Matt Lewis Can't Lose

David Sirota (former Bernie Sanders speechwriter, Don't Look Up co-writer, The Lever founder) joins Matt to break down Season 2 of his award-winning podcast Master Plan. They trace the decades-long plot — from Nixon and Watergate to Dick Cheney, Reagan's Justice Department, and Ed Meese — that transformed the presidency into an "imperial" office via unitary executive theory, setting the stage for Trump's aggressive use of power today.They also discuss:— Whether Dick Cheney and Ed Meese ever regretted empowering someone like Trump ("leopards ate my face")— Bipartisan complicity: Obama's drone strikes, DACA, and the temptation for Democrats to wield the same power— Gridlock, corruption (Season 1 tie-in), public demand for a "king who gets things done," and the Founders' anti-monarch vision— Plus: Bernie Sanders' long-game impact, Don't Look Up's warning about distraction machines, and why deep storytelling mattersSubscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

In this candid conversation, Bulwark writer Will Saletan discusses his latest piece on Donald Trump's disturbing compulsion to attack deceased critics and opponents. The trigger? Trump's Truth Social post rejoicing over former FBI Director Robert Mueller's death.Will and Matt unpack the full list of "greatest hits": Attacking Gold Star parents, smearing John McCain even after his death ("I like people who weren't captured"), dismissing John Lewis and Colin Powell, and claiming Rob Reiner "died of TDS."They also discuss:— Why Republicans like Mike Johnson and Scott Bessent defend Trump's attacks on the dead — Trump's attacks on his own appointees (Gorsuch and Barrett called "sickening" over tariffs), while paying off the bad guys (Michael Flynn and Ashli Babbitt settlements).Plus: — ICE at airports— Transgender athletes in sports— Social media addiction— Robot umps in baseball— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Democrats just flipped TWO Republican seats in Florida — including the state House district that includes Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home. Is this the start of a massive 2026 midterm wave against Trump?In this wide-ranging Substack Live conversation, Chris Cillizza and Matt break down:— The shocking 30-0 trend: Democrats flipping 30 state legislative seats since Trump’s inauguration… Republicans flipping zero— Why Florida special elections (Tampa Bay + Mar-a-Lago) signal major trouble for GOP in 2026— California governor race meltdown: Jungle primary chaos, identity politics debate cancellation, and real risk of two Republicans advancing— Senate math for 2026: Which seats (Ohio, Alaska, Maine, North Carolina, Texas?) could actually flip if Democrats keep over-performing by 5–10 points— Why “history doesn’t matter anymore” — the power of the current zeitgeist and independent voter shift— Trump as the ultimate “weather creator” in politics— Redistricting revenge wars, authenticity in media, and why legacy outlets are copying our style— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Charlie Sykes and Matt break down how Trump’s character flaws — flaws we’ve been warning about for 10 plus years — are now endangering everyone.Here are some key moments we cover:— Trump’s Truth Social rant: Democrats top Iran as top enemy — what does this mean for half the country?— Trump celebrating Robert Mueller’s death (Purple Heart vet) + hypocrisy on grief (the Charlie Kirk murder outrage)— Iran debacle: Power plant threats, Lindsey Graham’s Iwo Jima fantasies, market crashes, and war crimes risks— Why Trump treats allies worse than adversaries (Denmark, Japan Pearl Harbor “joke”)— The bubble: No one tells Trump “no” — leading to miscalculations and danger— Vindication for Never Trumpers: Character IS destiny — we warned everyone in 2016!— Plus: Is Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear THE potential 2028 hope? Charlie thinks there’s a chance. If you’ve been saying “we told you so” about Trump’s impulsiveness, narcissism, and cruelty — this episode hits hard. Plus, Charlie pulls no punches on the reality of this “mad king,” and what happens if his polls keep tanking.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Today's conversation with Washington Monthly's Bill Scher was as a wide-ranging, candid conversation dissecting 2026 political flashpoints under Trump’s second term.We discussed:— Sen. Rand Paul’s feud with Sen. Markwayne Mullin during Mullin’s contentious DHS Secretary confirmation hearing (where Paul grilled him over temperament, past insults), Mullin’s stubbornness, cross-aisle likability (including Sen. John Fetterman’s Democratic vote advancing the nomination), and why Paul’s opposition likely fails due to Senate deference norms and lack of broader strategy.— Joe Kent’s explosive resignation as National Counterterrorism Center director (accusing Israel/AIPAC of manipulating Trump into war), his Tucker Carlson interview hinting at conspiracies (including linking Charlie Kirk’s assassination to pro-war forces), anti-Semitic trope risks amplified by Marco Rubio/Bibi Netanyahu statements, and blowback dangers.— Tulsi Gabbard’s hypocrisy: As DNI, she dodges Sen. John Ossoff’s direct “yes/no” on Iran’s imminent nuclear threat (deferring to Trump), contradicting her past “No War with Iran” brand and refusing to resign despite evidence the intel didn’t support imminence.— Midterm outlook: Matt’s bullish take on Democrats’ Senate chances in 2026, with prediction markets teetering ~50% and conventional wisdom shifting.— NATO resistance: Bill’s Washington Monthly piece arguing Democrats should defy any Trump unilateral withdrawal attempt, treating it as invalid precedent to preserve alliance ties post-Trump.— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Join Chris Cillizza and Matt Lewis for a candid, in-depth chat breaking down the latest in American politics.In this episode, they discuss:— Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker is prepping for a presidential campaign in 2028. Why last night’s Illinois primary was a step in the right direction for that.— The generational shift shaking up the Democratic Party: Longtime “old bulls” like Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) retiring after decades in office, opening the door for younger, more progressive voices.— Post-Trump Democratic reckoning: Purity tests, identity politics, immigration/border messaging, trans issues, and the search for authentic, vibe-driven candidates who can rebuild a broad coalition.— Why traditional “competent moderate” profiles (think Josh Shapiro-style resumes) might not cut it anymore — and the case for outsiders like Mark Cuban, Jon Stewart, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, or even wilder cards.— Optics and electability in the modern era: Looks, masculinity vibes, weight, and how Trump broke old rules — but others can’t just copy him.— The Republican Party as a cult of personality vs. the fractious Democratic coalition — and what it means for both sides moving forward.— Whether you’re tracking 2028 speculation, Senate power dynamics, or the broader realignment in U.S. politics, this unfiltered conversation delivers sharp insights and no-holds-barred takes.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

