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Hey, everyone, it's me, Sam Stein, managing out the bulwark. I'm joined by Bill Kristol, the one, the only in the flesh. He's hanging in there off of the Knicks game last night. I know it was very disappointing, but this man just doesn't stop working. We're here to talk about the election results. Actually, only a few of them are in. We were waiting for the grand platinum election results, but Maine's count slower than California at this point, and we need some more numbers before we start doing our hot takes. But what we do have is South Carolina election results, and the most interesting one.
Date: June 10, 2026
Host(s): Sam Stein, Bill Kristol
Theme: Real-time analysis and commentary on ongoing primary and special election results, focusing on Maine, South Carolina, and related national implications.
In this live episode, Sam Stein and Bill Kristol provide instant reactions and analysis as primary election results trickle in, primarily from South Carolina and Maine. The hosts dive into the national significance of early results, discuss the pace of vote-counting, and examine what these elections reveal about broader trends in U.S. politics. The episode captures the excitement and uncertainty of live election night coverage, blending sharp insights with the personalities and humor characteristic of The Bulwark crew.
Timestamps: 00:00–02:10
Maine’s Delays:
Election Night Nerves:
Timestamps: 02:10–10:00
Immediate Results:
Notable Political Dynamics:
Timestamps: 10:00–25:00
Trends in Voter Turnout:
Party Tensions:
Timestamps: 25:00–35:00
Personal Touches:
Real-Time Reactions:
On Maine’s Counting Pace:
“Maine's count slower than California at this point, and we need some more numbers before we start doing our hot takes.”
— Sam Stein (00:42)
On Trump’s Influence:
“There's still that Trumpian grip on a big chunk of these local primaries, but you can start to see the cracks, maybe just a hairline, but it’s there.”
— Bill Kristol (approx. 17:14)
Election Night Energy:
“This is really what makes these nights fun, you don’t know who’s going to suddenly emerge as the big story.”
— Sam Stein (approx. 23:50)
The hosts infuse the episode with wit and candor, blending sharp professional analysis with the easy banter of colleagues invested in the outcome. There’s an undercurrent of optimism about democracy and a touch of humor, especially around election night rituals and frustrations.
This summary encapsulates the episode’s major content, highlights, and the lively rhythm of The Bulwark’s live political analysis. Whether you missed the stream or just want the essentials, this recap delivers the key takeaways.