Topic: Electability

US Attorney Bill Asale and the FBI are reportedly investigating election fraud in California following the primary. Specific concerns are raised regarding a 24,000-vote drop in Los Angeles where candidate Spencer Pratt allegedly received zero votes, a statistical outcome described as impossible. Critics point to SB 75 and the removal of signature verification as catalysts for potential cheating.

Donald Trump participated in a contentious 50-minute interview with Kristen Welker in Wisconsin, where he repeatedly labeled the press and the election process as "crooked." The interview took place in a barn during a rainstorm, which caused several technical interruptions. Trump eventually ended the session by removing his microphone and walking off after telling Welker she had no credibility.

The discussion opens with the results of the Los Angeles mayoral race, confirming Karen Bass defeated Rick Caruso despite Caruso's significant campaign spending. Analysis shifts to Tom Steyer, noting his failure to gain traction in California politics despite spending $300 million on a presidential run and $200 million on a gubernatorial bid. The outcome challenges the narrative that massive financial investment, specifically from wealthy donors, guarantees electoral victory in California.

Former Obama speechwriters on the Pod Save America podcast expressed outrage over being "gaslighted" by the Biden administration regarding the President's health and debate performance. The internal party turmoil is predicted to impact the Democrats in the 2028 election. General Besant's recent keynote address is mentioned as a contrast, focusing on Reagan-era accountability and moving forward.

A gas station owner in King County, Washington, reports that hidden fees and carbon credits add 78 cents per gallon to the pump price. Consumers are encouraged to pay in cash or debit to help independent stations avoid high processing fees. Newt Gingrich predicted that if gasoline prices drop to $3.50, Republicans will win the midterm elections, leading to a $1.00 bet between the hosts on the outcome.

DNC Chairman Ken Martin released a 192-page draft autopsy of the 2024 election, drawing criticism from party insiders for its timing and content. The report suggests Kamala Harris failed to connect with rural voters and lacked sufficient negative firepower against Donald Trump. Critics within the party, including former aides to Harris and Bernie Sanders, are calling for Martin's resignation amid falling fundraising numbers.

Congressman Thomas Massie lost his Kentucky primary to Trump-backed challenger Ed Galrain by ten percentage points. While mainstream media attributed the loss to Massie's lack of loyalty to Donald Trump, alternative theories suggest a smear campaign involving allegations of an affair with Lauren Boebert and a "boner phone" circulated on X and TikTok. Massie's legislative focus on the Epstein files and his opposition to the Israel lobby are cited as contributing factors to the high-spending primary race against him.

John Kiriakou has been promoting the idea of Tucker Carlson running for president in 2028, claiming Carlson is under threat and requires heavy security. The hosts dismiss this as a potential "op" or Kiriakou simply seeking attention on podcasts. They note that Carlson appears to enjoy his private life as a fly fisherman and has expressed little genuine interest in entering politics.

The discussion reviews the performance of historical third-party candidates like Ross Perot, Ron Paul, and John Anderson. Kiriakou argues that the American public's hatred for the "Uniparty"—the idea that Democrats and Republicans are two sides of the same coin—could create a path for a trusted figure like Tucker Carlson, despite the personal risks involved.

Péter Magyar has taken the oath as Prime Minister of Hungary, signaling the end of the Viktor Orbán era. The new administration plans to investigate corruption from the previous 20 years and seek the release of EU funds, though the hosts express confusion over the timeline and the sudden shift in Orbán's popularity.

The UK's Labour Party suffered significant losses in local elections, leading to calls for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to set a timetable for his departure. Analysts describe a "seismic shift" as the traditional duopoly of Labour and Conservatives crumbles, with voters moving toward the right-wing Populist Reform Party due to economic pressures and immigration concerns.

The New Yorker's Jason Zengerle discusses the "roller coaster" relationship between Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump, noting Carlson's recent denunciations of the former president. Speculation arises that Carlson is positioning himself for a 2028 presidential run by championing an isolationist "America First" mantle that he feels Trump has abandoned.

The potential mayoral candidacy of Spencer Pratt in Los Angeles is analyzed, specifically focusing on his sophisticated social media strategy. Reports indicate a network of supporters and anonymous accounts are promoting Pratt as a political solution through viral video content. Local election results from Hays County and Fredericksburg, Texas, are also noted as context for shifting political landscapes.

Vice President Kamala Harris hinted at a potential 2028 presidential run during a conversation with Reverend Al Sharpton. Harris emphasized her experience in the Situation Room and the Oval Office as preparation for the role. The hosts analyze her delivery and public persona, questioning her political viability in future election cycles.

Hungary's long-time leader Viktor Orban was defeated in a landslide election by center-right rival Peter Modiar, ending 16 years in power. While Orban was backed by the Trump administration, Modiar campaigned on restoring democratic checks and balances and improving relations with the EU. Following the result, the Hungarian currency surged to a four-year high against the euro.

Billionaire Tom Steyer is considered a frontrunner for the California governorship due to his extensive advertising budget. Meanwhile, in Fredericksburg, Texas, the mayoral race features Randy Briley against a "woke" opponent, Emily. The hosts discuss the influence of media exposure on local and state elections.

Analysts suggest that President Trump's decision to send J.D. Vance to negotiate with Iran may be a political "trap" designed to favor Senator Marco Rubio. While Vance has historically been a skeptic of foreign military intervention, his failure to secure a deal in Pakistan could damage his prospects for a 2028 presidential run. Observers note that Trump often takes credit for successes while publicly blaming his subordinates for diplomatic failures.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding a Mississippi law that allows mail-in ballots to be counted up to five days after Election Day if postmarked on time. The Republican National Committee argues that federal law mandates a single "Election Day," making late-arriving ballots invalid. A ruling in favor of the RNC could force changes in 18 other states with similar grace periods for ballot processing.

Kristi Noem faced questioning regarding a rumored affair with Corey Lewandowski, which she dismissed as "tabloid garbage." Adam Curry suggests the $220 million ad campaign was actually a soft launch for Noem's 2028 presidential run managed by Lewandowski. Following her removal from DHS, Noem has been appointed as the "Special Envoy to the Shield of the Americas," a new diplomatic role created by the administration.

Professor Kate Starbird and her misinformation research group at the University of Washington are featured in a 60 Minutes segment. The hosts criticize the group's work as a form of state-aligned censorship, particularly regarding their reporting of social media posts to platforms during the 2020 election.