With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the biggest question facing Republicans is clear: can they win without Donald Trump on the ballot?

In this in-depth conversation, Lisa is joined veteran strategist John McLaughlin breaks down the critical turnout gap shaping recent elections, why Democrats may currently hold a slight advantage, and what Republicans must do now to rebuild the coalition that powered victories in 2016 and 2024.

From the importance of Trump-era issue alignment—including immigration, tax cuts, and working-class economic policy—to the danger of voter drop-off in 2025 races, this episode dives into the data, the strategy, and the stakes.

We also explore:


Why Trump voters aren’t turning out at the same levels—and how to fix it


The 80% issues Republicans may be failing to capitalize on, like voter ID and border security


How Democratic policies on taxes, spending, and immigration could reshape the midterms


The growing disconnect between economic data and voter perception


Why messaging—and where voters get their information—may decide the election


Early insights into the 2028 Democratic primary battle, including Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and the rising progressive wing

Plus: What history—from the 2002 and 2010 elections—can teach us about defying midterm trends, and whether Republicans are making the same mistakes all over again.

👉 Bottom line: It’s not about personality—it’s about issues, turnout, and communication. And right now, both parties are fighting to define all three.

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the biggest question facing Republicans is clear: can they win without Donald Trump on the ballot?
In this in-depth conversation, Lisa is joined veteran strategist John McLaughlin breaks down the&nbsp;critical turnout gap shaping recent elections, why Democrats may currently hold a slight advantage, and what Republicans must do now to rebuild the coalition that powered victories in 2016 and 2024.
From the importance of Trump-era issue alignment&mdash;including immigration, tax cuts, and working-class economic policy&mdash;to the danger of voter drop-off in 2025 races, this episode dives into the data, the strategy, and the stakes.
We also explore:
<ul data-start="1009" data-end="1576">
<li data-start="1009" data-end="1089">
Why Trump voters aren&rsquo;t turning out at the same levels&mdash;and how to fix it
</li>
<li data-start="1090" data-end="1191">
The 80% issues Republicans may be failing to capitalize on, like voter ID and border security
</li>
<li data-start="1192" data-end="1286">
How Democratic policies on taxes, spending, and immigration could reshape the midterms
</li>
<li data-start="1287" data-end="1360">
The growing disconnect between economic data and voter perception
</li>
<li data-start="1361" data-end="1441">
Why messaging&mdash;and where voters get their information&mdash;may decide the election
</li>
<li data-start="1442" data-end="1576">
Early insights into the 2028 Democratic primary battle, including Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and the rising progressive wing
</li>
</ul>
Plus: What history&mdash;from the 2002 and 2010 elections&mdash;can teach us about defying midterm trends, and whether Republicans are making the same mistakes all over again.
👉 Bottom line: It&rsquo;s not about personality&mdash;it&rsquo;s about issues, turnout, and communication. And right now, both parties are fighting to define all three.

The mainstream media is broken. Groupthink, fake news, and distrust are just a few words to describe it. Too many journalists now bow to the pressure of political correctness instead of standing tall for the truth. That is why Americans don’t know who to trust. The Truth with Lisa Boothe will cut through the noise and get straight to the heart of what actually matters. As a former pollster and political adviser, and now a television news commentator, Lisa has a deep understanding of the political and legislative impact of the hottest issues. That is why she has earned the trust of viewers and a reputation of being a fearless truth teller. The Truth with Lisa Boothe will not be beholden to anyone. It will stand against the herd mentality that is poisoning today’s media. Because simply stated: Lisa thinks for herself.

The mainstream media is broken. Groupthink, fake news, and distrust are just a few words to describe it. Too many journalists now bow to the pressure of political correctness instead of standing tall for the truth. That is why Americans don’t know who to trust. The Truth with Lisa Boothe will cut through the noise and get straight to the heart of what actually matters. As a former pollster and political adviser, and now a television news commentator, Lisa has a deep understanding of the political and legislative impact of the hottest issues. That is why she has earned the trust of viewers and a reputation of being a fearless truth teller. The Truth with Lisa Boothe will not be beholden to anyone. It will stand against the herd mentality that is poisoning today’s media. Because simply stated: Lisa thinks for herself.

The Truth with Lisa Boothe

With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, the biggest question facing Republicans is clear: can they win without Donald Trump on the ballot?  In this in-depth conversation, Lisa is joined veteran strategist John McLaughlin breaks down the critical turnout gap shaping recent elections, why Democrats may currently hold a slight advantage, and what Republicans must do now to rebuild the coalition that powered victories in 2016 and 2024.

The Truth with Lisa Boothe: Midterms 2026: Can Republicans Win Without Trump? Turnout, Taxes & Voter Strategy Breakdown

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9cb52cb3-3035-4ebc-a7e1-b3f601423dd6/transcript