This week’s Substack LIVE conversation with Chris Cillizza is a dive explainer on what happened in the Texas primary elections.

Here’s what Chris and Matt discuss:

— Texas primary election results 2026: James Talarico defeats Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, while John Cornyn and Ken Paxton head to a brutal May 26 runoff

— Republican civil war ahead: $100M+ already spent, more bloodletting coming — is Paxton the nightmare nominee for GOP, or can Cornyn pull off the comeback with Trump help?

— A big trend? Democrats chose unity over combativeness: Talarico’s faith-rooted, optimistic style wins big after his Stephen Colbert boost — could this signal a national Democratic shift away from Trump-style fighting?

— Key insights on 2026 midterms: Incumbent losses (Rep. Dan Crenshaw), Rep. Chip Roy’s runoff trouble, broader Senate map implications, and why Donald Trump is probably enjoying himself right now.

— Whether North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s 90+ showing in the Democratic primaries suggests this Senate seat is about to flip Democratic

— And MUCH more!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

In this insightful episode, New York Times columnist David French joins Matt to unpack the Trump administration's military strikes on Iran — launched without congressional approval, barely mentioned in the State of the Union, and now escalating into a potentially weeks-long war.

French calls the justifications "utterly absurd," slams the backfilling excuses (including claims Israel "forced" the timing), warns of risks to American civilians trapped in the region with no evacuation plan, and critiques the shifting goals from nuclear prevention to possible regime change.

Key takeaways:

— Why this isn't like past presidents' actions (Bush, Obama, Clinton comparisons)

— How poor leadership + exaggeration (e.g., past claims of "obliterating" Iran's program) set the stage for chaos

— The danger of treating Americans like "idiots" and creating catastrophe conditions

— Impact on Israel's U.S. support: From bipartisan to MAGA-aligned, risking broad backlash

— Christian Zionist perspective: Supporting Israel's right to exist ethically, not end-times prophecy

— Bonus: Thoughts on Texas Senate races as a "health check" for both parties (Cornyn vs. Paxton, Crockett vs. Talarico)

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's episode of "Sykes & Lewis," Charlie and Matt discuss the following:

— Trump’s contradictory goals, from “regime change” to “Venezuela model” puppetry

— Why this feels like a war of choice with no clear rationale — preemptive? Distraction? Personal vendetta? — there’s no coherent endgame as casualties mount and the conflict spreads

— Warnings of depleted U.S. resources, torched American credibility, and the moral equivalence to rogue actions abroad

— A raw, unfiltered conservative critique of hubris, projection, and reckless decisions in a “pointless war”

— Bonus: Charlie and Matt take a quick pivot to Texas Senate primary drama (Republicans Ken Paxton vs. John Cornyn vibes, and Democrats Jasmine Crockett vs. James Tallarico) as a potential Senate control wildcard amid national crisis

— And MUCH more!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

On this week's DMZ, Bill Scher and Matt Lewis discuss:

— The Epstein Files Bombshell & Alleged Cover-Up — Bill and I go through a deep-dive on the details behind accusations that Donald Trump sexually assaulted a 13-15-year-old girl in the 1980s surfaced — and debate whether the DOJ’s handling of this allegation constitutes a “cover-up."

— Why MSM Must Step Up on the Trump-Epstein Story — Bill argues traditional outlets have covered associations of other figures (e.g., Bill Gates, Prince Andrew, Woody Allen) far more aggressively than this serious, documented-in-files allegation against Trump — despite previous calls from MAGA figures like Kash Patel and Pam Bondi to release everything.

— Trump’s Growing Control Over Media Institutions — Paramount’s CNN acquisition (amid Trump-friendly Ellison family’s reported interference in blocking a Netflix rival bid) is merely the latest example of Trump’s broader intimidation/co-option tactics targeting late-night hosts, networks, and independent voices.

— Election Integrity Fears — Warnings about a proposed executive order declaring a “national emergency” over baseless Chinese interference claims to seize sweeping control over voting processes, raise concerns Trump might try to rig the midterms.

— 2026 Midterm Outlook & Texas Primaries Preview — Bill and I preview the high-stakes Texas Senate primaries ahead of next week’s elections. We also discuss the larger implications for general election electability in a potential wave year.

— And MUCH more!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A

– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.

Buy Matt's books:

FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

During today's unfiltered breakdown of President Trump’s record-length 2026 State of the Union address, Chris Cillizza and Matt Lewis dive into the following:

— “Dems can only win by cheating”: Trump’s explosive claim echoes 2020 rhetoric— setting stage for midterm fraud narratives if Republicans lose the House?

—Faces in the crowd & medals: Heavy on patriotic moments, but is it genuine or weaponized theater?—Democrats’ response: 70+ boycotts, protests (Rep. Al Green escorted out), awkward non-applause on “protect citizens first” — smart strategy or optics disaster?

— Immigration theater: Trump forces “stand if you agree America first” moment — Democrats seated; perfect for attack ads?

— Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s rebuttal: Solid, low-key Democratic response — focuses on affordability, avoids overreach.

— Epstein files withheld: NPR reports on missing pages/allegations against Trump (minor abuse claim from 2019 FBI interview) — why the cover-up?

— Media & low expectations: Soft bigotry of low expectations — Trump didn’t go full chaos, so “he did great”? We call out the lowered standards

— And MUCH more!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026 BBL & BWL, LLC

On today’s podcast conversation, Charlie Sykes and Matt Lewis discuss:

— The Supreme Court’s major ruling blocking Trump’s broad use of emergency powers for tariffs: A strong reaffirmation of separation of powers, or another way to save Trump from himself?

— The looming risk of military conflict with Iran, including the potential for regime-change, and why Iran might prefer war over capitulation

— FBI Director Kash Patel’s viral celebration in the U.S. men’s hockey locker room after their 2026 Olympic gold-medal win, including chugging beer and spraying drinks while domestic crises (like the Mar-a-Lago intruder shooting) were unfolding

— The ongoing fallout from the Epstein files, including speculation about radicalization (e.g., the Mar-a-Lago intruder reportedly motivated by frustration over lack of transparency) and Trump’s claims of exoneration

— Authoritarian-style pressure tactics, such as Donald Trump’s reported demand that Netflix fire Susan Rice from its board to secure approval for a major corporate acquisition

— The larger theme of hubris, vengeance, and the dangers of an administration increasingly unmoored from constitutional norms, institutional guardrails, and competent governance

— And MUCH more!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A

– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2025, BBL & BWL, LLC

Stephen Colbert says CBS blocked his interview with Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico over Trump FCC "equal time" rule fears (Brendan Carr guidance).

The YouTube version exploded to 5M+ views — did it just hand Talarico a huge primary boost against Jasmine Crockett?

In this raw Substack Live, Chris Cillizza and Matt Lewis break it all down:

— How the controversy helps Talarico nationally but maybe not in Texas Dem primary voting

— Plus, SCOTUS retirement rumors

— Mitch McConnell's tragic legacy

— AOC's Munich flub — What Democrats need to win big in 2026.

— And MUCH more!

Thoughtful politics, no screaming. New episodes most Wednesdays — subscribe today!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A

– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC

Eileen Gu is back at the 2026 Olympics for China — American-born, Stanford-educated, earning millions (including reported Chinese payments), yet facing almost no mainstream backlash.

Mike Pesca & Matt Lewis unpack why America still loves her: media both-siderism, cultural tolerance trumping geopolitics, China's propaganda wins, and what it says about our weakness vs. a real adversary.We also Trump-era moral equivalency, and Marco Rubio's attempt to square Reaganism with Trumpism.

Don't miss this conversation!

Subscribe to Matt Lewis on Substack: https://mattklewis.substack.com/Support Matt Lewis at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlewisreels/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A

– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's books: FILTHY RICH POLITICIANS: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416TOO DUMB TO FAIL: https://www.amazon.com/Too-Dumb-Fail-Revolution-Conservative/dp/0316383937

Copyright © 2026, BBL & BWL, LLC