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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