing headlines. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Anne Applebaum: Musk Buys Russia’s Lies Sep 15, 2023

The billionaire was duped by Russian nuclear propaganda, but he's not the only one in the West who worries about provoking Russia by helping Ukraine. Plus, Putin's role in the far-right echo chamber, and why Romney stood up to Trump. Anne Applebaum joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.
show notes:
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/09/elon-musk-let-russia-scare-him/675282/

Did the FBI Get a Pass on Jan 6? Sep 14, 2023

Romney's text message to Mitch McConnell renews questions about what law enforcement knew ahead of the attack on the Capitol. Plus, the weak counter-programming planned for Trump's prosecutions, and the foolish ploy against Judge Chutkan. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for the Trump Trials.
show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/five-observations-about-the-georgia-special-purpose-grand-jury-report

A.B. Stoddard: McCarthy's Month from Hell Sep 13, 2023

The speaker is trying to sate the MAGA wing with a sham impeachment, and maybe a government shutdown, but it will never be satisfied. Plus, Ignatius steps into the fray on Biden, and a badly behaved Boebert gets ejected. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.
show notes:
Lauren Boebert being escorted from a performance of the "Beetlejuice" musical in Denver.
https://youtu.be/FSwq_AIg-tE?si=aPteAoF5lPhARiZF
https://newrepublic.com/post/175322/democrats-raskin-letter-subpoena-jared-kushner-affinity-partners

James Hohmann: Kevin in a Vise Sep 12, 2023

McCarthy has caved on an impeachment inquiry so he can hold onto his gavel. Meanwhile, Congress should really be investigating Elon Musk's power as a defense contractor and his potential conflicts of interest. James Hohmann joins Charlie Sykes.

Will Saletan: Lying Dog-Faced Pony Soldier Sep 11, 2023

Biden giving a press conference while jet-lagged may not quell rising concerns about his age. Plus, Kamala sticks to the script on abortion, Trump can't wait to sic his AG on opponents, and Good Nikki faces off with Bad Nikki. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Tim Miller: Down to Clown Sep 08, 2023

Tucker is in some corner of Elon's basement testing to see what he can get away with, while Elon is cozying up with Putin. Plus, Santos' oppo on himself, and the potential Saudi deal. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

Trump Keeps Admitting His Crimes Sep 07, 2023

Trump did himself no favors talking to Hugh Hewitt, the Proud Boys could've spared themselves a lot of prison time, the Fulton case may move quickly, E. Jean Carroll wins again, and when will the cascade of witness flipping start? Lawfare's Ben Wittes and Roger Parloff join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

Adam Kinzinger: Trump Ignited the Proud Boys Sep 06, 2023

Never forget it was Donald Trump telling the Proud Boys to "stand back and stand by" which ultimately set Jan 6 in motion. And now he's retconning that day as some kind of 1776 moment. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes today.

Will Saletan: The Hammer Philosophy of Governing Sep 05, 2023

Republican leaders in Wisconsin sound like they're planning an end-run around democracy, Musk is running with one of the oldest antisemitic tropes in the world, and even MAGA Republicans in Texas don't like Ken Paxton. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes today.

Tim Miller: Heroes and Zeroes of the GOP Sep 01, 2023

How different would things be if other Republicans had stood up to MAGA like the way Kemp did for Fani Willis? Plus, Ted Cruz tried on beer-swilling tough guy, Candace sampled the Trump playbook, and the BS behind the political consultant game. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the long weekend pod.

Justice for Ruby and Shaye Aug 31, 2023

Giuliani is going to pay $$$$ for defaming Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss—and Trump may too, for his financial statements in New York. Meanwhile, ex-POTUS faces a criminal trial before the RNC, and Mark Meadows sounded wishy-washy in Georgia. Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/mark-meadows-takes-the-stand
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/trump-has-jan.-6-trial-date-and-it-s-the-eve-of-super-tuesday

Mike Murphy: The Psychopath vs The Cynic Aug 30, 2023

Does cynical Nikki Haley have the guts to run an edgier campaign? Plus, Vivek's Hermain Cain moment, Iowa's unpredictable caucus voters, and the denialism about Grandpa Joe. Mike Murphy joins Charlie Sykes today.

2024 Will Be a Train Wreck Aug 29, 2023

From Trump's court calendar to concerns about Biden's age, we may be underestimating how bad next year could be. Plus, Mark Meadows' dubious claims about Georgia, Vivek and the show, lefty book bans, and the MAGA mob effort to blackmail us out of a constitutional republic. David French joins Charlie Sykes.

Charlie and Will Monday: Vivek’s BS Aug 28, 2023

The new hotness, Ramaswamy, is serving up a load of bull. Plus, the risks of our political gerontocracy, the mug shot heard 'round the world, and of course, most GOP presidential candidates would vote for a convicted felon before Biden. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

Tim Miller: We Told You So Aug 25, 2023

We were always going to get this first-of-its-kind presidential portrait. What else would you expect from a con man and a criminal? But this is all because of the choices Trump made, and because the party has refused to take every single off-ramp. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

A.B. Stoddard: A Pointless Exercise? Aug 24, 2023

At Wednesday's debate, Ramaswamy touched all the MAGA erogenous zones, Haley had a great night while Tim Scott did not, and DeSantis seemed to shrink even more. But as the debate audience made clear, no one can say bad things about the No. 1 guy's crimes. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.

When the Hammer Comes Down Aug 23, 2023

Almost nothing concentrates the mind more than an indictment, so expect other minor players in Trumpland—especially in Georgia—to flip on the don. Plus, the constitutional argument for blocking Trump's candidacy. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for a special edition of The Trump Trials.
show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/dry-run-ouster-county-official-insurrectionist-creates-ominous-precedents-trump

Tom Nichols: Our Surreal Moment Aug 22, 2023

Trump's co-defendants don't even dispute what they're accused of doing—they just claim it wasn't illegal. Plus, will the debate penetrate Fox's hermetically sealed silos, despite the ex-president's attempt to counter-program? Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes today.

Joe Perticone and Mona Charen: Trusting the Chronic Liar over the Pastor Aug 21, 2023

The base gives Trump higher marks for speaking truth than they give to religious leaders, Vivek will be targeted at the debate, DeSantis turns on MAGA, Biden needs to tackle the age issue, and the media keeps both-sidesing political scandal. Joe Perticone and Mona Charen join Charlie Sykes.

DeSantis’s WTF Memo Aug 18, 2023

The governor of Florida is being treated like a low-IQ child. Meanwhile, Trump hasn't been treated like the common criminal he is: mugshot him, weigh him, jail him. Plus, the Democrats' Senate leadership is MIA. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

Thumbprints on a Conspiracy? Aug 17, 2023

Could Trump have been dumb enough to use Twitter DMs for his plot? Plus, the dangers of not fearing the law, the politics of four indictments, and the irony of whining about election fraud and then being indicted for conspiring to commit it. Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.
show notes:
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-fulton-county-indictment-an-initial-examination
https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/what-the-heck-happened-in-coffee-county-georgia

Christopher Miller: The War Came to Us Aug 16, 2023

A one-time Peace Corps volunteer, Chris Miller was posted to Ukraine, fell in love with it, and decided to stay. Now, he's one of the best Ukraine correspondents. Miller joins Charlie Sykes to discuss Zelensky, the state of the war, and Ukraine's existential fight.

show notes:

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/war-came-to-us-9781399406857/

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A.B. Stoddard: All the Ex-President's Conspirators Aug 15, 2023

Donald Trump has been a low-rent mobster for his entire career, and now he's getting the indictment he deserves. And this time, some of co-conspirators are likely to flip. Plus, how the Big Lie plays at next week's debate. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Ep.7: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham Aug 14, 2023

Even with Trump out of the White House, Lindsey Graham says that Trump is the organizing principle of the Republican Party. And everything that the senator once valued—national security, human rights, and the Constitution—plays second fiddle to his loyalty to Trump. This special series, The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, has been presented by The Bulwark Podcast.

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Tim Miller: They're Still Humoring Him Aug 11, 2023

Remember one of the worst quotes in history about just 'humoring' Trump after he lost in '20? Well, he's creating another threatening climate. Plus, Tim's reporting trip to Iowa, Pence gets a little loose, and Tim and Charlie share some life advice. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Trump Baits the Judge Aug 10, 2023

The ex-POTUS's ugly threats and intimidation against Jack Smith, Fani Willis, and Judge Chutkan will only escalate. Plus, the fake electors are the real voter fraud, there's likely evidence of crimes inside Trump's Twitter account, and the risks of prosecution vs letting him walk. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

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Will Hurd: Don't Kiss Your Opponent's Butt Aug 09, 2023

The former Texas congressman says he's running for president because America deserves a sane conservative party—while Trump is running to stay out of prison. And licking Trump's boots is no way to beat him. Hurd joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Jake Tapper: "All the Demons Are Here" Aug 08, 2023

The CNN anchor and author re-visits the 70s with a new thriller, featuring a Murdoch-esque character getting his toehold in American journalism, and Evel Knievel—a Trump precursor—reimagined as a presidential candidate. Plus, the media's Trump coverage and Fox's lucrative lies. Jake Tapper joins Charlie Sykes.

show notes:

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jake-tapper/all-the-demons-are-here/9780316424387/?lens=little-brown

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Ep. 6: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham Aug 07, 2023

After the 2020 election, Lindsey Graham had a chance to be free—of Donald Trump, and all the rationalizing he had done for four years. But the senator was no longer his own man: He now belonged to Trump.

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Adam Kinzinger: The Rhetoric Is Getting More Dangerous Aug 04, 2023

Lindsey Graham says the federal courts in DC are illegitimate, the FBI is being called the Gestapo, and Charlie Kirk is casually talking about an execution of Joe Biden. How do we come back from this? Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Trump’s Bogus Defenses Aug 03, 2023

Trump defenders are arguing that the charges in the latest indictment infringe on his free speech rights, but using words to carry out crimes is not protected by the First Amendment. Plus, Pence gets a backbone, and the tough new judge on the scene. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-big-one-trump-is-indicted-for-jan.-6

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Susan Glasser: An Offense against Democracy Itself Aug 02, 2023

Jack Smith has filed a case for the ages. It's not only an indictment of the Big Lie itself, but also of the charlatans who knowingly and consciously used fraud, deceit, and violence to try to impose their political will when they had failed through democratic means. Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes.

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Bonus Episode: Listen to the Third Indictment Aug 02, 2023

A federal grand jury indicted Donald Trump on Tuesday with a series of crimes related to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The 45-page indictment accuses Trump of three conspiracies, plus a fourth count of allegedly obstructing an official proceeding. This bonus episode of The Trump Trials is a reading of the second federal indictment, and was produced using an artificial voice generator.

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David French: Building a Legal Wall around Trump Aug 01, 2023

Trump's high floor of support—the voters who think God sent him to save the country—combined with some of Biden's weaknesses, can put Trump back in the White House. Plus, the success of our legal institutions, and the puzzling DeSantis campaign. David French joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes:

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/20/opinion/jan-6-legal.html

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Ep. 5: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham Jul 31, 2023

By the time of the Ukraine scandal and impeachment, Lindsey Graham and other Republicans had grown tired of defending Trump's corrupt behavior. But they didn't blame Trump—they blamed the investigators, and essentially handed Trump the power to do as he pleased. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan.

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Bonus Episode: Listen to the Superseding Indictment Jul 28, 2023

Federal prosecutors have added new charges against Trump in the classified documents case, including his alleged efforts to have security camera footage deleted at Mar-a-Lago. This bonus episode of The Trump Trials is a reading of the superseding indictment, and was produced using an artificial voice generator.

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Russell Moore: "Losing Our Religion" Jul 28, 2023

We are living in a time when an evangelical pastor can literally quote Jesus Christ and a theo-bro will tell him he's weak and woke. How did we get here? And do we get out? Dr. Russell Moore discusses his new book on the weekend pod with Charlie Sykes.

show notes:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709965/losing-our-religion-by-russell-moore/

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The Power of Whataboutism Jul 27, 2023

Republicans are going to launch an impeachment inquiry against Biden to divert attention from the crimes of the ex-POTUS, Rudy is an admitted defamer, and Trump's lawyers met with Jack Smith. Plus, deciphering the screw-up around Hunter's plea deal. Lawfare's Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/the-last-time-the-justice-department-prosecuted-election-interference-under-section-241

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Asa Hutchinson: Why I’m Doing This Jul 26, 2023

The presidential candidate and former Arkansas governor wants to take the Republican Party in the direction of public service and conservative principles—and away from Donald Trump, who has made it a losing party that is only about him. Gov. Asa Hutchinson joins Charlie Sykes.

show notes:

https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/elaine-massacre-of-1919-1102/

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The Drama and Reality of 'Oppenheimer' Jul 25, 2023

The film captures the race against the Nazis to develop the first atomic bomb, and Oppenheimer's genius and torment as well. Mona Charen and Sonny Bunch sit in for Charlie Sykes to break it down. *INCLUDES SPOILERS*

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Ep. 4: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham Jul 24, 2023

After the 2018 midterms, Lindsey Graham moved to a new stage of collaboration with Trump. Graham was no longer just protecting him from accountability—he began helping Trump to usurp power. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan.

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Will Saletan: All for the Fan Service Jul 21, 2023

The dick pics, RFK, jr,'s testimony, and McCarthy's promise to expunge impeachment records are all for the base. Plus, DeSantis should GTFO of Twitter, the legitimacy of the courts needs to be preserved, and never forget that the ex-POTUS is a RAPIST. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Indictment Day Jul 20, 2023

Jack Smith will move very quickly on a new indictment, numerous court appearances and trials can be quite disruptive to a presidential campaign, and Trump may have violated civil rights laws by trying to block qualified votes from being counted. Lawfare's Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/judge-cannon-holds-a-hearing

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Miles Taylor: Imagining a Trump 2.0 Jul 19, 2023

Plans are already being drawn up for Trump's revenge plans in a second term, including special counsels to investigate Trump's enemies, a "Sue the Blue" DOJ targeting Democrats, and judicial gerrymandering. Plus, Trump's incestuous Ivanka fantasies. Miles Taylor joins Charlie Sykes.

show notes:

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Blowback/Miles-Taylor/9781668015988

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Tom Nichols: Jack Smith Is Not Screwing Around Jul 18, 2023

Going after a former president for an attempted coup had seemed like 'mission impossible,' but the special counsel is going big. Meanwhile, Republicans defending him don't seem to care about their country or the Constitution, and the only job Trump could get now is POTUS. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes.

show notes:

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/rock-me-on-the-water-ronald-brownstein?variant=39387579023394

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Ep. 3: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham Jul 17, 2023

After Trump's first year in office, the power shifted in Washington. Republicans went from humoring Trump to fearing him. Lindsey Graham surrendered to Trump, and began demonizing anyone who posed a threat to him. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan.

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Why Are People Still Sticking With Trump After All This? Jul 14, 2023

Cassidy Hutchinson and Sarah Matthews had gumption, while the grown-ass men who were their bosses did not. Plus, the billion $$$ cottage industry around Trump isn't backing him because they believe in him, DeSantis should be ashamed, and what it's like to be on The View. Alyssa Farah joins guest host Tim Miller.

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Indictments for All the President's Men? Jul 13, 2023

Prosecuting Trump for Jan 6 presents novel issues, but that's not the case when it comes to Giuliani, Flynn, and Mark Meadows—and charges may be imminent. Plus, a grand jury is seated in Georgia, the Oath Keepers may serve more time, and focus groups are reacting to Trump's legal woes. Ben Wittes joins guest host Sarah Longwell for The Trump Trials.

show notes:

https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/they-ll-be-in-the-room-where-it-happens

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Philip Bump: The Self-Disappearing Informant Jul 12, 2023

House Republicans keep stepping on rakes when it comes to Hunter Biden: Turns out their 'missing informant' is a fugitive accused of working for the Chinese government. Plus, Dairy Queen is a red-country restaurant and Trump is still an outsider. Philip Bump joins guest host Sonny Bunch.

show notes:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2023/07/10/trump-iowa-dairy-queen/

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Jay Nordlinger: The Poisonous Nature of Strength Worship Jul 11, 2023

The masculinity contest in the Republican presidential primary ramps up, Chris Christie keeps dropping truth bombs, and the trans issue is the new wall. Plus, Sweden, Ukraine and NATO, and a debate over ending legacy admissions. Jay Nordlinger joins guest host Mona Charen.

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Ep. 2: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham Jul 10, 2023

Within days of the 2016 election, Lindsey Graham began transforming into Trump's chief apologist—in an effort to influence him on national security and foreign policy. But to get Trump to stand up to tyrants overseas, the senator soon found himself willing to compromise on rule of law at home. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan.

Read The Corruption of Lindsey Graham in PDF or Kindle formats at thebulwark.com/lindseygraham

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Tommy Vietor: David Plouffe Would Have Murdered Us Jul 07, 2023

How Obamaworld views the weird attempt by Team DeSantis to mimic Ted Cruz's failed 2016 campaign. Plus, Dems need to stop worrying about Biden and Kamala gaffes, pols like Gavin Newsom need to go on Joe Rogan, and Tim Miller has a world news quiz. Tommy Vietor joins Tim, who's sitting in for Charlie Sykes on the weekend pod.

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Trump Is Going Down Jul 06, 2023

The docs case against Trump is bigger than Snowden's, the people of South Florida should be cut more slack as a jury pool, and the media is largely ignoring the case of the armed Jan 6 defendant who was outside Obama's home. Ben Wittes joins guest host Tim Miller for The Trump Trials.

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A.B. Stoddard: Governing Is for Wimps Jul 05, 2023

House Republicans are racing to the crazy again as they try to nail down who they're going to impeach. Plus, gaming out why Biden gets so little credit for the economy, and the GOP presidential debate stage may end up quite small. A.B. Stoddard joins guest host Mona Charen.

show notes:

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2023/07/05/no_matter_who_shows_the_debates_will_bolster_trump_149457.html

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Ep. 1: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham Jul 03, 2023

Lindsey Graham was once one of Donald Trump's fiercest critics—before becoming one of his most important collaborators. His eventual capitulation is really a story about what happened to the whole Republican Party. The Bulwark Podcast presents The Corruption of Lindsey Graham, with Will Saletan.

Read The Corruption of Lindsey Graham in PDF or Kindle formats at thebulwark.com/lindseygraham

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Mark Hertling: How Dangerous Were the Trump Docs? Jun 30, 2023

If Trump wanted to impress a memoir writer with classified documents, wouldn't he also want to do the same with Putin and MBS? Plus, will the US supply cluster munitions to Ukraine? And the nesting doll of dysfunction in Russia. Lt. Gen Mark Hertling joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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TRAILER The Bulwark Podcast Presents: The Corruption of Lindsey Graham Jun 30, 2023

Will Saletan has a story to tell: It’s about what’s happened to the United States since Donald Trump began his rise to power eight years ago. It’s about authoritarianism in our own country.

But it's not a story about Trump. It’s about his collaborators, and in particular, one collaborator: Senator Lindsey Graham.

This special summer podcast series will explain what happened to Graham, and how the story of his gradual corruption can help us to understand how an entire political party, and half of our country, fell under the sway of a candidate, and then a president, who openly attacks democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law. "The Corruption of Lindsey Graham" starts July 3.

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Trump’s Bravado Defense Jun 29, 2023

Charging Trump for Jan 6 just got meaningfully harder after a Supreme Court ruling that has nothing to do with storming the Capitol. Plus, Rudy was Queen for a Day, John Eastman loses in a big way, and the end of affirmative action in higher ed. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

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Seth Masket: Trending Trump Jun 28, 2023

Grassroots Republican leaders increasingly favor Trump, and he's getting significantly more coverage on CNN than the other candidates. Plus, when Democrats lose, they tend to move to the center. When Republicans do, they tend to move harder right. Seth Masket joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes:

https://smotus.substack.com/

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Ben Terris: It's Not Going Back to Normal Jun 27, 2023

Why is DC so weird? The Washington Post's Ben Terris describes his hitchhiker's guide through the backrooms of Washington to show why normal is not coming back after Trump. Today's pod with Charlie Sykes.

show notes:

The Big Break by Ben Terris

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Will Saletan: A Wannabe Coup Jun 26, 2023

After this weekend's mutiny in Russia, the world is suddenly seeing Putin in a new light. Meanwhile, America's wannabe authoritarian goes full martyr, and Chris Christie is making it safe to say Voldemort again. Will Saletan joins guest host Mona Charen today.

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Tim O'Brien: A Clown Rodeo Jun 23, 2023

The celebrification of running for president continues to grow, Boebert and MTG are a couple of ignoramuses, Schiff gets censured instead of Santos, RFK Jr is a Putin stooge, and Trump is a joke—but the joke's on us. Tim O'Brien joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Trump’s TV Strategy Jun 22, 2023

Trump keeps undermining his own defense, but he's not wrong that if he wins, he can make the cases against him go away. Plus, John Durham gets humiliated again, and justice was served on behalf of police officer Michael Fanone. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

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Andrew Weissmann: Jack Smith Cometh Jun 21, 2023

Special Counsel Jack Smith is racing the clock, Justices Alito and Thomas seem to be taking cues from Donald Trump's "What are you gonna do about it?" approach to following rules, Republicans are against the IRS and gun laws unless Hunter is involved, and Barr's about-face is way too little, way too late. Andrew Weissmann joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Chris Christie: Why I Want to Beat Trump Jun 20, 2023

Gov. Christie joins Charlie Sykes to explain campaign strategy, his error in judgment in 2016, and how Trump knows he lost. Plus, why Trump voters expect him to join the candidate debates, and the worst manager in the history of the presidency.

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Will Saletan: Welcome to the Resistance, Bill Barr Jun 19, 2023

Former AG Barr protected Trump while he obstructed justice, but he's now staked out a spot in the anti-Trump coalition. Plus, Tim Scott tests out being a hack, Pence lacks self-awareness, and did Merrick Garland self-deter? Will Saletan's back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: A Season of Grifters and Crackpots Jun 16, 2023

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has found the sweet spot in the horseshoe— between QAnon-ers waiting for JFK, Jr. and the weirdo, anti-vaxxers in the Dems. Plus, grifting tech bros, the likely malice behind No Labels, and Marco's relief that Trump is (probably) not a spy. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Jack Smith's Steely-Eyed Gaze Jun 15, 2023

The special prosecutor had his eyes on Trump during the arraignment, but Trump—who seemed tired and resigned—didn't even look at him once. Plus, what if Judge Aileen Cannon assists the ex-POTUS with his defense? Lawfare's Ben Wittes and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes for The Trials of Trump.

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Adam Kinzinger: The Freak Prom Jun 14, 2023

Trump likes to convey that he is invincible and has a massive army of people behind him. But he's scared and deflated. And many in the cult behind him are wanna-be celebs—or were the uncool kids in high school. Plus, the Freedom Caucus revolt in the House. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Michael Weiss: Perp Walks and Counteroffensives Jun 13, 2023

Even after winning the White House, Trump is still the consummate grifter who's got no time for political correctness or following the law—whether it's a parking ticket or a federal crime. Plus, the Ukrainian counteroffensive and the dam disaster. Michael Weiss joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes:

https://twitter.com/michaeldweiss/status/1668358841895927813?s=20

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Will Saletan: A World Series of Whataboutism Jun 12, 2023

Republicans spent the weekend defending Trump by pointing to Biden, Pence, other ex-presidents, and of course, Hillary. In MAGA-land, he's always exempt from responsibility. Meanwhile, their excuses could set off a mob—again. Will Saletan's back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Listen to the Indictment Jun 10, 2023

This is a reading of the classified documents indictment against former President Trump that was unsealed by the Justice Department on Friday. Parts of the text have been edited for clarity and ease of listening. The recording was produced using an artificial voice generator.

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Tim Miller and Bill Kristol: Rally Around the Felon Jun 09, 2023

Fox calls Trump's prosecution an insurrection. The GOP shrug off his hoarding, hiding, and sharing of top secret national security docs. But our justice system is working, and the feds are going to perp walk an ex-POTUS for the first time. Bill Kristol and Tim Miller join Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Wait, Is This Guy a Freakin' Criminal? Jun 08, 2023

Jack Smith will need a barn burner of a case, rich in facts, and one that holds up under the scrutiny of conservative legal analysts on Fox. Plus, Pence is simultaneously for the rule of law and letting Trump slide. Ben Wittes is back with Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

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A.B. Stoddard: Christie Brought the Hot Sauce Jun 07, 2023

Chris Christie launched his presidential campaign by calling out Trump—and hit him on the kleptocracy, the hypocrisy, and the lying. Plus, the Freedom Caucus punishes McCarthy, Licht only had an elevator pitch—not a plan for CNN, and the PGA rolls over for the Saudis. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes.

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Astead Herndon: Our Broken Politics Jun 06, 2023

Too many of today's politicians don't care that they are undermining their own parties with messages the general public doesn't support. Plus, the donor class grifting of No Labels, and how the Scott Walker era in Wisconsin prepared us for the Trump era. Astead Herndon joins Charlie Sykes.

show notes:

https://www.nytimes.com/column/election-run-up-podcast

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Will Saletan: The Dem’s RFK, Jr. Problem Jun 05, 2023

Steve Bannon and company are helping give anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy a boost in the polls, Trump gets challenged from the right on foreign policy, Haley is fantastically cynical, and CNN tried to make Trump happy. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: Normal v Crazy Jun 02, 2023

It wasn't like the boring 90s, but politics this week felt almost normal. Meanwhile, Trump's bleats are getting more demented and DeSantis is all-in on attacking him for fast-tracking a vaccine. Plus, the war on Pride Month. Tim Miller is back with Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Lordy, There Are Tapes Jun 01, 2023

Trump's own recorded words appear to undercut his already weak defense that he had declassified the documents he took from the White House—and he may have invited a charge under the Espionage Act. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for the latest edition of The Trump Trials.

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Michael Steele: We're Way Past Kumbaya May 31, 2023

The media thinks the GOP base could still want 'Morning in America,' Citizens United is keeping no-hopers in the race, Charlie totally called it on Tara Reade Biden made McCarthy grow up, and MAGA world turns to infighting. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Tom Nichols: Knuckleheads with Flamethrowers May 30, 2023

McCarthy cut a normal deal with Biden when the GOP caucus couldn't agree on what to demand—beyond just shouting and pounding the table. Plus, missing Brezhnev, waiting for a haymaker, and DeSantis is angry and weird, but not as dangerous as Trump. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Luke Russert: Look for Me There May 26, 2023

In the summer of 2016, on the eve of the Republican and Democratic conventions, Luke Russert—an NBC News star and a scion of media royalty—walked away from it all. Russert joins Charlie Sykes for a special Memorial Day weekend pod to share a story of parental love, loss, and finding your own way.

show notes:

https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/9780785291817/look-for-me-there/

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Indictment Time? May 25, 2023

Jack Smith is wrapping up his investigation into the Mar-a-Lago classified document collection, and Trump world is bracing for indictments. Plus, defamation, court dates, and the actor playing a human launches his presidential campaign. Ben Wittes and Quinta Jurecic join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

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David Frum: Losing the Dominance Primary May 24, 2023

DeSantis claims he doesn't back down, but most of the time, he is flinching and cowering—and now he's allowing Musk to push him around. Plus, Trump v Kamala, felons can't vote for themselves in Florida, and the Russians fighting for Ukraine. David Frum joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/05/joe-biden-health-versus-donald-trump-indictments/673989/

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/05/durham-report-fbi-trump-russia/674088/

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Philip Bump: Running Against Reality May 23, 2023

Reality is Kari Lake's biggest opponent, Tim Scott is warmly welcomed into a growing candidate field, Biden gets blamed for guns, and younger voters are more likely to vote for Democrats. Plus, did Twitter grave-rob a username for DeSantis? The Washington Post's Philip Bump joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/696653/the-aftermath-by-philip-bump/

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Will Saletan: Is Tim Scott Running a Potemkin Campaign? May 22, 2023

Are Tim Scott, Nikki Haley, and Mike Pence really running for the VP slot—or a chance to increase their speaking fees? Plus, Trump is still an extortionist, the GOP's not a serious governing party, and Fox created the market for the homeless vet hoax. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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The Bulwark: Live from New York May 19, 2023

Charlie Sykes and Tim Miller held court on the Upper West Side Thursday night, weighing in on Rudy's medical experiments on himself, Disney's humiliation of DeSantis, Trump's legal setbacks in his own hometown, and more. Plus, Charlie and Tim play "Name That Musical" for your weekend pod.

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Steve Vladeck: The Supreme Court's Shadow Docket May 18, 2023

Justice Alito frequently complains that critics of the court are trying to delegitimize it. But it's the Supreme Court's own actions—including its late-night, unsigned, and unexplained decisions on the shadow docket— that are undermining the institution. Steve Vladeck joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/stephen-vladeck/

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Durham's Fizzle May 17, 2023

John Durham didn't report anything new, and he took longer to produce less useful material than Mueller did to expose Russian election interference in 2016—Mueller also had Flynn and Manafort indicted. Plus, only Benedict Arnold has fallen as far as Rudy. Ben Wittes is back for The Trump Trials.

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Anne Applebaum: The Case for a Complete Ukrainian Victory May 16, 2023

Ukraine's freedom is on the line, but America's role in the world is also at stake. And if a democratic Ukraine can win against autocratic Russia, the world's geopolitics could be altered for a generation. Anne Applebaum joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

show notes:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/06/counteroffensive-ukraine-zelensky-crimea/673781/

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Will Saletan: We Are Not the Crazy Ones May 15, 2023

DeSantis tries to pretend he's normal, James Comer can't find his Biden informants, Republicans are disappointed there's not a bigger crisis at the border, Trump wants Mike QAnon Flynn back as an adviser, and Lindsey can't stop rationalizing. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

https://specialto.thebulwark.com/p/the-corruption-of-lindsey-graham?itm_source=parsely-api

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Richard Reeves: The Trouble with Boys May 12, 2023

Girls are blowing past boys in school, and while most men are poorer than they were 50 years ago, women's incomes have risen across the board. A new kind of gender inequality is drawing men into MAGA's poisonous politics. Richard Reeves joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend podcast.

show notes:

https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780815739883/Of-Boys-and-Men-Why-the-Modern-Male-Is-Struggling-Why-It-Matters-and-What-to-Do-about-It

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Trump vs Law and Order May 11, 2023

From promising a general amnesty to Jan 6 rioters, to re-victimizing E. Jean Carroll on CNN's town hall, and calling a police officer a thug, Trump is sure making it easy for Biden to claim the mantle of law and order. Tim Miller, Ben Wittes, and Roger Parloff join Charlie Sykes for The Trump Trials.

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The Counteroffensive Against Trump—and Putin May 10, 2023

Turns out that being a star doesn't allow you to get away with sexual assault after all. The GOP still has an 'Access Hollywood' choice, but now there's a $5 million jury verdict. Plus, Tim Mak joins Charlie Sykes from Ukraine to discuss his reporting on life during wartime, beyond "the booms and the bangs."

show notes:

https://counteroffensive.substack.com/

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Felix Salmon: The New Not Normal Economy May 09, 2023

Globalism is dead, the remote work revolution is here to stay, and more people are pursuing their big dreams in smaller cities. The Covid pandemic ushered in a new YOLO economic era. Axios' Felix Salmon joins Charlie Sykes today to discuss the upsides and the downsides.

show notes:

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/the-phoenix-economy-felix-salmon?variant=40694169796642

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Will Saletan: A New American Exceptionalism? May 08, 2023

Greg Abbott says gun violence is due to a mental health crisis, not guns. So, America is exceptionally crazy? Plus, a bad poll for Biden, Trump's type of woman, and Will Saletan on how Lindsey Graham can explain the rise of authoritarianism in the US. Will is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: The Thomas Family Grift May 05, 2023

Clarence and Ginni are enjoying the grift that keeps on giving, Fox's PR moves are not helping, seditious conspiracy doesn't require actually being at the Capitol on Jan 6, God bless E. Jean Carroll, and Colin Allred vs. the podcaster. The weekend pod with Charlie Sykes and Tim Miller.

show notes:

Charlie's Atlantic piece

The Next Level's Colin Allred interview

Sarah's Year Zero piece

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The Proud Boys: GUILTY May 04, 2023

It was not an Ocean's 11-style conspiracy that convicted the Proud Boys in their sedition case. But the government made a compelling case that the conspirators' goal was to stop the certification of the election by any means necessary. Plus, the E. Jean Carroll rape case, the Fani Willis investigation, and Clarence Thomas' grifting. Lawfare's Ben Wittes, Roger Parloff, and Anna Bower join Charlie Sykes today.

