The Rachel Maddow Show The Rachel Maddow Show

'Troubled' candidates burden GOP already saddled with Trump's baggage

Aug 4, 2026 · 43m

Summary

The episode covers mass evacuations in Washington due to wildfires, a cyberattack on water systems attributed to Iran, and the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general. It features an interview with James Tallarico, the Democratic Senate nominee in Texas, who discusses his campaign against Ken Paxton and issues like voting rights. The show also reports on protests supporting Haitian immigrants in Ohio and the firing of Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for D.C.

Topics discussed

Sponsors: SoFi and Energy Transfer Wildfires in Eastern Washington and federal aid disputes Cyberattacks on water systems and Iran attribution Todd Blanche AG confirmation and tax immunity controversy Rep. Chuck Edwards censure and GOP candidate scandals Ken Paxton's corruption and James Tallarico's rise Interview: James Tallarico on winning Texas and Ken Paxton Sponsors: SimpliSafe, Casetext, and BetterHelp Interview: Tallarico on trans rights, Black voters, and ICE Sponsors: Muscle Milk, SimpliSafe, and Odoo Haitian TPS revocation and protests in Ohio Pentagon crowdsourcing war ideas and Jeanine Pirro's failures Primary coverage preview and MSNOW event tickets
Listen ad-free on Castria