TLDR;
The Bulwark podcast discusses recent events, including the release of Epstein files, the jailing of Don Lemon, and potential election interference in 2026. They analyze the complexities of holding powerful figures accountable and the nuances of public trust. The hosts also explore the motivations behind political actions and the challenges of maintaining integrity in a polarized environment.
- The hosts discuss the recent release of Epstein files and the implications for those associated with him.
- They analyze the jailing of Don Lemon and the concept of "cancel culture."
- The conversation shifts to potential election interference in 2026, including the FBI raid in Georgia and Trump's involvement.
- The hosts debate the possibility of impeaching Trump again, considering both legal and political implications.
- They explore the challenges of holding powerful figures accountable and the importance of integrity in politics.
Minneapolis Live Show Announcement [0:22]
The hosts announce a second live show in Minneapolis due to the first one selling out quickly. The tickets will be available on Wednesday at noon Eastern time at thebullwark.com/events. All profits from the event will go to Harvest Heartland, a local charity addressing food insecurity in Minneapolis. The hosts express their excitement about connecting with the community and supporting a good cause.
Epstein Files and Peter Aia [1:50]
The Justice Department released another set of Epstein files, revealing Peter Aia's extensive mentions within them. Aia, who was recently hired by CBS News, is mentioned 1,500 times in the files. The hosts read excerpts from emails between Aia and Epstein, which led to Aia's dismissal from CBS News due to corporate pressure. One particularly damning anecdote from Aia's book reveals that he chose to have lunch with Epstein instead of visiting his newborn child in the hospital.
Cancel Culture and Accountability [5:37]
The hosts discuss the concept of "cancel culture" in relation to Peter Aia's dismissal. They argue that accountability is necessary when individuals in positions of public trust, such as doctors, demonstrate a lack of respect or engage in unethical behavior. The hosts emphasize that women, in particular, need to trust their doctors and believe they are seen as humans worthy of good health attention. They differentiate between seeking accountability and simply criticizing someone online.
Don Lemon's Jailing and Populist Nationalism [8:09]
The conversation shifts to the jailing of Don Lemon and the silence from the "cancel culture" crowd. The hosts note the hypocrisy of those who previously decried online criticism as "cancel culture" but are now silent about Lemon's imprisonment. They also discuss how populist nationalism and anti-woke movements have often been used as tools for power rather than genuine beliefs.
Epstein Files Analysis and Nuance [10:22]
The hosts analyze the latest batch of Epstein files, emphasizing the importance of nuance and categorization. They distinguish between those who lied about their relationship with Epstein, those who were simply in business relationships with him, and those who were involved in the trafficking and abuse of young girls. The hosts highlight the redactions in the released documents and the lack of accountability for co-conspirators.
Social Rehabilitation and Human Frailty [17:08]
The hosts discuss how Epstein was socially rehabilitated after his conviction, with many people being conscious of his past but still associating with him. They explore the human frailty and desire for social capital that led people to overlook Epstein's crimes. The hosts emphasize the importance of having the self-esteem and confidence to decline invitations to events with questionable figures.
Rich People Stuff and Disaggregation [22:54]
The hosts discuss how rich people operate differently, with everything having an absolute value sign around it. They emphasize the importance of disaggregating the bad pedophilia ring from the elite scratch your back culture. The hosts highlight how Epstein used the promise of associating with famous people as bait to lure others into his circle.
Soul Advertisement [25:46]
The hosts transition to an advertisement for Soul, a company that makes hemp-derived CBD and THC products. They promote Soul's out of office gummies and beverage as a healthier alternative to alcohol, offering a 30% discount with the code "the next level" at getsoul.com.
Potential Election Interference in 2026 [27:09]
The conversation shifts to the beginning movements of an attempt to steal the 2026 elections. The hosts discuss the FBI raid on an election center in Georgia, Pam Bondi's demands for voter roles, and Donald Trump's phone call with the agents involved in the raid. They express concern about the highly irregular nature of these events and the potential for election interference.
Nationalizing Elections and Federalism [30:34]
The hosts discuss Trump's desire to nationalize voting in 15 states and the implications for federalism. They express concern that the raid in Georgia is forward-looking and part of a plan to formulate a strategy for the 2026 elections. The hosts emphasize that Trump's primary goal is to avoid oversight and disclosure.
Paramilitary Force and Practicalities [33:57]
The hosts discuss the possibility of Trump deploying a federal paramilitary force to exert pressure and prevent people from voting. They acknowledge the potential for chaos and resistance from states like Michigan and California. The hosts also discuss the practicalities of cheating in elections and the importance of key races in blue states.
Conspiracy Theories and October Surprise [37:21]
The hosts share conspiracy theories, including the possibility of Nicholas Maduro turning states evidence and claiming that Venezuela helped steal the 2020 election. They discuss the potential motivations behind Trump's actions in Venezuela and the possibility of using it as leverage.
One Skin Advertisement [39:44]
The hosts transition to an advertisement for One Skin, a skincare company that focuses on slowing skin aging by targeting senescent cells. They offer a 15% discount with the code "the next level" at onskin.co/thexlevel.
Right-Wing Influencer Arrested and Denaturalization [41:10]
The hosts discuss the arrest of a right-wing Brazilian influencer by ICE agents. They also discuss the possibility of denaturalizing public figures who are not contributing positively to society, mentioning Nicki Minaj as an example. The hosts explore the motivations behind individuals becoming Republicans, including seeking pardons and aligning with fellow scam artists.
Corruption and Lack of Consequences [46:21]
The hosts discuss how individuals who have done bad things often rediscover or suddenly discover that they're Republicans because they know that Republicans are just cool with rampant corruption. They also note that no one's communicating on email anymore, making it harder to document corruption. The hosts express frustration with the lack of consequences for unethical behavior.
Impeachment Proposal and George Conway [48:13]
The hosts discuss the possibility of impeaching Trump again, considering both legal and political implications. They acknowledge George Conway's argument that if Trump commits crimes, he should be impeached, regardless of the political impact. The hosts express concern about the UAE's financial ties to the Trump family and the need for oversight.
Strategic Considerations and Document Preservation [51:24]
The hosts discuss the strategic considerations of impeachment, including the potential for a rally around Trump effect. They emphasize the importance of being rooted in certain values but also being able to change their minds on strategy. The hosts also note that the corruption that is taking place right now is harder to document because people are using encrypted communication methods and not following document preservation rules.
Green Chef Advertisement [56:38]
The hosts transition to an advertisement for Green Chef, a meal kit delivery service that focuses on clean eating. They offer 50% off plus a free Graza olive oil set with the code "nextlegraza" at greenchef.com/nextlevelgraza.
Triad Talk: Arming Libs and Civil Rights [58:29]
The hosts discuss a two-part triad exploring the idea of libs arming themselves and organizing. They share that the audience was more intrigued by the idea of armed resistance than by the suggestion of focusing on civil rights and Christian values. The hosts explore the reasons behind this preference and the challenges of promoting non-violent approaches.
Integrity and Aean Bundy [1:01:41]
The hosts discuss the importance of integrity and finding people who believe what they say. They highlight Aean Bundy as an example of a libertarian who genuinely believes in opposing government overreach, even when it comes to immigration. The hosts express frustration with Republicans who claim to be libertarians but support government thugs hurting the bad people.
Massie and Roana and Show Conclusion [1:08:03]
The hosts give credit to Massie and Roana for fighting for the release of the Epstein files. They note that Massie is getting unpersoned and primary for his efforts. The hosts conclude the show, reminding listeners about the upcoming live show in Minneapolis and encouraging them to like, subscribe, and follow the channel.
