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Allen Jackson NOW

Allen Jackson: Midterms Outlook | Allen Jackson Now

June 26, 2026 | 22:29

Allen Jackson: Midterms Outlook | Allen Jackson Now
Bob Cusack joins Allen Jackson to discuss current events.
#News #Politics #Government #Leaders #Leadership #Socialism #Culture #Evil #Change #Integrity #Justice #Economy #Authority #Tradition-American #Islam #Terrorism #Israel #Hatred #Persecution #Sports #SocialMedia #Law #Crime #SpiritualWarfare #Church #BodyofChrist #Focus #Honor #GlorifyGod #AllenJackson #BobCusack

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Allen Jackson NOW | Allen Jackson: Midterms Outlook | Allen Jackson Now | June 26, 2026
  • Well, good evening and welcome to nashville.
  • 00:00:17.075 --> 00:00:19.244
  • I'm alan jackson.
  • 00:00:19.244 --> 00:00:20.679
  • You know, politics often changes long before most people
  • 00:00:20.679 --> 00:00:23.915
  • Recognize it.
  • 00:00:23.915 --> 00:00:25.083
  • Elections that seem local in the moment.
  • 00:00:25.083 --> 00:00:27.352
  • Or they can reveal much larger shifts
  • 00:00:27.352 --> 00:00:29.254
  • That eventually reshape the national conversation.
  • 00:00:29.254 --> 00:00:32.324
  • The recent developments in new york,
  • 00:00:32.324 --> 00:00:33.859
  • Though they may prove to be one of those moments.
  • 00:00:33.859 --> 00:00:36.194
  • Candidates backed by democratic socialist mayor zoran mamdani.
  • 00:00:36.194 --> 00:00:39.698
  • Well, they defeated members of the party establishment,
  • 00:00:39.698 --> 00:00:42.367
  • Signaling that the energy inside today's democratic party
  • 00:00:42.367 --> 00:00:45.971
  • Continues to move toward a more progressive agenda.
  • 00:00:45.971 --> 00:00:49.107
  • One victorious candidate celebrated
  • 00:00:49.107 --> 00:00:50.809
  • By calling to abolish ice to support palestine,
  • 00:00:50.809 --> 00:00:53.945
  • Organized labor unions, and to join
  • 00:00:53.945 --> 00:00:55.847
  • The democratic socialists of america.
  • 00:00:55.847 --> 00:00:58.917
  • Those aren't simply campaign slogans.
  • 00:00:58.917 --> 00:01:00.785
  • They represent a vision for america
  • 00:01:00.785 --> 00:01:02.587
  • That is gaining influence
  • 00:01:02.587 --> 00:01:03.755
  • Inside one of the nation's two major political parties.
  • 00:01:03.755 --> 00:01:06.925
  • The results also expose growing pressure
  • 00:01:07.759 --> 00:01:09.861
  • On democratic leaders like chuck schumer and hakeem jeffries.
  • 00:01:09.861 --> 00:01:13.398
  • While several candidates whose campaigns centered
  • 00:01:13.398 --> 00:01:15.567
  • Almost entirely on opposing president trump,
  • 00:01:15.567 --> 00:01:18.303
  • They came up a bit short.
  • 00:01:18.303 --> 00:01:19.905
  • That raises an important question
  • 00:01:19.905 --> 00:01:21.573
  • Has the democratic party moved beyond simply resisting donald
  • 00:01:21.573 --> 00:01:24.743
  • Trump and begun
  • 00:01:24.743 --> 00:01:25.944
  • Redefining itself around a much more radical ideology
  • 00:01:25.944 --> 00:01:29.214
  • That celebrates principles of socialism and communism,
  • 00:01:29.214 --> 00:01:33.185
  • Or republicans?
  • 00:01:33.552 --> 00:01:34.786
  • They're facing challenges of their own.
  • 00:01:34.786 --> 00:01:37.088
  • President trump delayed signing a bipartisan housing bill
  • 00:01:37.088 --> 00:01:40.325
  • So he could pressure congress to pass
  • 00:01:40.325 --> 00:01:41.793
  • Some common sense legislation requiring voter id
  • 00:01:41.793 --> 00:01:44.863
  • And proof of citizenship before registering to vote.
  • 00:01:44.863 --> 00:01:48.033
  • Hours later, his meeting with the senate, republicans
  • 00:01:48.033 --> 00:01:50.468
  • Turned into a broader discussion about iran
  • 00:01:50.468 --> 00:01:52.637
  • And the priorities that will define the party
  • 00:01:52.637 --> 00:01:54.940
  • Heading into the midterm elections.
  • 00:01:54.940 --> 00:01:57.475
  • Are we watching another routine political cycle, or
  • 00:01:57.475 --> 00:01:59.878
  • Are the fault lines of american politics shifting once again?
  • 00:01:59.878 --> 00:02:03.582
  • Is the democratic party
  • 00:02:04.082 --> 00:02:05.083
  • Becoming more comfortable with socialism?
  • 00:02:05.083 --> 00:02:07.252
  • Can republicans stay united around election integrity
  • 00:02:07.252 --> 00:02:10.422
  • And the issues voters say matter most?
  • 00:02:10.422 --> 00:02:12.824
  • And what do these developments tell us about the direction
  • 00:02:12.824 --> 00:02:15.327
  • Politics is heading toward the midterm elections?
  • 00:02:15.327 --> 00:02:18.263
  • Well, communism is not just another economic system.
  • 00:02:19.297 --> 00:02:22.000
  • It's one of the most destructive,
  • 00:02:22.000 --> 00:02:23.501
  • Murderous expressions of human authority in history.
  • 00:02:23.501 --> 00:02:27.405
  • And the people who advocate for socialism and communism
  • 00:02:27.405 --> 00:02:29.975
  • Today in our nation, in our biggest cities,
  • 00:02:29.975 --> 00:02:33.144
  • They have to deny history to do so.
  • 00:02:33.144 --> 00:02:35.513
  • It's only our profound ignorance
  • 00:02:35.513 --> 00:02:37.182
  • That gives them a place in the public square.
  • 00:02:37.182 --> 00:02:40.051
  • New york city elected a mayor who is a muslim and a socialist.
