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Alex Wagner: An Unlawful Administration

Sep 25, 2026 · 52m

Summary

Alex Wagner discusses the Senate war vote, criticizing Republicans like Mitch McConnell and Bill Cassidy for enabling the Iran conflict. She analyzes Mike Rogers’ misleading Michigan ad and Trump’s surreal state dinner with Xi Jinping, noting the administration’s focus on granite over security. The conversation covers the Texas Senate race, highlighting Ken Paxton’s unpopularity and the threat of local election interference. Finally, they explore the Supreme Court’s partisan capture, debating whether justices Alito and Thomas might retire to avoid Democratic replacements.

Topics discussed

Introduction and guest welcome Show logistics and transition to war vote Mitch McConnell's vote on Iran war authorization Republican caucus dynamics and McConnell's condition Texas politics: Cornyn, Paxton, and Cruz Michigan Senate race and Mike Rogers' war ad Iran war logistics and oil infrastructure damage Trump-Xi meeting and state dinner details China's role in Iran conflict and media criticism Sponsor segment: Wild Grain bakery Narcissism in media and right-wing podcasting Texas Senate race: Cruz vs Paxton dynamics AI data centers and Texas Republican strategy Sponsor segment: Bare Knuckle Fighting Mary Paltola's conduct and staff treatment Critique of Paltola campaign timing and tactics Election integrity concerns and ballot seizures Importance of local election officials and poll watchers Supreme Court retirements and Democratic strategy Senate confirmation battles and funding disputes Book discussion: Origins of the right-wing court heist Profiles of Coors, Wirtz, and Meese in the book Casting ideas for a potential book adaptation Supreme Court term limits and expansion proposals Announcement of upcoming sex and gender podcast Closing remarks and sign-off
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