Republicans in PANIC? Ryan Girdusky Predicts a Midterm Bloodbath + Vivek's Campaign Implodes

Are Republicans heading for a midterm bloodbath? And could a Senate seat in deep-red South Carolina actually be in play? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins accidentally show up in matching skeleton sweaters for a spooky pre-Halloween edition of Citizen McCain, but the real scares may be coming for the Republican Party on Election Day. Political strategist Ryan Girdusky is back with a fascinating breakdown of the latest polling, early voting numbers and the warning signs that have Republicans sweating. With CNN's Harry Enten forecasting a potential Democratic blowout, Ryan explains why unusually high Democratic enthusiasm, lagging rural turnout and surprising developments in states like Kansas and North Carolina could spell serious trouble for the GOP. Then, the race to succeed Lindsey Graham in South Carolina is suddenly looking much closer than anyone expected. Meghan reflects on her personal history with the late senator while Ryan questions whether his sister Darlene Graham was ever prepared for a statewide campaign. Could Republicans really lose a seat that should have been safely theirs? The conversation turns to Ohio, where Vivek Ramaswamy is facing growing backlash over his controversial attack ad featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother. Ryan shares what he's hearing from Republican political insiders about how the ad came together, why it may have backfired and whether Vivek's biggest political obstacle is actually his own personality. Plus, Halloween candy prices are through the roof, consumer confidence is sinking and families are feeling squeezed. Meghan and Miranda discuss how everyday affordability concerns could shape the election, while Ryan explains why Trump's messaging on the economy and the Iran war is failing to connect with voters. It's political gossip, campaign analysis and a little Halloween chaos, all on Citizen McCain! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could Texas actually turn blue? And has Vivek Ramaswamy just blown his chances of becoming Ohio's next governor? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome back Daily Mail White House and political reporter Nikki Schwab for a final look at the biggest races heading into the 2026 midterms. Fresh off the campaign trail in Texas, Nikki shares what she's hearing directly from voters about the surprisingly competitive Senate showdown between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico. Is Talarico winning over independents, or are Texans simply exhausted by Paxton's scandals? The trio also digs into Michigan's Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers, Barack Obama's jokes about Donald Trump's gold-covered White House renovations, and whether Democrats are finding the right candidates to compete in traditionally Republican states. Then, Meghan isn't backing down from her criticism of Vivek Ramaswamy's controversial attack ad targeting Amy Acton's estranged mother. After watching Acton respond publicly, Meghan, Miranda and Nikki discuss the political fallout, JD Vance's defense of the campaign and whether Republicans have crossed a line that voters won't forgive. Plus, Meghan and Miranda have some serious questions for former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, whose new AI assistant has them wondering why Silicon Valley thinks parents need technology to tell them what they love about their own children. From privacy concerns to the environmental impact of data centers, the ladies are officially over Big Tech telling everyone how to live. And there's more: Ilhan Omar addresses the longstanding allegations about her former marriage, Nicki Minaj makes another appearance in Trump's political orbit, and Nikki shares where she's headed next on the campaign trail. Finally, Meghan and Miranda reveal details about their upcoming election night special, featuring special guests, live reactions and an appearance from Cindy McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has Vivek Ramaswamy finally gone too far? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome back comedian, attorney and Fraudsters podcast host Seena Ghaznavi for a fiery conversation about the Ohio governor's race, Donald Trump's political troubles, the MAGA podcast backlash and the rapidly approaching midterm elections. First, Meghan is furious over a controversial campaign ad featuring Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton's estranged mother, who attacks her daughter's character and disputes her account of her childhood. With Acton's documented history of childhood abuse at the center of the controversy, Meghan, Miranda and Seena question the judgment behind the ad, whether family trauma should ever become campaign ammunition and whether Vivek has seriously damaged his chances in Ohio. Then, as new polling raises questions about Trump's approval and the Republican Party's prospects in November, the trio examines why government corruption and affordability are resonating with voters. Are Americans finally connecting political privilege, tax policy and their own rising bills? Plus, are the MAGA podcast bros losing their influence? With new polling suggesting declining favorability for figures including Joe Rogan, Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson among young men, Seena weighs in on the comedians and influencers who helped elect Trump and whether their audiences are beginning to turn on them. The conversation also heads to Michigan, where Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing scrutiny over his comments about Black Detroiters' experiences with Arab and Middle Eastern store owners. Seena offers his perspective as an Iranian American, while Meghan and Miranda debate El-Sayed's political instincts and whether he can win over skeptical voters. And looking ahead to 2028, is JD Vance already the chosen Republican nominee? Could Marco Rubio surprise everyone? Meghan makes the case for Jon Ossoff as a formidable Democratic contender, Miranda pitches an Ossoff-Gretchen Whitmer ticket, and Seena explains his enthusiasm for JB Pritzker. Plus, Meghan and Miranda tease their upcoming interview with Theranos whistleblower Tyler Shultz following their viewing of the Elizabeth Holmes film You Can See Everything. It's an episode full of sharp disagreements, unexpected common ground and plenty of laughs on Citizen McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kimberly Guilfoyle is out, Trump's new White House press secretary is already making headlines, and somehow Kelly Clarkson's $15,000 mechanical bird is STILL causing drama. Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome their friend Kevin Walling, Democratic strategist and co-host of 2WAY's The Morning Meeting, for a wide-ranging conversation about Washington dysfunction, political corruption, the midterms and the stories they simply cannot stop talking about. First, the Kelly Clarkson Birdgate saga continues! New surveillance footage from Brooklyn's Art of Play has Meghan doubling down on her defense of the store, while Miranda remains firmly Team Kelly. Is this a celebrity punching down on a small business, or an absurd feud between wealthy people over a mechanical bird that isn't even for sale? The hosts also discuss actress Selma Blair's reported legal troubles following an alleged incident aboard a flight, and the challenges facing airline crews. Then Kevin joins the conversation for a truly unforgettable clip of Indiana political candidate Jamie West at a local candidate forum. Let's just say the three of them have some questions, and Miranda may have found her new Halloween costume. On the political front, Meghan, Miranda and Kevin dissect the rocky debut of new White House press secretary Katie Zachariah. Can she recover from a widely criticized first briefing, or has the administration created another unnecessary distraction just weeks before the midterms? The conversation turns serious with Kimberly Guilfoyle's reported dismissal as U.S. ambassador to Greece amid allegations of financial misconduct, which she denies. Meghan shares her personal experience working with Guilfoyle and explains why the allegations are particularly troubling given her family's history in public service. Miranda questions whether meaningful oversight is possible when politically connected families appear to be accumulating extraordinary wealth, while Kevin argues that corruption needs to be challenged regardless of political party. Plus, why are Republicans struggling in Arizona? Can Darline Graham hold on in South Carolina against Dr. Annie Andrews? And what happens when political connections matter more than qualifications? Finally, the trio lightens things up with The Diplomat, the upcoming Elizabeth Holmes documentary and the return of HBO's Girls. It's politics, pop culture, questionable behavior and plenty of laughs with Meghan, Miranda and Kevin on Citizen McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the predicted Democratic midterm wave really coming, or is everyone panicking a little too early? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome veteran political journalist Salena Zito for a look at the 2026 midterms, the races that could determine control of Congress and what she's actually hearing from voters on the ground. While some election forecasts point toward major Democratic gains, Salena offers a different perspective based on her reporting in Ohio's Mahoning Valley. She breaks down the Senate races, explains why she isn't convinced Republicans are headed for a catastrophic election night and shares what political insiders may be missing about working-class voters. Then things get heated over James Talarico's absence from the Texas Senate campaign trail. Meghan questions his explanation and the campaign's handling of the situation, while Miranda pushes back on the conspiracy theories and asks why a candidate recovering from the flu has become such a political spectacle. The conversation also turns to 2028. Is JD Vance already the presumptive Republican nominee? Could Marco Rubio end up on the ticket? And do Democrats have a stronger contender in Josh Shapiro, Andy Beshear or someone else entirely? Plus, Salena shares some exciting behind-the-scenes news about the film adaptation of her book about the Trump assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. But first, Meghan and Miranda have VERY different reactions to Kelly Clarkson's feud with a Brooklyn shop over a $15,000 mechanical bird. Is Kelly punching down on a small business, or is the store being unnecessarily precious about a bird that sings? It's midterm anxiety, presidential speculation, celebrity drama and another lively Monday with Meghan and Miranda. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three years after the October 7 attacks on Israel, where are we now, and why does antisemitism seem to be getting worse? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins welcome journalists Jamie Kirchick and Eve Barlow for a candid, emotional and sometimes heated conversation about the anniversary of October 7, the rise of antisemitism and the political and cultural fallout that continues to divide the country. Jamie explains the phenomenon of the “October 8th Jew,” while Eve weighs in on the growing pressure for celebrities to publicly declare their positions on Israel and Gaza. The conversation turns to Tucker Carlson's bizarre World War II debate with Jacob Rees-Mogg, his relationship with JD Vance and what it could mean for the Republican Party heading into 2028. Then there's Hollywood. Adam Brody's comments about Gaza have sparked a public rebuke from the rabbi who advised him on 'Nobody Wants This,' while Zach Bryan's “Free Palestine” shirt has Meghan, Miranda and their guests debating celebrity activism, social pressure and whether taking a political stand has become its own form of publicity. The panel also examines divisions within the Democratic Party, Michigan's Senate race and why the Palestinian cause has become intertwined with other political and social movements. Plus, a Citizen McCain viewer joins the conversation with a question for Jamie and Eve. But first, Meghan and Miranda tackle the disturbing discourse surrounding the Cornell sexual assault allegations, including Megyn Kelly's comments about the accuser's appearance. The two discuss consent, compassion, victim-blaming and why a woman's looks have absolutely nothing to do with whether she was assaulted. And because it's still Citizen McCain, there's also an explorer voluntarily taking an inflatable raft into the Congo, some very cozy fall recommendations and a little Halloween excitement. It's a serious anniversary, an important conversation and an episode that doesn't shy away from difficult subjects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly is happening with Tucker Carlson? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins are trying to figure that out after Tucker's bizarre debate with former British cabinet minister Jacob Rees-Mogg somehow turned into a conversation about whether Britain should have fought Hitler in World War II. Writer and comedian Bridget Phetasy joins them to unpack the clips, the internet rabbit holes fueling this stuff and the much bigger political question: What does Tucker's relationship with JD Vance mean heading toward 2028? Meghan also shares some behind-the-scenes stories from her years at Fox News, while Bridget weighs in on the changing political mood in Texas, Ken Paxton and whether Republicans risk losing independent and suburban voters. Then the conversation gets more personal as Meghan, Miranda and Bridget talk about Israel, the increasingly intense pressure to publicly declare a side on social media and the antisemitism Jewish Americans are experiencing right now. Plus, Tom Cruise has a massive box office bomb, Meghan and Miranda are VERY ready for Nathan Fielder's Elizabeth Holmes movie, Ashley may have encountered a haunted antique doll, and there's more Citizen McCain salon news. Bridget Phetasy is always one of our favorite people to have on, and this one goes everywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Election Day is getting closer, the polls are getting weirder and Washington has officially entered full midterm obsession mode. Democratic strategist and former Biden White House Press Office chief of staff Yemisi Egbewole is back to help Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins make sense of the increasingly chaotic midterm map. Is the much-hyped blue wave actually coming, or are Democrats getting ahead of themselves? The three dig into Texas, where Ken Paxton is giving Republicans plenty to worry about, the races tightening in places nobody expected, what Maine could tell us about the mood of the country and why prediction markets may not be telling us nearly as much as people think. Then there is 2028. Yes, already. Meghan has had ENOUGH of everyone treating JD Vance like the Republican nomination is a coronation, especially as Eric Schmitt's name is already being floated as a possible running mate. That conversation gets even messier after Schmitt's spectacular Hawkeyes-versus-Hawks faceplant during the Jack Smith hearing, with former Klobuchar staffer Yemisi giving us the inside baseball on exactly how a Senate hearing goes that wrong. Plus, Mauricio Umansky says he's considering running for mayor of Los Angeles, which naturally requires an emergency Housewives-meets-politics summit. Meghan and Miranda also disagree over the now-infamous lone juror from the Lindsay Clancy trial, Amy Klobuchar gains some new fans and we ask the most important question in Washington right now: blue tsunami, blue wave or blue trickle? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What really happened inside the Kennedy Center after President Trump and his allies took control? Former Kennedy Center visual arts staffer Josef Palermo joins Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins for an exclusive, in-depth conversation about what he says he witnessed from inside one of America's most iconic cultural institutions. Palermo says he went into the job knowing he wasn't a Trump supporter but believing the Kennedy Center should belong to all Americans, regardless of politics. Instead, he describes a workplace where morale collapsed, longtime employees disappeared, political influence grew and leadership made decisions that left him increasingly alarmed. He takes us inside the controversy over high-dollar tickets offering proximity to President Trump, plans to remove and replace artwork throughout the Kennedy Center, the disappearance of historic artifacts from the African Room, questions surrounding hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars allocated for renovations, and why he believes the institution never needed to completely shut down. Palermo also recounts the day he was laid off, the severance agreement that came with an NDA, why he refused to sign it and how he ended up in Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's office just five days later sharing what he knew with investigators. Meghan and Miranda press him on what he personally witnessed, what he believes went wrong, who he holds responsible and whether the Kennedy Center can still be saved. This is Josef Palermo's firsthand account of what happened behind the scenes and why he decided to speak out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Knowles joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation that goes exactly where you'd expect it to go... and then several places you absolutely wouldn't. First, we're obsessed with the surprise Nathan Fielder documentary about Elizabeth Holmes, which leads to a never-before-fully-told story about meeting the Theranos founder at the height of her girlboss fame. The security detail. The turtleneck. The room full of powerful men hanging on her every word. And the Birkin bag that immediately raised one very important question: if you supposedly don't care about fashion, why are you carrying one of the most coveted handbags on earth? Then Michael joins us to talk about why the Holmes story still fascinates people, his new Daily Wire movie 'Run Hide Fight: Infidels,' and his viral interview with Clavicular, the looksmaxxing influencer who is now facing serious criminal allegations. We get into the darker corners of internet culture, what teenage boys are absorbing online, and why consequences and accountability suddenly seem to be up for debate. Plus, we talk midterms, AOC, the future of the Democratic Party, and somehow still find time for an emergency Housewives intervention before signing off. And yes, Miranda is back. Allegedly with scurvy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices