Podcast
Nobody Knows Anything
Rob Flaherty and Jesse Lehrich, both veterans of Presidential campaigns, host a twice weekly live show about the news, politics, and our stupid, broken political system. An insiders show for outsiders, they'll look at the polling, prediction markets, and DC conventional wisdom about who's wrong (and it will often be them).
It's a show for people who love politics but hate themselves.
Coming April 12th, new episodes on Monday and Friday mornings.
- Episodes
- 60
- Releases
- Twice a week
- Typical length
- 1 hr
- On air since
- 2026
- Latest episode
- 1 day ago
Episodes
60 episodes, newest first
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1 hr
Haley Stevens’ Former Senior Advisor Tells Us What’s Really Going On
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse unpack one of the wildest final weekends of the election cycle, as a political October surprise throws Michigan Democrats into chaos. They break down Congresswoman Haley Stevens' stunning decision to endorse Republican Mike Rogers over Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, the fallout within her own team, and the increasingly complicated questions surrounding her relationship with her fiancé, Jason Turkish. Joining the show is former Haley Stevens advisor Caitlin Legacki, who offers an inside look at the campaign, the growing tensions behind the scenes, and why Stevens' dramatic last-minute decision has left so many former colleagues deeply concerned.
From there, they turn to the latest polling shake-up, as a blockbuster New York Times/Siena poll shows Democrats making major gains across some of the country's most competitive Senate races. They debate whether the numbers are too good to be true, examine the early voting trends driving Democratic optimism, and make their final predictions for the Senate map. Could Democrats really pull off upsets in Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, Louisiana, or even Mississippi? And just how big could the wave become in the House, where some of the most unexpected districts are suddenly looking competitive?
They also take a look at the increasingly bizarre Republican campaigns in Texas and Kansas, including Ken Paxton's increasingly uncomfortable final stretch against John Cornyn and Senator Roger Marshall's extraordinary attempt to defend his record after patients were sent to collections. Finally, as the election cycle reaches its final hours, the panel reflects on the campaign moments they'll remember most, from Paxton's political humiliation to Cornyn's long-running revenge tour, before looking ahead to election night and what could be a very big night for Democrats.
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1 hr
Will The Real Dan Sullivan Please Stand Up?
Show notes
With less than a week until Election Day, Rob and Jesse return to Nobody Knows Anything to break down a chaotic final stretch of the midterms—and the Senate races that could determine control of Washington. They start in Michigan, where Haley Stevens’ response to her fiancé’s support for Republican Mike Rogers sparks a heated debate over party unity, Abdul El-Sayed, and the political fallout of one of the cycle’s most contentious primaries.
From there, they head to Alaska, unpacking the New York Times’ reporting on a secret Democratic effort to recruit candidates with the same name as Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, and debate whether the ballot strategy was clever political maneuvering or an entirely unnecessary own goal. They also look at the increasingly competitive Senate races in South Carolina and Maine, where Annie Andrews’ momentum and Susan Collins’ controversial campaign ad could reshape the map in unexpected ways.
As early voting numbers roll in, Rob and Jesse examine signs of rising Democratic turnout across Nevada, Georgia, Texas, Florida, and even Louisiana, asking whether Republicans are facing a much bigger electoral problem than they anticipated. They also dissect Donald Trump’s bizarre closing arguments, from his fixation on Jon Husted’s appearance to his promises of financial rewards and government action that hinge on Republicans winning the midterms.
The conversation continues with the flood of campaign spending and increasingly aggressive attack ads, including a closer look at Mississippi, where Democrats are making an unlikely push against Republican incumbents. Finally, the hosts turn their attention to the political figures already positioning themselves for 2028, comparing their campaign stops and considering what their latest moves might reveal about the future of the Democratic Party.
With unexpected races tightening, early voting defying expectations, and both parties scrambling in the final days, one thing is clear: the home stretch is getting stranger by the minute—and nobody knows anything.