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Ben Smith: The Rise and Fall of the Social Media News Age May 03, 2023

The pioneers of the digital media age thought they were building a progressive answer to Drudge—that would help get a Democrat elected in '08. But the architects of the new rightwing populism were also there, watching and learning. Ben Smith discusses his new book, "Traffic," with Charlie Sykes today.

show notes:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678592/traffic-by-ben-smith/

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A.B. Stoddard: Normalizing Trump Again May 02, 2023

For the first time since 2016, Trump will be back on CNN for a live event. It's a huge gift to Trump. Will the media once again center their campaign coverage on him—to the disadvantage of the Biden? Plus, McCarthy's new tone on Ukraine. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes today.

To continue the conversation go to https://bulwarkpodcast.thebulwark.com/.

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Will Saletan: The Crassness Is the Point May 01, 2023

Greg Abbott chose to be breathtakingly inhumane, MAGA cancel culture is a runaway train, Biden gets in some good digs, Trump is the biggest victim of all, and McCarthy still doesn't have the votes on the debt ceiling—just insane demands. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: Trump Has Already Ball-Gagged Them in the Basement Apr 28, 2023

Republicans are so weak and craven: DeSantis has three bad weeks, and they've thrown in the towel—they're not even trying to try to defeat Trump. Plus, Disney reminds conservatives they're supposed to like smaller government, and Tucker is even worse in private. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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The Trump Trials Apr 27, 2023

State and federal prosecutors may be closing in on Trump, so we've launched a new companion pod—in partnership with Lawfare—that will bring you up to speed on the big legal issues surrounding the former president, and key Trumpworld players. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes for the inaugural episode.

show notes

https://www.lawfareblog.com/proud-boys-liveblog

https://www.lawfareblog.com/arraignment-donald-j-trump-detailed-summary

To continue the conversation go to https://bulwarkpodcast.thebulwark.com/.

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Benjy Sarlin: The Bud Light Freak-Out Apr 26, 2023

Conservatives surrendered on gay marriage, but kept their fear about societal change bottled up. And now a beer is a stand-in for transgender people they want to pretend don't exist. Plus, Ron DeSantis the weirdo, and Murdoch has zero Tucks to give. Semafor's Benjy Sarlin joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Brian Stelter: Tucker Thought He Was Invincible Apr 25, 2023

Tucker Carlson's firing shocked the media world and Tucker himself. He thought he could say and do anything. What role did Tucker's phony Jan. 6 programming play in the rupture? And does his ouster signal a Fox re-set? Brian Stelter shares his insights with Charlie Sykes.

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Will Saletan: How Many Coups Do You Have to Attempt? Apr 24, 2023

Trump's negative poll numbers are not high enough, Alito couldn't get other justices to go off the cliff with him, and DeSantis can't stop bossing companies around. Plus, hyper-identity politics in the literary world, and the escalation beyond the Second Amendment. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: Our WWE Politics Apr 21, 2023

Marco Rubio thinks he's in office just to send tweets, No Labels couldn't have picked a worse time for a third-party candidate, and DeSantis' war on woke knows no end. Plus, Fox's 24-hours of fear and paranoia feeds gun violence, and Charlie Sykes issues a mea culpa to Tim Miller. Your weekend pod.

show notes

For tickets to The Bulwark Live in NYC go to TheBulwark.com/Events.

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Kara Swisher: Musk's Cry for a Giant Hug Apr 20, 2023

Elon Musk says that running Twitter is very painful, but it's a pain he brought on himself with firings, stunts, and overpaying for the company. Plus, Kara Swisher and Charlie Sykes discuss the art of podcasting, and the potentially much bigger goal behind the expansion of 'Don't Say Gay.'

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Tina Nguyen: The Cost of Fox’s Lies Apr 19, 2023

The unsettling Dominion settlement, DeSantis is not fooling MAGA, and the "Taliban 20"—who demanded ransom before Kevin McCarthy could become speaker—are now preparing to hold the whole country hostage over the debt ceiling. Puck's Tina Nguyen joins Charlie Sykes.

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Michael Steele: Confronting the Ugliness Apr 18, 2023

Oklahoma sheriffs pining for lynching, Tennessee legislators trying to teach young Black men a lesson, and Stand Your Ground turning the innocent into victims: Things feel like they're spiraling out of control. Plus, even Trump is trolling DeSantis about his Disney flop. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Will Saletan: What Are You Grooming These Kids to Be? Apr 17, 2023

At the annual NRA meeting, Kristi Noem bragged about her 2-year-old granddaughter's rifle, while other young kids handled guns. Plus, the GOP is challenged on abortion from inside, DeSantis gets punchy, and Dianne Feinstein digs in. Will Saletan is back for Charlie and Will Monday

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Dylan Byers: The Media Trial of the Century? Apr 14, 2023

Dominion v. Fox is not only about defamation—it's also about the erosion of truth at the network and its impact on our democracy. And with Tucker, Hannity, and Murdoch likely testifying, Fox will also be on trial in the court of public opinion. Puck's Dylan Byers joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Mark Hertling: Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Gamer Apr 13, 2023

The military runs on young soldiers, and sometimes, chatroom braggarts who want to share classified documents get recruited too. Plus, the real world damage in Ukraine from the leaks, and Putin's paranoia. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Charlie Sykes today.

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John Harwood: Our Cartoonish Politics Apr 12, 2023

Trump may excel at firing up resentment in the base, but the party is squandering support from an entire generation of young people. Plus, Alvin Bragg sues Jim Jordan, Tennessee's governor calls for a red flag law, and Missouri Republicans try to defund libraries. John Harwood joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Peter Wehner: A Grotesque Leader of a Grotesque Party Apr 11, 2023

Too many GOP leaders failed to grasp that going along with Trump would increase his hold on the party—and further radicalize the base. Now, the party is being consumed by the monster it created. Plus, Trump goes even further than a mob boss. Peter Wehner joins Charlie Sykes today.

Show Notes

Peter's Atlantic piece

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Will Saletan: The GOP’s Abortion Quagmire Apr 10, 2023

Republicans have boxed themselves in on abortion, Elon continues his petulance, the knives are out in the House GOP, and Lindsey Graham sheds tears for America's No. 1 TV addict. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: Tennessee’s Idiocracy Apr 07, 2023

The Tennessee GOP lives in such a bubble, they thought it was a good idea to expel two Black legislators, who've now become superstars. Plus, the GOP can't pivot from punitive abortion laws, DeSantis is fighting about the fight, and Trump's election criminality. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Jeff Sharlet: Scenes from a Slow Civil War Apr 06, 2023

In the parts of the country where Ashli Babbitt is a martyr, pastors glorify guns, and conspiracies thrive, the anticipation of some kind of civil war animates the far right. Author and journalist Jeff Sharlet sees an America that is unraveling. He joins Charlie Sykes today.

Show Notes:

Jeff's book, "The Undertow"

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Ben Wittes: The Trump Indictment Is Not Trivial Apr 05, 2023

Trump's indictment may be tied to his hush money payments, but it's also bound up with democracy concerns. If one more shoe had dropped after Access Hollywood, there may have never been a President Trump. Plus, the Dobbs effect continues in Wisconsin. Ben Wittes joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes

Ben's Substack: https://www.dogshirtdaily.com/

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Tim Alberta: Trump Has an Evangelical Problem Apr 04, 2023

Trump threw the anti-abortion movement under the bus after losses in the midterms — which prompted a ferocious backlash among evangelicals. He has yet to repair the damage. Apart from criminal prosecution, could the end of Roe end up spelling his political downfall? Tim Alberta joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes:

Tim's Atlantic piece

Tim's book, "American Carnage"

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Will Saletan: Individual 1 Gets His Day in Court Apr 03, 2023

Trump always calls for his enemies to get prosecuted and now he's getting a taste of his own medicine. But will he get to skip the mugshot? Plus, Fox's horrific day in court, and did 60 Minutes help normalize MTG ? Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Special Indictment Podcast: Adam Kinzinger, Mona Charen, Will Saletan Mar 31, 2023

Trump faces a 34-count indictment in New York and more charges may be on the way. But will it hurt him politically, or propel him to the GOP nomination? Adam Kinzinger, Mona Charen, and Will Saletan join Charlie Sykes for the weekend podcast.

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Tim Miller: DeSantis Whiffs on Disney Mar 30, 2023

"Tiny D" thought he'd puff up his chest to go after Mickey Mouse — only to get outflanked. Plus, loony GOP state legislators, Wisconsin's $45 million judicial seat, the very un-elite cabal in the Manhattan grand jury, and the torment of not knowing about Annette Funicello. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Ruy Teixeira: More Tough Love for Democrats Mar 29, 2023

While Republicans frequently overdo it on cultural issues, Democrats still are vulnerable on race, gender, and drag queen story hour. They need to stop denying the issues — or taking the bait and attacking Republicans for raising them. Ruy Teixeira joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Judge Michael Luttig: A Betrayal of America Mar 28, 2023

Trump's incitement of Jan 6 and his call to terminate the constitution were treason-like. And the Republicans who won't renounce him have betrayed the sacred trust Americans have conferred on them. Judge Luttig joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

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Will Saletan: The Purest Distillation of Trump Mar 27, 2023

Down in Waco, Trump was on double duty: Blowing up the DeSantis' campaign on the launch pad, and clearing up any ambiguity about who he really is. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: Ron DeSantis Is Scott Walker Mar 24, 2023

DeSantis gets over his skis on Ukraine, 'Don't Say Gay' escalates, and it's not racist to criticize the CCP. Plus, the crowd that warns of death and destruction if Trump is indicted said nothing about Trump ripping the country apart. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for your weekend pod.

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Shelby Talcott: DeSantis Sticks His Toe in the Water Mar 23, 2023

Ron DeSantis threw a couple of very small rocks at Trump this week, and he's angling to get to the right of Trump on Covid, and perhaps on abortion as well. Plus, the right-wing influencers voters are listening to. Semafor's Shelby Talcott joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Michael Steele: Trump Punked Everybody Mar 22, 2023

Using a page from his well-worn playbook, Trump framed the narrative about the Manhattan grand jury case on his terms. Plus, the white boy frat party atmosphere at the Tucker Carlson show. Michael Steele joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Dana Milbank: It’s the Trump Show Again Mar 21, 2023

The Republican Party had been showing signs it was beginning to move on from Trump, but now it's wrapping itself around him once again — because attention of any kind is Trump's fuel. Plus, a reminder that Kevin McCarthy doesn't believe in anything. Dana Milbank joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Susan Glasser: Trump 2024 Is Scarier than Trump 2020 Mar 20, 2023

Trump's rhetoric is more apocalyptic and more confrontational, and the party still can't renounce its addiction to the man. This is Trump without guardrails. Plus, the long shadow the Iraq War has cast on our foreign policy and presidential elections. The New Yorker's Susan Glasser joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes

Recent pieces by Susan:

The G.O.P. and the Ghosts of Iraq

2024 Trump Is Even Scarier than 2020 Trump

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Tim Miller: Be Alarmed Mar 17, 2023

Trump is crystal clear that he wants retribution against the people who wouldn't let him remain in office — and he'll pull us out of NATO too. Plus, DeSantis has no personality and no charisma. Tim Miller is back with Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Philip Bump: The Baby Boom Generation Is Winding Down Mar 16, 2023

America has long responded to the needs of Baby Boomers, and the generation reshaped the country as it grew older. But now, its grip on the direction of America is starting to lessen, and that's creating inter-generational tensions. Philip Bump joins Charlie Sykes today.

Show Notes:

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/696653/the-aftermath-by-philip-bump/

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Tom Nichols: Our Fatal Complacency Mar 15, 2023

Pence warned us about the threat to our democracy, and we shrugged. Plus, Bethany Mandel can't define woke, Fox can't keep its talking points straight, DeSantis is Trump's Mini Me, and the despicable elitism of the American right. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes.

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James Hohmann: DeSantis Joins the Surrender Caucus Mar 14, 2023

Ron DeSantis chose to pander to Tucker Carlson on Ukraine and shows himself as unserious on one of the biggest issues of our time. Plus, socialism for Wall Street and Silicon Valley elites. James Hohmann joins Charlie Sykes for today's podcast.

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Will Saletan: Pence’s Profile in Half-Courage Mar 13, 2023

Mike Pence is trying win over the DC press corps but still refuses to do his part to hold Trump accountable for January 6. Plus, the new too-big-to-fail banks, more Fox dirt, and DeSantis is not a natural people person. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: Be Happy, Make Babies Mar 10, 2023

People not having kids because of climate change anxiety are not thinking about a future with Josh Hawley having 100 babies. Plus, sad CPAC, the least charismatic politician among us, and Fox stars in private sound like The Bulwark Podcast. Tim Miller's back with Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Adrienne LaFrance: The New Anarchy Mar 09, 2023

The largest threat of extremist violence right now is coming from the rightwing. But 100 years ago, it came from the left. History can teach us about how America can survive this new phase of domestic terror. The Atlantic's Adrienne LaFrance joins Charlie Sykes today.

show notes:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/04/us-extremism-portland-george-floyd-protests-january-6/673088/

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Matt Gertz: Tucker's Trump Derangement Syndrome Mar 08, 2023

Tucker has been dining out on how much the media supposedly despises Donald Trump — when by his own admission, he hates Trump with a passion. And his take on Jan 6 is inherently contradictory: It was Nancy's fault, but also not much happened that day. Matt Gertz joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Tucker’s Latest Lies Mar 07, 2023

Tucker's attempting to white-wash Jan 6, Trump and DeSantis have a thing against prosecutors, Kari says we'll have world peace again with Trump capitulating to Putin, and Michael Knowles intentionally used eliminationist rhetoric about transgenderism. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes.

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Amb. John Bolton: I Thought Trump Would Be Disciplined Mar 06, 2023

John Bolton thought he could create a coherent foreign policy for Trump, but now sees he was naive. Plus, Charlie Sykes asks Bolton about his early defense of Trump's relations with Putin — and why he didn't testify during the first impeachment. Bolton spoke with Sykes at the Principles First Summit.

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Rick Wilson: Why Would MAGA Want Trump-Lite? Mar 03, 2023

The base wants the sugar, the fat, and the salt — not someone afraid to say how they're different from Trump. Plus, DeSantis doesn't want to face the CPAC straw poll, Trump attacks Fox, and Paul Ryan doesn't see the world has moved on. Rick Wilson joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Mehdi Hasan: How to Win Any Argument Mar 02, 2023

Master interlocutor Mehdi Hasan says come to a debate prepared — bring receipts and know the other side's best argument better than they do. And Democrats: The heart beats the head almost every time. So, don't bring a policy paper to a knife fight. Hasan joins Charlie Sykes today.

Show Notes

Mehdi's book:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250853479/wineveryargument

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Jennifer Senior: How Old Are You in Your Head? Mar 01, 2023

People over 40 tend to see themselves as about 20% younger than their actual age. Is it because aging is seen as bad — or because they're optimistic that they have many years ahead? Plus, living with long Covid, and John Fetterman's depression. Jennifer Senior joins Charlie Sykes today.

