Episodes

Andrew Egger and Will Sommer discuss Trump DOJ’s sweeping Election Day deployment of federal monitors, the questions surrounding where they’re being sent, and the growing concerns over federal interference in the midterms. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/bulwarktakes. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Trustpilot rating as of 8/1/2026.

It’s Election Day, and Donald Trump is making some surprising last-minute moves, including an announcement that he’s cutting off military aid to Israel. Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol break down Trump’s increasingly desperate closing message, the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran, and the decisions that have put Republicans in such a precarious position, from the Minneapolis ICE crackdown to the war in Iran and a seemingly endless parade of corruption scandals. Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get up to $3 million in coverage in as little as 10 minutes at https://ethos.com/bulwarktakes. Application times may vary. Rates may vary. Trustpilot rating as of 8/1/2026.

Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅: https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored Sam Stein and Andrew Egger give their takes on Trump’s bizarre closing pitch ahead of the midterms: a trip to the Reflecting Pool to brag about algae removal, vandalism that never happened, and his plans to renovate a DC golf course. Instead of making a final appeal to voters, Trump spent his time talking about monuments, promenades, statues and a proposed triumphal arch. Sam and Andrew discuss how Trump’s obsession with beautifying Washington DC has become a fitting symbol of a presidency increasingly consumed by personal passion projects as his broader agenda stalls.

Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅: https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) break down Tucker Carlson’s alarming claims that the Trump administration could be preparing a nuclear strike on Iran. They dissect Carlson’s claims about Netanyahu, Pickaxe Mountain and the possibility of nuclear escalation, explaining what’s wrong with his analysis and what a nuclear strike would actually mean. They also examine Trump’s fixation on the Iran War casualty counts, the limits of military force and why there is no easy solution to the war with Iran.

Ready to be seen? Check that appointment off your to-do list with Zocdoc ✅: https://zocdoc.com/bulwarktakes #sponsored With Election Day looming, Republicans are showing signs of panic, and some familiar election deniers are resurfacing at the White House. Sam Stein and Will Sommer discuss Roger Stone’s desperate effort to rescue a MAGA candidate, Trump’s fury over Alina Habba’s $50 million pardon controversy, and a MAGA influencer’s spectacularly failed investigation in Alaska. Plus, Tucker Carlson’s alarming nuclear claims, Laura Loomer’s latest feud, and MAGA’s strange obsession with Darth Vader.

In a stunning last-minute reversal, Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan’s closely contested Senate race, just days after saying she’d support Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed. Sam Stein and Lauren Egan discuss the furious reaction from Democrats, the turmoil inside Stevens’ own office, what may have prompted her decision, and whether it could change the outcome of Tuesday’s election.

With Election Day just days away, Sarah Longwell and Bill Kristol explain why they believe Republicans could be headed for a historic defeat. Sarah shares what she’s hearing from disillusioned Trump voters in her focus groups, the two examine surprising opportunities for Democrats in deep-red states, and they react to the stunning news that a Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan.

MAGA podcaster Clay Travis bet $1 million that oil prices would fall before the midterms. With his deadline looming and prices nowhere near his prediction, Tim Miller brings the receipts on Travis’s spectacularly wrong calls about Trump’s Iran war, then revisits his increasingly ridiculous Cheesecake Factory obsession.

Tim Miller takes on the GOP’s most outrageous midterm candidates, from a MAGA operative facing election fraud allegations to a yacht-owning Republican hiding his wealth, a politically connected congressional hopeful, and Tommy Tuberville’s latest antics. Plus, Tim shares the wild story of how Steve Bannon falsely accused him of orchestrating the allegations against Roy Moore.

