Hacks On Tap Mad King Politics (with David Plouffe)
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Mar 25, 2026 They dig into risks of war with Iran and how those moves shape political calculations. They debate why a leader might favor spectacle over strategy and the market signals that follow. They unpack congressional bargaining over DHS funding and the voter effects of the SAVE Act. They also break down hot primary battles, divisive Texas ads, and the importance of state-level power.
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Target Vulnerable Republicans Not Just Trump
- Democratic campaigns should focus attacks on vulnerable House and Senate Republicans to maximize electoral payoff.
- Plouffe recommends targeting individual Republicans who can overperform a weakened Trump to flip seats.
Lower Republican Turnout Gives Democrats An Edge
- Republican turnout looks weaker this cycle and that structural drop helps Democrats in midterms.
- Hosts cite lower primary participation and depressed Republican enthusiasm as a decisive advantage.
SAVE Act Risks Backfiring On Its Supporters
- The SAVE Act is more than voter ID and may impose burdens beyond traditional ID laws.
- Plouffe warns requiring passports or birth certificates raises logistical hurdles and could backfire on Republicans.