Political analysts Jessica Taylor and Erin Covey of The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter join award-winning journalist Madeleine Brand for a timely discussion of the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of Congress, and what the outcome could mean for the future of American democracy. Drawing on their extensive reporting and analysis of congressional, Senate, and gubernatorial races, Taylor and Covey examine the political landscape heading into November, the most competitive battlegrounds, shifting voter sentiment, and the strategies Republicans and Democrats are using to secure electoral victories. With control of Congress at stake, they explore the key factors that could determine the balance of power in Washington.

Political analysts Jessica Taylor and Erin Covey of The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter join award-winning journalist Madeleine Brand for a timely discussion of the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of Congress, and what the outcome could mean for the future of American democracy. Drawing on their extensive reporting and analysis of congressional, Senate, and gubernatorial races, Taylor and Covey examine the political landscape heading into November, the most competitive battlegrounds, shifting voter sentiment, and the strategies Republicans and Democrats are using to secure electoral victories. With control of Congress at stake, they explore the key factors that could determine the balance of power in Washington.

Political analysts Jessica Taylor and Erin Covey of The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter join award-winning journalist Madeleine Brand for a timely discussion of the 2026 midterm elections, the battle for control of Congress, and what the outcome could mean for the future of American democracy. Drawing on their extensive reporting and analysis of congressional, Senate, and gubernatorial races, Taylor and Covey examine the political landscape heading into November, the most competitive battlegrounds, shifting voter sentiment, and the strategies Republicans and Democrats are using to secure electoral victories. With control of Congress at stake, they explore the key factors that could determine the balance of power in Washington.

Jessica Taylor and Erin Covey with Madeleine Brand | America Votes: The Battle for Congress

Editor-in-chief of Israel's leading newspaper Haaretz, Aluf Benn, joins veteran public radio host Larry Mantle for a timely discussion on Israel's political future, the stakes of its upcoming elections, and the challenges facing Israeli democracy. Drawing on decades of reporting and political analysis, Benn examines the forces shaping Israeli politics, the country's leadership and security challenges, and the implications of the election for Israel's relationship with the United States and the broader Middle East. As one of Israel's most prominent journalists, Benn brings an insider's perspective on the political divisions, competing priorities, and critical decisions facing the nation. Topics include: • Israel's upcoming elections and the stakes for its future • Benjamin Netanyahu's political leadership and electoral challenges • Israeli democracy, political polarization, and public trust • The impact of regional conflict on Israeli politics and security • U.S.-Israel relations and the future of Middle East diplomacy

Editor-in-chief of Israel's leading newspaper Haaretz, Aluf Benn, joins veteran public radio host Larry Mantle for a timely discussion on Israel's political future, the stakes of its upcoming elections, and the challenges facing Israeli democracy. Drawing on decades of reporting and political analysis, Benn examines the forces shaping Israeli politics, the country's leadership and security challenges, and the implications of the election for Israel's relationship with the United States and the broader Middle East. As one of Israel's most prominent journalists, Benn brings an insider's perspective on the political divisions, competing priorities, and critical decisions facing the nation. Topics include: • Israel's upcoming elections and the stakes for its future • Benjamin Netanyahu's political leadership and electoral challenges • Israeli democracy, political polarization, and public trust • The impact of regional conflict on Israeli politics and security • U.S.-Israel relations and the future of Middle East diplomacy

Editor-in-chief of Israel's leading newspaper Haaretz, Aluf Benn, joins veteran public radio host Larry Mantle for a timely discussion on Israel's political future, the stakes of its upcoming elections, and the challenges facing Israeli democracy. Drawing on decades of reporting and political analysis, Benn examines the forces shaping Israeli politics, the country's leadership and security challenges, and the implications of the election for Israel's relationship with the United States and the broader Middle East. As one of Israel's most prominent journalists, Benn brings an insider's perspective on the political divisions, competing priorities, and critical decisions facing the nation. Topics include: • Israel's upcoming elections and the stakes for its future • Benjamin Netanyahu's political leadership and electoral challenges • Israeli democracy, political polarization, and public trust • The impact of regional conflict on Israeli politics and security • U.S.-Israel relations and the future of Middle East diplomacy &nbsp;

Aluf Benn with Larry Mantle | Israel Heads to the Polls: The Stakes Couldn't be Higher

