Matt Lewis Can't Lose

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

Trump's Commerce Sec Admits Epstein Island Lunch – Why He Won't ResignThe Bulwark's Will Saletan and Matt Lewis break down the mounting scandals rocking the Trump administration in February 2026.Howard Lutnick, Trump's Commerce Secretary, admitted under oath to lunch with Jeffrey Epstein on his private island in 2012 — years after claiming he'd cut ties in 2005 over disgust at Epstein's behavior. Despite bipartisan calls to resign, Trump stands by him. Is this more proof of "no apologies, no accountability" in MAGA world?Plus: — Trump's threat to block the Gordie Howe bridge after Lutnick met the rival Ambassador Bridge owner — classic cronyism sold as "America First— The House GOP revolt against Trump's tariffs (Massie, Kiley, Bacon defecting) signals real pain for working families from regressive taxes.— Tulsi Gabbard joins FBI raid on Fulton County 2020 ballots—setting up election interference claims for 2026 midterms?— Trump's speeches mocking biblical principles: bragging about stolen oil, defending murderers, zero fruits of the spirit. How did evangelicals get here?— 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

Jonathan Martin, POLITICO senior political columnist and bureau chief, offers sharp analysis of the 2026 midterm landscape. He breaks down why the Senate map is brutal for Democrats. He traces Ohio’s rightward realignment. He critiques the questionnaire-driven vulnerabilities and how Trump’s vanity fuels GOP chaos. He outlines the urgent need for both parties to define themselves after Trump.

On today’s Substack LIVE conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis discuss...— Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show— Trump’s angry reaction and Truth Social meltdown— MAGA counter-programming failure (Kid Rock & TPUSA event)— Trump’s blatantly racist post about the Obamas— How ICE is buying off local police departments— J.D. Vance booed at the Olympics!— Sen. Jon Ossoff’s great speech in Atlanta— Despite leading in the primary polls, Rep. Jasmine Crockett doesn’t seem to be running much of a campaign in 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 © 2025, BBL & BWL, LLC

David Frum, Atlantic staff writer, podcaster, and author known for sharp political analysis. He lays out monumental self-enrichment in office and how corruption reshaped checks and balances. Short takes cover national security risks from foreign deals, tariff and voter fallout, ICE and intimidation threats, and fractures within Trump’s coalition.

In this raw, must-watch conversation, former GOP Rep. Joe Walsh joins Matt Lewis to unpack the growing backlash against Trump's second term. They discuss: — The stunning Democratic upset in Texas Senate District 9 (a 31+ point swing from Trump's 2024 margin in a red stronghold) — Why shocking videos of masked ICE agents dragging people from streets/parking lots/Home Depot are turning public opinion (even among non-political Americans) — How tariffs and economic pain are eroding Trump's "secret sauce" Epstein files secrecy fueling distrust, GOP cracks (Massie, Rand Paul pushing back), and why images are more powerful than words in shifting opinion — Walsh's Warning: Trump may try to interfere with 2026 midterms – don't underestimate authoritarian moves — Plus lighter moments on Eagles fandom and calls for prayers over Savannah Guthrie's missing mom in Arizona Walsh (a former Trump voter turned fierce critic) and Lewis (original Never Trumper) argue Democrats could retake the House in a "blue tsunami" driven by Trump's overreach – but must build a real vision for 2028.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 important episode, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis break down the stunning Texas Senate special election upset: Democrat Taylor Rehmet flips a +17 Trump district by 14 points (31-point swing!) despite massive GOP spending and Trump intervention. Is this the start of a midterm wave driven by ICE overreach, Minneapolis protests/shootings, and cratering Hispanic support?We also discuss:— The heartbreaking-then-hopeful story of 5-year-old Liam Ramos released from ICE detention after a scathing judge's opinion— Fresh Epstein file dumps raising Russian ties and elite scandals— Why Trump's mass deportation chaos is backfiring and supercharging Democratic motivation— 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 double-feature episode of the podcast, veteran journalist Jason Zengerle joins to unpack his new book 'Hated by All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind.' We dive deep into Tucker's early days as a sharp, contrarian writer at The Weekly Standard, his pivot at the Daily Caller for traffic over facts, the lessons from Breitbart, his rise at Fox News, and how he mastered anti-liberal outrage to influence policy and the right's direction.Then, author Daniel Flynn discusses 'The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer' – the former Communist turned fusionism pioneer whose ideas united traditionalists and libertarians, powering Goldwater, Reagan, and the post-war right. From MI5 files to living next to Bob Dylan, Meyer's wild life shaped conservatism in ways few remember.Buy the books:Hated by All the Right People by Jason Zengerle: https://www.amazon.com/Hated-All-Right-People-conservative-ebook/dp/B0CYHTV6H9The Man Who Invented Conservatism by Daniel J. Flynn: https://www.amazon.com/Man-Who-Invented-Conservatism-Unlikely/dp/1641774495Subscribe 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/0316383937#tuckercarlson #Conservatism #FrankMeyer #JasonZengerle #DanielFlynn #NeverTrump #PoliticalPodcast #ConservativeHistoryCopyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Jonathan Rauch, contributing writer at The Atlantic and a senior fellow in the Governance Studies program at the Brookings Institution, explains why he now believes it's fair to call Trump's policies "fascism."Read Jonathan Rauch's piece in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/01/america-fascism-trump-maga-ice/685751/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 timely Substack LIVE discussion, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis break down the horrifying Minneapolis shootings by federal agents under the Trump administration. They discuss:-- The Trump administration’s pattern of killing + immediate smears-- How video evidence destroys the ICE narrative, and the potential for mischief when no cameras are around-- Why this feels like a true breaking point for many Americans. -- Risks of escalation to Insurrection Act (Is this the tipping point against authoritarian tactics? Or will the chaos ladder continue?)-- Second Amendment hypocrisy, & the NRA’s surprising response-- 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