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Mark Hertling and Ruben Gallego: A Rush to War | The Bulwark Podcast

2026-03-03 News & Politics
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The Bulwark
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Description

The facts on the ground and the ludicrous statements speak for themselves: The administration inadequately planned for the execution of this war. That's likely why six service members were killed in an insufficiently protected facility. It's why our embassy in Riyadh was hit with drones. And the administration clearly does not have an exit plan. Venezuela had Trump thinking this could be a cakewalk, but in the Middle East, circumstances can change in a heartbeat. Plus, Israel's role in pushing for the military campaign, Marco's effort to pawn off responsibility for the war, and Gallego's endorsement of Graham Platner in the Maine Senate Democratic primary. Sen. Ruben Gallego and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling join Tim Miller. Make the switch to Sundays. Go right now to https://sundaysfordogs.com/BULWARK50 and get 50% off your first order. Or, you can use code BULWARK50 at checkout. Save more than fifty percent on term life insurance at https://SELECTQUOTE.COM/BULWARK to get started. Show Notes: Pre-order Hertling's new book, "If I Don't Return: A Father's Wartime Journal": https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/if-i-dont-return Watch The Bulwark's LIVE coverage of the Texas Senate primary: https://www.youtube.com/@bulwarkmedia/streams Carol Leonnig's reporting on the firing of FBI agents with Iran expertise: https://www.ms.now/news/kash-patels-latest-firings-ousted-agents-with-expertise-in-iran Tickets for our LIVE show in Austin on March 19: TheBulwark.com/Events. Become a Bulwark Youtube Plus Member here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG4Hp1KbGw4e02N7FpPXDgQ/join Chapters: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:34 Mark Hertling joins 00:06:44 Mixed messages from the White House (Vance, Hegseth) 00:10:43 Munitions stockpiles, costs, and what we’re targeting 00:16:27 Ad break: Sundays for Dogs 00:18:03 “Imminent threat” and the Rubio explanation 00:21:45 Kuwait strike, base protection, and the drone problem 00:27:52 Ad break: SelectQuote 00:29:08 Evacuations and the risks of poor pre-war planning 00:35:11 Hertling’s book: writing a wartime journal for his kids 00:49:20 Senator Ruben Gallego joins: Iraq war lessons and anger over Iran 00:59:38 FBI/ATF resources, immigration enforcement, and Dem messaging on war & border

Top Comments (10)

@YvetteBozzini 2026-03-03

The General is a treasure for explaining the inexplicable.

136 2 replies
@cgb1111 2026-03-03

Lt Gen Hertling is invaluble in explaining what is actually happening.

207 4 replies
@krayo22 2026-03-03

I’m a total urban dweller who is so far removed from any kind of military life. And I’m NOT a crier but Gen Hertling’s interview made me so emotional for some reason. He seems like such a good man and breath of fresh air in the midst of this political madness. Thank you for your service Gen, in the military and now in these dark times.

107 3 replies
@lindamacdonald9220 2026-03-03

Thank you Tim and The Bulwark for this great conversation with General Hertling. Such an honorable man. Thank you General. Thank you Bulwark.

89 1 replies
@JenHertzCareerCoach 2026-03-03

Amazing discussion with Mark Hertling!!!!

73 1 replies
@cicin101 2026-03-03

Hertling’s voice is so refreshing. He must have been a remarkable soldier.

27
@thomasmillott8061 2026-03-04

General Hertling is a man of heart and mind. It seems to me he personifies the best of us.

29
@gaymarglin9071 2026-03-03

Lt General Hertling is a great addition to the team. I really enjoy his perspective, knowledge, and expertise.

28
@Greenriver592 2026-03-03

The General really knows the situation. I wish he was is charge right now.

36 1 replies
@JoanEddy 2026-03-03

In these terrible times, as I listen to your conversation with Gen. Hertling, I find myself saying a little prayer of thanks for the light that still shines in the darkness.

26

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