Sam Stein joins Nicolle Wallace on MS NOW to give his take on Trump’s bizarre distractions, from defending his decorating skills and feuding with Bill Maher to obsessing over a D.C. golf course, while his party faces mounting political problems. Sam also explains why corruption is emerging as a major issue for voters, the growing signs of waning enthusiasm at Trump rallies, and the Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the midterm elections before votes are even counted. Plus, Trump has a public meltdown after canceling a campaign trip to Kansas and attacking a Reuters reporter for simply asking whether he was feeling well. Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house

Sam Stein and Will Sommer unpack a jaw-dropping Harvard Crimson investigation into Leo Terrell, Trump’s antisemitism czar, and the spectacular dysfunction inside his Justice Department task force. From threatening to choke an intern with a computer charger and pressuring a young employee to spend $1,200 to accompany him to Vegas, to dreaming up a national tour featuring Justin Bieber, Jerry Seinfeld and Nicki Minaj, Terrell’s operation sounds more like a bureaucratic fever dream than a serious government office. Plus, the interns who fled, the bizarre feud with Harmeet Dhillon, a top Trump DOJ official, and leaking to The New York Times. Read more from the Harvard Crimson: https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2026/10/28/terrell-doj-task-force-collapse/

What happens to Trump if Democrats take back Congress? Reporter Michael Weiss and former CIA officer Mark Polymeropoulos examine the investigations that could expose the administration’s foreign dealings, the growing threat of another war with Iran, and why even Putin’s inner circle is realizing Trump can’t deliver on his promises. Plus, Ukraine stands its ground against Trump, and Elon Musk’s Starlink controversy raises serious national security questions.

Tim Miller takes a trip into the lion’s den, joining Blake Neff and Andrew Kolvet on The Charlie Kirk Show for a spirited debate about Trump’s record. Tim pushes back on the idea that Trump has delivered, laying out that the president has broken his promises on affordability, foreign wars and draining the swamp. The conversation gets heated as Tim challenges the hosts over immigration enforcement, masked ICE agents and the detention of people without due process. He also makes the case that Trump’s tariffs, war in Iran and corruption are making life harder for Americans.

Sam Stein, Will Sommer, and Tim Miller unpack another week of MAGA absurdity, from James O’Keefe facing felony charges over an alleged voter fraud stunt to right-wing influencers churning out bizarre AI videos about Democrats and the Cheesecake Factory. The trio also break down a pastor’s bizarre prayer for the deportation of a MAGA commentator, and a Tennessee congressional candidate defending unsolicited nude photos as a “youthful indiscretion” at age 53. Plus, JD Vance hits the campaign trail for a MAGA rapper in a surprisingly competitive House race, and the Department of Education gets caught up in the internet’s strange obsession with a gender-swapped Draco Malfoy. Get $20 off off your first order at https://Cometeer.com/bulkwarktakes or use code BULWARKTAKES.

Bill Kristol talks with Ezra Levin, co-director of Indivisible and a leading organizer of No Kings, about why Trump’s attacks on the movement have failed, Meta’s suspicious four-hour shutdown of its Instagram account during a massive early-voting push, and the growing demands for answers from Congress. They also discuss how Trump’s corporate allies enable his authoritarian agenda—and why Democrats can’t afford to return to business as usual if they win in November. Get $20 off off your first order at https://Cometeer.com/bulkwarktakes or use code BULWARKTAKES.

Ben Parker and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) break down the growing risks of Trump’s Iran war, including the possibility of renewed strikes after the midterms, the danger of pushing Gulf allies toward China, and the military’s growing logistical challenges. They examine why Iran may be preparing to fight back even harder, how the Houthis could threaten American interests long after the Iran war ends, and why Netanyahu’s reported attempt to launch a politically motivated strike raises serious questions about the military’s role in a democracy. Plus, Ukraine’s latest strikes on Russian weapons factories, Zelensky’s diplomatic maneuvering, and what a potential blue wave could mean for congressional oversight of Trump’s foreign policy. Get $20 off off your first order at Cometeer.com/bulkwarktakes or use code BULWARKTAKES.

Catherine Rampell and Andrew Egger break down Donald Trump’s latest campaign strategy: promising taxpayer-funded benefits to voters and threatening to withhold money from states that don’t deliver Republican victories. From $5,000 checks and billions in potential investments to veterans’ Camp Lejeune settlements, Trump is making government funding conditional on political loyalty. Catherine and Andrew examine how Trump has turned public money into a tool for rewarding allies and punishing perceived enemies, and how this once-unthinkable approach has become the new normal in American politics. Looking for a different way to unwind? Soul’s Mood Gummies pair precise dosing and clean ingredients with formulas designed for different moods, whether you want to feel uplifted, mellow, or somewhere in between. Get 30% off your entire order at https://getsoul.com with promo code BULWARKTAKES.