  • 00:02:40.051 --> 00:02:43.722
  • Socialism and islam are two ideologies
  • 00:02:43.722 --> 00:02:46.224
  • That primarily are in favor of the diminishment,
  • 00:02:46.224 --> 00:02:49.227
  • If not the dismantling, of the united states.
  • 00:02:49.227 --> 00:02:52.230
  • And they have aggressively
  • 00:02:52.230 --> 00:02:53.665
  • Anti-american and anti-christian.
  • 00:02:53.665 --> 00:02:56.935
  • New jersey socialist congressional nominee adam
  • 00:02:56.935 --> 00:02:59.871
  • I'm away has ties to al-qaida and other terrorist.
  • 00:02:59.871 --> 00:03:03.441
  • The anti-israel candidate was a witness
  • 00:03:03.441 --> 00:03:05.543
  • At the trial of omar abdel rahman, a terrorist
  • 00:03:05.543 --> 00:03:09.080
  • Implicated in the 1993 world trade center bombing.
  • 00:03:09.080 --> 00:03:12.484
  • Mai vang, a california candidate who is running for congress,
  • 00:03:12.484 --> 00:03:15.687
  • Refuses to say the pledge of allegiance.
  • 00:03:15.687 --> 00:03:18.456
  • New york's avila chevalier is also headed to congress
  • 00:03:18.456 --> 00:03:21.660
  • After she won her democratic primary race.
  • 00:03:21.660 --> 00:03:24.496
  • In a social media post, she said, and i quote,
  • 00:03:24.496 --> 00:03:27.098
  • I forgot to get napkins.
  • 00:03:27.098 --> 00:03:28.433
  • I just wiped my hand on the american flag behind me.
  • 00:03:28.433 --> 00:03:31.369
  • What a season we're living in.
  • 00:03:31.970 --> 00:03:33.538
  • We have elected officials who denigrate america.
  • 00:03:33.538 --> 00:03:36.574
  • Yet at the same time, we have international world
  • 00:03:36.574 --> 00:03:38.743
  • Cup soccer visitors coming to america
  • 00:03:38.743 --> 00:03:41.313
  • And being in awe, celebrating how blessed, unique
  • 00:03:41.313 --> 00:03:44.449
  • And extraordinary this nation truly is.
  • 00:03:44.449 --> 00:03:47.585
  • They're finding hospitality, freedom and opportunity,
  • 00:03:47.585 --> 00:03:50.655
  • And they're sharing it with millions on social media,
  • 00:03:50.655 --> 00:03:54.025
  • While our elected officials
  • 00:03:54.025 --> 00:03:55.560
  • Openly vilify america on social media.
  • 00:03:55.560 --> 00:03:59.464
  • Well, meanwhile, in los angeles, at the end of the recent
  • 00:03:59.464 --> 00:04:01.499
  • Primary election night,
  • 00:04:01.499 --> 00:04:03.001
  • Spencer pratt appeared to have a clear path
  • 00:04:03.001 --> 00:04:05.236
  • To a november runoff.
  • 00:04:05.236 --> 00:04:06.805
  • He was ahead of democratic socialist nydia rahman,
  • 00:04:06.805 --> 00:04:09.541
  • Who looked like she was out of the race
  • 00:04:09.541 --> 00:04:11.242
  • Because of her distant third place results.
  • 00:04:11.242 --> 00:04:14.012
  • There is
  • 00:04:14.012 --> 00:04:15.180
  • Additional mail in ballots just suddenly arrived in bulk.
  • 00:04:15.180 --> 00:04:18.249
  • They were overwhelmingly in favor of rahman,
  • 00:04:18.249 --> 00:04:21.019
  • With little coming in for spencer pratt
  • 00:04:21.019 --> 00:04:22.954
  • And democratic front runner karen bass.
  • 00:04:22.954 --> 00:04:25.223
  • She suddenly leaped ahead of pratt.
  • 00:04:25.223 --> 00:04:27.459
  • Well, voters are wondering what happened.
  • 00:04:28.326 --> 00:04:30.195
  • Americans, no.
  • 00:04:30.195 --> 00:04:31.096
  • Elections don't have to work this way.
  • 00:04:31.096 --> 00:04:33.298
  • It feels completely foolish
  • 00:04:33.298 --> 00:04:34.733
  • To me that we don't have voter id laws in place.
  • 00:04:34.733 --> 00:04:38.002
  • People shouldn't be able to vote
  • 00:04:38.002 --> 00:04:39.204
  • Without verifying who they are.
  • 00:04:39.204 --> 00:04:41.005
  • That's just common sense.
  • 00:04:41.005 --> 00:04:43.141
  • Even though voters from both sides of the aisle
  • 00:04:43.141 --> 00:04:44.909
  • Overwhelmingly are in favor of requiring id,
  • 00:04:44.909 --> 00:04:47.979
  • How is it our elected officials can't come together
  • 00:04:47.979 --> 00:04:50.415
  • To accomplish the will of the people?
  • 00:04:50.415 --> 00:04:52.751
  • 70% of democrats are in favor of voter id.
  • 00:04:52.751 --> 00:04:55.854
  • Yet why can't democrats, senators,
  • 00:04:55.854 --> 00:04:57.355
  • And a handful of republican senators
  • 00:04:57.355 --> 00:04:59.023
  • Come together on an issue that unites our country?
  • 00:04:59.023 --> 00:05:02.660
  • If a large percentage of americans
  • 00:05:02.660 --> 00:05:04.129
  • Want something to happen?
  • 00:05:04.129 --> 00:05:05.697
  • I don't care what the political leanings of congress are.
  • 00:05:05.697 --> 00:05:08.333
  • Do your job and represent us.
  • 00:05:08.333 --> 00:05:09.901
  • It's not a partizan issue.
  • 00:05:09.901 --> 00:05:11.936
  • It feels like we've had multiple examples
  • 00:05:11.936 --> 00:05:13.838
  • Lately of the bureaucracy that's opposing
  • 00:05:13.838 --> 00:05:16.074
  • What this administration is attempting to do
  • 00:05:16.074 --> 00:05:18.576
  • To accomplish the will of the people.
  • 00:05:18.576 --> 00:05:20.845
  • Voter id feels like one of those issues.
  • 00:05:20.845 --> 00:05:23.415
  • We're seeing the same thing play out with other directives
  • 00:05:23.415 --> 00:05:25.550
  • Centered around removing lgbtq and dei mandated requirements.
  • 00:05:25.550 --> 00:05:30.255
  • This is all because the people downstream, well,
  • 00:05:30.255 --> 00:05:32.590
  • They don't agree with the worldview
  • 00:05:32.590 --> 00:05:33.725
  • That's being expressed
  • 00:05:33.725 --> 00:05:34.959
  • And the directions that they've been given.
  • 00:05:34.959 --> 00:05:36.995
  • They're aligning themselves with a different worldview.
  • 00:05:36.995 --> 00:05:39.798
  • That's not a political discussion.
  • 00:05:39.798 --> 00:05:41.499
  • That's a spiritual discussion.
  • 00:05:41.499 --> 00:05:43.435
  • And it's easy for us
  • 00:05:43.435 --> 00:05:44.669
  • As christians to be tempted to just willfully not notice.
  • 00:05:44.669 --> 00:05:47.739
  • Well, the church has failed
  • 00:05:47.739 --> 00:05:48.907
  • So badly in our lifetimes because we chose to be silent.
  • 00:05:48.907 --> 00:05:51.843
  • We have a vital role to play.
  • 00:05:52.477 --> 00:05:53.912
  • We have a message that the world needs to hear.
  • 00:05:53.912 --> 00:05:56.214
  • But we've been too distracted.
  • 00:05:56.214 --> 00:05:58.416
  • We need to begin to cultivate,
  • 00:05:58.416 --> 00:05:59.751
  • To develop, to exercise our muscles, of saying yes
  • 00:05:59.751 --> 00:06:02.854
  • To godliness and no to ungodliness.
  • 00:06:02.854 --> 00:06:06.024
  • And we need to speak up
  • 00:06:06.024 --> 00:06:07.258
  • And be fully engaged in doing god's work everywhere we go.
  • 00:06:07.258 --> 00:06:10.628
  • No matter what.
  • 00:06:10.628 --> 00:06:11.796
  • Well, in a moment, we're going to be joined
  • 00:06:12.664 --> 00:06:13.898
  • By our washington insider, bob cusack.
  • 00:06:13.898 --> 00:06:16.468
  • He's the executive editor of the washington examiner.
  • 00:06:16.468 --> 00:06:19.571
  • I'll be right back.
  • 00:06:19.571 --> 00:06:29.000
  • I'll be right back.
  • 00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:34.109
  • Well, tonight we're joined by the executive
  • 00:06:35.044 --> 00:06:36.812
  • Editor of the washington examiner, bob cusack.
  • 00:06:36.812 --> 00:06:39.882
  • Welcome to the show, bob.
  • 00:06:39.882 --> 00:06:41.784
  • Hey, alan. thanks for having me on again.
  • 00:06:41.784 --> 00:06:43.853
  • Let's start with the midterms.
  • 00:06:43.853 --> 00:06:45.187
  • They seem to be coming at us pretty fast
  • 00:06:45.187 --> 00:06:47.189
  • When it comes to the senate.
  • 00:06:47.189 --> 00:06:48.357
  • What are the races we should be paying attention to?
  • 00:06:48.357 --> 00:06:51.494
  • Well, listen, there's a big one in maine,
  • 00:06:51.494 --> 00:06:53.829
  • And that's between susan
  • 00:06:53.829 --> 00:06:55.431
  • Collins, the republican, centrist republican,
  • 00:06:55.431 --> 00:06:58.868
  • And graham plattner, who has attracted controversy,
  • 00:06:58.868 --> 00:07:01.470
  • Most notably from from having a nazi tattoo.
  • 00:07:01.470 --> 00:07:05.007
  • Democrats are giving him a pass on that.
  • 00:07:05.007 --> 00:07:07.376
  • If democrats
  • 00:07:07.376 --> 00:07:08.310
  • Allen are going to win the senate,
  • 00:07:08.310 --> 00:07:10.446
  • They're going to have to win in maine.
  • 00:07:10.446 --> 00:07:12.181
  • They're also going to have to win in north carolina.
  • 00:07:12.181 --> 00:07:14.717
  • And not only that, they're going to have to defend
  • 00:07:14.717 --> 00:07:16.452
  • A number of their seats, while winning in states
  • 00:07:16.452 --> 00:07:20.456
  • Like red states like iowa, ohio or alaska.
  • 00:07:20.456 --> 00:07:24.793
  • So the map favors actually republicans,
  • 00:07:24.793 --> 00:07:28.664
  • The wind politically, is it the democrats back?
  • 00:07:28.664 --> 00:07:31.634
  • Is it enough to win the senate?
  • 00:07:31.634 --> 00:07:33.202
  • I would say right now, no, but, it's certainly one to watch.
  • 00:07:33.202 --> 00:07:38.240
  • The senate is definitely so important now.
  • 00:07:38.240 --> 00:07:40.876
  • And because, remember, if there's,
  • 00:07:40.876 --> 00:07:43.546
  • Supreme court opening and democrats have control
  • 00:07:43.546 --> 00:07:47.116
  • Of the senate, well, they're not going to act on any
  • 00:07:47.116 --> 00:07:49.685
  • Of president trump's, nominees for the high court or,
  • 00:07:49.685 --> 00:07:53.656
  • Even other, nominations they'll be able to block.
  • 00:07:53.656 --> 00:07:56.792
  • So, that's where the senate
  • 00:07:56.792 --> 00:07:58.394
  • Is actually more important than the house.
  • 00:07:58.394 --> 00:08:00.763
  • I found blattner getting the nomination
  • 00:08:00.763 --> 00:08:03.265
  • Just remarkable. could you have a candidate
  • 00:08:03.265 --> 00:08:05.668
  • That was more difficult to support?
  • 00:08:05.668 --> 00:08:08.671
  • This is a tough one for democrats.
  • 00:08:09.405 --> 00:08:11.273
  • They they know they have to win that seat.
  • 00:08:11.273 --> 00:08:13.809
  • Allen.
  • 00:08:13.809 --> 00:08:14.743
  • And, but they also, are getting criticized
  • 00:08:14.743 --> 00:08:18.514
  • For not criticizing him
  • 00:08:18.514 --> 00:08:19.882
  • And giving him a pass on all of his controversies.
