Midterm Madness: Previewing the Senate, the House, and More

Join Jim and Greg for this special Monday 3 Martini Lunch, as they assess the state of the 2026 midterm elections, and give their current outlooks for which party has the advantage in winning control of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and key governor's races.First, they look at the Senate. Republicans have a decent shot of holding their majority but it won't be easy. Jim and Greg point out the seat that Democrats will likely flip, the one Republicans might be able to flip, and the competitive races for several seats held by members of both parties.Next, they assess the House of Representatives. With midterm momentum seemingly with the Democrats and the GOP holding a very slim majority, the left would seem to have the advantage. But the mationwide redistricting wars seem to favor Republicans. Still, even if Republicans succeed in winning most of these newly drawn districts, keeping the majority is an uphill climb.Then, they examine several key governor's races, particularly in the traditional battleground states.Please visit our great sponsors:IncogniTake control of your digital footprint today.  Use code 3ML at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/3MLHomeServeFor 50% less your first year, go to https://HomeServe.com/Martini to find the plan that’s right for you. Savings compared to renewal price. Void in Florida.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Welcome to Last Call, a look at the biggest stories Jim and Greg covered over the past week on the 3 Martini Lunch.This week they discuss Texas U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico’s ridiculous comments on whiteness and masculinity, Tucker Carlson leaving the Republican Party, major wins for socialists in New York City congressional races, and a media narrative lamenting the impact of lower crime rates on local businesses.First, they react to Talarico’s absurd statements in his latest podcast appearance. His streak of insane woke rhetoric continues as he says that his imagination is limited by his "whiteness and masculinity.” Jim and Greg wonder when the left’s obsession with identity will end.Next, Jim and Greg react to Tucker Carlson's exit from the Republican Party. Despite speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention, Carlson now says he regrets his support for Trump and he denounces the GOP for its "betrayal of the American people.” Jim comments on the erratic state of politics today and both wonder what Tucker’s next move might be. Then, they wince as avowed Marxists win the Democratic nomination in three New York City congressional districts. They were all endorsed by socialist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Is this additional proof that open socialists are taking over the Democratic Party or will their radicalism actually help Republicans in November?Finally, they laugh at the media's attempt to frame falling crime rates as a negative development. Oakland, California has seen a significant reduction in car break-ins, but some reporting has focused on the impact that fewer repairs could have on auto glass businesses. Jim and Greg discuss how the coverage unintentionally falls for one of economics’ most basic fallacies. Please visit our great sponsors:AG1Visit https://DrinkAG1.com/3ML Get a FREE Morning Person Hat and a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription.Fast Growing Trees Better plants, better growing, and an extra 20% off with code MARTINI at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/Martini for a limited time; terms and conditions may apply.QuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE, PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3ML.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Friday 3 Martini Lunch as they dig into the U.S. Supreme Court once again protecting our Second Amendment, the left calling for a $25 per hour minimum wage, Democrats frustrated the World Cup has not been a disaster, and remembering respected pollster Glen Bolger.First, they applaud the Supreme Court for striking down a Hawaii law that required residents to get permission from stores and other public places before they were allowed to carry guns there. Despite the 6-3 decision, Jim expects Democrats to push very similar legislation again, only to have it smacked down at the Supreme Court again.Next, they groan as the left keeps pushing a much higher minimum wage as a solution to the rising cost of living, despite all evidence to the contrary. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy is pushing a nationwide minimum wage of $25 per hour. Jim and Greg explain how this will only make things more expensive and result in more people losing their minimum wage jobs.Then, they're disgusted by a Politico story explaining how many Democrats were hoping the World Cup would be a logistical disaster so they could blame President Trump. So far, it's going well, and Democrats aren't very happy about it. Who thinks like this?Finally, they pay tribute to GOP pollster Glen Bolger, who passed away Thursday at the age of 63. Jim remembers Bolger as a very good pollster and an even better man.Please visit our great sponsors:AG1Visit https://DrinkAG1.com/3ML Get a FREE Morning Person Hat and a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription. IncogniTake control of your digital footprint today.  Use code 3ML at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/3MLQuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE, PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3MLNew episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss the anti-American sentiments of a socialist New York Democratic primary winner and whether she should be allowed to serve in Congress, James Talarico’s illogical comments on Christianity, Gavin Newsom’s strategy for the 2028 Democratic presidential race, and the latest controversy involving Diana Russini, former reporter for The Athletic.First, Jim and Greg blast Mamdani-backed socialist New York congressional nominee Darializa Avila Chevalier, who supported the “total eradication of Western civilization” as a member of an anti-Israel group, Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD). They also criticize Democrats for failing to condemn radicals on the left and question whether someone with views like Chevalier’s should even be able to serve in Congress.Next, they groan over Texas Democrat Senate candidate James Talarico’s absurd comments on Christianity and his politicization of the religion. Talarico said he “always” thinks of himself “as a Christian who hates Christianity.” Jim and Greg also bring up previous statements of Talarico’s ridiculous beliefs on prison reform.Then, Jim and Greg break down California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan to position himself as the frontrunner for the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee. Newson seems to be targeting Biden’s coalition, while avoiding the party’s socialist faction.Finally, they react to the recently revealed $800,000 salary of former sports reporter Dianna Russini, who allegedly had a relationship with the head coach of the New England Patriots. Jim and Greg also scrutinize reporters’ boundaries with sources.Please visit our great sponsors:Noble GoldOwn the metal the future depends on. Visit https://NobleGoldInvestments.com/3MLDownload the free investor kit. No pressure. Just the information.AG1Visit https://DrinkAG1.com/3ML Get a FREE Morning Person Hat and a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription.QuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE, PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3MLNew episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Wednesday 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss major wins for socialists in New York City congressional races, a few encouraging results from Tuesday's primaries, a bad bipartisan Social Security proposal, and what to call Democrats who abandoned their principles to support Graham Platner.First, they wince as avowed Marxists win the Democratic nomination in three New York City congressional districts. They were all endorsed by socialist NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Is this additional proof that open socialists are taking over the Democratic Party or will their radicalism actually help Republicans in November?Next, they do find a few silver linings in Tuesday's primary results, including Jim's preferred candidate, Alan Wilson, winning the GOP nomination for governor in South Carolina and really bad losses by Jack Schlossberg and George Conway in another New York City congressional race.Then, they shake their heads as Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno joins Massachusetts Democrat Elizabeth Warren in proposing the elimination of the Social Security tax cap. The goal is to shore up an entitlement that is sprinting toward bankruptcy, but Jim and Greg explain why this is the wrong approach and consider why Sen. Moreno would support this.Finally, Greg unveils a new term for Democrats who cast aside their supposed principles to rally behind Graham Platner's U.S. Senate campaign. And naturally, Jim has a few Platner jokes ready to go as well.Please visit our great sponsors:QuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE, PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3ML.IncogniTake control of your digital footprint today.  Use code 3ML at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/3MLAG1Visit https://DrinkAG1.com/3ML Get a FREE Morning Person Hat and a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Tuesday 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani’s support for socialist candidates in the NY congressional primaries, Texas U.S. senate candidate James Talarico’s ridiculous comments on whiteness, the media’s ongoing infatuation with the Obama presidency and distortion of why the right opposed him, and the endless ads for today’s Maryland congressional primary.First, Jim and Greg scrutinize Mamdani and the Democratic party’s continued push towards socialism. Mamdani has endorsed socialists in three Democratic congressional primaries being held today. Two of them are