The Bulwark
· collected 2026-09-12 · by Jonathan V. Last
commentary
Bill Kristol substituted for Sarah on a podcast, discussing JD Vance’s speech, Iran’s attacks on Saudi infrastructure, and the impacts of Trump’s presidency on the U.S. military. The hosts also explored terrorism and the liberal world order in a philosophical conversation. The article includes announcements about upcoming Bulwark events aimed at raising awareness and funds for the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, and promoting their political tour across several cities with special guests like Pete Buttigieg and General Mark Hertling.
Written by the local model on 2026-09-12,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Jonathan V. Last discusses deteriorating global conditions during a Republican midterm event, noting Iran's attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil infrastructure as particularly concerning. The conversation includes Bill Kristol discussing JD Vance’s speech and criticizing President Trump for undermining the U.S. military. Additionally, there is discussion about terrorism and its impact on liberal democratic orders. On September 25th, Last participated in a Bulwark LIVE event in Ohio aimed at raising awareness for Haiti's community in Springfield.
Written for “Economic Downturn” on 2026-09-12,
grounded in this article and the 0 other(s) covering the same event.
Why this leaning score
The article's own words the score was based on. Each is quoted
verbatim and was checked against the article text before being
stored, so you can find it in the original.
Leaning score -0.35 for article 8329 (high confidence, 1 verified quote) · logged 2026-09-12
It’s Getting Worse
From the Republican midterm convention to Iran, things are falling apart.
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things → get → Iran
Bill Kristol sat in for Sarah today and JVL wore a little treat for everyone to mark the occasion.
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everyone → sit → occasion
In case you’re not watching the video, the surprise is here.
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surprise → watch → video
It’s amazing and you’re going to want one.
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you → ’ → one
After that unveiling, JVL and Bill talked about JD Vance’s speech, Iran’s devastating attacks on a Saudi pipeline and two oil tankers, and how Trump is both crippling and corrupting the U.S. military.
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Trump → talk → military
And then they have a philosophical conversation about terrorism and the liberal order.
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they → have → terrorism
It’s good stuff.
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It → ’ → ?
Just announced: Bulwark LIVE: Benefit for Springfield
We’re heading to Ohio Friday, September 25 to raise awareness and funds for the Haitian community under siege in Springfield.
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We → announce → Springfield
How to Eat an Elephant is here.
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How → eat → Elephant
Sarah did her part by writing a book on how to get out of this mess, now we need all of you to help make sure this one gets on all the best sellers lists.
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one → do → lists
🎤Friday, October 16 at The Senate in Columbia, S.C.—Will Sommer joins the gang on stage.
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Sommer → join → stage
🎤Sunday, October 18 at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte, N.C.—special guest Pete Buttigieg joins the gang with Catherine Rampell and Lauren Eagan.
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Buttigieg → join → Rampell
🎤Tuesday, October 20 at The Eastern in Atlanta, Ga.—Gen. Mark Hertling and the Morning Shots duo—Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol—join the gang for this final stop.
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Hertling → join → stop
At Bulwark LIVE we can promise you a night of fellowship and politics with lots of laughs—and maybe a few tears too.
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we → promise → laughs
We’ll keep you sane.
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We → keep → you
New shows drop each Friday.
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shows → drop → ?
A subscription gets you:
- Unlimited access to articles and newsletters including The Triad by JVL and Receipts by Catherine Rampell.
- Ad-free editions of our shows (with transcripts) and member-only shows like The Secret Podcast.
- Plus community chats and commenting features.
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subscription → get → chats
Your support helps keep our work sustainable and available to those who cannot afford a membership.
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who → help → membership
