Sep 25, 2026 · 1h 54m

Kaepernick links athlete power to political protest

Always Test Your Hopium

The episode connects a volatile Senate map and attacks on press freedom with Colin Kaepernick’s argument that institutions protect power before principle.

3 key takeaways

1Encouraging Democratic polling may signal opportunity, but the hosts warn against mistaking early leads for durable momentum.
2Republican candidates are distancing themselves from Trump while struggling to escape years of loyalty and his hold over political messaging.
3Colin Kaepernick argues that athlete protest, targeted boycotts, and collective pressure can challenge institutions that control speech and money.

Don't miss

Colin Kaepernick explains why kneeling during the anthem was intended as a respectful, focused protest against police violence rather than a distraction from it.

The brief

Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer open with a fight over White House press access, arguing that restricting CNN, MSNBC, and Politico raises both First Amendment and political questions.

The hosts test encouraging New York Times/Siena polling in Michigan, New Hampshire, and Maine against candidate weaknesses, systemic polling error, and the danger of mistaking hope for momentum.

They also examine Republicans shedding Trump references, Tommy Tuberville’s anti-trans furry panic, and whether attacks on Trump or corruption can move voters in key races.

Tommy’s interview with Colin Kaepernick traces his anthem protest, NFL collusion case, and critique of owners who use financial and political power to control speech.

Kaepernick connects athlete compensation, electoral disillusionment, and targeted boycotts, arguing that principled pressure matters when institutions respond only after sustained challenge.

Featuring

Colin Kaepernick