82: Project 2029

88: AOC To Be Or Not To Be

Will AOC run for President? A Deep Dive Into Her Political Future We explore whether Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is gearing up for a presidential run and what factors could influence her decision. From poll numbers to campaign mechanics, we break down the strategic landscape of her potential bid and the broader Democratic race dynamics. Key topics covered include: The rising poll numbers for AOC in New Hampshire and their implications The importance of the four M's—Money, Media, Message, Mechanics—and the addition of Authenticity How AOC’s fundraising success, including over $32 million raised, supports her ambitions The significance of her authenticity and progressive stance amid intra-party conflicts The potential influence of swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin on her presidential prospects The impact of progressive candidates in local races and how they could reshape national politics Historical parallels with other insurgent candidates and cycle repeats in political ideology shifts The strategic value of campaign tours in rural and diverse regions The importance of voters craving real change and how AOC taps into that desire The age factor, and whether grassroots support could propel her from Senate to the presidency

87: Lindsey Graham: The Aftermath

This episode takes a smattering of current political chaos—think Kentucky's senate saga, Iowa's early maneuverings, and the twilight saga of Mitch McConnell—and slices through the noise to reveal what it all means for the 2028 presidential chess game. Whether you're a political junkie or just tired of the same old bullshit, this discussion offers a sharper lens on the future of U.S. politics. In this episode: * The implications of Lindsey Graham's death for South Carolina's Senate race and the GOP's outlook. * How Democrats are maneuvering through the Iowa caucus's evolving rules and the undercurrent of electoral strategy. * The bizarre spectacle of Kentucky’s senator crisis and Bashir’s bold move to potentially appoint a new senator * The age dilemma in Congress and whether new, younger faces will finally shake up the old boys' club. * The potential alliance of Gov. Bashir and AOC for a progressive fuse that could shake the Democratic primary scene. * A deep dive into the systemic change fever sweeping across America—what it means for candidates, incumbents, and the political establishment.

86: How Trump's Interference Poisoned the US Soccer Team’s Big Moment

How Politics and Soccer Collide—And Why It’s Still a Spectator Sport In this episode, we dissect the messy intersection of politics, sports, and public perception through the lens of the World Cup and former President Trump's antics. It’s smart, sharp, and a little sarcastic—because if you’re going to discuss global sport, might as well point out how the game is played off the field. In this episode: The environmental impact of 4th of July fireworks in D.C. and urban air quality The role of patriotism in political discourse, highlighting historical progress and current challenges Analysis of potential 2028 Democratic candidates: Westmore, Mamdani, and Gavin Newsom Inside look at FIFA city negotiations and their impact on host cities’ economics The politicization of the World Cup and its reflection of domestic political tensions The importance of active citizenship and service in maintaining American exceptionalism The humorous yet revealing episode of Trump’s involvement in international soccer, illustrating his tendency to politicize everything The uplifting celebration of international unity and spirited fan participation in the World Cup

85: The Blueprint for 2028: Authenticity, Youth, and the New Political Player

Jamal & Matt are joined by Ari Rabin-Havt and In this episode, they dive into what the 2028 Democratic primary might look like, exploring voter dynamics, candidate strategies, and the cultural divides shaping American politics. This isn't just guesswork—it's a strategic deep-dive meant to challenge your assumptions about what's next. Main Topics Covered: * The shifting electorate: understanding "beer track," "wine track," and the emerging "cookout track" among Democratic voters. * The importance of authenticity and youth in future presidential candidates, emphasizing how age and genuine messaging shape voter trust. * The evolving influence of social media and grassroots messaging, especially for candidates like AOC, versus traditional campaign tactics. * Cultural and racial voter blocs: how African American voters, particularly women, could decisively influence 2028. * The impact of recent court decisions on party dynamics and campaign finance, including the rebirth of party-centered power. * The dangers of ideological purity versus pragmatic coalition-building in Congress and primary races. * The importance of candidate authenticity and alignment with core beliefs over tactical ambiguity, illustrated through campaign lessons (e.g., Kamala Harris, John Kerry).

84: What About Joe?

Jamal Simmons and Matt Butler unpack the complex political maneuvers surrounding Joe Biden’s 2024 Presidential run, Gavin Newsom’s bold stance, and the future of Democratic contenders like Kamala Harris and Pete Buttigieg. They slice through the noise to understand what strategies might work—or blow up—in the volatile landscape leading up to 2028. Key topics: Gavin Newsom’s ‘ride or die’ loyalty to Biden and the political gamble it entails The legacy of Joe Biden’s decision to run again and its impact on the Democratic primary The untapped potential and risks for Kamala Harris in an evolving electoral game How figures like Pete Buttigieg and Josh Shapiro might navigate the Biden-era politics The age debate of Trump and Biden—does it matter, and are Dems hesitant to attack their vulnerabilities? The importance of authenticity vs. political spin in the upcoming debates How the Democratic Party’s internal conflicts, especially on foreign policy, could shape the primary season Strategies for attacking or defending based on party loyalty, legacy, and perceived weaknesses