The Next Level

And the Republican debate.

The gang reacts to Democratic wins in last night's elections, like the pro-choice issue in Ohio and Dems taking over Virginia's state legislature; the latter effectively kills Republican donors' 2024 presidential hopes for Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Plus, Gov. Kim Reynolds of Iowa endorses Ron DeSantis to little coverage, Rep. Peter Meijer, who voted to impeach Donald Trump, says he'll vote for whoever the GOP nominee is after launching a Senate campaign, and the NYT releases a downright terrifying general election poll. And oh yeah, there's a debate tonight!Watch the gang record this episode here: https://youtu.be/Utc33WA6IIg

Tim interviews Walter Isaacson at The Bulwark's live event in New Orleans. Listen to the two discuss Walter's latest book, Elon Musk, and what it was like for the author to interact with the business magnate as he was writing the biography. This event took place on October 25, 2023.

The no-shot and the long-shot.

A new poll shows newly Independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema trailing both Republican Kari Lake and Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego in Arizona's 2024 Senate race. She also thinks adults celebrating Halloween is creepy?Plus, the Washington Examiner's cover art depicts a radical Democratic Party that couldn't be farther from the truth, Rep. Dean Phillips' campaign against Biden is run by a grifter, and Kentucky's Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear is a model for how to win over Trump voters.Get tickets to The Bulwark's DC show on NOVEMBER 16 at https://www.thebulwark.com/events.This episode is sponsored by Hello Fresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/50thenextlevel and use code 50thenextlevel for 50% off plus free shipping!Watch the gang record this episode on The Bulwark's official YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/CYKLzwERU-4

Actor and comedian Tom Arnold joins Tim to discuss his journey from comedy into anti-Trump politics. He also delves into his background growing up in a white working class family, as well his split from Roseanne Barr and her embrace of right-wing conspiracies. Plus some good old fashioned GOP-bashing for fun!And at the top of the show, Tim gives his reaction to Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips launching a presidential primary campaign against President Joe Biden.Note: This episode was taped on October 16, 2023, prior to Rep. Mike Johnson becoming Speaker of the House.Watch Tim interview Tom on The Bulwark's official YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/POmADsZYOYY

The new speaker and the new presidential candidate.

The GOP’s next speaker-designate is MAGA Rep. Mike Johnson, a major player in trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election; and he may just land the job!Plus, Jenna Ellis pleads guilty to felony charges, and the right tries to turn a White House faux pas on antisemitism into Biden’s “both sides” moment. A. B. Stoddard subs in for Sarah to discuss!This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/thenextlevel and get on your way to being your best self.

Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman joins Tim to talk the mayhem in the House and what liberals would be willing to negotiate with Republicans to elect a Speaker. He also details his evacuation from Israel after Hamas' terrorist attacks and gives his opinion on the left-wing of his party outspoken support for Palestinians.

Jim Jordan and Joe Biden speak to America.

The disfunction on The Hill continues with Jim Jordan the latest GOP hopeful to get rejected for the Speakership by his own party. What will finally make them work with Democrats to re-open the government?Plus, Nancy Mace's weirdness could stem from a desire to be Trump's VP, DeSantis and Haley spar over U.S. policy towards refugees (and the difference between citizens and terrorists), and JVL and Tim debate who is better: Taylor Swift or Beyonce.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/nextlevel and get on your way to being your best self.Watch the gang record this episode on The Bulwark's official YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/DlPRYN-EoxM

Columnist Blake Flayton speaks with Tim from Tel Aviv, Israel amidst the aftermath of Hamas’ terrorist attacks. Listen to his perspective on the politics both in Israel and abroad, as well as his opinion on why thing are forever changed in the region.Watch Tim interview Blake on The Bulwark's official YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/gUsWMImJyVI

What comes after Scalise.

The gang talk to devastating attacks on Israel by Hamas, as well as the terrible reactions by both the left and the right. Except, of course, from President Joe Biden, who perhaps gave his best speech in office yet. Plus, the race between Reps. Steve Scalise and Jim Jordan exemplifies the division and dysfunction in the the House GOP, and Sarah details her run in with Fox News host Laura Ingraham.Watch the gang record this episode here: https://youtu.be/sthzfSDjzQ8

Tim sits down with former editor-in-chief of "Salon" Joan Walsh. Previously on opposite sides of political discourse, the two political pundits discuss how politics really is a horseshoe, with the radicals at both ends of the spectrum having a lot more in common than they think. Plus, Joan talks about her new book, "Corporate Bullsh*t: Exposing the Lies and Half-Truths That Protect Profit, Power, and Wealth in America," which leads to some fun, respectful debate with Tim. Buy Joan's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Corporate-Bullsh-Exposing-Half-Truths-Protect/dp/1620977516/ref=sr_1_1?crid=194VN2D6HJJDE&keywords=joan+walsh&qid=1696618530&sprefix=joan+walsh%2Caps%2C67&sr=8-1Watch Tim interview Joan on The Bulwark's official YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/nudGe94xjYU

Tim is in for Sarah and he and JVL talk about the economy, unemployment numbers, and the relationship between voter sentiment and reality.

The GOP majority in the House is on fire as Kevin McCarthy is ousted. But will a bigger threat in the form of Jim Jordan replace him? A.B. Stoddard subs in for Sarah to discuss! Plus, a judge puts a gag order on Donald Trump as he attends his trial for fraud charges, and Tim asks JVL and A.B. for parenting advice when it comes to kids in sports!Watch the gang record this podcast on The Bulwark's official YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/JfSnp88wX9w

Actor and author Henry Winkler (Happy Days, Barry) joins Tim and Sarah to talk the evolution of his Hollywood career, dealing with dyslexia, artificial intelligence, the SAG-AFTRA strike and more! Buy Henry's children's book, "Detective Duck," here: https://www.amazon.com/Detective-Duck-Case-Strange-Splash/dp/1419755137

Don't worry, folks, Glenn Youngkin is here to save the GOP!The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret.

The gang dive into what the non-Trump candidates need to do in the second debate tonight ... and debate amongst themselves if it even matters. Plus, Donald Trump says Gen. Mark Milley should be put to death and Biden strikes with UAW union members, even though the Democratic party's green energy policies complicate his relationship with them.

Gretchen Carlson sits down with Tim to discuss the fight against sexual harassment, age discrimination, her courage in speaking out against Fox and Roger Ailes, and the advice she has for young girls as they enter a potentially dangerous workplace environment. Plus, Sarah joins Tim at the top to discuss Cassidy Hutchinson’s accusations against Rudy Guiliani. Learn more about Life Our Voices, Gretchen's nonprofit organization, here: https://liftourvoices.org/

On Murdoch and Milley.The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret.

Rep. Lauren Boebert fooled around and found out, while Sen. John Fetterman's opinion on the Senate dress code riles DC. It's a doozy of an episode with Sarah vs. Tim on proper etiquette in a theater and the Senate. Plus, Speaker Kevin McCarthy is leading his majority straight for a government shutdown they could very well be blamed for, and Donald Trump casts aside the pro-life movement without consequence.

Fellow never-Trump Republican Brad Thor joins Tim this Sunday to talk his new thriller novel, "Dead Fall." They also discuss the decline of the GOP away from freedom and towards populism, the horror that would be a a second Trump presidency, and President Biden's handling of the crisis in Ukraine.Buy Brad's new book here: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Fall-Thriller-Scot-Harvath-ebook/dp/B0BHTNRQQQ

Sarah and JVL talk about the revelations from the upcoming Romney biography. And the weirdness of Republicans being “pro-working man” and also anti-union.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announces the House will start an impeachment inquiry without a vote and without evidence. But his right-wing critics, such as MAGA troll Matt Gaetz, still aren't satisfied. Plus, the Democratic governor of New Mexico's temporary ban on guns draws bipartisan backlash for being unconstitutional, while some Texas counties are creating legal challenges to people traveling out of state to get an abortion.

Andrew Zimmern, former host of Bizarre Foods, joins Tim to discuss how food relates to immigration and climate, his journey to sobriety, growing up with two gay dads, and the future of alternative meat. Not a foodie? Don't worry, we promise there's lots of political analysis to whet your appetite!ANNOUNCEMENT: The Next Level’s YouTube page will be folded in to the main Bulwark channel starting October 4. Subscribe to watch the gang record each episode going forward here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ

Sarah and JVL drop the news that TNL is taking over CSPAN on Saturday morning. They talk about Nikki Haley’s second look. America’s SpaceX problem. And the secret history of “Gay Obama.” It’s total, nonstop action. Don’t miss Sarah, Tim, and JVL on C-SPAN on Saturday morning at 9am in the East. The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret.

How concerned voters are toward Joe Biden's old age might be the biggest determining factor to whether he beats Donald Trump in 2024; and Tim got into it with FiveThirtyEight founder Nate Silver over how much the liberal media is covering it. Plus, the GOP is trying to decide whether to shutdown the government or impeach Biden, and Elon Musk claims the Anti-Defamation League is the reason X/Twitter's profits are so low.ANNOUNCEMENT: The Next Level’s YouTube page will be folded in to the main Bulwark channel starting October 4. Subscribe to watch the gang record each episode going forward here: https://www.youtube.com/@UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ

You should be alarmed.The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret.NOTE: There is no Sunday show interview this week because of Labor Day weekend. They will return next week!

One week after the first GOP debate, nothing has changed and Trump is still dominant. Plus, conservative pundits now say Trump will get more Black votes because he has a mugshot, and DeSantis heads to Florida to deal with two tragic events. Sonny Bunch subs in for Sarah to discuss!View the Biden and DeSantis picture here: https://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/il47u4/picture266923026/alternates/FREE_1140/AP22278716941078.jpgANNOUNCEMENT: The Next Level’s YouTube page will be folded in to the main Bulwark channel starting October 6. Subscribe to watch the gang record each episode going forward here: https://www.youtube.com/@bulwarkmedia

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pulled off a surprise win against Republican Joe Kent in the 2022 midterms, and since entering Congress has made a name for herself as a truly moderate Democrat. Tim asks her about progressives calling her a "Kyrsten Sinema wannabe" for her vote against student loan forgiveness, as well as the Democratic Party's struggles with working class, rural voters, and the congresswoman's prior career in auto repair.Watch Tim interview Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez here: https://youtu.be/ML2qd-ik3hA

Sarah and JVL catch up on the debate—about Nikki and Ron and Vivek. And about Trump’s mugshot.Warning: Sarah’s audio is a little wonky.The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret.

Tim and JVL went live with Tom Nichols and Semafor's Ben Smith on The Bulwark's YouTube channel last night immediately after the first GOP debate. Listen to their first take reactions right after closing arguments ended! Watch the recording and subscribe to the channel to stay up to date on future livestreams here: https://youtube.com/live/MZep4APpcR4?feature=share

The gang talks the stakes for the GOP presidential candidates not named Donald Trump who qualified for the first primary debate on Fox News.Watch the gang record this episode here: https://youtu.be/V93uXEDayto

Robbie Kaplan, the lawyer who represented E. Jean Carroll in her civil suit against Donald Trump, joins Tim to discuss her win against the former president for sexual abuse. She also gives her opinion on the current indictments against Trump, including which one could go to trial before the 2024 election, and her Supreme Court case that helped pave the way for marriage equality.Watch Tim interview Robbie on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/atasEPqnzA4

A Very Special Episode.The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret.

