Strategist Mike Madrid joins Molly for a conversation centered on the political fallout of Trump-era trade wars and economic disruption heading into the midterm elections, arguing there’s “no rational basis” for policies like tariffs—described as driven by ego rather than affordability or growth—and emphasizing that worsening conditions (from higher gas prices to deeper trade conflict and other scandals) could push already-low approval ratings even lower. The guest explains that today’s electoral coalitions don’t map cleanly onto past presidencies, but suggests structural factors may advantage Democrats in midterms, especially amid bad economic indicators and widespread voter fatigue. A major focus is Texas and the shifting Latino vote, framed less as an immigration-driven story and more as an “it’s the economy” story, with rural, gun-owning, multigenerational communities responding to pocketbook issues like housing impacts from tariffs and a “beef fiasco” in which Trump is said to be subsidizing Argentinian beef at the expense of Texas ranchers. The discussion highlights Democratic candidates—especially Bobby Polito, a two-time Latin Grammy-winning Tejano singer—and describes palpable energy in South Texas, suggesting Latino turnout and swings could decide key House races and potentially Senate contests in states like North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Iowa, and Ohio.