Show notes

Jennifer's recent Atlantic articles:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/04/subjective-age-how-old-you-feel-difference/673086/

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/02/john-fetterman-checks-into-hospital-clinical-depression-stroke/673112/

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/02/long-covid-symptoms-chronic-illness-disability/673057/

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My Conversation With Paul Ryan Feb 28, 2023

The former Speaker of the House tells Charlie Sykes a Reagan 2.0 candidate would have a shot in '24. He also discusses his relationship with McCarthy, how the base has evolved, and how he thinks Fox has "proper" conservative voices despite Tucker Carlson. Ryan and Sykes spoke at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.

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Will Saletan: Dilbert, Free Speech, and Racism Feb 27, 2023

Scott Adams has the right to carry on about white victimhood, and newspapers have the free speech right to drop him. Plus, after the Ohio train wreck, is Biden — with his global leadership — showing shades of Bush 41? Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: Here's Why You Need to Shut Up Feb 24, 2023

The Georgia jury forewoman needs to stop talking, Norma Desmond took a break from Mar-a-Lago, Charlie and Tim disagree on Roald Dahl, and DeSantis lectures New Yorkers on law & order while the big cities in Florida have a higher crime rate. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Brian Rosenwald: Fox Is Afraid of Its Audience Feb 23, 2023

Fox isn't news, and it isn't propaganda. It's about getting the biggest audience it can, to make the most money it possibly can. And Tucker Carlson and Sean Hannity are more powerful than elected GOP leaders — even if they're afraid of their own audience. Brian Rosenwald joins Charlie Sykes.

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Bill Lueders: Wisconsin's High Stakes Supreme Court Race Feb 22, 2023

With abortion and election integrity on the line, Democrats got the opponent they wanted for the most consequential election of 2023. Plus, Joe Biden at 80 is coming into his own presidency. The view from Wisconsin: Bill Lueders joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Will Sommer: The Power of QAnon Feb 21, 2023

Conspiracy theories had been gaining ground in the GOP before Trump, but after he became conspiracy-theorist-in chief, many of his fans dove into conspiracies too. QAnon now has 10 million followers, and Trump is the messiah figure at its center. Will Sommer joins Charlie Sykes today.

Will Sommer's "Trust the Plan":

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/trust-the-plan-will-sommer?variant=40493482541090

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Biden’s Kyiv Moment Feb 20, 2023

Biden went to an active war zone, Lindsey Graham shows his old McCain-sidekick self, DeSantis weighs in on Ukraine, the Michigan GOP disconnects from reality, and MTG takes the leap from sedition to secession. Will Saletan is back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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David Frum: The GOP’s Obnoxiousness Problem Feb 17, 2023

The text messages in the Dominion case show that Fox was intentionally pushing lies about 2020 — lies that led to violence. And Trump is one step away from wearing a T-shirt that says "Yes, I COUP'D!" David Frum joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Ben Wittes: Jack Smith at Ramming Speed Feb 16, 2023

Mike Pence is erasing his own profile in courage by trying to resist special counsel Jack Smith's subpoena, a Mar-a-Lago document prosecution is still viable, and Ben Wittes — who once challenged Putin to a fistfight — is still irritating the Russians. Wittes joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Michael Kranish: The Trump/Kushner/Saudi Vortex Feb 15, 2023

In early 2021, both Kushner and Trump needed a game plan for making money. MBS — who both men had helped to consolidate power and literally get away with murder — came to the rescue with billions of dollars. Michael Kranish joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Damon Linker: How Not to Fight Wokeness Feb 14, 2023

Even people who aren't racist and aren't anti-trans can get rubbed the wrong way by the heavy-handed puritanical approach of the woke movement. Plus, Nikki Haley's bromides from the Republican Party of 10 years ago. Damon Linker joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Will Saletan: The Weekend of the UFOs Feb 13, 2023

What is flying above us? Is it more than sky garbage? Meanwhile, the House GOP radar is against whatever Joe Biden does. Plus, Trump's opinions about women's clothing, and the former first family feeding at the teat of MBS. Will Saletan's back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: It Was Dumber than You Might Have Imagined Feb 10, 2023

The weaponization committee hearing was an embarrassing bust. Plus, James O'Keefe's love of musicals, the karma of calling DeSantis a groomer — and Charlie has Covid and he still showed up for your Super Bowl weekend pod with Tim.

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Tom Nichols: The Kook Bench Feb 09, 2023

The drunken heckling caucus around Marjorie Taylor Greene is not out of control — it did exactly what its voters sent them to do. And Tucker Carlson is playing to that base, which has contempt for people with an education. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes today.

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A.B. Stoddard: Dark Brandon Rising Feb 08, 2023

Biden's shrewd State of the Union address played rope-a-dope with Republicans, and he relished the scrum. Plus, Trump goes classic and pulls the groomer card on DeSantis. A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

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Mark Hertling: What My Oath Means Feb 07, 2023

The balloon set off a performance theater among members of Congress that was unbecoming of their rank and office, Lt. Gen Mark Hertling tells Charlie Sykes on today's podcast. Plus, how Jan 6 has impacted education at military colleges, and an update on the war in Ukraine.

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Will Saletan: Popping the Red Balloon Feb 06, 2023

It wouldn't have mattered how Biden had handled the balloon — Republicans would have said he was weak. Plus, the art of donning an AR-15 pin to trigger the libs, and Elon Musk is amplifying Russian propaganda. Will Saletan's back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Tim Miller: Never Should Mean Never Feb 03, 2023

Too many normies STILL won't say "Never Trump," but Paul Ryan may be coming around. Plus, Kari keeps pretending to be governor, Hugh Hewitt is leg-humpy, and Charlie wants Dark Brandon to go out in a flak jacket and pop the balloon. Your weekend pod with Charlie Sykes and Tim Miller.

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Elie Honig: Is Trump Untouchable? Feb 02, 2023

Merrick Garland likes to say that no one is above the law, but the DOJ's own guidelines make it clear that some people are more equal than others. And no one exemplifies the disparities in our criminal justice system better than Donald Trump. Elie Honig joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Charlie Savage: The Real Witch Hunt? Feb 01, 2023

Trump has longed complained about a deep state plot to smear him with the Russia investigation, but the Durham probe of that investigation comes off as highly partisan, unethical, and loony. Charlie Savage joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Julian Zelizer and Kevin Kruse: History Is Under Assault Jan 31, 2023

History became more politicized in the Trump era and the conservative media ecosystem has helped amplify untruths. Princeton's Kevin Kruse and Julian Zelizer join Charlie Sykes to explain the value of learning both our good and bad history. We can handle the truth.

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Will Saletan: Policing the Police Jan 30, 2023

Training and diversity are not enough — cops who break the law must be prosecuted. Plus, the normalization of political violence around Jan 6 and the attack on Paul Pelosi, and Steve Bannon goes deeper on election denialism. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday

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Tim Miller: Deep Inside Tucker Carlson's Navel Jan 27, 2023

Republicans are so out of touch, their public brand is in trouble. Plus, MTG is Queen of the GOP, Schlapp is too sleazy for Gaetz, and party types are praying for a Trump heart attack. Oh, and Tim Miller tells Charlie Sykes he wants to hang with Kari Lake. Your weekend pod.

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Michael Weiss: A Watershed Moment for Ukraine Jan 26, 2023

It took a lot of arm-twisting, but the West has finally committed to arming Ukraine with battle tanks — not only to boost its defenses, but also to take the fight to the Russians. And Crimea is now in play. Michael Weiss joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Jonathan Alter: How the Documents Hurt Biden Jan 25, 2023

Biden has been seen as scandal-free, but his classified docs case may cost him a big political asset: the benefit of the doubt. Plus, Trump's map in the '24 primaries looks smaller. And the fallout from the arrest of a former FBI agent with ties to Russia. Jonathan Alter joins Charlie Sykes today.

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David Weigel: MAGA v MAGA Jan 24, 2023

Republicans may have underperformed in the midterms, but the RNC chair fight is not about changing the party's direction. For the base, it's about out-suing the "cheating" Democrats. Plus, the free-for-all in Chicago's mayoral race, and the Oscar noms. Dave Weigel joins Charlie Sykes.

