"Will Trump Cost Mitch the Senate?"

The Republican Party is facing internal discord as Donald Trump and Mitch McConnell clash over the GOP's chances of regaining control of the Senate. The election forecasters suggest that the outcome is uncertain, and McConnell himself seems to agree that the House is more likely to flip than the Senate. Trump, on the other hand, has been actively promoting his party's candidates but has also criticized McConnell for not doing enough to help them. The hosts of Dare We Say discussed the role of performative activism and social media in mobilizing people for various causes, both positively and negatively. Additionally, they touched upon the controversy surrounding the Zara landing page. In the news, the ongoing tension between Trump and McConnell highlights the uncertainty surrounding the midterm elections. McConnell's criticism of Trump's recruitment of candidates could be interpreted as a way to deflect blame if the Democrats keep the Senate. McConnell's statement about the challenges of Senate races and the importance of candidate quality further emphasizes the significance of individual candidates in determining the outcome.

The quality of candidates endorsed by political leaders, such as Mitch McConnell, can significantly impact the outcome of elections. This was highlighted during the 2010 and 2012 Senate races when the Republican Party missed opportunities to retake the Senate due to poor candidate quality. More recently, the National Republican Senatorial Committee has cut advertising spending in key states, raising concerns about the quality of candidates they are supporting. Trump-endorsed candidates like Herschel Walker in Georgia and Doctor Oz in Pennsylvania have faced criticism for their performances. McConnell himself has criticized the candidate quality and expressed frustration over the need to spend large sums of money to support them. Ultimately, the success of the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections may depend on the strength of its candidates.

The 2022 midterm elections are seeing significant spending from both parties, with the Democratic Party holding a substantial cash advantage over the Republican Party. The NRSC, the Republican campaign committee, has been criticized for its poor fundraising performance and reliance on large donations from billionaires and Super PACs. Meanwhile, the DSCC, the Democratic campaign committee, has nearly twice as much cash on hand. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of influential figures like Mitch McConnell and Leonard Leo, who are reportedly contributing large sums to Republican causes. The consensus is that the NRSC is poorly managed, and the Republicans are struggling to mobilize small donations from their base. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of controversial figures like Leonard Leo, who is known for his close ties to the Federalist Society and right-wing causes. The Marble Freedom Trust, a new organization controlled by Leo, recently received a $1.6 billion donation from a manufacturing mogul, adding to the overall complexity and potential influence of money in the election.

The unprecedented $1.6 billion donation made to a right-wing organization by a dark money group, under the guise of social welfare, has the potential to significantly influence politics in the US, beyond just electoral campaigns. This donation, the largest in history, can be used to fund institutions, policy, think tanks, and media organizations, seeding a right-wing MAGA revolution across the country. The implications of this are concerning, as it raises questions about the fairness and integrity of the political system. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted the competitiveness of certain Senate races, specifically those of Democrats Raphael Warnock in Georgia, Mark Kelly in Arizona, Catherine Cortez Masto in Nevada, and Maggie Hassan in New Hampshire. The potential Republican opponents in these races, such as Donald Bolduc in New Hampshire, were described as extreme and potentially damaging to the Democratic candidates' chances of re-election. In summary, the conversation underscored the importance of the upcoming elections, with the potential for significant influence from large political donations and the impact of extreme candidates on the political landscape.

The Democratic party's path to winning the Senate seats in Georgia and Arizona depends on either higher Democratic turnout or Republican split ticket voters. In the Georgia race, Herschel Walker is considered a terrible candidate, and there's a strong dislike for him among black voters who had previously voted for Joe Biden. In Arizona, Mark Kelly is currently leading against Blake Masters, but the Republican Party in Arizona is unpredictable, and Mark Kelly's old-school issue-based campaign might not be enough to secure his win. In Nevada, Catherine Cortez Masto's re-election campaign is considered vulnerable due to the state's demographics and the challenges of incumbency. Overall, the election is shaping up to be a battle of turnout and issue-based campaigns.

The upcoming Senate races in Nevada and Pennsylvania are crucial for Democrats to maintain their Senate majority. In Nevada, Catherine Cortez Masto is running on issues like drought relief funding, inflation reduction, and abortion, contrasting her record with Republican Adam Laxalt's controversial past. In Pennsylvania, John Fetterman's impressive campaign, despite his health challenges, has shifted the race from a toss-up to lean Democratic due to Dr. Mehmet Oz's missteps and Fetterman's team's effective digital strategy. These races demonstrate the importance of strong candidates and effective campaigns in close races. Additionally, the missteps of weak candidates like Dr. Oz can significantly impact the outcome of elections.

The upcoming midterm elections in the United States are expected to be competitive, particularly in certain key races. In Wisconsin, Mandela Barnes is leading in polls against incumbent Republican Senator Ron Johnson. Barnes' chances are seen as promising due to Johnson's controversial actions and anti-incumbent sentiment. Ohio, Iowa, Florida, and North Carolina are other states where Democrats have a chance to flip Republican seats. These races are considered long shots due to the Republican strongholds in these states, but the large fundraising gaps in favor of Democratic candidates offer hope. In Ohio, Tim Ryan is challenging JD Vance, and the Democratic candidate has significantly outraised his opponent. In Iowa, Adam O'Mike Franken is running against Chuck Grassley, and the veteran's impressive background and local ties make the race noteworthy. Despite some skepticism due to past election results, there is optimism among Democrats and their supporters that these races could result in Democratic victories.

