The Republican Legacy Podcast

With Election Day just around the corner, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, Merrill Matthews, and Our Republican Legacy Florida State Chair Jake Walsh examine the rapidly changing midterm landscape. Could Republicans face a historic electoral defeat? The panel takes a closer look at increasingly competitive races in Florida, Texas, and the Midwest, the impact of immigration enforcement and affordability on voters, and what younger Republicans are looking for in political leadership. The conversation also explores continued Republican support for Ukraine, the growing national debt, and whether the party can return to its traditional conservative principles as the 2028 presidential race approaches.

Then, Chris and Lynn welcome former California Congresswoman Mimi Walters, one of Our Republican Legacy’s 34 founding members. Walters reflects on her career in public service, her commitment to Ronald Reagan’s conservative philosophy, and the challenges facing Republicans in California. She discusses free enterprise, tariffs, fiscal responsibility, the importance of rebuilding the party from the grassroots, and California’s competitive political environment. The conversation turns to 2028, including Gavin Newsom’s presidential ambitions, Congressman Don Bacon’s potential candidacy, and what it will take to rebuild a Republican Party focused on enduring conservative principles.

00:00 – Welcome & Election Night Preview
01:44 – The Midterm Outlook: How Big Could the Wave Be?
04:44 – Florida, Texas & the Expanding Battleground
09:18 – Affordability & the Next Generation of Republicans
12:49 – Ukraine, Russia & Republican Foreign Policy
16:39 – The National Debt & Fiscal Responsibility
19:59 – What Should Republicans Look for in 2028?
26:42 – Final Midterm Predictions & the Presidential Race
29:58 – Former Congresswoman Mimi Walters Joins the Podcast
32:23 – Lessons from Public Service
34:49 – Free Enterprise, Tariffs & the National Debt
37:59 – The Future of California Republicans
43:43 – Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris & 2028
45:26 – Don Bacon’s Potential Presidential Run
47:16 – Rebuilding the Republican Party After Trump

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles

With the midterm elections less than three weeks away, Pollster Whit Ayres of North Star Opinion Research joins Chris Vance and Merrill Matthews for a deep dive into the state of the race. Ayres breaks down President Trump’s approval ratings, voter concerns about the economy and inflation, the growing divide between MAGA and non-MAGA Republicans, and why the political environment currently favors Democrats. The panel also looks at the role of the war in Iran, tariffs, campaign spending, voter enthusiasm, and whether Republicans can change the trajectory before Election Day.

Then, they take a state-by-state look at the battle for control of the Senate, including key races in Texas, North Carolina, Ohio, Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, Alaska, Kansas, Maine, and Nebraska. Could 2026 look like the Democratic wave of 2006? And what happens to the Republican Party if the midterms go badly? The conversation concludes by looking ahead to the wide-open race for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, Congressman Don Bacon’s potential candidacy, and Ayres’ intriguing revelation that some former governors are already seriously considering jumping into the race.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Election Night Preview
01:36 – Whit Ayres: The State of the Midterms
02:31 – Trump’s Approval Rating & the Economy
05:11 – Inflation, Gas Prices & Voter Frustration
07:36 – Tariffs and the Republican Economic Message
08:23 – The MAGA vs. Non-MAGA Divide
10:13 – How Much of the GOP Is Still MAGA?
11:14 – The War in Iran & Republican Voters
12:29 – Can Republican Money Overcome the Political Environment?
14:25 – The Senate Battleground: Georgia, Michigan & New Hampshire
15:25 – Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Maine & Nebraska
16:45 – North Carolina & Ohio
17:42 – Could Republicans Lose Texas?
19:22 – How Big Could the Democratic Wave Get?
20:16 – Is 2006 the Best Comparison?
21:54 – The Races That Could Surprise Everyone
22:43 – Why Internal Polling Is Different
24:41 – Are Trump Voters Being Missed by the Polls?
25:44 – Can Campaign Spending Still Change the Race?
27:47 – The Democratic Enthusiasm Advantage
28:36 – What the Midterms Could Mean for 2028
29:48 – Don Bacon & the Emerging Presidential Field
30:17 – Former Governors Considering 2028?

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
• Whit Ayres - North Star Opinion Research

Ep. 15 - Rep. Dave Trott

In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Merrill Matthews are joined by R.J. Lyman, Our Republican Legacy’s Massachusetts State Chair and president of the Niskanen Center, for a wide-ranging discussion about the Republican Party, the midterm elections, and the future of the conservative movement. Lyman discusses the tradition of moderate Republicanism in New England, what it means to view America as a creedal nation, and why Republicans from very different ideological traditions can still find common ground around shared principles. The panel also surveys key races across the country, including contests in New Hampshire, Missouri, Texas, Iowa, and Ohio, as Election Day approaches.

Then, Chris, Merrill, and ORL Michigan State Chair Chuck Brown sit down with former Michigan Congressman and ORL founding member Dave Trott. Trott reflects on how the Republican Party has changed during the Trump era, his experiences serving in Congress during Trump’s first term, the state of the Republican Party in Michigan, tariffs and trade, and what he expects from the midterms. The conversation also turns to 2028, Congressman Don Bacon’s potential presidential run, and the coming debate over the future direction of the Republican Party.

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome & Election Night Preview
02:10 – Meet R.J. Lyman: Massachusetts Chair & Niskanen Center President
03:08 – The New England Republican Tradition
04:46 – What Could Win New Hampshire in 2028?
07:31 – Missouri Politics and the Midterm Environment
09:24 – New Hampshire’s Senate Race & America as a Creed
11:44 – Finding Common Ground Across the Republican Party
13:06 – The Expanding Midterm Battleground
13:22 – Texas and the Senate Map
15:59 – Could Split-Ticket Voting Make a Comeback?
17:00 – Are the Polls Pointing to a Wave Election?
18:24 – Iowa, Ohio & Other Races to Watch
20:13 – Why ORL Is Focused on 2028
21:17 – Former Congressman Dave Trott Joins the Podcast
23:14 – ORL’s Five Core Principles & the Republican Party
24:37 – Congress, Trump & Standing Up to the President
27:27 – What Happened to the Michigan Republican Party?
31:18 – 2028 and Don Bacon’s Potential Presidential Run
33:11 – Republican Enthusiasm & Michigan’s Senate Race
36:16 – Tariffs, Canada & the Michigan Economy
38:35 – Is a Blue Wave Coming?
39:57 – Michigan’s Battleground House Races
43:06 – The Coming Fight for the Republican Party in 2028

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
• Lynn Schmidt's Latest Articles

Ep. 14 - Captain Mark Dreiling

In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance, Lynn Schmidt, and Greg Wilson are joined by Captain Mark Dreiling, Congressman Don Bacon’s Chief of Staff and a Legacy Guardian of the United States Space Force. Drawing on his background in missile warning and space operations, Dreiling discusses the creation and evolution of the Space Force, the role of space-based missile warning systems, and what he describes as a new “space race” with China. Unlike the Cold War-era race for prestige, Dreiling argues that today’s competition has direct implications for national security, economic power, GPS and navigation systems, communications, and the infrastructure Americans rely on every day. The conversation also explores what “peace through strength” means in the space domain and the importance of deterrence as the United States confronts emerging threats.

Later, Merrill Matthews joins the discussion as the panel turns to Ukraine, recent sanctions legislation, continued congressional support for Ukraine, and Congressman Bacon’s role in those debates. Dreiling also reflects on the reaction to Bacon’s recent comments on this podcast about considering a run for President in 2028, the interest those remarks generated, and his view that many younger voters are looking for political leadership focused less on acrimony and more on service, seriousness, and working across party lines.

Chapter List
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:34 Legacy Guardian Recognition
04:39 Why the Space Force Matters
08:08 Missile Warning: A No-Fail Mission
10:06 Space Force Progress and Growing Pains
15:03 Space-Based Missile Warning
18:41 Deterrence and the New Space Race
23:17 Ukraine: The War and Sanctions
27:49 Ukraine Policy and Congressional Action
31:25 Congressman Bacon’s Leadership
34:05 A More Constructive Political Future
36:20 The Future of the Republican Party

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
• Lynn Schmidt's Latest Articles
• U.S. Space Force
• Legacy Guardian Act

Ep. 13 - Michael Steele

In Episode 13 of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance is joined by Merrill Matthews and ORL Michigan Chair Chuck Brown for the Week in Review. They discuss the political landscape in Michigan, the impact of tariffs and the trade war with Canada on the state’s economy, recent polling among swing voters, Republican divisions over Ukraine and foreign policy, and the increasingly competitive midterm environment in Michigan, Texas, and other states. The panel also reacts to Congressman Don Bacon making national news on last week’s podcast by acknowledging that he is considering a run for President in 2028.

Later, Chris and Lynn Schmidt are joined by former Lt. Governor of Maryland and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, a founding member of Our Republican Legacy. Steele discusses what connects the Republicans involved in ORL, his belief in the party’s Lincoln tradition, and what a post-Trump Republican Party could look like. The conversation turns to Don Bacon’s potential 2028 candidacy, what Steele believes the next generation of Republican leaders must do to distinguish themselves, the role of the primary system in shaping the party, and the political courage it will take to compete for the future of the GOP.

Chapters

00:00 – Week in Review with Merrill Matthews & Chuck Brown

01:29 – Meet ORL Michigan Chair Chuck Brown

03:38 – Michigan Politics & Former Congressman Dave Trott

04:57 – Don Bacon’s 2028 Comments Make News

05:45 – Tariffs, Canada & Michigan’s Economy

06:56 – Swing Voters, Inflation & the Economy

08:57 – Ukraine, Russia & Peace Through Strength

10:05 – Michigan’s Senate & Congressional Races

12:07 – Texas Politics & the Midterm Landscape

14:57 – Former RNC Chairman Michael Steele Joins the Podcast

15:39 – What Connects the Republicans of ORL?

19:25 – The Fight for the GOP in 2028

20:20 – Michael Steele Reacts to Don Bacon’s 2028 Interest

23:50 – What Should a 2028 Republican Candidate Do Now?

27:08 – The Coming Fight for the Republican Party

28:33 – Can Republicans Stand Up to MAGA in a Primary?

32:08 – Lessons from Missouri’s Republican Primaries

34:24 – Michael Steele on MS Now

36:33 – Closing Thoughts & the Growth of ORL

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
• Lynn Schmidt's Latest Articles
• MS NOW’s The Weeknight
• MS NOW Membership

In this special edition of The Republican Legacy Podcast, Chris Vance and Lynn Schmidt are joined by Congressman Don Bacon (R-NE), retired Air Force Brigadier General and one of Congress’s leading bipartisan voices, along with Courage Can Save Us author and With Honor CEO Rye Barcott and Bacon’s longtime Chief of Staff Mark Dreiling. They discuss the role courage has played throughout Bacon’s life and career, how military service shaped his approach to leadership, the political cost of putting principle ahead of party, and why relationships, civility, and bipartisanship still matter in Congress.

The conversation also explores what it means to be a “legacy Republican,” the future of traditional Republican principles, America’s role in the world, and what the next generation can learn from leaders willing to stand against political pressure. Then, Bacon answers the question many within Our Republican Legacy have been asking: Would he consider running for President in 2028? He discusses what he believes the country needs from its next president and his desire to help build a Republican Party grounded in decency, free enterprise, peace through strength, fiscal responsibility, and constitutional leadership.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction and guest overview

4:00 Personal reflections and the story behind the book

6:37 Military service shaping congressional approach

7:58 Service before self in modern politics

9:38 Respect for election results and political integrity

10:41 Dealing with social-media pressure and public backlash

12:59 Trust and relationships across party lines

14:46 The bipartisan veterans caucus and its significance

17:22 Decisions, character, and leadership in Congress

19:13 Congressman Bacon’s approach to difficult choices

21:08 Principled stands and political risks

23:01 Legacy Republican values and the party’s direction

24:59 Civility and respect in politics

27:27 Bipartisanship among congressional staff

31:03 Future service and the next generation of leaders

34:53 Congressman Bacon’s plans after Congress

37:47 Courage in public life today

41:33 Historical examples of courage

42:58 What true courage looks like

44:25 Closing remarks and call to action

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Don Bacon’s Website
• Courage Can Save Us
• Learn more about With Honor

Ep. 11 - Juan Williams

In Episode 11 of The Republican Legacy Podcast, hosts Chris Vance and Merrill Matthews welcome back ORL Connecticut Chair Tommy Whiteley for a Week in Review discussion about the state of the Republican Party heading into the 2026 midterm elections. The panel examines whether Donald Trump’s influence over Republican voters may be weakening, the national debt surpassing $40 trillion, the GOP’s retreat from fiscal responsibility, tariffs and inflation, the looming Social Security funding crisis, turmoil inside the White House, and signs that Republicans could face a significant backlash in November.

Later, the panel is joined by veteran journalist and Fox News political analyst Juan Williams, author of New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement. Williams discusses America’s progress on civil rights and the challenges that remain, the Republican Party’s historic role as the party of civil rights, the politics of division and grievance, and the rise of political extremes on both sides. The conversation also explores election integrity, education and opportunity, and whether a new generation of Republicans can build a winning movement centered on unity, patriotism, and the party’s traditional principles.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Is Trump’s Hold on the GOP Weakening?
04:02 – $40 Trillion Debt & the GOP’s Fiscal Responsibility Problem
08:07 – MAGA & Big-Government Republicanism
10:08 – Tariffs, Inflation & Social Security
13:27 – Turmoil Inside the Trump White House
16:40 – White House Credibility & the Political “Blood Sport”
21:34 – Midterms: Is a Blue Wave Coming?
24:08 – Warning Signs for Republicans Across the Country
25:43 – Juan Williams Joins the Podcast
26:06 – New Prize for These Eyes & America’s Civil Rights Story
28:44 – Today’s Civil Rights Challenges
33:17 – Civil Rights & the Next Generation
37:10 – The Republican Party’s Civil Rights Legacy
40:16 – Political Extremes & the Democratic Party
44:40 – Can Republicans Take Back the Party in 2028?
47:09 – Election Integrity & Reform
48:24 – Education, Opportunity & America’s Future

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
• Juan Williams on Facebook and X
• Juan Williams’ Books

In Episode 10 of The Republican Legacy Podcast, hosts Merrill Matthews, Lynn Schmidt, and Greg Wilson are joined by certified financial planner Paul Auslander, President of Seabridge Private Wealth, for a wide-ranging discussion about the economy, financial markets, and the importance of separating political noise from economic reality. Auslander discusses the independence of the Federal Reserve, inflation and interest rates, the national debt, the stock market's resilience, artificial intelligence, the growing dominance of major technology companies, and the balance between free enterprise and government intervention. The conversation also explores Americans moving from blue states to red states and what those demographic shifts could mean for future elections.

Later, Merrill and Greg are joined by former Congressman and Dallas Mayor Steve Bartlett, a founding member of Our Republican Legacy and author of AH HA! The Power and Purpose: Family, Faith and a Life Well Lived. Bartlett reflects on his career in local government, Congress, and the financial services industry, and shares lessons about leadership, purpose, persistence, and public service.

The conversation turns to the decline of bipartisanship in Congress, the importance of character and constitutional principles in public life, and the challenges facing Republicans who put governing and principle ahead of partisan loyalty. Bartlett also discusses why he became involved with Our Republican Legacy and what it will take to rebuild a Republican Party grounded in the rule of law, fiscal responsibility, free enterprise, and effective governing.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and introduction of Paul Auslander

02:29 Investing through political and economic uncertainty

04:53 Lessons from Senators Moynihan and Danforth

06:31 Federal Reserve independence, inflation, and interest rates

09:48 What investors are watching in today’s market

12:01 AI, the Magnificent Seven, and market concentration

14:45 Free markets, industrial policy, and national security

17:11 Migration from blue states to red states

20:06 Florida, Texas, and the next elections

24:03 The biggest economic and geopolitical risks ahead

26:19 Introducing Steve Bartlett and The Power and Purpose

31:30 City politics and the changing political landscape

35:37 Why bipartisan governing has become so difficult

37:57 Rebuilding constitutional conservatism

43:52 Advice for future members of Congress

46:17 Banking regulation and the importance of enforcement

51:20 Is there reason for optimism about the country?

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
• Lynn Schmidt's Latest Articles
• Steve Bartlett’s Book: AH HA! The Power and Purpose: Family, Faith and a Life Well Lived

Ep. 9 - Amb. Frank Lavin

In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, hosts Chris Vance and Merrill Matthews talk with former U.S. Ambassador and Reagan White House official Frank Lavin, author of Inside the Reagan White House, who reflects on Ronald Reagan’s core legacy: market economics, international leadership, and respectful, optimistic communication. Lavin contrasts those principles with today’s grievance-driven politics, warns against protectionism, and weak U.S. leadership abroad.

The week in review segment features State Chairs Richard Sansing from New Hampshire and Justin Bingham from Maryland. The conversation covers the fight over tariffs, reactions to recent primary results in Michigan, Washington, Maryland, Texas, and Wisconsin, and a look at the 2028 landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction of New Hampshire Chair Richard Sansing and Maryland Chair Justin Bingham

01:48 Reagan's core principles and their relevance today

04:57 The significance of New Hampshire in the 2024 primaries

06:58 Maryland's political landscape and Republican prospects

09:54 The controversy over Todd Blanche and judicial nominations

12:12 The debate over tariffs and trade policies

15:04 Economic impacts of tariffs and protectionism

17:58 The importance of free markets and global leadership

21:58 Primary elections and political trends in Michigan and Washington

23:50 Upcoming political developments and key issues to watch

24:01 Reagan's economic policies and free enterprise

27:29 Reagan's communication style and leadership qualities

29:28 The impact of social media on political discourse

30:00 The shift away from free trade and protectionism

31:18 Economic policies: tariffs and their effects

32:46 The importance of real-world economic experience

33:36 The dangers of government intervention and populism

34:36 Immigration policy and Reagan's legacy

35:13 The importance of border security and legal immigration

36:00 The role of rule of law in economic prosperity

37:14 The need for a balanced immigration system

38:28 The role of economists and populism

39:24 Grievance politics versus aspirational leadership

40:06 Adapting to technological and societal change

41:12 U.S. strategy in Asia and the importance of Singapore

43:34 U.S. policy towards Taiwan and China

44:13 About Frank Lavin's book and Reagan's legacy

45:11 Behind the scenes of the Reagan White House

45:43 The future of American leadership and foreign policy

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
• Frank Lavin’s Book: Inside the Reagan White House
• Frank Lavin on LinkedIn
• Frank Lavin on X

In this episode of The Republican Legacy Podcast, hosts Chris Vance and Lynn Schmidt welcome former Congresswoman Claudine Schneider of Rhode Island. Schneider reflects on her political journey, the founding principles of the Republican Party, and her work on election integrity and campaign finance reform. She discusses the importance of building a broad Republican coalition that includes moderate voices while addressing issues such as women’s rights, climate change, ethical governance, and the rule of law. The conversation also explores the growing challenges posed by misinformation and the importance of active civic and political engagement.

In the Week in Review segment, Chris, Lynn, and Dr. Merrill Matthews are joined by ORL Minnesota State Chair Michael Brodkorb to examine the latest political developments. The panel discusses Minnesota’s political landscape, the influence of the MAGA movement, the rise of political violence, fraud allegations involving members of Minnesota’s Somali community, growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and data centers, and the continuing erosion of public trust in institutions. They conclude with a look at the latest polling trends as the midterm elections approach and the challenges facing the Republican Party.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction of ORL Minnesota Chair Michael Brodkorb

01:24 Minnesota's Political Landscape and MAGA Turmoil

05:05 Political Violence and Its Impact on Minnesota

10:58 Fraud Allegations in the Somali Community

13:23 The Rise of AI and Data Centers in Politics

20:26 Eroding Trust in Institutions

23:02 Polling Trends and Upcoming Elections

31:23 A Journey Through Claudine Schneider’s Political Leadership

36:14 Founding Principles of the Republican Legacy

40:57 Election Integrity and Challenges

46:28 Campaign Finance Reform Efforts

50:52 Rebuilding the Republican Coalition

Links

• Our Republican Legacy Website
• The Latest ORL Media Hits
• ORL’s Policy Statements
• Make a Contribution to Our Republican Legacy
• Merrill Matthews’ Latest Articles
• Lynn Schmidt's Latest Articles