Oct 28, 2026 · 1h 42m
Brand trial testimony meets a volatile midterm map
Russell Brand Takes the Stand, and Jennifer Lawrence's New Face, Plus SHOCK SC and MN Polls, with Mark Halperin | Ep. 1429
The episode pairs scrutiny of courtroom testimony and celebrity self-reinvention with a look at how candidate quality and turnout could reshape the midterms.
- 1Russell Brand’s testimony and the complainants’ accounts frame a trial around competing narratives of sexual conduct and credibility.
- 2A discussion of celebrity insecurity and self-forgiveness questions how public narratives can recast personal behavior and responsibility.
- 3Mark Halperin weighs Senate contests, an alleged Alaska spoiler scheme, and the uncertain conditions required for a Democratic wave.
Don't miss
The episode’s sharpest turn comes when Mark Halperin connects an alleged Alaska spoiler effort to the broader uncertainty surrounding the midterm map.
The brief
Megyn Kelly opens with Russell Brand’s trial, reviewing testimony from associates and multiple complainants before turning to Brand’s own account and the prosecution’s questioning.
The courtroom dispute centers on competing descriptions of Brand’s conduct, including allegations involving a bathroom encounter, groping, and a forceful kiss at a radio station.
A celebrity interview shifts the focus to appearance, insecurity, sexuality, and self-forgiveness, as Kelly questions whether public self-rehabilitation can obscure responsibility.
Mark Halperin joins Kelly to assess Senate races in South Carolina, Minnesota, Michigan, and Alaska, including an alleged effort to manipulate the Alaska contest.
The political discussion ends with a conditional Democratic wave scenario, dependent on uncertain polling, turnout, demographics, and early election-night signals.
What was said on this episode
15 statements · 7 positive · 5 negative · 1 mixed · 2 neutral
Annie Andrews could win the South Carolina Senate race.
“I still wouldn't go to Ladbrokes and put it all down on the Democrat, but I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if she won.”
Listen at 1:23:40
Donald Trump is responsible for Darlene Graham’s South Carolina candidacy.
“This one's his fault.”
Listen at 1:24:22
A five-point increase in Black turnout share could nearly ensure a Democratic South Carolina victory.
“If the Democrats can find a way to swell the turnout from black voters and make it 5% more of the overall turnout, they go from having no chance to win to having almost no chance to lose.”
Listen at 1:25:13
Trump’s repeat South Carolina visit indicates Republicans see a serious electoral problem.
“He wouldn't be doing that if they didn't see a serious problem.”
Listen at 1:26:19
Michelle Tafoya trails Peggy Flanagan by more than the polling margin of error.
“But I don't think she's down 14, but I think she's down more outside the margin of error at this point because as the race closes, Democrats are coming home.”
Listen at 1:28:42
El-Sayed is probably favored in the Michigan Senate race.
“So he's probably the favorite given just the climate.”
Listen at 1:31:45
El-Sayed’s Israel position is not disqualifying and benefits him with some voters.
“That may not be a position they like, but it's not disqualifying. And in some ways, it's a positive with some voters.”
Listen at 1:33:04
The reported Alaska campaign scheme may not constitute a crime.
“I don't know that there's a crime that was committed here”
Listen at 1:35:54
The Alaska spoiler-candidate scheme could help Dan Sullivan win reelection.
“I really do think it could take a race that was close and and get damn Sullivan reelected”
Listen at 1:36:15
The Alaska election scheme involved several organizations.
“The conspiracy touches several organizations.”
Listen at 1:36:51
Democrats have roughly a 30% chance of a sweeping midterm victory.
“There's probably a 30 percent chance that there is a blue wipeout.”
Listen at 1:39:15
A Democratic wave could produce eight or nine Senate wins and 35 House wins.
“If there is that blue wipeout, it's Democrats could win eight Senate seats or nine. And they could win 35 House seats.”
Listen at 1:39:19
Without a Democratic wave, Republicans will retain many seats and probably control the Senate.
“If that doesn't happen. And again, I think it's kind of binary. I think if there's no blue wave, Republicans save a lot of these seats, not all of them. But they save a lot of them in the House. They save a lot of them in the Senate and probably keep control of the Senate.”
Listen at 1:39:46
Democrats need historically large demographic shifts to win the Senate and over twelve House seats.
“The swings in those demographics have to be historically large for Democrats to take the Senate and to win more than a dozen House seats.”
Listen at 1:40:50
Democrats will lose many discussed races unless a major national wave occurs.
“Democrats will fall short in a lot of these races we're talking about, including South Carolina, including Kansas, including Ohio, including Iowa, unless there's this big national wave.”
Listen at 1:41:18
Statements are attributed to the speaker as said on the episode and reflect their view at the time, not PodLume's. They are not advice.
Books & mentions
Some links are affiliate links — PodLume may earn a commission if you buy.
Weekly email
State of the Pod, every Monday
The week's most-discussed names and stories from podcasts, with the moments behind them. Free, five minutes, unsubscribe in one click.