running against incumbent Democrats, signaling a shift further to the left within the party.Next, they react to Talarico’s absurd statements in his latest podcast appearance. His streak of insane woke rhetoric continues as he says that his imagination is limited by his "whiteness and masculinity.” Jim and Greg wonder when the left’s obsession with identity will end.Then, Jim and Greg comment on the revisionism surrounding Obama’s presidency and legacy. Former network journalists Chuck Todd and Chris Cillizza are trying to repaint Obama as a moderate rather than a leftist, and claiming the only reason the right opposed him was because of his race. Finally, they express their annoyance with the non-stop campaign ads for billionaire Maryland Democratic congressional candidate David Trone. Many on the left continue to support him, in spite of their proclaimed hatred for the wealthy.Please visit our great sponsors:AG1Visit https://DrinkAG1.com/3ML Get a FREE Morning Person Hat and a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription.Fast Growing Trees Better plants, better growing, and an extra 20% off with code MARTINI at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/Martini for a limited time; terms and conditions may apply.QuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE, PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3ML.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Join Jim and Greg for the Monday 3 Martini Lunch as they address Vice President JD Vance's optimism about a permanent Iran deal and Jim's frustrations with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the resignation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Tucker Carlson leaving the Republican Party, and a media narrative lamenting the impact of lower crime rates on local businesses.First, Jim and Greg discuss Vice President JD Vance’s excitement over the ongoing peace talks with Iran in Switzerland. Jim explains why he’s not as bullish as Vance is and why he’s staunchly opposed to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding. Jim also worries we have surrendered our three main sources of leverage over Iran.Next, they examine the political turmoil in the UK following Keir Starmer's resignation as prime minister. He became the sixth prime minister to step down in the last 10 years. Jim argues that the government’s refusal to address real issues like immigration and crime will only lead to more public unrest. Then, Jim and Greg react to Tucker Carlson's exit from the Republican Party. Despite speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention, Carlson now says he regrets his support for Trump and he denounces the GOP for its "betrayal of the American people.” Jim comments on the erratic state of politics today and both wonder what Tucker’s next move might be. Finally, they laugh at the media's attempt to frame falling crime rates as a negative development. Oakland, California has seen a significant reduction in car break-ins, but some reporting has focused on the impact that fewer repairs could have on auto glass businesses. Jim and Greg discuss how the coverage unintentionally falls for one of economics’ most basic fallacies. Please visit our great sponsors:IncogniTake control of your digital footprint today.  Use code 3ML at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/3MLQuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE, PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3MLAG1Visit https://DrinkAG1.com/3ML Get a FREE Morning Person Hat and a FREE AG1 Flavor Sampler in your Welcome Kit with your first AG1 subscription.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Welcome to Last Call, a look at the biggest stories we covered over the past week on the 3 Martini Lunch. Jim Geraghty was on vacation, so we heard from very capable guest hosts, including Jim's National Review colleague, Charlie Cooke. This week Charlie and Greg discuss three stories that suggest many on the left are losing their grip on reality, including Jim Acosta's absurd analysis of Trump’s name being removed from the John F. Kennedy Center, the left’s meltdown over Elon Musk becoming the world’s first trillionaire, a new poll highlighting the huge partisan divide over patriotism, and NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson wishing he still paid taxes in Texas.First, they cover the left's obsession over the removal of President Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center. Former CNN anchor Jim Acosta compared it to the fall of the Berlin Wall and called it “a sign that humankind can stand up against tyranny.”Next, they rip Democrats for their hysterical reaction following the SpaceX IPO, with the likes of Bernie Sanders and Ellizabeth Warren rushing to demand wealth taxes as soon as Musk crossed the trillion-dollar mark. Charlie condems the left's tendency towards punishing success and stifling ambition. Then, they comment on a new NBC poll on American patriotism showing the stark difference in responses between Republicans and Democrats. Pride in America among Democrats seems to be largely dependent upon the occupant of the White House. As an immigrant who is now a U.S. citizen, Charlie explains how disgraceful that thinking is. Finally, Charlie and Greg delight in a clip of NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, who after delivering the New York Knicks their first championship in 53 years, admitted, “I miss the Texas taxes.” Texas does not tax personal income, while New York has one of the nation's highest tax burdens.Please visit our great sponsors:BetterHelpYou don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLNoble GoldDownload the free investor kit. No pressure. No obligation. Just the information.  https://noblegoldinvestments.com/3mlFast Growing TreesBetter plants, better growing, and an extra 20% off with code MARTINI at https://FastGrowingTrees.com/Martini for a limited time; terms and conditions may apply.New episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Christopher J. Scalia is in for Jim Geraghty on the Friday 3 Martini Lunch. Today, Chris and Greg dissect the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran, note the arrest of a "Dreamer" for the UFC terror plot just as Michelle Obama was extolling the Dreamer program, the deliciously bitter infighting among Virginia Democrats, and Mr. Scalia's latest book.First, they dig into the memorandum of understanding with Iran and react to arguments opposing and supporting it. Chris and Greg share their concerns over the vagueness of the language on the nuclear matters, the money poised to flow into Iran, what's next in the Straits of Hormuz, and why this agreement or a more formal deal is unlikely to hold.Next, they contrast Michelle Obama praising her husband's DACA or "Dreamer" program granting legal status to illegal immigrants who were brought here as minors with the news that a "Dreamer" was just arrested for allegedly leading a terrorist plot against the UFC event at the White House. Chris also shares his thoughts on the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.Then, Chris and Greg pop the popcorn as top Democrats in Virginia are fighting with each other over several major issues and making it clear how much they don't like each other. But Chris warns there could be a major downside for conservatives from this dysfunction on the left.Finally, Chris tells us about his latest book 13 Novels Conservatives Will Love (but Probably Haven’t Read) and how conservative ideas and characters are found in popular literature.Please visit our great sponsors:Brooklyn BeddingGet 30% off sitewide Brooklyn Bedding with promo code 3ML at https://BrooklynBedding.comPocket HoseFor a limited time, get two free gifts—a 360° rotating pocket pivot and a thumb drive nozzle—when you buy the Pocket Hose Ballistic; just text MARTINI to 64000, message and data rates may apply.BetterHelpYou don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLNew episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite

Real Clear Politics National Correspondent and Fool's Gold author Susan Crabtree is in for Jim Geraghty on the Thursday 3 Martini Lunch. Today, Susan and Greg discuss some of the concerns emerging from the tentative U.S. deal with Iran, the Justice Department investigation into California Gov. Gavin Newsom and his wife, just how crazy California's election laws are, and the emerging battle on the left over wealth taxes.First, Susan draws on her extensive coverage of the Obama nuclear deal with Iran to explain what we should have learned from that experience. They also discuss some of the most important questions lingering after this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). There will be much more analysis of the contents of the MOU on Friday's 3 Martini Lunch.Next, they shift to the Justice Department's investigation into Gov. Newsom and "First Partner" Jennifer Siebel Newsom. Susan details some of the alleged financial irregularities connected with Siebel Newsom's non-profit organizations and how Gov. Newsom is trying to use this to his political advantage.Then, after Californians and other Americans suffered through the embarrassing, protracted vote counting earlier this month, Susan explains how insane California election laws are compared to the rest of the country and how some extremely questionable election tactics are perfectly legal there.Finally, they note how a proposed five percent wealth tax on billionaires will be on the California ballot in November. Gov. Newsom is opposed. Susan and Greg consider how this puts Newsom at odds with many others on the left who are aggressively pushing wealth taxes.Please visit our great sponsors:Brooklyn Bedding Get 30% off sitewide Brooklyn Bedding with promo code 3ML at https://BrooklynBedding.comBetterHelpYou don’t have to say yes to everything this summer. Find support in therapy. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLNoble GoldDownload the free investor kit. No pressure. No obligation. Just the information.  https://noblegoldinvestments.com/3mlNew episodes every weekday. 👉 Subscribe to the show so you never miss a moment.Follow us for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:FacebookInstagramYoutubeOther InfoWebsite