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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