The gang plays a little game: What are the odds Trump a) Becomes president, b) Goes to jail, or c) Neither? Let us know what you think the odds are in the comments!Plus, another ignorant country song storms the charts, and Trump apparently DM'ed a lot of people on the app formerly known as Twitter.Watch the gang record this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/ChWTYpojUsY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder how homelessness has gotten so bad in America? And why there appears to be no successful efforts to solve it? The Atlantic's Jerusalem Demsas joins Tim and JVL to answer every question they have about this massive problem. It's a truly in-depth discussion you won't want to miss!Watch the Tim and JVL interview Jerusalem on our official YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/qCsd1O4-hdI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah and JVL talk about the politics of Joe Biden’s Hunter problem and the game theory on whether or not Ron DeSantis should stay in the race.The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tim recounts his trip to Iowa to watch GOP presidential candidates make their weak bids for the nomination over Trump, Including Ron DeSantis, who just replaced his campaign manager. And the so-called "pro-women's sports integrity" conservatives are relishing the U.S. women's soccer team getting knock out of the World Cup. Plus, Ohio shuts down GOP attempts to make constitutional amendments (abortion rights) harder, and Sarah gives updates on what her focus groups think of "on the rise" Tim Scott.Watch the gang record this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/4HnSr4lg1i0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Country artist Amanda Shires joins Tim to discuss Nashville politics, abortion (including her life threatening ectopic pregnancy), being a liberal singer in a conservative genre, starting the all-female country group The Highwomen and more!Plus, Tim gives his thoughts on the latest arraignment of former president Donald Trump.Find Amanda's tour dates here: https://amandashiresmusic.com/Loving You: https://atorecords-ffm.com/lovingyouHighwomen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D-6nklMMbMSummertime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aW1a4fM8X0Watch Tim interview Amanda on our Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/txZcSgqPLWk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah and JVL talk about the latest arraignment.The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the latest indictment of former President Donald Trump, this time on the most dangerous charges yet: 2020 election interference. What will this mean for the 2024 race? What are the worst defenses of Trump's actions? Will Trump be put on trial during the general election? The gang breaks down all of this and more on today's The Next Level!Watch the gang record this video on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/wsy1J7RSybY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ron Filipkowski joins Tim to talk his journey from lawyer to never-Trump political commentator. Together, they analyze the MAGA transformation of the party they once called home, lambast Ron DeSantis' attempts to peel off Trump supporters, and explain how he balances his day job with his constant tweets on conservative crazies.Watch Tim interview Ron here: https://youtu.be/0dLxCE86VuQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah and JVL talk about Jack Smith’s superseding indictment, Hunter Biden not getting pardoned, Sarah’s new campaign, and Barbenheimer. It’s a pretty good show this week.The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DeSantis attempts to reboot his campaign with by firing a third of his staff, one of whom apparently made videos with Nazi symbolism. Plus, Kevin McCarthy teases an impeachment inquiry of President Biden, progressives turn on AOC, and a bizarre conservative ad makes it way online.Watch the gang record this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/UIQ-eZtkUxMFor a podcast without talks-too-much Tim Miller, subscribe to Bulwark+ and get The Secret Podcast with Sarah and JVL. Here's a link to get 30-days FREE to try it out: thebulwark.com/secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben McKenzie (The O.C., Gotham) joins Tim and JVL to talk his new book, "Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud." They discuss his investigation into cryptocurrency during the COVID-19 pandemic, pushback from supporters of crypto, finding a fulfilling mission later in life, and his lifelong vendetta with Chad Michael Murray!Plus, Tim and JVL talk about the impact of Trump’s trial and potential conviction on the presidential race.You can purchase Ben's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Money-Cryptocurrency-Casino-Capitalism/dp/1419766392Watch Tim and JVL interview Ben on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAaIN1KkNbk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah and JVL dig into Ron DeSantis’s awful campaign reset and then try to figure out just what the No Labels people are thinking.Check out all The Secret Podcast episodes here: https://thesecretpodcast.thebulwark.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump and DeSantis had major interviews last night, and both were consumed by the former's third indictment yet. Trump doesn't even need to defend himself with DeSantis repeating all his talking points!Plus, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin and former Republican Gov. Jon Huntsman tease with forming a "unity" ticket doomed to fail and put Trump back in the White House. And Mike Pence might not even qualify for the first GOP primary debate, proving he really is just a glutton for punishment.DeSantis' South Carolina exchange: https://twitter.com/GiancarloSopo/status/1681083703760506881Watch the gang record this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWGfpg5y8SM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices