The Next Level

Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Jonathan V. Last stop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on their swing state tour. They discuss the state of the race, Donald Trump's support from billionaires, RFK Jr. joining the Trump cabinet, the Trump campaign wanting Nikki Haley to help them out while Trump insults her, and why, with the polls indicating a coin clip race, our gang still thinks Kamala Harris will pull out a win. This episode was taped on October 18, 2024*

The gang talks Donald Trump’s bizarre town hall that turned into a concert, and how it presents the clearest closing argument for Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign: the man’s lost his marbles.Plus the media’s insufficient job holding Trump and his surrogates, like Gov. Glenn Youngkin, accountable, and insights into Tim’s interview with tech bro Jason Calacanis.Get 20% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/nextlevelGo to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your Lumen!Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

You know when someone says something that’s both obvious and profound and it crystallizes something you’ve long felt but couldn’t articulate? That’s what Angela Alsobrooks did to Larry Hogan last night and it was something else. Also: Sarah and JVL talk about the swing-state vibe shift in Trump’s direction and the idea that Trump has a ceiling. Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

MAGA’s lies about hurricanes affecting the U.S. are as ridiculous as they are dangerous, leading some in the GOP to try to debunk the false reality their party created. Plus, Bob Woodward’s new book contains disturbing allegations of Donald Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin, both during and since his time in the White House, and Sarah gives some insights into her recent Nevada focus groups.Details for our Bulwark Live Swing State Swing tour are coming soon to TheBulwark.com/events.Head to ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off.Get 10 FREE meals at HelloFresh.com/freethenextlevel

Let’s be honest, the gang loathes JD Vance with a burning passion and wanted Tim Walz destroy him. Instead, Walz was Mr. Midwest Nice. Did he miss an opportunity? Or was it exactly what the Harris campaign needed? Plus, the gang give their thoughts on the International Longshoremen’s Association’s strike and Judge Aileen Cannon getting another case related to Donald Trump.Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod

Sarah can’t stop JVL from talking about the $100,000 Trump Watch. It’s pure candy this week.Also: A look ahead to Walz versus Vance. And is Kamala Harris “doing enough”?Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

The gang discuss Gov. Tim Walz’s lack of media appearances compared to Sen. JD Vance, Vice President Kamala Harris’s media strategy, Sen. Mitt Romney continuing to not endorse Harris, despite being fearful of Donald Trump’s wrath, and the ethics of online gambling! Go to greenchef.com/nextlevelclass for 50% off your first box + 50 FREE Credits with ClassPass!

Republican candidates and boat parades.Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

Post-debate movement is looking promising for Vice President Harris. Is the race still a tossup? It could come down to turnout between Harris’s newly enthused electorate and Donald Trump’s disgruntled male voters. Plus, the Trump campaign’s continued repugnant smears on Haitian migrants are having real-life consequences the ticket just doesn’t seem to care about.Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% athttps://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVELFor FREE breakfast for life go to HelloFresh.com/freethenextlevel

Sarah and JVL go 10 rounds on the the debate, and fact checking, and the proper role of moderators and news organizations in holding candidates accountable for presenting misinformation.Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

Vice President Kamala Harris exceeded all expectations during her debate against a beta Donald Trump. The gang breaks down their thoughts on the debate, swing voter reactions, and potential ways it could affect the race. Plus, Tim gives some insight into his time in the spin room post-debate, including the fiery interactions with Sen. Lindsey Graham and other pro-Trump personalities.Head to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL for 15% off your purchase.Head to FACTORMEALS.com/thenextlevel50 and use code thenextlevel50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month.

Sarah Longwell, Jonathan V. Last, Tim Miller, Sam Stein and AB Stoddard give their immediate reactions to the Harris vs. Trump debate!Watch the full livestream on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/-xqxl2ICGPo?feature=share

Plus: Russian operatives and Nazi historians.Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

The gang talk what Kamala Harris needs to do in her debate against Trump to reignite her momentum, Republicans who want Donald Trump to lose to save their party, political yards signs and more!Check out Tim’s video on Harris’s “accent changes” here: https://youtu.be/wludyr3riKYGet 15% off OneSkin with the code NEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodHead to ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off.

It's been a month since all three of our gang have recorded the show together, so they're delving deep into the state of the presidential race now that the DNC has concluded. Plus, Tim, Sarah and JVL all get their own rant on what's infuriated them in politics. Head to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL for 15% off your purchase Go to greenchef.com/nextlevelclass for 50% off your first box + 50 FREE Credits with ClassPass!

JVL and Bill Kristol talk about the unsettling feeling that the campaign is going . . . really well.Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

Apparently, this is the week for so-called moderate Republicans to come out and voice their support for Trump, despite no one asking them too. This included former Sen. Richard Burr, who finds no contradiction between a vote for Trump and his vote to impeach him for Jan. 6.Plus, what's the best case scenario for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign, and how likely is it we'll get it in November. And JVL, back from vacation, gives his thoughts on Trump's apparent meltdown and the selection of Gov. Tim Walz as Harris's VP.Sam Stein subs in for Sarah on this weeks episode.Head to rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use promo code THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% off your entire order!

Vice President Kamala Harris selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, and everyone but Never-Trump Republicans is happy! Plus, Donald Trump makes an insane Truth Social post where he fantasizes about President Joe Biden getting back into the race.Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.

The conservatives who hate Simone Biles and the progressives who don't like Josh Shapiro.Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

The campaign has completely turned on its head after Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic Party’s nominee. She’s got the right message, the right mentality, and an excited base that could propel her to a win against Donald Trump in November.The Trump campaign, by the way, is completely panicking, as shown by its public shunning of Project 2025 and second guessing of Sen. JD Vance as Trump’s running mate.Plus, the gang weighs in on the veepstakes and, spoiler alert, they’re all on the same page when it comes to who should join the ticket!We’re heading to Dallas on September 5 for An Evening with The Bulwark. For more information and tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events.Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set of sheets at BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel

If she crosses over to become a mainstream cultural figure, then watch out . . .Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

President Biden stepping off the ticket and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris has led to a huge vibe shift with Democrats. Can Harris ride this wave to November? What are her strengths and weaknesses? And who should she pick as her own veep?Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% athttps://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVELHead to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL for 15% off your purchase.

Trump, Tucker, J.D. Vance, and the beginning of the real campaign.Want to hear the whole thing? Full, ad-free episodes of the Secret Podcast are available exclusively to Bulwark+ members. Sign up here: https://www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

The Republican Nation convention is underway, and every former critic still in the party, from Donald Trump’s new veep JD Vance to Nikki, is bending the knee in a show of unity. Plus, the Biden campaign continues to go after critics in the part who think he should step aside, even as the map to victory continues to shrink.We’re heading to Dallas on September 5 for An Evening with The Bulwark. For more information and tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events.Go to greenchef.com.nextlevel50 and use code nextlevel50 to get 50% off, plus 20% off your next two months!

In some concerning ways, President Biden has taken a page out of Donald Trump’s book some in his party pressure him to leave the ticket, and a few of his supporters are attacking anyone opposed to his place atop the Democratic ticket. At the same time, some Democrats who publicly, and accurately, call another Trump term a serious threat to democracy don’t really think that’s the case, and their actions show it. Plus, Sarah gives some focus group insights on how Black voters feel about Vice President Harris leading the ticket, as well as how swing voters are viewing the election post-debate. Get the best savings of the season during Boll & Branch’s Annual Summer Event. For a limited time, you can get 20% off sitewide, plus free shipping AND a free gift with qualifying purchases at BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel

Being in the out-group. Again. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

Voters, not just pundits and donors, are in a panic over whether President Joe Biden should remain atop the ticket, with more and more Americans calling for him to step aside for Democrats to have the best shot of protecting the country from another rump presidency.Is Vice President Kamala Harris the only person who could replace him? Or should the Democratic Party try to put a popular midwest governor on the ballot.Either way, SCOTUS has given the next president of the U.S. an enormous amount of power, which could be used to break democracy as we know it.Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout

Yesterday's primary results kicked out Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman, but welcomed back Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert, because the Dems have standards. Plus, polls show more voters, somehow, think Donald Trump will be better for Democracy than President Biden, but can the current president turn things around with tomorrow's debate? Will Saletan subs in for Sarah on today's episode!Go to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your Lumen!Save 83% percent on IPVanish's 2-Year subscription by visiting IPVanish.com/thenextlevel.Get started today with 15% OneSkin off using code THENEXTLEVEL at oneskin.co! #sponsored

In this special TNL/Dark Side mash-up, JVL & A.B. attempt to break Tim's resolve by discussing President Biden's concerning showing in a new Ann Selzer poll, Black voters’ waning support for Biden, the rallying of CEOs to Donald Trump's cause, and the culture war drama surrounding Caitlin Clark.Note: There will be no new episode of The Next Level until Wednesday, June 26th.Get started with this limited-time offer and save 83% percent onour 2-Year subscription, visit https://www.ipvanish.com/thenextlevelUpgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% athttps://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVELGo to greenchef.com/nextlevel50 and use code nextlevel50 to get 50% off, plus 20% off your next two months!

Hunter Biden's conviction might be beneficial for Joe Biden's campaign, but that hasn't stopped the GOP from dismissing the justice they claim to crave and spreading conspiracies the trial was orchestrated by the "deep state."Plus, Donald Trump's Truth Social is producing an embarrassingly small amount of money, new inflation numbers, the issue of crime, and Sonny, subbing in for Tim, gives his opposing thoughts on the latest Samuel Alito/SCOTUS drama.Go to HelloFresh.com/thenextlevelapps for FREE appetizers for life! One appetizer item per box while subscription is active.Go to BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel for 15% off your first sheet set plus free shipping!

The GOP continues to be all in on Donald Trump, even after a conviction, choosing to blame the deep state rather than do a single thing to deter the felon's comeback. But have the polls shifted in President Biden's favor since the verdict? Plus, Trump and Biden's dual Time interviews, Biden takes new executive action on immigration and Sen. Joe Manchin leaves the Democratic Party.Head to FACTORMEALS.com/thenextlevel50 and use code thenextlevel50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month.Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.

It's the only question that matters. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a live show in Denver on June 21. Tickets are on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events.

The jury in Trump’s trial is now deliberating, and the gang discusses the impact a conviction, hung jury or acquittal could have on the election. Plus, the scandal surrounding SCOTUS Justice Samuel Alito continues to escalate, and the Democrats are in total freakout mode as polls continue to show Trump winning against President Biden.Head to lumen.me/THENEXTLEVEL for 15% off your purchase.Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% athttps://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVELJoin Tim, Sarah and JVL for a one-night show in Denver on Friday, June 21. The gang will record an episode of The Next Level and Tim will interview Gov. Jared Polis for the Bulwark Podcast. For tickets and info go to TheBulwark.com/events.

It's been a a chaotic week in GOP politics, with Donald Trump sharing a video hyping up a "United Reich, SCOTUS Justice Alito's upside down flag revelation, and a new MAGA conspiracy making the rounds claiming the FBI tried to assassinate Trump. Oh, and voters continue to see the economy as horrendous, while failing to register Trump as a socially conservative radical.Join Tim, Sarah and JVL for a one-night show in Denver on Friday, June 21. The gang will record an episode of The Next Level and Tim will interview Gov. Jared Polis for the Bulwark Podcast. For tickets and info go to TheBulwark.com/events.Go to BollandBranch.com/nextlevel for 15% off your first sheet set plus free shipping! Go to greenchef.com/nextlevel50 and use code nextlevel50 to get 50% off, plus 20% off your next two months!

Sarah and JVL talk about Samuel Alito’s flag, Greg Abbott’s favorite murderer, MTG’s spectacle, and Bob Menendez’s gold bars. The scumbags are ascendent and it is glorious. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a live show in Denver on June 21. Tickets are on sale now at TheBulwark.com/events.

The gang was live in D.C. last night to talk President Biden challenging Donald Trump to a debate in June. The former president accepted the early debate, but is it a smart move from the White House? Plus, the gang dives deep on where they stand on recent polling and the mindset of “the people,” and ponder whether they would vote for former GOP. Gov. Larry Hogan for the open Maryland senate seat now that the Democratic primary in the state is over.

Sarah and JVL talk about the cross examination of Stormy Daniels, Biden’s move to deny Israel heavy ordinance, Marco Rubio’s VP quest, and all of the anti-anti-Trumpers getting ready to jump back on side. It’s a big episode.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

Stormy Daniels takes the stand in one of Trump's trials, while Judge Aileen Cannon indefinitely delays another! Plus, what's the difference between former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and former Speaker Paul Ryan? One will does the right thing and vote for Joe Biden, while the other can only bring himself to write-in another conservative.Head to FACTORMEALS.com/thenextlevel50 and use code thenextlevel50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month!Head to ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off.

Also: Trump's first criminal trial is going great.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

The gang went to Philly and hosted a live event where they discussed the terrifying new Time magazine interview with Donald Trump, and why everyone is talking about college protests instead! Plus, a dark deep dive into how Americans can still choose to elect Trump and a debate on which Republican has embarrassed themselves the most auditioning to be his veep.

And it's not clear that the SCOTUS would want to, even if it could.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

David Pecker’s testimony in Trump's trial highlights how his lies and misinformation dominated his 2016 campaign. And Marco Rubio's pathetic attempt to become Trump's veep has led him to vote against funding for Ukraine, but the gang is pretty sure conservative "normies" will eat the selection up. Plus, the potential for RFK Jr. to hurt Trump, rather than Biden, the reason why foreign aid finally got done, and protests at Columbia University.Head to rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use promo code THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% off your entire order!Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1 and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events

Sarah was out of pocket and off the grid all week. JVL was doing his best work in Overtime. So they play a rapid-fire game of catch up on everything Sarah missed.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

Speaker Mike Johnson is battling Marjorie Taylor Greene's attempt to oust him while also crafting legislation to give foreign allies aid, a tall task given how continually chaotic his slim majority has been. Plus, jurors are selected for Donald Trump's trial, while JVL and A.B., subbing in for Sarah, give their thoughts on Tim's interview with Ross Douthat.Get tickets to see Sarah, Tim & JVL in person at TWO upcoming Bulwark Live events— Philadelphia (May 1) and D.C. (May 15) with the George Conway here: TheBulwark.com/eventsGo to greenchef.com/nextlevel50 and use code nextlevel50 to get 50% off, plus 20% off your next two months!

And cancer finally catches up with O.J. Simpson.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

The OG trio is back to discuss the Arizona Supreme Court's upholding of an 1864 law banning nearly all abortions in the state. What does this mean for Kari Lake and Donald Trump's campaigns in the crucial swing state?Get tickets to see Sarah, Tim & JVL live at TWO upcoming events in Philadelphia (May 1) and D.C. (May 15) here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events

Tim subs in for Sarah to talk new economic data that hopefully starts to make Americans feel good enough to vote for President Biden!Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

Nikki Haley pulled a decent chunk of the Wisconsin primary vote, despite being out of the race for weeks, while the Governor of Nebraska is taking the lead of Charlie Kirk when it comes to changing their electoral college system. Plus, while JVL is out on Spring Break, Andrew Eggers joins Tim and Sarah to discuss their absent colleague's piece about Donald Trump running for a third term!Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout!

Ronna McDaniel wasn't hired to analyze the news. She was hired to play a part.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

The RNC, now under Lara Trump, is asking candidates if they believe the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump, creating a new litmus test for Republicans who want to work in politics. Plus, Republicans politicize the tragic Baltimore bridge collapse, Candace Owens is out at the Daily Wire, and Donald Trump grifts off selling bibles! Will Saletan subs in for Sarah on this week's episode!Head to FACTORMEALS.com/thenextlevel50 and use code thenextlevel50 to get 50% off!Head to rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use promo code THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% off your entire order.