  • 00:08:19.882 --> 00:08:23.118
  • Inappropriate, reportedly,
  • 00:08:23.118 --> 00:08:25.955
  • With, with women and tax, on top of the nazi controversy.
  • 00:08:25.955 --> 00:08:30.793
  • So it's it's a real dilemma for democrats, and it's one that,
  • 00:08:30.793 --> 00:08:35.965
  • If they don't win, certainly i think a number of democrats
  • 00:08:35.965 --> 00:08:39.468
  • Are going to be, ruing the fact that they supported this guy.
  • 00:08:39.468 --> 00:08:42.838
  • Well, let's move to the house.
  • 00:08:43.439 --> 00:08:44.540
  • Redistricting at least.
  • 00:08:44.540 --> 00:08:46.575
  • Seems that it could have
  • 00:08:46.575 --> 00:08:47.409
  • Some impact on what's happening there.
  • 00:08:47.409 --> 00:08:49.378
  • What are the races you're watching?
  • 00:08:49.378 --> 00:08:51.914
  • Well, listen, you got to watch, the redistricting states.
  • 00:08:51.914 --> 00:08:55.684
  • And that includes florida,
  • 00:08:55.684 --> 00:08:57.586
  • Where republicans are expected to, pick up seats.
  • 00:08:57.586 --> 00:09:01.256
  • Democrats are expected to pick up seats in california.
  • 00:09:01.256 --> 00:09:04.526
  • How many remains to be seen?
  • 00:09:04.526 --> 00:09:06.695
  • But overall, redistricting is going to help republicans,
  • 00:09:06.695 --> 00:09:09.798
  • Even though both parties are doing this battle.
  • 00:09:09.798 --> 00:09:12.835
  • Probably around 8 to 10 seats.
  • 00:09:12.835 --> 00:09:15.204
  • Republicans have the advantage.
  • 00:09:15.204 --> 00:09:16.805
  • That said, history is not on the republican side,
  • 00:09:16.805 --> 00:09:20.042
  • And usually the party that controls the white house.
  • 00:09:20.042 --> 00:09:23.012
  • As president trump has said, he knows that he's a realist.
  • 00:09:23.012 --> 00:09:25.547
  • He lost the house in 2018, is probably going to lose seats
  • 00:09:25.547 --> 00:09:29.118
  • Now. now, nancy pelosi, years ago,
  • 00:09:29.118 --> 00:09:32.454
  • In president obama's first term, lost 63 seats.
  • 00:09:32.454 --> 00:09:35.724
  • But now there aren't
  • 00:09:35.724 --> 00:09:36.759
  • That because of gerrymandering and other factors,
  • 00:09:36.759 --> 00:09:39.528
  • There aren't that many seats in play.
  • 00:09:39.528 --> 00:09:41.130
  • So whoever wins
  • 00:09:41.130 --> 00:09:42.598
  • The house is going to have
  • 00:09:42.598 --> 00:09:43.799
  • A small majority, because we're really only talking about
  • 00:09:43.799 --> 00:09:47.336
  • 2 to 3 dozen competitive seats this fall.
  • 00:09:47.336 --> 00:09:50.706
  • Will democrats win more of those seats? yes.
  • 00:09:50.706 --> 00:09:53.676
  • Will they be able to pick up enough to win the majority?
  • 00:09:53.676 --> 00:09:57.146
  • Well, that remains to be seen.
  • 00:09:57.146 --> 00:09:58.914
  • I think it's going to be very close and something to watch.
  • 00:09:58.914 --> 00:10:01.250
  • Don't expect we're going to know,
  • 00:10:01.250 --> 00:10:03.786
  • Who is controlling the house on election night because,
  • 00:10:03.786 --> 00:10:07.322
  • As we saw recently, california takes forever to count votes.
  • 00:10:07.322 --> 00:10:11.026
  • So it could take a week or maybe two. well,
  • 00:10:11.026 --> 00:10:13.762
  • What are the biggest issues in the hearts
  • 00:10:14.596 --> 00:10:16.365
  • And minds of people as we head into these midterms?
  • 00:10:16.365 --> 00:10:19.835
  • It's definitely the economy, affordability.
  • 00:10:19.835 --> 00:10:22.171
  • I've talked to a lot of republican members
  • 00:10:22.171 --> 00:10:24.273
  • Who are very nervous about gas prices.
  • 00:10:24.273 --> 00:10:26.241
  • When i ask them,
  • 00:10:26.241 --> 00:10:27.443
  • What are they hearing
  • 00:10:27.443 --> 00:10:28.610
  • Outside of washington, outside of the washington beltway,
  • 00:10:28.610 --> 00:10:31.447
  • When they're back home campaigning,
  • 00:10:31.447 --> 00:10:33.048
  • They say gas prices and they say gas prices have to come down.
  • 00:10:33.048 --> 00:10:37.019
  • Now that we're seeing certainly a pause in the conflict,
  • 00:10:37.019 --> 00:10:40.222
  • With iran, gas prices have gone down.
  • 00:10:40.222 --> 00:10:43.292
  • The president this week has said
  • 00:10:43.292 --> 00:10:44.993
  • They're going to keep going down to maybe, $2.50.
  • 00:10:44.993 --> 00:10:49.465
  • That would be a boon, certainly for republicans.
  • 00:10:49.465 --> 00:10:52.801
  • And the other thing that republicans on capitol hill
  • 00:10:52.801 --> 00:10:54.837
  • Want to talk about more, and honestly,
  • 00:10:54.837 --> 00:10:56.371
  • They want trump to talk more about
  • 00:10:56.371 --> 00:10:58.273
  • Is the big, beautiful bill that was passed about a year
  • 00:10:58.273 --> 00:11:00.909
  • Ago, right before july 4th, because they contend,
  • 00:11:00.909 --> 00:11:04.780
  • Listen, we
  • 00:11:04.780 --> 00:11:05.814
  • We headed off the biggest what would have been
  • 00:11:05.814 --> 00:11:07.216
  • The biggest tax increase in history.
  • 00:11:07.216 --> 00:11:09.418
  • We took and no taxes on tips,
  • 00:11:09.418 --> 00:11:12.387
  • Reduce taxes on social security as well as overtime.
  • 00:11:12.387 --> 00:11:16.358
  • They think that's a political winner.
  • 00:11:16.358 --> 00:11:18.026
  • They want to sell that this fall.
  • 00:11:18.026 --> 00:11:19.995
  • But without a doubt, republicans need to be talking
  • 00:11:19.995 --> 00:11:22.097
  • About the economy and affordability.
  • 00:11:22.097 --> 00:11:25.134
  • Not the war and not other side issues.
  • 00:11:25.134 --> 00:11:28.137
  • And and also,
  • 00:11:28.137 --> 00:11:29.104
  • They should be taking credit for the border
  • 00:11:29.104 --> 00:11:30.639
  • Because both parties acknowledge, even democrats
  • 00:11:30.639 --> 00:11:33.642
  • Acknowledge, that trump has done a very good job,
  • 00:11:33.642 --> 00:11:36.178
  • At the border.
  • 00:11:36.178 --> 00:11:37.646
  • Well,
  • 00:11:37.880 --> 00:11:39.081
  • Election integrity seems to be like the elephant in the room.
  • 00:11:39.081 --> 00:11:41.450
  • Listen to president trump's comments.
  • 00:11:41.450 --> 00:11:44.720
  • It's voter id.
  • 00:11:45.053 --> 00:11:47.055
  • It's proof of citizenship.
  • 00:11:47.055 --> 00:11:49.424
  • And it's also the mail in ballots.
  • 00:11:49.424 --> 00:11:52.027
  • We want mail in ballots for the military.
  • 00:11:52.027 --> 00:11:54.196
  • If they're away, we want them for people
  • 00:11:54.196 --> 00:11:55.597
  • That are ill or people that are in some form handicapped
  • 00:11:55.597 --> 00:11:59.501
  • Or have a hard time, or people even that are on vacation.
  • 00:11:59.501 --> 00:12:02.805
  • I'm open to that. we have to protect.
  • 00:12:02.805 --> 00:12:04.606
  • Look at what's going on in los angeles and california.
  • 00:12:04.606 --> 00:12:07.943
  • The vote still hasn't been counted.
  • 00:12:08.744 --> 00:12:11.079
  • What's it? two weeks now.
  • 00:12:11.079 --> 00:12:12.815
  • It still hasn't been counted
  • 00:12:12.815 --> 00:12:15.450
  • As our national character failed.
  • 00:12:15.450 --> 00:12:17.186
  • To the point that we truly don't
  • 00:12:17.186 --> 00:12:18.253
  • Care any longer about fair elections.
  • 00:12:18.253 --> 00:12:20.122
  • Seems bizarre to me. well, yeah.
  • 00:12:20.122 --> 00:12:22.391
  • Well, it is ridiculous that, first of all, california
  • 00:12:22.391 --> 00:12:25.360
  • Takes that long, especially in this day and age in 2026.
  • 00:12:25.360 --> 00:12:28.797
  • And this is a winning issue.
  • 00:12:29.398 --> 00:12:30.799
  • Republicans actually united on the policy of showing your id,
  • 00:12:30.799 --> 00:12:34.636
  • And that's why it polls so well,
  • 00:12:34.636 --> 00:12:36.572
  • Because whether you're going to get on an airplane
  • 00:12:36.572 --> 00:12:38.507
  • Or you're going to buy a beer, you've got to have, your id.
  • 00:12:38.507 --> 00:12:42.044
  • So republicans want to press this issue,
  • 00:12:42.044 --> 00:12:44.746
  • But a number of republicans
  • 00:12:44.746 --> 00:12:46.381
  • Do not want to get rid of the filibuster.
  • 00:12:46.381 --> 00:12:48.016
  • And democrats are blocking this legislation.
  • 00:12:48.016 --> 00:12:51.587
  • So this has been, certainly a big bone of contention
  • 00:12:51.587 --> 00:12:55.991
  • Between senate majority leader john thune and president trump.
  • 00:12:55.991 --> 00:13:00.529
  • We interviewed, senator soon, this week.
  • 00:13:00.529 --> 00:13:03.432
  • And, you know, he he wants to get beyond this controversy.
  • 00:13:03.432 --> 00:13:07.102
  • But at the same time,
  • 00:13:07.102 --> 00:13:08.370
  • There aren't the votes to get rid of the filibuster.
  • 00:13:08.370 --> 00:13:11.173
  • In the senate.
  • 00:13:11.173 --> 00:13:12.341
  • And john thune says we need to elect more republicans.
  • 00:13:12.341 --> 00:13:14.443
  • And if we do that, maybe we can pass the save act.
  • 00:13:14.443 --> 00:13:17.579
  • Well, i'm curious.
  • 00:13:18.013 --> 00:13:19.014
  • Inevitably, the democrats will be back
  • 00:13:19.014 --> 00:13:20.582
  • In charge in the senate at some point.
  • 00:13:20.582 --> 00:13:22.651
  • How long do you think it'll take them
  • 00:13:22.651 --> 00:13:23.886
  • To eliminate the filibuster?
  • 00:13:23.886 --> 00:13:26.188
  • Well, listen.
  • 00:13:26.188 --> 00:13:27.389
  • Yeah, they, they always say the political expedient thing.
  • 00:13:27.389 --> 00:13:30.492
  • They when they're in the minority,
  • 00:13:30.492 --> 00:13:32.160
  • They like the filibuster, where in the majority they
  • 00:13:32.160 --> 00:13:34.763
  • They don't.
  • 00:13:34.763 --> 00:13:35.330
  • And they certainly try
  • 00:13:35.330 --> 00:13:36.531
  • They put a lot of pressure on, centrists like joe manchin.
  • 00:13:36.531 --> 00:13:40.102
  • Kirsten, cinema, and those to, push back.
  • 00:13:40.102 --> 00:13:43.906
  • And they weren't able to get
  • 00:13:43.906 --> 00:13:45.574
  • A really a lot of tax increases because of that.
  • 00:13:45.574 --> 00:13:48.410
  • So without a doubt,
  • 00:13:48.410 --> 00:13:49.544
  • I think
  • 00:13:49.544 --> 00:13:50.379
  • That there's going to be pressure,
  • 00:13:50.379 --> 00:13:51.246
  • Especially with
  • 00:13:51.246 --> 00:13:52.414
  • The emergence of the left, the bernie sanders, the aoc.
  • 00:13:52.414 --> 00:13:55.884
  • They want to they want to ram things home.
  • 00:13:55.884 --> 00:13:58.253
  • And so the next time the democrats
  • 00:13:58.253 --> 00:14:00.022
  • Have the white house and both chambers of congress,
  • 00:14:00.022 --> 00:14:03.025
  • Yeah, look for them to say
  • 00:14:03.025 --> 00:14:04.493
  • We need to get rid of the filibuster
  • 00:14:04.493 --> 00:14:06.328
  • So that that's where trump is frustrated.
  • 00:14:06.328 --> 00:14:08.597
  • He said, listen, they're going to do it.
  • 00:14:08.597 --> 00:14:09.965
  • Let's do it ourselves.
  • 00:14:09.965 --> 00:14:11.099
  • So, we'll see where that goes.
  • 00:14:11.099 --> 00:14:13.535
  • All right. well, bob, we need to take a short break.
  • 00:14:13.535 --> 00:14:15.370
  • Will you stand by for another segment?
  • 00:14:15.370 --> 00:14:17.306
  • Absolutely.
  • 00:14:17.306 --> 00:14:18.407
  • And if you happen to have a phone
  • 00:14:18.407 --> 00:14:19.541
  • Close by, try logging in to aj now, dot com.
  • 00:14:19.541 --> 00:14:22.311
  • Send us an email.
  • 00:14:22.311 --> 00:14:23.445
  • We'd like to know your thoughts on these topics.
  • 00:14:23.445 --> 00:14:25.881
  • I'll be right back.
  • 00:14:25.881 --> 00:14:34.994
  • I'll be right back.
  • 00:14:34.994 --> 00:14:39.962
  • We're back now with bob cusack.
  • 00:14:40.595 --> 00:14:42.431
  • He's the executive editor at the washington examiner.
  • 00:14:42.431 --> 00:14:45.934
  • Bob, we are in the midst of celebrating america 250.
  • 00:14:45.934 --> 00:14:48.837
  • We have kicked off the great american state fair.
  • 00:14:48.837 --> 00:14:51.006
  • It's in full swing.
  • 00:14:51.006 --> 00:14:52.474
  • It seems like america is getting more affirmation
  • 00:14:52.474 --> 00:14:55.310
  • From our visitors to the world cup than it is for the people
  • 00:14:55.310 --> 00:14:59.014
  • Who are running for office in our own nation this fall.
  • 00:14:59.014 --> 00:15:02.284
  • How do we reconcile that kind of a discrepancy?
  • 00:15:02.284 --> 00:15:04.753
  • It seems bizarre to me to be watching it play out.
  • 00:15:04.753 --> 00:15:07.756
  • It really is.
  • 00:15:07.756 --> 00:15:08.991
  • And it's really refreshing that, people from other countries
  • 00:15:08.991 --> 00:15:12.995
  • Very excited about the world cup.
  • 00:15:12.995 --> 00:15:15.263
  • Soccer's is so is the number one sport globally
  • 00:15:15.263 --> 00:15:18.667
  • Maybe not in this country,
  • 00:15:18.667 --> 00:15:19.835
  • But certainly the united states is also doing well.
  • 00:15:19.835 --> 00:15:22.671
  • The team is doing well and advancing.
  • 00:15:22.671 --> 00:15:24.740
  • But what it is striking
  • 00:15:24.740 --> 00:15:26.208
  • Is that people from other countries are saying, wow, this,
  • 00:15:26.208 --> 00:15:28.777
  • This country is great.
  • 00:15:28.777 --> 00:15:29.811
  • And, now
  • 00:15:29.811 --> 00:15:31.213
  • The united states has
  • 00:15:31.213 --> 00:15:32.147
  • So many things that other countries do not,
  • 00:15:32.147 --> 00:15:35.183
  • Whether it's
  • 00:15:35.183 --> 00:15:35.951
  • Where you go to the grocery store
  • 00:15:35.951 --> 00:15:37.252
  • Or ranch dressing is a big thing that that,
  • 00:15:37.252 --> 00:15:40.355
  • Other people are like, wow, we got to get this back home.
  • 00:15:40.355 --> 00:15:43.091
  • But it's really disconcerting that a number of people.
  • 00:15:43.091 --> 00:15:46.862
  • And if you look at the polls, there are a number of democrats,
  • 00:15:46.862 --> 00:15:50.332
  • Who are not a, not proud of, of 250
  • 00:15:50.332 --> 00:15:53.468
  • And are not going to be celebrating.
  • 00:15:53.468 --> 00:15:55.337
  • And other people have likened it to controversy.
  • 00:15:55.337 --> 00:15:58.907
  • This 250th birthday.
  • 00:15:58.907 --> 00:16:00.308
  • And i remember
  • 00:16:00.308 --> 00:16:01.510
  • I was only six years old when, when america turned 200 and,
  • 00:16:01.510 --> 00:16:05.414
  • I grew up in new york city and i just saw,
  • 00:16:05.414 --> 00:16:08.417
  • In the harbor, all these ships.
  • 00:16:08.417 --> 00:16:10.052
  • And i remember it to this day.
  • 00:16:10.052 --> 00:16:12.154
  • And it was it was it was a day i'll never forget.
  • 00:16:12.154 --> 00:16:15.690
  • So i hope that as we get closer, there'll be more celebration
  • 00:16:15.690 --> 00:16:19.361
  • And less complaining.
  • 00:16:19.361 --> 00:16:20.896
  • Yeah, i was 16, and i share a similar memory.
  • 00:16:20.896 --> 00:16:23.999
  • It seemed like there was a national sense
  • 00:16:23.999 --> 00:16:25.600
  • Of pride and gratitude for that 200th birthday,
  • 00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:28.503
  • And it's unfortunate that we have lost
  • 00:16:28.503 --> 00:16:30.005
  • That perspective in the intervening 50 years.
  • 00:16:30.005 --> 00:16:32.808
  • Absolutely, absolutely.
  • 00:16:33.308 --> 00:16:34.743
  • And it's it's a new phenomenon.
  • 00:16:34.743 --> 00:16:37.079
  • You know, there's there's a reason why, the united states,
  • 00:16:37.079 --> 00:16:40.849
  • Is, the best country and has the largest economy.
  • 00:16:40.849 --> 00:16:44.553
  • And that is, really because we are a democracy,
  • 00:16:44.553 --> 00:16:46.955
  • A republic, and we thrive on capitalism.
  • 00:16:46.955 --> 00:16:50.525
  • But yet, obviously there's there's a movement,
  • 00:16:50.525 --> 00:16:52.894
  • On the left for, for socialism.
  • 00:16:52.894 --> 00:16:54.863
  • And, why would you want to risk, what we've already built?
  • 00:16:54.863 --> 00:16:58.667
  • Obviously there going to be debates
  • 00:16:59.468 --> 00:17:00.836
  • And there should be debates on health
  • 00:17:00.836 --> 00:17:02.204
  • Care and taxes and all that.
  • 00:17:02.204 --> 00:17:04.439
  • But why mess with something that's, that's really working?
  • 00:17:04.439 --> 00:17:07.476
  • And look at the stock market.
  • 00:17:07.476 --> 00:17:08.710
  • And that's been under multiple
  • 00:17:08.710 --> 00:17:09.845
  • Presidents, including under under trump.
  • 00:17:09.845 --> 00:17:12.414
  • But why would you risk that?
  • 00:17:12.414 --> 00:17:13.748
  • I don't get it.
  • 00:17:13.748 --> 00:17:15.484
  • You know,
  • 00:17:15.484 --> 00:17:16.518
  • The democratic socialists are on a bit of a run.
  • 00:17:16.518 --> 00:17:18.487
  • And when trump endorses candidates names, those maga
  • 00:17:18.487 --> 00:17:20.789
  • Candidates have been winning disproportionately.
  • 00:17:20.789 --> 00:17:23.658
  • Could we end up with two parties that are democratic socialist
  • 00:17:23.658 --> 00:17:26.361
  • And maga, instead of republican and democrat?
  • 00:17:26.361 --> 00:17:29.731
  • We could
  • 00:17:29.998 --> 00:17:30.799
  • I mean, there's no doubt about it
  • 00:17:30.799 --> 00:17:32.000
  • That trump has taken over the republican party.
  • 00:17:32.000 --> 00:17:34.636
  • And, a lot of members, they know if they're going to
  • 00:17:34.636 --> 00:17:38.373
  • Survive, they need trump's endorsement.
  • 00:17:38.373 --> 00:17:40.475
  • And we seen that with, with, a couple of senators, senator,
  • 00:17:40.475 --> 00:17:44.813
  • Bill cassidy was beaten because, trump didn't
  • 00:17:44.813 --> 00:17:48.350
  • Endorse him as well as senator john cornyn.
  • 00:17:48.350 --> 00:17:51.820
  • And on the left, we're seeing that mamdani
  • 00:17:51.820 --> 00:17:54.656
  • The the new new york city mayor, he's a kingmaker.
  • 00:17:54.656 --> 00:17:58.260
  • And that is a move towards socialism.
  • 00:17:58.260 --> 00:18:00.896
  • And that's
  • 00:18:00.896 --> 00:18:02.097
  • Where democrat establishment democrats like chuck schumer
  • 00:18:02.097 --> 00:18:05.167
  • And, hakeem jeffries, who are also from new york,
  • 00:18:05.167 --> 00:18:08.970
  • They're not as powerful now as mamdani.
  • 00:18:08.970 --> 00:18:11.606
  • And this is allen.
  • 00:18:11.606 --> 00:18:12.707
  • This is going to move into 2028, because think about,
  • 00:18:12.707 --> 00:18:16.211
  • These candidates on the left.
  • 00:18:16.211 --> 00:18:17.846
  • They're going to be going after one another, but
  • 00:18:17.846 --> 00:18:21.116
  • They're also going to be trying to go as left as possible.
  • 00:18:21.116 --> 00:18:24.219
  • And whose endorsement are they going to want?
  • 00:18:24.219 --> 00:18:26.254
  • Mamdani endorsement. and it's going to be a big one.
  • 00:18:26.254 --> 00:18:29.057
  • So i'm not sure if aoc is going to run,
  • 00:18:29.057 --> 00:18:32.093
  • But someone is going to take
  • 00:18:32.093 --> 00:18:33.295
  • The bernie sanders wing of the party.
  • 00:18:33.295 --> 00:18:35.230
  • He basically admitted he's too old to run again.
  • 00:18:35.230 --> 00:18:37.933
  • So, but this party is still moving left.
  • 00:18:38.733 --> 00:18:42.137
  • And that's a big part of the reason
  • 00:18:42.137 --> 00:18:44.139
  • That democrats lost big in 2024.
  • 00:18:44.139 --> 00:18:47.676
  • Wow. well, let's move to the iran deal
  • 00:18:47.676 --> 00:18:50.345
  • For a moment there at the negotiation stages now.
  • 00:18:50.345 --> 00:18:53.982
  • So it seems like, at least for the moment,
  • 00:18:53.982 --> 00:18:55.383
  • The kinetic activity has stopped.
  • 00:18:55.383 --> 00:18:58.119
  • Is that a good deal for our country?
  • 00:18:58.119 --> 00:19:00.055
  • And how is that going to be a part of this upcoming election?
  • 00:19:00.055 --> 00:19:03.725
  • It's definitely going to be part of it.
  • 00:19:03.725 --> 00:19:05.193
  • And because it's tied,
  • 00:19:05.193 --> 00:19:06.394
  • Usually foreign policy is not the leading factor,
  • 00:19:06.394 --> 00:19:09.531
  • Going forward, with voters.
  • 00:19:09.531 --> 00:19:11.533
  • But it's so tied to affordability
  • 00:19:11.533 --> 00:19:13.835
  • And specifically gas prices and the strait of hormuz.
  • 00:19:13.835 --> 00:19:17.105
  • I think this this the deal that we have, the memorandum
  • 00:19:17.105 --> 00:19:19.908
  • Of understanding, it's incomplete.
  • 00:19:19.908 --> 00:19:22.110
  • There are some good things in there.
  • 00:19:22.110 --> 00:19:23.578
  • Not everything is great.
  • 00:19:23.578 --> 00:19:24.879
  • Certainly trump thought it would be, easier than it was.
  • 00:19:24.879 --> 00:19:28.683
  • This is a very thorny, complicated issue.
  • 00:19:28.683 --> 00:19:32.220
  • But i do think that, the country wants to move on, and,
  • 00:19:32.220 --> 00:19:37.158
  • We have to get some type of deal,
  • 00:19:37.158 --> 00:19:39.327
  • And the threat always has to be there.
  • 00:19:39.327 --> 00:19:41.162
  • And because, you know, trump did have the guts to do this
  • 00:19:41.162 --> 00:19:44.165
  • Where other president didn't, it was a huge political risk,
  • 00:19:44.165 --> 00:19:47.068
  • And he could be risking congress because of it.
  • 00:19:47.068 --> 00:19:49.938
  • He's not going to be shy in, in aggressively going after iran.
  • 00:19:49.938 --> 00:19:54.509
  • But i do think we're going to have, at least months of peace
  • 00:19:54.509 --> 00:19:58.246
  • Before the election.
  • 00:19:58.246 --> 00:19:59.314
  • What happens after the election?
  • 00:19:59.314 --> 00:20:01.116
  • Who knows?
  • 00:20:01.116 --> 00:20:02.450
  • Do you think americans in general process
  • 00:20:02.450 --> 00:20:04.119
  • It as a victory for our nation?
  • 00:20:04.119 --> 00:20:05.887
  • I think some do, but i think some don't.
  • 00:20:06.688 --> 00:20:08.857
  • And i think it also depends on enforcement.
  • 00:20:08.857 --> 00:20:10.959
  • Because you can't trust iran.
  • 00:20:10.959 --> 00:20:12.761
  • You can have them agree to so many things,
  • 00:20:12.761 --> 00:20:15.664
  • But you have to enforce it.
  • 00:20:15.664 --> 00:20:17.465
  • So you've got to have inspectors in there.
  • 00:20:17.465 --> 00:20:19.768
  • And that's where the rubber is going to meet the road.
  • 00:20:19.768 --> 00:20:21.603
  • Because remember this
  • 00:20:21.603 --> 00:20:22.837
  • Memorandum of understanding, this mou, that's only part one.
  • 00:20:22.837 --> 00:20:26.474
  • The big one is the 60 day deadline,
  • 00:20:26.474 --> 00:20:28.943
  • Which could be extended by both sides if they want.
  • 00:20:28.943 --> 00:20:31.513
  • But that's going to be the details of that
  • 00:20:31.513 --> 00:20:33.748
  • By mid-august or maybe by labor day.
  • 00:20:33.748 --> 00:20:36.184
  • That's going to be the one to watch.
  • 00:20:36.184 --> 00:20:37.752
  • So i think it's really tbd at this point.
  • 00:20:37.752 --> 00:20:40.989
  • Trump wants to get a good deal.
  • 00:20:40.989 --> 00:20:42.857
  • He's a good dealmaker, but this is a real tricky one.
  • 00:20:42.857 --> 00:20:47.062
  • Amen.
  • 00:20:47.295 --> 00:20:48.096
  • Bob, thank you for your time today.
  • 00:20:48.096 --> 00:20:49.397
  • We always appreciate the insights you bring.
  • 00:20:49.397 --> 00:20:52.133
  • Thanks, i appreciate it.
  • 00:20:52.133 --> 00:20:53.735
  • In a moment, we'll be back with your emails.
  • 00:20:53.735 --> 00:21:02.994
  • In a moment, we'll be back with your emails.
  • 00:21:02.994 --> 00:21:07.516
  • Thank you for spending a few minutes of your day with us.
  • 00:21:08.651 --> 00:21:11.320
  • Your emails are always a highlight.
  • 00:21:11.320 --> 00:21:13.756
  • A viewer on youtube commented, i am a legal immigrant.
  • 00:21:13.756 --> 00:21:17.993
  • I came to this country 40 years ago.
  • 00:21:17.993 --> 00:21:20.262
  • I followed all the laws, paid the fees, took the test.
  • 00:21:20.262 --> 00:21:23.566
  • When i came here in 1986,
  • 00:21:23.566 --> 00:21:25.101
  • Both my husband and i had to sign a document
  • 00:21:25.101 --> 00:21:27.203
  • That said we would not be eligible
  • 00:21:27.203 --> 00:21:28.971
  • For any kind of government assistance for five years,
  • 00:21:28.971 --> 00:21:31.807
  • No matter what.
  • 00:21:31.807 --> 00:21:33.175
  • Regardless of how hard life was, we would not qualify.
  • 00:21:33.175 --> 00:21:37.079
  • Now people just come in and get whatever.
  • 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:39.115
  • It's not right.
  • 00:21:39.115 --> 00:21:40.015
  • It's like a slap in the face
  • 00:21:40.015 --> 00:21:41.350
  • To all of those who have followed the law.
  • 00:21:41.350 --> 00:21:43.853
  • Illegal is called illegal for a reason.
  • 00:21:43.853 --> 00:21:46.455
  • It's breaking the law. when people come
  • 00:21:46.455 --> 00:21:48.924
  • And don't follow the law, they're lawbreakers.
  • 00:21:48.924 --> 00:21:51.394
  • So they are here illegally.
  • 00:21:51.394 --> 00:21:52.928
  • If we have laws, we should enforce them.
  • 00:21:52.928 --> 00:21:55.264
  • Otherwise, why have the law in the first place?
  • 00:21:55.264 --> 00:21:57.767
  • I think that's a very powerful point.
  • 00:21:58.567 --> 00:22:00.703
  • I have helped many people immigrate
  • 00:22:00.703 --> 00:22:02.405
  • Into our nation legally.
  • 00:22:02.405 --> 00:22:04.373
  • We have a process.
  • 00:22:04.373 --> 00:22:05.508
  • It should be honored and observed.
  • 00:22:05.508 --> 00:22:07.276
  • Lawlessness is not good and it's expanding
  • 00:22:07.276 --> 00:22:10.646
  • Across the board in too many arenas.
  • 00:22:10.646 --> 00:22:12.815
  • We're going to have to have the courage to submit
  • 00:22:12.815 --> 00:22:14.250
  • To authority again, even god's authority.
  • 00:22:14.250 --> 00:22:17.486
  • God is moving in the earth.
  • 00:22:17.486 --> 00:22:18.954
  • Let's decide to be a part.
  • 00:22:18.954 --> 00:22:20.322
  • Thank you for spending a part of your day with us.
  • 00:22:20.322 --> 00:22:22.591
  • God bless you and good night.
  • 00:22:22.591 --> 00:22:22.591