The Economic Consequences of Trump’s Iran War (w/ Catherine Rampell)
Bill Kristol and Catherine Rampell are going live to talk about the economic fallout from Trump's war in Iran.
Mar 22, 2026•45 min•Ep. 693
Bulwark Takes
The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.
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Episodes
Tim and Adam Kinzinger Play a Little Game
Tim Miller and Adam Kinzinger were live in Austin, talking about the escalating Iran war, why it’s already going badly, and how Trump’s “peace candidate” promise unraveled into a costly conflict. Plus: a live “cuck-off” game (it’s not quite what you’d expect).
Mar 21, 2026•22 min•Ep. 691
Trump Celebrates Robert Mueller’s Death
Robert Mueller, the former FBI director and special counsel who led the Russia investigation, has died at 81. A Vietnam veteran and lifelong public servant, Mueller spent decades in service to the country across administrations of both parties earning a reputation for discipline, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Trump responded to Mueller's death with a disgusting message: “Good. I’m glad he’s dead.” Tim Miller and Bill Kristol reflect on Mueller’s legacy at the FBI an...
Mar 21, 2026•14 min•Ep. 692
The Global Economy Is Literally Being Choked (w/ Sal Mercogliano)
Andrew Egger and maritime history and shipping expert Sal Mercogliano take on the rapidly escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz—and why it’s far more dangerous for the global economy than most people realize. As Iran tightens its grip on one of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints, up to 25% of global trade is being disrupted. Tankers are stalled, crews are stranded, and energy markets are already feeling the shock. Watch more of Sal’s videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/U...
Mar 21, 2026•26 min•Ep. 690
New Inflation Warnings from Fed; Could Iran War Raise Prices AND Cause Recession?
Catherine Rampell and Sam Stein are going live to cover inflation warnings from the Fed and the worsening economic outlook as the Iran war drives oil prices higher and job growth stalls. Text TAKES to 64000 to get a FREE pocket pivot and their 10-pattern sprayer with the purchase of ANY size Copper Head hose. Message and data rates may apply.
Mar 20, 2026•54 min•Ep. 689
“Just Measles” Left Her Sister Disabled for Life (w/ Therese Vogel)
Sam Stein and Jonathan Cohn talk with Therese Vogel about the return of measles. Therese shares the story of her sister, who contracted measles as a child and suffered permanent brain damage—shaping the rest of her life—and why that led her to join Grandparents for Vaccines. They discuss why vaccine skepticism has risen, how outbreaks are spreading again as vaccination rates fall, and why many Americans have forgotten how dangerous these diseases once were. They explore the nascent political bac...
Mar 20, 2026•27 min•Ep. 688
Trump Calls Iran War an “Excursion” and Brings Up Pearl Harbor To Japan
Will Saletan gives his take on Donald Trump’s dumb and chaotic Oval Office meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. He called the Iran war an “excursion,” bragging about demolishing Iran while gas prices doubled, and insulted Japan with a Pearl Harbor reference. Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com and use promo code BULWARKTAKES.
Mar 20, 2026•14 min•Ep. 687
There Was NO Imminent Threat from Iran (w/ Erin Banco)
Sam Stein talks with Reuters national security reporter Erin Banco about how the U.S. ended up at war with Iran—and why the official story doesn’t hold up. Intelligence assessments didn’t show an imminent threat, but the administration moved forward anyway after months of pressure, shifting justifications, and a last-minute decision from Trump. Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com and use promo code BULWARKTAKES.
Mar 20, 2026•27 min•Ep. 686
Don Lemon Responds to Being Arrested and Put On Trump’s “Enemies List”
Tim Miller moderated a conversation with Don Lemon at the 2026 New Orleans Book Festival. They talked about Lemon’s arrest and time in custody and the broader crackdown on Trump critics. They also discussed the war in Iran, and the failures of the mainstream media during Trump's second term.
Mar 19, 2026•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 685
Sen. Rand Paul Slams Sen. Markwayne Mullin at DHS Confirmation Hearing
Sam Stein and Sonny Bunch went live to give their reactions to Trump nominee Markwayne Mullin at his DHS confirmation hearing.
