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Bulwark+ is a political commentary Substack that analyzes and reports on U.S. politics without partisan or tribal biases. It focuses on the motivations and behaviors of Trump supporters, the dynamics within the Republican Party, criticism of both Republican and Democratic tactics, and highlights the importance of truth and integrity in political discourse.

Political Analysis Media Criticism U.S. Presidential Elections Democratic and Republican Party Dynamics Trump's Influence in Politics Political Extremism and Authoritarianism Importance of Truth and Decency in Politics Economic Policies and Impact Legal and Ethical Standards in Governance Electoral and Voter Behavior

The hottest Substack posts of Bulwark+

And their main takeaways

Lenin Is Still Dead—or Is He?

1434 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
  1. Lenin's legacy remains relevant today, sparking discussions on his complex impact
  2. Lenin's ideology contradicted claims of being a democratic socialist, with evidence of violence and dictatorship
  3. Lenin's influence still lingers globally, with various interpretations shaping political views

Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Canard

1592 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. Trump is questioning Nikki Haley's citizenship and birthright as part of a larger attack on birthright citizenship in the US.
  2. The notion of birthright citizenship for children of immigrants has been a topic of debate, especially in light of interpretations of the 14th Amendment.
  3. There are concerns that Trump, if re-elected, may try to revoke birthright citizenship through executive order, affecting millions of people born in the US.

Where the Buffalo Roamed

1297 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. Ken Burns's documentary on the American buffalo brings to life the country's history and the significance of the buffalo in shaping it.
  2. The near-extinction and preservation of the buffalo reveal human actions of greed, willful blindness, and eventual conservation efforts.
  3. Imagining an America where different peoples coexist and learn from one another, similar to the harmony between the buffalo and the environment, brings forth a vision of lost possibilities.

Supreme Court Down to the Wire

1336 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Conservative justices would have prevented federal Border Patrol from removing Texas-installed razor wire.
  2. Immigration policies under Biden administration have led to increased migration and political tensions.
  3. Federal law on immigration trumps state laws, as recognized by the Supreme Court.

Don’t Count Sherrod Brown Out

1592 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. Sherrod Brown faces a tough Senate re-election in an increasingly red Ohio but maintains support by being relatable to voters.
  2. Brown's focus on issues like jobs, unions, and abortion rights resonates with Ohioans, setting him apart from his Republican opponents.
  3. Criticism against Brown on cryptocurrency regulation may not strongly impact voters, as his emphasis on local issues like NFL playoffs disputes shows his understanding of constituents' concerns.
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Why Our Clients Sued to Keep Trump Off the Colorado Ballot

1297 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
  1. Applying the Constitution is crucial for democracy.
  2. Enforcing constitutional provisions is necessary for upholding rights.
  3. Trump's removal from the ballot serves democracy and the Constitution.

Good Luck Finding “Impartial Jurors” for the Trump Trials

1533 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. Prospective jurors for Trump's trials are too knowledgeable and biased to be impartial.
  2. Many jurors fear Trump will tamper with the jury and use social media to influence them.
  3. Convicting Trump could lead to civil unrest, with people worried about potential riots and violence.

Love in an Unjust World

1002 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. Joy Reid's new book celebrates the transformative power of courage in the face of injustice.
  2. The story of Medgar and Myrlie Evers reflects a love that overcame hardships and inspired change.
  3. The book emphasizes the importance of courage and love in fighting for justice, using historical examples as inspiration.

Willa Cather and the ‘Antique Virtues’

923 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. Willa Cather's work emphasizes antique virtues like valor and loyalty.
  2. Cather's novel 'One of Ours' explores conservative themes during World War I.
  3. The book delves into the clash between ideals and the reality of war.

How Technology Built the (Ad-Free) Golden Age of TV

1356 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. Freedom from advertisers led to more creative freedom in TV shows
  2. The rise of basic cable networks played a significant role in the golden age of TV
  3. The DVR revolution impacted TV viewing habits and quality by allowing viewers to skip ads

How Zelensky Rose to the Occasion

1022 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
  1. Zelensky may not be a good man but he could be a great leader.
  2. Zelensky's rise from comedian to president showcases a compelling life story.
  3. Zelensky's leadership during the war demonstrated unexpected bravery and strength.

Anti-Ukraine Chorus Seeks to Exploit an American’s Death

1277 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
  1. A pro-Putin propagandist's death in a Ukrainian prison is sparking controversy and questions
  2. The individual, Gonzalo Lira, faced charges under Ukraine's criminal code for justifying Russian aggression
  3. Concerns are raised about the conditions of Lira's imprisonment and the need for transparency surrounding his death

‘May December’ Is Ripped from the Headlines. That’s Fine.

1474 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
  1. The movie 'May December' is inspired by real-life events, specifically the Mary Kay Letourneau/Vili Fualaau story.
  2. The film explores complex themes like emotional trauma and relationships affected by significant life events.
  3. Artistic interpretations of real-life stories can generate empathy and critique sensationalized portrayals in media.