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1 hr
Democrats Smell Blood In Red Territory
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are joined by three special guests for a packed episode covering the battle for Congress, the fight for the Senate, and the growing political debate over LGBTQ+ rights. First, they react to Barack Obama’s latest campaign trail takedowns of Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth, debate whether Democrats are becoming too reliant on Obama to energize the party, and dissect the latest controversy surrounding the White House’s increasingly extravagant renovations.
With the midterms fast approaching, the conversation turns to the battle for control of the House. Brooke Butler, national political director for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, joins Jesse to explain how Democrats are recruiting candidates who can compete in traditionally Republican districts, why working-class backgrounds and local connections matter, and how the new “F Around and Find Out” fund aims to flip deep-red seats. Then, Lauren French of Senate Majority PAC breaks down the increasingly competitive Senate map, from Kansas and Mississippi to Ohio and Texas, explaining where Democrats are investing their resources, why several races remain far from guaranteed, and what it will take to secure a majority in November.
Finally, Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, joins the show to discuss the millions of dollars Republicans are spending on anti-trans advertising and what Democrats should do differently after the lessons of 2024. They examine whether these attacks are resonating with voters, why some Democratic candidates are pushing back while others are conceding ground, and how campaigns can defend transgender rights without losing sight of the economic issues voters care about most. Plus, the hosts close things out with a Halloween-themed look at politicians’ costumes, questionable holiday traditions, and some very unconventional ideas for what elected officials should dress up as.
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1 hr
Midterm Headlines from the Future & the Future of Democratic Organizing (with Yasmin Radjy)
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse look ahead to the 2026 midterms and predict the headlines we'll be waking up to on Election Day. They break down why candidate quality still matters in an increasingly polarized political landscape, where Democrats could see surprising splits between Senate and gubernatorial races, and whether the progressive wing of the party is really on the verge of a Democratic takeover. They also examine how third-party candidates could shake up tight races, why the AI industry's massive political spending may be backfiring as voters push for regulation, and how the race for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination is already starting to take shape.
Then, Rob and Jesse sit down with Yasmin Radjy of Swing Left to discuss the future of Democratic campaigning—and why the party's approach to grassroots organizing may be overdue for a serious overhaul. Radjy explains how campaign tactics and technology have changed surprisingly little since 2008, leaving volunteers with outdated tools and voter conversations that are often too late and too transactional. She introduces Swing Left's Ground Truth program, which takes a different approach by encouraging volunteers to have deeper, more meaningful conversations with voters long before Election Day.
The conversation explores how voice notes and AI-powered analysis can help campaigns understand what voters actually care about, uncover the complicated mix of opinions that traditional voter data often misses, and make follow-up more personal and effective. It's a look at whether better listening, smarter technology, and a more human approach to voter outreach could reshape how Democrats organize, persuade voters, and compete in elections.
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1 hr
MAGA’s Midterm Blame Game Begins
Show notes
Tonight on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse welcome Sam Forstag, Montana smokejumper, labor leader, and Democratic congressional candidate, to discuss his uphill battle to flip Montana’s 1st Congressional District. They break down how federal workforce cuts are affecting wildland firefighters, why working-class voters have lost faith in both parties, and how Forstag is building an unlikely coalition of progressives, Republicans, and working people around housing, healthcare, childcare, and economic security. They also examine the growing influence of AI money in politics, the risks of leaving powerful technology companies unchecked, and whether Forstag’s grassroots campaign can overcome millions in outside spending.
From there, the conversation turns to the White House, where Rob and Jesse unpack the latest drama surrounding Donald Trump’s chief of staff, Susie Wiles, and the bizarre chain of events involving a disastrous interview, internal power struggles, and questions about her future in the administration. They debate whether Wiles has become the indispensable figure keeping Trump’s White House functioning—and what could happen if she’s pushed out.
Then it’s time for the midterm election battlegrounds, as they examine Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign push in Michigan, the debate over Democratic investment in progressive and diverse candidates, and whether the party is putting its money in the right places. They also dig into Elon Musk’s staggering $276 million midterm spending spree, his efforts to influence key Senate races, and whether Republican super PACs can really buy elections—or whether their spending power comes with serious limits.
Finally, they look ahead to 2028, breaking down the latest campaign finance filings, the candidates building enormous war chests, and which potential presidential contenders are already positioning themselves for the next Democratic primary. From political money and working-class representation to White House dysfunction and the future of the Democratic Party, it’s another episode proving that nobody knows anything.
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1 hr
Our Hottest Midterm Takes (plus: 2028 beefs emerge)
Show notes
On this episode of Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are back with their hottest takes on the final stretch of the 2026 midterms—and the political shake-ups that could reshape the future of both parties. They break down why Republicans are suddenly pulling money out of vulnerable House races, how Democrats are expanding the battleground into traditionally red territory, and whether the GOP’s narrow congressional majority is on the verge of collapse.
Then it’s time for the Midterm Madness Takeoff, where Rob and Jesse debate some of the election’s biggest wild cards. They unpack Ken Paxton’s increasingly chaotic Texas Senate campaign, ask whether Kansas could elect its first Democratic senator since 1932, and examine whether independent candidates have a real shot at flipping Republican-held Senate seats. They also debate Susan Collins’ chances in Maine, why traditionally blue states could deliver surprisingly close races, and whether JD Vance might sit out the 2028 presidential race altogether.
Looking beyond November, the conversation turns to the emerging 2028 Democratic field. From potential presidential hopefuls making strategic moves in early primary states to Ruben Gallego’s ambitious economic agenda addressing AI, wages, and job displacement, Rob and Jesse explore what Democrats need to stand for after the midterms. They also dive into Ro Khanna’s growing feud with Gavin Newsom over corporate power, billionaire influence, and the Paramount-Skydance merger.
Finally, the guys wrap things up with Stock Up, Stock Down, giving their verdicts on Hillary Clinton’s new podcast and the disastrous first press briefing from Trump’s new White House press secretary, Katie Zacharia. As the midterms approach and the 2028 jockeying begins, one thing is certain: nobody knows anything.
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1 hr
Can Obama close the deal in Michigan?
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are back in the thick of midterm madness, starting in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed is getting some high-profile help from Barack Obama as he tries to close out his Senate campaign. They dig into El-Sayed’s struggles with Black voters, his efforts to unify the Democratic coalition alongside Elissa Slotkin, and whether his increasingly unconventional general-election strategy is enough to put the race away. They also debate the value of Democrats taking their message directly to Fox News—and why El-Sayed and Dan Osborn may have figured out something the rest of the party is still reluctant to embrace.
From there, they take a wider look at the midterm map and ask whether a Democratic wave is really building. Donald Trump is hitting the road, but increasingly in some very red states, while Republican spending patterns, Democratic turnout, voter registration, and special-election results are all offering clues about where the battlefield is shifting. In Maine, they break down Susan Collins’ awkward attempt to distance herself from Trump, her debate performance, and whether Troy Jackson can finally knock off one of the Senate’s most resilient Republicans. Then it’s on to Kansas, where devastating opposition research on Roger Marshall appears to be reshaping his race against Adam Hamilton.
The political ad review gets increasingly unhinged as Rob and Jesse examine some of the strangest and most memorable spots of the cycle—from attacks on Katie Hobbs’ teaching reviews, to a bizarrely suggestive Steve Hilton ad, to Mike Rogers’ attempt to convince Michigan voters that he is definitely, absolutely, totally a normal Michigan guy.
Finally, it’s time to look ahead to 2028 with the official Nobody Knows Anything presidential “thirst” rankings. They size up the potential Democratic field, from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Kamala Harris, and Jon Ossoff at the supposedly least thirsty end to Rahm Emanuel, Andy Beshear, and the undisputed Thirst King, Ro Khanna. Along the way, they assess who is quietly laying the groundwork for a presidential campaign, who is already making their ambitions impossible to miss, and who might actually be better positioned than the conventional wisdom suggests.
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59 min
Can our guest’s sister win the Texas governorship?
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse sit down with Democratic strategist and CNN political commentator Xochitl Hinojosa to dig into one of the biggest questions facing Democrats right now: can they actually win Texas? With Gina Hinojosa running a surprisingly competitive race against Greg Abbott, they explore what is driving the shift in Texas, why Latino voters and the economy could reshape the race, and why Abbott’s massive war chest may not be enough to keep Democrats from breaking through in one of the country’s biggest red states.
They also examine the growing frustration with national Democrats over the party’s decision not to invest heavily in Texas, despite the race’s potential implications for the House, Senate, redistricting, and the party’s long-term path to 270 electoral votes. Xochitl explains why Democrats need to build stronger state-level brands, why candidates like Gina Hinojosa and James Talarico are running on issues that go beyond party politics, and why Texas could become a crucial test of the party’s strategy heading into 2028.
From there, the conversation turns to the emerging 2028 Democratic presidential race, including who could make an early move, how the DNC might handle an overcrowded primary field, and whether candidates will need to get in early to capture the political spotlight. They also discuss Andy Beshear’s role at the DGA, his potential presidential ambitions, and whether the Texas governor’s race could ultimately become a defining test for his national future.
Then the discussion shifts to the rise of AI populism. They unpack Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s push against surveillance technology, the growing backlash over data centers, and why AI could become a defining political issue in the next election. The group debates whether Democrats can turn concerns about AI, corporate power, jobs, privacy, and regulation into a broader populist message—and whether politicians are prepared to deal with an issue that is evolving faster than traditional polling can capture.
Finally, they take aim at Sam Altman and Silicon Valley’s approach to AI after Altman argued that society should accept some bad things happening in exchange for the benefits of AI. The conversation expands into AI safety, corporate self-regulation, Mark Zuckerberg’s influence, and whether the people building increasingly powerful technology can really be trusted to police themselves. And, as always, the episode closes out with Stock Up, Stock Down—including a memorable moment involving Vivek Ramaswamy.
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1 hr
Can MAGA lose MAHA? (And: LOL Eric Schmitt!) with Brad Woodhouse
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse welcome longtime Democratic strategist Brad Woodhouse for a wide-ranging conversation about election security, the state of the midterms, healthcare, AI, and the increasingly complicated politics inside the Republican Party. They start with the chaotic Jack Smith congressional hearing, including the bizarre “Hawks” mix-up that quickly became one of the defining moments of the testimony, before stepping back to examine the larger fight over election integrity and Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the rules around voting ahead of the midterms.
From there, the conversation turns to “Blue Wave Watch” as the hosts dig into a flood of new polling, competing pictures of Senate races, and whether Democrats are getting carried away by increasingly optimistic numbers. They debate what the polls actually tell us, why some of the margins may be difficult to believe, and whether Democrats should be thinking about the House, Senate, and broader midterm environment as separate contests rather than assuming a sweeping victory is already locked in.
Healthcare then takes center stage, with Brad making the case that affordability is about much more than groceries and gas—and that healthcare could be one of the defining issues of the election. The group looks at the political fallout from changes to Medicaid and ACA tax credits, the rising cost of coverage, and the challenge for Democrats of turning voters’ concerns about affordability into a broader political message.
The discussion then expands into the politics of AI and the future of the MAGA movement. They explore growing concerns around data centers, AI regulation, and the relationship between technology companies and the Trump administration, before asking whether Democrats can make inroads with voters who were attracted to the “Make America Healthy Again” movement but may feel increasingly disconnected from what the administration is actually doing.
Finally, the hosts take a closer look at the White House’s embrace of AI and its new voluntary safeguards for the technology, including the gathering of major tech executives, the push to rebrand AI as “superintelligence,” and the rollout of the AI-powered America.gov website. They wrap up with their signature Stock Up, Stock Down segment before sending Brad off with a little more knowledge about boba tea—and perhaps even less certainty about everything else.
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59 min
Is this 2006 Again?
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse welcome Christina Reynolds, founder of Break Glass Strategic Communications and a veteran of presidential campaigns, to unpack a chaotic week in Washington and what it could mean heading into the midterms. They start with Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, questioning what the meeting actually accomplished, the strange optics surrounding Trump’s attempts to showcase the White House, and the unusual moment when even China pushed back against the administration’s restrictions on the press.
