Bulwark Takes: Tulsi’s Bizarre and Creepy Nuclear War PSA
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host/Authors: Sam Stein and Tim Miller from The Bulwark
Introduction: Unveiling Tulsi Gabbard’s Mysterious PSA
In this episode of Bulwark Takes, hosts Sam Stein and Tim Miller delve into a perplexing and unsettling video released by Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence. The video, hastily posted in the early hours following her trip to Hiroshima and other international destinations, has sparked confusion and concern among viewers. Stein and Miller aim to dissect the content, delivery, and underlying messages of this PSA, offering their critical perspectives.
Dissecting the Video: Visuals and Delivery
The episode begins with Stein and Miller expressing their bewilderment over the video's production quality and setting. They describe the background as "a blue screen" and the overall visual presentation as "uncanny" and "creepy."
Notable Quote:
Sam Stein [00:44]: “Let’s just ignore the slander and the misrepresentation of my record and we’ll go right to the video.”
As the video progresses, Tulsi Gabbard delivers a somber message about the horrors of nuclear warfare, recounting the devastation of Hiroshima. Stein and Miller highlight the juxtaposition between her serious position and the soft-focus, almost documentary-like style of the PSA.
Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [00:57]: “It was some part of some larger tour she was doing.”
Content Analysis: Escalating Nuclear Threats
Gabbard's message takes a dire turn as she compares the Hiroshima bomb to modern nuclear weapons, emphasizing the catastrophic potential of today’s arsenals. She warns of scenarios where a single bomb could "kill millions in just minutes," highlighting the devastating "shockwave" and "radioactive poison" that could follow.
Notable Quote:
Tulsi Gabbard [04:16]: “A single nuclear weapon today could kill millions in just minutes.”
Stein and Miller express skepticism over the dramatic claims, particularly questioning the assertion that the current global nuclear threat is unprecedented.
Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [07:55]: “Closer to nuclear annihilation than ever before. Ever before.”
Conspiratorial Undertones: Elites and Nuclear Warfare
As the video continues, Gabbard shifts to more conspiratorial themes, suggesting that "political elite and warmongers" are intentionally heightening tensions between nuclear powers. She insinuates that these elites are securing access to nuclear shelters for themselves, implying a sinister agenda to survive a potential nuclear fallout at the expense of the general populace.
Notable Quote:
Tulsi Gabbard [09:06]: “Political elite and warmongers are carelessly fomenting fear and tensions between nuclear powers.”
Stein and Miller interpret this as aligning with QAnon and deep-state narratives, suggesting that the PSA is designed to resonate with conspiracy-minded audiences who believe in elite-controlled underground bunkers.
Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [10:24]: “This is Russia propaganda is what this is.”
Critique of Messaging and Audience Targeting
The hosts critique the PSA’s effectiveness and target audience, arguing that its frightening imagery and dramatic music are reminiscent of Cold War-era propaganda intended to instill fear and compliance. They question the rationale behind Gabbard, as the Director of National Intelligence, producing such content, which traditionally falls outside her professional responsibilities.
Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [08:46]: “The delivery is solid. I think they nailed it. I really do.”
Despite acknowledging the professional delivery, Stein and Miller remain unconvinced of the PSA's intent, suggesting it serves as a tool to manipulate public perception regarding nuclear threats and geopolitical tensions, particularly in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Implications and Broader Context
Stein and Miller connect the PSA to broader geopolitical narratives, positing that it serves as a warning to the American public about impending nuclear conflict orchestrated by elites. They reference contemporary media and fictional portrayals like the TV show Fallout, drawing parallels between fictional underground civilizations and the alleged real-life bunkers for the elite.
Notable Quote:
Sam Stein [10:28]: “I think that the whole show is premised on this... if they can just facilitate a nuclear war that annihilates the earth.”
The discussion further touches upon potential misinformation campaigns, suggesting that the PSA could be part of a false flag operation to distract or manipulate public opinion regarding ongoing conflicts and nuclear policies.
Conclusion: A Deeper Look into Propaganda and Trust
In wrapping up the episode, Stein and Miller express their unease with the PSA, highlighting its departure from traditional intelligence communications and its alignment with fear-based conspiracy theories. They emphasize the importance of critically evaluating such messages, especially when they emanate from high-ranking officials whose roles should focus on national security rather than public fear-mongering.
Notable Quote:
Tim Miller [15:20]: “No, definitely.”
The hosts conclude by underscoring the value of dissecting and understanding the motives behind such unsettling content, advocating for vigilance against potential propaganda efforts that exploit public fears for ulterior motives.
Final Thoughts:
Bulwark Takes provides a thorough and critical examination of Tulsi Gabbard’s nuclear war PSA, unraveling its content, stylistic choices, and underlying conspiratorial messages. Through insightful analysis and pointed commentary, Sam Stein and Tim Miller offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of the video's implications in the current socio-political landscape.