<![CDATA[The Bulwark: The Next Level ]]>

<![CDATA[The Bulwark: The Next Level ]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thenextlevelhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!ucvo!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Ff2be086b-13ae-4f84-a6ee-36f827a0bebf_256x256.pngThe Bulwark: The Next Level https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thenextlevelSubstackSat, 01 Aug 2026 05:02:57 GMT<![CDATA[The WHCD Walked Straight Into Trump’s Trap]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-whcd-walked-straight-into-trumpshttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-whcd-walked-straight-into-trumpsTue, 28 Jul 2026 22:48:26 GMTSarah, JVL, and Catherine Rampell discuss:

- Mitch McConnell's SECOND proof of life photo, and what's really going on with him.
- The White House Correspondents' Dinner do-over, Trump's comments about Kaitlan Collins, why anyone goes to it anymore, and how the whole thing seems to be playing into Trump's hands.
- The drama inside the Democratic National Committee, and how (and whether) having a strong national party committee matters anymore.
- The proposed new primary calendar for the 2028 Democratic primaries.
- The final stretch of the Michigan Senate primary.

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

]]><![CDATA[This Deranged New Campaign Ad Creeped Us Out!]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/this-deranged-new-campaign-ad-creepedhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/this-deranged-new-campaign-ad-creepedTue, 21 Jul 2026 23:49:38 GMTSarah, JVL, and False Flag author Will Sommer (sitting in for Tim) discuss:

Whether Laura Loomer is one of the adults in MAGA-land? I’m Ron Burgundy?
The state of the Iran War.
The ridiculous AI advertisement being run by a Ted Cruz-aligned outside group in Florida (and the whacky candidates in the ad).
The unfolding special Republican primary for Senate in South Carolina
The Michigan Senate race...and how all of the online conventional wisdom stacks up with reality.

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Get your tickets to Sarah's How to Eat an Elephant book tour in September!

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

]]><![CDATA[Sarah's Latest Focus Group Almost Broke JVL's Brain ]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/sarahs-latest-focus-group-almosthttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/sarahs-latest-focus-group-almostWed, 15 Jul 2026 00:26:12 GMTThe whole gang is back together, for the last time until August. Tim, Sarah, and JVL discuss:

- Two more killings by ICE officers. JVL asks whether we're getting numb to this. No one on this show is numb.
- Trump's aborted plan to toll the Strait of Hormuz--and whether it was an act of war.
- Sarah lets Todd Blanche (and Republican senators) have it.
- After JVL's wifi goes bad, Tim and Sarah discuss Tim's interview with Pete Buttigieg, and why Tim is glad Josh Shapiro isn't wading into intra-Democratic turf wars.

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Get your tickets to Sarah's How to Eat an Elephant book tour in September!

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

]]><![CDATA[Even Marjorie Taylor Greene Doesn’t Buy the McConnell Story]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/even-marjorie-taylor-greene-doesnthttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/even-marjorie-taylor-greene-doesntWed, 08 Jul 2026 00:45:37 GMTTim, Sarah, and Sam Stein (filling in for JVL) take on the political stories dominating the headlines:

— Mitch McConnell is alive and taking calls (maybe, probably?)—despite Laura Loomer’s reports to the contrary.
— Platnerdämmerung; the enormous irresponsibility of the Platner candidacy will have real consequences for his movement and for the country; and the messy road ahead in Maine (even if Platner does the right thing and drops out.)
— In the wake of the Platner debacle, irony is dead as Trump defenders trip over themselves to claim the moral high ground. Case in point: Kevin McCarthy.
— Mallory McMorrow’s failed Michigan Senate campaign exemplifies the challenges of splitting the difference between the moderate and progressive factions of the Democratic Party.
— Plus, the USMNT’s embarrassing loss to the waffle-eating Belgians in the World Cup Round of 16.

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Get your tickets to Sarah's How to Eat an Elephant book tour in September!

