Trump’s “Fake Gucci” Convention + Is JD Vance Already Being Crowned for 2028?

Miranda Wilkins makes a shingles “proof of life” appearance before Meghan McCain dives into a packed show with Anang Mittal and Elisha Krauss. First, Meghan and Anang react to the racist backlash over Indian-American students celebrating a University of Texas football win and ask what the growing rhetoric on the right could mean for Republicans, JD Vance and Usha Vance. Then they tackle the AI panic: are the robots actually coming for us, or do Silicon Valley companies have their own reasons for warning that their technology is becoming dangerously powerful? Elisha Krauss joins to break down the Republican midterm convention, which Meghan compares to a “fake Gucci bag,” the “48” chants for JD Vance, Trump’s $5,000 check proposal and whether Republicans are trying to crown their 2028 nominee years before voters have their say. Plus, the vandalized Charlie Kirk statue, Republicans’ problems in Arizona, Harry and Meghan’s new life back in the UK, and the one thing everyone can agree on: ‘Widow’s Bay’ deserves some Emmy love. Editor’s Note: This episode was recorded Monday, September 14 at approximately noon ET, before the Emmy Awards and before Sen. Mitch McConnell returned to public view and the U.S. Senate later that day after a three-month absence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miranda Wilkins is out with shingles, Producer Ashley has the flu and COVID, and somehow Citizen McCain is still standing. With Miranda under strict orders to rest, Meghan McCain is joined by guest co-host Kristen "Colonel Kurtz" Lacefield, who's back after a six-month hiatus from YouTube and ready to sound off. Meghan and Kristen take on "Trump-a-palooza," MAGA's midterm strategy and a growing problem for Republicans: are they driving women away? From trad-wife culture and homeschooling to slut-shaming, "childless cat ladies" and the online right's increasingly hostile rhetoric toward women, they ask whether conservatives are making the same mistake with young women that Democrats made with young men. Then, Meghan and Kristen go head-to-head over the Lindsay Clancy case, the insanity defense, the divided jury and why the case has become such a cultural flashpoint. Plus, why Kristen disappeared from YouTube, why she's coming back, and why disagreeing with your friends shouldn't mean destroying the friendship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins are joined by longtime friend, conservative radio host and Verdict with Ted Cruz co-host Ben Ferguson for an episode that goes from true crime to Texas politics to midlife crisis cars faster than you can say "halfway to 90." First, the Lindsay Clancy case is back in the headlines, and the conversation gets heated. Meghan and Ben fiercely push back on the online movement defending Clancy and question whether the insanity defense has become a way to excuse the most horrific crimes. Miranda, who experienced medicated postpartum depression after the birth of her second daughter, offers a different perspective on mental illness, psychosis and why the three children at the center of the case cannot get lost in the debate. That leads to a larger conversation about crime, mental illness and public safety following the shocking random stabbing of a young mother in New York City. Plus, Meghan admits she's changed her mind about marijuana legalization after watching weed become virtually inescapable in cities like New York. Then it's off to Texas. Ben breaks down why Democrats continue pouring money into the state, whether James Talarico could actually pose a threat, why Meghan is nervous about Ken Paxton, and what turning Texas blue would mean for Republicans nationally. A Citizen McCain viewer even jumps in to challenge Ben's prediction and make the case that Republicans should be much more worried. And because this is Citizen McCain, there's also Ben's new midlife crisis dream car, Meghan's desperate desire for an Evel Knievel-inspired Bronco, Miranda's declaration that she's officially done with pants, spooky season excitement and a preview of some new Citizen McCain YouTube exclusives. Politics, crime, culture and chaos. Just another Wednesday at Citizen McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Citizen McCain is going full pop culture. Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins are joined by No Filter host Zack Peter for a wild ride through the stories taking over the internet, from Britney Spears and the Lindsay Clancy trial to Bravo politics, Jax Taylor, the Kardashians, and the increasingly strange state of reality TV. First, Meghan and Miranda react to the ultimate immigration plot twist: Milo Yiannopoulos, after years of demanding aggressive immigration enforcement, was arrested by ICE and deported to the United Kingdom. Then Zack joins the show to weigh in on John Galliano's canceled Met Gala tribute and the latest deeply troubling developments surrounding Britney Spears. The conversation gets more serious as Zack breaks down the Lindsay Clancy trial, what the jury is actually being asked to decide, and why true crime culture has turned a horrific case into an online conspiracy factory. Can you acknowledge a mental health crisis while still holding someone responsible for an unthinkable crime? Then it's time for Bravo. Zack and Meghan take on Andy Cohen's response to fans complaining about "too many MAGA women" on The Real Housewives, debate whether conservative Housewives are held to a different standard, and ask a very important question: why isn't reality TV fun anymore? Plus, the disturbing allegations in Brittany Cartwright's restraining order against Jax Taylor, why the Kardashians may finally have run out of story, and much more. It's politics, pop culture, true crime, reality TV, and absolutely no filter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Citizen McCain is BACK, and there is a lot to catch up on. Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins return from summer break with an emotional tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton, reflecting on her extraordinary life, generosity, music, and rare ability to bring people from every corner of American culture together. Then, Meghan responds to the backlash over her comments about 13-year-old North West and asks a bigger parenting question: when does self-expression cross the line into adults failing to protect a child's childhood? Senator Ted Cruz joins Meghan and Miranda for a wide-ranging conversation about his new book, Going Further: The Incomparable Clarence Thomas. Cruz shares stories from his decades-long friendship with Justice Thomas, his remarkable political evolution, and the experiences that shaped one of the most influential conservative figures in America. Cruz also gets personal about sending his daughter off to college and becoming an almost empty nester. Then, Citizen McCain's resident royal expert Lady Sarah Elliott breaks down why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may suddenly be looking back toward Britain. Have the Sussexes run out of cultural capital in America? Do their titles simply mean more in the UK? Could money, status, and their children's royal connections be pulling them back into the fold? And what happens to Harry and Meghan when Prince William eventually becomes king? Plus, Meghan and Miranda react to South Carolina's wild Senate race, Darline Graham's viral national security stumble, and plenty more after nearly three weeks away. Politics, pop culture, parenting, royals, and a little vacation oversharing. Citizen McCain is officially back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before taking a short summer break, Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins open the show with a heartfelt conversation about a longtime friend, reflecting on the pressures of public life, the importance of compassion, and the responsibility social media platforms have when deeply personal moments unfold online. Then Spectrum News host Mo Kelly and political commentator Lenny McAllister join the show to break down Michigan's closely watched Democratic Senate primary, the growing divide between establishment Democrats and democratic socialists, what Abdul El-Sayed's victory means for 2028, and whether either party is still speaking to the exhausted political middle. Plus: - Abdul El-Sayed's narrow victory over Haley Stevens - Are democratic socialists reshaping the Democratic Party? - Trump's falling approval ratings and what they mean for Republicans - Can Texas finally become competitive? - J.D. Vance and the future of the GOP - Zendaya unexpectedly settles Meghan's (ugly) shoe debate - Why Meghan and Miranda are taking a short summer break before the midterms heat up Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Republican Party changing into something entirely new? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins react to the growing ideological battle inside the GOP, from the rise of post-liberal conservatism to the influence of figures like Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and J.D. Vance. As both political parties wrestle with identity, the conversation explores where conservatism is headed and what it could mean for 2028. Senior National Review writer and bestselling author Noah Rothman joins the show to discuss his new book Blood and Progress, the resurgence of democratic socialism, the Democratic Socialists of America, political violence, and why both parties are facing profound internal divisions. He also weighs in on the future of the Republican coalition, Trump's approval ratings, and the growing influence of post-liberal politics. Plus: Concern grows over Ariana Grande's health after her latest music video The latest twists in Maine's Senate race The Democratic Socialists of America and the future of the Democratic Party Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and the "America First" coalition Trump's approval ratings and what they could mean for Republicans in 2028 Audience questions on Mitch McConnell, political violence, and the future of both parties Meghan and Miranda's latest obsession, Widow's Bay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Democratic Party moving toward the center, or further to the left? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins react to President Trump's White House Correspondents' Dinner, his continuing feud with CNN's Kaitlan Collins, and how the night was a huge flop before diving into one of the biggest questions facing Democrats ahead of 2028. Then bestselling political journalist Amie Parnes, senior political correspondent at The Hill and co-author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Fight and Shattered, joins the show to discuss Haley Stevens' Senate campaign, the Democratic Party's decision to make South Carolina its first presidential primary, the growing influence of democratic socialism, and what the early 2028 presidential landscape could look like. Plus: Trump's White House Correspondents' Dinner performance The continuing Trump and Kaitlan Collins feud Haley Stevens embraces her viral moment Is socialism helping or hurting Democrats? The Democratic Socialists' most controversial platform positions Marco Rubio closing the gap on JD Vance The incredible story of a passenger who survived being partially sucked out of an airplane window Miranda's big move into her new home Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arizona's primary elections could reshape the political map heading into 2028. Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins are joined by KTAR radio host Bruce St. James to break down the biggest winners and losers from Arizona's pivotal primary, including Andy Biggs' commanding Republican victory, Katie Hobbs' path to reelection, Ruben Gallego's growing political ambitions, and why Arizona remains one of the country's most important political bellwethers. Then political commentator Elisha Krauss joins the show to discuss the race to replace Senator Lindsey Graham, Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America, and why Zohran Mamdani's rise continues to reshape the national political conversation. Plus: The future of South Carolina after Lindsey Graham Darline Graham enters the Senate race Mark Kelly and 2028 speculation Haley Stevens vs. Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan The Epstein files and Real Housewives collide Meghan and Miranda respond to viral comments about aging, motherhood, and life in the public eye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could Zohran Mamdani become the Democratic Party's biggest political force? Meghan McCain and Miranda Wilkins break down why Mamdani's media savvy, messaging, and political instincts have Meghan sounding the alarm for Republicans after listening to his recent interview on The Daily. They also discuss why AOC's latest campaign stop landed very differently, and whether Democrats are heading toward a new generation of leadership. Then, author and former CPAC director Lisa De Pasquale joins the show to talk about the evolution of conservatism, the rise and fall of CPAC, and why Donald Trump's first CPAC appearance changed Republican politics forever. Plus: JD Vance's controversial comments on Israel and Iran John Fetterman hints he may leave the Democratic Party Sunny Hostin's son's arrest and the body camera footage everyone is talking about Lisa De Pasquale's remarkable 170 pound health journey and lessons from The Gen X Handbook for Middle Age Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices