Practically Political

With less than two weeks until the midterm elections, Dave Spencer, Ashley Davis and Kurt Bardella debate the Senate races that could determine control of Congress, the future of the Republican Party and President Trump's influence on the election.The discussion begins with the heated exchange between Susan Collins and Troy Jackson in Maine and whether it could affect the Senate race. They also examine Michigan's Senate contest, including the challenges that Abdul El-Sayed is facing in his campaign.Next, they turn to the 2028 Republican presidential race, including speculation about Sen. John Kennedy and whether Vice President JD Vance will run. The conversation leads to three very different predictions about Vance's political future and whether he could enter the race as the sitting president.Finally, they discuss Trump's role in the midterms and the opportunities Democrats may be missing in key governor's races. They close with predictions for Senate races in Texas, Iowa, Ohio, Alaska and Kansas, including whether Republicans could face major losses.Topics Discussed:0:00 Welcome to Practically Political1:13 Midterm Senate Races11:55 The GOP's 2028 Presidential Field and JD Vance17:46 Trump's Midterm Impact and Democratic Governor's Races22:46 Senate Control and Midterm Predictions Practically Political releases new episodes weekly. Make sure to like and subscribe for more conversations on the biggest stories shaping politics.

Dave Spencer, Ashley Davis and Kurt Bardella debate the final three weeks before the midterm elections, with Senate races in Texas, Michigan, Maine and other states drawing attention. They debate whether candidate debates can still sway voters, the clash between Kristi Noem and country music star Kacey Musgraves, and whether Democrats are missing the mark with voters more concerned about grocery bills than political messaging.The conversation then turns to whether Mike Johnson could remain the party's leader if Republicans lose control of the House. They also discuss the new White House press secretary Katie Zacharia’s failure at her first briefing, whether she'll last in the role, Kimberly Guilfoyle's role as ambassador to Greece, her relationship with Trump Jr. and Newsom and whether Scott Jennings could be a future press secretary.Finally, Dave raises concerns about Trump's Russia diesel deal and what it could mean for Ukraine, Vladimir Putin and America's relationship with its allies. The trio debates whether the deal benefits Russia and its potential impact on the war in Ukraine.Topics Discussed:0:00 Welcome to Practically Political1:13 Kristi Noem vs. Kacey Musgraves: Celebrities in Politics5:00 Midterm Debates and the Senate Races to Watch14:05 Could Mike Johnson Lose His Leadership Role?17:48 White House Shakeup: Katie Zacharia, Kimberly Guilfoyle and Scott Jennings25:35 Trump's Russia Oil Deal and the War in UkrainePractically Political releases new episodes weekly. Make sure to like and subscribe for more conversations on the biggest stories shaping politics.

Dave Spencer, Ashley Davis and Kurt Bardella discuss the three-year anniversary of October 7, changing attitudes toward Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership. They also discuss concerns about antisemitism and national security.The conversation then turns to the midterms, including the Texas Senate race between James Talarico and Ken Paxton, whether Latino voters could shift back toward Democrats and the races that could determine control of the Senate. They also look ahead to 2028 and some of the Republicans who could emerge as presidential candidates, including J.D. Vance, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Chris Christie, Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Spencer Cox.Finally, they debate what Republican leadership could look like if Democrats take control of the House, including whether Jim Jordan could become minority leader. Plus, President Trump’s fight with Sen. Tom Cotton leads to a debate over permanent daylight saving time and what happened when the U.S. tried it in the 1970s.Topics Discussed:0:00 Welcome to Practically Political1:29 October 7 Anniversary, Israel and Netanyahu7:26 Texas Senate Race and the Midterm Battle for the Senate17:52 GOP 2028 Candidates and Jim Jordan as House GOP Leader25:36 Trump, Tom Cotton and Daylight-Saving TimePractically Political releases new episodes weekly. Make sure to like and subscribe for more conversations on the biggest stories shaping politics. 

Dave Spencer, Ashley Davis and Kurt Bardella debate the remaining weeks ahead of the midterms, whether Republicans can still make a difference in Congress and why some candidates are distancing themselves from President Trump. They also discuss Trump’s role on the campaign trail and whether his presence helps or hurts Republicans.The conversation then turns to the battle for control of the Senate, the future of the Republican Party and what could happen if Democrats take control of Congress, including whether another impeachment effort against Trump could be on the table.Finally, they debate Trump’s red carpet greeting for Chinese President Xi Jinping, U.S. policy toward China and whether Trump’s approach has been too inconsistent.Topics Discussed:0:00 Welcome to Practically Political0:57 Congress and the Final Midterm Push3:57 Republicans Breaking With Trump8:39 Trump’s Role in the Midterms15:50 The Senate and the Future of the GOP24:02 Trump, Xi Jinping and ChinaPractically Political releases new episodes weekly. Make sure to like and subscribe for more conversations on the biggest stories shaping politics.

Dave Spencer, Ashley Davis and Kurt Bardella debate America’s role in the world as wars continue in Iran and Ukraine and U.S. allies look to other countries, including China. They discuss NATO and whether the United States is giving up its international influence.The conversation then turns to AI and whether the federal government needs to step in with regulation. The trio also weighs the idea of an AI “kill switch,” who would have the authority to use it and whether something like that could actually work.Finally, with the midterms approaching, they debate whether Republican messaging around socialism and Hasan Piker will resonate when voters are dealing with gas and grocery prices. They also discuss Trump’s role in the midterms, Republican campaign spending and whether Trump-aligned groups waited too long to start spending heavily in key races.Topics Discussed0:00 Welcome to Practically Political0:52 Trump, NATO and America’s Role in the World11:12 AI Regulation and the Kill Switch Debate21:48 The Midterms, the Economy and Republican Messaging25:57 Trump, Campaign Spending and the Midterm FightPractically Political releases new episodes weekly. Make sure to like and subscribe for more conversations on the biggest stories shaping politics.