Blue Wave or Blue Ripple?
Summary
Hosts David Plotz, John Dickerson, and Emily Bazelon analyze the 2026 midterm landscape, noting favorable polls for Democrats despite Republican funding advantages. They discuss the Cornell fraternity rape case, examining the complex evidence, the DA's failure to prosecute, and the broader cultural issues of consent and fraternity culture. The episode also briefly touches on the political fight over daylight savings time.
Topics discussed
Intro, host banter, and show announcements
Sponsors and preview of midterm polling discussion
Analysis of current midterm polls and Republican environment
Key Senate races: Texas, North Carolina, and candidate quality
Democratic strategy, candidate viability, and party unity
Voter enthusiasm and the potential for a Democratic wave
Polling data in red states and Republican messaging
Why culture war issues are not driving the election
Election integrity concerns and voting process risks
Sponsor segments: Bombas, Vanguard, and Built
Cornell fraternity case: Background and initial investigation
The 'hinge point': Snapchat messages and group dynamics
Legal failures: DA decision and Title IX process
Victim's account, evidence gaps, and societal implications
Broader issues: Hazing, alcohol, and male group behavior
Comparing this case to Duke and UVA scandals
Political interference and public official statements
Daylight Saving Time: History and Trump's intervention
Debate on DST: Health, safety, and state-level options
Personal preferences and the Tom Cotton phone number incident
Justice Alito's essay and the crisis of originalism
Cocktail Chatter: Trump contracts, Vicksburg, and TV recs
AI hallucination incident and Slate Money podcast promo
Outro and final sponsor read
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