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Midterm Blowout: Dems Batter GOP & Elon Musk Is Out $500 Million | Erica Chenoweth

Nov 5, 2026 · 37m

Summary

Host Michael Kosta satirizes the historic Democratic midterm sweep, mocking the "blue wave" and the failed $446 million spending spree by Elon Musk. The episode features a segment with political scientist Erica Chenoweth, who explains the "3.5% rule" for successful civil resistance and the importance of sustained nonviolent action. Kosta also jokes about the White House ballroom construction continuing despite the election loss and mocks the Republican response to their defeat.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: Progressive Truck Insurance and Pfizer Introduction and election night shock Democrats' historic midterm sweep Surprising wins in conservative states Elon Musk's failed $446M spending Idaho state firearm ballot and Republican loss Mocking Trump's excuses and executive orders Debating why the midterms were predictable Theories on Trump's defeat and long game Live White House segment with Troy Iwata Sponsor: Quince holiday gifts Midterms as a referendum on Trump Trump's focus on the White House ballroom Trump's marble floor and drone storage plans Sponsor: HomeServe home maintenance Sponsor: PolicyGenius life insurance Interview: Erika Chenoweth on the 3.5% rule Civil resistance, voting, and non-cooperation Momentum, organization, and strategic leadership Examples of mass non-cooperation Non-violence vs. violence in revolutions Future of democracy and civic engagement Sponsor: Progressive Truck Insurance Sponsor: Botox for chronic migraine Teaser for Jordan Klepper's segment Live White House segment with Peter Doocy Outro and show promotion Sponsor: Progressive Truck Insurance Sponsor: McDonald's Sausage McMuffin Sponsor: Target holiday gifts
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