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

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]]><![CDATA[Trump Will Put a Psycho on the Court—If He Gets a Chance]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-will-put-a-psycho-on-the-courtifhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-will-put-a-psycho-on-the-courtifWed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:39 GMTSarah, Tim, and Andrew Egger (filling in for JVL) discuss:

-The Supreme Court's ruling upholding birthright citizenship.
-NPR's retracted report that Justice Alito was retiring.
-The DSA-aligned Democratic candidates winning primaries in New York City, and whether Democrats are headed for a giant fight over socialism in 2027.
-Rep. Tom Kean's return to Congress after his depression diagnosis.
-The gang pops off on the gut-wrenching story of the false CPS report against Pete Buttigieg
-Fresh polling in the Maine and Texas Senate races.

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Get your tickets to Sarah's How to Eat an Elephant book tour in September!

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

]]><![CDATA[JD Vance Called His OWN Iran Policy “Complete Idiocy”]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/jd-vance-called-his-own-iran-policyhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/jd-vance-called-his-own-iran-policyWed, 24 Jun 2026 00:18:35 GMTTim is sick, but he’s strapping on his football helmet. Tim, Sarah, and JVL cover:

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Get your tickets to Sarah's How to Eat an Elephant book tour in September!

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

]]><![CDATA[Ben Shapiro's Tears Aren't Enough. The Iran War Hawks Owe Us More.]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/ben-shapiros-tears-arent-enough-thehttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/ben-shapiros-tears-arent-enough-theWed, 17 Jun 2026 00:05:16 GMTJVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller discuss the Iran "deal" that isn't really a deal—a memorandum of understanding that lifts sanctions immediately and hands Iran $300 billion while punting everything else down the road. Then: the war hawks who drummed up the Iran war—Thiessen, Graham, Levin, the WSJ editorial board — are repositioning and refusing to say they were wrong. Plus: Trump's accelerating decline, the corruption behind the White House UFC fight, and why Trump's DOJ will open a federal investigation on every 2028 Democratic nominee regardless of who it is.

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

]]><![CDATA[Booed at the NBA Finals, Stormed Off NBC—Trump Is DOWN BAD]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/booed-at-the-nba-finals-stormed-offhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/booed-at-the-nba-finals-stormed-offTue, 09 Jun 2026 20:57:57 GMTThe gang is back together, and the U.S. and Iran are back at war...maybe? Tim, Sarah, and JVL discuss the latest in Iran, Donald Trump storming off of Meet the Press, the 'stolen election' freakout in Los Angeles, Todd Blanche's nomination as Attorney General, and JVL's Triad about former DHS commander Greg Bovino (kinda sorta maybe) eyeing a presidential run.

Plus: Graham Platner, Lindsey Graham's primary in South Carolina, and the gang reacts to a completely wild AI-generated ad of...James Talarico in a dress? Finally, Tim debriefs on his interview with a Silicon Valley vibes-whisperer.

Read JVL's Triad, here.
Watch Tim's interview with Jason Calacanis, here.

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

]]><![CDATA[Even TRUMP Thinks Netanyahu Went Too Far?]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/even-trump-thinks-netanyahu-wenthttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/even-trump-thinks-netanyahu-wentTue, 02 Jun 2026 23:33:54 GMTTim, JVL and Sam discuss Bill Pulte’s jaw-dropping appointment as Acting Director of National Intelligence and the Trump administration backing off of its weaponization slush fund (for now). Then, JVL puts Tim in the hot seat about election denier Tina Peters’ release from prison.

Plus: A bit of schadenfreude over the meltdown at 60 Minutes, the gang discusses the California and Iowa primaries, and Trump reportedly losing it at Bibi Netanyahu over Lebanon.

Last night after the gang recorded, the news broke that Scott Pelley had been fired from CBS News. Sam spoke with media reporter, Max Tani from Semafor, for Bulwark Takes.

Read JVL’s Triad, here.

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

]]><![CDATA[Texas Primary Results! Megyn Kelly Turns on Trump?!]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/texas-primary-results-megyn-kellyhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/texas-primary-results-megyn-kellyWed, 27 May 2026 02:56:43 GMTSarah, Tim and JVL went live to cover the Texas primary runoff election, Megyn Kelly (maybe?) turning against Trump, and much more.

