Mark Hertling: Performative and Deadly

In this episode of The Bulwark Podcast, Tim Miller interviews retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, focusing on current military and political issues. They discuss the U.S. military strike on an alleged drug-running boat outside Venezuela, questioning its legality and strategic value, and explore the broader implications of the Trump administration's approach to counter-narcotics efforts. The conversation shifts to military purges and the importance of independent military advice, highlighting instances where dissenting voices have been silenced. They also analyze Trump's claims of solving international conflicts, the potential misuse of the National Guard for policing activities, and the dangers of recruiting individuals with extremist views into law enforcement. Finally, they address the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Gaza situation, and the controversy surrounding military honors for Ashli Babbitt, concluding with a discussion on vaccine mandates and a call for citizen engagement.