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford political scientist Michael McFaul joins renowned democracy scholar Larry Diamond for a timely conversation on the 2026 midterm elections, America's role in the world, and the growing global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. Drawing on decades of experience in diplomacy, foreign policy, and democratic governance, McFaul and Diamond examine how America's elections influence international alliances, embolden or constrain authoritarian powers, and shape the future of democratic institutions worldwide. The discussion explores themes from McFaul's latest book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. Topics include: • The 2026 midterm elections and their global implications • The rise of authoritarianism in Russia, China, and beyond • America's leadership in defending democracy worldwide • The future of U.S. foreign policy and international alliances • The global struggle between democratic and authoritarian systems   #AmericaAtACrossroads #MichaelMcFaul #LarryDiamond #Midterms2026 #Democracy #ForeignPolicy #Russia #China #Authoritarianism #GlobalPolitics

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford political scientist Michael McFaul joins renowned democracy scholar Larry Diamond for a timely conversation on the 2026 midterm elections, America's role in the world, and the growing global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. Drawing on decades of experience in diplomacy, foreign policy, and democratic governance, McFaul and Diamond examine how America's elections influence international alliances, embolden or constrain authoritarian powers, and shape the future of democratic institutions worldwide. The discussion explores themes from McFaul's latest book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. Topics include: • The 2026 midterm elections and their global implications • The rise of authoritarianism in Russia, China, and beyond • America's leadership in defending democracy worldwide • The future of U.S. foreign policy and international alliances • The global struggle between democratic and authoritarian systems #AmericaAtACrossroads #MichaelMcFaul #LarryDiamond #Midterms2026 #Democracy #ForeignPolicy #Russia #China #Authoritarianism #GlobalPolitics

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford political scientist Michael McFaul joins renowned democracy scholar Larry Diamond for a timely conversation on the 2026 midterm elections, America's role in the world, and the growing global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism. Drawing on decades of experience in diplomacy, foreign policy, and democratic governance, McFaul and Diamond examine how America's elections influence international alliances, embolden or constrain authoritarian powers, and shape the future of democratic institutions worldwide. The discussion explores themes from McFaul's latest book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. Topics include: • The 2026 midterm elections and their global implications • The rise of authoritarianism in Russia, China, and beyond • America's leadership in defending democracy worldwide • The future of U.S. foreign policy and international alliances • The global struggle between democratic and authoritarian systems &nbsp; #AmericaAtACrossroads #MichaelMcFaul #LarryDiamond #Midterms2026 #Democracy #ForeignPolicy #Russia #China #Authoritarianism #GlobalPolitics

Michael McFaul with Larry Diamond | America Votes, the World Watches: The Midterms and the Global Battle for Democracy

What can listening closely to voters tell us about the state of American politics—and where the country may be headed? Sarah Longwell, CEO and Publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, joins Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Patt Morrison for a conversation about American voters, elections, and the forces shaping the country’s political landscape. Drawing on years of qualitative research and conversations with voters across the country, Longwell discusses themes from her forthcoming book, How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time, and what she has learned from hearing directly from voters in focus groups. Featuring: Sarah Longwell — CEO and Publisher of The Bulwark; host of The Focus Group Patt Morrison — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster Recorded September 30, 2026.

What can listening closely to voters tell us about the state of American politics—and where the country may be headed? Sarah Longwell, CEO and Publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, joins Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Patt Morrison for a conversation about American voters, elections, and the forces shaping the country’s political landscape. Drawing on years of qualitative research and conversations with voters across the country, Longwell discusses themes from her forthcoming book, How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time, and what she has learned from hearing directly from voters in focus groups. Featuring: Sarah Longwell — CEO and Publisher of The Bulwark; host of The Focus Group Patt Morrison — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster Recorded September 30, 2026.

What can listening closely to voters tell us about the state of American politics—and where the country may be headed? Sarah Longwell, CEO and Publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group podcast, joins Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Patt Morrison for a conversation about American voters, elections, and the forces shaping the country’s political landscape. Drawing on years of qualitative research and conversations with voters across the country, Longwell discusses themes from her forthcoming book, How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time, and what she has learned from hearing directly from voters in focus groups. Featuring: Sarah Longwell — CEO and Publisher of The Bulwark; host of The Focus Group Patt Morrison — Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster Recorded September 30, 2026.