‘Restore Point’ and Cinematic Reality

845 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. Modern action blockbusters can feel lacking in authenticity with overuse of green screen effects. 'Restore Point' demonstrates that sci-fi movies can still feel innovative and realistic.
  2. Director Robert Hloz's world-building in 'Restore Point' is impressive, seamlessly blending futuristic elements with traditional set dressing to create a visually stunning and believable environment.
  3. Critics are noticing a trend of conformity in film reviews, with concerns about lack of diverse perspectives affecting critical analysis. The importance of aiding in discovery of lesser-known films is emphasized to combat this issue.

SCOTUS Likely to Rule States Can’t Bar Trump from Ballot Under 14th Amendment

845 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. SCOTUS is likely to rule that states can't bar Trump from the ballot under the 14th Amendment.
  2. The Supreme Court is considering who should decide on the application of Section 3, and options include Congress and individual prosecutors.
  3. The interpretation of Section 3 could lead to complex scenarios like Trump being on the ballot and the House of Representatives refusing to gavel in Electoral College votes.

Republican Hypocrisy on Ukraine

1434 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
  1. Some GOP members criticize Biden's support for Ukraine, but offer a constructive plan for aid.
  2. Republicans need to ensure U.S. support for Ukraine, as some oppose aid or make it conditional.
  3. Cutting off non-military aid to Ukraine could have dangerous consequences for the country.

Putin’s 2024 Fears: Ukrainian Arms, Russian People, and Pretty Women

1356 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
  1. Putin appears confident but has fears about Ukrainian arms, Russian people, and a female challenger.
  2. Female politician Yekaterina Duntsova challenged Putin but was rejected from running against him.
  3. Russia's repressive regime is strengthening, while the war effort in Ukraine is facing challenges and Putin's confidence may be fragile.

The End of the Pretend Primary Is in Sight

1297 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
  1. Donald Trump's dominance in the Republican primary is unprecedented, leaving little room for other contenders.
  2. The GOP debate between Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley showcased their differences in policy and approach.
  3. Chris Christie's exit from the primary race highlights the overwhelming hold of MAGA within the Republican party.

Netflix’s Best Move … Ever?

1022 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. Netflix's strategic decision to acquire WWE rights for $5 billion is a strong move in the streaming wars, focusing on sports entertainment.
  2. Expanding globally with WWE rights, especially for international programming, can help Netflix grow its subscriber base outside the US.
  3. Having weekly content like WWE shows can reduce churn and keep subscribers engaged on the platform.

The Muslim Ban Returns

1277 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. Trump accuses Nikki Haley of being soft on terrorism because she opposed his 2015 plan to ban immigrants based on religion.
  2. Haley defended the 2017 version of the ban that targeted specific countries, not all Muslims.
  3. Trump's campaign is using anti-Muslim sentiments to attack Haley, implying that not banning all Muslims shows weakness.

Don’t Rush to Assign Collective Guilt in Gaza

904 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
  1. Be cautious about assigning collective guilt in Gaza conflict.
  2. Use of inflammatory terms like 'genocide' should be considered carefully and distinctions made between legal and colloquial meanings.
  3. Challenge rhetoric of collective guilt as it can lead to unjust collective punishment.

Nick Saban Was Right

1081 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. Nick Saban correctly predicted changes in the game of football, including the impact of up-tempo offenses on player safety.
  2. Saban was right about the importance of developing players from high school and the limitations of the transfer portal.
  3. Saban understood the risks of rapid change in college football, emphasizing the need for stability and loyalty in the sport.

Russia’s Winds of Winter

1081 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. Russian cities facing power outages and heat emergencies during harsh winter conditions
  2. Poorly maintained infrastructure and corruption contributing to the utilities crisis in Russia
  3. Dissidents criticizing Putin's regime for allocating more funds to military rather than improving heating infrastructure

‘The Zone of Interest’ Review

923 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. The film 'The Zone of Interest' presents the horror of the Holocaust through subtle storytelling and background details.
  2. The movie challenges viewers with its approach of not explicitly showing certain atrocities, requiring a knowledge of the historical context.
  3. The artistic portrayal of disturbing events in the film prompts reflection on the implications for audiences with varying levels of Holocaust awareness.

Supreme Court Considers Case That Could Fundamentally Remake Federal Regulation

963 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
  1. The Supreme Court is considering a case that could change federal regulation policies.
  2. Conservative justices might challenge the Chevron deference, impacting who has power in policy-making.
  3. The outcome could lead to a shift in regulatory power away from executive branch agencies to the Supreme Court.

