Sep 22, 2026 · 1h 8m
Trump’s weakness meets an AI regulation backlash
9/22/26: Trump Approval Craters, AI Oligarchs Fight Regulation, Trump Bends Knee To Xi
The episode connects Trump’s political vulnerability, industry pressure on AI policy, and intensifying U.S.-China competition to the 2026 electoral map.
- 1Affordability concerns and a possible national swing could make Republican-leaning states competitive in 2026.
- 2Alex Bores says AI executives and super PACs are spending heavily to deter regulation, despite broad voter support for it.
- 3Trump’s posture toward Xi reflects a wider contest over artificial intelligence, rare-earth minerals, and electric vehicles.
Don't miss
Alex Bores argues that standing up to major AI donors could be electorally advantageous rather than politically dangerous.
The brief
Krystal and Saagar examine weak approval numbers, Michigan and Iowa polling, and affordability concerns that could reshape the 2026 midterm map.
Texas becomes a test of whether a national swing and candidate quality can turn traditionally Republican territory into a genuinely competitive battleground.
New York Assemblymember Alex Bores describes industry spending against the RAISE Act and argues that candidates are underestimating voters’ appetite for AI regulation.
The interview widens into a debate over crypto money, super PACs, and emerging bipartisan cooperation on AI legislation.
The closing discussion frames Trump’s posture toward Xi around a broader U.S.-China contest involving AI, rare-earth minerals, and electric vehicles.
Featuring
Alex Bores
Donald John Trump
Ken Paxton
Barack Hussein Obama IIBooks & mentions
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