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Why this election night felt overwhelming: so many races, too many surprises to process! During today's podcast, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss: — Lauren Boebert’s likely loss — after switching to a safer district. — Fresh faces and generational change: Rob Sand, Amy Acton, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and why Dems shouldn’t nominate a 2028 candidate from California or New York. — JD Vance’s post-election distancing, managing-up vs. managing-down problem, and why he’s in big political trouble — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis calls Tuesday an “extinction-level event.” HE’S RUNNING! — Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio’s star power, and the thin GOP 2028 bench — SecDef Pete Hegseth as the likely midterm scapegoat before Democrats take the Senate — And MUCH more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On a special post-midterm election "DMZ" conversation, The Washington Monthly's Bill Scher talks with Matt about: — The Democratic Senate takeover — and some self praise for our accurate early predictions. — Why the midterms were a wholesale repudiation of Trump and Trumpism — What worked (and didn’t): “Secret Democrat” independent runs in places like Nebraska and Montana largely failed and felt disingenuous. — The aftermath: Republicans lack a durable policy legacy or clear identity after a decade of Trump-centric politics, raising questions about whether this loss finally breaks the “fever.” — Meanwhile, Dems enter the 2028 cycle with a very broad ideological tent and no unified platform. The next two years will feature internal fights over direction amid a presidential primary. — And MUCH more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

During this week's podcast discussion, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss: — Haley Stevens Michigan meltdown: The 11th-hour switch from endorsing Abdul El-Sayed to backing Mike Rogers over a third-party ad and Hasan Piker ties — is it principle, personal snit, or political suicide? — NYT/Siena poll bombshell: Dems leading or tied in all seven key swing Senate races. — Alaska’s Mary Peltola race: The “two Dan Sullivans” ballot scandal — a real problem — or bored-pundit nothingburger? — Blue wave signals: Declining Fox News viewership, moderate candidates (Rob Sand in Iowa, etc.) outperforming progressive narratives, and why 2026 looks different from 2024. — Matt makes his Senate prediction! — Election-night reality check: Charlie warns about expectation management, early returns traps, and tomorrow is “halftime” not the finish line. — And MUCH more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's podcast, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss: — The New York Times’ investigation into Mary Peltola’s Alaska Senate campaign recruiting a second “Dan Sullivan” (retired teacher) to siphon votes from the Republican incumbent. — Media ethics debate: Should the Times have run this story? — Sen. Roger Marshall’s tone-deaf “best economy of my lifetime” line in Kansas. — CNN Senate polls show Dems dominating — plus Trump’s approval in the low-to-mid 30s even in states he won. — Historical floor: Herbert Hoover still got ~40% in 1932; what that implies for Trump’s floor and Republican candidates. — The NYT is already polling the 2028 presidential race?!? — And MUCH more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

During this week's podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss: — Barack Obama on the stump: Is his return helpful or a reminder of the old brand? Breaking down the “Saddam Hussein and the "Cheesecake Factory” line. — Why a big polling error is less likely this cycle (Trump isn’t on the ballot) and why Democratic nervousness is actually a healthy sign — The DOJ’s frivolous Alaska lawsuit and other early signs Republicans are laying groundwork to challenge or refuse results — Viktor Orbán floated as UN Secretary General, and how hard it is to tell real from surreal — Democrats’ Epstein ad strategy: Why tying corruption, affordability, and broken promises is potent, and how Sen. Jon Ossoff has modeled the message — Vivek Ramaswamy’s nasty ad in Ohio probably backfired — Bonus: Tech oligarchs, free-speech hypocrisy, and why we’re still rooting for the Brewers! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week’s podcast, Chris Cillizza and I discuss: — The possibility of a 2006/1994/2010-style disaster for Republicans, with Democrats potentially gaining 5–9 Senate seats. — Polling reality check: Races remain stubbornly close (mostly 1–4 points) despite the expanding Senate map. — Fake polls and market manipulation: The Wedgewood Polling scandal, its claimed impact on Mallory McMorrow’s Michigan Senate primary exit, inclusion in aggregators, and how single polls can move prediction markets (Kalshi, Polymarket, etc.). — Speaker Mike Johnson is confidently declaring the polls to be wrong “wrong,” and why Trump’s dominance makes a leadership challenge unlikely. — Vivek Ramaswamy’s scummy ad, JD Vance’s defense of it, and potential backlash in Ohio. — Will fresh faces (Jon Ossoff, James Talarico, Rob Sand, AOC) run in 2028 and remake the Democratic brand? Timing is everything! — And MUCH more! Check out my latest piece, “Mike Johnson Really Needs to Stop Insisting the Polls Are Wrong": https://www.washingtonsun.com/perspectives/mike-johnson-really-needs-to-stop-insisting-the-polls-are-wrong Sign up here to get Matt's Washington Sun☀️ columns sent directly to your inbox! https://www.washingtonsun.com/matt-k-lewis-newsletter-sign-up Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? – Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss: — Why November 3 is not the finish line, and the post-election period through January could bring chaos. — Trump’s “Kansas kickback” is a sign of Republican panic about losing the House and Senate. — Trump’s embrace of Putin and betrayal of Ukraine as a stunning historical act that further fractures his 2024 coalition — Endorsing Bibi Netanyahu (low U.S. approval) and other foreign meddling instead of focusing on America First. — The sickening feeling that comes from being right about Trump, reflections on the “Flight 93” narrative, and why a stable society chose to set itself on fire. — JD Vance’s weak CBS town hall performance, lack of charisma, baggage from Trump — Ted Cruz as an undervalued dark horse/Goldilocks candidate if Trumpism crashes further — Post-election dangers and what Democrats should do if they gain power: lean into economic populism, drop the woke excesses, maintain border control, prepare for AI-driven job disruption, and more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss: — Is Trump looking to replace Chief of Staff Susie Wiles (per Politico Playbook) just 19 days before the midterms? — Why Wiles was the perfect non-traditional chief for Trump (mother figure, not James Baker) and why he still wants a new character for the next season — Top potential scapegoats if Republicans lose: John Thune, Pete Hegseth, Ken Paxton, Wiles, and more — New press secretary Katie Zacharia’s rough first briefing, and how the job has shifted under Trump — Trump’s aggressive midterm barnstorming and repeated “pretend I’m on the ballot” line — smart base play or self-own at record-low approval? — Trump in the twilight: aging, lame-duck status, better as outsider than governing, and the walnut-tree effect on the GOP bench — Democrats letting a thousand flowers bloom vs. Republican top-down control and the thin post-Trump pipeline — Mike Johnson’s decision to stay on as Speaker or Minority Leader (no matter what happens in the midterms) — Matt’s Senate races to watch: Texas and Kansas — And MUCH more! Make sure to check us out again next week!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's podcast, Charlie Sykes talks with Matt about: — Kimberly Guilfoyle’s resignation as ambassador to Greece: the “MAGA queen” deemed too grifty even for the Trump orbit. — Money versus money: Elon Musk’s roughly $366 million (and the potential for far more) versus voter concerns over affordability, consumer sentiment, and Trump’s checks. — Populist irony and conservative reversals: Trump capitalizing on anti-elite anger then surrounding himself with billionaires and swamp figures; the old small-government, anti-“jackbooted thugs” right now defending the opposite. — Culture-war distractions: GOP literature and messaging focuses on bathrooms, sports, and “tampons in men’s restrooms” while affordability dominates voter concerns. — Musk amplifies false claims about James Tallarico’s health. — Trump’s personal comments on examining Jon Husted’s “ass,” the new press secretary’s rocky debut, and MUCH more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss: — Trump’s repeated Texas and Ohio stops as a sign of a Republican base-motivation problem — Ken Paxton’s leaked audio, and whether Senate