"This is something that voters are going to feel." The Reporters' Roundtable. August 28, 2026.
Summary
Jason Dick hosts a roundtable with Amanda Becker, Jessica Taylor, and Savannah Berman to discuss the South Carolina Senate primary, Trump’s trade war with Canada, and rising voter anger over data centers and Clearview AI surveillance. The panel contrasts these grassroots economic and privacy concerns with the administration’s focus on the Kennedy Center. They conclude by reflecting on Dolly Parton’s death and her unique ability to bridge political divides in a polarized nation.
Topics discussed
Intro: South Carolina primary and shifting voter priorities
Trump's win in SC: Saving face vs. strategic impact
Darlene Graham's inexperience and voter desire for authenticity
Texas Senate race: Trump's endorsement headache
Canada tariffs and impact on Maine's Susan Collins
Border state races: Wisconsin, Michigan, and tourism concerns
Economic squeeze: Gas prices and inflation in Ohio
Break and transition to new political issues
Data centers: Local opposition and political vulnerability
Kennedy Center renovations and misplaced priorities
Flock cameras: Privacy fears and surveillance backlash
Dolly Parton's death and universal appeal
Dolly Parton's feminism and songwriting legacy
Dolly's business empire and philanthropy
Brief tributes to Tim Curry and Joni Mitchell
Outro and next week's preview
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