Still Counting Still Counting

6: What Could Still Change Before the Midterms?

Oct 14, 2026 · 1h 10m

Summary

Hosts Galen Drake, Claire Malone, and Nate Silber analyze the 2026 midterm election landscape, noting that Democrats maintain a strong lead in House and Senate forecasts despite stagnant momentum. The trio debates whether material concerns like gas prices and the Iran war are driving voter sentiment more than traditional partisan outrage, comparing the current cycle to 2006. They also play a game debunking conventional wisdom regarding GOP spending, Democratic enthusiasm, and the rapid debunking of a conspiracy theory about James Tallarico’s health.

Topics discussed

Intro, housekeeping, and YouTube promo Flipper odds and the impact of gas prices Is the House race 'baked'? State-by-state leads Democratic favorability and the 2028 outlook Comparing 2026 to 2006 and 1974 midterms Voter enthusiasm gaps and turnout dynamics Sponsor: Incogni privacy service Game intro: Do You Buy It? and Silver the wolf Does GOP spending move the polls? New Hampshire and Democratic performance in red states Sponsor: Wild Alaskan Company seafood James Tallarico health rumors and media trust Hillary Clinton's podcast and the value of endorsements Do Trump rallies actually help Republican candidates? Polling methodology and the 'missing' Republican voter Sponsor: Zbiotics pre-alcohol drink Corruption messaging vs. pocketbook issues Audience Q&A: Epstein news and voter motivation Final thoughts: The 1974 Watergate Babies comparison
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