The Bulwark Podcast

At a little-noticed conference on political violence a couple of weeks ago, Marco Rubio and Stephen Miller employed the dehumanizing rhetoric of the Soviets and Nazi mastermind Joseph Goebbels to attack the left. And while they might want us to think they were just talking about the DSA, it sure seems that they meant Democrats generally—including those who might be legitimately protesting Trump's efforts to try to steal an election. Plus: Iran is not acting like it fears the United States, Lindsey Graham probably did more harm than good, and the Fauci drama is the latest example of the MAGA double standard about telling the truth.
Bob Kagan joins guest host JVL.
show notes:

JVL's 'Triad' on Trump's best option on Iran

Bob's articles at The Atlantic 

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Stephen Miller has a free hand to pump out his racist policies; Trump regularly says blatantly offensive things that are way past a dog whistle; and one-time insurgents at the Heritage Foundation and other MAGA institutions are muscling out people who aren't comfortable with openly embracing bigotry. The groypers are running today's Republican Party. At the same time, Trump's Iran war has opened divisions within the administration, and the leaks are coming fast and furiously. Plus: the gullible people who think their bribes will keep them safe from Trump, Rod Dreher's falling out with JD Vance, the ties between the Tates and the White House should be a bigger scandal, Mitch McConnell may be doing the most Mitch McConnell thing of all, and how Cincinnatians fought back against DHS to protect a local chaplain.
Zeteo’s Asawin Suebsaeng joins guest host Will Sommer. 

Show notes:

Swin's recent reporting on Trump's failed Iran war

Will's recent “False Flag” on MAGA rallying around Andrew Tate

The NYT on the crackup at the Heritage Foundation

New York mag on Justin Sun blowing the whistle on Trump

Swin on the chaplain in Cincinnati 

Rod Dreher with a platter of oysters in Paris

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Not only has our lousy commander-in-chief allowed the country's missile inventory to be dramatically depleted, Hegseth's politicized hiring and firing of officers has come home to roost and is doing real damage to the military as an institution. Meanwhile, Zelensky says he'll show Trump proof that Russia is helping Iran in the war, and Laura Loomer has done an about-face and now says she's on Ukraine’s side. Plus, the wet, hot DSA summer hits its peak in the Michigan Senate race, Bibi is going to try to save his hide, and Republicans in swing districts have been given the all-clear to distance themselves from Trump.

Bill Kristol joins guest host John Heilemann.
Show notes:

The NYT on the diminished stockpile of Patriot antimissile interceptors 

John's "Impolitic" podcast

Jon Cohn on Whitmer's endorsement of Haley Stevens

Lauren on the troubles at the DNC

Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Epstein survivor, Dani Bensky

Andrew on Trump bombing at the White House Correspondents Dinner

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Since we don't have an episode of The Bulwark Podcast for you today, we're sharing something a little different—a preview of The Secret Podcast. This is a show that JVL and Sarah do every week, which is available only for paid members of The Bulwark. 
If it seems like something you'd enjoy, why not join us? You can sign up on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Substack.
Come ride with us!

In 2026, everyone who follows politics has an opinion about Maine politics. Here’s the thing: a lot of people in Maine think they’re wrong. So, Sarah talked to a former national political reporter who moved his family to Maine to help stand up a local paper. Former NBC News reporter Alex Seitz-Wald, now deputy editor of the Midcoast Villager, joins to discuss his transition to local journalism, the unique culture of Maine politics, and how Graham Platner’s exit from the U.S. Senate race landed with Maine voters. They also size up the new Democratic candidate, Troy Jackson, and discuss why Susan Collins has had such staying power, and how–or whether–her luck might finally run out in 2026.
Show notes:

The front page on the most recent issue of the Midcoast Villager

Sarah’s ‘Focus Group’ pod

NYT profile of the Midcoast Villager

Tim’s playlist