America, Actually with Astead Herndon

Ahead of the midterm elections, we look at Republicans’ closing arguments and whether MAGA’s loyalty to President Trump will help the party win the most critical races.

This show was produced and video edited by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian , fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Nevada is in many ways “ground zero” for this year’s midterms. The state swung to the right in 2024 and voted for Donald Trump. Now, many voters there are grappling with buyer’s remorse.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: Vox’s Astead Herndon joins volunteers from the Las Vegas Culinary Workers Union canvassing before the midterm election. Photo by Pavel Gazdyuk.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Pablo Torre discusses what sports reveal about President Trump, billionaire power, and America’s mood ahead of the midterms.

This show was produced and video edited by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Between the Trump administration’s executive orders, lawsuits, and relentless rhetoric, it feels like voting systems in America are under constant threat. Is it working?

Editor’s note: Earlier in this episode, Sweren-Becker said that 26 courts had decided that the DoJ is not entitled to voter records. Oklahoma settled its suit, and the state agreed to provide its voter data.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally Wasilla, Alaska. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) makes the case for new leaders and a stronger strategy for standing up to Trump.

This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Republicans are entering the midterm home stretch with a staggering $1 billion campaign war chest. Will it make a difference?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Vasilis Fotopoulos, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: President Donald Trump speaks during an election rally for local Republican candidates in Youngstown, Ohio. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Most of the focus in this year’s midterms is naturally on Congress. But the battle to control state legislatures matters just as much, if not more.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: Francesca Hong during a primary election night watch party in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo by Talia Sprague/Bloomberg via Getty Images

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Why are Democrats playing it safe and missing an opportunity to make a stronger case for abortion rights?

This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Can a Republican candidate run for governor in a red state without bringing up Donald Trump a single time? We went to Ohio to find out.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: Republican Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a town hall. Photo by Arden S. Barnes/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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What do Democrats misunderstand about voters, and why isn’t opposing Trump enough to win them over?

This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Polling says less than 1 percent of voters consider AI a top concern this election cycle. Michigan congressional candidate Will Lawrence sees things differently.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: Emily Taylor leads chants during a protest against data center development in Austin. Photo by Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox. ⁠

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Mehdi Hasan, journalist and founder of Zeteo, explains how coverage of Israel and President Trump has fueled the media’s credibility crisis.

This show was produced by Frank Posillico, edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Matt Boynton, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Latino voters swung hard to the right in 2024. Now, they’re giving Dems another look.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Photo caption: A Sun Valley resident votes at the polling station located at Our Lady of The Holy Church on election day at the Sun Valley's Latino district, Los Angeles County. Photo by Joe Klamar/AFP via Getty Images.

Editor's note: In her interview, Stephanie Valencia said that the zip code with the highest enrollment numbers for the ACA was in Miami. In fact, Miami is in the top five. South Florida overall, however, has led the nation with sign ups.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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With the 2026 midterms fast approaching, we’re asking a simple question: What actually matters to voters right now?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

A polling station at Colebrook Academy and Elementary School in Colebrook, New Hampshire, on Election Day, November 5, 2024. Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. If you enjoy our reporting and want to learn more, sign up for Astead’s weekly newsletter, Midterms, Actually. Just go to www.vox.com/midtermsactually to learn more, and get in-depth analysis about this year’s election right to your inbox.

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Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon overcame a 17-to-1 fundraising gap to win the state’s Democratic Senate primary. Can she score another upset in November?

This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by David Tatasciore, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon greets people as she campaigns in Miami. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now.

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What’s up with the kids these days? We asked a Gen Z researcher to explain her generation’s politics.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

An attendee wears a Vote hair accessory during a debate watch party with the Miami-Dade Young Democrats . Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Read more about Gen Z:

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The Up and Up: https://www.theupandup.us/

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now.

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Left-leaning Democratic candidates have faced a lot of scrutiny in the last year about whether they’re “electable” in a general election. Why aren’t people asking the same about Republican candidates?

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) departs after speaking to the press in the U.S. Capitol. Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now.

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Democrats have been duking it out all summer. He’s at the center of it all.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

Hasan Piker at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, Canada in 2026. Photo By Florencia Tan Jun/Web Summit via Sportsfile via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now.

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Progressives are racking up primary wins. Is the Democratic establishment getting the message?

This show was edited by Christina Vallice, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by David Tatasciore, video edited by Frank Posillico, and hosted by Astead Herndon. Special thanks to Kasia Broussalian.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to America, Actually ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now.

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Will high gas prices actually change how people vote? We went to Pennsylvania to find out.

This show was edited by Kasia Broussalian, fact checked by Esther Gim, mixed by Shannon Mahoney, video edited by Christopher Snyder, and hosted by Astead Herndon.

A customer refuels his van at a gas station in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania in July. Photo by Matthew Hatcher / AFP via Getty Images.

You can also watch this episode on http://youtube.com/vox. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: http://vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now.

Read more about gas prices:

Why Gas Prices Hit Differenthttps://julianzelizer.substack.com/p/why-gas-prices-hit-different

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