Runaway Country with Alex Wagner Trump’s War of Choice Against Iran (w/ Rachel Maddow)
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Mar 12, 2026 
Adam Schiff, U.S. Senator focused on national security and oversight. Rachel Maddow, TV host and political commentator known for deep national security analysis. They tackle Congress reclaiming war powers. They debate public hearings and accountability. They unpack presidential missteps, administration chaos, moral costs of strikes, and how global reputations shift amid the conflict.
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Primary Fear Eclipses Constitutional Duty
- Republican senators largely declined to challenge the president to avoid primary risk, surrendering institutional checks.
- Schiff describes fear of primaries and political consequences as why many Republicans avoid authorizing votes that would hold them accountable.
War As Political Theater For Trump
- Rachel Maddow believes Trump's motive is performative: he sees war as political theater that makes him look strong.
- Maddow cites Trump's offhand remarks and lack of planning, noting he didn't grasp the naval capability before ordering strikes.
Administration Was Caught Flat Footed
- The White House was reportedly flat-footed and lacked evacuation or contingency plans ahead of the strikes.
- Maddow and Wagner cite New York Times reporting showing the administration did not plan for embassy evacuations or regional escalation.