Will Sommer speaks with Alabama shrimper Maynard Dubuisson, a longtime Donald Trump supporter who says soaring diesel prices are pushing fishermen and small businesses to the brink. The war in Iran has sent fuel costs soaring, forcing shrimpers to conserve fuel and produce less, and threatened the local economy. Dubuisson says working-class Americans aren’t worried about tax cuts. They’re worried about affording groceries and keeping their businesses afloat. Now he’s pleading with Trump to deliver relief before it’s too late. Looking for a different way to unwind? Soul’s Mood Gummies pair precise dosing and clean ingredients with formulas designed for different moods, whether you want to feel uplifted, mellow, or somewhere in between. Get 30% off your entire order at https://getsoul.com with promo code BULWARKTAKES.

With one week until Election Day, Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger break down the Senate races that could deliver Democrats a historic midterm wave. From James Talarico’s fight against Ken Paxton in Texas to surprising opportunities in Mississippi, Kansas, and Florida, they examine how Trump’s unpopularity, rising prices, and Elon Musk’s spending are reshaping the map. Plus, how Trump’s latest attempt to prosecute James Comey exposes the importance of independent courts and why control of the Senate could be the most consequential prize of the election. Looking for a different way to unwind? Soul’s Mood Gummies pair precise dosing and clean ingredients with formulas designed for different moods, whether you want to feel uplifted, mellow, or somewhere in between. Get 30% off your entire order at https://getsoul.com with promo code BULWARKTAKES.

Will Saletan uses Trump's own words to expose the contradictions behind the Iran war. Trump says he obliterated Iran's nuclear program, claims the threat is under control, and admits the U.S. could leave now. So why is the war still going eight months later? Trump says he wants a guarantee Iran will never build a nuclear weapon, but he also admits he may have gone too far in killing the country's leaders and doesn't know who to negotiate with. Meanwhile, gas prices are rising, Trump is bragging about the money high oil prices are bringing in, and he says the financial pain Americans are facing is a small price to pay. For Trump voters unhappy with the economy and the war, Will makes the case that the midterms are a chance to send a message. Right now, podcast listeners can save up to 48% off their first order at https://pendulumlife.com/BULWARKTAKES. Show Notes: Trump rally in South Carolina, Oct. 21: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNmr6SyjoAo Trump rally in Florida, Oct. 23: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMD0ffRom7M Trump interview with NBC Montana, Oct.14: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLcKKXgngVk Trump rally in Arizona, Oct. 14: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf36VMa0rDE Trump rally in Alabama, Oct. 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZCcFK6y9fA Trump rally in Oklahoma, Oct. 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zYR9nIuvDs Trump rally in Kansas, Oct.19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gpvsst07C28 Trump gaggle at the White House, Oct. 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlYbzF9hSBE Trump interview with Newsmax, Oct. 15: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvwQankQR-8 Trump gaggle at Joint Base Andrews, Oct. 10: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MWwc6p33yM Trump rally in Georgia, Oct. 24: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2vfPUbdZsg Trump rally in Michigan, Oct. 25: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkM_CFtIDUs Trump Q&A in the Oval Office, Oct. 20: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQKChHxD9e8

Sam Stein and Will Sommer break down Donald Trump’s 1,300-word meltdown over Bill Maher. Plus, MAGA data guru Data Republican is so worried about the GOP’s early voting numbers that she won’t share them with her followers, right-wing influencers scramble to spin election results in Serbia and Brazil, and a pro-ICE conservative is now set to be deported. Also, Newsmax’s new Trump nostalgia show serves up recycled clips and calls them “epic.” Right now, podcast listeners can save up to 48% off their first order at https://pendulumlife.com/BULWARKTAKES.

Mike Rogers’s disastrous Meet the Press interview was a masterclass in political desperation. Catherine Rampell and Jonathan Cohn break down his increasingly absurd attempts to dodge questions about Trump, his contortions over tariffs hurting Michigan, and his ugly attacks on Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed.

Could Democrats really flip Senate seats in deep-red states like Mississippi, South Carolina, and Florida? Bill Kristol and Lauren Egan examine the expanding Senate map, surprising opportunities, and whether Democratic optimism is getting ahead of reality.