Sarah Longwell with Patt Morrison: How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter - and One Election - At a Time

Political commentator, The Atlantic senior editor, and former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum joins award-winning journalist and broadcaster Patt Morrison for a timely conversation on Donald Trump, the 2026 midterm elections, and the future of American democracy. Drawing on his experience in Republican politics and his analysis of the Trump movement, Frum examines the political and cultural forces shaping the American electorate, the challenges facing traditional conservatism, and the implications of the upcoming elections for the nation's democratic institutions. Building on themes from his book Trumpocalypse, Frum explores the enduring loyalty of Trump's supporters, the role of cultural grievance in American politics, and what the midterms could mean for the country's political future. Topics include: • Donald Trump and his influence on the Republican Party   • The 2026 midterm elections and the battle for control of Congress   • Political polarization, cultural resentment, and voter loyalty   • The future of conservatism and the Republican Party   • The challenges facing American democracy and its institutions

Political commentator, The Atlantic senior editor, and former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum joins award-winning journalist and broadcaster Patt Morrison for a timely conversation on Donald Trump, the 2026 midterm elections, and the future of American democracy. Drawing on his experience in Republican politics and his analysis of the Trump movement, Frum examines the political and cultural forces shaping the American electorate, the challenges facing traditional conservatism, and the implications of the upcoming elections for the nation's democratic institutions. Building on themes from his book Trumpocalypse, Frum explores the enduring loyalty of Trump's supporters, the role of cultural grievance in American politics, and what the midterms could mean for the country's political future. Topics include: • Donald Trump and his influence on the Republican Party • The 2026 midterm elections and the battle for control of Congress • Political polarization, cultural resentment, and voter loyalty • The future of conservatism and the Republican Party • The challenges facing American democracy and its institutions

Political commentator, The Atlantic senior editor, and former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum joins award-winning journalist and broadcaster Patt Morrison for a timely conversation on Donald Trump, the 2026 midterm elections, and the future of American democracy. Drawing on his experience in Republican politics and his analysis of the Trump movement, Frum examines the political and cultural forces shaping the American electorate, the challenges facing traditional conservatism, and the implications of the upcoming elections for the nation's democratic institutions. Building on themes from his book Trumpocalypse, Frum explores the enduring loyalty of Trump's supporters, the role of cultural grievance in American politics, and what the midterms could mean for the country's political future. Topics include: • Donald Trump and his influence on the Republican Party &nbsp; • The 2026 midterm elections and the battle for control of Congress &nbsp; • Political polarization, cultural resentment, and voter loyalty &nbsp; • The future of conservatism and the Republican Party &nbsp; • The challenges facing American democracy and its institutions

David Frum with Patt Morrison | The Reckoning: Trump, The Midterms and The Future of American Democracy

Andrew Weissmann with Patt Morrison | The Quest for Accountability: An Expert Analysis of Trump's Liabilities

Noah Feldman with Larry Mantle | How Oct. 7 Has Forced Jews to Reckon with Israel

Amb. James F. Jeffrey and Tom Warrick with Warren Olney | After the War: A Plausible Proposal for Life in Gaza

Franklin Foer with Madeleine Brand | Has the Golden Age of American Jewry Ended?

Erwin Chemerinsky with Warren Olney | Antisemitism and Anti-Zionism on College Campuses: Part II

Jacob Heilbrunn with Warren Olney | The Right's Century-Long Romance with Foreign Dictators

Neal Katyal with Madeleine Brand | Trump, the Courts, and the Election

Janet Napolitano with Patt Morrison | How safe are we? A frank assessment of the condition of our homeland security.

Janet Napolitano with Patt Morrison | How safe are we? A frank assessment of the condition of our homeland security.

Celina Lake and Paul Maslin with Warren Olney | Political Polling: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Amb. Dennis Ross with Patt Morrison | Israel in Crisis Briefing #13

America at a Crossroads is proud to present an esteemed roster of guests and moderators to discuss the state of American democracy and the very real challenges facing it today. Past guests and moderators have included Congressman Adam Schiff, Congresswoman Karen Bass, House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, Congressman Adam Kinzinger, George F. Will, Patt Morrison, Warren Olney, Madeleine Brand, Bill Kristol, David Axelrod, James Carville, Jonathan Greenblatt, and many more.

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