The Next Level

Trump-endorsed businessman Bernie Moreno easily won the GOP senate primary in Ohio on Tuesday, and will face off against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in November. Dems are thrilled, because they think the MAGA candidate and his scandals give them their best shot at keeping the seat. And how many votes is Nikki Haley getting after dropping out? What does it mean for the general election?Plus, the debate over Donald Trump's "bloodbath" comments continues to rage, and not all our hosts agree the coverage has been fair. At the same time, Trump has threatened to prosecute Cassidy Hutchinson and the Jan. 6 committee as part of his latest authoritarian promises.

Lara Trump's takeover of the RNC has led to massive lay offs and looks to be steering the political organization towards paying off Trump's legal bills. Essentially, get ready for the RNC to be just another limb of the Trump campaign. Plus, Robert Hur testifies before Congress, defending his controversial report where he made a low assessment of President Biden's mental faculties. And Rep. Nancy Mace is feuding with George Stephanopoulos after being questioned about supporting Trump, even though he was found liable of sexual abuse.

May we interest you in a t-shirt?Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

Super Tuesday has come to the close, and so has the entire 2024 primary season. Nikki Haley has dropped out, essentially sealing to deal on another Trump vs. Biden rematch. How are the hosts feeling now that the GOP is sprinting towards November with an aspiring dictator at the top of their ticket? Listen to find out!Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.

We finally got the Trump-Biden split-screen. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

Both President Joe Biden and Donald Trump scored big victories in their respective Michigan primaries, but what do the numbers tell us about the general election? Regardless, Biden is finally speaking in public more, and taking shots at both Trump and the GOP while he's at it.Senate Republicans are also on the verge of killing a bill to protect IVF, with Senator J.D. Vance calling the Democratic legislation "bait." Plus, Hunter Biden testifies before Congress and Rep. Lauren Boebert's son is arrested.

Listen to Sarah Longwell, Jonathan V. Last and A.B. Stoddard live on stage at the 2024 Principles First Summit!

Everything, everywhere, all at once.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast

The House GOP's key informant for their impeachment efforts against President Joe Biden has charged with lying about his the Biden family's business dealings in Ukraine. How is this not a bigger deal! Plus, the gang discuss Nikki Haley's vow to stay in the race as the South Carolina primary approaches, as well as the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 proposals for Donald Trump if he wins another term in the White House.Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL.This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/thenextlevel today to get 10% off your first month.

A study in contrast.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/it-follows

Dems continue their special election winning streak by flipping expelled Congressman George Santos' seat. Is it reason to be optimistic for November? And did the GOP sinking the border deal contribute? Plus, Sarah is back and responds to opinions President Joe Biden is too old and needs to step aside, and the gang debate whether Nikki Haley will ultimately endorse Donald Trump. Learn more about the Principles First Summit and get your tickets here: https://www.principlesfirst.us Start the Good Habit at https://tryfum.com/LEVEL to save 10% off the Journey Pack today.

Once authoritarianism enters the political realm, it distorts everything. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/it-follows

It's been a mess of a week for the GOP. Senate Republicans tanked their own bipartisan border bill, while House Republicans failed to deliver the votes to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, and provide aid to Israel. The DC Court of Appeals also ruled that former President Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution, just as RNC chair Ronna McDaniel steps down to make way for a Trump loyalist. A.B. Stoddard subs in for Sarah in this week's packed episode!Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with 100% money back guarantee so if you’re unsatisfied for any reason, they’ll refund your money, no questions asked.

Tim is joined by attorney Tristan Snell, who helped lead the prosecution of Trump University. They discuss the case and delve into the best legal strategies to take on Donald Trump with, so that the tyrant can finally be held accountable for his crimes.Buy Tristan's book, "Taking Down Trump: 12 Rules For Prosecuting Donald Trump By Someone Who Did It Successfully," here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/756546/taking-down-trump-by-tristan-snell/

Also: How not to live and/or die with the polls over the next 9 months.

Biden is still down in the polls, but is it still too soon to take them seriously? Sarah has thoughts on which of the swing states Biden has to win, and she disagrees with JVL's thoughts on Nikki Haley finally going after Trump. Plus, the Trump endorsements are really starting to get to Tim, and MAGA rages against Taylor Swift for being a successful, popular liberal.Go to greenchef.com/60nextlevel and use code 60nextlevel to get 60% off, plus 20% off your next two months.Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to TryMiracle.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF.

If you want more Ballot Box with Bill and Tim, check out The Bulwark's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bulwarkmediaBill and Tim are live every Tuesday night at 9pm Eastern.

Tim is joined by Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter, Jaime, perished in 2018's Parkland school shooting. He's since dedicated his life to advocating for gun control measures and taking on the NRA. In a heart-wrenching episode, Fred describes the day of the shooting and how his daughter still motivates him to make change.

Tim Miller speaks with Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss on the status of the Ukraine/border deal negotiations, as well as the prospect of Donald Trump sinking it for political purposes.

New Hampshire's come and gone, and while Nikki Haley hasn't dropped out of the primary, the overwhelming consensus is that the general election between Donald Trump and President Joe Biden has begun. The gang breaks down the implications of Tuesday's results, including Trump's angry reaction to Haley staying in the race. Plus, they react to Tim Scott's sad endorsement of Trump and the current state of Dean Phillips' primary challenge to Biden. This episode is sponsored by by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/THENEXTLEVEL and get on your way to being your best self.

In a special climate episode of TNL Sunday, David Wallace-Wells, author of The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming, joins Tim to discuss the current state of climate change and efforts to reverse the damage that's been done.

In this third edition of “George Conway Explains it All,” George explains to Sarah Longwell how he gave legal advice to E. Jean Carroll and helped connect her with her lawyer, Trump’s many, many other trials, and Trump’s big mad TruthSocial bleats directed at George.

In a special recording of their YouTube show, "Ballot Box," Bill and Tim recap the Iowa Caucus, discuss strategies for New Hampshire and where Democrats could be doing better.

The gang breaks down Donald Trump’s big win in Iowa, as well as what comes next for the other candidates in the primary. One thing’s for sure, Republicans in the Senate had their chance to convict Trump and destroy his chances at a comeback, but here we are.Go to tryfum.com/LEVEL to save 10% off Fum’s Journey Pack today. Start the New Year off right with a delicious bowl of high-protein cereal at MagicSpoon.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL to save five dollars off.

Tim speaks with Polk Award winning author Julie K. Brown about the recent batch of documents released regarding the Epstein case as well as her book 'Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story’. Julie K Brown is an investigative reporter for the Miami Herald.Buy Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story here: https://www.amazon.com/Perversion-Justice-Jeffrey-Epstein-Story/dp/006300058XWant to listen without ads?

No Labels Is Big Mad, Chris Christie is good and Nikki Haley is toast. JVL and Sarah are giving you a free sneak peek at this week's Secret Podcast. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/its-not-that-hard-nikki

In this second edition of "George Conway Explains it All," Sarah Longwell and George discuss the possibility of Donald Trump going to jail and the likelihood of such a glorious outcome coming to fruition.

The Iowa caucus, and potentially the end to the entire 2024 primary season, is almost here. What are the campaigns doing in the final days? Plus, Donald Trump says he wants the economy to crash while Joe Biden is president. He also claims a president has complete immunity from all crimes.Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.

George Conway joins Sarah Longwell in this special edition of The Next Level to give his legal expertise on how SCOTUS will approach states kicking Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot.

NYT bestselling author Josh Green joins Tim to discuss his new book, The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics. They go over Josh's hypothesis as to why a progressive didn't get the Democratic nomination in 2020, how the movement pushed Biden's agenda to the left, what the future holds for the party after Trump and Biden are gone, and why populism on the right has taken over the GOP in a way it hasn't for Democrats. Pre-order Josh's book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/586025/the-rebels-by-joshua-green/

The media is killing it right now.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/its-not-that-hard-nikki

The gang is back to kick off 2024 by delving into the Iowa primary, where GOP primary voters seem poised to give aspiring dictator Donald Trump a landslide victory. Plus, the gang has differing thoughts on the president of Harvard University stepping down, as well as whether Nikki Haley has any shot of becoming Trump's VP. Buy tickets to our live show, AN EVENING WITH THE BULWARK, in San Francisco on January 18th here: https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2024-01-18/election-2024-evening-bulwark

On the last Secret Podcast of 2023, Sarah and Tim talk Nikki Haley failing to mention slavery when asked about the cause of the Civil War.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/its-not-that-hard-nikki

The gang break down their predictions for 2024, including how the GOP primary will end, who will be Trump's VP pick, and the craziest development that could happen between now and election day.

On this special Saturday edition of TNL Sunday, Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band joins Tim and JVL to cover everything from politics and apartheid to the '80s, the politics of the 2020s, and his ever evolving career. Get the scoop on his music journey, genre-blending tricks, and thoughts on race in the industry. Plus, he spills the beans on acting, 'The Sopranos,' and how TV shows mix with his tunes. Don't miss the stories and laughs in this killer interview!"

Least bad options are the only options we've got.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/what-if-good-things-happen

Colorado's state Supreme Court has ruled Donald Trump cannot appear on the ballot in 2024. The gang discusses whether the ruling does more harm than good as America enters it's next presidential year. Plus, the gang talks Trump's recent comments on immigration, the Senate sex scandal, and the new poll from The New York Times that bodes better for President Biden than other recent indicators. Tim also breaks down his experience as Turning Point USA's annual conference, so it's a jam-packed show today!Go to HelloFresh.com/thenextlevelfree and use code thenextlevelfree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active.