The conversation then turns to the Trump administration’s use of taxpayer dollars for government advertising that looks remarkably similar to campaign messaging. They break down the ads, the money being spent to put them on television, and the broader political consequences of an administration increasingly tying its message to Trump himself. From there, Christina draws on her experience working on previous Democratic waves to explain how the 2026 midterms are shaping up, comparing the current political environment with 2006, 2010, and 2018 while examining enthusiasm, candidate quality, redistricting, Senate races, and the economic issues that could reshape competitive contests.
Christina also shares behind-the-scenes stories from her time working under Rahm Emanuel, including one particularly memorable campaign-office confrontation, before the group digs into the controversy surrounding Mary Peltola’s treatment of campaign staff and the debate over how much personal conduct should factor into evaluating elected officials. They also discuss the role of women in politics, workplace culture on campaigns, and the unusual scrutiny female politicians can face.
Later, the conversation moves to the 2026 statehouse races, the importance of governors and state legislatures, and what a potential Democratic wave could mean beyond Washington. They also look at Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s growing national profile and her recent travels outside New York City, asking what her political future could look like and why building relationships with voters outside her traditional base could matter. Finally, the gang heads to Washington’s newest political hotspot: a crypto clubhouse data-center party, complete with AI photo booths, themed cocktails, and some truly bizarre enthusiasm for America’s rapidly expanding data-center industry.
It’s another wide-ranging episode covering Trump, China, the midterms, campaign war stories, political scandals, AOC, and the strange new social world taking shape in Washington.
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1 hr
Republicans Start Hitting the Panic Button
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse unpack a week of unexpected alliances, Democratic infighting, and the early battle for the 2028 presidential race. They start with the increasingly unlikely relationship between Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, including Trump’s praise for Mamdani, their surprisingly friendly White House press conference, and why the budding bromance has Republicans scrambling to figure out how to make Democratic socialism a midterm issue.
From there, they turn to the growing debate over artificial intelligence and U.S.-China relations, including Trump’s upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping and the question of whether Washington should cooperate with Beijing to slow down the AI arms race. They discuss the national security risks of rapidly advancing AI, the possibility of international guardrails, and the growing tension between competing with China and preventing the technology from moving faster than society can handle.
The conversation then moves to the midterms, with a deep dive into the allegations surrounding Susan Collins, campaign finance, government contracts, and a ProPublica investigation that has reignited questions about corruption in Washington. They also examine the Maine Senate race between Collins and Troy Jackson, and the contrasting approaches Democrats are taking as they try to compete in some of the country's most closely watched races.
Finally, the focus shifts to 2028. Rob and Jesse break down Kamala Harris' political future, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's increasingly open discussion of a potential presidential run, and the emerging Democratic field. They explore why AOC may have a unique opening in the progressive lane, whether Harris will enter the race, and what candidates like JB Pritzker could bring to the contest. Along the way, they discuss the political calculations, risks, and opportunities that could shape the Democratic primary long before the 2028 campaign officially begins.
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1 hr
Trump's Bad Week, the Democratic Young Men Problem & the AI Debate (with Peter Hamby)
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are joined by Puck founding partner and national correspondent Peter Hamby to unpack a chaotic week in American politics—and what it could mean heading into the 2026 midterms. They start with the enormous sums of money pouring into Senate and governor's races, from the battleground states to the astonishing spending on local TV and NFL advertising, and examine how Democrats and Republicans are changing the way they reach voters.
From there, they dig into Donald Trump's rough week, including Republican lawmakers breaking with the president, the growing signs of political vulnerability inside the GOP, and the question of whether Democrats could be headed for a strong night in November. They also discuss the importance of economic issues like gas prices, housing, groceries, and interest rates—and whether voters' concerns about the cost of living could ultimately matter more than Washington's endless political battles.
The conversation then turns to Trump's decision to restrict media access at the White House and the broader fight over the relationship between the administration and the press. Peter, a veteran political reporter, weighs in on what the move means for journalists, the First Amendment, and whether Trump's attacks on the media should be viewed as a serious institutional threat or another example of the president dominating the political conversation.
The group also takes a hard look at one of the Democratic Party's biggest challenges: winning back young men. They debate whether Democratic campaigns have become too insulated from the voters they're trying to reach, why online culture and political messaging can sometimes feel disconnected from everyday Americans, and whether the party's problems go deeper than social media and campaign staffing.