Bad Economy Vibes Are a Threat to Democracy

1002 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
  1. Economic concerns can lead some Americans to prioritize a better economy over protecting democracy
  2. Trump's popularity and grip on the Republican party remains strong despite controversial actions
  3. Biden's unpopularity and handling of the economy pose challenges for his potential reelection against Trump

Zelensky Is Reportedly Planning a Big Army Leadership Shakeup

668 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
  1. Ukrainian President Zelensky is planning a big army leadership shakeup.
  2. The lack of significant battlefield progress has caused tensions and criticism within the Ukrainian military and from American advisors.
  3. Zelensky's decision to relieve General Valery Zaluzhny could either lead to a successful new strategy or potential instability.

Committing to Democracy

628 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
  1. American democracy is built on the rule of law, consent through representation, and majority rule with toleration of minorities.
  2. Public participation in politics is crucial, but must be balanced to prevent domination by demagogues.
  3. Lincoln's commitment to democracy involved preserving principles at all costs, even amidst threats from intense minority groups.

‘Argylle’ Review

648 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
  1. Argylle is a spy-action-comedy movie with a complex plot involving a book within a movie within another series of movies.
  2. The movie is a mix of spy, comedy, and action genres, with familiar elements like a MacGuffin plot and generic dialogue.
  3. The film's visual effects suffer from a common problem in modern movies, where locations and backgrounds appear fake and poorly integrated, lacking realism.

A Ray of Hope for the 2024 Elections from Pennsylvania

904 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
  1. Pennsylvania voters chose officials committed to honest administration and the rule of law in recent local elections.
  2. Candidates for elections need to reject election misinformation and ensure fair administration to protect democracy.
  3. County and city commissioners in Pennsylvania play crucial roles in election administration, making their positions important for the 2024 election.

‘The Beekeeper’ Review

805 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
  1. The Beekeeper movie is a satisfying pulp picture with inventive action scenes.
  2. The film reflects a generational conflict between characters.
  3. The Beekeeper is a modern, pleasing throwback with a well-cast ensemble.

‘Nineteen Eighty-four’ With a Female Face

648 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
  1. Sandra Newman's 'Julia' reimagines George Orwell's 'Nineteen Eighty-four' with a feminist perspective.
  2. The novel 'Julia' delves into the lives of women in Oceania, exploring themes of control, exploitation, and rebellion.
  3. While offering new insights, 'Julia' also faces criticism for certain plot developments and character portrayals.

Giamatti for President!

668 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
  1. A university president must raise money, manage faculty, and support students.
  2. University presidents are often chosen for low-key leadership, but academia needs more engaging and inspiring leaders.
  3. Bart Giamatti exemplified qualities of a leader in academia with a focus on liberal education, diversity, and free debate.

‘I.S.S.’ Review

569 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. The movie 'I.S.S.' is a claustrophobic space drama set on the International Space Station with a tense atmosphere between Russian and American crew members.
  2. The film's focus on survival and cooperation in a high-stakes situation is clouded by unclear ultimate goals, impacting the overall dramatic effect.
  3. There is a thematic resurgence in media regarding nuclear threats and conflict, reflecting current geopolitical tensions.

A Climate Action President Presiding Over an Oil and Gas Boom

412 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
  1. President Biden faces challenges balancing climate action with oil and gas production to appeal to different voter groups.
  2. The administration emphasizes climate change while considering other priorities like democracy, national security, and economic growth.
  3. Efforts to address climate concerns include investments in emissions reduction, job creation, and energy infrastructure, but communication and awareness among young voters remain crucial.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day and ‘the Minds and Hearts of Children’

530 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
  1. A schoolteacher in 1979 emphasized the importance of creating Martin Luther King Jr. Day to honor America's progress and reflect on the dreams yet to be fulfilled.
  2. The holiday on January 15 symbolizes unity and progress towards equality for all races, serving as a beacon of hope for the marginalized and a reminder of the nation's promise.
  3. Recognizing Martin Luther King Jr. Day is crucial for building strong self-concepts and self-images in children of all races, ensuring they learn about and honor the contributions of historical figures from diverse backgrounds.

‘The Promised Land’ Review

353 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
  1. The movie 'The Promised Land' is a Danish Western about class and limitations.
  2. It explores the themes of class struggle, freedom, and the illusion of equality.
  3. The film has captivating landscapes and is best experienced in a theater setting.

Liberalism in Defense of Freedom

452 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
  1. The Cold War transformed liberalism into a 'fighting faith' that prioritized confronting totalitarian threats while still advocating for civil rights and social programs.
  2. Samuel Moyn criticizes Cold War liberalism for allegedly failing to defend the welfare state and succumbing to militant anti-communism.
  3. Moyn's book, 'Liberalism Against Itself,' challenges the traditional narrative of Cold War liberalism by emphasizing its flaws and impact on domestic and foreign policy.

Internet Imagination Running Amok

353 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
  1. The spread of falsehoods online is not as alarming as some may think, according to a book arguing it's part of a historical trend.
  2. Early internet culture of misinformation and insiders laid the foundation for modern online movements like Redditors and 4channers.
  3. Imagination online can have real-world consequences, as seen through examples like election threats and violent acts inspired by internet conspiracy theories.