JVL Is the Reigning Champion of All the Internet

In this episode of The Bulwark, JVL celebrates his unexpected win of a 'People's Choice' Webby Award, using the moment as a satirical springboard to critique the legitimacy and motives behind major awards ceremonies, particularly those tied to selling event tables. The hosts then pivot to a sharp analysis of Tucker Carlson’s recent on-air confession about his past support for Donald Trump, dissecting it as a calculated political maneuver rather than genuine remorse. They argue that Carlson, despite his self-proclaimed 'sorrow,' remains a manipulative figure exploiting the split between 'America First' populists and the MAGA establishment. The conversation intensifies with a debate over Donald J. Trump Jr.'s potential 2028 presidential run, with Tim Miller cautioning that while the idea has strategic logic—especially in preserving the Trump family's political grift—Trump himself may not respect his son enough to endorse him. Sarah Longwell adds that Don Jr.’s personal image and lack of gravitas could undermine his viability, even if he’s a cult favorite among MAGA base. The episode ends on a note of cautious realism: Trump’s enduring popularity, even in decline, makes succession a complex, ego-driven puzzle.