Orbán’s loss in Hungary was so overwhelming he couldn’t cheat his way out of it. But the decisive defeat for both Putin and authoritarianism may also suggest that the vibes they are a changin’. For instance, at home, Trump had to take down his Jesus post because of the backlash from across the political spectrum. People can see he’s flailing on the war and the economy. Plus, Vance has the stink of a loser, Dems can learn some campaigning tricks from Peter Magyar, the Melania-Epstein mystery continues, Trump and Marco are likely to regret those images from the UFC fight, and The Bulwark remains Team Pope Leo.

Bill Kristol joins special guest host, Sarah Longwell.

show notes

• This week's Focus Group pod with sad, mad GOP base voters
• Bill's "Bulwark on Sunday" with Sarah Matthews
• Monday's "Morning Shots," with David Baer from Budapest
• Pre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September!
• Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/BULWARK and use promo code BULWARK at checkout.

No one was really asking about Melania’s ties to Epstein. But after her surprise White House statement to the press on Thursday, the questions are flowing—particularly because a former Brazilian model who moved in both Trump and Epstein circles is posting threats against the First Lady on social media. Tim and Jane break it all down. Plus, Melania does not speak or read English very well, Trump is furious about Tucker & co.’s opposition to the Iran war, Vance’s motives for converting to Catholicism are disgusting and unchristian, and why would Iran permit Saudi-paid Jared to participate in the Islamabad peace talks? Jane Coaston joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.

Jane Coaston joins Tim Miller for the holiday weekend pod.

show notes

• JVL and Catherine LIVE on the not-so-great economic news
• Tim's deep dive on Oscar Romero was in this episode
• Tix on sale soon for The Bulwark LIVE in San Diego on May 20 and in Los Angeles on May 21
• Follow "Bulwark Takes" for breaking news over the weekend
• Tim's playlist
  
  

Trump showed that he is completely unequipped to be a war leader. He threatened crimes against humanity, and not only let a foe prove it could take our punches, but also inflict economic pain on the global economy as well. Indeed, with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran looks to have emerged from the war with a stronger hand. We also don't know how much Trump's financial ties to Gulf countries are influencing his wild and erratic handling of the war. And if this military operation was just about Israel's national security, then that should have been explained to the American people from the start. Plus, the threat an Orbán loss would pose to MAGA, the key redistricting election in Virginia, and how Dems would prioritize oversight if they win back the House.

David French and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam join Tim Miller.

show notes

• TNL live last night after Trump folded
• Wednesday's "Morning Shots"
• Tim's debate over the war with Rep. Josh Gottheimer
• Tix on sale soon for The Bulwark LIVE in San Diego on May 20 and in Los Angeles on May 21