RealClearPolitics Podcast The 2026 Senate Midterms in Maine, Texas and Other States
Apr 15, 2026
Richard Porter, an attorney and frequent RCP contributor, joins to discuss his front-page article on the politics and regulation of artificial intelligence. He covers AI’s promise and public fears. Short segments examine who sets the Democratic agenda, contested Senate races like Maine and Texas, and ethical crises in Florida politics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Generated Political Ads Are Here
- AI is already being used in political ads to generate images and voices, pushing ethical boundaries while staying technically within the rules.
- Tom Bevan described an NRSC ad that used an AI-generated shirtless image and voice to dredge up Graham Plattner's Reddit comments.
Progressives Are Shaping Democratic Primaries
- Progressive figures hold disproportionate sway in Democratic primaries, often overriding Senate leadership endorsements.
- Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon note Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and AOC set the party's tone more than Chuck Schumer or Hakeem Jeffries.
Big Money Alone Won't Flip Texas
- Large fundraising hauls don't guarantee victory in statewide general elections, especially in places like Texas.
- Tom Bevan said James Talarico's $27 million Q1 is impressive but may not be enough to flip Texas given ideology and voter dynamics.