Iran War Whiplash, Maine’s Risky Bet, and Trump’s DNI Workaround
Mike and Ken discuss another volatile week in U.S. politics, starting with the escalating conflict with Iran, Trump’s claims of a looming peace deal, the inflationary fallout from energy shocks, and whether Iran or the U.S. has more leverage as the war drags on. Then they turn to Maine’s high-stakes 2026 races, including Graham Platner’s landslide Democratic Senate primary win, Susan Collins’s durability, the role of character in candidate evaluation, and why Maine’s 2nd District could be one of the most competitive House races in the country. Finally, Mike and Ken dig into Trump’s move to nominate Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence, the statutory requirement that the DNI have “extensive national security experience,” Bill Pulte’s controversial stint as acting DNI, and the fight over whether to renew FISA Section 702 surveillance authority.
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