Republicans are laying groundwork to throw him under the bus — Who actually decides? — John Thune and the Senate Leadership Fund versus MAGA Inc. — and the scapegoat risk if Texas is abandoned — Chuck Schumer might not be so stupid after all? — Mike Rogers’ Canada-tariff reversal, and other Republicans distancing from Trump on tariffs and Iran — JD Vance as a tenuous heir: charisma, shapeshifting, and the VERY ONLINE trap — Buy-low 2028: Why Ted Cruz is a dark horse to watch — And MUCH more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today’s podcast, The Washington Monthly’s Bill Scher talks with Matt about: — Abdul El-Sayed told CNN he will win Michigan by 7 points, while recent public polls mostly show leads of 1–4 — El-Sayed reportedly reached out o Hasan Piker, asking him to lay low. — Why Michigan, Maine, and Minnesota look softer for Democrats than Texas — Bill’s own poll average (all non-internal polls, fixed recent window) model — Can the polls be trusted this close to the midterms? — The alternative reading of “missing” Republican respondents: demoralized rural voters hit by tariffs, diesel, and fertilizer costs rather than only “"shy Trump” voters — Texas as a GOP money sinkhole: Ken Paxton’s weak fundraising and leaked complaint that he does not control his own campaign’s message — Candidate quality across the map (Talarico, Roy Cooper, others) and whether Chuck Schumer’s recruitment record looks better people think Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's podcast, Matt talks with Chris Cillizza about his latest column at The Washington Sun: "I Almost Never Vote for Democrats. I’m Making an Exception This Year." https://www.washingtonsun.com/perspectives/i-almost-never-vote-for-democrats-im-making-an-exception-this-year They also discuss whether we can believe the polls showing a blue wave next month, whether the walls really are (finally) closing in around Donald Trump, and MUCH more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, The Washington Monthly's Bill Scher talks with Matt about: — Sen. Eric Schmitt’s attempted perjury trap on Jack Smith. — The Atlanta Hawks vs. Iowa Hawkeyes mix-up, the poster-board texts, Katie Britt’s face, and why Smith pausing made it worse for Republicans — Why this hearing happened just weeks before the midterms — and why it’s a microcosm of Republicans placating Trump instead of addressing cost of living — Broader diagnosis: a party that’s sloppy, shoots first, and can’t distance from an unpopular president — Why Sen. Susan Collins is so resilient, and why Troy Jackson is underperforming in Maine. — And MUCH more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week’s podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss: — Trump doubles down on AI, Iran, and China, while voters feel gas and grocery pains — Are the polls real? Why Republican behavior (Trump is campaigning in Alabama and Oklahoma!) says “yes” — Why hundreds of millions in ads and Elon’s money may matter less than you think in the midterms — Affordability and “they’re for them, we’re for you” is the potent message that Democrats still aren’t fully exploiting — Former Special Counsel Jack Smith testifies before Congress, and Charlie contrasts Smith’s courage with author Jacob Weisberg’s list of cowards (Bezos, Bush, Roberts, McConnell, Megyn Kelly, and more) — Why tribal loyalty beats reason — and why George W. Bush fundraising for Senate Republicans — and Karl Rove’s “Nazi problem” discovery — still fall short — Peter Thiel and the tech oligarchs got Trump wrong; now they want trust on AI? — And MUCH more! Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A – Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians. Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937 Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, The Washington Monthly's Bill Scher swings by to break down why 2026 is lining up as a Democratic midterm year: collapsing Trump energy in MAGA country, a sense of betrayal over prices and the Iran war, real disposable income going the wrong way, and GOP incumbents starting to inch away from the president — too late and too timid.Then, Matt talks with Rory Riley Topping, about her new book 'Draw the Line in Ohio: How One State's Fight for Fair Maps Explains Gerrymandering in America.' Get 'DRAW THE LINE IN OHO' https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Draw-the-Line-in-Ohio/Rory-Riley-Topping/9781493098033Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC