How Far Can Trumpism Go Without Trump?
Summary
Host Mary Harris joins Isaac Saul and Jamal Bowie to analyze the 2026 midterm outlook, debating whether Democrats can win both chambers despite Republican turnout efforts. The guests discuss the GOP’s struggle to distance itself from Trump’s brand and the potential for a "blue wave" driven by economic dissatisfaction. They also debate the political risks and rewards of Democrats pursuing corruption prosecutions versus focusing on affordability if they gain power.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Perk and Toast
Midterm polling reliability and the 'undertow' of non-voters
GOP internal divisions and Trump's impact on party unity
Sponsors: Moomoo and Vanguard
Democratic path to winning House and Senate seats
Campaign spending, Elon Musk, and voter salience
The future of the GOP: Incels, Vance, and Trumpism
Trump's appeal to wealth and the limits of ideological mimicry
The 'Trump Mark' and the next generation of right-wing politics
Sponsors: CarGurus and Perk
Lessons from 2018 and the urgency of using power
Corruption vs. economics: The case for accountability
Political strategy for prosecuting administration officials
Democratic communication styles and managing voter priorities
Specific targets for accountability and potential backlash
Closing remarks and final sponsor: Gymshark
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