We open the second hour examining what Republicans must do to regain public confidence before 2028. Nick argues that ending the Iran war, reducing fuel costs, and offering a credible health care solution could restore the party's competitiveness. We debate Trump's insistence that Republicans would have won had he appeared on the ballot, and whether his advisers have given him sound intelligence on Iran. The discussion moves into polling about socialism, generational attitudes toward government assistance, and the growing number of younger Americans struggling to find affordable housing and financial independence.
We hear Frank Luntz discuss Trump voters who now question their 2024 decision, and we examine how voters switch parties when they believe elected officials fail to deliver. The crew clashes over Trump's accountability, congressional failures, JD Vance's sudden criticism of the administration's policies, and the difference between personal loyalty and political survival. When we return from the extended break, Nick's punishment takes center stage. We establish plans for his appearance on the Rocky steps next Thursday, discuss ways for listeners to attend, and revisit the tiny James Tallarico shirt that makes this whole spectacle possible.
We also examine Pennsylvania's voting patterns and what they may reveal about Josh Shapiro's national ambitions. Nick and Greg debate whether Shapiro's broad appeal makes him a serious 2028 contender, while Dawn questions comparisons with Gavin Newsom and considers his appeal to faith-based voters. We discuss voting patterns among Jewish voters, Shapiro's media appearances, and the controversy surrounding Pennsylvania's statute-of-limitations legislation for childhood sexual abuse survivors.
