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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

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways
14976 implied HN points โ€ข 15 Jan 24
  1. The media attempts to understand Trump voters but may not fully accept the truth about their motivations.
  2. Guardrails in democracy may not be enough to prevent certain actions of those seeking power.
  3. Google search influences web design, impacting user experience and content creation.
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10141 implied HN points โ€ข 07 Sep 23
  1. A convicted fraudster made uncorroborated claims about Barack Obama involving crack and gay activities.
  2. The accuser's background includes a lengthy arrest record and a history of lying, casting doubt on the credibility of the claims.
  3. The claims lack corroborating evidence or witnesses, failing a lie detector test, making them flimsy and unreliable.
9552 implied HN points โ€ข 31 Jan 24
  1. The Fourteenth Amendment was drafted in response to specific concerns about real-world actions from the past.
  2. The Fourteenth Amendment's Section 3 was written to prevent individuals like John B. Floyd, who violated their oath of office, from holding government positions.
  3. The progression of authoritarianism in America reveals the fragility of our system's guardrails when confronted one by one.
9414 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Jan 24
  1. Donald Trump's character is revealed through his treatment of war hero John McCain, showcasing a lack of respect and decency.
  2. Trump's behavior exemplifies a 'Crab Bucket Moral Universe' where he demeans heroism and operates with bitterness and envy.
  3. It is important to remember Trump's actions and behavior in 2024 to understand his lack of shame and ethical standards.
8628 implied HN points โ€ข 16 Jan 24
  1. Donald Trump is likely to be the Republican nominee for the 2024 election, with strong support from the party base.
  2. Joe Biden's candidacy is characterized by hidden strengths, legislative accomplishments, and a focus on governance.
  3. There is a concern about a segment of society motivated by a desire for chaos, which could impact the political landscape.
8431 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Jan 24
  1. The 2024 Republican primary campaign illustrated strong motivated reasoning in predicting Donald Trump as the nominee.
  2. Basic lies from political actors should not be normalized by the media, and accountability is crucial in political analysis.
  3. The 'Biden crime problem' actually began under Trump, and recent data shows a decline in violent crime rates.
8196 implied HN points โ€ข 18 Jan 24
  1. Former Trump officials are speaking out against him, highlighting his moral depravity and incompetence.
  2. There is a need for these officials to reach out to more people, especially swing voters, to convey the dangers of a Trump presidency.
  3. Former Trump officials should come together and make a sustained effort to speak out against him, prioritizing the truth over partisan loyalties.
8078 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Jan 24
  1. Ron DeSantis ended his presidential campaign by endorsing Donald Trump, after a campaign that failed due to strategic blunders and lack of appeal.
  2. Donald Trump's recent actions demonstrate admiration for dictators, spreading conspiracy theories, mocking opponents, and continuing aggressive rhetoric.
  3. Republican party dynamics show a strong preference for Trump over other candidates, even if they exhibit extreme behaviors or controversies.
7802 implied HN points โ€ข 10 Jan 24
  1. Former President Trump's lawyer argued for presidential immunity even in scenarios like ordering a political rival's assassination.
  2. Threats and violence against political leaders are escalating, posing a risk to U.S. democracy.
  3. Recent events highlight the resurgence of birtherism and discriminatory policies in political discourse.
7488 implied HN points โ€ข 19 Jan 24
  1. A report warns of destructive actions an authoritarian president could take in 2025, building on past behaviors.
  2. The report outlines potential actions, such as abusing pardons to incite violence and using federal power for political aims.
  3. The authors stress the importance of not underestimating the potential impact of a second term for Trump and the need for vigilance.
7350 implied HN points โ€ข 30 Jan 24
  1. Some within the MAGA movement believe in conspiracies involving Taylor Swift and the Super Bowl, alleging fixed events to push a political agenda.
  2. MAGA supporters express strong negative feelings towards Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, criticizing their endorsements and public displays of affection.
  3. There are concerns within the MAGA community about Taylor Swift's potential influence in the 2024 election, stemming from her past political actions and large social media following.
7291 implied HN points โ€ข 12 Jan 24
  1. Republican leaders continue to support Trump despite alarming behavior, leading to a disturbing transformation in the political landscape
  2. The comparison to absurdist literature suggests a prophetic quality in the current political climate
  3. The metaphor of 'rhinos all the way down' reflects the deepening entrenchment in supporting controversial figures
7075 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Jan 24
  1. The Republican Party is facing challenges due to a significant portion of voters who do not align with Trump's base.
  2. There's a shifting focus from primary battles to the upcoming general election, where Trump may struggle with moderates and independents.
  3. Biden's reelection campaign could benefit from improving economic optimism among voters, resembling Obama's successful 2012 campaign.
7036 implied HN points โ€ข 16 Jan 24
  1. Senator Joni Ernst's shifting statements on the Capitol riot raise questions about GOP's stance on insurrection.
  2. Republican voters in Iowa support Trump despite controversies, but significant percentages may not in the general election.
  3. GOP's willingness to stand by Trump, despite potential criminal charges, signals a concerning trend for the party's future.
6603 implied HN points โ€ข 23 Jan 24
  1. The Republican Party is now Trump's party, with members rushing to show loyalty despite the consequences.
  2. Ben Shapiro, once a Never Trumper, endorsed Donald Trump, showcasing a shift in allegiance.
  3. Many individuals, including politicians, media figures, and billionaires, are downplaying the threats posed by Trump, showing a trend of denialism and minimizing concerns.
6584 implied HN points โ€ข 26 Jan 24
  1. Big business on Wall Street is aligning with Trump for venality, self-interest, and fear, even though they know he threatens democratic norms.
  2. Business elites view Trump as good for their bottom line despite his threats and autocratic tendencies.
  3. Trump's return could lead to increased government control to punish dissent, targeting industries and businesses that oppose his views.
6584 implied HN points โ€ข 17 Jan 24
  1. Iowa caucuses confirmed Trump's dominance in the GOP but also showed his vulnerability in the general election.
  2. Low turnout in Iowa suggests an enthusiasm problem among GOP voters and a significant portion signaling they are Never Trump.
  3. Trump's active legal battles and courtroom campaign strategy may rally his base but could risk alienating swing voters in the general election.