— In this episode of Sykes & Lewis LIVE, we dive deep into the chaos of Trump’s second term amid the escalating Iran war.— From symbolic coin changes to authoritarian threats and a messy foreign policy quagmire — here’s what we cover:— The New “Trump Dime” Drama — The redesigned dime reportedly drops the olive branch (peace) and keeps only arrows (war). Is this a deliberate message during the Iran conflict, or just on-the-nose symbolism?— Iran War Escalation & Strait of Hormuz Crisis — Trump bombs Iran, claims quick wins, but now begs allies (NATO, China, Japan, UK) for warships to reopen the strait after Iran shuts it down. He’s like a toddler who makes a mess and then expects everyone else to pick up the pieces.— War on Dissent & Media Treason Threats — Overnight, Trump sent out a. long “Truth” attacking judges, the Fed, and calling negative war coverage “treason” (death penalty implied). We call it out—words have consequences.— White House Makeover Madness — Trump allies push to replace the historic ionic columns with flashy Corinthian ones (think Mar-a-Lago or Supreme Court style). Is he legacy-building or just pissing on icons? Charlie and I discuss the aesthetic obsession and why it’s sparking outrage among architects.— Economic Fallout & Political Blowback — Skyrocketing oil, $4+ gas, stalled growth, affordability crisis. Midterms looming — could the growing blue-wave flip the Senate?— Defiance & Hope — We end on resilience: Keep speaking out, support courageous voices (shoutout to Jimmy Kimmel & Stephen Colbert), use the ballot box, and remember — courage is contagious.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Bill Scher, political analyst and Washington Monthly writer, breaks down GOP chaos and foreign-policy fallout. They tackle Trump’s risky Iran escalation and quagmire dangers. They unpack the SAVE Act’s strict ID push and turnout implications. They explore GOP fractures, 2026 midterm swing potential, and a brewing 2028 GOP succession clash.

On this week’s LIVE discussion, Charlie Sykes delivers a blistering critique of President Trump’s Iran policy from a right-of-center perspective — calling out the chaos, contradictions, and long-term damage.We also dissect how “America First” became the most flexible slogan ever, bad optics (video game sizzle reels, golf caps during dignified transfers), economic fallout (oil spiking to $100+/barrel), and call out the Faustian bargains.Major topics discussed:— Trump’s incoherent Iran strategy — No plan, no exit, shifting goals from regime change to “unconditional surrender” to whatever Trump decides that day— “America First” means nothing — It’s just a flexible slogan that is defined by Trump’s mood— Trivializing war — Video game-style White House reels (Top Gun clips, anime), wearing a golf cap at Dover dignified transfer, lack of solemnity amid fallen troops— Israel’s influence & anti-Semitism risks — A war sold as for Israel’s security is feeding conspiracy theories, and doing long-term damage to bipartisan support for Israel and Jewish communities— Russia-Iran ironies — Russia is reportedly aiding Iran against U.S. forces; Ukraine is helping intercept Iranian drones— White House hubris — “Yes”-men, repeating failed playbooks (“Mission Accomplished” redux), ignoring red flags— AI/job disruption backlash, generational damage to capitalism, the church, and conservatism— Texas Senate race update — Looks like James Talarico could beat Ken Paxton OR John Cornyn!— And MUCH moreIf you’re tired of cheerleading and want honest analysis of Trump’s presidency, this episode is a must-watch.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Bill Scher, Washington Monthly contributor and political analyst, breaks down Kristi Noem’s ouster and the chaotic deportation push. He unpacks the Iran strikes debate, risks of regime decapitation, and comparisons to past interventions. He also maps the Texas Senate scramble and how immigration and Iran policy could reshape the Republican coalition.