Democratic leaders are urging a focus on delivering for voters instead of political retribution after the midterm blowout. The difference between retribution and accountability matters, and confusing the two could let Trump off the hook.

With control of Congress, Democrats can block Trump’s Supreme Court nominees and investigate the administration. But the veto pen and two more years of Trump in the White House set hard limits on what can actually become law.

Trump sat down for an interview that went off the rails, covering the Iran war, his own financial corruption and whether he is going to hell. The performance raised fresh questions about whether he is shutting down before our eyes.

Trump is now suggesting he may not run in 2028, a bombshell for a movement built entirely around him. The comment lands as Republicans argue over who owns the midterm election disaster.

A viral video shows Mitch McConnell unable to answer even the simplest question about the midterms. The moment is hard to watch, and it raises obvious questions about his condition.

Trump appears to be turning on both JD Vance and Pete Hegseth as the fallout from the Republican election disaster gets worse, with blame for the Iran war landing on Hegseth. The purge talk is getting ugly, and neither man’s position looks safe.

Sky News reporter Dominic Waghorn did what no American reporter has done and asked Trump directly how it feels to be a loser after the midterm disaster. Trump’s reaction was something to see: he ignored the question completely and walked away.

Finally, Brian Tyler Cohen joins from Crooked Con to talk about the election results, Trump’s corruption, and what Democrats do with power now.

On today’s bonus show:

How wrong were the 2026 polls, Katie Miller ends her podcast, LIV golf is winding down, and much more...

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Even Trump’s biggest supporters are now saying the era is over, conceding that the movement built around him has run its course. The admission marks a turning point for MAGA, whose leaders are beginning to reckon with a post-Trump political landscape.

Pete Hegseth faces the prospect of an impeachment vote, a stunning development for a Defense Secretary already battered by scandal and the midterm losses. The effort, backed by Rep. Thomas Massie, would make Hegseth the face of the accountability fight now reaching Trump’s cabinet.

Trump is finally facing major consequences for years of doing horrible things, from the midterm rout to the investigations now reopening around him. Consequences are good, and losing power is exactly what should happen when power is abused.

Facing two years of Democratic subpoenas, investigations, and a hostile Congress, Trump may simply quit rather than endure a term of nonstop accountability. Walking away would end his presidency on his own terms, but it would also confirm that he could not withstand the scrutiny he spent years avoiding.

Trump sued the BBC for $10 billion, and the fallout is now blocking the man who could crush him, with the Justice Department and Jack Smith pulled into the fight. He may regret filing it, since the lawsuit meant to punish his critics has become another front in his legal unraveling.

Finally, new fears of another January 6-style attack are emerging, as law enforcement and the public brace for the possibility of fresh political violence at the Capitol. Americans are preparing for something terrifying, and this time nobody can claim they weren’t warned.

On today’s bonus show:

The Republicans’ 2028 scramble kicks off the morning after the midterms, turnout shatters the model as 124 million Americans vote, and much more...

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Less than a day after Republicans lost both chambers, JD Vance blamed the defeat on Trump’s Iran war, a war he reportedly opposed from the start. Trump told the Wall Street Journal he has no regrets and would do it again, opening a split with his own vice president.

At his ballroom construction site, Trump insisted voters love him too much to transfer that support to other Republicans, said the Iran war ends whenever he wants, and defended Hegseth. It landed as a president visibly struggling to process a devastating defeat.

Asked if he fears a third impeachment, Trump said he is not worried at all and claimed it would destroy the Democratic Party instead. The likelier threat arrives in January regardless: Democratic subpoenas, document demands, and testimony he can no longer suppress.

Ron DeSantis called the Republican defeat something like an extinction-level event, warning that losing Texas statewide races redraws the national map. His fix is governing more like Florida, though the verdict looked like a rejection of Trump, the economy, and the war.

Trump has largely vanished from public view since the rout, posting about his ballroom, demanding Alaska votes be transferred to his preferred Republican, and complaining it gets dark too early. His party lost both chambers, and his response shows no interest in reckoning with why voters rejected it.

CBS News reports Trump has asked advisers whether Hegseth should remain Defense Secretary, even as he publicly praises him, with DeSantis floated as a replacement. After Signalgate, the inspector general’s findings, and the Iran war, Hegseth is the administration’s biggest liability heading into oversight.

Mike Johnson told his staff he won’t seek the minority leader job, quitting Republican leadership entirely after losing the speakership. He spent his tenure shielding Trump from accountability, and now Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise are fighting over the shrunken minority he left behind.

