Rachel and Lauren recap their week in Miami, covering the Republican retreat at Trump National Doral, where lawmakers gathered to map out strategy for the 2026 midterms. While Republicans still hold the trifecta, the mood was more cautious than last year as members wrestled with how to craft a winning message.

The hosts break down the party’s growing focus on affordability and the economy, the challenge of communicating the impact of the “big beautiful bill,” and why Republicans believe tax cuts and no-tax-on-tips could help their case with voters. They also discuss the tension between House messaging and President Trump’s priorities, including the SAVE Act and foreign policy developments involving Iran.

With narrow margins in Congress, a possible second reconciliation bill, and historical trends working against the party in midterms, Republicans face a tough path to keeping the House. Rachel and Lauren explain what lawmakers are saying behind the scenes—and what it all could mean for the fight for control of Congress in 2026.

Rachel and Lauren recap their week in Miami, covering the Republican retreat at Trump National Doral, where lawmakers gathered to map out strategy for the 2026 midterms. While Republicans still hold the trifecta, the mood was more cautious than last year as members wrestled with how to craft a winning message.
The hosts break down the party&rsquo;s growing focus on affordability and the economy, the challenge of communicating the impact of the &ldquo;big beautiful bill,&rdquo; and why Republicans believe tax cuts and no-tax-on-tips could help their case with voters. They also discuss the tension between House messaging and President Trump&rsquo;s priorities, including the SAVE Act and foreign policy developments involving Iran.
With narrow margins in Congress, a possible second reconciliation bill, and historical trends working against the party in midterms, Republicans face a tough path to keeping the House. Rachel and Lauren explain what lawmakers are saying behind the scenes&mdash;and what it all could mean for the fight for control of Congress in 2026.

Welcome to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. A lot of political shows are just for the lobbyists of the Beltway, the Hill folk living in the DC-Maryland-Virginia bubble. Not us — we’re here for everyone! We want to be the source for all things politics for your southern belles, your Midwest friends, and anyone on either coast. For staffers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we’re here for you, too! We’ll break down the latest bills, political infighting, campaign seasons, and the occasional 28-hour days in the US Capitol, covering our nation’s lawmakers.

Welcome to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. A lot of political shows are just for the lobbyists of the Beltway, the Hill folk living in the DC-Maryland-Virginia bubble. Not us &mdash; we&rsquo;re here for everyone! We want to be the source for all things politics for your southern belles, your Midwest friends, and anyone on either coast. For staffers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we&rsquo;re here for you, too! We&rsquo;ll break down the latest bills, political infighting, campaign seasons, and the occasional 28-hour days in the US Capitol, covering our nation&rsquo;s lawmakers.

Capitol Conversations

Welcome to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. A lot of political shows are just for the lobbyists of the Beltway, the Hill folk living in the DC-Maryland-Virginia bubble.

Not us — we’re here for everyone! We want to be the source for all things politics for your southern belles, your Midwest friends, and anyone on either coast.

For staffers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we’re here for you, too! We’ll break down the latest bills, political infighting, campaign seasons, and the occasional 28-hour days in the US Capitol, covering our nation’s lawmakers.

Welcome to Capitol Conversations, your go-to show for the ins and outs of Washington DC. A lot of political shows are just for the lobbyists of the Beltway, the Hill folk living in the DC-Maryland-Virginia bubble.
Not us &mdash; we&rsquo;re here for everyone! We want to be the source for all things politics for your southern belles, your Midwest friends, and anyone on either coast.
For staffers and lawmakers on Capitol Hill, we&rsquo;re here for you, too! We&rsquo;ll break down the latest bills, political infighting, campaign seasons, and the occasional 28-hour days in the US Capitol, covering our nation&rsquo;s lawmakers.