The Breakdown The Breakdown

The Private Polls Terrifying Republican Insiders

Oct 16, 2026 · 41m

Summary

Tara Palmeri and Mark Caputo analyze the grim outlook for Republicans three weeks before the midterms, highlighting voter anger over gas prices and affordability. They discuss Trump’s delayed super PAC spending, the potential for Democrats to flip Texas, and internal GOP infighting involving new press secretary Katie Zakaria and ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle. Caputo predicts Republicans will likely lose the House while the Senate remains a coin flip, with key battles in states like Kansas and Alaska.

Topics discussed

Pessimistic outlook from Republican consultants on midterms Introduction of guest Mark Caputo and episode topics Polling data and Republican enthusiasm issues in Texas Challenges in voter outreach and phone banking Florida governor's race and David Jolly's debate refusal Jolly's polling performance and Texas Senate race dynamics James Talarico's health and mental health facility rumors Trump's MAGA Inc. spending strategy and midterm priorities Analysis of Super PAC spending in Texas and South Carolina Gas prices, diesel costs, and Trump's foreign deals Backlash against Argentinian beef imports and labeling Comparing actual spending to historical Texas election costs Pivotal voting blocks and Black voter support in Texas Internal conflicts and leaks regarding Trump's allies Discussion on Bosnia, Dayton Accords, and Balkan history The impact of Trump's financial support on Republican loyalty Ralph Northam's performance and Georgia Senate race dynamics House Speaker Mike Johnson's optimism vs. polling reality Republican base turnout and Trump's influence on voters Katie Zakaria's background and appointment as Press Secretary Zakaria's controversial statements and host's vaccine views Kimberly Guilfoyle's ambassadorship and leaked messages Wall Street Journal reporting on Guilfoyle and travel expenses Democratic debate on impeachment if they win the House Final predictions for November 5th election results Closing remarks on Italian press secretaries
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