Finally, Elon Musk spent roughly $474 million backing Republicans, and Democrats won both chambers anyway, including the Texas race he spent heavily to stop. He has since deleted his Election Day post urging people to vote Republican, and congressional oversight is coming for his contracts and his time at DOGE.

On today’s bonus show:

Who pays for a $1B riot, North Korea’s $6 billion Binance theft, and the week in politics, and much more...

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Democrats have taken the House and the Senate in a midterm wave that swept far beyond what the forecasts predicted. Seven Republican Senate seats flipped, including Texas, South Carolina, and Kansas, on a night when voters rejected Trump and MAGA up and down the ballot.

A conversation from 2024, about what it would actually take for Democrats to retake the Senate, gets revisited after a stunning election night. The map that looked impossible flipped state after state, a reminder that difficult is not impossible.

Donald Trump disappeared after the midterm rout, skipping the public appearances and phone calls that usually follow an election. He then surfaced on Truth Social, rage posting blame at voters, Greg Abbott, political pundits, Fox News, and Bill de Blasio.

For months, Donald Trump told voters to pretend he was on the ballot, even promising every adult citizen $5,000 if Republicans won. Exit polls show voters did exactly that, rejecting Trump and the Republicans over the economy and the cost of living.

The Republican Party saw every warning sign, from collapsing approval to an economy voters hated, and chained itself to Donald Trump anyway. It went down with him, from Ken Paxton in Texas on down, with nobody to blame but itself.

Texas, the biggest prize of the night, has flipped to the Democrats. James Talarico beat Ken Paxton to become the state’s first Democratic senator since 1988, and Gina Hinojosa beat Greg Abbott to become its first Democratic governor since 1995 and the first Latina governor in Texas history.

Defeated Republicans are already making excuses, and Karoline Leavitt’s talking points fell apart in real time against Jessica Tarlov on Fox News. The party that just lost everything appears to have learned nothing from the loss.

Finally, Vivek Ramaswamy’s political career hits a wall in Ohio, where Amy Acton beat him in the governor’s race he was supposed to cruise through. After an embarrassing loss like that, it is time for him to go away.

On today’s bonus show:

Top takeaways from the US midterm elections, and much more...

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Voters across the country decide control of the House and Senate today, along with governors, state legislatures, and ballot questions in dozens of states. Turnout is running at record levels, and the results will be the first big verdict on Donald Trump’s second term.

The Supreme Court has rejected Donald Trump’s emergency request to segregate roughly 20,000 California mail ballots challenged over a signature issue. The refusal leaves the ballots in place to be counted as Election Day voting gets underway.

The FBI’s New Haven field office posted on X that Election Day is Wednesday, which is the wrong day, in a message urging people to report election crimes and interference. The post was later corrected, but not before screenshots spread widely.

Enormous lines at polling places are being celebrated as a sign of enthusiasm, but voters waiting hours to cast a ballot is a sign of failure. Too few polling locations, machines, and poll workers is what actually produces lines like these.

Donald Trump’s final speech before Election Day, delivered at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, veered into algae, pipes, and a long explanation of the walkway he calls a promenade. The meandering close was a strange final note for a campaign ending in a dead heat.

On Sean Hannity’s show, Donald Trump warned that Democrats would wipe out everything he has done and boasted about controlling Venezuela. He also retold his familiar story about Xi Jinping in a closing message that was supposed to persuade undecided voters.

Calling into Fox and Friends, Donald Trump touted fresh bombing in Iran while insisting it does not count as a war. Asked why voters should choose Republicans, he struggled to answer and instead declared inflation solved.

Finally, a University of Massachusetts law professor speculates that Donald Trump could someday flee the United States rather than face accountability. The scenario has him seeking refuge with a friendly authoritarian leader abroad, and it is not as far-fetched as it sounds.

On today’s bonus show:

Final Election Day predictions and polls, a Learjet crashes in Florida, a man finishes his walk around the world after 28 years, and much more...

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Early voting in the 2026 midterms has passed 50 million ballots, with records in Minnesota, New York, and Utah. The surge has Republicans raising concerns about what the numbers mean, even though high early turnout does not by itself say who is winning.

Donald Trump was told Alaska’s Republican attorney general wants his Justice Department’s election lawsuit dismissed, and somehow heard it as an invitation for a federal takeover. The same stretch of remarks included the reflecting pool event and Trump’s claim that he has a concept of a deal with Canada.

Donald Trump stopped a Florida rally to wet a towel and wipe his eye, then immediately started warning about what people would say about his health. The clip itself is minor, but the reaction shows how fast any health moment becomes a fight.

