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Sarah Longwell, a Former Republican, on “How to Eat an Elephant”

Sep 7, 2026 · 30m

Summary

Political consultant Sarah Longwell discusses the 2024 midterms, arguing that Democrats must frame immigration as a secure border issue to appeal to swing voters. She analyzes why Trump’s low approval ratings matter for the party’s future and advises against impeachment in favor of attacking tariffs and corruption. Longwell also critiques the Log Cabin Republicans for dropping the "T" and suggests candidates like AOC and Buttigieg resonate by maintaining authentic, long-form communication.

Topics discussed

Sponsors and show introduction Context: Midterm stakes and the 'Bush Line' Why Trump's 32% approval rating matters The power of focus groups and voter sentiment Crafting a pro-immigration message for Democrats Guarding against wishful thinking in political analysis Log Cabin Republicans dropping the 'T' for trans Trans issues as a wedge issue in 2026 Sponsor breaks Effective political communication in the digital age John Ossoff's remark on Trump's aide The rise of the far-left in Democratic primaries Should Democrats pursue impeachment? The narrative of corruption and Trump's wealth Longwell's personal political alignment Outlook for the 2028 Democratic nomination Closing remarks and sponsor ads
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