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Has MAGA Lost Faith in Donald Trump?

Oct 19, 2026 · 33m

Summary

David Remnick interviews MAGA-aligned pollster Rich Barris, who predicts a "blue wave" in the November midterms due to deep voter disillusionment. Barris attributes the decline in Trump support to the Iran war, economic inflation, and the "grift" of the Trump family, noting that even core supporters feel betrayed. He argues the Republican Party is a "scam" that ignores its base, and while he sees J.D. Vance as the likely 2028 nominee, he believes Trumpism is fracturing.

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Dun & Bradstreet AI context layer Sponsor: Decagon AI customer support agents Sponsor: BILT housing rewards and concierge Introduction to The New Yorker Radio Hour Context: Trump's denial and the midterm outlook Rich Barris on being labeled a MAGA pollster Barris's initial attraction to Trump's independence The fraying bond between Trump and his voters The Epstein files as the first breaking point Barris's regret and the 'low propensity' voter Key issues: Iran, prices, and the 'grift' Focus groups reveal MAGA voter disappointment Prediction: Republicans lose the House in November Trump's unpopularity compared to post-Jan 6 levels Break and sponsor: Dun & Bradstreet Sponsors: The Seven podcast and Instagram teen safety Resuming interview: The coming blue wave Senate races: Maine, Michigan, and polling trends Surprise races in Nebraska and Kansas Alaska and Texas: The cost of saving Ken Paxton The reversal of Hispanic voter support Why immigration enforcement tactics hurt Trump Can Trump change the outcome before election day? Scenario: A lame duck presidency and impeachment The Republican Party as a 'scam' for donors 2028 GOP candidates: Vance vs. Rubio Tucker Carlson's influence on the future of the right Trump's successes: Shifting the Overton window Blame games and the squandered coalition opportunity Conclusion and book promotion Sponsor: Dun & Bradstreet AI context layer Sponsor: The Seven morning news podcast Sponsor: Blinds.com home privacy
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