Donald Trump went to Iowa to close the deal for Republicans and instead talked about football being boring, commented on Ashley Hinson’s weight, and told an invented story about a child named Tim. The rally was supposed to be a closing argument, and almost none of it was about the election.

Asked for his final message to voters, Donald Trump declared that the poverty numbers are the single best. That sits awkwardly next to his 2024 promises to cut prices in half and polling showing voters overwhelmingly disapprove of his handling of the cost of living.

James Comer said it is a big possibility that Mary Peltola would not be seated if she wins Alaska’s Senate race, and Tim Scott refused to say he would accept a certified result. Even entertaining the idea of blocking a certified winner would be a major escalation.

Substack has launched a dedicated midterms hub, bringing together election forecasts, key races to watch, and analysis from political writers and experts across the platform.

Explore Substack's Midterms Hub

Jon Ossoff is arguing that Democrats should use a midterm victory to deliver oversight, healthcare, and an end to corruption. A Democratic Congress could subpoena, investigate, and block nominees, though its power to force policy would still be limited.

Donald Trump is furious that his former lawyer Alina Habba landed a deal reportedly worth more than $50 million with the family of a man he pardoned. His reaction to a reporter asking about war with Iran, in the same stretch, was very different.

Finally, Donald Trump can read, but a long record of accounts describes a president who resists reading and prefers everything delivered verbally. A post-literate presidency leaves an audience that rarely checks the written record with almost no way to verify what it is told.

On today’s bonus show:

Haley Stevens endorses a Republican in the Michigan Senate race, a researcher watches hundreds of midterm ads, voters decide 140 ballot questions around the country, and much more...

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A new Léger poll shows Democrats leading Republicans 52% to 45% among decided voters as Donald Trump’s approval rating drops to 33%. The figures suggest severe midterm headwinds for Republican candidates attempting to defend the administration’s record.

Vice President JD Vance argued against ranked choice voting during a recent speech, admitting he finds it too confusing to use. Ranked choice simply reallocates backup choices when no candidate secures an initial majority.

Donald Trump canceled a scheduled in-person rally in Salina, Kansas, claiming incumbent Senator Roger Marshall did not need his help. However, polling averages show Marshall holding a thin lead of less than one point over Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton.

Donald Trump called a reporter “disgusting” and mocked his physical appearance after being asked if health concerns prompted his canceled Kansas trip. Trump defended his health by citing upcoming travel to Florida while switching the Kansas event to a tele-rally.

A Fox News live broadcast from a Donald Trump campaign event went off script when an interviewed attendee described the gathering as a cult. Security reportedly questioned and escorted the man out of the venue following his live on-air statement.

Finally, during a campaign rally, Donald Trump sarcastically offered to end his speech early, expecting the audience to insist he keep talking. Instead, multiple attendees seated directly behind him took the cue and immediately headed for the exits.

On today’s bonus show:

JD Vance does a town hall in Texas with Fox News host Jesse Watters, and much more...

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According to newly reported Nielsen figures, Fox News averaged 1.1 million total-day viewers in October, representing a 27% decline from last year. In the key 25 to 54 demographic, the network dropped 32% to just 98,000 viewers, marking its lowest performance in a quarter-century.

Donald Trump called for Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola to be prosecuted after a second candidate named Dan Sullivan entered the Alaska race. When questioned by a reporter on what specific law was violated, Trump offered no legal justification.

Former President Barack Obama mocked Donald Trump during a campaign event for taking offense at a joke comparing White House renovations to Saddam Hussein opening a Cheesecake Factory. Obama highlighted Trump’s sensitivity to public ridicule without mentioning his name directly.

During an Ohio rally, Donald Trump insisted he is a high-IQ individual who passed three cognitive screening tests that Barack Obama could not pass. His speech featured meandering explanations of the Alaska Senate race, comments about candidate Amy Acton’s mother, and praises of Senator Jon Husted’s physical appearance.

Simultaneous campaign appearances featured Barack Obama discussing midterm stakes in Georgia while Donald Trump detailed his cognitive test performance in Ohio. While Obama focused on structured arguments regarding voter turnout and policy, Trump cited basic picture-identification tasks from a medical screening as evidence of high intelligence.

Activist Robby Roadsteamer interrupted Donald Trump’s Ohio campaign rally by singing about Trump’s past social connection and flights with Jeffrey Epstein. Trump stopped his remarks to address the crowd directly, claiming he expelled Epstein from Mar-a-Lago and was completely exonerated.

