During this week's LIVE conversation, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss:— Colorado shocker: 29-year-old Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros (lawyer turned barista) defeats 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette— New York results: Multiple DSA-aligned candidates knock off Democratic incumbents — what it really means— The rise of young, outsider, often immigrant or minority Democratic Socialists — is this a national trend?— Why Trump’s 2024 victory is pushing Democrats left and making “safe” establishment candidates look riskier— AOC’s growing influence and the future of the progressive movement— Generational revolt vs. ideology: Are voters rejecting insiders more than embracing socialism?— American pride at a 25-year low ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary — can we still celebrate July 4th?— Mitch McConnell and Tom Kean Jr. health transparency controversies— Trump’s cultural impact on young men, masculinity, COVID lockdowns, and the post-2020 radicalization of politics— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt cover a lot of ground this morning, including:— Trump’s botched 250th anniversary events: Embarrassingly low attendance at the “Great American State Fair” (TMZ empty-field footage), reflecting pond fiasco, and shrinking celebrations after Trump seized control from prior Smithsonian plans.— Supreme Court decisions: Major expansion of presidential power (unitary executive theory), mixed rulings including E. Jean Carroll, mail-in ballots, transgender athletes, and upcoming birthright citizenship case.— Immigration and conservatism’s shift: Contrast between Reagan’s pro-immigrant speeches and today’s nativist rhetoric (e.g., Megyn Kelly), plus the “horseshoe theory of me.”— Praise for John Ossoff’s effective messaging (“Epstein class”), and concerns about far-left DSA-style candidates.— Reclaiming patriotism and the flag: July 4th and the American flag belong to the people, not Trump/MAGA — celebrate locally with community cookouts, fireworks, and events in small town America, not D.C. spectacles.— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

New bombshell reporting reveals former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was receiving detailed policy directives from her spiritual guru Chris Butler and the Science of Identity Foundation while serving in Congress — and she followed them closely. In this episode, Bill Scher and Matt break down the disturbing implications now that she served as DNI, Trump’s chaotic handling of Section 702 reauthorization, his bizarre blockage of a bipartisan housing bill, and JD Vance’s audacious revisionist history on Watergate and the “deep state.” We also discuss the surge of democratic socialist wins in New York, Zohran Mamdani’s strategic (and risky) moves, what it all means for the midterms, and much more. Don't miss this episode!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Trump is treating a murky reflecting pool like a national emergency — and Dana Milbank says it’s the perfect symbol for his entire presidency.In this wide-ranging conversation, NOTUS columnist and Washington Post veteran Dana Milbank joins Matt to discuss:— The hilarious (and telling) Reflecting Pool "vandalism" saga, Trump’s builder ego, no-bid contracts, and blame-shifting— Why this tiny scandal hurts Trump more than foreign policy failures— JD Vance’s credibility problems on the Iran deal and "agreement to have an agreement"— Marco Rubio’s surprising surge as a potential future leader— Tucker Carlson turning on the GOP over the Iran war— Rising antisemitism on both left and right, AIPAC, Netanyahu, and the future of Israel support— Plus: Dana’s thoughts on joining the new news outlet Notice (soon to be renamed) and Matt’s upcoming role there.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week’s Substack LIVE conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Taxpayers foot some of the bill for Trump's event. — UFC fighter Josh Hokit thanks Jesus then declares “Michelle Obama is a man” as Trump and Joe Rogan smile— The desecration of sacred ground: motorcycles, cage fights, and Trump Coins grift at America’s 250th— Trump’s “deal” with Iran: No denuclearization, massive sanctions relief, and a humiliating cut-and-run— A Situation Room meeting on “Nipplegate” from the Epstein files. JD Vance thinks Trump would be OK with releasing the info— Elon Musk becomes a trillionaire after cutting global aid — the satire writes itself— The death of norms, conservative hypocrisy, and cultural collapse— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's podcast, Chris Cillizza and Matt discuss:— Oysterman Graham Platner wins Maine’s Senate primary with 73% — why this is a neutral-to-good night for him, but still a huge risk for Democrats vs. incumbent Sen. Susan Collins— Rep. Nancy Mace finishes near last in South Carolina governor primary after pushing Epstein files — Trump revenge and whether she now joins the YOLO caucus.— Sen. Lindsey Graham beats back another MAGA challenger — is he a better politician than we thought, or is SC less Trumpy than it seems?— The absolutely WILD Colorado GOP governor primary: Leading candidate claims he killed a man at age 7 and (as a civilian) called in airstrikes on ISIS— Is it fair to blame Trump for the Knicks’ loss? (Hint: Chris and Matt are divided over this one.)— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week’s podcast conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt cover a lot of ground, including:— — Pete Hegseth’s disastrous D-Day speech attacking Europe and comparing migrants to Allied invasion.— Why even MAGA allies are furious over the Pentagon’s new attack on Mormons— Trump tells Netanyahu “I call the shots” — is the bromance collapsing?— Inside Trump’s angry, rambling 'Meet the Press' meltdown with Kristen Welker— Bari Weiss fires 60 Minutes leadership — Scott Pelley’s brutal takedown— California’s slow-count election chaos, Spencer Pratt drama, and why mail-in voting looks suspicious— Ann Coulter turns on Trump over Knicks game inconvenience and $8,000 tickets— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Chris Cillizza and Matt are back to unpack the results of the latest round of primary elections (in California, Iowa, New Jersey, and more!). On today's pod, they discuss:— Iowa: Josh Turek (Paralympian with an incredible backstory) wins big — and now has a real shot at flipping a Senate seat!— Rob Sand emerges as Democrats’ strongest Iowa gubernatorial candidate in decades — Anti-incumbent wave: Sitting congressmen lose or underperform in Iowa, Texas, and South Dakota— California Governor primary: Steve Hilton (R) leads early, but Xavier Becerra will likely win in the top-two system— LA Mayor race: Incumbent Karen Bass heads to runoff against reality TV star Spencer Pratt — a clear protest vote against establishment failure on homelessness and crime— Trump’s power tested: Senate Republicans kill the controversial “slush fund” deal and push back on other boundary-testing moves— Media shakeup: Barry Weiss at CBS, Scott Pelley’s exit, and what it means for legacy news— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On today's "DMZ" podcast conversation, Washington Monthly’s Bill Scher and Matt break down the chaotic Maine Democratic Senate primary one week before voters decide.Graham Platner has weathered wave after wave of scandals — old Reddit posts mocking a wounded soldier, sexting on a sketchy app, defensive ambush interviews, and more — yet polls have held. With ranked-choice voting and Gov. Janet Mills still on the ballot, Democrats have a real off-ramp — but will they take it?We debate the big questions:— Do voters actually care about character anymore?— Is “authenticity” worth the risk in a must-win Senate race?— Should Democrats lower standards to match the other side, or hold the line?— Broader implications for the party in the Trump era.— Plus: quick hits on California, Iowa, and Trump’s foreign policy frustrations.Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's podcast discussion, Charlie Sykes and Matt discuss:— Trump’s shocking transformation of the White House into a gladiatorial arena with a giant UFC-style cage for the 250th anniversary— The symbolism of the pristine vs. ruined White House and what it says about America’s cultural decline— Musical artists bail on Trump’s “Great American State Fair” — now replaced by a full MAGA rally headlined by Trump himself— Graham Platner’s sexts and scandals, Ken Paxton’s corruption, and the new “flawed fighter” defense— James Talarico’s powerful comments on real masculinity and servant leadership — the exact opposite of the current GOP manhood cult— JD Vance shrinking in Trump’s shadow, Mike Pence on Jan 6. “slush fund,” and the scorpion-and-frog reality of Trump World— Bonus: Why AI could take down Trumpism — and the coming anti-tech populist backlash— And MUCH more!Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC