Democrats Aren’t Winning Because They’re Brilliant. It’s Trump.
Summary
Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Liz Smith discuss the 2026 midterm elections at Dartmouth College, debating whether Democrats will win through persuasion or anti-Trump sentiment. The panelists analyze the Republican shift toward nationalism and the need for the Democratic Party to embrace diverse, unconventional candidates to broaden its coalition. They also address the challenges of maintaining dialogue in a polarized political landscape and the importance of local engagement over national cynicism.
Topics discussed
Introduction and arrival at Dartmouth
Welcome, housekeeping, and guest introductions
Debunking the myth that mobilization alone wins elections
Assessing 2026 midterm prospects and candidate types
Polling reliability and the 2020 election comparison
The shift of the Republican Party toward nationalism
Democratic coalition diversity and the median voter
Highlighting unconventional and diverse Democratic candidates
The appeal of unpolished candidates to journalists
Embracing messy political views and authenticity
Reconciling political idealism with reality
Local community resilience and acts of courage
Finding hope in local races and grassroots politics
The possibility of bipartisan cooperation and civility
Analysis of Abdul El-Saeed's Michigan race
Strategies for addressing populist sentiment
The tail risks of Donald Trump and lawlessness
The normalization of election interference
Speculating on 2028 presidential candidates
The wide-open nature of the 2028 primary
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