A campaign rally interview featured a Donald Trump supporter claiming that God is actively using Trump for a special purpose. The exchange raises broader questions about political engagement leading into the midterm elections.

Finally, during an appearance on Fox & Friends, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed complete confidence that Republicans would retain their House majority and he would remain Speaker. Host Ainsley Earhardt’s reaction highlighted the disconnect between his claims and national polling showing Democrats leading by 11 points.

On today’s bonus show:

Flavio Bolsonaro flees to the US after losing the Brazilian election, James O’Keefe is charged with identity theft, Vivek Ramaswamy was warned not to run his attack ad, and much more...

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One week before the 2026 midterm elections, Donald Trump refused to commit to accepting the results, laying the groundwork to claim fraud if Republicans lose control of Congress. His rhetoric coincides with Justice Department lawsuits in Alaska and California attempting to challenge state election procedures.

Vice President JD Vance defended a Justice Department lawsuit in Alaska, arguing that Republican voters working long hours cannot be expected to read the word “incumbent.” The legal challenge seeks to distinguish Republican Senator Dan Sullivan from a same-named independent candidate in a high-stakes contest that also features Democratic challenger Mary Peltola.

Donald Trump declared on Truth Social that the federal government will officially ban the term “Artificial Intelligence” in favor of “Super Intelligence” or “SI” across all official documents. Trump previously labeled anyone using the phrase “AI” as the enemy.

During a Texas campaign rally, Donald Trump froze mid-sentence when mentioning Attorney General Ken Paxton, and simulated oral sex on his microphone. He also made false accusations against Democratic candidate James Talarico, claiming Talarico said Jesus would promote sex changes for children.

National Republican organizations and top Trump campaign strategists are pouring emergency resources into Kansas as incumbent Senator Roger Marshall trails Democratic challenger Adam Hamilton in fundraising. Marshall faces mounting criticism over his former medical practice filing over 700 debt lawsuits against patients and his support for federal Medicaid cuts.

Former White House Press Secretary Katie Zacharia appeared on Newsmax following her removal after five days, blaming hostile media coverage rather than her own performance for her dismissal. Despite her brief tenure, Zacharia stated she would gladly return to serve in the Trump administration if asked.

Finally, Troy Jackson, candidate for US Senator from Maine, joins us to discuss his campaign against Susan Collins, why the race is close, tariffs, abolishing ICE, and much more.

On today’s bonus show:

Lisa Murkowski endorses the Democrat in Alaska governor’s race, Microsoft offers a quarter of its global workforce voluntary buyouts over AI, James Comey faces federal charges for a third time, and much more...

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Former Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin and Rep. Joe Morelle warn that Republicans could attempt to block Democratic midterm victories by exploiting the House Clerk’s certification process or invoking the Insurrection Act. Such maneuvers could trigger a constitutional crisis and market downturn.

A report released by House Judiciary Democrats details sexual assault allegations against Donald Trump from 11 women linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Former Miss Switzerland Beatrice Keul accused Trump of raping her in 1993, prompting Rep. Jamie Raskin to call for an independent special counsel.

During a speech in Mississippi, Donald Trump faced multiple hecklers while delivering commentary touching on the Iran nuclear deal. He also spoke about making daylight saving time permanent and defended his White House renovation choices against recent public criticism from Barack Obama.

At a Kansas campaign stop for Senator Roger Marshall, JD Vance mispronounced the state’s name and exchanged insults with anti-war protesters. Vance argued that gas price spikes are caused by dictators throwing tantrums, inadvertently drawing attention to his own administration’s foreign policy.

Donald Trump delivered an angry response to Barack Obama’s jokes comparing White House renovations to a Cheesecake Factory. In the same appearance, Trump proposed offering a $1 million financial reward for individuals who report voter fraud that leads to a conviction.

Florida Representative Randy Fine told NewsNation he supports revoking citizenship and deporting anyone who committed fraud on immigration filings. He then agreed under questioning that the standard would apply to figures like Melania Trump and Elon Musk if misconduct were proven.

Mainstream conservative rhetoric has shifted toward praising authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orbán. The trend coincides with prominent right-wing figures engaging with extremist personalities like Nick Fuentes.

Finally, if Republicans lose the midterms, it could cause intense internal party blame and primary threats against dissenters. This friction could significantly help Democrats heading into the 2028 presidential cycle.

On today’s bonus show:

Bill Maher and Trump have dinner again, Trump makes more Islamophobic attacks against Abdul El-Sayed, and much more...

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