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LIVE REACTION: Hegseth Press Event, Iran War Updates (w/ Tom Nichols)

2026-03-04 News & Politics
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The Bulwark
The Bulwark
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Description

Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.), Tom Nichols, and Ben Parker are LIVE to discuss the war with Iran—especially the bigger strategic question: what comes after the airstrikes. They react to Pete Hegseth’s press conference, and answer audience questions about escalation, the point of no return, and how the U.S. and Israel actually coordinate in wartime. You can preorder Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/If-Dont-Return-Fathers-Wartime/dp/1966786727/?tag=bulwark08-20

Top Comments (10)

@DoesItEvenMatter-12 2026-03-04

Hegseth doesn't sound like a squad leader, he sounds like an infomercial pitchman selling a Temu SlapChop on QVC

504 38 replies
@Purple1984Rain 2026-03-04

Hegseth always speaks like he’s auditioning for a Commamder role in Top Gun. It’s performative and extremely dangerous.

362 31 replies
@archaeobard1 2026-03-04

Looking in from the UK, I can honestly say, Hegseth makes my skin crawl and scares the sh!t out of me. He's the kind of man who will get a whole bunch of people killed out of idiocy. I have a friend in the UAE who's got 4 bug out bags sat by the front door for the family and periodically has to shelter in a windowless corridor. Hegseth's schoolyard, 'my gun is bigger than your gun', war talk is infuriating. If his windows were rattling, he'd probably p!ss himself.

329 32 replies
@jenniferwalker9034 2026-03-04

I find the way Lt. Gen Hertling speaks to people fascinating. So respectful, inclusive, and honest.

239 16 replies
@Crystal100 2026-03-04

Hegseth sounds like he’s maniacally playing a video game.

204 11 replies
@anthonymaduska5483 2026-03-04

Profound respect for Tom and Lt Gen Hertling. TY Ben and Bulwark!

159 1 replies
@LarryGarde 2026-03-04

"Oily snarkiness" - Hegseth described in two words! Well said Tom Nichols.

155 7 replies
@JimJanz 2026-03-04

A failure to plan is a plan to fail.

147 1 replies
@davidcoleman757 2026-03-04

Please pair Tom and Lt. General Hertling up again - this was excellent.

144 3 replies
@GlobalCitizen55 2026-03-05

Hegseth doesn’t sound like a responsible being who values human life. His words are bombastic and callous.

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