Finally, they turn to the rapidly evolving politics of artificial intelligence, as Democrats and Republicans scramble to figure out how to talk about a technology that could reshape the economy and society. With Trump proposing a new AI initiative and politicians from AOC to Obama offering very different approaches to the issue, the group asks whether either party actually understands how to communicate about AI—and what happens when nobody seems to know what to say.
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59 min
JB Pritzker’s top strategist tells us the fight Democrats ought to have
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse dive into the latest twists in the Democratic Party's 2028 landscape, starting with Gavin Newsom's surprising pledge not to run if Kamala Harris enters the race. They unpack why Newsom made the statement, what it says about his presidential ambitions, and whether the apparent truce between two of the party's biggest California figures can actually last.
From there, they turn to the growing debate over Democrats and artificial intelligence. With members of Congress facing pressure to regulate a technology many of them barely use, Rob and Jesse explore why understanding AI matters for policymakers—and why the party's approach to AI could become a major political opportunity heading into the next election cycle.
The conversation then takes a closer look at Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and his increasingly prominent role in the Democratic Party. His chief of staff explains how Pritzker approached AI regulation in Illinois, why the governor has been pushing back against major tech interests, and what his record on technology, regulation, and other issues could mean for his potential 2028 ambitions.
They also discuss the Democratic Party's prospects in the midterms, the influence of money and the tech industry in politics, and whether Democrats can translate frustration among voters into a broader political comeback. Finally, they look at where Pritzker fits into the party's future—and whether Democrats can embrace a more aggressive approach to governing if they regain power.
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39 min
THE BIG INTERVIEW: Can an Independent Beat an 83-Year-Old Senator in Deep-Red Idaho? (With Todd Achilles)
Show notes
On today’s BIG INTERVIEW, Jesse sits down with independent Senate candidate Todd Achilles, who is taking on longtime Republican Senator Jim Risch in deep-red Idaho. A lifelong Republican who also served as a Democrat in the Idaho legislature, Achilles explains why he believes voters are increasingly fed up with the two-party system—and why an independent candidate can compete in a state Donald Trump carried by 36 points.
They dive into Achilles’ campaign to unseat an 83-year-old incumbent, his push for sweeping congressional reforms, and why he believes term limits, age limits, a stock-trading ban, campaign finance reform, and an end to gerrymandering could help restore trust in Congress. Achilles also explains why he refuses to caucus with either party and how a group of independent Senate candidates could potentially hold the balance of power in Washington.
The conversation then turns to the issues driving voters in Idaho, from skyrocketing housing costs and stagnant wages to the decline of rural hospitals and the changing economics of the state. Achilles discusses his support for unions, the need for more high-paying jobs, and why he believes Washington has failed to respond to the affordability crisis facing Idahoans.
Jesse and Achilles also take a deep dive into artificial intelligence, Big Tech, and the growing concentration of economic power. Achilles argues that the AI industry needs more competition rather than government protection for the biggest companies, while also criticizing the enormous and inefficient data centers being built across the country. They explore the broader antitrust fight, from AI and wireless carriers to the agricultural industry, where a handful of companies control huge portions of the seed and meat markets.
Finally, they discuss Trump's tariffs and their impact on Idaho agriculture, U.S. foreign policy and the war in Iran, and Achilles’ criticism of Senator Risch’s record as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. With the Senate race shaping up as a rare head-to-head contest between an independent and a Republican incumbent, Achilles explains why he believes Idaho voters are ready for an alternative—and why breaking the two-party system could be the first step toward fixing Congress.
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59 min
Inside Democrats' 2026 House Strategy, the AI Regulation Fight & Ted Cruz's 2028 Ambitions
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse dig into the growing political fight over artificial intelligence, as some of the biggest names in tech—including Dario Amodei, Sam Altman, and Elon Musk—warn about the dangers of moving too quickly. They unpack the calls to “pace the frontier,” the debate over AI regulation, and why Democrats are suddenly making AI a much bigger political priority, including Barack Obama’s warning that the party needs a clear plan for AI, jobs, safety, and the economy.
