Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar 5/13/26: GOP Midterm Bloodbath, Trump's Oligarch Trip To China, Prof Pape On China Advancing Rapidly
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May 13, 2026 
Robert Pape, a foreign policy professor who studies military and tech shifts, and Andy Browne, a China columnist focused on trade and business ties. They dig into Trump’s CEO-filled China trip and which industries stand to gain. They explore China’s rapid AI, EV, and industrial scale-up and its strategic implications for Taiwan, regional allies, and global competition.
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Trump Retains a Locked-In Republican Base
- Republican base remains intensely loyal to Trump, meaning national losses are driven by independents and swing voters.
- Even GOP figures who break with Trump (e.g., Indiana Senate cases) faced primary defeat, showing MAGA durability.
Left Wing Momentum Dominates Democratic Primaries
- Progressive energy is surging in Democratic primaries, with AOC leading one trial poll and Abdel El-Sayed surging in Michigan.
- Young voters (18–44) give El-Sayed ~80% support, showing a generational divide.
President's China Trip Brings Business Delegation Aboard Air Force One
- Trump's China visit unusually includes many corporate CEOs on Air Force One, signaling a business-first agenda.
- Delegation roster spans Wall Street, agri‑exporters, tech and auto, reflecting diverse corporate interests seeking access to China.