Which Democrats Have What It Takes to Win the White House?
May 17, 2026
Summary
Dan Pfeiffer and David Axelrod analyze the 2028 midterm landscape, discussing the anti-establishment upset in Maine and the competitive Texas Senate race featuring James Tallarico. They evaluate Barack Obama’s campaign appearance for Tallarico and assess Democratic chances in key states like Alaska and Ohio. The conversation also covers AOC’s viral comments on her political ambitions, with Axelrod suggesting she is more likely to target the Senate than the presidency.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsor reads, and guest introduction
Analysis of the Maine Senate primary and establishment fatigue
Texas Senate race: James Tallarico, vegan controversy, and Obama's visit
Democratic prospects in Alaska and other swing states
Sponsor reads: Fast Growing Trees and Strawberry.me
Revisiting Maine: Susan Collins' exit and Plattner's rise
Texas politics: Trump's strategy, Latino voters, and GOP primary dynamics
Sponsor read: Tommy John underwear
Crooked Media membership and sponsor reads
Senate races in Alaska, Nebraska, and Montana
2028 Presidential outlook: Reform, affordability, and character
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez: Presidential ambitions vs. Senate run
Sponsor read: BILT rewards
Crooked Media membership and sponsor reads
Jon Ossoff: Communication style and political potential
Pete Buttigieg: Evolution, empathy, and 2028 viability
Josh Shapiro: Pennsylvania's demographic shift and leadership
Gaza policy and its impact on Democratic candidates
Kamala Harris: 2024 performance and 2028 prospects
Other 2028 contenders: Pritzker, Cuban, and Stewart
Outro, credits, and final sponsor reads
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