Texas Republicans are facing a nightmare scenario: Ken Paxton could lose, rural turnout is lagging, and the GOP may have to spend $400 million defending a state it once took for granted. Tim Miller talks with Republican operative Garrett Fulce about the growing anxiety inside the Texas GOP, the possibility of a Democratic upset, and why Garrett himself just voted for a Democrat.

#ad Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off your first order of ZBiotics probiotics. Tim Miller responds to Elon Musk’s threats to The Bulwark’s after Musk said “if you want to live by the sword, that is how they will die too.” Then, Tim also takes on Iowa Republican congressional candidate Joe Mitchell, who gave Donald Trump a homemade “Man of the Century” award before old college footage surfaced of Mitchell melting down over his penis size and making racist remarks about Black women. Plus, Tim explains why Mike Rogers’ support for the Iran war could hurt his chances in Michigan’s Senate race, as voters face higher gas prices and growing frustration with Trump’s foreign policy.

Sarah Matthews joins Nicolle Wallace to discuss the Trump DOJ’s removal of thousands of January 6 records, the effort to preserve the evidence, and what it could mean for the midterms. They also examine Trump’s broken promises, his family’s growing wealth, and why young men who helped return him to office are increasingly feeling betrayed. Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house #ad Go to https://zbiotics.com/bulwarktakes and use code BULWARKTAKES at checkout for 15% off your first order of ZBiotics probiotics.

The battle for Congress is heating up ahead of the midterms. Tim Miller talks with North Carolina Democratic Party chair Anderson Clayton about key House races, rural voters, and gerrymandering. Plus, Sam Stein joins Rep. Nikema Williams in Georgia to discuss voter turnout, Trump's election interference, and what's at stake in November. For a limited time, Tempo is offering 60% off your first box! Go to https:/Tempomeals.com/BULWARKTAKES

Tim Miller, Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes on the latest chaos from the MAGA universe. Top Trump allies Chris LaCivita and James Blair had to hand over their six-figure consulting fees from a pro-Russian Balkan politician to Trump’s presidential library are right-wing influencers embarrassed themselves while campaigning for Serbia’s strongman. Plus, Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins’ was caught fantasizing about public executions and throwing Nancy Pelosi out of a plane. Then, a pro-Trump, pro-ICE commentator gets arrested by ICE himself. A State Department employee was caught throwing a drink at a Washington Wizards game. Since we taped, she has subsequently been fired from her job. And Will breaks down the implosion of Ethan Klein’s H3 Podcast following allegations of an affair, while the trio also weighs in on influencer Clavicular’s bizarre appearance at his rape-case arraignment. For a limited time, Tempo is offering 60% off your first box! Go to https:/Tempomeals.com/BULWARKTAKES

Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow joins Sam Stein for her take on how a fabricated poll had real consequences for her Senate campaign, drying up donations, rattling volunteers, and prompting reporters to ask when she would drop out. They examine how fake polling can distort media coverage, influence donors, and shape the narratives surrounding elections, even when the numbers are completely made up. McMorrow also discusses the broader problems plaguing American politics, from scam PACs to the need for greater transparency and accountability. Plus, McMorrow weighs in on the attacks against Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, including Islamophobic campaign ads and the death threats against women running for state office. Get fresh, chef-crafted meals delivered to your door with Tempo! Ready in just two minutes, with over 20 recipes to choose from every week. Get 60% off your first box at https://www.tempomeals.com/BULWARKTAKES. Rules and restrictions may apply.

Vivek Ramaswamy has dragged Amy Acton’s estranged mother into the Ohio governor’s race to smear her daughter — even though the mother’s husband was charged with raping Acton when she was just 12. Now Trump and JD Vance are backing the attack, with Trump calling Acton “defective” and demanding Republicans fall in line. Will Sommer and Andrew Egger give their takes on the ad’s horrifying backstory and the shameless decision to turn Acton’s childhood trauma into a campaign weapon. Plus, Glenn Beck, Megyn Kelly, and Ben Shapiro twist themselves into knots defending the ad, while some Ohio Republicans struggle to explain how this is acceptable politics. As Trump attacks Gov. Mike DeWine for condemning the spot, the MAGA media machine faces a familiar choice: acknowledge the facts or defend their guy at any cost.