'If You Can Keep It': The 2026 Election Roundup
Summary
This episode analyzes the historic "blue wave" in the U.S. midterms, where Democrats seized control of the House and Senate while winning key governorships in Texas, Georgia, and New Mexico. Guests including Rep.-elect Kate Conley and Gov.-elect Deb Haaland discuss the mandate to address affordability and hold the Trump administration accountable. Reporters also break down the failure of Republican gerrymandering efforts and the political challenges facing new Democratic leadership.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Allianz Travel Insurance
Midterm results overview and victory speeches
Maine and Kansas election reactions
Show introduction and series context
Sponsor: NPR Politics Podcast
Introducing guests Arthur Delaney and Jeff Mason
Interview with Rep. Conley on NY-17 victory
Balancing cost of living and accountability
Discussion on campaign imagery and strength
Democratic strategy: Left flank vs. centrism
Defining the 'Blue Supernova' wave
Teaser: Maine Senate race analysis
Sponsor: The Indicator from Planet Money
Listener feedback on Democratic leadership
Trump's reaction to election results
Internal dynamics of the new Congress
Pressure on House leadership and caucus unity
New Mexico: Tech industry lawsuits and policy
New Mexico: Representation and firsts
Historical significance of new governors
Supreme Court reform and retirement risks
AI regulation and potential compromises
Maine: Why Susan Collins lost
Maine: Affordability and anti-Trump sentiment
Maine: Legislative and gubernatorial results
Sponsor: Fresh Air
Election security and integrity concerns
Texas: Context for the Senate race
Texas: Ground game and ticket strength
Texas: Redistricting and Latino vote shift
Analysis: Republican hubris and coalition failure
Historical parallel: Obama's 2009 rescue mission
Democratic legislative priorities and proposals
Listener questions on tariffs and leadership
House leadership dynamics and shutdown risks
Listener call: Wealth inequality and taxes
Mandate for taxing the rich
Michigan: Abdul El-Sayed's Senate win
Michigan: Vote breakdown and state trifecta
Michigan: Democratic continuity since 1961
Listener call: Corporate pricing and affordability
Procedural questions and closing remarks
Sponsor: Midi Health
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