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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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