Trump’s Foreign Policy Could Define the Midterms — And He’s Losing
Summary
Jessica Tarlov interviews Ryan Grimm of Drop Site News about the 2026 midterms, focusing on Trump’s foreign policy missteps and internal Democratic tensions. They analyze the Michigan Senate race, where establishment attacks on progressive Abdul El-Sayed may backfire, and discuss Ed Markey’s primary lead in Massachusetts. The conversation also covers US military supply shortages in the Iran conflict and the Pentagon’s controversial use of paid influencers.
Topics discussed
Mount Sinai's new Carolyn Rowan Center for Women's Health
Criticism of trade war with Canada and rising gas prices
Midterm elections outlook and Democratic polling
US foreign policy influence on the 2026 election cycle
Confusion over ongoing military strikes and 'win' claims
Impact of beef tariffs on ranchers in swing states
Concerns about Trump's strategy ahead of November
Democratic unity against Trump's 'war of choice'
The 'Big Tent' metaphor and party membership dynamics
Comparing US party structures to UK Labour Party rules
Third Way spending and attacks on DSA candidates
Polarization of Michigan race around Hassan Piker
Media and establishment perception of the Piker discourse
Corporate funding vs. grassroots in Democratic primaries
Anti-Semitism accusations and voter priorities in Michigan
Abdul Al Sayed's campaign strategy and establishment support
Analysis of the Michigan Senate race dynamics
Cost of party establishment opposition to candidates
Nera's support for Abdul Al Sayed and APEC spending
Mike Rogers' rejection of APEC money and strategic shifts
Potential voter suppression tactics in Detroit and Upper Peninsula
Voter turnout surge vs. suppression efforts
Risks of choosing Haley Stevens and youth frustration
Optimism for Abdul Al Sayed's flexibility and win
Exhaustion with Piker discourse and conservative media fatigue
Impact of Michigan race on other close races nationwide
Sponsorship: Ground News and Amazon drone delivery headlines
Sponsorship: Ground News subscription offer
Sponsorship: HomeServe home maintenance coverage
Sponsorship: AG1 health drink for fall routines
Sponsorship: AG1 product details and discount code
Massachusetts Senate race: Marky's lead and generational analysis
Ed Markey's policy positions and coherence
Critique of Biden's 'bridge candidate' strategy
Ed Markey's age and actuarial tables in politics
Why generational change alone may not win the seat
AOC, Schumer, and the size of Marky's lead
Military warning to Pete Hegseth on Iran operations
Collision of political narrative with material reality
Physical limits of US military stockpiles and logistics
Israel's missile defense stockpile depletion
Logistical challenges of resupplying from Diego Garcia
Iran's public threats of regional war escalation
Internal dissent among senior US officials
Balance between independent media and newsroom operations
Jeremy Scahill's reporting on Gaza and Iran
Critique of newsrooms ignoring global perspectives
Journalism ethics and talking to controversial sources
Value of diverse perspectives in shaping the picture
Sponsorship: Hims online healthcare services
Sponsorship: The Monday Music Club podcast
Washington Post report on paid conservative influencers
Surprise at military and Democratic influencer payments
Why paying influencers is disturbing for the Pentagon
Confusion over leak protocols among paid sources
Journalist livelihoods and the weight of war reporting
Cautious reporting on Pentagon influencer scandal
Google Maps renaming Lake Erie to Lake of America
Trump's preference for avoiding real issues in trade talks
Critique of 'Lake of America' name and North American context
Economic anxiety: gas prices, jobs, and trade war
Howard Lutnick's role in disrupting Canada negotiations
Impact of food recalls and rising grocery prices
Republican incumbents making it easier for challengers
Potential for multi-layered rejection of MAGA in Nebraska
Closing remarks and thanks to Ryan Grimm
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