Sep 9, 2026 · 19 min
GOP tests its midterm strategy as Texas race tightens
Trump Headlines GOP Midterm Convention, Lewandowski Investigation, 9/11 Hero Honored: AM Update 9/9
The episode pairs Republican efforts to overcome midterm headwinds with a late look at the extraordinary courage of September 11 rescuer Wells Crowther.
- 1Republicans use their first midterm convention to build momentum against the party’s usual losses in the president’s first midterm.
- 2The Texas Senate contest puts Ken Paxton’s nomination under pressure as Democrat James Talarico holds a narrow polling advantage.
- 3Wells Crowther repeatedly guided survivors from the South Tower before dying there, earning a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Don't miss
Survivor accounts describe Wells Crowther repeatedly entering smoke and fire to guide people from the South Tower before dying there.
The brief
Republicans gather in Dallas for their first midterm convention, bringing more than 100 speakers together to defy the historical pattern of losses facing the president’s party.
The convention’s political test is especially sharp in Texas, where Republican nominee Ken Paxton faces an unusually competitive Senate race against Democrat James Talarico.
The update then turns to Wells Crowther, who used a red bandana to identify himself while repeatedly leading people through smoke and fire from the South Tower.
Crowther died in the tower, but survivor accounts later revealed the scale of his rescue efforts; nearly 25 years after September 11, his family sees him receive a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The episode connects a party trying to reverse political expectations with a story of individual courage whose meaning endured long after the emergency ended.
What was said on this episode
3 statements · 1 positive · 2 negative
Republicans are seeking to rebuild momentum and defy historical midterm patterns.
“President Trump taking center stage at the GOP's first ever midterm convention as Republicans look to rebuild momentum and defy history.”
Listen at 0:16
Palantir's DHS contract was reduced to $1 billion and signed.
“The contract then reduced to $1 billion and signed in February.”
Listen at 9:50
Samira Saeed is seeking damages and attorney's fees in her lawsuit.
“The former producer reportedly seeking compensatory and punitive damages along with attorney's fees.”
Listen at 14:40
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