Terrell Starr joins Tim to discuss being a Black reporter in Ukraine, and how that impacts the way he views the Russian invasion of the country. He also delves into the current mentality of Ukrainian citizens towards the defense effort, as well as how they view the stalemate in the United States over additional funds its ally.Terrell's YouTube channel, Black Diplomats official, can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@BlackDiplomatsOfficial/videosSubscribe to Terrell's newsletter here: https://substack.com/@terrellstarr (First article publishes next week.If you'd like to donate to some Ukrainian organizations Terrell recommends, click on the links below:Nareshti Help Fund: https://nareshti.com. PAYPAL info: [email protected] (In the note say, "Terrell Starr sent me your way.")Yahidne Mission, which helps to rebuild homes in formerly occupied cities: https://heylink.me/Yahidne_mission/Tatyana Kagitina, who supports Ukrainian soldiers who need winter gear, can be reached by email at [email protected]. (In the note say, "Terrell Starr sent me your way.")Follow Terrell on social media with links below.Twitter: https://twitter.com/terrelljstarrIG: https://www.instagram.com/terrelljstarr?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qrThreads: [email protected]

An else-worlds episode.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/what-if-good-things-happen

The future of the GOP disgustingly hurtles towards Sen. J.D. Vance's isolationist vision, abandoning allies like Ukraine in the process. Plus, the Texas Supreme Court refuses to let a woman get an abortion, despite risks to her health. And the GOP's impeachment inquiry into President Biden can't even state the impeachable crime their investigating.Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.

The New York Times bestselling author David Grann ("The Lost City of Z") joins Tim and JVL to discuss his time covering Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign, and how the choice of Gov. Sarah Palin paved the way for the GOP's embrace of Donald Trump.Plus, David discusses his latest book, "The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder," as well as "Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI," adapted to film this year by director Martin Scorsese.Buy David's books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/David-Grann/author/B001YDEZJO?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Plus: Sarah has to save America. Again.Listen to the full episode by becoming a Bulwark+ subscriber here: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/giving-permission

The gang discuss Speaker Mike Johnson blurring the faces of Jan. 6 insurrectionists to protect them from the DOJ, while Rep. James Comer makes the GOP impeachment inquiry about a truck President Joe Biden bought his son.Plus, there's a GOP debate tonight! Is there a reason to watch? And young voters are still enthused about voting, but what about Muslim Americans?This episode is sponsored by Zbiotics. Go to zbiotics.com/nextlevel to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/thenextlevel today to get 10% off your first month.

The New York Times best selling author Clint Smith joins Tim to discuss race and its history in the United States, including the false narratives many Americans have about it. They also discuss his book, "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America," and what he hopes its readers take from it.

Also: DeSantis vs. Newsom.

The gang reacts to the first reveals from Liz Cheney's new book, including some embarrassing Kevin McCarthy quotes. Meanwhile, New Hampshire governor and Republican moderate, Chris Sununu, says he'll vote for Donald Trump over Joe Biden if it comes down to it. But will his endorsement of Nikki Haley mean anything? And is Mark Cuban running for president?Go to zbiotics.com/nextlevel to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.Go to HelloFresh.com/thenextlevelfree and use code thenextlevelfree for FREE breakfast for life! One breakfast item per box while subscription is active.

The gang discusses former Rep. Peter Meijer, who voted to impeach Donald Trump over January 6, and his insane justification as to why he will vote for Trump over Joe Biden. Plus, DeSantis' campaign is starting to play the blame game, while Nikki Haley's shows (a little) signs of life.

Professor Scott Galloway, host of the "Pivot" podcast, joins Tim to discuss the future of artificial intelligence, ungrateful tech leaders like Elon Musk, education inequality, and his transition into a media personality.

Tim debriefs his interview with Kari Lake, who's running to be the Senate of Arizona while attempting to put some of her craziest positions behind her. Plus, a new column gives Biden advice on how to turn his campaign around, so the gang give their own unsolicited opinions. And Donald Trump's plans for his second term are chilling, but they may be key to his defeat. Sonny Bunch joins Tim and Sarah to discuss all this and more! Politico column: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2023/11/13/biden-2024-reelection-challenges-strategy-00126776Watch the gang record this episode here: https://youtu.be/eJ4hmFKgbbM

For a special Veteran's Day weekend TNL Sunday, Tim interviews CNN's Brianna Keilar, whose husband is a Green Beret. They discuss what it's like to be in a military family, the current partisan political divides within the institution, and much more.Plus, Brianna talks about what it's like to cover Donald Trump post-presidency and how she decides what stories about the aspiring authoritarian to cover.Check out Brianna's column, Home Front, here: https://www.cnn.com/politics/homefront