Trump calls Iran War 'small potatoes'
Summary
Brian Lehrer discusses the 2026 midterms with Jonathan Lemire, who argues Trump is pursuing economic sanctions on Iran to distract voters from a politically damaging war. They analyze how the conflict impacts Republican prospects, the strategic importance of congressional control, and Trump’s efforts to undermine election integrity. The conversation also covers Trump’s planned midterm convention and his reliance on a curated media echo chamber to maintain a false sense of public support.
Topics discussed
Intro: Labor Day, midterms, and mail-in ballot disputes
Trump calls Iran conflict 'small potatoes'
Guest intro: Jonathan Lemire and the stretch run
Stated vs. real reasons for Iran economic sanctions
Trump's 'small potatoes' comment and casualty comparisons
Trump's boredom with the war and inability to end it
Iran's proxy attacks and Strait of Hormuz dynamics
Is the US winning? Drone warfare and mine-laying
Why the midterms matter: subpoenas and checks on power
Which party does Iran prefer? GOP's war fatigue
China's gains and potential new theaters of conflict
Listener texts: Iran's preference and election integrity
Threats to election integrity and sowing doubt in results
Trump's media echo chamber and midterms roadshow
The midterm convention and NFL scheduling conflict
Outro and WNYS sponsorship information
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