Not only is Trump failing to provide any clarity on why the United States went to war against Iran, the administration is also sticking to its habit of declaring an emergency based on some arcane legal provision that supposedly gives the executive branch the power to do whatever it wants. It's almost as though the American legal system can justify authoritarianism if a lawyer can dig deep enough. And Anthropic is currently feeling the sting of this monarchical-style power grab. Meanwhile, the tech overlords wanted free rein on AI under Trump, but they got a Maoist approach instead. Plus, Mamdani's embrace of abundance, the movie industry's troubles, and how parents fall in love with their children.

Derek Thompson joins Tim Miller.

show notes

• Derek's interview with Karim Sadjadpour on the "Plain English" pod
• Derek's Substack
• Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

The starting kit for a unified Democratic Party with the biggest, broadest tent should be calling out the billionaire class that is sabotaging our political system, our healthcare system, and driving up costs. Katz, the young media strategist who helped propel Mamdani to his historic win, says it's not enough for Dems to campaign on just hating Trump. Instead, they should take on Trump for breaking his promises about helping working people and being a peace president. Plus, Talarico's winning message in Texas, the risks of a horseshoe alliance between MAGA and the populist left, the algorithmic pipeline that feeds antisemitism, and Platner's appeal in Maine.

Morris Katz joins Tim Miller.

show notes

• Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.

The facts on the ground and the ludicrous statements speak for themselves: The administration inadequately planned for the execution of this war. That's likely why six service members were killed in an insufficiently protected facility. It's why our embassy in Riyadh and our consulate in Dubai were hit with drones. And the administration clearly does not have an exit plan. Venezuela had Trump thinking this could be a cakewalk, but in the Middle East, circumstances can change in a heartbeat. Plus, Israel's role in pushing for the military campaign, Marco's effort to pawn off responsibility for the war, and Gallego's endorsement of Graham Platner in the Maine Democratic Senate primary. Sen. Ruben Gallego and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling join Tim Miller.

show notes

• Pre-order Hertling's new book, "If I Don't Return: A Father's Wartime Journal"
• Watch The Bulwark’s LIVE coverage of the Texas Senate primary on Substack YouTube
• Carol Leonnig's reporting on the firing of FBI agents with Iran expertise
• Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events.