Could control of the Senate hang on the curious case of the two Dan Sullivans — and the New York Times blockbuster on the role that former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola’s campaign played in recruiting the “other” Dan Sullivan into the Alaska Senate race?
My friend debated that — and the intellectual dishonesty built into Democrats’ defense of what Peltola ‘s campaign did — in today’s episode of “So Where Are We Now?!?”
We also touched on:
🛑
**The problem with “but Trump is worse.”**Why excusing your own side’s behavior sends politics into a race to the bottom.👀
**Don’t sleep on Ted Cruz in 2028.**Matt made the case that Republicans are overlooking a contender with experience, fundraising potential, and a possible path to a post-Trump future🗺️
**Democrats’ opportunity goes beyond this election.**Could gains in places like Ohio and Iowa help reshape the presidential map in 2028?🤯
**How does Susan Collins keep surviving?**Why a win in this political environment would rank among her most remarkable escapes.🎸
**Matty B. Goode.**How a former Maryland member of Congress ruined Matt’s one shining moment in the late 1990s
Full timeline of our conversation is at the bottom of this post.
00:00–01:30 👋 Welcome and introductions Opening banter, the weekly show, and supporting independent journalism.
01:30–06:30 🚨 Alaska’s two Dan Sullivans The reporting about Mary Peltola’s campaign and the recruitment of a candidate sharing the incumbent senator’s name. Matt discusses the history of similar campaign tactics.
06:30–11:30 🗞️ When should journalists publish damaging stories? The timing of the New York Times investigation, how investigative reporting works, and why journalism’s responsibility extends beyond partisan outcomes.
11:30–15:00 📺 When audiences demand loyalty Fox’s Arizona call in 2020 becomes a jumping-off point for discussing partisan media and audiences who expect news outlets to support their side.
15:00–19:30 🛑 The problem with political double standards Your reaction to viewers defending Democrats’ behavior because Republicans have done similar things. Why the denials matter and how tribalism produces a race to the bottom.
19:30–24:00 🗳️ Trump’s response and Alaska’s ballot How Trump could use the controversy, his suggestion of canceling the election, and the complications involving ballot labels and ranked-choice voting.
24:00–28:00 💸 Roger Marshall’s economic messaging blunder Marshall’s description of the economy, the political danger of dismissing affordability concerns, and your own examples of surprisingly expensive meals.
28:00–33:00 📊 New Senate polls and Trump’s drag on Republicans Polling in Michigan, Texas, Maine, and Kansas, with particular attention to Trump’s approval ratings and the economy’s importance to voters.
33:00–37:00 📉 How low can a major party go? Herbert Hoover’s 1932 result, the limits of electoral collapse, candidate quality, and Trump’s lasting influence on political messaging. Includes a brief baseball detour.
37:00–41:00 🏁 The wide-open Democratic race for 2028 Early presidential polling, the lack of a dominant Democratic favorite, and why a very large field could emerge.
41:00–43:00 🐘 Who shapes the post-Trump Republican Party? Vance, Rubio, Spencer Cox, Brian Kemp, and the influence of figures outside the traditional Republican establishment.
43:00–50:00 👀 The case for taking Ted Cruz seriously Matt explains Cruz’s possible opening in 2028. You discuss his campaign experience, fundraising potential, Israel, and why anti-Trump Republicans face a difficult path back.
50:00–56:00 🎸 Matt’s interrupted rock-and-roll moment Matt recounts playing “Johnny B. Goode” at a 1998 election victory party—and how Larry Hogan Sr. brought the performance to an abrupt halt.
56:00–60:30 🗺️ What Democrats could build beyond 2026 Matt revisits his early Senate prediction. You discuss whether Democratic strength in Republican states could help expand the competitive map for 2028.
60:30–63:00 🤯 Can Susan Collins survive again? The difficult political environment in Maine and why another Collins victory would demonstrate extraordinary electoral resilience.
63:00–67:17 🤝 Closing thoughts and podcast chemistry Plans for a post-election conversation, Matt’s upcoming podcast with Dana Milbank, and why friendship, trust, and occasional interruptions make a conversation work.