Mar 18, 2026•37 min•Ep. 684
Support for Israel Has Collapsed Among Young Americans
Sam Stein and Rachel Janfaza take on a striking shift among young voters: support for Israel has collapsed, with just 13% of Gen Z viewing it positively. Drawing on new polling and a focus group of students, they discuss how anti-Israel sentiment is spreading—and how it’s increasingly bleeding into something more troubling on campuses and online.
Mar 18, 2026•20 min•Ep. 683
Tim Miller: Gas, Food, Rent—It's ALL Going Up Again
Tim Miller joins Nicolle Wallace to talk about the escalating Iran war, the sudden resignation of Trump official Joe Kent, and the growing split inside MAGA. As competing narratives collide, the panel looks at what’s actually driving the conflict—and why even Trump’s allies are breaking ranks. They also discuss Trump’s erratic messaging, rising concerns about leadership, and the economic fallout already starting to hit Americans—from higher gas and food prices to a broader slowdown that could ge...
Mar 18, 2026•18 min•Ep. 682
Former General Gives Brutally Honest Iran War Assessment | Command Post
In this Command Post edition of Bulwark Takes, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker break down how Trump’s snub of NATO allies is shaping the Iran conflict, and how even spectacular military success against the Iranian government and military won’t necessarily lead to victory. Have questions about the Iran war? Send them to commandpost@thebulwark.com and we’ll try to answer them in the next episode! Read more from Mark's piece here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/iran-gets-vote-in-this-war...
Mar 18, 2026•31 min•Ep. 681
Top Trump Aide Quits Over Iran War | Morning Chaser
Andrew and Bill are going live to discuss Joe Kent's resignation over the war in Iran and other news of the day.
Mar 17, 2026•42 min•Ep. 680
Distracted Trump Rambles While Iran War Expands
Tim Miller and Sam Stein take on Trump’s latest Oval Office comments on Iran. They discuss the contradictions, the absence of a clear strategy, and what it signals about how this war is being handled. Plus, JD Vance dodges a simple question about whether he actually supports the operation, raising questions about what’s really happening behind the scenes. Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a doctor you love today....
Mar 17, 2026•27 min•Ep. 679
Sen. Kennedy Tried to Humiliate This Witness… It Backfired (w/ David Bier)
Tim Miller talks with Cato’s David Bier about his viral clash with Senator John Kennedy—and what the exchange reveals about today’s immigration debate. They discuss the data on immigrants and the economy, the gap between rhetoric and actual policy, mass deportation proposals, visa bans affecting families, and how enforcement tactics are impacting both immigrants and U.S. citizens. Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES to find and instantly book a d...
Mar 17, 2026•28 min•Ep. 678
Laura Loomer Publicly Humiliated Over Racist Statements | MAGA Mondays
Will Sommer and Sam Stein are going live to discuss Laura Loomer’s tense event in New Delhi, Tucker Carlson’s new CIA conspiracy theory, and the ugly feud between Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin.
Mar 16, 2026•36 min•Ep. 677
Iran War Consequences: Will Epic Fury be an Epic Failure?
Robert Kagan (Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution) joins Bill to discuss the likely consequences of Trump's war in Iran.
Mar 15, 2026•46 min•Ep. 676
Trump Says Iran Is Finished—Then Asks the World for Backup
Sam Stein and Will Saletan take on Donald Trump’s claims that Iran has been “decimated” even as his administration asks other countries to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. They discuss the contradictions in Trump’s messaging and what it reveals about the war. They also react to FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr’s warning to broadcasters over their coverage.
Mar 15, 2026•15 min•Ep. 675
Is This the Sickest MAGA Scandal Yet?
Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Will Sommer take on one of the strangest scandals to hit the far-right internet: extremist agitator Jake Lang getting caught in a social-media sting run by a self-styled “predator hunter.” They also talk about the growing war inside conservative media as Megyn Kelly and Ben Shapiro clash publicly.
Mar 14, 2026•30 min•Ep. 674
BREAKING: GDP Growth Revised WAY Down
Catherine Rampell and Sam Stein are going live to talk about the revised job numbers and other economic news.