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]]><![CDATA[Trump Could Tarnish the GOP for YEARS to Come]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-could-tarnish-the-gop-for-yearshttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-could-tarnish-the-gop-for-yearsFri, 22 May 2026 21:55:11 GMTLive from LA! Tim, Sarah, and Sam debate whether Democrats should just “let Trump cook” as his approval numbers crater, Republicans start breaking ranks, and the MAGA coalition begins to fracture. Plus: Rubio takes heat over Iran, the gang ranks Trump’s worst cabinet members, and they roast Trump’s gaudy gold makeover of Washington.

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You can find The Next Level wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add The Next Level to your podcast player of choice, here. And help more people find this show by leaving us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen.

]]><![CDATA[Should the Next Democrat Punish Red States? JVL Says... Maybe]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/should-the-next-democrat-punish-redhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/should-the-next-democrat-punish-redTue, 12 May 2026 23:15:55 GMTJVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller discuss the Virginia redistricting ruling, what it means for elections this November, and whether Democrats need to start playing as dirty as their opponents. Plus: the Iran war is a strategic catastrophe that most Americans don't understand yet, and what Bob Kagan—the man who cheered on every Middle East intervention—now thinks about where this is all heading. And Marjorie Taylor Greene has moved to Costa Rica. Seriously.

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]]><![CDATA[This is The Stupidest War You Can Possibly Imagine]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/this-is-the-stupidest-war-you-canhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/this-is-the-stupidest-war-you-canTue, 05 May 2026 23:38:46 GMTSarah Longwell, Tim Miller and Sam Stein (filling in for JVL) discuss the Trump administration’s assertion that the effort to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz is "separate and distinct" from the larger war effort in Iran. Plus, they get into the drama over Ken Martin’s time as DNC chair, the effect the Supreme Court’s recent voting rights ruling might have on the midterms, the wisdom of Senate Republicans allocating $1 billion for the ballroom Trump promised would be completed without public money and how the Senate battleground his shaping up for Democrats this fall. Bonus: Tim coins a new term for presidents hitting historically bad polling numbers.

"The YOLO Presidency" by Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

You can find The Next Level wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add The Next Level to your podcast player of choice, here. And help more people find this show by leaving us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen.

]]><![CDATA[Trump Indicts Comey—AGAIN ]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/breaking-trump-indicts-comeyagainhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/breaking-trump-indicts-comeyagainTue, 28 Apr 2026 20:19:56 GMTSarah, Tim and JVL went LIVE for this episode of The Next Level to cover yet another indictment of former FBI Director James Comey by the Trump administration. Plus an attempted shooting at the WHCD and The Bulwark’s own Ben Parker breaks news!

Read Ben Parker’s exclusive reporting on Trump’s plan to put his own face on U.S. passports.

Read JVL’s Triad newsletter.

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

You can find The Next Level wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add The Next Level to your podcast player of choice, here. And help more people find this show by leaving us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen.

]]><![CDATA[JVL Is the Reigning Champion of All the Internet]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/jvl-is-the-reigning-champion-of-allhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/jvl-is-the-reigning-champion-of-allTue, 21 Apr 2026 23:35:46 GMTSarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL celebrate JVL’s Webby win (sort of), and cover Tucker Carlson’s sudden “regret” turn and what it means about MAGA, Donald Trump Jr. as a 2028 front-runner, and the continued disaster in Iran. Plus: the ongoing dysfunction inside the administration, including the latest turmoil surrounding Kash Patel.

Don't miss the Triad newsletter this Friday when JVL will answer all your pressing questions on the news of the day. Leave your questions here.

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Calling all West Coast friends: Tickets are on sale now for our Bulwark Live: California tour stops. Join Sarah, Sam and Tim in San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21 for a night of politics among friends. For show details and to snag your seats visit TheBulwark.com/events.

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You can find The Next Level wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add The Next Level to your podcast player of choice, here. And help more people find this show by leaving us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen.

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]]><![CDATA[Did JD Vance Tell the Pope to Shut Up?]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/did-jd-vance-tell-the-pope-to-shuthttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/did-jd-vance-tell-the-pope-to-shutTue, 14 Apr 2026 23:51:58 GMTSarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL cover a rough week for Trump, from failed talks with Iran that turned into a naval blockade, to strong signs of real cracks inside his coalition as allies and right-wing media begin to push back against his idiocy. They also talk about what Orbán’s defeat in Hungary means for Trump-style politics, and discuss the lightning-fast downfall of Eric Swalwell.

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JVL’s newsletter, The Triad, has been nominated for a Webby Award in the Best Email Newsletter: Business, News & Technology category. Even if you don’t read it regularly—like some best friends—you can vote to give our very own JVL the W.

Every votes counts: Vote here for Best Email Newsletter

Calling all West Coast Bulwark+ members: Today starting at 9:00 a.m. PT, tickets will go on sale for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. Click here to get the members-only presale code and links to the ticketing sites.

Tickets go on sale for everyone else starting on Friday, April 17.

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

You can find The Next Level wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add The Next Level to your podcast player of choice, here. And help more people find this show by leaving us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen.

]]><![CDATA[The Next Level LIVE: Trump Extends Civilian Annihilation Threat For Two Weeks]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-next-level-live-trump-extendshttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-next-level-live-trump-extendsWed, 08 Apr 2026 02:17:04 GMTSarah, Tim and JVL go live to cover Trump's Iran ultimatum and other news.

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App sto…

]]><![CDATA[Kristi Noem's Husband Isn’t the Problem]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/kristi-noems-husband-isnt-the-problemhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/kristi-noems-husband-isnt-the-problemTue, 31 Mar 2026 23:54:40 GMTSarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL get into the wild new scandal involving Kristi Noem’s husband—and why the story isn’t what people think it is.

They also discuss Trump’s chaotic handling of the Iran conflict, the political fallout at home, and whether his support is starting to crack. Plus: Lindsey Graham’s surreal Disney detour, protests across the country, CPAC’s decline, and JD Vance’s latest reinvention.

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show notes

JVL’s newsletter, The Triad, has been nominated for a Webby Award in the Best Email Newsletter: Business, News & Technology category. Even if you don’t read it regularly—like some best friends—you can vote to give our very own JVL the W.

Every votes counts: Vote here for Best Email Newsletter

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

You can find The Next Level wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add The Next Level to your podcast player of choice, here. And help more people find this show by leaving us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen.

]]><![CDATA[How Much Pain Before MAGA Turns on Trump?]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/how-much-pain-before-maga-turns-onhttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/how-much-pain-before-maga-turns-onTue, 24 Mar 2026 23:21:51 GMTTim Miller, JVL and Sam Stein (filling in for Sarah) discuss Trump’s shambolic approach to the Iran war—no clear objective, mixed signals, and rising economic fallout. As gas prices climb and markets wobble, they ask whether the political damage has already begun, even if the polls haven’t fully caught up.

Plus: signs of a potential MAGA fracture, ICE at airports, a look inside the grift behind Project 2025, and a disturbing interview with Greg Bovino.

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice. Or watch in the new Bulwark App—available now in the Apple and Google App stores.

You can find The Next Level wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add The Next Level to your podcast player of choice, here. And help more people find this show by leaving us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen.

]]><![CDATA[Even Trump’s Cheerleaders Are Saying “Oops”]]>https://www.thebulwark.com/p/even-trumps-cheerleaders-are-sayinghttps://www.thebulwark.com/p/even-trumps-cheerleaders-are-sayingFri, 20 Mar 2026 22:52:02 GMTTim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and JVL were live in Austin talking about Trump’s Iran war, the cascading economic fallout, and growing global instability. As gas prices spike and allies react, the conversation turns darker: how bad could this get—and what it says about America right now.

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This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. Click the learn about setting up this show, ad-free, on your podcast player of choice.

You can find The Next Level wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add The Next Level to your podcast player of choice, here. And help more people find this show by leaving us a review and ⭐⭐⭐⭐ wherever you listen.

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