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Will Saletan: It's In Your Nature to Destroy Yourselves Jan 23, 2023

The pro-life movement, undaunted by the midterms, is pushing for more restrictions— and the political backlash will be severe. Plus, give Ukraine the tanks, and don't invite Donald Trump to your funeral. Will Saletan's back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Catherine Rampell: Psychotic Feral Cats with Machetes Jan 20, 2023

Republicans are back to extortion and holding the debt ceiling hostage after adding $4.7 trillion to the deficit during the Trump years — and that was before the pandemic. Why risk financial market chaos? Catherine Rampell joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Michael Schmidt: "I Didn't Know They Made People Like That" Jan 19, 2023

Before John Kelly became chief of staff, he thought the chaos at the White House was due to the people around Trump. Instead, each day was about getting through the day without Trump doing something illegal, immoral, or damaging to himself or the country. Mike Schmidt joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Bill Kristol: Glimmers of Hope Jan 18, 2023

The shift in attitudes about defense and foreign policy in Germany has been dramatic since the war in Ukraine began. Plus, will ripping off a dying dog be the tipping point for George Santos? Bill Kristol — fresh off a series of meetings in Berlin — joins Charlie Sykes today.

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David French: Our Religious Freedoms Are Not Hanging by a Thread Jan 17, 2023

New York Times-bound David French tells Charlie Sykes how he re-thought same-sex marriage, how he felt he was living in a bubble, and how religious liberty is more strongly protected than it's ever been. Plus, the inevitability of George Santos.

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Will Saletan: Performative Garbage Jan 16, 2023

RonAnon Johnson wanted to get beat up on "Meet the Press" — so he could weaponize it. Plus, the active moving backward from MLK's dream, Trump gets the ultimate whataboutism, debt ceiling dangers, and a football confession. Will Saletan's back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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Michael Steele: Slapping Matt Schlapp Jan 13, 2023

Former RNC Chair Michael Steele had a front-row seat for the start of the ugly transformation at CPAC. Racist rhetoric has now been normalized, and they're not even pretending anymore. Steele joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Adam Kinzinger: Detoxing from Congress Jan 12, 2023

Watching from a distance, former Rep. Kinzinger tells Charlie Sykes that House moderates have a lot of power they're not willing to use, while the Freedom Caucus —AKA "The Terror Club" — is willing to shoot hostages. Plus, McCarthy will say whatever he needs to say to stay in power.

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Aaron Blake: Kevin McCarthy Is Keeping a Secret Jan 11, 2023

Without his secret pact, Kevin McCarthy likely would not be Speaker. Now, the American public — and members of Congress — are in the dark about the terms of McCarthy's agreement. Plus, will Joe Biden's classified documents sink a prosecution of Trump? Aaron Blake joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Olivia Nuzzi: Has Trump Become Norma Desmond? Jan 10, 2023

Trump rarely leaves his 'weird' smelling, moldy mansion, he seems bored and tired, and D-List MAGA are his main loyalists now. Plus, Olivia and Charlie go all in on the parallels to the film, Sunset Boulevard. Olivia Nuzzi joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Will Saletan: Expect More Hostage-Taking in the House Jan 09, 2023

McCarthy paid the ransom, Bannon is openly supporting violence in Brazil, and even normie Republicans are prepared to put the US economy at risk. Plus, Charlie and Will disagree on Hakeem Jeffries' speech. Will Saletan's back with Charlie Sykes for Charlie and Will Monday.

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A.B. Stoddard: A Desperate Man Jan 06, 2023

The hijackers have the energy in the House, Biden is quietly succeeding, no-mentum Trump's biggest fear is being ignored, DeSantis is a closet wimp, and George Santos doesn't respond to his name — is his name fake too? A.B. Stoddard joins Charlie Sykes for the weekend pod.

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Nick Confessore: The Theater of Elise Stefanik Jan 05, 2023

Rep. Elise Stefanik was a star pupil and the future of the GOP — now she's joined the kids in the back of the class, whose only role in Congress is to generate outrage. Plus, Trump turned the party into a roadshow and McCarthy is paying the price. Nick Confessore joins Charlie Sykes today.

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John Avlon: The Bomb Throwers Just Don't Care Jan 04, 2023

McCarthy thought he could appease the kamikaze caucus with cash and playing along with Stop the Steal — surprise, they'd rather ruin everything if they can't rule. CNN's John Avlon joins Charlie Sykes on today's pod.

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Tom Nichols: Of Course They All Hate Each Other Jan 03, 2023

The House Republican caucus is a jackal pack, with George Santos — the poster boy for our era of grift — along for the ride. Plus, 2023 is starting with green shoots of optimism, including a battered, bruised, and tired Donald Trump. Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes today.

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Andrew Weissmann: The DOJ and Trump's Attempted Coup Jan 02, 2023

The clock is ticking down on whether to bring charges against Trump for what was essentially a "simple" scheme — a president wanted to stay in power even though he lost the election. Former DOJ prosecutor Andrew Weissmann joined Charlie Sykes for this encore episode from July.

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Susan Glasser and Peter Baker: Trump's Hostile Takeover of the Government Dec 30, 2022

During his four years in office, Trump kept testing the weaknesses in our Constitutional system — and January 6 was the culmination of his war on the institutions of American government. Susan Glasser and Peter Baker's book, "The Divider" captures the threat Trump posed. But as they told Charlie Sykes, their book is not just history: It's also a prologue if he returns to power. This encore episode was originally released in September.

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Maggie Haberman: Trump Is Damaged and He Causes Damage to Others Dec 29, 2022

Donald Trump is the product of an exacting and brutal father who undermined him in private, and his damaged childhood has impacted him ever since. In this encore episode from October, Maggie Haberman, author of "Confidence Man," told Charlie Sykes that Trump doesn't really trust anyone — and that the era of distrust we live in now is one of his biggest legacies.

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Jennifer Senior: Steve Bannon Is an Asymmetric Threat Dec 28, 2022

Steve Bannon is a card-carrying member of the coastal elite, but he's trying to light a bonfire under American democracy. An intelligent, well-read man in the same category as Tucker Carlson, Bannon's genius is in polarizing people. The Atlantic's Jennifer Senior joined Charlie Sykes in this encore episode from June.

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Nick Confessore: Tucker and the Most Racist Show in the History of Cable News Dec 27, 2022

Tucker Carlson regularly borrows conspiracy theories from the racist right, and counsels his viewers that immigrants, nonwhites, and non-Christians are trying to destroy them and everything they love. Meanwhile, his show brings in more advertising revenue than any other Fox News program. The New York Times' Nick Confessore joined Charlie Sykes for this encore episode, originally released in May.

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Michael Fanone: We Were Literally Fighting for Our Lives Dec 26, 2022

Former DC police officer Michael Fanone joined Charlie Sykes for our first live show, and recalled the events of Jan 6 — when he was seriously injured defending the Capitol. A one-time Trump voter and Fox News fan, Fanone is now waging "a one-man war" against Trump and his reality-denying apologists. He also shared his thoughts about Kevin McCarthy, Lindsey Graham, Mike Pence, and the battle for the American soul. This encore episode was originally released in October.

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Tim Alberta: The Political Poisoning of the Evangelical Church Dec 23, 2022

On this Christmas weekend, we revisit our conversation with Tim Alberta about the morphing of evangelicalism from a spiritual disposition to a political identity, a development Alberta calls "heartbreaking." He tells Charlie Sykes that Evangelicals are turning against each other over conspiracy politics and Donald Trump. This encore episode was originally released in May.

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BONUS EPISODE: The Bulwark Goes Across the Movie Aisle Dec 22, 2022

The Across the Movie Aisle pod returns to Pandora for James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water. Is the sequel — 13 years in the making — worth the wait? Plus, the streaming programming crunch. Sonny Bunch, Alyssa Rosenberg, and Peter Suderman take over the Bulwark pod for this special bonus episode.

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Eric Edelman: A Struggle Between Democracy and Tyranny Dec 22, 2022

Zelensky didn't hit a wrong note, and he embodied the Ukrainian people's will to freedom on the floor of the US Congress. Plus, from a realpolitik perspective, the degradation of Russian military power via US aid to Ukraine is a bargain. Amb. Eric Edelman joins guest host Bill Kristol today

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