Bulwark Takes

Ben Parker and Bill Kristol discuss Donald Trump’s increasingly frantic attacks as Republicans face a surprisingly competitive Senate race in South Carolina, including Trump’s use of an anti-trans slur against Democratic candidate Annie Andrews. They examine what the race says about the Republican Party’s standing heading into the midterms and whether Democrats could make gains in traditionally red states.
Plus, Ben and Bill dig into the corruption allegations surrounding Trump’s foreign policy, including his family’s business interests and deals involving Russia, Venezuela and the Middle East. They also discuss the withdrawal of U.S. B-1 bombers from Britain, the broader retreat of American power in Europe, and concerns over a mysterious illness linked to a plague research facility in Russia.
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Tim Miller gives his take on the Democrats who are already arguing against investigating Donald Trump’s corporate allies, warning that accountability cannot be sacrificed in the name of avoiding political “retribution.” He argues that companies and executives who participated in or benefited from Trump’s corruption should face scrutiny, and that Democratic oversight in 2027 will be critical to uncovering what actually happened.
If Democrats want to restore the rule of law, he argues, they need to make clear that corruption has consequences, including for the powerful people and companies that helped enable Trump.
Find your next fall favorites at https://Quince.com. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada and the UK, too. When Quince asks where you heard about them, let them know it was Bulwark Takes.

Catherine Rampell and Jonathan Cohn give their takes on Donald Trump’s latest checks to Americans, including $500 payments to some ACA marketplace enrollees and $90 payments to certain Medicare recipients. They explain where the money is coming from, why the ACA payments may lack clear legal authority, and how diverting money from healthcare outreach could further undermine the Affordable Care Act.
Plus, Catherine and Jonathan discuss reports of a possible plague outbreak in Russia, what is known about the death of a laboratory worker, and why the Trump administration’s retreat from global health programs and international cooperation could leave the U.S. less prepared for the next major outbreak.
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Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes on Kash Patel’s engagement, Benny Johnson facing a lawsuit from two anti-ICE protesters, and The Daily Wire’s new pro-ICE movie being filmed in Livingston, Montana. The film reportedly recreates the shooting of Renee Good before turning it into a fictionalized action story involving ICE agents, Antifa, MS-13 and a heroic Korean grocer. And you’ll never believe who just joined the film as a producer—especially given the production’s security problems.
Plus, Ken Paxton’s Senate campaign is facing another leaked recording, with the Texas Republican sounding increasingly frustrated by the national party’s control over his campaign.
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Tim Miller takes on Vivek Ramaswamy’s attempt to show off his strength at a campaign event, then turns to Jon Ossoff’s message to young voters about why they can’t afford to give in to despair and the case for turning frustration and rage into political action. Plus: Tim’s thoughts about James Baldwin and the long history of people overcoming seemingly impossible odds.
Get $80 off your first month with Talkspace when you go to https://www.talkspace.com and enter promo code SPACE80. Match with a licensed therapist today at https://www.talkspace.com and use promo code SPACE80.