Ten months into Trump's second term, the unthinkable is happening—MAGA is showing cracks. Dave, Ashley, and Kurt dive into whether Trump has become a lame duck faster than any president in modern history. From the Epstein files vote defying his wishes to his approval ratings hitting January 6th lows, the hosts debate if the Republican coalition is finally splintering. They also dissect who really won the shutdown showdown (spoiler: it's complicated), wrestle with whether "America First" has become "Saudi Arabia Second," and break down the leaked framework for ending the Ukraine war. Plus: Kurt calls out the hypocrisy, Ashley defends the security hawk position, and Dave asks the questions nobody wants to answer. This is political analysis without the partisan blinders.

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Day 38 of the government shutdown, and Republicans just got a reality check. Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis break down why the GOP's 2025 election losses prove what everyone suspected: Trump's magic doesn't transfer. From Mikie Sherrill's 13-point blowout in New Jersey to Abigail Spanberger's Virginia sweep, Democrats showed up when it mattered—and younger voters came home.

But the Democrats aren't popping champagne just yet. The hosts dig into what Cuomo's defeat really means for New York politics, why the economy message matters more than "socialist" scaremongering, and whether Mayor-elect Mamdani can actually deliver on those bold promises. Plus: the shutdown drags toward Thanksgiving, flight cancellations loom, and Bill Gates finally admits maybe the climate isn't ending tomorrow.

This is Practically Political—where we talk politics without the hate, but we're not afraid to call it like we see it.

Topics:

• The 2025 Elections: Trump's Turnout Problem
• Government Shutdown: Day 38 and Counting
• Bill Gates' Climate Reality Check

Day 30 of the government shutdown, and President Trump is halfway around the world. Dave, Kurt, and Ashley dissect the unprecedented absence of a president during a federal shutdown, analyze tight gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, debate whether the Supreme Court will finally check Trump's tariff power, and assess his high-stakes Asia trip. From SNAP benefits disappearing to Gen Z shockingly backing controversial candidates, this episode captures America's political chaos in real time. Will Democrats finally learn their lesson? Can the Supreme Court save its reputation? And what happens when food assistance vanishes for millions? Join us for a no-holds-barred conversation about a government in gridlock and a country at a crossroads.

Dave, Kurt, and Ashley dissect the 22nd government shutdown in 50 years, questioning whether Democrats have a winning strategy or are just setting themselves up for another loss. The hosts debate messaging failures, the Republican advantage in the media ecosystem, and why fighting over future crises rarely moves voters. Plus: was Trump's military generals gathering pure stagecraft? The surprising Monica Lewinsky-shutdown connection you never knew about. And Pfizer's direct-to-consumer deal that has Big Pharma scrambling. Recorded October 2, 2025.

In this episode of Practically Political, hosts Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis discuss the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and its implications for political discourse in America. They explore the reactions from political leaders, the role of social media in radicalization, and the ongoing issues of mental health and gun control. The conversation also touches on the upcoming government shutdown and the economic implications of recent interest rate cuts, emphasizing the need for effective messaging and unity in the political landscape.

00:00 The Tragic Assassination of Charlie Kirk

02:47 The Role of Dialogue in Political Discourse

05:21 The Impact of Social Media on Radicalization

08:12 Free Speech and Political Violence

11:00 Mental Health and Gun Violence

13:55 The Political Landscape Ahead of the Midterms

16:37 Economic Implications of Federal Interest Rate Cuts

Dave Spencer delivers a sobering assessment of the Trump administration's first eight months, rating it at "90% worst case scenario." The hosts break down the spectacular failure of the Alaska summit with Putin, the deteriorating situation in Gaza, and how Trump's tariff wars are driving traditional allies like India into China's arms. They also examine the systematic dismantling of non-partisan agencies, Congress's abdication of constitutional powers, and the looming government shutdown. Plus: the rise of Gavin Newsom as a Democratic standard-bearer, the party's demographic challenges ahead of 2030, and why the Supreme Court has become the final arbiter of every major policy dispute.

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Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis dissect the Texas Democrats' dramatic flight to Illinois over gerrymandering, Trump's alarming purge of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the federal takeover of DC policing. Plus, they preview the high-stakes Trump-Putin summit in Alaska and what it means for Ukraine's future. Will Trump's "art of the deal" hold up against Putin's power plays?

00:00 Intro & Texas Gerrymandering Crisis 
06:49 Trump Fires Bureau of Labor Statistics Head 
16:27 Federal Takeover of DC Police 
26:31 Trump-Putin Alaska Summit

Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis dive into Trump's desperate attempts to block Epstein document releases, despite years of promoting conspiracy theories about the case. The hosts examine the political fallout, the discharge petition threat in Congress, and what Trump might be hiding. Plus: Jerome Powell's Fed independence under fire, Japan trade deal updates, and remembering Hulk Hogan's legacy in sports entertainment.

Introduction - 0:00

Trump's Epstein Meltdown - 00:30

What's Trump Hiding? Congress Moves to Force Release - 7:00

Fed Chair Powell Under Fire - Will Trump Fire Him? - 14:00

Remembering Hulk Hogan & Political Wrap-Up - 21:00

Trump Files $10 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against Wall Street Journal Over Epstein Story

PBS NewsHour - President Trump filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch following the newspaper's publication of a story about a sexually suggestive letter allegedly written by Trump that was included in Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday album. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Miami, marks an extraordinary escalation of Trump's legal campaign against media companies.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell Vows to Withstand Trump's Pressure Campaign

CNN Politics - Jerome Powell has privately told associates he will not resign despite President Trump's unprecedented attacks and calls for lower interest rates. Powell believes his resignation would undermine the Federal Reserve's independence from political interference. The article details Trump's multi-pronged assault, including focus on the Fed's $2.5 billion headquarters renovation.

House Subcommittee Votes 8-2 to Subpoena DOJ for Epstein Files

PBS NewsHour - A House subcommittee voted to subpoena the Department of Justice for Epstein investigation files after Democrats successfully pressured GOP lawmakers to act. Three Republicans joined Democrats in the 8-2 vote, defying both President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who sent lawmakers home early to avoid further votes on the issue.

WWE Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at 71 Following Cardiac Arrest

CNN - Professional wrestling icon Terry Bollea, known as Hulk Hogan, died at age 71 after suffering cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. The WWE Hall of Famer, who helped transform professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment in the 1980s, had undergone 25 surgeries in recent years and faced multiple health challenges before his death.

Trump Announces 'Massive' $550 Billion Trade Deal with Japan

NPR - President Trump announced a major trade agreement with Japan that reduces threatened tariffs from 25% to 15% on Japanese exports. The deal includes a $550 billion Japanese investment in the U.S. and opens Japan's markets to American cars, rice, and agricultural products. The agreement represents Trump's largest trade deal to date ahead of his August 1 tariff deadline.

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Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis reunite in person for a spirited discussion on the shifting dynamics of American politics. The trio analyzes Senator Tom Tillis's retirement announcement and what it means for moderate Republicans in Trump's GOP, while exploring whether there's any value left in being a "swing vote" senator. They dive deep into the shocking NYC comptroller primary upset, where 33-year-old socialist Zoram Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, examining what this says about the anti-establishment mood gripping both parties. The hosts also tackle the recent U.S. military strikes on Iran, debating the administration's "obliteration" claims and the potential national security implications. From Susan Collins's political calculations to the power of authenticity in modern campaigns, this episode offers unfiltered analysis of today's most pressing political developments.

Tom Tillis Retirement Announcement

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis announced Sunday that he won't seek reelection in 2026, hours after President Trump threatened to back a primary challenge against him when he refused to support his massive spending and tax bill.

Zohran Mamdani's Upset Victory Over Andrew Cuomo

Zohran Mamdani declared victory in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary Tuesday night after Andrew Cuomo conceded the race in a stunning upset.

U.S. Military Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities

The U.S. military has joined with Israel to launch military strikes against Iran, a dramatic escalation in the years-long effort by both nations to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Early Intelligence Assessment of Iran Strike Damage

The US military strikes on three of Iran's nuclear facilities last weekend did not destroy the core components of the country's nuclear program and likely only set it back by months, according to an early US intelligence assessment

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Dave Spencer, Kurt Bardella, and Ashley Davis break down the week's most consequential political developments. From Israel's devastating strikes on Iran's weakened regime to Trump's controversial deployment of National Guard and Marines on American soil, the hosts examine how close we are to major flashpoints both abroad and at home. Plus, they analyze whether Republicans in Congress will actually stand up to Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" or cave like they always do. Recorded live on June 18, 2025.

What You'll Hear:

• Iran's collapse and what it means for Middle East stability
• The dangerous precedent of military deployment on U.S. streets
• Why Congress keeps failing at fiscal responsibility
• How California's political future hangs in the balance
• Behind-the-scenes intelligence that spooked Washington
   

Continued Reading and Relevant Links

"Israel strikes dozens of targets in Iran, including nuclear program: IDF" - ABC News

Comprehensive coverage of Israel's multi-wave strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including damage assessments and international reactions.

"Trump White House opens door to historic military deployment on U.S. soil" - Washington Post

In-depth analysis of Trump's unprecedented use of National Guard and Marines for domestic law enforcement, including constitutional implications.

"The GOP megabill could cost trillions, putting focus on fiscal conservatism rhetoric" - NPR

How Trump's massive spending bill exposes the gap between Republican rhetoric about fiscal responsibility and actual policy decisions.

"The Nation's Fiscal Health: Strategy Needed as Debt Levels Accelerate" - U.S. Government Accountability Office

Official government analysis showing debt projected to reach 200% of GDP by 2047, with net interest costs already exceeding Medicare and defense spending.

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