The upcoming senate races, including those in Florida and Texas, are crucial for the Democratic party as they could potentially expand their majority by adding senators who are pro-choice and anti-filibuster. Marco Rubio's lackluster campaign and poor public image offer an opportunity for Democrats to make a strong impact. Beto O'Rourke, a Democratic candidate for governor in Texas, is applying lessons learned from his previous senate campaign in 2018, including not taking any voters for granted and reaching out to traditionally underrepresented communities. O'Rourke also acknowledged a mistake from his previous campaign where he assumed voters understood the danger of opposing candidates, and he now plans to engage with more voters to emphasize the importance of change. Voter registration and mobilization efforts, such as those led by Vote Save America and Vote Pro Choice, are essential to turning out new Democratic voters and securing key victories in these states.

During the 2022 Texas gubernatorial race, Beto O'Rourke emphasized the significant differences between himself and incumbent Governor Greg Abbott. O'Rourke criticized Abbott's handling of various issues, including the power outages, utility bills, property tax increases, and mass shootings. He also highlighted Abbott's stance on abortion and gun laws. O'Rourke aimed to contrast their approaches, focusing on education, healthcare, and community investment. He also mentioned the importance of bipartisan cooperation on gun control. Despite not winning the election, O'Rourke highlighted the progress made in the 2018 election, which saw record voter turnout and the election of numerous Democrats. He intends to build on this base and continue working towards his goals.

The families affected by school shootings in Texas, regardless of political affiliation, want action to prevent future tragedies. The common ground between Republicans and Democrats lies in the need for political leadership to address gun control and raise the minimum age for purchase. However, the lack of action from Governor Abbott on this issue is concerning, especially as most kids in Texas have already started the new school year without any changes to make classrooms safer. Economy is a major concern for voters in rural areas, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley, where the disparity between oil and gas jobs and other employment is significant. In the 2020 election, Republicans effectively capitalized on this issue by focusing on jobs, while Democrats were criticized for not making a strong enough connection with voters on the economy. Democrats need to work harder to address these concerns and provide a compelling message to win over these voters.

The issues of border crisis and lack of infrastructure have significantly impacted communities in Texas, causing produce to rot and hardships for residents. Beto O'Rourke is addressing these concerns by advocating for US-Mexico trade support, minimum wage increase, Medicaid expansion, and public school investment. He believes in earning votes by showing up and listening to communities. The recent Dobbs decision on abortion has further motivated Texans to fight for change, as they did 50 years ago with Roe v. Wade. Texas women are expected to lead the way once again, and O'Rourke sees this determination in the crowds he encounters on the campaign trail.

The fight for voting rights in Texas, despite the challenges and setbacks, is not hopeless. The history of Texas, as exemplified by figures like Lawrence Nixon, shows that ordinary people have the power to overcome voter suppression and intimidation. However, this will require extraordinary effort and courage from a large number of individuals. The current political climate in Texas, marked by voter suppression and intimidation, is a far cry from the future we can create. The book "We've Got to Try" tells inspiring stories of individuals who have fought for voting rights and reminds us of the progress made, but also the work that still needs to be done. It's essential to counteract the negative and sometimes violent rhetoric in conservative media with a message of hope and determination. The future of voting rights in Texas is not predetermined, and it's up to each of us to put in the work and make a difference.

We are currently experiencing a defining moment in American history, where the future of our democracy hangs in the balance. The rhetoric and actions of certain political figures, like Tucker Carlson, have led to real-world violence and intimidation, threatening the safety of politicians and the integrity of elections. This situation echoes historical events, such as the post-Reconstruction era in Texas, where armed vigilantes stole ballot boxes and prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. If we fail to act now, we may lose our democracy for decades or even permanently. It's crucial that we learn from history and take action to protect voting rights and save our democracy. The stakes are high, and the 2022 elections could be a turning point in this ongoing struggle. The battlefield is in Texas, and it's essential that we come together and make our voices heard to ensure a fair and free election.

The release of Jared Kushner's memoir, "Breaking History," has been met with harsh criticism, with the New York Times calling it "soulless" and comparing it to a tour of a burned-down house. The book, which is 492 pages long, has been panned for Kushner's self-aggrandizing tone and lack of introspection. Critics argue that the book is not for the MAGA base or moderates, leaving its intended audience unclear. Despite Kushner's involvement in the White House for four years, some feel that he has not earned the right to write such a lengthy memoir. Overall, the reception to Kushner's book has been underwhelming, with many questioning its purpose and value.

The Abraham Accords, a significant diplomatic achievement between Israel and several Middle Eastern countries, should not be dismissed as mere trade agreements or political maneuvers. The Accords represent a historic shift in regional politics, yet they have been subjected to criticism and dismissal. The discussion also touched upon the idea of a competition to read and write a book report on Jared Kushner's political biography, with some reservations about the book's merit and potential manipulation of sales figures. The speakers expressed concerns about nepotism and optimism in politics, as well as the potential for wealthy individuals like Kushner to profit from their political connections. Ultimately, the conversation highlighted the importance of critically evaluating political developments and recognizing their significance beyond superficial assessments.

The production of the Crooked Media podcast involves a team of dedicated individuals. Kyle Seglen and Charlotte Landis worked together as sound engineers, ensuring high-quality audio for each episode. The show's success wouldn't be possible without the production support from Tanya Sominator, Sandy Gerard, Hallie Kiefer, Ari Schwartz, Andy Taft, and Justine Howe. Additionally, the digital team, including Elijah Cone, Phoebe Bradford, Milo Kim, and Emilio Montourg, is responsible for uploading the episodes as videos on YouTube. It's clear that the creation of a successful podcast requires a collaborative effort from a talented and committed team.