Matt Lewis Can't Lose

This week’s Substack LIVE conversation with Chris Cillizza is a dive explainer on what happened in the Texas primary elections. Here’s what Chris and Matt discuss:— Texas primary election results 2026: James Talarico defeats Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, while John Cornyn and Ken Paxton head to a brutal May 26 runoff— Republican civil war ahead: $100M+ already spent, more bloodletting coming — is Paxton the nightmare nominee for GOP, or can Cornyn pull off the comeback with Trump help?— A big trend? Democrats chose unity over combativeness: Talarico’s faith-rooted, optimistic style wins big after his Stephen Colbert boost — could this signal a national Democratic shift away from Trump-style fighting?— Key insights on 2026 midterms: Incumbent losses (Rep. Dan Crenshaw), Rep. Chip Roy’s runoff trouble, broader Senate map implications, and why Donald Trump is probably enjoying himself right now.— Whether North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s 90+ showing in the Democratic primaries suggests this Senate seat is about to flip Democratic— 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

David French, New York Times columnist and legal/political analyst, reflects on recent US strikes on Iran and the shaky justifications behind them. He questions the timing narrative about Israel, worries about Americans left unprepared, and stresses how leadership quality and clear congressional cases matter. He also examines shifting US support for Israel and what upcoming Texas Senate races reveal about party direction.

A fiery critique of a sudden U.S. strike on Iran and the apparent lack of clear goals. They unpack conflicting public explanations and question whether this is distraction, vendetta, or strategy. Discussion of the conflict spreading regionally, rising casualties, and risks to U.S. credibility. Quick detour into Texas Senate primary drama and its potential national implications.

On this week's DMZ, Bill Scher and Matt Lewis discuss:— The Epstein Files Bombshell & Alleged Cover-Up — Bill and I go through a deep-dive on the details behind accusations that Donald Trump sexually assaulted a 13-15-year-old girl in the 1980s surfaced — and debate whether the DOJ’s handling of this allegation constitutes a “cover-up."— Why MSM Must Step Up on the Trump-Epstein Story — Bill argues traditional outlets have covered associations of other figures (e.g., Bill Gates, Prince Andrew, Woody Allen) far more aggressively than this serious, documented-in-files allegation against Trump — despite previous calls from MAGA figures like Kash Patel and Pam Bondi to release everything.— Trump’s Growing Control Over Media Institutions — Paramount’s CNN acquisition (amid Trump-friendly Ellison family’s reported interference in blocking a Netflix rival bid) is merely the latest example of Trump’s broader intimidation/co-option tactics targeting late-night hosts, networks, and independent voices.— Election Integrity Fears — Warnings about a proposed executive order declaring a “national emergency” over baseless Chinese interference claims to seize sweeping control over voting processes, raise concerns Trump might try to rig the midterms.— 2026 Midterm Outlook & Texas Primaries Preview — Bill and I preview the high-stakes Texas Senate primaries ahead of next week’s elections. We also discuss the larger implications for general election electability in a potential wave year.— 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

During today's unfiltered breakdown of President Trump’s record-length 2026 State of the Union address, Chris Cillizza and Matt Lewis dive into the following:— “Dems can only win by cheating”: Trump’s explosive claim echoes 2020 rhetoric— setting stage for midterm fraud narratives if Republicans lose the House?—Faces in the crowd & medals: Heavy on patriotic moments, but is it genuine or weaponized theater?—Democrats’ response: 70+ boycotts, protests (Rep. Al Green escorted out), awkward non-applause on “protect citizens first” — smart strategy or optics disaster?— Immigration theater: Trump forces “stand if you agree America first” moment — Democrats seated; perfect for attack ads?— Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s rebuttal: Solid, low-key Democratic response — focuses on affordability, avoids overreach. — Epstein files withheld: NPR reports on missing pages/allegations against Trump (minor abuse claim from 2019 FBI interview) — why the cover-up? — Media & low expectations: Soft bigotry of low expectations — Trump didn’t go full chaos, so “he did great”? We call out the lowered standards— 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 conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis discuss: — The Supreme Court’s major ruling blocking Trump’s broad use of emergency powers for tariffs: A strong reaffirmation of separation of powers, or another way to save Trump from himself?— The looming risk of military conflict with Iran, including the potential for regime-change, and why Iran might prefer war over capitulation— FBI Director Kash Patel’s viral celebration in the U.S. men’s hockey locker room after their 2026 Olympic gold-medal win, including chugging beer and spraying drinks while domestic crises (like the Mar-a-Lago intruder shooting) were unfolding— The ongoing fallout from the Epstein files, including speculation about radicalization (e.g., the Mar-a-Lago intruder reportedly motivated by frustration over lack of transparency) and Trump’s claims of exoneration— Authoritarian-style pressure tactics, such as Donald Trump’s reported demand that Netflix fire Susan Rice from its board to secure approval for a major corporate acquisition— The larger theme of hubris, vengeance, and the dangers of an administration increasingly unmoored from constitutional norms, institutional guardrails, and competent governance— 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 © 2025, BBL & BWL, LLC

Stephen Colbert says CBS blocked his interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico over Trump FCC "equal time" rule fears (Brendan Carr guidance). The YouTube version exploded to 5M+ views — did it just hand Talarico a huge primary boost against Jasmine Crockett?In this raw Substack Live, Chris Cillizza and Matt Lewis break it all down: — How the controversy helps Talarico nationally but maybe not in Texas Dem primary voting — Plus, SCOTUS retirement rumors — Mitch McConnell's tragic legacy — AOC's Munich flub — What Democrats need to win big in 2026.— And MUCH more!Thoughtful politics, no screaming. New episodes most Wednesdays — subscribe today!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

Eileen Gu is back at the 2026 Olympics for China — American-born, Stanford-educated, earning millions (including reported Chinese payments), yet facing almost no mainstream backlash. Mike Pesca & Matt Lewis unpack why America still loves her: media both-siderism, cultural tolerance trumping geopolitics, China's propaganda wins, and what it says about our weakness vs. a real adversary.We also Trump-era moral equivalency, and Marco Rubio's attempt to square Reaganism with Trumpism.Don't miss this conversation!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 raw episode, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis rip into President's Day 2026 — calling it a diluted holiday that now celebrates presidential "awesomeness" amid Trump's cult of personality and Putin admiration. They also discuss:— Trump’s escalating cult of personality, as dissected in Peter Baker’s latest NYT analysis— Marco Rubio’s Munich Security Conference speech: A slick Trojan horse for MAGA ideas?— The second anniversary of Alexei Navalny’s murder: Confirmed poisoning with rare dart frog toxin, yet Trump shrugs— Trump’s aggressive ICE raids backfire spectacularly: Cratering Hispanic support in South Texas— 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

In this eye-opening DMZ discussion, Bill Scher (Washington Monthly) and Matt Lewis break down Donald Trump's sinking approval ratings in February 2026 — down to the low-to-mid 40s (or even 36% in some polls) amid economic anxiety, immigration chaos, tariffs, and self-inflicted controversies. Is Trump's second term already unraveling? And could a midterm backlash hand Democrats a real shot at flipping the Senate? They dive deep into the 2026 Senate map: — Strong pickup chances in Maine (Susan Collins vulnerable) and North Carolina — Competitive shots in Ohio (Sherrod Brown rematch?), Alaska (Mary Peltola), and long-shot Texas — Key defenses in Georgia, Michigan, and morePlus: Should Democrats pursue accountability for Trump-era actions if they win power, or focus on bread-and-butter issues to avoid backlash? Don't miss this great analysis and conversation!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