The conversation then turns to the 2026 midterms, where Rob and Jesse are joined by DCCC officials Will Van Nuys and Courtney Rice to get an inside look at the Democratic strategy for winning back the House. They discuss the expanding battlefield, the importance of recruiting candidates who fit their districts, how Democrats are approaching Trump-plus districts, and whether a potential Democratic wave could put dozens of Republican seats in play. They also examine the party’s approach to competitive primaries, the tension between establishment and progressive candidates, and why the DCCC believes Democrats are positioned to take back the House.
From there, they head into the Senate races, including the increasingly competitive contest in Kansas between Republican Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton. They break down Marshall’s brutal reception at the Kansas State Fair, his controversies as a doctor and senator, and why the political environment in Kansas could make an upset more plausible than it might seem. Finally, they look ahead to 2028 and Ted Cruz’s potential presidential campaign, the emerging Republican primary field, and whether the Trump era could begin to lose its grip on the Republican Party after the 2026 midterms.
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8 min
Why Democrats Keep Losing: They Stand for Nothing
Show notes
In this deep dive, Jesse examines why Democrats continue to struggle to articulate a clear, compelling vision for working Americans — and why the party's failure to define what it stands for could be costing it at the ballot box.
Democrats keep warning voters about Donald Trump, but what are they actually offering in return?
Jesse explores Hakeem Jeffries' proposed midterm platform, the rise of the DSA and the left, and why specific policies can give voters a much clearer sense of what a political movement actually stands for. He also looks back at the Democrats' successful 2006 strategy and its six-point agenda as an example of how clearly defined policies can create a stronger political contrast.
The question is simple: if Democrats don't start standing for something, can they expect voters to stand with them?
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59 min
This podcast has a >10% chance of killing us all
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse break down the halfway point of Trump-a-palooza, the RNC's Trump-branded midterm convention, and ask why vulnerable Republicans like Mike Lawler are lining up to be seen next to a president who's deeply underwater in his own party's target states. They dig into the GOP's $49 million midterm ad blitz, the states where Republicans are playing defense versus quietly writing off the map, and whether any candidate can actually escape Trump's unpopularity this cycle.
From there, they turn to Texas, where Ken Paxton's AI-generated attack ad against James Talarico reignites the debate over deepfakes in political advertising—Rob and Jesse spar over where the line sits between satire and deception, and whether Congress should step in. That leads into the week's biggest AI story: an Anthropic alignment researcher's viral resignation and warnings about existential risk, which Rob and Jesse use to unpack the industry's murky safety debate, the odds of a catastrophic AI event forcing Washington's hand, and why neither party seems ready to legislate any of it.
Back on the campaign trail, they cover Chris Pappas' surprisingly competitive Senate race against John Sununu in New Hampshire and why Democrats are quietly nervous about a state that wasn't supposed to be in play. Then it's a 2028 whip-around covering Gavin Newsom's swing through the South, Wes Moore's not-quite-a-denial about his future plans, and J.B. Pritzker's new $20 million PAC targeting vulnerable House Republicans. Finally, Rob and Jesse close out with Stock Up, Stock Down, crowning campaign merch's latest questionable trend and delivering a definitive verdict on Vivek Ramaswamy's batting cage form.
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50 min
THE BIG INTERVIEW: How the political influencer business actually works (With Jack Cocchiarella)
Show notes
On today’s BIG INTERVIEW, Rob sits down with political creator Jack Cocchiarella to pull back the curtain on the rapidly growing business of political influencing—and why creators could become one of the most important forces in the 2028 election. From YouTube’s rise as a new political media ecosystem to the enormous audiences creators can build outside traditional newsrooms, Jack explains how he went from shitposting on Twitter to making content full-time after his channel exploded from hundreds of subscribers to 100,000 in just over a week.
They dive into what actually drives the creator economy, including YouTube AdSense, sponsorships, affiliate marketing, audience growth, and the pressure to constantly produce more content. Jack explains why the financial incentive isn't necessarily to make increasingly outrageous videos, but simply to keep publishing—and how maintaining credibility with an engaged audience ultimately matters just as much as maximizing views.
The conversation then turns to the complicated relationship between creators and political campaigns. How should campaigns work with influencers? Should creators be paid to promote candidates? When does political outreach become advertising, and how important is disclosure? Jack argues that campaigns should treat creators differently from traditional reporters, emphasizing direct relationships, targeted clip distribution, and streamlined communication rather than massive group chats and generic briefings.
Rob and Jack also explore the darker side of creator monetization, including undisclosed political promotion and the growing role of gambling and prediction-market sponsorships. Jack explains why he has become increasingly uncomfortable with creators taking money from gambling companies, particularly when their political values clash with the economic consequences of promoting addictive products to young audiences.
Finally, they examine the growing “creator bubble,” the limits of social media algorithms, and whether political creators are actually reaching new voters—or mostly talking to an increasingly engaged audience that already follows politics. With 2028 approaching, the big question is whether this new media ecosystem can break beyond its existing audience and fundamentally reshape how campaigns communicate with voters.
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1 hr
How can Democrats expand the tent? (with Guy Cecil)
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse sit down with Democratic strategist Guy Cecil to unpack the latest battles reshaping the Democratic Party—and what they could tell us about the road to 2028. They start in Massachusetts, where Ed Markey decisively defeated Seth Moulton, sparking a bigger debate over whether Democratic voters care more about ideology, experience, or generational change—and whether simply being younger is enough to unseat an incumbent.
From there, they head to Texas, where the fallout from the Democratic primary continues to expose tensions within the party. They examine Jasmine Crockett’s complicated relationship with James Talarico, the importance of endorsements, the increasingly toxic online environment surrounding primary politics, and what the race could mean for control of the Senate.
The conversation then turns to the rapidly changing world of political influence, as creators and influencers become an increasingly important force in campaigns. They discuss how political creators are operating differently from traditional journalists, the growing importance of direct access to candidates, and what an influencer-driven political landscape could look like heading into 2028.
Speaking of 2028, Rob, Jesse, and Guy dig into the coming scramble for Democratic campaign talent. With dozens of potential candidates preparing for a presidential primary, they explore the competition for staff, where campaigns might establish their headquarters, whether fully remote campaigns could become the norm, and just how chaotic the race for political talent could become.
Finally, they tackle one of the most unexpected political issues emerging from the AI boom: data centers. They debate Trump and JD Vance’s positions on data-center expansion, the backlash over rising electricity and infrastructure costs, the growing tension between local communities and the AI economy, and why data-center politics could become a major issue for both parties by 2028.
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59 min
Everything you need to know about Governors races
Show notes
Today on Nobody Knows Anything, Rob and Jesse are joined by guests from the Democratic Governors Association to break down the 2026 political landscape and the races that could reshape the country heading into the midterms. They start with Donald Trump's escalating feud with the media, including his threat to have the FCC go after Kristen Welker, and debate what his record on political endorsements actually says about his influence within the Republican Party.
The conversation then turns to the governors' map, where the DGA guests lay out the races Democrats are defending, the states where they're going on offense, and why the party believes it has a real opportunity to regain a majority of governors' mansions for the first time since the Obama era. They dig into key contests in Georgia, Ohio, Iowa, Nevada, Arizona, Texas and Florida, discussing the candidates, the political environment, and why Democrats are increasingly optimistic about their chances in several traditionally difficult states.
From there, they head to Georgia for a closer look at the Senate race between Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins, including Collins' increasingly controversial ties to figures associated with Nazi and white nationalist movements. They ask whether Collins' "Nazi problem" could derail his campaign, why Ossoff is currently in such a strong position, and how Georgia's gubernatorial race between Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican opposition could give Democrats an even bigger opportunity in the state.
Finally, the episode looks ahead to 2028, with a discussion of Kamala Harris' potential presidential ambitions, AOC's recent staff shakeup, and the growing competition over the future direction of the Democratic Party. They debate whether Democrats should embrace a wide-open presidential primary and why the next cycle could bring a much more consequential fight over what the party actually stands for.
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