Storming the Capital (with Abdul and JB)
Summary
Pod Save America hosts Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed to analyze the historic 2024 midterm results, where Democrats won the House and Senate. The group discusses the "red wave" failure, Trump’s reaction to his defeat, and the specific policy priorities of the new Democratic majority, including reversing Medicaid cuts and ending the war in Iran. El-Sayed also shares his vision for governing, emphasizing the need to stand up to political bullying and address the root causes of high costs.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: SimpliSafe Home Security
Crooked Con lineup announcement
Sponsor: Travel rewards program
Election night results and upsets
Projected House and Senate majorities
Trump's reaction: Ballroom and distraction
Trump's isolation from news and bubble
Trump's desire for bipartisan celebration
Trump's brief permitting reform stance
Israel and war crimes discussion
Ad spending disparity in Anchorage
Impact of Trump rallies on Republican results
Searchlight Institute entrance poll data
Candidate popularity vs. party brand
Latinx turnout surge in Texas
Analysis of Democratic campaign strategies
Real governance vs. abstract opposition
Synthesis of Obama and Sanders politics
Future internal Democratic debates
Sponsor: Aura Frames
Sponsor: Aura Frames (continued)
Sponsor: Blinds.com
Sponsor: Blinds.com (continued)
Marketing public policy and podcasts
Interview: Abdul El-Sayed on perception
El-Sayed on decorum and responsibility
El-Sayed on standing up to power
El-Sayed on schoolyard politics and Islam
El-Sayed's political philosophy on children
El-Sayed on splitting the meal metaphor
El-Sayed on US funding of Israel
El-Sayed on Egypt and human rights
Bipartisan passage of legislation
Tariff war with Canada and Canadian politeness
Super PACs and manufactured consensus
Muslim brotherhood and attack ads
Casual chat: Gatorade and protein chips
Casual chat: Espresso and lattes
Sponsor: Trees.com
Sponsor: CookUnity
New House majority agenda priorities
Impeaching Hegseth and gas prices
First month legislative priorities
Specific bills to pass: Tariffs to Data Centers
Republican post-election reactions
JD Vance's 2028 speculation
Marco Rubio's potential resignation
Rubio's media presence and strategy
Rubio's role in Venezuela and Iran
Vance's unofficial 2028 rollout
Responsibility for Iran war and tariffs
Trump's responsibility and 25th Amendment
Vance's path to presidency
Other potential 2028 candidates
Vance as a cipher and historical parallels
Sponsor: Movie trailer for Chilean coup film
Sponsor: Las Culturistas podcast
Sponsor: Las Culturistas (continued)
Common message on gas and grocery prices
Avoiding one-bill agenda approach
State-level impacts of Medicaid cuts
National Popular Vote Interstate Compact
Nationwide redistricting and independent commissions
Illinois redistricting history
Texas House Democrats breaking quorum
Support for Jeannie Hinojosa's campaign
ROI on campaign spending
Blame for Florida governor's race loss
Data center infrastructure and equity
Game: Two Takes and a Fake intro
Game: Round 1 results
Game: Round 2 results
Game: Round 3 results
Game: Round 4 results
Outro and upcoming guests
Sponsor: Travel rewards program (repeat)
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