Sarah Longwell's Playbook for Defeating MAGA

Sarah Longwell's Playbook for Defeating MAGA

From Radio Atlantic by The Atlantic

September 10, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 212

About this episode

Sarah Longwell discusses strategies for Democrats to capitalize on President Trump's declining approval ratings and the challenges he faces.

Despite his message at the first-ever Republican midterm convention this week, President Trump’s brand is weak. His approval rating is hanging at about 35 percent, and even die-hard MAGA Republicans are frustrated by his war with Iran, gas prices, and tariffs.  There’s an opportunity here for Democrats. The question is whether they’ll be able to seize it. Sarah Longwell is the publisher of “The Bulwark,” and she has some candid advice for Democrats in her new book, “How to Eat an Elephant: One Voter at a Time.” Longwell joins the show to explain what she’s learned from conducting hundreds of focus groups with voters and what it will take to beat MAGA.  - - - Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Guest: Sarah Longwell

Topics covered

  • MAGA
  • Democrats
  • political strategy
  • voter focus groups
  • Republican Party
  • Trump's approval rating

Keywords

  • MAGA
  • Trump
  • Democrats
  • voter focus groups
  • political strategy
  • approval rating
  • Sarah Longwell

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Bulwark

Places: Iran

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