The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →In the October 1, 2026 episode of The Bulwark Daily, host Tim Miller talks with Josh Barro and Jonathan V. Last about why people can feel economically stuck even when the show argues the United States is not in a recession. The conversation links household frustration to borrowing costs and fiscal pressures, then turns to war-related risks in oil shipping, political rhetoric about masculinity, and the role of shame in public life.
What is this episode about?
This is an episode of The Bulwark Daily, hosted by Tim Miller, with Josh Barro and Jonathan V. Last as guests. The publisher’s episode description presents Barro’s segment as an explanation of the gap between recession fears and people’s day-to-day sense that the economy is not working for them. Last discusses how uncertainty around the war may affect oil markets. The show later moves into political personnel news, rhetoric associated with Pete Hegseth, and the social function of shame.
The phrase “patriotic cowboys” comes from a clip discussed in the episode transcript, not from the official episode title. The available transcript alone does not establish the clip’s provenance, so it should not be treated as an independently authenticated quotation from Hegseth.
What did Josh Barro say about the economy?
According to the publisher’s description, Barro’s argument is that the country is not in a recession, but that people can still feel stuck because borrowing costs are higher. The description also says he connects large budget deficits with inflationary pressure and argues that the president’s war is worsening economic conditions. These are the positions the show attributes to Barro, not a neutral finding established by the episode listing.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The distinction is between an economy meeting the definition of recession and households finding everyday financial conditions difficult. An economy can avoid a recession while people remain frustrated by the cost of borrowing and other pressures. The episode description does not supply data or a methodology for evaluating Barro’s claims, so it is best read as a summary of his analysis rather than an independent economic assessment.
Why does Jonathan V. Last say oil costs can stay elevated?
Last’s explanation, as represented in the episode transcript, focuses on a war-related risk premium. Even if some shipping resumes, market participants may still have to account for uncertainty about when the conflict will end and whether insurance, fuel, or passage will cost more. That is his analysis in the conversation; the transcript does not independently verify current market conditions.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
The transcript attributes to Last a comparison that moving a barrel of oil from the Gulf east into Asia cost about $3 before the war and $34 at the time of the discussion, citing Argus freight-logistics data. The original Argus data and its methodology are not provided here, so those figures should be understood as a number Last cited in the episode, not as an independently confirmed statistic. His prediction that the cost “ain’t going back to three again” is likewise a forecast, not a known outcome.
What does “patriotic cowboys” refer to?
The transcript presents the phrase “The ideological clowns are out. The patriotic cowboys are in with testosterone testing on top” as audio from a Hegseth clip discussed by the hosts. The episode’s official description separately flags Hegseth’s focus on masculinity. Because the transcript does not authenticate the original clip, the wording should be treated as the podcast’s discussion of a clip unless the recording or an official transcript is checked.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
In the episode’s sequence, the military-rhetoric discussion is part of a wider turn from economic concerns to political language and public conduct. The transcript is a guide to what the hosts discuss; it is not, by itself, confirmation of claims about the original speaker or the surrounding event.
What does Last argue about shame?
Later in the conversation, Last argues that social shame can discourage behavior that is difficult or undesirable to regulate through law. The transcript renders his point as: “If you don’t have shame, then everything in a society has to be regulated by law.” This is Last’s argument in the episode, not a claim that shame should replace legal rules. Exact wording is based on the third-party transcript.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Where can you listen?
The Bulwark’s official episode page lists podcast listening options and says ad-free editions are exclusive to Bulwark+ members. The page is the place to check for current platform links and membership access details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