Mar 13, 2026•34 min•Ep. 673
Why Iran’s Regime Isn’t Falling (w/ Tim Mak)
JVL is joined by war reporter Tim Mak to discuss the rapidly escalating conflict with Iran and what it means for the United States, Ukraine, and global stability. They examine why the Iranian regime may be more durable than many assume, the strategic limits of military strikes, and how rising oil prices are shaping political decisions in Washington. Read more from Tim Mak at The Counteroffensive: https://www.counteroffensive.news/
Mar 13, 2026•45 min•Ep. 672
Tim, JVL, and Katie Couric: Trump, Iran and Manosphere Drama
In a special live edition of Bulwark Takes, Katie Couric joins JVL and Tim Miller to take on some of the biggest and most interesting stories of the week including the breaking news today out of Michigan where a suspect is dead after ramming a vehicle into Temple Israel synagogue, the latest on the Iran war including the first comments from the country's new supreme leader, what Kash Patel is up to at the FBI and more. Katie also digs in with the Bulwark crew on her latest TV obsession.
Mar 12, 2026•1 hr•Ep. 671
GOP Senator Tells Americans to Accept Higher Gas Prices
Sam Stein and Catherine Rampell give their takes on the sudden shift in Republican messaging on gas prices after the war with Iran disrupted global oil markets. For years, Republicans blamed Joe Biden for high prices at the pump. Now, with prices rising again under Donald Trump, some GOP lawmakers are telling Americans they need to “make sacrifices” or even suggesting struggling families just need better financial literacy. Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/...
Mar 12, 2026•26 min•Ep. 670
Trump’s Own Fans Are Furious
Tim joined Katy Tur to talk about the backlash from the “podcast right” over a potential Iran conflict. If those newer, anti-war voters peel away—or simply stay home—it could reshape the politics around Trump’s base. They also discussed immigration, where Republicans are starting to get nervous about the real-world impact of mass deportation policies. Watch Katy Tur Reports on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/katy-tur-reports
Mar 12, 2026•14 min•Ep. 668
Hanging With Tim Miller
Tim Miller is going live, just because he feels like hanging out. Not everything needs a special occasion.
Mar 12, 2026•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 669
Is This The Dumbest DC Conspiracy Yet?
Sam Stein, Will Sommer, and Andrew Egger give their takes on the new right-wing conspiracy that claims John Thune is secretly controlled by Punchbowl News and that’s why he won’t eliminate the filibuster to pass the SAVE Act. The theory comes from a software engineer known online as “Data Republican,” who gained prominence during the DOGE era by posting false claims about uncover government waste. Her latest claim hinges on a series of confusing flowcharts that immediately collapses under even m...
Mar 11, 2026•17 min•Ep. 667
Joe Rogan Says Trump “Betrayed” His Base Over Iran War
Sam Stein and Tim Miller give their takes on Joe Rogan’s surprisingly blunt reaction to Donald Trump’s war with Iran. Rogan says many supporters feel “betrayed” after Trump campaigned on ending “stupid wars,” only to launch major strikes that have now killed U.S. troops and raised fears of wider conflict. Sam and Tim dig into Rogan’s political evolution and why this moment is so uncomfortable for the MAGA-friendly podcast world. After years of embracing Trump as the anti-war outsider, figures in...
Mar 11, 2026•19 min•Ep. 666
Is Trump Already Getting Tired of His Iran War? | Morning Chaser
Bill Kristol and Andrew Egger are going live to discuss whether Trump is already close to ending his Iran war, under pressure from both markets and bad polls.
Mar 10, 2026•52 min•Ep. 665
Tim Miller: Pete Hegseth Looks Completely Out of His Depth
Tim Miller joined Nicolle Wallace to discuss Donald Trump’s latest comments on the Iran war and the chaos surrounding his administration’s messaging. Plus: Lindsey Graham’s reported efforts to push Trump toward escalation and Tucker Carlson’s claim that Trump is being fed fake polling about the war’s popularity. Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house
Mar 10, 2026•17 min•Ep. 663
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