It's a privilege to do this work.
Dear Bulwark reader,
It’s a difficult time in the journalism industry. Publications that are strapped for cash are losing some of their most talented reporters and editors. At a time when you need to understand what’s happening and which lawmakers and candidates—either good or bad—are making the decisions, it’s important to have someone on your side holding them to account.
Readers of Press Pass get inside access to the halls of Congress, a spot in pivotal hearings, and to be front and center on the campaign trail.
While in New Hampshire last week, I got to ask primary voters the kinds of questions you all ask in your emails and comments. Understanding the voters—of all different kinds—is key to understanding how this election will unfold.
On Capitol Hill, I do my best to navigate the chaos for our readers and hold politicians’ feet to the fire when they’re putting party over country or playing games when they should be legislating responsibly.
Before I came to The Bulwark, I reported for other publications with different audiences. Some of those audiences were bigger, some smaller, but none was as passionate and informed as the subscriber community of The Bulwark. Here, I’m able to report on what I know are the most important issues happening in Congress and on the campaign trail, I can sift through public records to find angles others are missing, and, most importantly, I can try to distill it all for readers who give a damn about the future of our country and democracy.
For every single reporter working a beat out there, there are more than six public relations professionals looking to spin or obstruct their stories. Subscribers to Bulwark+ not only get access to all of our newsletters, ad-free podcasts, and more: They also play a key role in helping us fight the spread of anti-democratic and anti-free-speech ideas while holding some of the most nefarious actors in government and politics to account.
I’ll gladly stand in a marble hallway or in 15-degree New Hampshire weather for hours on end if it means I can get answers on the issues I know are important to The Bulwark’s readers. (While this might sound exhausting, I actually love it, so don’t worry.)
This work is all being made possible by Bulwark+ subscribers. For just $10 a month or $100 for the whole year, you can contribute to journalism that understands how power works in Washington today but that doesn’t try to appease individuals who don’t want democracy to succeed.
If you’re still not sure if a subscription is worth it, we’d like to give you a 30-day free trial for an annual membership.
Grab one and see if you like the extras that go along with Bulwark+, including access to our extraordinarily thoughtful and engaged subscriber community via our community commenting features and our weekly livestreams. It’s ok to just be a fly on the wall or dive right in—either way I’m certain you’ll find interesting insights and information from our readers. If you don’t love it, cancel before the end of the trial and owe nothing or stick around and we’ll extend your membership by 12 more months. I have a feeling you might really love it but rest assured, you can cancel anytime.
I hope you’ll consider subscribing today.
—Joe Perticone
