Running on Empty (with Ron Brownstein)
Summary
Hacks on Tap hosts David Axelrod, John Heilman, and Mike Murphy are joined by Ron Brownstein to analyze President Trump’s plummeting approval ratings and their impact on the upcoming midterms. The group discusses how Trump’s controversial comments about military conditions and his focus on a White House ballroom are alienating voters, particularly in key swing states like Michigan and Ohio. They also examine the political strategies of candidates like Jon Ossoff and Abdul El-Sayed, debating whether confrontational tactics or ideological shifts will determine Democratic success in November.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Bombas and Vanta
Introduction to Hacks on Tap
Trump's Iran adventure and naval strain
Trump's declining approval and erratic policies
Criticism of Trump's comments on military service
Midterm election outlook and historical benchmarks
House races, redistricting, and campaign spending
Sponsors: Quince, Aura Frames, and Upwork
Historical midterm waves and Midwest dynamics
Michigan Senate race: El-Sayed vs. Rogers
Democratic turnout and primary strategies
Economic impact on farmers and pickup truck owners
Sponsors: Odoo, Fetch, and Aura Frames
John Ossoff's viral attacks on Trump
2028 Democratic primary calendar changes
Impact of new primary calendar on states
Arizona governor race and Kari Lake's successor
Voter turnout risks and Latino voter trends
Polling inaccuracies in recent primaries
Outro and final sponsors
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